Issuu

THE YOUNG REPORTER Volume 70 June 2026 The sting of rising fuel costs Shared bikes raise questions of accountability

Non-local couples flock to marry in Hong Kong

50th HK SEVENS OPENS WITH SOME 30,000 SPECTATORS

Letter From The Editor In this issue, The Young Reporter set out to uncover stories through statistics. We looked beyond the numbers and spoke with those whose lives are directly shaped and impacted by them.   Our features include an increase of non-local couples getting married in Hong Kong and local schools facing closure as enrolment drops, as well as the impact of the skyrocketing fuel costs on various industries in the city, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran.    As the oldest student newspaper in Hong Kong, we are a place for students to learn from one another, gaining both the practical skills and mindset of professional journalists. We seek to give voice to the voiceless, telling the world about Hong Kong and Hong Kong about the world. Read on. Kind regards, Zoey Zhang Yiping Editor in Chief EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Zoey Zhang REPORTS Amy Shi Ann Cheung Anne Baguio Anny Zheng Asher Li Beiyu Cao Carlos Li Chloe Ma Cindy Xie Cindy Yang Elaine Wu Elaine Zheng Faye Lo Jackie Xi Jodie Ng Lorraine Man Naomi Peng Olivia Li Pann Hhin Nay Chi Reena Liu Roys Zhang Shelly Rong Talja Blumenthal

DEPUTY EDITORS Bono Leung Henry Siu Kate Chan Sean Cheng SOCIAL MEDIA Laura Lou Luna Lau ART Quincy Qin Suri Yang ADVISORS Mimi Lau Robin Ewing PUBILSHER Zhong Bu PRINTER Win Fung Production

EDITORS Audrey Fu Anny Chau Betty Lan Darcy Ye Henry Li Howard Chen Jamie Yam Jennifer Yu Nathan Leung Richard Chen Shirley Zhou Sofina Zheng Stephen Feng PRINT ADDRESS Flat F, 12/F, Block 3, Golden Dragon Ind. Centre, 172-180 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, N. T., Hong Kong

3-4

15 schools, one record blow: the struggles of zero primary one classes in Hong Kong

5-7

Abused and abandoned, shared bikes raise questions of accountability

8-11

50th HK Sevens opens with some 30,000 spectators

12-16

More non-local couples choose to say “I Do” in Hong Kong

17-19

Hong Kong’s abandonment crisis leaves dog shelters overcrowded and dogs facing uncertain futures

20-22

Red minibus drivers struggle as ridership plunges and fuel costs rise

23-25

CONTENTS

Rising fuel costs sting Hong Kong on everything from cars to laundry

OIL PRICE

RISING FUEL COSTS STING HONG KONG ON EVERYTHING FROM CARS TO LAUNDRY Reported by: Roys Zhang Jiahe, Carlos Li Jinyang Edited by: Howard Chen Ziyu

arcus Kan, 29, sits restlessly in his car on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, stuck in heavy traffic as he waits to cross into Zhuhai. Once there, he hopes to fill up at lower fuel prices than Hong Kong, where he lives.

Petrol prices in Hong Kong have risen since the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps closed the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israel airstrikes on Feb 28. Prices have surged by 11.3% over the past two months, climbing from HK$29.24 in early

Kan said nearly all his friends who own vehicles have tried refuelling in mainland China at least once. “The control points are sometimes congested nowadays, which likely means more cars are crossing the border,” said Kan.

Local gasoline prices have been rising steadily, affected by international factors. (Roys Zhang Jiahe)

“I go to the mainland for fuel once a week. Since the outbreak of the Iran war, the petrol price difference between the mainland and Hong Kong has widened steadily. Even factoring in the fuel cost of commuting back and forth, it’s still more economical to refuel in the mainland,” Kan said. 3

March to a record high of HK$32.54 per litre as of May 1. “It’s a popular trend among my social circles. It only takes 50 minutes for a single trip from Hong Kong to Zhuhai, so I quite enjoy the trip,” he added.

Global crude oil prices have surged over 53% since the war began, US$120.55 per barrel. Fluctuations in crude oil prices directly impact its derivatives, such as petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas.

To ease the pressure of rising fuel prices, the Hong Kong government made a 50% tunnel toll reduction for commercial vehicles following a special meeting in April, though it still has not announced any price controls or subsidies for private car owners. “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz transportation route will affect 20% to 30% of global oil supply, which would cause a significant short-term impact on Hong Kong,” said Billy Mak Sui-choi, an associate professor at Hong Kong Baptist University’s department of accountancy, economics and finance. “Lacking local natural resources, Hong Kong is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international crude prices, which can be directly reflected in local transportation costs, including airfares, ferry tickets and retail fuel prices,” Mak added. Hong Kong-based airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express and Greater Bay Airlines, have each announced adjustments on fuel surcharges to hedge rising costs on fuel. Cathay Pacific hiked fuel surcharges by 174% across its network: shorthaul flights jumped from HK$142 to HK$389; medium-haul routes rose from HK$264 to HK$725; and long-haul surged from HK$569 to HK$1,560. The sharp increases have disrupted local travellers’ plans. “Rising energy costs on flights have definitely impacted my travel plans,” Liu Hiu-tung, 20, a student from Hong Kong Baptist University, said.

