Sri Lanka rescues 102 people, thought to be Rohingya refugees, adrift on fishing boat
By Associated Press
Sri Lanka’s navy rescued more than 100 people believed to be Rohingya refugees who were found adrift aboard a fishing trawler off the island nation, a navy spokesman said on Friday.
Gayan Wickramasuriya said fishermen spotted the refugees, including 25 children and 30 women, off Sri Lanka’s northern coast on Thursday. Navy vessels then escorted the boat to a naval base on the nation’s east coast where they were given medical care, food and water.
Wickramasuriya said the navy has not yet confirmed whether the refugees are Rohingya because of communication difficulties. But it is believed the group is from Myanmar.
The rescue mirrored a similar incident in 2022 when the Sri Lankan navy picked up 100 Rohingya refugees who were also found adrift aboard a fishing boat in Sri Lankan waters.
Hundreds of thousands of the predominantly Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar amid widespread discrimination. Most are denied citizenship.
About 1 million Rohingya live in Bangladesh as refugees. Most of them had fled a brutal counter-insurgency campaign in 2017 by Myanmar’s security forces, who were accused of committing mass rapes and killings.
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By Associated Press
Sri Lanka’s navy rescued more than 100 people believed to be Rohingya refugees who were found adrift aboard a fishing trawler off the island nation, a navy spokesman said on Friday.
Gayan Wickramasuriya said fishermen spotted the refugees, including 25 children and 30 women, off Sri Lanka’s northern coast on Thursday. Navy vessels then escorted the boat to a naval base on the nation’s east coast where they were given medical care, food and water.
Wickramasuriya said the navy has not yet confirmed whether the refugees are Rohingya because of communication difficulties. But it is believed the group is from Myanmar.
The rescue mirrored a similar incident in 2022 when the Sri Lankan navy picked up 100 Rohingya refugees who were also found adrift aboard a fishing boat in Sri Lankan waters.
Hundreds of thousands of the predominantly Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar amid widespread discrimination. Most are denied citizenship.
About 1 million Rohingya live in Bangladesh as refugees. Most of them had fled a brutal counter-insurgency campaign in 2017 by Myanmar’s security forces, who were accused of committing mass rapes and killings.
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Migration from China’s countryside to cities to be a key factor in resource allocation
By Mandy Zuo
China has pledged to make consideration of population movements a priority when allocating resources as it grapples with the twin demands of deepening urbanisation and invigorating rural areas.
Local authorities should “adapt to the trend of population changes” when mapping out rural planning and construction, according to the annual national rural work conference, which convened on Wednesday, as the migration of rural residents to cities becomes a policy focus to drive flagging economic growth.
The instruction came after the government invested heavily in building infrastructure in the countryside to narrow the vast urban-rural development gap under President Xi Jinping’s rural revitalisation initiative, only to see much of that infrastructure left idle as people continued moving to urban areas.
Officials should consider the “organic combination” of the rural revitalisation mission with China’s new round of urbanisation, which refers to offering migrant workers the same entitlements enjoyed by city dwellers and encouraging them to settle down in cities, an official readout of the meeting said.
The migration of rural people, who account for roughly half of China’s 1.4 billion people based on permanent residence registrations, is believed to represent huge potential demand and has been seen as a major driver of future growth of the world’s second-largest economy.
“Based on the criteria of advanced economies, where generally 80 per cent of the population live in urban areas, China still has 14 percentage points to catch up, so there’s great potential in this regard,” said Zheng Fengtian, a professor from the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Renmin University in Beijing.
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By Mandy Zuo
China has pledged to make consideration of population movements a priority when allocating resources as it grapples with the twin demands of deepening urbanisation and invigorating rural areas.
Local authorities should “adapt to the trend of population changes” when mapping out rural planning and construction, according to the annual national rural work conference, which convened on Wednesday, as the migration of rural residents to cities becomes a policy focus to drive flagging economic growth.
The instruction came after the government invested heavily in building infrastructure in the countryside to narrow the vast urban-rural development gap under President Xi Jinping’s rural revitalisation initiative, only to see much of that infrastructure left idle as people continued moving to urban areas.
Officials should consider the “organic combination” of the rural revitalisation mission with China’s new round of urbanisation, which refers to offering migrant workers the same entitlements enjoyed by city dwellers and encouraging them to settle down in cities, an official readout of the meeting said.
