Country Garden has announced a delay in publishing its 2023 annual results, citing the need for more information to make appropriate accounting estimates and judgments. As a result, trading of its shares will be suspended from April 2. The company assures that this suspension will not materially impact its operations, with domestic housing delivery and offshore debt restructuring continuing as normal. Stakeholders, including local governments and overseas creditors, are strongly supporting the relevant work. Country Garden is working closely with its auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to publish the results.

Earnings reports from Country Garden Holdings and China Vanke are expected to reveal the depth of China's property crisis, which is significantly impacting the economy. Country Garden faces worsening cash flow issues and potential liquidation, while Vanke's credit rating has been downgraded due to weakened sales and limited funding. Property stimulus measures are unlikely to revive new-home sales amid low confidence. Major Chinese banks are also under scrutiny as they navigate the property crisis, with some potentially becoming 'victims' of government rescue measures. Other companies like BYD, Nongfu Spring, and Anta Sports are highlighted for their expected financial performance amid the broader economic challenges.

India's IT services giants, including Infosys Ltd. and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., may face challenges justifying their valuations as they begin Asia's reporting season with expected weak earnings, the weakest in years. Despite a 12% rally in the tech sector index over the past three months, IT earnings are still under pressure.

Major automakers in Asia are expected to reveal more about the competitive landscape for electric vehicles as the industry focuses on transformation and decarbonization. BYD Co. reported strong preliminary third-quarter earnings, while Tata Motors Ltd. reached a new high and is expected to reverse its net loss. Toyota Motor Corp. is making a significant push into electric vehicles under new CEO Koji Sato. Financial institutions like HSBC Holdings Plc and Macquarie Group are under scrutiny, with mixed financial performances expected. Other companies like GoTo Group, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharti Airtel are also highlighted for their upcoming earnings and market activities.

Lending margins for Asia's largest banks are under pressure due to peaking interest rates and increasing bad loans, particularly from China's troubled real estate sector. While Indian banks like HDFC Bank Ltd. have shown positive results, Wall Street giants and Japanese banks face challenges. Upcoming earnings reports from banks like United Overseas Bank Ltd. and Standard Chartered Plc are expected to show flat-to-lower margins. Analysts highlight the impact of treasury and investment performance on results, with significant attention on Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd. for its strong expected performance. Other companies like Nidec, CNOOC, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electronics Co. are also in focus for their quarterly results.

Lending margins for Asia's largest banks are expected to dip as peaking interest rates and bad loans from the troubled real estate sector impact earnings. Chinese lenders face challenges with soured loans, while Indian banks like HDFC Bank Ltd. have shown positive results. Investment banking and trading have been a drag on Wall Street giants and Japan's Nomura Holdings Inc. United Overseas Bank Ltd. and Standard Chartered Plc are expected to report flat-to-lower margins. Analysts highlight the impact of treasury and investment performance on results, with Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd. set to report strong results. Key developments include Nidec's rebound, CNOOC's earnings drag, and SK Hynix's revenue growth. The article also discusses the impact of US chip export curbs on Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix, and the financial outlook for China Construction Bank, ICBC, and AgBank.

Major automakers in Asia are expected to reveal more about the competitive landscape for electric vehicles as the industry focuses on transformation and decarbonization. BYD Co. reported record third-quarter earnings, while Tata Motors Ltd. shares hit a new high. Toyota Motor Corp. is making a significant push into electric vehicles under new CEO Koji Sato. HSBC Holdings Plc and Macquarie Group are under scrutiny, with the latter expected to miss earnings consensus. GoTo Group faces concerns over share sales and competition. Larsen & Toubro and Bharti Airtel are expected to show profit growth, while Toyota's second-quarter profit is anticipated to expand due to robust production and a weak yen.

Earnings reports from Country Garden Holdings Co. and China Vanke Co. are expected to reveal the depth of China's property crisis and its impact on the economy. Country Garden is facing a worsening cash crunch and potential liquidation, while Vanke is struggling with liquidity pressure and declining sales. Property stimulus measures are unlikely to revive new-home sales due to faltering confidence. Major Chinese banks, including Bank of China and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, are also expected to provide insights into the property crisis. Other companies like BYD, Nongfu Spring, and Anta Sports are projected to show varied financial performances, with BYD and Anta Sports expected to report significant growth.

Anti-government protests in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning led to significant delays and disruptions in train services as protesters targeted the MTR Corporation, demanding accountability for not protecting passengers during violent attacks at Yuen Long station on Sunday. Protesters obstructed train doors at Admiralty station, causing delays and a standstill at North Point station. Commuters faced inconvenience, with some supporting the protests and others frustrated by the impact on their daily lives. MTR operations were affected, with an increase in train delays compared to normal days. The MTR Corp CEO expressed respect for public opinion and a willingness to improve services.

Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority has intensified efforts to manage the increasing burden on its facilities due to rising Covid-19 infections, while noting that flu cases have peaked and are declining. Measures include opening additional wards, transferring stable patients to private hospitals, and increasing manpower and beds. Despite the rise in Covid-19 cases, the situation is less severe than during the previous wave, with fewer severe cases requiring ventilators or oxygen. The government focuses on protecting high-risk groups, and medical experts urge residents to remain vigilant and continue vaccinations following the WHO's declaration of the end of the Covid-19 global public health emergency.

Three parents and a merchant in Hong Kong have been charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption for offering bribes totaling HK$340,000 to secure kindergarten placements at ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten. The bribes were allegedly made to former administrator Fatima Rumjahn between 2019 and 2021. The defendants face charges under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and Crimes Ordinance and are set to appear in court. The ICAC has previously charged Rumjahn and other parents in a related bribery case involving over HK$900,000.

At least 60% of Japanese-affiliated companies in Hong Kong are interested in expanding operations to regions covered by the RCEP, including the Greater Bay Area and Asean. Despite Hong Kong not being a member of RCEP, 90% of surveyed companies believe the city's strength lies in its business networks with mainland China. The survey by the Trade Development Council found that Hong Kong's free flow of capital and efficiency as a transshipment hub are key advantages. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu noted that RCEP economies accounted for a significant portion of Hong Kong's trade. The survey indicates that Japanese companies see Hong Kong as a strategic hub for RCEP-related business, with plans to expand into the bay area and Asean regions.

Hong Kong's economy grew by 2.7% in the first quarter, ending four consecutive quarters of contraction, with Chief Executive John Lee attributing the growth to promotional activities that stimulated tourism and consumption. Over 760,000 tourists visited during the Labour Day golden week, with expectations of 600,000 mainland tourists by the holiday's end. The 'Happy Hong Kong' campaign and e-vouchers are part of efforts to strengthen economic recovery. The IMF has lowered Hong Kong's growth forecast to 3.5% for the year, while economists from Natixis and ING provided analysis on the recovery's pace and potential challenges from a forecasted US recession.

Hong Kong successfully launched its new HKeToll automatic toll system, although 16% of vehicles passing through the Tsing-Sha Control Area were detected without the required payment tags. Commissioner for Transport Rosanna Law Shuk-pui stated that drivers without tags would receive electronic payment notices and face surcharges if payments were not made within 14 business days. The system aims to ease congestion in tunnels and will be implemented in other crossings by the end of the year. Observations from the Hong Kong Taxi Owners’ Association indicated that the new system functioned similarly to the existing Autotoll system but without the monthly administration charge.

A South China Morning Post reporter recounts an encounter with phone fraudsters attempting to obtain her Hong Kong bank details through a fake job offer. The scam involved a fraudulent software company named Rocketech, promising high commissions for minimal work. The reporter used the Hong Kong Police's Scameter tool to verify the scam and avoided becoming a victim. Expert Francis Fong Po-kiu highlighted the psychological tactics used by scammers and advised the public to ignore suspicious messages and use anti-scam resources.

During the Labour Day golden week, Hong Kong saw a significant influx of mainland Chinese tourists, with hotels near popular destinations reaching high occupancy rates. High hotel prices and convenient travel options influenced tourists' decisions to not stay overnight. On the second day of the holiday, over 329,000 people entered Hong Kong, while about 341,000 departed. Mainland tourists accounted for 86% of inbound travelers on the first day. There were chaotic scenes at the Star Ferry Pier, and the cultural district's museums reported record visitor numbers. The golden week holiday is the first extended break since China dropped its Covid-19 travel restrictions, with an estimated 600,000 mainlanders visiting Hong Kong.

The new scheme allowing Hongkongers to drive private cars to mainland China via the mega bridge is set to open applications from June 1. This initiative aims to boost the Greater Bay Area's development by enhancing connectivity. Motorists with the necessary permits and licences can stay up to 30 consecutive days, with an annual cap of 180 days. The scheme includes a unilateral recognition arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance, eliminating the need for separate mainland insurance. The Hong Kong Automobile Association and the Hong Kong Insurance Authority have welcomed the measures, highlighting the benefits for vehicle owners and the insurance industry. However, concerns about the initial low quota and the need for efficient car inspections were raised. Lawmaker Chan Yung emphasized the importance of a convenient application process.

Hong Kong's food and catering sector anticipates a 20% increase in business during the mainland China 'golden week' holiday, despite a significant staff shortage that could result in long queues for diners. Kam Kee Holdings, which operates 44 restaurants, is concerned about its ability to serve the influx of tourists due to manpower shortages, despite offering higher salaries. The Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades confirms the staff shortage, with an estimated deficit of over 60,000 workers. Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia, a cruise operator, does not expect strong business growth as it mainly relies on tour groups, and the majority of visitors are predicted to be individual travelers. The Travel Industry Council estimates 600,000 mainland visitors, with 80% being individuals. Food court operator Food Republic is listed as a recommended dining spot but has not made special arrangements for tour groups.