Local airlines respond actively to the flow of international oil prices. Sources: Airlines: CX, HKA & GBA official press releases; Brent Crude Spot Price Index.

She changed her mind on booking previously accounted for 10-20% of a direct flight to Tokyo, turning to expenses but now exceed 26% due a connecting flight instead, which to rising oil prices, Chow said. saved her HK$300. “The government currently proGovernment-overseen transport de- vides a subsidy of HK$3 per litre for partments have also increased fares. diesel oil. Although it can’t fix all the The Transport Department an- problems, it does benefit some comnounced adjustments for six major panies, which demonstrates that outlying island ferry routes; single the government is indeed doing its tickets for the routes from Central part,” Chow said. to Cheung Chau, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan have increased The laundry industry has considby 12.5%. ered emergency plans, including compressing production time, highHong Kong’s commercial laundry er service fees, implementing staff industry has proposed a fuel sur- rotations and downsizing to miticharge to cope with diesel prices, gate the threat of rising fuel costs. which power boilers for steam. Chow said he hopes the govern“Our industry only has a slim prof- ment will strengthen oversight on it margin of around 10%. The sharp the prices. increase of costs pushed our industry to the brink of collapse,” said “To ensure businesses operate Chow Hon-keung, 65, the president normally, I think the government of the Hong Kong Laundry Mer- should oversee whether the price chants Association. hikes are driven by genuine needs instead of trying to make windfall Energy costs in the laundry sector profits,” Chow added. 4

EDUCATION

15 SCHOOLS ONE RECORD BLOW: THE STRUGGLES OF ZERO PRIMARY ONE CLASSES IN HONG KONG Reported by: Shelly Rong Miu-tung, Anny Zheng Wu Edited by: Stephen Feng Zhenpeng

“I

can’t bear to leave… It feels empty, as if losing friends,” said Ally Chen, 11, a primary five student at Fresh Fish Traders’ School in Tai Kok Tsui, which was nearly closed due to low enrolment.

The potential school closures leave schools, teachers and students worried about heavier workloads and the loss of familiar school communities as they navigate an uncertain future.

Hong Kong’s student population has been shrinking rapidly. Primary school enrolment fell from 373,228 students in the 2019/20 school year to 319,447 in the

Fresh Fish Traders’ School has one class per grade for grades one to three, and two classes each for grades four to six. (Shelly Rong Miu-tung)

On March 17, the Hong Kong Education Bureau announced that a record 15 public and subsidised primary schools across 10 districts, including Fresh Fish Traders’ School, would have no primary one classes for the next academic year because they failed to enrol the minimum of 16 students. 5

Fresh Fish Traders’ School previously faced enrolment shortages in 2004 and 2007, but managed to turn things around. This time, however, rather than closing its doors, the school announced in March that it plans to merge with another school in the district, although the partner’s name has not yet been disclosed.

2024/25 school year, a decrease of 14.4%, according to the Bureau. Education Secretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin said in a media briefing in March that the number of students participating in the primary one allocation for 2026/27 had fallen by 4,000 compared with previous year.

cipal of Fresh Fish Traders’ School, said a closure would be especially hard on current transfer students, who face limited transition opportunities if they lack any local assessment results. The school, known for supporting children from low-income families and welcoming students from diverse cultural backgrounds, has long helped these students to integrate. EDB Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre receives annual funding

He added that changing schools at from the Education Bureau and primarily organises educational exhibithis stage may disrupt established friendships and support networks, tions. (Shelly Rong Miu-tung) forcing students to adapt to new Experts point to Hong Kong’s falling schools will be able to choose their teachers, rules and environments. birth rate. According to the Census merging partners based on shared The Education Bureau has urged and Statistics Department, the num- values, interests, and a mutual willschools to make early arrangements ber of births in 2025 dropped to a ingness to cooperate. The bureau so that students can complete their record low of 31,714, a 14% decrease described this as the most feasible primary education without unnecfrom the previous year. way to consolidate resources under essary transfers. current circumstances. “Emigration of young families has Among the 15 affected schools, nine certainly contributed to the decline However, Koo added that differenchave applied for merger; four plan to in school enrolment, but its impact es in resources, reputation and acaphase out or cease operations by the is secondary compared to the per- demic performance of schools can 2029/30 school year at the latest; one sistently low local birth rate,” said lead to power imbalances in mergintends to run private primary one Anita Koo Ching-wah, a professor ers, impacting decisions on campus classes; and the remaining school, at the Faculty of Arts and Social Scilocation and teacher retention. which benefited from previous Eduences, Hong Kong Baptist Univercation Bureau facilitation measures sity. “Uncertainty about when and Sze Chi-kin, the 56-year-old prin- for merged schools, has been granthow many young families emigrate or cross-border students enrol also adds to the issue.” Five Districts Business Welfare Association School, one of the affected schools and also the alma mater of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, said in an email reply that it is actively exploring follow-up options, with student well-being as the top priority. This follows an announcement in March that it plans to merge rather than close. According to the Education Bureau,

Five Districts Business Welfare Association School was assigned zero classes this academic year. (Anny Zheng Wu)

If the merged school fails to secure a subsidised primary one class within its first three years, it may receive a one-time exemption to continue participating in the allocation exercise for an additional year. Tong Wai-yee, 49, an English teacher at Fresh Fish Traders’ School, said the “zero-class” decision came as a real shock to her.