The migration of rural people, who account for roughly half of China’s 1.4 billion people based on permanent residence registrations, is believed to represent huge potential demand and has been seen as a major driver of future growth of the world’s second-largest economy.
“Based on the criteria of advanced economies, where generally 80 per cent of the population live in urban areas, China still has 14 percentage points to catch up, so there’s great potential in this regard,” said Zheng Fengtian, a professor from the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Renmin University in Beijing.
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Chinese domestic worker proves it’s never too late to achieve your dreams
By Cynthia H. W. Chan
Li Wenli, a 56-year-old woman from a rural part of Pingliang, Gansu, China, has surprised many with her artistic talents in writing, painting, singing and dancing.
Despite a traditional upbringing and never leaving her hometown for 40 years, she eventually pursued her passion for art.
She moved to Beijing in 2017, creating over 500 paintings and nearly 200,000 words of literature. In 2023, she became the lead dancer in the dance drama “Gala,” fulfilling her childhood dream.
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By Cynthia H. W. Chan
Li Wenli, a 56-year-old woman from a rural part of Pingliang, Gansu, China, has surprised many with her artistic talents in writing, painting, singing and dancing.
Despite a traditional upbringing and never leaving her hometown for 40 years, she eventually pursued her passion for art.
She moved to Beijing in 2017, creating over 500 paintings and nearly 200,000 words of literature. In 2023, she became the lead dancer in the dance drama “Gala,” fulfilling her childhood dream.
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Why China will struggle to boost consumption
By Stephen Roach
China’s engineering prowess has been nothing short of extraordinary. From world-class infrastructure and eco-friendly cities to space systems and high-speed trains, China’s impressive accumulation of state-of-the-art physical capital has played a dominant role in driving its economy.
But China’s physical engineering accomplishments on the supply side have not been transferable to social engineering efforts on the demand side, especially in stimulating consumer demand.
The disconnect arises out of the modern Chinese political system, which emphasises stability and control. While this focus has enabled the country to become the world’s ultimate producer, it has not been successful in uncovering the DNA of the Chinese consumer.
Social engineering through government diktat stands in sharp contrast to the incentive-based, freewheeling, individualistic spirit that shapes human behaviour and consumption patterns in the West.
With the household consumption share of Chinese gross domestic product remaining below 40 per cent, compared to around 65 per cent in advanced economies, China has little to show for its long-standing rhetoric on consumer-led rebalancing.
The American experience, as famously documented in John Kenneth Galbraith’s The Affluent Society, decodes the DNA of a consumer society. Key characteristics include upwards mobility of income and wealth, open communication and dissemination of information, individualism and freedom of choice, diminished inequality of lifestyles, intergenerational wealth transfers and the ability to elect political representatives. Western consumerism is very much an aspirational proposition.
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By Stephen Roach
China’s engineering prowess has been nothing short of extraordinary. From world-class infrastructure and eco-friendly cities to space systems and high-speed trains, China’s impressive accumulation of state-of-the-art physical capital has played a dominant role in driving its economy.
But China’s physical engineering accomplishments on the supply side have not been transferable to social engineering efforts on the demand side, especially in stimulating consumer demand.
The disconnect arises out of the modern Chinese political system, which emphasises stability and control. While this focus has enabled the country to become the world’s ultimate producer, it has not been successful in uncovering the DNA of the Chinese consumer.
Social engineering through government diktat stands in sharp contrast to the incentive-based, freewheeling, individualistic spirit that shapes human behaviour and consumption patterns in the West.
With the household consumption share of Chinese gross domestic product remaining below 40 per cent, compared to around 65 per cent in advanced economies, China has little to show for its long-standing rhetoric on consumer-led rebalancing.
The American experience, as famously documented in John Kenneth Galbraith’s The Affluent Society, decodes the DNA of a consumer society. Key characteristics include upwards mobility of income and wealth, open communication and dissemination of information, individualism and freedom of choice, diminished inequality of lifestyles, intergenerational wealth transfers and the ability to elect political representatives. Western consumerism is very much an aspirational proposition.
