Young man in China forced to remove skull-tattoo on face after struggling to find job
By Yating Yang
A young man in China whose entire face is tattooed with a skull design leading to employment problems, has decided to undergo the painful process of tattoo removal.
He has also expressed deep regret and a desire to return to a normal life.
The 24-year-old, known as Xiaolong, is from Liaoning province in northeastern China.
Since 2018, he has adorned his body with tattoos, covering his face with a skull pattern, and his head, neck, limbs, and even tattooing the sclera of his left eye.
“I was rebellious back then, using tattoos as an outlet for my unhappiness,” Xiaolong said.
However, the tattoos brought considerable challenges, especially in his professional life.
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By Yating Yang
A young man in China whose entire face is tattooed with a skull design leading to employment problems, has decided to undergo the painful process of tattoo removal.
He has also expressed deep regret and a desire to return to a normal life.
The 24-year-old, known as Xiaolong, is from Liaoning province in northeastern China.
Since 2018, he has adorned his body with tattoos, covering his face with a skull pattern, and his head, neck, limbs, and even tattooing the sclera of his left eye.
“I was rebellious back then, using tattoos as an outlet for my unhappiness,” Xiaolong said.
However, the tattoos brought considerable challenges, especially in his professional life.
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Hong Kong launches anti-rodent charter to improve environmental hygiene
By Vivian Au
A charter on anti-rodent measures for commercial and residential buildings in Hong Kong was launched on Tuesday to boost awareness of environmental hygiene and pledge greater technical support, following a rise in the pests’ infestation rate in the city last year.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Tuesday premises participating in the Anti-rodent Charter must assign liaison ambassadors to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of their facilities.
“The department is considering extending the charter to other sectors in due course, based on the experiences from the first phase of the Anti-Rodent Charter,” a spokesperson said.
According to a department survey, the rodent infestation rate for 2023 was 3.8 per cent, higher than the 3.3 per cent recorded in 2022.
To combat the problem, the department said they would invite various parties, including property management companies, owners’ corporations, and residents’ organizations of private residential premises to sign the charter.
Apart from implementing anti-rodent measures, participants would need to monitor the quality and performance of their hired anti-rodent service contractors and maintain relevant records of anti-rodent work.
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By Vivian Au
A charter on anti-rodent measures for commercial and residential buildings in Hong Kong was launched on Tuesday to boost awareness of environmental hygiene and pledge greater technical support, following a rise in the pests’ infestation rate in the city last year.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Tuesday premises participating in the Anti-rodent Charter must assign liaison ambassadors to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of their facilities.
“The department is considering extending the charter to other sectors in due course, based on the experiences from the first phase of the Anti-Rodent Charter,” a spokesperson said.
According to a department survey, the rodent infestation rate for 2023 was 3.8 per cent, higher than the 3.3 per cent recorded in 2022.
To combat the problem, the department said they would invite various parties, including property management companies, owners’ corporations, and residents’ organizations of private residential premises to sign the charter.
Apart from implementing anti-rodent measures, participants would need to monitor the quality and performance of their hired anti-rodent service contractors and maintain relevant records of anti-rodent work.
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Honey collector from Thailand with huge following laments Chiang Mai’s deforestation
By Aidan Jones
A honey collector from Thailand who posts viral videos of his daring tree-climbing missions to reach bee hives has warned of the damage that mass fruit farming is doing to natural forests in the country’s north.
Pran Tee, an ethnic Karen with Thai nationality, has over 320,000 followers on his Facebook page ‘Pran Tee Chiang Mai’, who are drawn to his traditional methods of harvesting honey from shared community forests near his village two hours outside Chiang Mai.
In his regular posts, filmed by his wife, Pran Tee searches through forests for hives, climbs tall trees effortlessly without ropes and smokes out the bees, wearing just a jumper, jeans and a woolly hat for protection.
Videos of his foraging technique – in which he carves foot-long chunks of mouthwatering honeycomb from bee hives – have gone viral, some racking up millions of plays.
In one October 26 video that has garnered 950,000 plays on Facebook, Pran Tee lies on a thin branch as he expertly carves honeycomb into a plastic bag. His latest post on Monday showing him smoking a bee hive has been played nearly 100,000 times so far.
Pran Tee says he first picked up the skill as a 10-year-old from his father, who took him along on honey-collecting missions. He has given up a job as a labourer to pursue his passion and spend more time at home with his wife and their six-year-old child.