Ally Chen, a primary five student at Fresh Fish Traders’ School, says each class has approximately 24 students, including students from various cultural backgrounds. (Shelly Rong Miu-tung)

ed an examption to participate in the 2027 allocation. According to the Education Bureau, the government’s “soft landing” policy aims to address the structural decline in the school-age population by adjusting the number of schools. This allows the education ecosystem to adapt to changes while reallocat-

ing and integrating existing resources. For merger proposals, the Education Bureau offers a one-off grant of up to HK$1 million to cover additional expenses and allows the retention of surplus teachers during the threeyear transition period.

“Obviously, we were sad,” she said. “No students have left so far, but fewer teachers next year would mean heavier workloads.” Although primary six student Kitty Yang said her last year remains unaffected, she worries the school’s merger will be difficult for students. “I cannot just dump this mess on someone else,” Sze said. “So, I will continue working until everything is settled, turn 58, and only then will I retire.”

Parents of Five Districts Business Welfare Association School pick up their children after school as usual. (Anny Zheng Wu)

SHARED BIKE

ABUSED AND ABANDONED, SHARED BIKES RAISE QUESTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY Reported by: Bono Leung Chi Ngai, Kate Chan Hiu Ying Edited by: Zoey Zhang Yiping

One of the specified parking areas for Locobike near Tai Wo Plaza, Tai Po, offers around 10 slots for parking. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

he scene at Tsuen Wan Riviera Wong Wai‑tung, a Tai Po district Park on Feb. 18 was not what councillor. “The way you leave bikes morning joggers expected. like this; I no longer see them as something valuable.” 13 shared bikes from Locobike, the city’s largest bike-sharing operator, Vandalism of shared bikes has been were found soaking in sea water, a recurring problem in Hong Kong lodged against the breakwaters. since 2017, when the first sharedbike service, Gobee.bike, launched This is not an isolated incident. On in the New Territories – the city’s Jan. 15, video went viral on Threads largest region with the most extenshowing a cyclist deliberately throw- sive newtwork of cycling tracks. ing a Locobike into a river. Within four days of launch, four “These are basically rubbish,” said bikes were found dumped in the

Shing Mun River. The operator shut down a year later, citing lack of profit. Shared bikes offer a greener transport mode for residents, but regulating shared bikes remains an uphill battle. Wong helps handle complaints regarding dumped and illegally parked shared bikes in Tai Po. “We sometimes receive reports from residents, especially at weekends, 8

saying they’ve seen shared bikes in the river or left blocking pavements,” Wong said. “There are about two to three such complaints every month.” The problem is more severe in districts with larger cycling networks in the New Territories, such as Tuen Mun, Tseung Kwan O and Shatin, he added. There are now two active shared bike operators in Hong Kong — LocoBike, which has operated since 2017, and HelloRide, launched in 2025. According to Echo Lu, a HelloRide spokesperson, more than 300 HelloRide bikes have been damaged in the past year, about 10% of its fleet. “The challenges in Hong Kong are more complex than in other markets like Singapore and Malaysia, due to its unique urban density and road conditions,” Lu said. When HelloRide receives a report of a damaged bike, patrol teams assess whether it can be repaired. Bikes beyond repair, such as those dumped

Wong Wai-tung, a Tai Po district councillor, says the problem is more severe in areas with cycling paths in Tai Po, such as along the banks of the Lam Tsuen River. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

in rivers, are sometimes left or re- from public funds, meaning taxpayported to the police. Bikes with is- ers bear the burden, Wong said. sues are collected and sent to HelloAmid growing concern over the Ride’s warehouse for maintenance. problem, Yuen Hui-ying, 22, along Lu said it is difficult to punish of- with four of her social work classfenders because doing so would re- mates from Hong Kong Shue Yan quire significant operational costs University, initiated a six-week and police resources. “We’ve in- community project “Hello_Loco” creased patrols in various districts, on Instagram to promote the proper use of shared bikes. but some people deliberately avoid these times to damage bikes.” The group recorded 103 responses from surveys and vox pops in Tuen The cost of government clean-up Mun, which they consider to have operations is ultimately paid out more illegal parking issues. “Some people said the cause of damaged bikes is a lack of individuals’ civic-mindedness, but we also believe there is a causal link between illegal parking and the damage to shared bikes,” Yuen said. “The reason might be: I hate shared bikes. Why don’t I like them? Because I feel they are in my way,” she added.

