The Government is preparing to roll out a pilot scheme for charging land premium at standard rates in a bid to boost the redevelopment of industrial buildings. What impact will the scheme have on the use of land resources in Hong Kong? How can the Government win the confidence of different stakeholders in the scheme?

To boost local consumption, the Government is planning to issue electronic consumption vouchers worth $5,000 to each eligible Hong Kong resident aged 18 or above. Taiwan government distributed consumption vouchers to their residents in the wake of the 2008 financial tsunami in order to revitalise the economy. Yet, after studying the economic data over that time, two Taiwan scholars revealed that the economic benefits of the scheme did not live up to expectations. What can the Government learn from Taiwan’s experience?

All kindergartens, primary and secondary schools have suspended face-to-face classes and school activities during the pandemic. Students staying at home for prolonged periods can pose challenges to maintaining physical and mental health. For example, lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits can cause overweight problems. As it is currently difficult for schools and social institutions to provide substantive support face-to-face, parents have a bigger role to play in helping their children stay healthy.

Hong Kong's tourism industry development has already undergone a bottleneck long before the epidemic. Unless there is a breakthrough innovation, the industry will lose its competitiveness gradually. To step forward, Hong Kong should review its position as a ‘shoppers’ paradise’.

The competition between different social media platforms is fierce nowadays, providing plenty of choices for people to ‘migrate’ from one platform to another. Some users have even gotten used to be active on multiple platforms and become ‘social nomads’. The culture has been reshaping the business model of social media.

As the Government prepares to release the new annual budget, some scholars and legislators suggested raising the stamp duty rate on stock transaction to increase government revenue. The suggestion, however, has drawn polarised reactions. What are the potential impacts of adjusting the tax rate?