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South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's religious harmony is best maintained through trust
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification I am writing in response to the letter , 'Hong Kong welcomes Muslims, but let's safeguard against extremism' (April 30). Hong Kong's efforts to foster inclusivity for Muslims while safeguarding social harmony are commendable and reflect the city's commitment to diversity. However, the suggestion that extremism is a significant concern with regard to Hong Kong's Muslim community lacks empirical support and risks perpetuating unnecessary stereotypes. Hong Kong's Muslim population, estimated at around 300,000, including both permanent residents and migrant workers, has historically been peaceful and law-abiding. The government's security reports do not identify the local Muslim community as a source of extremism. While vigilance against radicalisation is prudent worldwide, framing inclusivity efforts with undue caution may inadvertently stigmatise a minority that contributes positively to Hong Kong's economy and culture.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
As toys go viral, Hong Kong must grab a 300 billion yuan opportunity
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement The Chinese fan base for anime, comics and games (ACG) is expected to grow to 520 million by 2026. This points to the potential of China's intellectual property-driven 'goods economy' , which was worth 169 billion yuan (US$23.2 million) last year and is forecast to reach 300 billion yuan by 2029. For Hong Kong, this presents a golden opportunity to be a key player in the booming market. The name of this game is emotional consumption, and successful intellectual property (IP) includes cuddly characters like Labubu and Chiikawa , which grow their fan bases through the integrated comic-anime-game ecosystem. Strategies like selling collectible toys in 'blind boxes' also drive revenue, with Pop Mart, the exclusive retailer of Labubu dolls, achieving a year-on-year increase in net profit of 186 per cent last year. Retail spaces on the mainland have transformed to capitalise on the trend. For example, Beijing's Wangfujing Xiyue shopping centre is dedicating entire floors to immersive experiences, while Wuhan's Trend Box X118 mall has seen a 32 per cent revenue boost after becoming an ACG space. Advertisement Hong Kong is starting to tap this market. At the retail level, some bracelets and coins from jeweller Chow Tai Fook's recent Chiikawa collection sold out within hours. At the IP development level, Incubase Studio and K11 Concepts Management are bringing in anime exhibitions, with the aim of developing the city into a hub for anime culture and creative innovation.
South China Morning Post
05-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Don't judge Islam by the acts of a few
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement I read with interest the letter , 'Hong Kong welcomes Muslims, but let's safeguard against extremism' (April 30). While I appreciate the recognition of Hong Kong's efforts to be more inclusive, I am concerned by the letter's unsubstantiated association of extremism with Islam. Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace and shouldn't be equated with extremism or terrorism. When a few misguided individuals commit wrongful acts, it is unfair and hurtful to hold the entire faith responsible. It would be like blaming all Hongkongers for the city's occasional flashes of impatience or bluntness – traits often misunderstood and not representative of the whole community. Just as Hong Kong is diverse and cannot be judged from a few negative encounters, Islam should not be judged by the actions of a few. Every community has its imperfections, but the true measure of a belief system lies in its foundational teachings. Islam's principles promote compassion, justice and harmony. It is the actions of individuals, not the faith itself, that sometimes fall short. In Islam, taking an innocent life is the gravest sin. Violence contradicts the faith's core message of mercy and peace. The religion strictly forbids terrorism and harming innocent people on any pretext. Advertisement Extremists distort religious texts by taking them out of context and twisting concepts like jihad (holy war) to justify violence. Such misinterpretations are rejected by scholars who stress that no genuine believer can condone violence. The path of countering extremism lies in education and promoting a holistic understanding of Islam – one that nurtures tolerance, respect for others and peaceful coexistence.
South China Morning Post
04-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Cutting off water is unbecoming of a great nation like India
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement Innocent people who are not terrorists might die if India keeps the water supply off limits to Pakistan. India is a great and forgiving nation and should not hurt innocent civilians. India should devise a plan to attack only the bad people. Pakistan needs to take India seriously because lives might be lost to hunger if the water supply is cut off indefinitely. Pakistan shouldn't taunt India, which is becoming a superpower. Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is irresponsible I would like to use your columns to comment on the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan ('India, Pakistan trade fire for fourth night amid hunt for Kashmir militants', April 28 ).
South China Morning Post
04-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
3 defining actions to remember Pope Francis by
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential popes in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. I wish to reflect upon three defining events during his pontificate that may not be known to many. To begin with, Francis was the first pope to wash the feet of prisoners on Maundy Thursday for most of his 12-year pontificate. Prisoners often have to carry the stigma of their criminal record for the rest of their lives, even after they are released. While it is easy to preach about love and mercy, Francis followed Christ's example in his act of humility and included prisoners who were not Christian. Francis taught us to humble ourselves, instead of judging others. The pope was also known for his commitment to building bridges. This particularly resonates with Hong Kong Catholics as the local diocese often styles itself as a bridge between mainland China and the Holy See. As he concluded mass during his visit to Mongolia in 2023, Francis suddenly invited Cardinal John Tong and Bishop Stephen Chow from Hong Kong onto the stage and held their hands as a symbol of unity. This sent a powerful message to the Chinese people. Following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, the Holy Land was once again engulfed by the flames of war. Every evening, for 18 months of war until two days before he died, Francis phoned the congregation of Gaza's Holy Family Church, even when he was hospitalised. It was neither a token gesture nor a publicity stunt as details of these calls were only revealed a couple of months before Francis' death. Advertisement There is no doubt that the parishioners there were living in dire conditions as risk of famine loomed. Francis' calls were a daily reminder that they were not forgotten. Christians are among the most persecuted minority in the Middle East amid growing sectarian conflict, yet their suffering is rarely seen in the mainstream media. Even in his final days, Francis stood by the oppressed and the weak with compassion, which to a large extent defined his pontificate. Francis' death marks an interregnum as the Catholic Church once again reflects upon its mission to the world. The church must remain steadfast in upholding the truth, and live up to the themes of the two Jubilee years during Francis' pontificate: Misericordes Sicut Pater ('Merciful like the Father) and Peregrinantes in Spem ('Pilgrims of hope').