Shared bike operators Locobike and HelloRide have rolled out their bikes in the New Territories, especially in areas with cycling tracks.

Anyone who leaves a bike in a public place which obstructs,

inconveniences or endangers any person or vehicle is liable to a fine of HK$25,000 or imprisonment for three months, according to the Summary Offences Ordinance. The law is difficult to enforce because police cannot be on the streets to catch every case of illegal parking, Wong said. Lu said many places have no CCTV. “So it’s often more difficult for the police to catch offenders afterwards,” she said. Yuen and her team suggest creating more designated parking spaces for shared bikes, similar to Singapore. In Singapore, the government licenses more than 20,000 parking spaces for shared bikes and requires users to scan a QR code at the station to prevent illegal parking. But Lu said it would be difficult to adopt such measures in Hong Kong, as it involves land rights issues.

Yuen Hui-ying, 22 (first from right), and her classmates chose shared bikes as their project after noticing repeated complaints and news reports about vandalism and improper parking. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

The student group conducted site visits in various districts and found several abandoned, damaged and illegally parked shared bikes in Tuen Mun. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Among 60,000 public parking spaces, around two-thirds of public bicycle parking sites are under the Transport Department’s management, while the rest are managed by three other departments, according to the government. These parking areas are open to both private and shared bikes. “Not all public parking places are designated for shared bikes. And it is also difficult to introduce QR codes at the parking sites, as it is not decided by a single department,” Lu said. Instead, HelloRide and Locobike are

Shared bikes block the pavement near Tai Mei Tuk in Tai Po on a public holiday, a popular cycling destination. (Kate Chan Hiu-ying)

working with housing estates to create designated shared-bike parking areas, with more than 20 sites for Locobike and four for HelloRide. But these designated spaces remain limited. Hello_Loco also suggests requiring users to take a picture before returning a bike to ensure it is parked correctly.

LocoBike, meanwhile, imposes a HK$50 fine for the first violation and HK$100 for subsequent ones. It also uses a credit score system, with every user starting at 100 points; mistakes lead to point deductions with loss of access once the score drops to zero.

“The government needs to further

“Despite this, there are always people who break the rules,” Lu said.

mented land issues and inadequate

enhance public education,” said Wong, “as well as potentially review the licences for shared bike operators to make sure they take responsibility.” With limited parking space, fragpublic education, it remains ques-

In Hong Kong, shared bikes are recommended to be parked at public bicycle parking sites with specified signs set up by the government and shared bike companies. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

“This may be possible but it would require significant manpower to check all the images when there are thousands of rides every day,” Lu said. No-parking zones are indicated by red boxes in HelloRide’s app. For each user, the first two parking violations in these areas are exempted, but a third violation results in a HK$50 penalty. Parking outside the operating zone incurs HK$100. 11

“We even found two of our bikes in Shenzhen. We have reported such cross-border incidents to the police." To this day, Wong still finds shared bikes from companies that have already left Hong Kong, abandoned within housing estates. “In the end, it’s up to the owners’ corporation and residents to bear the removal costs,” he said.

tionable whether bike companies are equipped with the means to battle the regulation challenge. “Besides stepping up patrols and working with the police, we continue to educate users about correct parking practices through social media and our apps, while also exploring technology-based solutions to encourage proper parking,” said Lu.

HONG KONG SEVENS

50th HK SEVENS OPENS WITH SOME 30,000 SPECTATORS Reported by: Reena Liu Rui, Bono Leung Chi-ngai Edited by: Kate Chan Hiu-ying

he annual mega event Hong Kong Sevens returns to Kai Tak Stadium on April 17, marking its 50th anniversary and drawing some 30,000 spectators on its opening day.

Laser projections across the pitch showcased all past participating nations and regions, as well as the names of rugby sevens legends, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

The three‑day tournament features 30 teams competing in 72 matches, On the first day, the Hong Kong with more than 100,000 spectators team faced Denmark and China. expected to attend. The men’s team secured a 36–14 win over China, while the women’s side The opening ceremony featured a staged a comeback to draw 14–14 dragon dance and a performance with Denmark. by robots, cheerleaders, and singers from South Korea and the Philip- Local based rugby fans Heidi Gysler and her husband Andre Gysler have pines.

attended matches in several countries and returned to Kai Tak Stadium for the second consecutive year. Gysler described this year’s event as noticeably better organised than last year, with more staff on hand to help spectators. She added that people had seemed quite lost during last year’s tournament, but the experience felt much smoother this time. “The emotion that flows is unbelievable. Everyone is calling, chanting for Hong Kong,” she said.

