International news » Nov 19, 2009
More international news. Russia's Constitutional Court effectively outlawed the death penalty Thursday, saying that a moratorium on capital punishment should remain in force until the nation fully bans executions. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Former China student leader tried on fraud charges Nov 19, 2009
BEIJING An exiled former leader of the 1989 student pro-democracy movement went on trial in southwestern China on Thursday on financial fraud charges after being extradited from Hong Kong, a human rights group reported. No verdict was announced at the end of Zhou Yongjun's five-hour hearing in the Sichuan province city of Shehong, Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy said ... A high-profile figure in the 1989 student-led demonstrations in Beijing that were crushed by... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
* Platinum card holders enjoy concierge service d A]UH Nov 19, 2009
Go to Tokyo or Hong Kong for me and buy 30 NT$50,000 Herm. s Kelly handbags. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Myki tracking device warning Nov 19, 2009
We have the Octopus card in Hong Kong which is stored value card for transport and for certain convenience stores ... The system works brilliantly in Hong Kong with millions of people using it everyday , in fact you are in the minority if you don't. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Gold extends record high on weak $ Nov 19, 2009
HONG KONG: Doubts about the pace of economic recovery hit Asian markets on Thursday, with Japanese stocks falling to a four-month low and the Australian dollar down for a third day as a December interest rate hike no longer looked like a sure thing. After 00004000 gains of nearly 70 percent in Asian equities so far this year, investors are likely prone to taking profits before year-end. (India Times)
Buying Antique Chinese Furniture in... Nov 19, 2009
Buying Antique Chinese Furniture in Hong Kong. Buying Antique Chinese Furniture in Hong Kong ... Hong Kong is a great place to buy antique Chinese furniture. (Suite101.com)
India to have 'billion plus' mobile users by 2015: executive Nov 18, 2009
HONG KONG: Ind 00004000 ia could have more than one billion mobile phone users by 2015, with the bulk of that growth in rural areas, one of the country's top telecom executives said on Wednesday. Manoj Kohli, chief executive of India's biggest mobile phone group Bharti Airtel, told an industry conference in Hong Kong that his firm is aiming to almost double its customer base to 200 million people in the next few years. (India Times)
Utah Swimming and Diving Gears Up For Toshiba Classic Nov 18, 2009
Junior (Yuen Long, Hong Kong) qualified for the NCAA Zone Regional meet, and got career highs with her scores in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives. Yu finished first in the 3-meter with her score of 308. (Utahutes.com)
PBOC's Fan warns of asset bubbles Nov 18, 2009
HONG KONG: China needs to be alert to the danger of asset bubbles, but headline inflation is unlikely to be a risk for some time, Fan Gang, a member of the People's Bank of China's monetary policy committee, said. Speaking at a forum in Hong Kong on Wednesday, Fan said Chinese gross domestic product could expand between 8 and 9 percent in 2010 ... Economists say the risk of asset price bubbles is especially acute in economies such as Hong Kong and China, which effectively import US monetary... (India Times)
Equity-linked debt in RBI glare Nov 18, 2009
Foreign firms issuing ELDs in India often enter into reverse deals in markets like Singapore or Hong Kong to hedge their positions and such transactions can make the local stock or currency market more volatile. sugata. (India Times)
'Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor' to Open at National Geographic Museum on Nov. 19 Nov 18, 2009
The exhibition is supported locally by Asia Nine; Cultural Tourism DC; Destination DC; D.C. United; Hong Kong Palace; Mie N Yu; TenPenh; Union Station; Washington National Opera; The Washington Nationals; and The Washington Post. In support of the exhibition, National Geographic has published a companion book, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of Chinas First Emperor, by Jane Portal, and exhibit-related merchandise is available online and in the National Geographic Museum store. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Gold makes new record; breaches 17k-level Nov 17, 2009
Meanwhile, gold prices in Hong Kong traded higher at record USD 1,140. 00 an ounce in early trade today. (India Times)
