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?

Tourism has long been one of Hong Kong’s key economic pillars. The government is committed to positioning the city as Asia’s events capital, hosting a series of large-scale events such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza , the Chinese New Year parade, and major sporting competitions. But are these events compelling enough to attract visitors from the mainland and overseas? Meanwhile, the number of mainland tourists is steadily increasing, with their travel patterns and spending habits evolving. More young travellers now rely on social media recommendations, focusing on visiting unique local spots primarily for photo opportunities. Can the government and various industries seize new opportunities in tourism development while preserving Hong Kong’s renowned culture of hospitality?

The demand for online ride-hailing services among the public has become increasingly clear in recent years. The Transport and Logistics Bureau's latest study on regulating ride-hailing platforms suggests that these companies should be governed by legislation, requiring licences and specific conditions. This includes ensuring that hailed cars provided by the platform are licensed, obtaining relevant insurance that covers passengers, and that drivers undergo medical examinations and tests. Some believe that taxi fleets could meet the changing demands for ride-hailing services, shifting from ride-hailing private cars to taxis. What are the views on this change? Will the new regulations meet the needs of the public?

In the late 1980s, Hong Kong was a key hub for semiconductor chip production. However, with factories relocating northward, the chip industry gradually declined. The government is now determined to drive innovation and technology development, with the 2023 Policy Address further implementing the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint . Key measures include establishing the New Industrialisation Development Office , facilitating the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, and launching a $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme. How can these initiatives help Hong Kong leverage its strengths? Beyond the chip industry, what other high-value sectors can propel Hong Kong towards "New Industrialisation"? And what challenges and opportunities lie ahead?

The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively attracting talent from around the globe while encouraging all sectors of society to support their integration into Hong Kong. Efforts are being made to address challenges related to employment, entrepreneurship, housing, healthcare, and daily life, with the aim of helping these individuals establish families and settle down in the city. On the other hand, what difficulties do they face in finding schools for their children? What measures does the government provide to help these talents and their families integrate smoothly into Hong Kong? What impact will these newcomers have on Hong Kong's future? How are they adapting to life in the city and settling into their new environment? Each of these new stories under the Lion Rock will contribute to a fresh chapter for Hong Kong.

The Paris Paralympic Games are just around the corner, drawing widespread attention. For para athletes, stepping onto the Paralympic stage often involves overcoming even greater challenges. Choosing the path of a full-time athlete requires careful consideration, including financial stability and post-retirement security. In recent years, the government has significantly increased resources for the development of para sports. The 2017 pilot scheme for the Elite Vote Support System for Disability Sports provides financial assistance and training support to full-time and part-time athletes. This programme was made permanent in 2019, with increased funding, offering substantial support for elite para athletes to dedicate themselves to full-time training. What challenges do young para athletes face today? Can they uphold the "Paralympic spirit" and achieve new heights?

With the interest rate cut cycle underway, the market broadly expects further rate reductions in the coming year, which could have a cautiously positive impact on Hong Kong’s economy. Although the extent and pace of rate cuts may not align perfectly with those in Europe and the US, they are likely to alleviate operational pressures on businesses. How will the shift in interest rates influence capital flows and shape the development of Hong Kong’s economy? How should personal asset management and SME operations be positioned to adapt to a lower interest rate environment? What implications will this have for retirement planning? And can SMEs seize opportunities amid the rate-cutting trend?

The HKSAR Government has launched the “Pilot Programme on Community Living Room” which is a collaboration among the government, the business sector, and the community, providing facilities and services for households in subdivided units. The first Community Living Room (CLR) has opened in Sham Shui Po, featuring shared kitchens, study rooms, and laundries. This 3-year programme aims to serve at least 500 households.

In addition to the flagship CLR, there are suggestions to introduce smaller, more accessible CLRs throughout neighborhoods. Since residents have varying needs, families with children require play and learning spaces, while single residents often lack home appliances and need laundry and dining areas. Can the “Pilot Programme on Community Living Room” effectively address these needs, and what improvements are necessary?

According to the Global Wealth Report 2024, Hong Kong ranks third globally in terms of per capita wealth, with an average wealth of around 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars. The government has recently launched Strive and Rise Programme includes "Financial Planning" as one of the compulsory basic trainings, highlighting the connection between financial capability and career planning as essential life skills. The Investor and Financial Education Committee (IFEC) under the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong has outlined the financial capability elements that adults and schoolchildren should possess at different stages in its "Hong Kong Financial Competency Framework". Additionally, the Education Bureau has introduced the "Financial Education School Award Scheme" this year in 2024/25 school year. For teachers, parents, and schools, what challenges do they face in teaching the correct financial concepts? As financial products continually evolve, what kind of financial education do citizens need to avoid falling into financial traps?

Hong Kong, like many international cities, faces the challenge of an ageing population. Enabling the elderly to live actively and optimistically and engage more in society has become a pressing concern. This episode features the lives of elderly in Hong Kong and the Netherlands, showcasing the differences and similarities in retirement systems and ageing policies in the two regions, exploring the post-retirement options and what contributes to "quality retirement".
In the Netherlands, when the elderly reach the statutory retirement age, they receive a state pension based on their years of residence and occupational pension accrued during work. Generally, retirees can live their golden years comfortably based on a stable pension system. In Hong Kong, the principle of elderly services is to facilitate “ageing in place as the core, with institutional care as back-up”. In addition to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), Hong Kong offers various elderly welfare policies like the "Retire 3" initiative which includes the Annuity Plan, Reverse Mortgages, and Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme to ensure that the elderly can age gracefully. Mental well-being of the elderly is also a concern in both regions. What are the key factors for the elderly in both places to live a "positive and enjoyable old age"? How can they maintain a high quality retirement life.