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By Aidan Jones
A honey collector from Thailand who posts viral videos of his daring tree-climbing missions to reach bee hives has warned of the damage that mass fruit farming is doing to natural forests in the country’s north.
Pran Tee, an ethnic Karen with Thai nationality, has over 320,000 followers on his Facebook page ‘Pran Tee Chiang Mai’, who are drawn to his traditional methods of harvesting honey from shared community forests near his village two hours outside Chiang Mai.
In his regular posts, filmed by his wife, Pran Tee searches through forests for hives, climbs tall trees effortlessly without ropes and smokes out the bees, wearing just a jumper, jeans and a woolly hat for protection.
Videos of his foraging technique – in which he carves foot-long chunks of mouthwatering honeycomb from bee hives – have gone viral, some racking up millions of plays.
In one October 26 video that has garnered 950,000 plays on Facebook, Pran Tee lies on a thin branch as he expertly carves honeycomb into a plastic bag. His latest post on Monday showing him smoking a bee hive has been played nearly 100,000 times so far.
Pran Tee says he first picked up the skill as a 10-year-old from his father, who took him along on honey-collecting missions. He has given up a job as a labourer to pursue his passion and spend more time at home with his wife and their six-year-old child.
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‘Sectors in distress’: China’s intense competition demands action, economic official warns
By Alice Li
China should take action to abate low-quality vicious competition resulting in neijuan, or “involution”, and encourage high-quality development, a senior economic official said in an article published by the official newspaper of the Communist Party.
“Intensified involutionary competition in certain industries has driven down product prices, reducing profitability and putting some sectors in distress,” wrote Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission’s general office, in a piece published by People’s Daily on Tuesday.
“We should focus on raising standards in environmental protection, energy use, and technology, as well as accelerating industry mergers and reorganisations,” Han said, adding that competition that fosters growth should be encouraged while a “race to the bottom” should be curbed.
“Involutionary competition” refers to cutthroat competition wherein a rise in resource investment fails to generate proportional returns or support reinvestment in research and development.
It has been one of the major obstacles in China’s economy, as such intense internal competition is now prevalent in several sectors.
Echoing Han’s comments, Li Shufu, the founder and chairman of Geely, one of the major automobile manufacturers in China, pledged to “firmly oppose the vicious involutionary competition” in his year-end speech on Tuesday.
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By Alice Li
China should take action to abate low-quality vicious competition resulting in neijuan, or “involution”, and encourage high-quality development, a senior economic official said in an article published by the official newspaper of the Communist Party.
“Intensified involutionary competition in certain industries has driven down product prices, reducing profitability and putting some sectors in distress,” wrote Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission’s general office, in a piece published by People’s Daily on Tuesday.
“We should focus on raising standards in environmental protection, energy use, and technology, as well as accelerating industry mergers and reorganisations,” Han said, adding that competition that fosters growth should be encouraged while a “race to the bottom” should be curbed.
“Involutionary competition” refers to cutthroat competition wherein a rise in resource investment fails to generate proportional returns or support reinvestment in research and development.
It has been one of the major obstacles in China’s economy, as such intense internal competition is now prevalent in several sectors.
Echoing Han’s comments, Li Shufu, the founder and chairman of Geely, one of the major automobile manufacturers in China, pledged to “firmly oppose the vicious involutionary competition” in his year-end speech on Tuesday.
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Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt reach divorce settlement after 8 years
By Reuters
Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement, her lawyer told Reuters on Tuesday, bringing an end to one of Hollywood’s most contentious and closely followed celebrity splits.
Jolie filed for a divorce from Pitt, her husband of two years and romantic partner since 2005, eight years ago. The relationship between two of Hollywood’s most well-known actors had provided steady fodder for the tabloid media for years.
“This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over,” Jolie’s lawyer James Simon said in a statement, adding that a divorce settlement has been finalised, signed and filed with the court.
No details of the settlement were immediately revealed. Pitt’s representatives did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside of regular business hours.
Oscar-winning Jolie cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing. She subsequently sought full physical custody of their six children, then aged 8 to 15 with visitation rights for Pitt.
The filing triggered a bitter custody dispute, during which Pitt was investigated and cleared of child abuse. Both sides accused each other of trying to manipulate media coverage in their favour. The couple initially reached a custody decision through a private judge, granting equal custody of their children.
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By Reuters
Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement, her lawyer told Reuters on Tuesday, bringing an end to one of Hollywood’s most contentious and closely followed celebrity splits.
