logo
John Lee pledges to improve Hongkongers' lives amid ‘restructuring' of economy

John Lee pledges to improve Hongkongers' lives amid ‘restructuring' of economy

Hong Kong's leader has pledged to improve people's livelihoods and foster growth amid an 'economic restructuring' of the city, as public consultation for his coming policy address was launched.
Advertisement
The government said in a statment on Monday that it would hold more than 40 consultation sessions ahead of
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu 's fourth policy address this September, while also conducting district visits to meet with members of the public and representatives from different sectors.
'We are committed to developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods to ensure our initiatives effectively respond to the needs of members of the public,' Lee said in the statement, noting that the city was undergoing an 'economic restructuring'.
'The government will continue to lead all sectors of society in consolidating and enhancing the factors for Hong Kong's success while upholding our principles and being innovative in advancing reforms.
'We will endeavour to explore new growth areas, trade markets and frontiers, deepen international exchanges and cooperation, and enhance regional collaboration to foster economic growth and development.'
Advertisement
Lee added Hong Kong would continue to exploit its unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' governing model and ride on strong support from Beijing.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China's robotics market set to double from 2024 to 2028: Morgan Stanley
China's robotics market set to double from 2024 to 2028: Morgan Stanley

South China Morning Post

time30 minutes ago

  • South China Morning Post

China's robotics market set to double from 2024 to 2028: Morgan Stanley

China's robotics market is set to grow at an annual rate of 23 per cent to US$108 billion by 2028 from US$47 billion in 2024, solidifying the country's dominant position in the fast-developing sector, according to a research note published by Morgan Stanley on Monday. China's share of the global robotics market was about 40 per cent last year, according to the report by Hong Kong-based analysts Sheng Zhong and Chelsea Wang. A specific forecast for China's market share by 2028 was not provided. 'China is not only the largest market but also is arguably the world's innovation hub, propelling cost efficiencies and next-gen robotics development,' they said. 'Robots have been reshaping China's manufacturing and will have a deeper impact on society in the future as they become more intelligent, collaborative and affordable.' Separate data published by China's National Bureau of Statistics on Monday revealed that the country's industrial robot output surged 35.5 per cent year on year in May, reaching 69,056 units, while service robot output jumped 13.8 per cent to 1.2 million units. 02:01 China's humanoid robots test skills in unique kickboxing competition China's humanoid robots test skills in unique kickboxing competition Robotics is a key component of the Made in China 2025 initiative , launched a decade ago to position the country at the forefront of various hi-tech industries. The strategy aims to establish the country as a global leader in smart manufacturing.

Does Philippines have ‘credible' undersea might against China? Drills spotlight capability gaps
Does Philippines have ‘credible' undersea might against China? Drills spotlight capability gaps

South China Morning Post

timean hour ago

  • South China Morning Post

Does Philippines have ‘credible' undersea might against China? Drills spotlight capability gaps

The Philippines remains dangerously under-equipped to counter China's growing undersea operations in the South China Sea , analysts warn, as joint anti-submarine drills with Japan spotlight the urgent need for Manila to strengthen its underwater warfare capabilities. The two-day exercises, which began on Saturday, were the first large-scale joint exercises since Japan 's Diet ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines earlier this month, following Manila's approval last July, allowing joint deployments between the two countries' forces. Observers say Japan's advanced submarine warfare expertise could play a critical role in helping Manila build a credible ability to detect and deter Beijing's underwater operations in the West Philippine Sea – Manila's term for parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone. A member of the Philippine Navy looks out at the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force's destroyer Takanami during a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on June 14. Photo: Jiji Press / AFP Maritime security expert Ray Powell said Japan's advanced anti-submarine warfare expertise, now more accessible to Manila through the RAA, could play a critical role in helping the Philippines address its capability gaps. Powell, a retired US Air Force officer, added that as an archipelagic nation facing a persistent and aggressive maritime threat from China, the Philippines must prioritise the development of its undersea domain awareness and response capabilities. 'The documented discovery of Chinese underwater drones collecting bathymetric and acoustic data in Philippine waters demonstrates Beijing's will and capacity to conduct undetected undersea operations, making it imperative for the Philippines to demonstrate a credible deterrent in this domain,' he told This Week in Asia. 'Japan's advanced submarine warfare expertise and maritime surveillance technology, now more accessible as a result of the ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement, can be an important enabler in this regard.'

Baidu ramps up AI hiring as China faces talent crunch, joining other tech giants
Baidu ramps up AI hiring as China faces talent crunch, joining other tech giants

South China Morning Post

time2 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Baidu ramps up AI hiring as China faces talent crunch, joining other tech giants

Chinese internet search giant Baidu is accelerating its hunt for artificial intelligence (AI) talent with its largest-ever recruitment drive focused on the industry, as technology giants race to secure scarce expertise in the fast-growing sector. The Beijing-based firm said in a statement that job openings in its so-called AIDU annual recruitment drive – an initiative to attract and develop future AI tech leaders – had surged 60 per cent this year. The company did not specify the total number of positions. Baidu is seeking candidates across 23 of its core businesses and 11 research areas, including large language model (LLM) algorithms, foundational LLM architecture, machine learning, speech technologies and AI agents, according to the statement released over the weekend. 'Baidu will train future AI navigators the way pilots are trained,' the company said, underscoring its commitment to the escalating battle for top-tier AI professionals. The push mirrors similar moves by rivals ByteDance and Alibaba Group Holding, as competition for skilled AI workers intensifies amid surging demand and a limited supply of qualified candidates. TikTok owner ByteDance in March kicked off a recruitment campaign under its Top Seed programme, targeting research interns for projects it describes as having 'global influence'. Alibaba, owner of the South China Morning Post, earlier this year sought to expand its AI workforce by opening thousands of positions and offering fast-tracked promotions for new graduates. More than half of its internships are tied to AI, according to the e-commerce giant.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store