Fans in the adults-only South Stand cheer as the Hong Kong China men’s team scores against China at Kai Tak Stadium on the opening day of the Hong Kong Sevens 2026. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Hong Kong Sevens 2026 is one of the Hong Kong Mega Eight, a collection of eight international events promoted by the Tourism Board in March and April. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

A dragon dance opens the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium, adding a traditional cultural element to the tournament’s 50th anniversary. (Reena Liu Rui)

The Australian and the US team run onto the pitch on the first day of the Hong Kong Sevens. (Bono Leung Chingai)

Fans applaud the Hong Kong men’s team during their match against China. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Lachie Mcgowan (left), a 20-year-old from England who has lived in Hong Kong for seven years, describes the atmosphere as ‘electric’, adding that many attend to party and socialise. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Cheerleaders perform near the South Stand along Primrose. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Fans at the front of the South Stand cheer as the Hong Kong team scores during their match against Denmark. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Damo, a 53-year-old professional wrestler from New Zealand who lives in Japan, says he attends the Hong Kong Sevens every year and describes it as an annual

David Brown, a 60-year-old banker based in Hong Kong, wears a Labubu costume to the Sevens after losing a bet with his friend on a football match. He

“Christmas” event for him. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

says more than 100 people have asked to take pho-

A woman in a school uniform dances on the stairs

Members of the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir

of the South Stand during the men’s match between

sing in a concourse at Kai Tak Stadium. (Reena Liu

New Zealand and the US. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

Rui)

Heidi Gysler (right), a 60-year-old podiatrist wears a

Anders van Duinen (middle) and his friends react in

daffodil headpiece and holds a Wales flag alongside

the South Stand during the Hong Kong women’s

her husband Andre Gysler. She says the dragon on

team match against Denmark. (Bono Leung Chi-

the flag reflects traditional Chinese symbolism.

ngai)

tos with him. (Bono Leung Chi-ngai)

(Reena Liu Rui)

NON-LOCAL MARRIAGE

MORE NON-LOCAL COUPLES CHOOSE TO SAY “I DO” IN HONG KONG Reported by: Suri Yang Shuyi, Laura Lou Zhengzheng Edited by: Quincy Qin Ziyang

At the marriage, Li Shiman’s parents attended as witnesses, and friends from both sides were also present for the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Li Shiman)

n Halloween in 2025, Li Shiman, 28, married her boyfriend of five months at the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry. The decision to get married in Hong Kong was to expedite their U.S. visa applications so they could catch NBA star Stephen Curry’s game before his retirement.

pleting his master’s degree for a year. “U.S. visa applications are more likely to be approved in Hong Kong than in the mainland,” she said. “We’re both Curry’s fans and want to see him play in person before his retirement.”

Hong Kong has become an increasingly popular destination for overBefore getting married, Li lived in seas couples tying the knot for its suGuangzhou and only held a Hong perior legal protection and relatively Kong tourist visa, while her boy- easy administrative procedures. friend had been working as a project manager for two years after com- Latest data from the Hong Kong 17

Census and Statistics Department shows that marriages between two non-locals or among Hongkongers who paired up with foreigners increased from 2,889 to 5,071 from 2021 to 2024, representing an astonishing growth of 75.5% in just four years. While the data did not indicate a detailed home country breakdown among the couples, there has been a growing number of social media accounts and posts on mainland platforms, like RedNote, sharing related

service information and experience for couples to be wedded in the city. Many mainland couples like Li and her husband chose Hong Kong for its ease of overseas visa applications. According to the U.S. Department of State, only applicants who have a Hong Kong ID card right after getting married. Having a legal right to stay in Hong Kong makes it relatively easier to find a job,” Li said. Among all non-local couples, many have a personal connection to Hong Kong, whether through their previous or current studies and jobs. Mia Nurmamat, 27, from Xinjiang, now works in Hong Kong as a reporter. She married her husband in Hong Kong last year, who is a business consultant holding dual citizenship of Spain and France. Both of them hold the Hong Kong work visa.

Top 8 RedNote search results for “marriage registration for nonHongkongers in Hong Kong” on May 2.

Beijing-based lawyer Wei Gang noted the differences in marriage laws in Hong Kong and China might “In contrast, it would be much more make a difference for young couples complicated on the mainland. We when deciding their marriage’s deshad to present his certificate of sin- tination. gle status and his birth certificate,” While the Hong Kong marriage au- “In the mainland, men can register “The registration process in Hong thority accepts local single-status for marriage at age 22 and women Kong is very simple. We both went oaths, mainland authorities require at age 20, whereas in Hong Kong, a to the register directly with our an apostilled foreign Certificate of person can already marry at 16 with parental consent,” said Wei. non-permanent Hong Kong ID Absence of Marriage Record. cards – it was quick and convenient,” she said.

Nurmamat and her husband, who are planning to move to Shanghai, also planned to notarise their marriage for her husband’s residency and job prospects in China. “Once he has legal mainland residency, his chances of finding a job on the mainland will be better,” Nurmamat said.

The Wedding Expo was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 20 to 22. (Suri Yang Shuyi)

On the mainland, the community property system treats marriage-acquired property as jointly owned. Courts would distribute property upon divorce under Article 1087 18

the first year of marriage. Qiao, who often felt tempted to divorce her second husband, said Hong Kong’s marriage law forced the couple to work out their differences. “Hong Kong law constantly reminds us that we cannot get a divorce within the first year. Since we have chosen each other, no matter what the problems are, we must work together to find solutions rather than end it,” she said.