Jolie filed for a divorce from Pitt, her husband of two years and romantic partner since 2005, eight years ago. The relationship between two of Hollywood’s most well-known actors had provided steady fodder for the tabloid media for years.
“This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over,” Jolie’s lawyer James Simon said in a statement, adding that a divorce settlement has been finalised, signed and filed with the court.
No details of the settlement were immediately revealed. Pitt’s representatives did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside of regular business hours.
Oscar-winning Jolie cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing. She subsequently sought full physical custody of their six children, then aged 8 to 15 with visitation rights for Pitt.
The filing triggered a bitter custody dispute, during which Pitt was investigated and cleared of child abuse. Both sides accused each other of trying to manipulate media coverage in their favour. The couple initially reached a custody decision through a private judge, granting equal custody of their children.
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Taiwan tensions to grow in 2025, but risk of war low as Taipei divisions distract: report
By Sylvie Zhuang
The year 2025 will see tensions in the Taiwan Strait grow, but the risk of war remains low as the island’s leader, William Lai Ching-te, is expected to direct his energy towards mending internal political divisions, according to a forecast by a Hong Kong-based think tank.
Lai’s attention is likely to be focused on the island’s internal political struggles and his political opponents, said the report from Centre for Globalisation Hong Kong.
He is also expected to rely on external forces – possibly Washington and its allies – to carry out his political agenda, according to the report.
Taiwan has braced for more political turbulence since its opposition-controlled legislature passed three bills earlier this month that could curtail the powers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The bills involve amendments to the election and recall law, constitutional court procedure law, and government funding allocations. The move triggered conflicts in Taiwan’s parliament and protests by thousands of DPP supporters.
The report added that Lai would not “actively provoke conflicts” with Beijing.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force, if necessary. The United States, like most countries, does not recognise the self-governed island as an independent state but is opposed to any attempt to take it by force and is legally bound to arm it for defence.
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By Sylvie Zhuang
The year 2025 will see tensions in the Taiwan Strait grow, but the risk of war remains low as the island’s leader, William Lai Ching-te, is expected to direct his energy towards mending internal political divisions, according to a forecast by a Hong Kong-based think tank.
Lai’s attention is likely to be focused on the island’s internal political struggles and his political opponents, said the report from Centre for Globalisation Hong Kong.
He is also expected to rely on external forces – possibly Washington and its allies – to carry out his political agenda, according to the report.
Taiwan has braced for more political turbulence since its opposition-controlled legislature passed three bills earlier this month that could curtail the powers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The bills involve amendments to the election and recall law, constitutional court procedure law, and government funding allocations. The move triggered conflicts in Taiwan’s parliament and protests by thousands of DPP supporters.
The report added that Lai would not “actively provoke conflicts” with Beijing.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force, if necessary. The United States, like most countries, does not recognise the self-governed island as an independent state but is opposed to any attempt to take it by force and is legally bound to arm it for defence.
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Chery adds JPMorgan to help arrange US$1 billion initial public offering in Hong Kong
By Bloomberg
Chery Holding Group has added JPMorgan Chase & Co. to help arrange a potential listing of its automotive unit in Hong Kong next year, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Chinese group has selected JPMorgan as it moves forward with an initial public offering of Chery Automobile Co., which could help it raise up to US$1 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. A share sale could take place in the second or third quarter, the people said.
Chery had picked China International Capital Corp., GF Securities and Huatai International as arrangers for a potential listing next year, Bloomberg News reported in October. The company may seek a valuation of more than 100 billion yuan (US$14 billion), people familiar with the matter have said.
Considerations are ongoing and details such as timing, size and value could change, the people said, adding that other banks may also join the group of lenders arranging the share sale.
A representative for Chery did not respond to a request seeking comment, while JPMorgan declined to comment.
Chery Auto is one of China’s biggest car exporters and one of only a few not listed. It is a key asset for Chery Group, which is also involved in financial services and real estate.
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By Bloomberg
Chery Holding Group has added JPMorgan Chase & Co. to help arrange a potential listing of its automotive unit in Hong Kong next year, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Chinese group has selected JPMorgan as it moves forward with an initial public offering of Chery Automobile Co., which could help it raise up to US$1 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. A share sale could take place in the second or third quarter, the people said.
Chery had picked China International Capital Corp., GF Securities and Huatai International as arrangers for a potential listing next year, Bloomberg News reported in October. The company may seek a valuation of more than 100 billion yuan (US$14 billion), people familiar with the matter have said.
