The applications of small unmanned aircraft are rapidly expanding, now covering areas such as 3D digital mapping, search and rescue, aerial photography, drone shows, land and building surveys, as well as inspections of utilities and power lines. Various government departments have also adopted small drones to boost operational efficiency—for example, in supporting search and rescue missions by the Fire Services Department and the Civil Aid Service. Drone racing has also seen a rapid rise in popularity in recent years, emerging as a new sport that blends innovation, technology, and aviation. To support the development of small unmanned aircraft, the government introduced the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order, aimed at helping participants grasp essential operational theory and the latest regulatory requirements, enhance safety practices, and strengthen risk awareness. What impact has this regulation had on the industry, and how will the low-altitude economy evolve in the years ahead?

Hong Kong is one of the cities with the highest living costs in the world. Research shows that low-income families spend about 30% of their monthly income on food expenses. When faced with sudden financial hardship and unable to afford daily meals, people can seek help through food assistance programs. Since 2009, the Social Welfare Department has been funding NGOs to provide short-term food assistance service, offering food to individuals or families struggling with daily food expenses. Additionally, food banks run by social welfare organizations help support the grassroots in times of need. How do these programs function? Are they sufficient in assisting those at the grassroots level?

Hong Kong's retail market is currently facing numerous challenges, with residents shopping across the border and local spending power weakening. This year's National Day Golden Week saw good foot traffic but poor sales. The government has introduced various measures to boost the tourism industry. However, many recent visitors have reported inconsistent service quality, affecting Hong Kong's image as a tourist city. Despite this, many in the industry are seizing opportunities, adapting and innovating to improve services and actively capture business opportunities. So, what new directions might the future hold for Hong Kong's retail sector?

According to the Consumer Council, beauty parlour fraud cases doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year. The Council noted that as permanent makeup becomes more popular, related complaints have also increased, with many cases being serious. Since the Department of Health's guidelines are mostly voluntary, some believe the authorities need to closely monitor service quality of permanent makeup and consider legislative regulation. Over the years, poor sales tactics in beauty parlours have been common, ranging from aggressive marketing to misleading treatment advertisements and sudden closures, all of which harm the reputation of legitimate businesses and undermine industry professionalism. Some have suggested introducing a mandatory cooling-off period; however, the question remains: what measures can truly protect consumers?

In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced extreme weather events such as super typhoons and heavy rainstorms. The government has strengthened its response to extreme weather, with relevant departments conducting drills to prepare. Efforts are also being made to leverage innovative technology to implement necessary preventive measures before extreme weather strikes. Additionally, the government aims to raise public awareness about the risks of engaging in outdoor activities during extreme weather. Such actions not only put their own lives at risk but also endanger the lives of emergency rescuers. Citizens are urged to comply with the law.

In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced extreme weather events such as super typhoons and rainstorm, causing significant devastation to society. In response, the government implemented several enhanced measures in 2024 to ensure comprehensive preparations before the typhoon season, addressing the severe threats posed by extreme weather. The four main strategies include advance preparation, strengthened warning, resolute responses, and speedy recovery, all aimed at minimizing the damage and impact of extreme weather and facilitating citizens resume their normal daily lives as quickly as possible.

The World Lupus Federation (WLF) has designated May 10th as World Lupus Day , aiming to unite lupus organisations worldwide and raise awareness of the disease. Lupus gets its name from the butterfly-shaped rash on patients’ faces, resembling wolf bites. The condition often strikes unexpectedly, significantly impacting patients’ daily lives. Are the government’s current measures to directly support lupus patients sufficient? Non-profit organisations and patient groups also play a role in assisting those affected, working together to fight the disease. What kind of support does society offer to lupus patients, and how do they navigate their lives while living with the condition?

In April 2024, a no. 3 alarm fire in Jordan resulted in 5 deaths and 40 injuries. The incident highlights issues related to annual fire safety inspections and non-compliant installations, raising concerns about the adequacy of fire safety checks in composite buildings. The current Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance stipulates that fire safety of composite and domestic buildings which were constructed by March 1, 1987, should be enhanced to better meet the current requirements. What challenges do composite buildings, especially "N have-nots " buildings, face when complying with the Fire Services Ordinance? How can we ensure the safety of residents?

The Hong Kong SAR Government promulgates the "Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint " in 2022 , focusing on enhancing the innovation and technology ecosystem and advancing Hong Kong's "new industrialisation." Over the past three years, the government has invested over HK$800 million in flagship innovation and technology projects at Science Park and Cyberport to support technology start-ups. The2023-24 Budget also proposed an allocation of HK$3 billion to drive breakthroughs in research and development. What has been the effectiveness of the government's series of innovation and technology support measures? What challenges and difficulties do Hong Kong's innovation and technology companies face? The development of "new quality productivity" implies that traditional economic growth, productivity, and the labour force will undergo profound reforms. How will the general public and traditional businesses in Hong Kong adapt to align with this advanced productivity paradigm?

In recent years, the number of registered readers, as well as the collection of books and multimedia materials in libraries under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, has increased compared to the past. However, the number of borrowed books and multimedia materials has shown a downward trend. Additionally, a survey indicated that over 70% of respondents who read physical books or publications reported a median annual reading volume of only six books, which is lower than in the previous two years. In 2021, the total export value of printed publications in Hong Kong was approximately HK$12 billion, but this fell to around HK$6.6 billion in 2022, a decrease of 45%. Are Hong Kong people now preferring to look at their phones rather than read books? Do people in Hong Kong utilise their free time for reading? Are public library services and resources appealing enough to encourage usage? What strategies can be implemented to improve the reading culture?