Mia Nurmamat and her husband got married at the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry in Admiralty on Dec. 31, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mia Nurmamat)

of the Civil Code, which prioritises children, the wife, and the non-breaching party.

relationship and make me feel more comfortable about re-entering marriage,” she added.

Hong Kong follows a separate property system, under which each spouse owns the property registered in his or her name. Upon divorce, courts may redistribute it based on financial needs, earning capacity, and contributions to the family, according to Section 7(1) of the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Ordinance.

She moved to Hong Kong after marrying her second husband and obtained a temporary identity card through the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme last year. Qiao now works as a freelance designer.

Mainlander Olivia Qiao, 32, said her husband wanted to register their marriage in Hong Kong as he believed Hong Kong’s marriage laws would give her more protection. “I had a failed marriage in mainland China because my ex-husband had an affair, so I lost my desire for marriage,” said Qiao. “More legal protection can also give me a greater sense of security in this 19

“In mainland China, the law tends to protect the party with better assets, whereas in Hong Kong, it tends to protect the relatively disadvantaged party,” she said. Qiao said that under mainland law, the system for spousal support can only be claimed when one party is facing financial hardship. Wei, the Beijing lawyer, noted that divorces in the mainland allow mutual consent or litigation, but Hong Kong courts require litigation and reject divorce petitions filed within

“It gave us time to face the challenges of our relationship and grow together,” she added. “It gave us time to face the challenges of our relationship and grow together,” she added. Other couples said they chose to marry in Hong Kong as they also valued its ceremonial registration process. Nurmamat said her husband places great importance on the ceremony, and Hong Kong’s registration ceremony in traditional British style was another reason they chose to register there. Nurmamat said her husband places great importance on the ceremony, and Hong Kong’s registration ceremony in traditional British style was another reason they chose to register there. “Although you receive a stamped certificate when registering on the mainland, the flimsy piece of paper issued in Hong Kong actually feels more solemn to me and makes me respect this marriage even more,” she said.

PETS

HONG KONG’s ABANDONMENT CRISIS LEAVES DOG SHELTERS OVERCROWDED AND DOGS FACING UBCERTAIN FUTURES Reported by: Elaine Wu Sitan, Naomi Peng Yixin Edited by: Darcy Ye Enyi

eafening barks and whimpers echo daily behind rows of metal fences, where more than 300 dogs - kept in groups of three to four each - are housed in kennels of about two square meters at Hong Kong Dog Rescue’s Tai Po shelter. Together with another 200-plus medium to large-sized dogs at its Ap Lei Chau home, these shelters are bursting at the seams. This is only too common a picture for many of the city’s 37 registered animal welfare organisations, which are struggling to keep up with Hong Kong’s rising abandonment rate and a declining adoption rate.

From 2022 to 2024, the number of abandoned animals in Hong Kong rose from 426 to 571, according to a Legco research report. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the government body managing wildlife, transferred 480 cats and 995 dogs to local animal welfare organisations during the same time period, according to a response report from the controlling office of AFCD.

arrangements after the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2017 and 2023, the number of pet dogs and cats in Hong Kong peaked in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the same Legco research report. “People were more flexible to take care of a pet because they had more time at home and they needed companionship at that time,” Wong said.

However, the adoption rate dropped from 47.9% to 41% for dogs and 49% to 39.9% for cats.

“But after the pandemic, they have to work in the office again and no longer have time to care for their Yannie Wong of Hong Kong Dog pets,” she added. Rescue said one of the major reasons April Yip, the founder of Home for for the rising abandonment rate The rising abandonment rate and Homeless Dogs, said their non-prof- was the end of work-from-home decreasing adoption rate also lead it dog shelter is now full after taking in an extra 100 dogs beyond its original capacity of 230 last year. “Animal shelters across Hong Kong are all struggling with full capacity,” she said. To make what seems a losing battle even worse, many adopted dogs are often returned by their adopters for trivial reasons. Not only do these returned adoptions stretch the resource-thin shelters even further, Hong Kong’s abandoned animal numbers rose between 2022 and 2024, but they also put dogs at risk of be- while cat and dog rehoming rates fluctuated over the same period, with cats ending at 39.9% and dogs at 41%. (Naomi Peng Yixin) ing euthanised unnecessarily. 20

to an increased risk of dogs being euthanised. Ruffle, a mixed-breed Chinese rural dog, was once at risk of euthanasia after being abandoned. Wong said Ruffle was once adopted by a young couple during an HKDR adoption event in 2019. The couple broke up in 2023, and Ruffle remained in the care of the male owner since the female owner was in an economic situation that was not suitable for continuing to keep pets. Yip said that from 2023 to 2025, the adoption rate of the dogs in its shelHowever, the male owner frequently sent Ruffle to different friends’ homes for foster care. Ruffle then developed aggressive behaviour, and the male owner decided to have her euthanised. “Ruffle had aggressive behaviour due to the fear of separation; she is actually a little bit nervous but not that dangerous if people build up the bonding with her,” Wong said.

ter has dropped by about 20% every year. (Elaine Wu Sitan)

told Wong that they saved Ruffle happy and impressed,” Wong said. from euthanasia planned by the In Hong Kong, stray dog rescue opmale owner. erations are carried out through a Wong then took Ruffle back and partnership between the AFCD and posted the adoption information to 12 local animal welfare organisatry to find her a home. Fortunately, tions, including HKDR. Ruffle’s former female owner, who was then capable of raising a pet, decided to take her back and promised Wong that she would never abandon her again.

