Hong Kong

Meet Botto: The AI-artist who has already made millions

AI artist Botto is turning heads at Art Basel Hong Kong with a surreal installation that transforms visitors’ emotions into live digital artworks.

Password or prison: In Hong Kong, refusing to unlock your phone is now a crime

Under Hong Kong’s new rules, law‑enforcement officers can demand passwords and seize devices on mere suspicion. The failure to provide passwords could lead to one year in jail and a fine of up to $12,000.

Why Hong Kong police can now demand phone and computer passwords

Authorities in Hong Kong can now demand phone and computer passwords after amending the National Security Law (NSL), which was passed in the aftermath of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong

Refuse passwords, face jail: Hong Kong expands national security powers to access suspects’ devices

Hong Kong has expanded its national security law, allowing police to demand device passwords from suspects. Non-compliance could lead to one year's jail and fine, while critics warn the new powers undermine privacy and due process, despite government assurances that rights and freedoms remain protected.

China's new squeeze on offshore firms hits Hong Kong's IPO revival: Yahoo HK is already shutting down

China’s move to discourage offshore-incorporated firms from listing in Hong Kong threatens the city’s IPO revival and raises fresh concerns over its future as a global financial hub

Rethinking Coffin homes means rethinking life: A double‑edged transition for Hong Kong residents

As tighter rules reshape Hong Kong’s tiniest homes, residents find themselves balancing hope and uncertainty. Discovering that redefining space also means reimagining how they live, adapt, and make room for dignity.

FirstUp: Vote counting in Nepal, Canada's Carney to visit Japan... The news today

The counting of votes to form the next government will take place today in Nepal. As many as 275 seats in the House of Representatives will be elected. Meanwhile, Canadian PM Mark Carney will begin the final leg of his three-nation tour in Japan. He will hold bilateral meetings with Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi

FirstUp: PM Modi's Day 2 in Israel, Iran-US talks in Geneva... The news

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin the second day of his official visit to Israel. He will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and also visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre to pay tribute to the victims. Iran and the US are scheduled to convene in Geneva, Switzerland, for a critical third round of diplomatic negotiations

Hong Kong’s gold hub push signals China’s ambition to shape global bullion trade

Hong Kong plans 2,000-tonne storage capacity, state-backed clearing system and deeper Shanghai-Shenzhen integration to expand China’s influence in global bullion pricing

Hong Kong offers buyouts to owners of houses burnt in deadly fire that killed 160

Authorities HK$8,000 per sq. ft. to HK$10,500 per sq. ft. to the owners of the homes. "We believe the proposed price is sufficient for the affected residents to relocate and secure long-term housing," said Wong Wai-lun, Hong Kong's deputy financial secretary