The standard of athletes from Hong Kong, China, has been improving in recent years. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes won two gold medals and two bronzes, achieving their best results since they began competing. Amidst the applause, differing opinions have emerged regarding athlete selection and elite sports funding. What issues exist within the selection system, and how are elite sports determined? What other possibilities exist for developing promising sports into Hong Kong's soft power?

"Accelerating the development of new quality productive forces" is a key priority in China’s 2024 Government Work Report. The integration of innovation and technology into industrial development will shape the future direction of university research and industrial planning. In 2023, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau launched the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+) to facilitate the translation and commercialisation of university research in Hong Kong. However, what challenges do universities face in transforming research outcomes into practical applications while balancing teaching and research? According to the Hong Kong Productivity Council’s Hong Kong Manufacturing Industries Development Study Report, 80% of local manufacturers have yet to adopt smart solutions. How will new quality productive forces create opportunities for the transformation and upgrading of Hong Kong’s manufacturing sector? How will they drive the growth of the city’s innovation and technology industry? And what measures is the government implementing to accelerate Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development?

Guide dogs are working dogs used by visually impaired persons to facilitate daily mobility and are often praised as "the eyes of Blind”. According to the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, anyone who refuses to allow a visually impaired person with a guide dog to enter any premises that the public is allowed to enter, or refuses to provide that person with services or facilities, may be considered in violation of the Ordinance. However, guide dog trainers are not allowed to bring guide dogs into public premises, leading to a lack of practical experience in public premises during their training. Currently, guide dog training in Hong Kong is not recognised or regulated, and the number of guide dogs in Hong Kong falls far short of meeting the needs of visually impaired persons. How can society help develop this service further to ensure more visually impaired individuals can access appropriate guide dog services and have their rights protected?

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?