Hong Kong hotel room rates have increased up to five times ahead of the Labour Day 'golden week' holiday, with industry leaders optimistic about reaching 90% occupancy rates despite slower bookings compared to pre-pandemic years. Prices remain 10% below 2018 and 2019 levels. The Travel Industry Council expects 600,000 mainland visitors, fewer than in 2019. The government's 'Happy Hong Kong' campaign aims to boost tourism and includes free air tickets and events. Cathay Pacific released over 27,000 tickets to promote travel. Despite the surge, Easter weekend saw sluggish business in catering and retail, with mainlanders constituting the majority of visitors.

An Australian driver, Christopher Dillon Joannidis, was fined for speeding and released by police just three minutes before a crash that killed five people, including a Hong Kong resident, in Victoria. Joannidis, who tested positive for cannabis initially but negative later, was charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death and granted bail. The victims included Debbie Markey and her four passengers from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Immigration Department is assisting the families involved.

Hong Kong's tourism sector faces a 40% funding cut despite the government spending HK$784 million on the loss-making Ocean Park. Lawmakers and industry leaders criticize the decision, highlighting the sector's struggle to recover post-pandemic. Ocean Park's financial woes continue, with failed bids for new projects and fewer visitors than expected. The government plans to promote the park and develop new attractions, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures.

Hong Kong is experiencing a 'golden window for development' with a swift revival of economic activities, according to finance chief Paul Chan. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, industry actors from the mainland have supported Hong Kong's development. Chan's visit to Peking University was well-received, highlighting the city's appeal. He also emphasized Hong Kong's potential as a leading international green technology and financial center, citing significant green debt raised and the presence of green tech companies in Cyberport. Chan encouraged students to start businesses in Hong Kong, noting available funds and a large market in the bay area.

The co-director of the controversial Hong Kong documentary 'To My Nineteen-year-old Self,' William Kwok Wai-lun, issued a public apology to Ying Wa Girls’ School for his insensitive acceptance speech at the Hong Kong Film Awards. The film, co-directed with Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting, faced backlash after a student claimed she had not consented to public screenings. Kwok's speech urged filmmakers to prioritize production over legal considerations, which he later clarified was not his intention. The school is addressing the issue by removing certain film portions and responding to privacy inquiries.

All 27 samples of dried goji berries tested by Hong Kong’s Consumer Council contained various heavy metals, with two samples nearing the local lead limit. Pesticides were found in 70% of the samples, though within local and European standards. The council urged reduced pesticide use and advised proper handling of goji berries to minimize health risks. The Centre for Food Safety confirmed that all results met Hong Kong’s legal requirements. The findings highlight the need for better pest control practices and consumer awareness.

The controversial documentary 'To My Nineteen-year-old Self' won best picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards despite being pulled from cinemas due to consent issues. Co-director William Kwok Wai-Lun encouraged filmmakers to persist. The documentary, directed by Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting, follows six girls from Ying Wa Girls’ School over ten years. The school apologized for the controversy and withdrew from the event. 'Detective vs Sleuths' was the biggest winner with four awards, including best director for Wai Ka-fai. Sammi Cheng Sau-man won best actress for 'Lost Love' after multiple nominations. Michelle Yeoh, who recently won an Oscar, presented the best new performer award to Sahal Zaman. 'The Sparring Partner' received 16 nominations but won only two awards. Michael Hui Koon-man and Bowie Woo Fung were also recognized for their contributions.

Investors have shown a clear preference for Japanese stocks during the Asia-Pacific earnings season, while shunning those in Hong Kong, China, and India. Japan's Topix 500 has rallied 18% year-to-date, supported by a weak yen, with significant gains for companies like Toyota Motor Corp. In contrast, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and China's CSI 300 have underperformed due to property issues and trade frictions with the US. Indian earnings have also been lackluster, with many companies missing estimates. Key highlights include positive earnings expectations for Kweichow Moutai and Samsung Electronics, while Tencent Holdings posted disappointing results.

Hong Kong's Immigration Department anticipates over 9 million people will travel through the city's border control points during the Ching Ming Festival and Easter, marking a sharp increase from last year's figures. The majority of travelers are expected to use land boundary control points from April 1 to 10. The department has taken measures to handle the surge, including minimizing leave for frontline officers, operating extra clearance counters, deploying additional security guards, and coordinating with mainland officials. Citybus and Long Win Bus will increase services to border checkpoints and the airport. Additionally, the department announced new online services for birth and death registrations.

