By Arthur Chan Hong Kong, 2 September 2024: The scale of the cybersecurity threat to Hong Kong has been illustrated by a string of media stories in recent months. Everyone is at risk, from ill-prepared corporations to unsuspecting individuals, as rogue online operators use increasingly sophisticated methods to persuade people to part with their money. […]
By Alex Liu Hong Kong, 26 August 2024: A landmark High Court ruling has placed the government on a firm legal footing as it cracks down on unauthorised building works (UBWs) at upmarket residential developments. It also serves as a reminder to homeowners to comply with official removal orders, no matter how long any such […]
Paris, 14 August 2024: Dallol in Ethiopia is widely cited as the warmest inhabited place on earth. A geological marvel, its otherworldly landscape is dotted with acidic pools, salt formations and hot springs which release minerals and gases, contributing to the scorching temperatures. The resilient Afar pastoralists who live there have adapted to the extreme […]
Hong Kong, 7 August 2024: Former Justice of Appeal Ian McWalters will deliver the sixth annual HKU-Boase Cohen & Collins Criminal Law Lecture next month. His talk, “The Exercise of Discretion in the Criminal Justice System”, will be given at the University of Hong Kong on Friday 27 September, starting at 7:00pm. “We are delighted […]
By Alex Liu Hong Kong, 29 July 2024: After years of impasse, Hong Kong is inching towards effective regulation of online ride-hailing services. The government is proposing a year-long study of point-to-point transport needs before implementing a licensing system that would see the likes of Uber finally operating within the law. Many would suggest this […]
Hong Kong, 17 July 2024: When Pope Leo X was elected in the 16th century, King Manuel I of Portugal gifted him an elephant called Hanno, who became a must-see attraction for the people of Rome and was later buried under the Vatican courtyard. Emperor Franz II of Austria was given a giraffe by the […]
By Arthur Chan Hong Kong, 5 July 2024: Security checks on people working with children or vulnerable adults are to be expanded as the authorities seek to close loopholes in the Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) scheme. Within this year, self-employed individuals such as private tutors and sports coaches will become eligible for vetting, while […]
By Claire Chow Hong Kong, 3 July 2024: Authorities are paving the way for Hong Kong’s first cybersecurity legislation, seeking to regulate the protection of computer systems in sectors which are essential to the smooth running of the city. Operators of such systems will be required to ensure their integrity and reliability, while a new […]
By Alex Liu Hong Kong, 25 June 2024: In a welcome move, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has issued new rules designed to enhance public awareness and foster greater acceptance of guide dogs and their visually impaired users. The watchdog’s publication, Guide Dogs: A Practical Guide, marks a significant step forward in long-running efforts to […]
London, 12 June 2024: The world’s longest railway trip without changing trains is from Moscow to Pyongyang, a distance of 10,214km. The service runs once a week, covering sections of the famous Trans-Siberian line. You have plenty of time to admire the scenery, given it takes almost eight days. The famous Indian Pacific service between […]
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A flying visit and a grounded bird
Hong Kong, 16 April 2025: It is gratifying to know this monthly blog has a sizeable following – and thanks for the positive feedback, everyone – but your correspondent is left in the shade by the wildly popular Darren Jason Watkins Jnr. Who? Otherwise known as IShowSpeed, or simply Speed, he is social media royalty, […]
By Arthur Chan Hong Kong, 10 April 2025: Following a surge in the popularity of “space oil”, several key ingredients used to make the narcotic have been classified as dangerous drugs by the Security Bureau. The move brings with it heavy penalties for unauthorised possession, consumption or trafficking of the substance. Space oil has rapidly […]
By Claire Chow Hong Kong, 7 April 2025: A new law designed to enhance the protection of computer systems deemed essential to the smooth running of Hong Kong has been passed by the Legislative Council on 19 March 2025. It is expected to come into effect on 1 January next year. The Protection of Critical […]
Hong Kong, 3 April 2025: BC&C’s Foreign Legal Consultant Pádraig Seif was delighted to share his experiences as a Hong Kong citizen, business leader and lawyer in a keynote address at a seminar organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation. Born and raised in Germany with Irish roots, Pádraig’s Asian odyssey took him first to Japan […]
Hong Kong, 2 April 2025: In this episode, we are joined by Mohan Bharwaney SC, a retired justice of the High Court who has authored a significant number of landmark judgments in the field of personal injury and medical negligence. Mohan reflects on his upbringing in Hong Kong, early days as a barrister and some […]