DotDotWeekly | HK news highlights from Jan. 20 to 24

InvestHK aids 539 companies in establishing or expanding, reaching record investment of HK$67.7 bn

Last year, the Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) agency assisted 539 companies in establishing or expanding their operations in the city, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 41% and setting a new historical record.

Director-General of Investment Promotion, Alpha Lau, described the past year as one of significant achievements, noting that these companies generated over 6,800 jobs and a total investment of HK$67.7 billion increase of about 10% compared to 2023-providing substantial economic benefits to Hong Kong. The arrival of these businesses also creates demand for professional services and encourages related personnel and their families to relocate, further stimulating the local economy.

John Lee expects over 1.4 mn mainland visitors to come to HK during Spring Festival

Chief Executive John Lee said on Jan. 21 that to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Hong Kong will hold a series of events to attract a large number of tourists, especially during the period from the 29th day of the lunar month to the 7th day of the new year (Jan. 28 to Feb. 4), during which it is expected that more than 1.4 million mainland visitors will come to Hong Kong.

"The average daily visitor numbers are projected to increase by 3% and 14% compared to last year's National Day and Lunar New Year 'golden weeks,' respectively."

Lee wished everyone a prosperous and auspicious Year of the Snake and emphasized that to ensure the events' smooth, orderly, and safe conduct, he has instructed various departments to prepare and formulate corresponding plans, covering crowd management and transportation.

Another HKU student falls victim to phone scam, losing HK$1.8 mn

On Jan. 21, police reported a case involving a 22-year-old mainland student at the University of Hong Kong, who fell victim to a phone scam, resulting in a loss of approximately HK$1.8 million.

According to police, the victim received a call in August 2023 from someone posing as an Immigration Department officer, claiming she was involved in a case in Nanning, China, and needed to verify her assets. The caller instructed her to open a bank account at a specified bank, threatening arrest if she did not comply.

Believing the scammer, the victim followed the instructions and transferred a deposit to prove her innocence. Between Dec. 30, 2024, and Jan. 17, 2025, she made a total of six transfers amounting to around HK$1.8 million to a local Faster Payment System account designated by the scammer. After the scammer cut off communication, the victim realized she had been deceived and reported the incident to the police.

1-minute News | Sneak peek of nine acts in HSBC's Lunar New Year fireworks display

This year marks the 160th anniversary of HSBC Hong Kong. On Jan. 21, HSBC announced its sponsorship of the fireworks display on the second day of the Lunar New Year. The festive fireworks show will take place on Jan. 30, 2025 (Thursday) at 8 PM above Victoria Harbour, celebrating the new year with all residents and visitors.

This year's fireworks display will last 23 minutes and be divided into nine acts, featuring 23,888 fireworks launched from three barges. The highlight of the show will be the panda design featured in the eighth act. Residents can enjoy the colorful fireworks from various locations, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central District, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, East Coast Park Precinct, and the Hung Hom Bypass. RTHK Radio 4 (FM 97.6-98.9) will broadcast the background music for the fireworks display.

GBA cancels 128 flights affecting about 5,500 passengers, Seoul route discontinued

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) unexpectedly announced on Jan. 21 that some flights would be canceled due to delays in the delivery of newly ordered aircraft and other factors.

This morning (Jan. 22), the airline released a statement confirming the cancellation of a total of 128 flights in February and March, affecting routes to Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, with approximately 5,500 passengers impacted. However, flights during the Lunar New Year period will not be affected.

The statement indicated that delays in the delivery of new aircraft and the need for regular inspections of certain planes in the fleet have temporarily prevented them from being put into service, thereby affecting flight schedules. Greater Bay Airlines has proactively contacted passengers to arrange alternative flights, changes to tickets, refunds, or compensation for losses due to flight cancellations, with all related fees waived, to minimize the impact on their travel plans.