Tony Leung, a renowned Hong Kong actor, is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival. His career began with TVB in 1982, and he has since starred in numerous acclaimed films, including 'In the Mood for Love' and 'Infernal Affairs.' Leung's acting has earned him international fame, notably with his role in Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' Officials and industry figures, including Venice festival director Alberto Barbera, have praised Leung's contributions to cinema. His wife, actress Carina Lau Kar-ling, also celebrated his achievement on social media.

A collection of memorabilia and awards celebrating the life and work of the late Cantopop star Leslie Cheung will be exhibited at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. The exhibition, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Cheung's death, will feature rare items such as red high heels and a white feather suit worn during his concerts in 1997 and 2000. The items are on loan from Cheung's long-time partner, Daffy Tong Hok-tak. The exhibition, curated by Cheung's former manager and close friends, aims to evoke memories of Cheung's iconic career in music and film. The exhibition will run from March 29 to October 9.

More than 200 UK-based medical students and doctors attended a Hospital Authority recruitment event in London, aiming to attract non-locally trained talent to Hong Kong amid a manpower shortage. Tony Ko Pat-sing, the authority's chief executive, highlighted the benefits and challenges of working in Hong Kong's public healthcare sector. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Medical Society of the United Kingdom, featured pre-recorded videos and allowed participants to follow up on job offers. Despite the introduction of a registration scheme for graduates from top medical schools, the initiative has seen limited success, with only 65 applications and nine offers as of December. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau acknowledged the scheme's slow progress but remained optimistic about its future.

Hong Kong's tourism minister, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, has pledged to collaborate with the travel industry to address complaints about 'poor quality' mainland Chinese tour groups causing noise and hygiene issues. The Travel Industry Authority is considering halting new applications for stores serving these groups and has been inspecting venues in Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan. Local residents have expressed frustration over disturbances, while some tourists have defended their behavior. Lawmakers and industry representatives have proposed various solutions, including diversifying itineraries and improving crowd management. The issue arises amid a significant increase in mainland visitors following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the launch of the 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign.

Asia's largest banks are set to report earnings with a focus on lending margins affected by peaking interest rates and bad loans, particularly from China's real estate sector. HDFC Bank's positive report contrasts with challenges faced by Wall Street banks and Japan's Nomura. Upcoming reports from United Overseas Bank and Standard Chartered are expected to show flat-to-lower margins. China Construction Bank may reveal impacts from the property loan crisis, while Reliance Industries is anticipated to have strong results. Other companies like Nidec, CNOOC, and SK Hynix will also report earnings, with various factors influencing their financial outcomes.

The article discusses the concerns of international students and their families regarding the ongoing political crisis in Hong Kong, which has escalated from peaceful rallies to violent confrontations. Students from Baptist University and other institutions are uncertain about their safety and the continuation of their studies due to the protests stemming from the now-abandoned extradition bill. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating the police's failure to protect the public during a violent incident at Yuen Long MTR station. Despite the unrest, local universities like Baptist University are taking measures to ensure student safety, and some students, such as those from Chinese University, have not felt threatened by the protests. The article also highlights the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a study destination for international students due to its global connections and English-taught degree programs.

Anti-government protests at Hong Kong International Airport have led to significant disruptions for a second consecutive day, with the Airport Authority suspending check-in services for all departing flights. The protests, which began in the check-in area and spread to the departure gates, have resulted in flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of passengers. Some travelers expressed frustration and anger, while others were sympathetic to the protesters' cause but criticized the impact on their travel plans. Airlines, including Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Airlines, have condemned the protests for the disruption caused. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has made arrangements to assist travelers, and Air China has added extra flights. The protesters are demanding the full withdrawal of the extradition bill and an independent investigation into police actions, among other things.

The article discusses the role of the online forum LIHKG in the Hong Kong protests against the extradition bill. LIHKG, established in 2016, has become a central platform for protesters to organize, share information, and raise funds. It is compared to Reddit but is preferred by locals as it primarily uses Cantonese. The forum played a significant role in crowdfunding for international newspaper adverts during the G20 summit and has been a space for anonymous political discourse. However, the use of LIHKG has also raised concerns about cybersecurity and doxxing. The article also touches on the cultural impact of the protests, mentioning the adoption of Bruce Lee's phrase 'Be water, my friend' as a protest mantra.

The article discusses how young Hongkongers are using memes as a form of protest against the controversial extradition bill. A 16-year-old student, Ho, turned his meme page into a platform for political expression when his parents forbade him from joining the protests. The article highlights the growth of meme pages like @dankmemeshongkong, @memes.hk, and @Hkmehmeh, which have seen a surge in followers and are being used to spread awareness and criticize the bill, the government, and the police. It also mentions the caution exercised by meme creators in concealing their identities due to fear of backlash. The article includes insights from Professor Clement So of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who notes the effectiveness of memes in communicating with younger audiences and the improved use of the internet for political purposes since the 2014 Occupy protests.