The Hong Kong Telegraph - News from Hong Kong and China in seven languages, daily around the clock

Hong Kong -

IN THE NEWS

Korea’s Labor Share of GDP Hits Record Low Amid Semiconductor Boom

Korea’s Labor Share of GDP Hits Record Low Amid Semiconductor Boom

South Korea’s labor share of gross domestic product has fallen to its lowest level since comparable data began in 2010, hitting 41.1% in the second quarter. This decline coincides with a surge in corporate profits driven by the semiconductor industry, prompting experts to call for government intervention to address growing economic polarization.

Read more
Australia raises benchmark rate to highest level in 18 years

Australia raises benchmark rate to highest level in 18 years

SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank raised its central interest rate to an 18-year high on Tuesday, citing the prolonged war in the Middle East and persistent inflationary pressures. In a statement, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said it would raise its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.

Read more
littlefish and Halo Dot Partner to Replace Payment Terminals with SoftPOS

littlefish and Halo Dot Partner to Replace Payment Terminals with SoftPOS

Merchant operating system provider littlefish and enterprise SoftPOS technology developer Halo Dot have announced a strategic partnership designed to help financial institutions replace traditional payment terminals with secure mobile solutions. The collaboration integrates Halo Dot’s certified contactless payment infrastructure directly into the littlefish platform, allowing banks and merchant acquirers to offer a unified software-based solution that combines payment acceptance with business management tools.

Read more
'The Remarried Empress' Cast Discusses Bringing Fantasy Royal Drama to Life

'The Remarried Empress' Cast Discusses Bringing Fantasy Royal Drama to Life

Disney+ has launched its highly anticipated royal fantasy series "The Remarried Empress" ahead of schedule, offering viewers a glimpse into a lavish, fictional empire. At a press event in Seoul, the main cast detailed the complexities of adapting the hit web novel, from navigating unfamiliar court etiquette to performing alongside computer-generated counterparts.

Read more
Kuwait inspectors destroy 115 kilograms of unverified meat in Farwaniya

Kuwait inspectors destroy 115 kilograms of unverified meat in Farwaniya

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) issued nine violation reports and destroyed 115 kilograms of meat of unknown origin during an inspection tour of food establishments in Farwaniya Governorate, the authority announced on Monday. The tour was carried out by the authority’s Farwaniya food inspection department.

Read more
Asian stocks retreat as AI worries outweigh steep oil-price drop

Asian stocks retreat as AI worries outweigh steep oil-price drop

HONG KONG: Asian stock markets struggled on Tuesday after another AI-fueled tech selloff on Wall Street outweighed a plunge in oil prices and signs of a possible breakthrough in talks to end the Iran war. Investors were also watching the US midterm elections.

Read more
Egypt Accelerates Construction of 341km Sinai Railway Linking Arish and Taba

Egypt Accelerates Construction of 341km Sinai Railway Linking Arish and Taba

Egypt is accelerating the construction of a 341-kilometer railway line that will link Bir al-Abd, Arish, and Ras El-Naqab near Taba Airport. Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir recently inspected active work zones along the route, emphasizing the need to maintain round-the-clock operations to meet technical standards and construction schedules for this key infrastructure project.

Read more
Hamad International Airport stages emergency drills during WATAN 2026

Hamad International Airport stages emergency drills during WATAN 2026

Field exercises simulating emergency-response procedures were conducted at Hamad International Airport (HIA) Monday as part of the nationwide WATAN 2026 exercise, Qatar Airways announced. In a notice posted on its official X account, the national carrier said passengers and airport visitors may notice increased ground activity at designated locations across the airport, as well as related activities in the surrounding airspace.

Read more
John Schneider Admits Owes Millions in 'Dukes of Hazzard' Divorce Battle

John Schneider Admits Owes Millions in 'Dukes of Hazzard' Divorce Battle

'Dukes of Hazzard' actor John Schneider has formally acknowledged a debt of roughly $3.7 million in back spousal support to his ex-wife, Elvira Schneider, marking a shift in their ongoing divorce proceedings. While admitting the financial obligation, Schneider is contesting a court order that would divert half of his Social Security benefits to satisfy the arrears.

Read more
Philippine Authorities Report Progress in Thomas Markle Sr. Child Pornography Probe

Philippine Authorities Report Progress in Thomas Markle Sr. Child Pornography Probe

Philippine authorities have confirmed that their investigation into Thomas Markle Sr.’s alleged possession of child pornography is progressing, with Acting Director Pmgen Wilson Casueta stating the probe is moving in the "right direction." The inquiry follows allegations by Markle’s son, Thomas Jr., who reported finding graphic materials at his father’s Cebu City residence.

Read more