In 2023, a vet clinic that saw Ruffle’s information on the HKDR website “It was one adoption that made us

Stray dogs that are the subject of public complaints will be caught by AFCD and kept in their management centres first. Dogs without microchips, when caught, are held for a minimum observation period of four days before assessment, and others will be kept longer until their owners are traced successfully. Only those who have been assessed as healthy and docile will be transferred to AFCD’s partner animal welfare organisations for rehoming. Otherwise, euthanasia will be performed on dogs once they remain unclaimed and stay beyond two weeks, according to the Legco.

Wong said raising a dog requires heavy financial pressure since a routine blood test for dogs costs HK$2,000. (Elaine Wu Sitan)

The centres also receive dogs voluntarily surrendered by their owners, of which 360 were surrendered last year, according to the spokesperson of AFCD.

The AFCD spokesperson said 375 strengthen animal welfare educa- “The government provides very dogs were euthanised in 2025. tion. minimal financial support and there are only 10 designated clinics that Yip said she firmly opposed the eu- The AFCD is promoting animal wel- offer some free vet treatment. It’s exthanasia of stray dogs. She said cats fare through various channels and tremely hard to get an appointment and dogs are not wild animals, as regularly holds talks in schools and as they are always full,” Wong said. they were abandoned and became housing estates. Last year, it organstrays because of human beings. ised roving exhibitions, dog obedi- “In the end, we always just make apence classes, and pet adoption days pointments with other clinics that “It is completely unreasonable that across all 18 districts to help boost we’re close with but it’s not free,” humans try to solve the problem by adoption rates. They hope to active- Wong added. killing them,” she said. ly cooperate with NGOs to promote adoption and strive for the best out- Wong hopes the government will Even though 266 dogs passed all of comes for animal welfare. also provide more animal welfare the AFCD’s assessments and were transferred to animal welfare organisations in 2025, only 37% of them were successfully adopted. Amid increasing abandonment and decreasing adoption rates, animal welfare organisations have undertaken a large amount of resettlement and accommodation work. Yip also flagged the issue of returned adoption as it was not just a waste of the organisation’s time and effort but would also cause severe psychological trauma to dogs. Despite operating difficulties, Yip pays much attention to nutritional com-

“After being returned, these dogs bination and disease prevention when preparing dog food for the dogs in would usually present signs of deHome for Homeless Dogs. (Elaine Wu Sitan) pression, like hiding in a corner of the shelter for a long time and refusHowever, Yip said the AFCD would teaching materials for all schools in ing to eat,” she said. not take up the initiative to collab- Hong Kong to build a culture of anorate with local NGOs as a govern- imal protection among young peoWong said the strict pre-adoption ple. ment body. screening for adopters from HKDR - including a questionnaire and in“We give school talks, but our reach terview - was not enough to prevent “More measures can be taken to adopted dogs from being returned. solve the abandonment crisis and is limited,” she said. Out of 382 adoptions processed by reduce the number of dogs being reThe AFCD’s spokesperson said the HKDR last year, 17 dogs were returned,” Yip added. government understands that sociturned, accounting for nearly 4.5%. Wong also said that although HKDR ety holds different views on animal Facing growing shelter pressure and remained one of the few shelters management and will continue to low adoption willingness, NGOs that worked with the AFCD, they adopt a balanced and neutral apare calling on the government to still lacked substantial support. proach. 22

MINIBUS

RED MINIBUS DRIVERS STRUGGLES AS RIDERSHIP PLUNGES AND FULE COST RISE Reported by: Ann Cheung Ka Yi, Elaine Zheng Yuan Edited by: Anny Chau Wing Yau At Kwun Tong Yue Man Square Public Transport Interchange, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, 55-year-old red minibus driver Saniel Ng would clock off from a 13-hour shift at 9pm on most days with a take-home pay of just about HK$1,000. As Ng looked around the transport interchange, he noted that even though there were some queues of passengers waiting for red minibuses, ridership was not what it used to be.

Red minibuses are disappearing, with passenger numbers falling by more than half, or 50.5%, from 295,000 in 2017 to 146,000 in 2024, according to Transport and Logistics Bureau data compiled in a Legislative Council research report published in March last year.

volume since 2022, red minibuses have continued to see a decline in their passenger volume, according to another LegCo report published in July last year.