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Arab states urge China to ‘play greater role’ in bringing peace to the Middle East
By Maple Leung
China has been called upon to “play a greater role” bringing peace to the Middle East, with more than 20 Arab diplomatic envoys meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
“The situation in the Middle East has changed suddenly, and the people in the region are suffering. We expect China to play a greater role in easing the situation,” the envoys were quoted as saying by a Chinese foreign ministry statement issued after the meeting on Thursday.
Wang stressed that the region belonged to its people and should not “continue to become an arena for big countries to play power games”, while warning that it should not fall victim to geopolitical rivalry.
On the Palestine issue, he called for a “comprehensive ceasefire” and permanent troop withdrawal in Gaza, and a resolution based on the “two-state solution”.
On Syria, Wang urged all parties to maintain the long-term interests of the country and its people, by using an open and inclusive political process so as to prevent terrorism from resurfacing.
Meanwhile, the United States has revealed that it has 2,000 troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed number, and Israeli air attacks continue on Gaza – with strikes also on Syria and Yemen.
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By Maple Leung
China has been called upon to “play a greater role” bringing peace to the Middle East, with more than 20 Arab diplomatic envoys meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
“The situation in the Middle East has changed suddenly, and the people in the region are suffering. We expect China to play a greater role in easing the situation,” the envoys were quoted as saying by a Chinese foreign ministry statement issued after the meeting on Thursday.
Wang stressed that the region belonged to its people and should not “continue to become an arena for big countries to play power games”, while warning that it should not fall victim to geopolitical rivalry.
On the Palestine issue, he called for a “comprehensive ceasefire” and permanent troop withdrawal in Gaza, and a resolution based on the “two-state solution”.
On Syria, Wang urged all parties to maintain the long-term interests of the country and its people, by using an open and inclusive political process so as to prevent terrorism from resurfacing.
Meanwhile, the United States has revealed that it has 2,000 troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed number, and Israeli air attacks continue on Gaza – with strikes also on Syria and Yemen.
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Wynn Macau calls for easier transport, immigration with Hong Kong to spur tourism
By Peggy Sito
A simplified transport and immigration clearance between Hong Kong and Macau could significantly ease travel and spur tourism between the two Chinese cities, according to Wynn Macau, one of six casino operators in the former Portuguese colony.
By improving connectivity and cooperation, the governments of both special administrative regions can create a more conducive environment and experience for local residents and foreign visitors, vice-chairman and president Linda Chen said.
“If we host an event in Macau, it should be promoted to Hong Kong tourists and vice versa,” she said in an interview. “If Hong Kong hosts a concert, then we should actually make it easier for people in Macau to go watch the concert and then come back.”
Her view echoed President Xi Jinping’s statement on Thursday in which he called on both cities to “stay united and work for greater achievements”, Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi is currently on an official visit to Macau for the 25th anniversary of the handover to Chinese sovereignty.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier highlighted that Macau and Hong Kong, as core cities of the Greater Bay Area, are jointly driving the region’s development by leveraging their unique yet complementary strengths.
Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai pledged to diversify the world’s biggest gambling hub by enriching its offerings as a tourism and leisure destination.
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By Peggy Sito
A simplified transport and immigration clearance between Hong Kong and Macau could significantly ease travel and spur tourism between the two Chinese cities, according to Wynn Macau, one of six casino operators in the former Portuguese colony.
By improving connectivity and cooperation, the governments of both special administrative regions can create a more conducive environment and experience for local residents and foreign visitors, vice-chairman and president Linda Chen said.
“If we host an event in Macau, it should be promoted to Hong Kong tourists and vice versa,” she said in an interview. “If Hong Kong hosts a concert, then we should actually make it easier for people in Macau to go watch the concert and then come back.”
Her view echoed President Xi Jinping’s statement on Thursday in which he called on both cities to “stay united and work for greater achievements”, Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi is currently on an official visit to Macau for the 25th anniversary of the handover to Chinese sovereignty.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier highlighted that Macau and Hong Kong, as core cities of the Greater Bay Area, are jointly driving the region’s development by leveraging their unique yet complementary strengths.
Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai pledged to diversify the world’s biggest gambling hub by enriching its offerings as a tourism and leisure destination.
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Vietnam seeks more cooperation with China’s PLA in training, ideology and border defence
By Sylvie Zhuang
Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam has called for expanded cooperation with China’s military in training, ideology and border defence in a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Hanoi on Thursday.