Navy: Missing plane wreckage found off Texas coast Nov 17, 2009
A South Korean fishing boat flipped over after colliding with a much larger Hong Kong cargo ship, killing four fishermen and leaving three others missing, officials said Sunday. The two vessels collided Saturday night in rough waters between Japan and South Korea, according the countries' coast guards. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Sightseeing Bus Tours in Hong Kong Nov 17, 2009
Hong Kong was a British colony for over 150 years, so it's an easy city to navigate since all the signs are in English as well as Chinese ... But when time is short, or you want a relaxing way to see the main sights of Hong Kong, there are two new options to try ... Famous for their burgundy and cream double-decker buses in London, began operations in Hong Kong in December 2008. (Suite101.com)
Book Reviews: Three disappointments Nov 17, 2009
Harry is single, but he and his former wife, who lives and works in Hong Kong, have a daughter in her early teens. The daughter, too, resides in Hong Kong ... On his cell phone, Harry receives a video from his daughter showing her being held hostage by someone in Hong Kong. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hunting for cheap airfare to London? Be cautious Nov 17, 2009
However, if you do not mind spending a few hours in transit then you have many more options as you can fly to London via Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, India and even the Middle East. MAS fares are attractive at RM1,248 one-way and if we can get the same return airfare, then London is a steal at RM2,496. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Dejected Bahrain turn attention to Asian Cup Nov 17, 2009
In the other Group A match, leaders Japan will be confident of victo--ry against bottom side Hong Kong. Espanyol midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is expected to play for Japan after coming on as a second half substitute in their 0-0 friendly draw with South Africa on Saturday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
High-level luxury Nov 17, 2009
The Hong Kong location features an infinity pool with views of Victoria Harbor and underwater classical music. Click for related slideshow. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Bharti Airtel confident on 3G timeline: CEO Nov 17, 2009
HONG KONG: Bharti Airtel, India's top mobile phone operator, said it is confident the country will proceed on schedule with 3G spectrum auctions in January, with high hopes for the technology in the competitive market ... "It went well. Our confidence is high," Bharti Chief Executive Manoj Kohli told Reuters in an interview in Hong Kong, commenting on the Monday conference. (India Times)
IPO watch: Investors with high risk should consider 'Cox and Kings' Nov 16, 2009
It has incorporated two subsidiaries Quoprro Global in UK and Quoprro Global Services Private in Hong Kong to tap the business opportunities in these two markets. VALUATION. (India Times)
Will it be sweet November for WTO? Nov 16, 2009
The WTO is holding the official ministerial meet this month as the last full ministerial was held in Hong Kong four years ago and rules mandate a full ministerial every two years. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Yuan as world currency can be good for India Nov 15, 2009
In addition, since December 2008 China has undertaken currency swaps estimated at $95 billion with central banks in South Korea, Malaysia, Belarus, Indonesia, Argentina and Hong Kong. This would enable importers to make payments in yuan for Chinese goods without going through the usual dollar route. (India Times)
Sands China to Raise Funds, Open Most of Stalled Macau Resort by End-2011 Nov 15, 2009
4 billion) in a Hong Kong initial public offering, in what could be the citys second-biggest this year ... Sands joins rival in selling shares in Hong Kong after other locally traded casino operators surged this year ... To contact the reporter on this story: in Hong Kong at. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Four charged with selling counterfeit DVDs Nov 14, 2009
Four naturalized U.S. citizens originally from Hong Kong were indicted Friday by a federal grand jury and are accused of making $3 million off the sales of counterfeit DVDs of Disney films and other movies. Chuen Han Yuen, 29; Man Yam Yuen, 58; Tsao Ping Ng, 54 and Sin L. Yuen, 31, are charged with mail fraud, wire fraud and copyright infringements. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
The Walt Disney Company Reports Earnings for Fiscal Year 2009 Nov 13, 2009