Considerations are ongoing and details such as timing, size and value could change, the people said, adding that other banks may also join the group of lenders arranging the share sale.
A representative for Chery did not respond to a request seeking comment, while JPMorgan declined to comment.
Chery Auto is one of China’s biggest car exporters and one of only a few not listed. It is a key asset for Chery Group, which is also involved in financial services and real estate.
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Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank to open next week
By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank will open next Monday, with plans to collect 1,000 litres (264.2 gallons) per year to help up to 600 premature and critically-ill newborns.
The Hospital Authority on Tuesday announced that the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay, would begin operations on January 6.
“In the initial phase of service commencement, the [bank] will recruit donors and accept breast milk donations, while the second phase of services is expected to begin in March of the same year, providing breast milk to premature or critically-ill newborns,” its spokesman said.
“This marks a milestone in neonatal medical services, providing a healthy start for the most vulnerable lives.”
Dr Rosanna Wong, the facility’s director, said that breast milk was “the best food” for babies as it offered nourishment and various other health benefits.
“However, some mothers of extremely premature or critically-ill newborns are unable to breastfeed for various reasons,” she said.
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By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank will open next Monday, with plans to collect 1,000 litres (264.2 gallons) per year to help up to 600 premature and critically-ill newborns.
The Hospital Authority on Tuesday announced that the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay, would begin operations on January 6.
“In the initial phase of service commencement, the [bank] will recruit donors and accept breast milk donations, while the second phase of services is expected to begin in March of the same year, providing breast milk to premature or critically-ill newborns,” its spokesman said.
“This marks a milestone in neonatal medical services, providing a healthy start for the most vulnerable lives.”
Dr Rosanna Wong, the facility’s director, said that breast milk was “the best food” for babies as it offered nourishment and various other health benefits.
“However, some mothers of extremely premature or critically-ill newborns are unable to breastfeed for various reasons,” she said.
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Tencent-backed online healthcare platform WeDoctor revives plan for Hong Kong IPO
By Aileen Chuang
Tencent Holdings-backed WeDoctor has revived its Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) plan, confirming an earlier report in the Post.
The Hangzhou-based online healthcare platform submitted its IPO application to Hong Kong’s stock exchange on Tuesday without disclosing the fundraising size and timetable. Earlier this month, sources said the company expected to raise between US$400 million and US$500 million, with the aim of completing the listing by June. This would be its second attempt to go public since 2021.
Founded in 2010 by Jerry Liao and his team, WeDoctor became China’s largest provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled healthcare solutions in 2023 by revenue. Its pre-IPO investors include Hillhouse Investment, HongShan Capital Group, AIA, Hermitage Capital, CICCFH Investment Management and Qiming Venture Partners.
WeDoctor is riding a healthcare wave, which deal makers say will prop up the city’s IPO market next year. Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies accounted for 27 per cent of the 90 active listing applications that the exchange received this year, according to the data compiled by Deloitte.
“We aim to address the growing demand for AI-enabled healthcare solutions in China while supporting our sustainable growth and profitability through several strategic initiatives,” WeDoctor said in its application.
According to the market research firm Frost & Sullivan, China’s AI-enabled healthcare solutions market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 46.2 per cent to to 138.7 billion yuan (US$19 billion) in 2030 from 9.7 billion yuan in 2023.
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By Aileen Chuang
Tencent Holdings-backed WeDoctor has revived its Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) plan, confirming an earlier report in the Post.
The Hangzhou-based online healthcare platform submitted its IPO application to Hong Kong’s stock exchange on Tuesday without disclosing the fundraising size and timetable. Earlier this month, sources said the company expected to raise between US$400 million and US$500 million, with the aim of completing the listing by June. This would be its second attempt to go public since 2021.
Founded in 2010 by Jerry Liao and his team, WeDoctor became China’s largest provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled healthcare solutions in 2023 by revenue. Its pre-IPO investors include Hillhouse Investment, HongShan Capital Group, AIA, Hermitage Capital, CICCFH Investment Management and Qiming Venture Partners.
WeDoctor is riding a healthcare wave, which deal makers say will prop up the city’s IPO market next year. Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies accounted for 27 per cent of the 90 active listing applications that the exchange received this year, according to the data compiled by Deloitte.
“We aim to address the growing demand for AI-enabled healthcare solutions in China while supporting our sustainable growth and profitability through several strategic initiatives,” WeDoctor said in its application.