To Lam praised defence cooperation between China and Vietnam as “increasingly practical and effective”, according to a report published by Vietnam News Agency on Thursday.
The two countries’ militaries should step up exchanges at all levels and explore new areas for potential cooperation, he reportedly told Dong.
To Lam emphasised “the need for expanding cooperation in political and ideological education, personnel training and border defence” while calling for more defence cooperation and better ways to control and settle disputes over contested waters, according to the report.
Vietnam News Agency said Dong was in Hanoi to attend the celebration on Sunday of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Festival.
The Chinese government has not issued information about his visit to Hanoi and it is not known how long he will be in Vietnam.
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By Sylvie Zhuang
Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam has called for expanded cooperation with China’s military in training, ideology and border defence in a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Hanoi on Thursday.
To Lam praised defence cooperation between China and Vietnam as “increasingly practical and effective”, according to a report published by Vietnam News Agency on Thursday.
The two countries’ militaries should step up exchanges at all levels and explore new areas for potential cooperation, he reportedly told Dong.
To Lam emphasised “the need for expanding cooperation in political and ideological education, personnel training and border defence” while calling for more defence cooperation and better ways to control and settle disputes over contested waters, according to the report.
Vietnam News Agency said Dong was in Hanoi to attend the celebration on Sunday of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Festival.
The Chinese government has not issued information about his visit to Hanoi and it is not known how long he will be in Vietnam.
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Ex-South Korean spy chief linked to martial law plot runs astrology firm from home
By The Korea Times
Former South Korean defence intelligence commander Noh Sang-won, who is accused of conspiring to plan martial law at what has now become known as the infamous “Lotteria meeting”, has also been found to be operating a fortunetelling business from his home and working as a spiritual consultant, according to a report by JTBC on Thursday.
Reporters who visited Noh’s residence discovered three fortune-tellers managing various services, including saju readings (a traditional Korean form of fortunetelling).
The residence is located near the now much-mocked Lotteria restaurant in Ansan, Gyeonggi province, where the alleged plot was discussed.
The fortune-tellers identified the property as a fortunetelling house and described themselves as business partners with Noh, specialising in eastern philosophy and spiritual guidance.
Noh began his work in fortunetelling after his dishonourable discharge from the military in 2018 following a conviction for sexual assault.
In 2018, while serving as the principal of the Army Intelligence School, Noh was convicted of forcibly placing a female cadet on his lap and making inappropriate physical contact during an Armed Forces Day dinner.
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By The Korea Times
Former South Korean defence intelligence commander Noh Sang-won, who is accused of conspiring to plan martial law at what has now become known as the infamous “Lotteria meeting”, has also been found to be operating a fortunetelling business from his home and working as a spiritual consultant, according to a report by JTBC on Thursday.
Reporters who visited Noh’s residence discovered three fortune-tellers managing various services, including saju readings (a traditional Korean form of fortunetelling).
The residence is located near the now much-mocked Lotteria restaurant in Ansan, Gyeonggi province, where the alleged plot was discussed.
The fortune-tellers identified the property as a fortunetelling house and described themselves as business partners with Noh, specialising in eastern philosophy and spiritual guidance.
Noh began his work in fortunetelling after his dishonourable discharge from the military in 2018 following a conviction for sexual assault.
In 2018, while serving as the principal of the Army Intelligence School, Noh was convicted of forcibly placing a female cadet on his lap and making inappropriate physical contact during an Armed Forces Day dinner.
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Malaysia’s pick of Thaksin as adviser raises fears of his pro-Myanmar junta stance
By Hadi Azmi
The appointment of former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sparked criticism from Myanmar resistance groups, who fear his involvement may align Malaysia’s approach to the Myanmar crisis with the military junta’s interests.
Myanmar is one of Asean’s most pressing challenges as it remains afflicted by a civil war and political turmoil following the military coup in February 2021.
Thaksin’s tenure as Thailand’s prime minister was marked by accusations of his autocratic tendencies and alleged business dealings with Myanmar’s generals.
His appointment as Anwar’s adviser on Tuesday to an informal advisory group on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has drawn particular scrutiny as Malaysia prepares to chair the 10-member bloc next year. The chair position comes with the responsibility of shaping the bloc’s stance on regional issues, including Myanmar.