Since rail coverage expansion across Hong Kong in the 2010s, red minibuses are no longer the preferred Commercial vehicles in Hong Kong mode of transport for local passenmust obtain operational licences gers. from the Transport Department. The price of a minibus operating li“There used to be a major red minicence, for both red and green minibuses, also dropped 47% between bus stop named Daimaru in Cause2022 and 2024, from HK$1.7 mil- way Bay,” said Franki Lee, who runs lion to HK$900,000, far below its AN Bus, a red minibus company.

“Bus companies have taken away the business,” said Ng, who has been 2014 peak of HK$5.5 million. a red minibus driver for more than 20 years. “Without enough passen- Despite green minibuses having gers, it’s hard to survive.” recorded a recovery in passenger

“After the West Island Line opened, it disappeared within a week,” Lee said.

For decades, Hong Kong’s red minibus has been better known for its high speed and unruly round-theclock service. But the trade is at risk of becoming a remnant of old Hong Kong as the city’s mass transport network continues to modernise. There are two types of public light buses, differentiated by their roof colours and service flexibility. Red minibuses operate on flexible routes with fares that drivers can adjust based on demand and the time of day, whereas green minibuses run on fixed routes and schedules set by the government. 23

Between 2017 and 2024, Hong Kong’s daily red minibus patronage has halved, falling to less than 150,000 in 2024. (Ann Cheung Ka-yi)

costs are cutting drivers’ take-home pay. Unlike green minibuses, most red minibus drivers’ income is directly tied to passenger flow and fares. Ng, the 55-year-old red minibus driver, said fuel costs are around HK$300 per day, while the daily vehicle rental and licence fees total about HK$500.

At Kwun Tong Yue Man Square Public Transport Interchange, several minibuses to Mong Kok wait to depart. (Elaine Zheng Yuan)

To save costs, red minibus operators are trimming routes, with limited overnight service. The red minibus fleet has declined from 921 in December 2024 to 707 vans in September 2025, a drop of around 23.2% within eight months. “There used to be hundreds of red minibuses at Kwun Tong Yue Man Square Public Transport Interchange, but now only 20 or 30 remain,” said Hung Chau, 60, also a red minibus driver.

“I almost missed work on my first red minibus ride because I didn’t know when to get off,” said Hugo Chung, a 20-year-old who commutes to work by red minibuses. “Red minibuses aren’t commonly used among young people,” he added. “If I can choose, I won’t go to work by red minibus.” Falling ridership and rising fuel

As Ng is employed by a red minibus company that helps to cover the fuel and rental costs, he earns around HK$1,000 per day for a 13hour shift. But for other red minibus drivers who are self-employed, the situation is worse. Daniel Wong, a red minibus driver in his 60s, said fuel prices have a huge impact, making the job “barely worth it”. “We have to spend HK$400 to 500 on fuel per day, especially when

However, reduced services have pushed more passengers away, making the red minibuses less convenient. “The red minibus doesn’t go to my workplace,” said Rosa Lam, a 40-year-old Kwun Tong resident. Even so, she said it is more comfortable and less crowded than travelling by MTR. Uncertainty also deters new riders, as red minibuses can skip a stop if no one requests to get off.

Red minibuses usually depart only when all the seats are taken, as drivers’ earnings depend entirely on their takings for each shift. (Elaine Zheng Yuan)

the air-conditioning has to run non-stop in summer,” Wong said. “I make almost nothing on holidays as my revenue just breaks even with costs,” he added. “Just like volunteering.” “But on weekdays, I can net HK$500-600 for a 16-hour shift, because there are more students and workers,” said Wong as he recounted the glorious days. Wong said the passenger flow is only 20% of what it was 20 years ago. “We used to work non-stop from 5am to 9pm, and the queue could be 200 metres long,” said Wong.

“I even play mahjong less often now. “We hope to have real-time passenI can’t afford to bet as much as be- ger information boards showing fore,” he added. arrival times at the minibus stops,” said Lee. The unfavourable remuneration has pushed red minibus drivers to leave “These are common in the bus inthe trade. dustry, but not yet on minibuses.” The July LegCo report also estimated a shortage of about 2,000 minibus drivers in 2023, against a total demand of 8,300. That same year, the government introduced a labour importation scheme to fill the service gap.

Lee also called for wheelchair-accessible service for red minibuses, including advance reservation and vehicles with low floors that allow direct boarding and disembarking for wheelchair users.

“We try to adapt successful practices As of February 2025, there were 680 from other transport sectors to the imported minibus drivers, mostly minibus industry to bring about a from mainland China, to replace positive impact and attract more local drivers, according to media re- passengers.” ports.

Ng also said many self-employed red minibus drivers’ incomes have been halved, from HK$2,100 to Even so, Franki Lee said the sector HK$1,300 before overheads, due to needs to innovate to stem the decline. the falling ridership.

Hung Chau says it’s hard to see newcomers joining the minibus industry now; young adults are choosing to drive taxis or for Uber instead. (Elaine Zheng Yuan)

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