According to the market research firm Frost & Sullivan, China’s AI-enabled healthcare solutions market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 46.2 per cent to to 138.7 billion yuan (US$19 billion) in 2030 from 9.7 billion yuan in 2023.
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South Korea’s Jeju Air crash: Muan airport had only 1 worker to fend off birds during mishap
By The Korea Times
A suspected bird strike, identified as one of the causes of the Jeju Air crash on Sunday, has raised concerns about the adequacy of bird control operations at Muan International Airport in South Korea.
At the time of the incident, only one Bird Alert Team (BAT), commonly referred to as “Batman,” was on duty, prompting questions about whether staffing levels and operational protocols were sufficient.
BAT units typically use firearms and other deterrents to drive birds away from airport grounds and communicate directly with the control tower when bird flocks are spotted.
According to sources compiled by the Hankook Ilbo, only one BAT member was working during the suspected bird strike, which likely occurred between 8:57am and 8:59am. This contradicts earlier statements by the government’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, which said two members were present that day.
The discrepancy may stem from the airport’s staffing structure. Muan airport’s BAT operates with a team of four members divided into two shifts: two on duty during the day (9am to 6pm) and one at night (6pm to 9am.).
As the incident occurred just before the morning shift began, the lone staff member on duty may have been delayed in identifying the situation due to shift change procedures. When asked, an airport official confirmed that only one BAT member was active during the bird strike.
Muan airport’s BAT workforce has long been smaller compared to similar-sized airports. For instance, Cheongju and Daegu airports, major hubs in central and southeastern South Korea, respectively, each have eight BAT members, twice the number at Muan.
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By The Korea Times
A suspected bird strike, identified as one of the causes of the Jeju Air crash on Sunday, has raised concerns about the adequacy of bird control operations at Muan International Airport in South Korea.
At the time of the incident, only one Bird Alert Team (BAT), commonly referred to as “Batman,” was on duty, prompting questions about whether staffing levels and operational protocols were sufficient.
BAT units typically use firearms and other deterrents to drive birds away from airport grounds and communicate directly with the control tower when bird flocks are spotted.
According to sources compiled by the Hankook Ilbo, only one BAT member was working during the suspected bird strike, which likely occurred between 8:57am and 8:59am. This contradicts earlier statements by the government’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, which said two members were present that day.
The discrepancy may stem from the airport’s staffing structure. Muan airport’s BAT operates with a team of four members divided into two shifts: two on duty during the day (9am to 6pm) and one at night (6pm to 9am.).
As the incident occurred just before the morning shift began, the lone staff member on duty may have been delayed in identifying the situation due to shift change procedures. When asked, an airport official confirmed that only one BAT member was active during the bird strike.
Muan airport’s BAT workforce has long been smaller compared to similar-sized airports. For instance, Cheongju and Daegu airports, major hubs in central and southeastern South Korea, respectively, each have eight BAT members, twice the number at Muan.
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Hong Kong logs more than 24,000 arrivals on New Year’s Eve
By Harvey KongWilla Wu
More than 24,000 visitors arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with some from mainland China saying they would not stay overnight after the countdown due to steep hotel prices and the extended border opening hours.
By 10am on Tuesday, Hong Kong received 24,351 tourists, with 73.7 per cent, or 17,948, coming from the mainland.
Among mainland tourists, 3,772 entered the city via high-speed trains, contributing to the steady stream of people at West Kowloon station’s arrival hall. By contrast, the departure area was emptier.
Many arriving visitors the Post spoke to said they opted for a day trip in Hong Kong, including Huang Qahang, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Chengdu.
“Some of the hotel rooms in Hong Kong are fairly expensive and it is difficult to book them during the New Year’s period. If you don’t book the rooms very early on, you won’t be able to get a room,” he said.
Huang added that this was his first trip to Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, and his main goal on Tuesday was to experience the city’s New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations, including the midnight fireworks.
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By Harvey KongWilla Wu
More than 24,000 visitors arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with some from mainland China saying they would not stay overnight after the countdown due to steep hotel prices and the extended border opening hours.
By 10am on Tuesday, Hong Kong received 24,351 tourists, with 73.7 per cent, or 17,948, coming from the mainland.
Among mainland tourists, 3,772 entered the city via high-speed trains, contributing to the steady stream of people at West Kowloon station’s arrival hall. By contrast, the departure area was emptier.