Salai Ling, leader of the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), said appointing Thaksin – who supported Myanmar’s generals during his time as Thailand’s prime minister – was cause for serious concern.
“This decision sends a troubling message to the people of Myanmar, who have hoped for a stronger Asean stance under Malaysia’s leadership,” Salai told This Week in Asia.
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By Hadi Azmi
The appointment of former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sparked criticism from Myanmar resistance groups, who fear his involvement may align Malaysia’s approach to the Myanmar crisis with the military junta’s interests.
Myanmar is one of Asean’s most pressing challenges as it remains afflicted by a civil war and political turmoil following the military coup in February 2021.
Thaksin’s tenure as Thailand’s prime minister was marked by accusations of his autocratic tendencies and alleged business dealings with Myanmar’s generals.
His appointment as Anwar’s adviser on Tuesday to an informal advisory group on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has drawn particular scrutiny as Malaysia prepares to chair the 10-member bloc next year. The chair position comes with the responsibility of shaping the bloc’s stance on regional issues, including Myanmar.
Salai Ling, leader of the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), said appointing Thaksin – who supported Myanmar’s generals during his time as Thailand’s prime minister – was cause for serious concern.
“This decision sends a troubling message to the people of Myanmar, who have hoped for a stronger Asean stance under Malaysia’s leadership,” Salai told This Week in Asia.
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Hong Kong’s Han Academy warns teacher salaries in jeopardy in open appeal for financial aid
By Fan ChenWilliam Yiu
The founding supervisor of a heavily indebted independent school in Hong Kong has made an open appeal for urgent financial support, saying the academy is failing to pay teacher salaries on time as cash flow has run out.
Han Academy in Wong Chuk Hang has been embroiled in controversy after police received reports from at least 14 parents accusing the private school of failing to refund debentures, with the unsettled amount totalling HK$8.6 million (US$1.1 million).
“As a result of the successive disasters, Han Academy team has now run out of money and is struggling to pay teacher salaries on time, making it difficult for the team to maintain operations,” supervisor Xu Li said on Friday.
Xu’s appeal was made via a letter titled “A letter seeking help from Han Academy” that was published on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu.
Xu told the Post that the school had delayed paying salaries amounting to HK$2.5 million owed to 49 staff members since November, but would target to send the pay cheques by Friday.
She also revealed that the school had made progress with one potential investor and had submitted supporting documents last week, with results coming in within two or three weeks.
“After the money comes through, it should be able to help us settle parents’ bonds,” she said.
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By Fan ChenWilliam Yiu
The founding supervisor of a heavily indebted independent school in Hong Kong has made an open appeal for urgent financial support, saying the academy is failing to pay teacher salaries on time as cash flow has run out.
Han Academy in Wong Chuk Hang has been embroiled in controversy after police received reports from at least 14 parents accusing the private school of failing to refund debentures, with the unsettled amount totalling HK$8.6 million (US$1.1 million).
“As a result of the successive disasters, Han Academy team has now run out of money and is struggling to pay teacher salaries on time, making it difficult for the team to maintain operations,” supervisor Xu Li said on Friday.
Xu’s appeal was made via a letter titled “A letter seeking help from Han Academy” that was published on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu.
Xu told the Post that the school had delayed paying salaries amounting to HK$2.5 million owed to 49 staff members since November, but would target to send the pay cheques by Friday.
She also revealed that the school had made progress with one potential investor and had submitted supporting documents last week, with results coming in within two or three weeks.
“After the money comes through, it should be able to help us settle parents’ bonds,” she said.
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China KOLs banned for posing as wives of Dubai royalty to sell subpar household items
By Zoey Zhang
Influencers in China who posed as “Middle Eastern princesses” to market “royal” lifestyle products have had their accounts banned on mainland social media platforms, igniting widespread attention.
Luo Jialin, a popular Douyin KOL with 100,000 followers, shared a video in front of a luxurious villa, dressed in an elegant gold evening gown and adorned with a striking jade necklace, with her arm around an Arab-looking man.
Luo claimed: “My husband is a young prince from a wealthy and influential Saudi family. I’m over four months pregnant.”
She also mentioned her plans to relocate to Saudi Arabia with her husband soon, stating she is selling off “hundreds of millions in assets” in China at a loss to give back to her fans.
