Hong Kong has approved a trial scheme for fully driverless autonomous vehicles on Airport Island, marking the first time tests will proceed without a human backup. Chinese tech giant Baidu received the city's first pilot license for autonomous vehicles in November 2024.
Hong Kong authorities are increasing autonomous vehicle (AV) tests and road availability. Baidu showcased its sixth-gen AV, preparing for remote-controlled operations. The government has issued seven pilot licenses for 63 AVs, with speed limits raised to 50km/h.
A collision between a bus and a luggage trailer at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday morning resulted in five injuries. All injured individuals were on the bus, sustained mild injuries, and were conscious when taken to North Lantau Hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the incident.
A man hiking on Lantau Peak was injured by lightning amid rapidly changing rainstorm warnings in Hong Kong, which led to the suspension of afternoon classes across the city.
A 1,219-room hotel complex on Lantau Island, operated by Marriott and developed by Shimao Group, is being put up for tender by Savills. The property failed to sell despite price cuts and was seized due to the developer's financial issues.
Hopewell Holdings' 90-year-old founder, Wu, expresses caution on investing in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis project, citing the need for government to first resolve land ownership and transport issues. He also advocates for large-scale reclamation off Lantau to address future population growth.
Asian countries including Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal are enhancing border screening and quarantine measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. While no cases are confirmed in Asia, authorities are preparing for potential arrivals.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reported a 36% decline in net profit to HK$536 million (US$68 million) for the financial year ending last September, with revenue down 1.35% to HK$8.69 billion and visitor numbers falling 2.5% to 7.5 million. Managing director Tim Sypko attributed the drop to higher wages, anniversary-related expenses, and depreciation from new attractions including a Pixar-themed water parade. Despite the decline, the resort achieved its second-highest profit in 20 years and became debt-free for the first time.
Researchers from Southeast University in Nanjing have published a study in Nature documenting the 7,000-year history of ganlan, Chinese stilted houses. The research highlights how inter-ethnic interaction, particularly influenced by Han culture, shaped the 'west-to-east' directional evolution pattern of these structures. Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island serves as a premier destination showcasing this architectural heritage.
A long-awaited cross-border solo travel scheme will allow yachts from Macau and Hong Kong to sail to about six designated ports in western waters off the Greater Bay Area, with the policy expected to be finalized as early as summer 2026. A Guangdong provincial government document outlines routes including Castle Peak Bay, Pearl River Delta, Fan Lau Kok, and waters around the Wanshan islands. Initial applicants will be limited to Hong Kong and Macau residents holding mainland travel permits, excluding foreigners with home-return permits.