Many arriving visitors the Post spoke to said they opted for a day trip in Hong Kong, including Huang Qahang, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Chengdu.
“Some of the hotel rooms in Hong Kong are fairly expensive and it is difficult to book them during the New Year’s period. If you don’t book the rooms very early on, you won’t be able to get a room,” he said.
Huang added that this was his first trip to Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, and his main goal on Tuesday was to experience the city’s New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations, including the midnight fireworks.
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Xi Jinping says China’s 2024 GDP growth expected to be around 5%
By SCMP Reporter
China’s economy is expected to have grown around 5 per cent this year, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Xi also pledged to take more proactive measures to support the economy next year.
He made the comments while delivering a speech at a New Year’s reception held by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top advisory body.
China will deepen its reform, expand opening up, and coordinate development and security, Xi added.
More to follow …
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By SCMP Reporter
China’s economy is expected to have grown around 5 per cent this year, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Xi also pledged to take more proactive measures to support the economy next year.
He made the comments while delivering a speech at a New Year’s reception held by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top advisory body.
China will deepen its reform, expand opening up, and coordinate development and security, Xi added.
More to follow …
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Chinese influencer teaches cleaning bloodstains, dissolving bones, sparks crime fears
By Zoey Zhang
An influencer in China who teaches people how to clean bloodstains and bone residue has sparked concerns about the crime-related implications of his work.
The man, who uses the pseudonym Hua, hails from Guangdong province in southern China and claims to be a senior researcher at a biotechnology institute.
He shares household cleaning tutorials on a mainland Chinese short-video sharing platform, where he has attracted more than 350,000 followers.
In one video, Hua demonstrates how to clean bloodstains from a bathroom floor.
He pours hydrogen peroxide and toilet cleaner on the bloodstains, scrubs the area and successfully removes the stains, before telling viewers: “The internet is not a lawless place.”
In another video, Hua shows how toothpaste can be applied to bloodstains on pants, which can then be rinsed off with water.
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By Zoey Zhang
An influencer in China who teaches people how to clean bloodstains and bone residue has sparked concerns about the crime-related implications of his work.
The man, who uses the pseudonym Hua, hails from Guangdong province in southern China and claims to be a senior researcher at a biotechnology institute.
He shares household cleaning tutorials on a mainland Chinese short-video sharing platform, where he has attracted more than 350,000 followers.
In one video, Hua demonstrates how to clean bloodstains from a bathroom floor.
He pours hydrogen peroxide and toilet cleaner on the bloodstains, scrubs the area and successfully removes the stains, before telling viewers: “The internet is not a lawless place.”
In another video, Hua shows how toothpaste can be applied to bloodstains on pants, which can then be rinsed off with water.
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Here are 9 major Hong Kong laws that took effect in 2024
By Lo Hoi-ying
From lifting property cooling measures to banning single-use plastics, a number of policies and laws were introduced in Hong Kong in 2024.
The Post takes a look at nine significant changes this year.
Authorities announced in January that journalists would need permission from the city’s transport commissioner to access the personal information of vehicle owners, saying applications might be rejected on national security grounds or if a case was not in the public interest.
Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee Chung-yan said she would personally review any applications from media outlets to access the government’s vehicle registry to determine whether the “benefits to public interest outweighed the owner’s rights to privacy”.
In June 2023, the Court of Final Appeal ruled in favour of freelance producer Bao Choy Yuk-ling and said that journalistic work was a valid reason for accessing official records, with the data used for a documentary critical of police action during the 2019 anti-government protests.
In his February budget blueprint, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced the scrapping of all property cooling measures, hoping to revive Hong Kong’s property market.
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By Lo Hoi-ying
From lifting property cooling measures to banning single-use plastics, a number of policies and laws were introduced in Hong Kong in 2024.
The Post takes a look at nine significant changes this year.
Authorities announced in January that journalists would need permission from the city’s transport commissioner to access the personal information of vehicle owners, saying applications might be rejected on national security grounds or if a case was not in the public interest.
Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee Chung-yan said she would personally review any applications from media outlets to access the government’s vehicle registry to determine whether the “benefits to public interest outweighed the owner’s rights to privacy”.
In June 2023, the Court of Final Appeal ruled in favour of freelance producer Bao Choy Yuk-ling and said that journalistic work was a valid reason for accessing official records, with the data used for a documentary critical of police action during the 2019 anti-government protests.
In his February budget blueprint, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced the scrapping of all property cooling measures, hoping to revive Hong Kong’s property market.
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