During her live-stream, Luo offered various items labelled as “French perfume” and “British royal laundry detergent”, all priced under 50 yuan (US$7).
Many viewers expressed scepticism about the products, commenting: “Why are the prince and princess selling ordinary items instead of luxury goods?”
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By Zoey Zhang
Influencers in China who posed as “Middle Eastern princesses” to market “royal” lifestyle products have had their accounts banned on mainland social media platforms, igniting widespread attention.
Luo Jialin, a popular Douyin KOL with 100,000 followers, shared a video in front of a luxurious villa, dressed in an elegant gold evening gown and adorned with a striking jade necklace, with her arm around an Arab-looking man.
Luo claimed: “My husband is a young prince from a wealthy and influential Saudi family. I’m over four months pregnant.”
She also mentioned her plans to relocate to Saudi Arabia with her husband soon, stating she is selling off “hundreds of millions in assets” in China at a loss to give back to her fans.
During her live-stream, Luo offered various items labelled as “French perfume” and “British royal laundry detergent”, all priced under 50 yuan (US$7).
Many viewers expressed scepticism about the products, commenting: “Why are the prince and princess selling ordinary items instead of luxury goods?”
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By Agence France-Presse
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his visit to cyclone-devastated Mayotte on Friday after angry residents vented exasperation and despair over the scale of the disaster.
Locals jeered and shouted their grievances Thursday during Macron’s visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago, five days after Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in its wake.
“I decided to sleep here because I considered that given what the population is going through,” leaving the same day could have “installed the idea that we come, we look, we leave,” he told reporters late Thursday.
“It is a mark of respect, of consideration.”
Emergency teams are still working at full pace, searching for survivors and supplying desperately-needed aid.Damage in the Kaweni slum on the outskirts of Mamoudzou, Mayotte. Photo: AFP
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Hong Kong police arrest 39 who allegedly staged accidents to claim funds
By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong police have arrested 39 people suspected of staging 33 traffic accidents to falsely claim around HK$2 million (US$257,4167) in government funds granted to victims of injury.
The force on Friday said it had arrested 24 men and 15 women involved in making false claims from the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme under the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
In the largest case, one suspect falsely claimed over HK$100,000 in financial assistance.
The suspects, aged between 19 to 48 and including salespeople, logistic workers and administrative staff, were arrested between December 16 and 19 under suspicion of fraud and conspiracy to defraud.
“Earlier this year, an internal audit by the SWD found fraudsters using doctored documents, including fake medical certificates, to apply for the scheme,” Senior Inspector Lam Tsz-lim of Kowloon West regional crime unit, said.
“Investigations by the police found that these claims were linked to a syndicate which stages traffic accidents. One such accident involved 13 people.”
He added that the department did not issue any financial assistance related to the 33 traffic accidents.
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By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong police have arrested 39 people suspected of staging 33 traffic accidents to falsely claim around HK$2 million (US$257,4167) in government funds granted to victims of injury.
The force on Friday said it had arrested 24 men and 15 women involved in making false claims from the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme under the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
In the largest case, one suspect falsely claimed over HK$100,000 in financial assistance.
The suspects, aged between 19 to 48 and including salespeople, logistic workers and administrative staff, were arrested between December 16 and 19 under suspicion of fraud and conspiracy to defraud.
“Earlier this year, an internal audit by the SWD found fraudsters using doctored documents, including fake medical certificates, to apply for the scheme,” Senior Inspector Lam Tsz-lim of Kowloon West regional crime unit, said.
“Investigations by the police found that these claims were linked to a syndicate which stages traffic accidents. One such accident involved 13 people.”
He added that the department did not issue any financial assistance related to the 33 traffic accidents.
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By SCMP
We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
As US president-elect Donald Trump forms his hawk-filled cabinet, what might China do to counter and deflect a barrage of blows?
The People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) electronic warfare unit has produced a list of targets for a coordinated attack against US aircraft carrier strike groups.
Five anti-dandruff shampoos sold in Hong Kong contain substances banned in the EU for being potentially harmful to fetuses and reproductive systems, the consumer watchdog has found.The five brands found to contain the substances are Hair Corner, Mentholatum, Petal Fresh Pure, Clear and Philip B. Photo: Consumer Council
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Malaysian influencer Kim Seri denies fleeing to Japan as South Korea tour losses rise
By The Star
Malaysian social media influencer Kim Seri has denied fleeing to Japan over allegations of a fraudulent travel package she managed.
Kim Seri, whose real name is Seri Azlina, said she is ready to cooperate with the authorities following police reports and almost half a million ringgit in losses linked to the South Korea tour package scandal, Sinar Harian reported.
“I never intended to run to Japan, and I never planned to live in Japan. I am still in Korea.
“I am still here [in Korea] cooperating with any investigations conducted on me,” she said in an Instagram post on Thursday.
The Seoul-based Malaysian influencer recently issued a public apology and promised to refund customers affected by issues arising from her South Korea travel packages.
A video went viral recently showing a woman claiming to be one of Kim Seri’s victims.
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By The Star
Malaysian social media influencer Kim Seri has denied fleeing to Japan over allegations of a fraudulent travel package she managed.
Kim Seri, whose real name is Seri Azlina, said she is ready to cooperate with the authorities following police reports and almost half a million ringgit in losses linked to the South Korea tour package scandal, Sinar Harian reported.
“I never intended to run to Japan, and I never planned to live in Japan. I am still in Korea.
“I am still here [in Korea] cooperating with any investigations conducted on me,” she said in an Instagram post on Thursday.
The Seoul-based Malaysian influencer recently issued a public apology and promised to refund customers affected by issues arising from her South Korea travel packages.
A video went viral recently showing a woman claiming to be one of Kim Seri’s victims.
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US says it doubled number of its troops in Syria before Assad’s fall
By Associated Press
The United States has more than doubled the number of its forces in Syria to fight Islamic State – a dramatic increase that the Pentagon revealed Thursday, acknowledging that the added troops have been there for months or even more than a year.
The US had said for years that there were about 900 troops in Syria, but Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, acknowledged there were roughly 2,000 there now.
The Pentagon was asked repeatedly about the US presence in Syria in the wake of the chaotic overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. It did not disclose the increase and instead kept repeating the 900 figure.
Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Ryder said the additional forces had been in Syria “at a minimum months – it’s been going on for awhile”. He said he only just learned the new number and that the increase was not related to the ouster of Assad or any hike in attacks either by or against Isis.
Pentagon officials said they were working to nail down the timing of the increase and what exactly the additional forces were doing.
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By Associated Press
The United States has more than doubled the number of its forces in Syria to fight Islamic State – a dramatic increase that the Pentagon revealed Thursday, acknowledging that the added troops have been there for months or even more than a year.
The US had said for years that there were about 900 troops in Syria, but Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, acknowledged there were roughly 2,000 there now.
The Pentagon was asked repeatedly about the US presence in Syria in the wake of the chaotic overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. It did not disclose the increase and instead kept repeating the 900 figure.
Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Ryder said the additional forces had been in Syria “at a minimum months – it’s been going on for awhile”. He said he only just learned the new number and that the increase was not related to the ouster of Assad or any hike in attacks either by or against Isis.
Pentagon officials said they were working to nail down the timing of the increase and what exactly the additional forces were doing.
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7 scientists, mathematicians, physicists and experts who moved to China in 2024
By SCMP
Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest stories about scientists in China this year. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
After three decades of distinguished work in the United States, world-leading cancer researcher Sun Shao-Cong has returned to China to establish a new lab in Beijing, following what a source said were investigations of him by the US government.
French physicist and Nobel laureate Gérard Mourou has joined Peking University’s school of physics as a chair professor, where he is expected to play a “crucial role” in the establishment of an institute focused on research and international collaborations.
Award-winning Japanese mathematician Kenji Fukaya has left Stony Brook University in the US to join China’s Tsinghua University as a full-time professor.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By SCMP
Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest stories about scientists in China this year. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
After three decades of distinguished work in the United States, world-leading cancer researcher Sun Shao-Cong has returned to China to establish a new lab in Beijing, following what a source said were investigations of him by the US government.
French physicist and Nobel laureate Gérard Mourou has joined Peking University’s school of physics as a chair professor, where he is expected to play a “crucial role” in the establishment of an institute focused on research and international collaborations.
Award-winning Japanese mathematician Kenji Fukaya has left Stony Brook University in the US to join China’s Tsinghua University as a full-time professor.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