The total borrowings shown above include $2,868 million and $3,706 million attributable to Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland as of October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents attributable to Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland totaled $606 million and $693 million as of October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Asian mkts mostly lower after US fall Nov 13, 2009
Markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul declined, while Hong Kong and Taipei traded slightly high 00004000 er after major US indexes slid by about 1 per cent overnight. Investors are trying to sort out conflicting signs from last week's upbeat U.S. growth data, lower oil prices and a weaker dollar, said Andrew Orchard, Asian strategist for Royal Bank of Scotland in Hong Kong ... Hong Kong's market was up 0. (India Times)
The new face of Bollywood Nov 12, 2009
30 Hong Kong)Thursday, July 30: 04 ... 00 Hong Kong)Saturday, Aug 1: 05 ... 30 Hong Kong)Monday, Aug 3: 03. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Lloyds to cut 5,000 jobs Nov 12, 2009
Geoghegan, who recently moved to Hong Kong from London as HSBC focuses on expanding its footprint in Asia, went on to predict a "two-speed recovery" in which emerging markets would lead economic growth. HSBC generates almost half of its revenue in Asia and benefited from its exposure to emerging markets during the recession. (India Times)
Kolkata facing brutal future Nov 12, 2009
Following Dhaka (9 out of 10 possible vulnerability points), other cities at high risk are Manila and Jakarta (8 each), Kolkata and Phnom Penh (7 each), Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai (6 each), Bangkok (5), and Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore (4 each). "Kolkata is within the Ganga delta and thus only metres above current sea level, making it prone to salt-water intrusion and sea-level rise effects. Being eastern India's main centre for business and commerce, it has expanded to accommodate... (India Times)
61 IIM-C students bag international offers Nov 12, 2009
As many as 61 students bagged international offers in such locations as New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and South Africa, with the possibility of more getting confirmed soon. Some 140 companies showed interest in hiring from IIMC, up from last years 110. (India Times)
World shopping tour up for grabs Nov 12, 2009
com calls the Second Best Job in the World will keep a blog, find bargains, and compare shopping cultures in Berlin, Hong Kong, London, Milan, New York, Paris and Tokyo. In May, Briton Ben Southall won a Best Job in the World competition at a tourism agency in Australia to be a caretaker on an idyllic island. (Business Report, South Africa)
Gold opens at record high of $1,121 in Asia Nov 12, 2009
HONG KONG: Hong Kong gold prices opened at a record high of $1,120 ... Hong Kong gold prices opened at a record high of $1,120. (India Times)
Tata Steel eyes $400 mn convertible bond-sources Nov 12, 2009
HONG KONG: Tata Steel, the world's eighth largest steelmaker by output, is in talks with banks for a convertible bond offering, sources said on Thursday. The Indian steelmaker is aiming to raise between $300 million and $400 million, said a source familiar with the situation. (India Times)
Global asset bubble, inflation concerns 'premature': Fitch Nov 12, 2009
HONG KONG: Concern that global prices of shares and property have risen to unsustainable levels is premature and spare production capacity will help contain inflation, said David Riley, head of global sovereign ratings at Fitch Ratings. The Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England last week moved to unwind some of the emergency steps they took to rescue the world economy from its sharpest slump since the Great Depression. (India Times)
Asia shares higher, gold hits record Nov 12, 2009
HONG KONG: Asian shares edged up on Thursday as investors continued to favour riskier assets on further signs that the global economy is picking up, while a weak dollar sent gold to another record high ... 8 per cent. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index was flat but shares in Bank of East Asia jumped more than 8 percent at one point, adding to a 15 per cent surge on Wednesday on rumours the lender could be a takeover target for Malaysian conglomerate Guoco Group. (India Times)
China's yuan can be alternative reserve currency in 15 years Nov 12, 2009
Since mid-December 2008, Beijing has signed currency swap contracts worth 650 billion yuan (about $95 billion) with central banks in South Korea, Malaysia, Belarus, Indonesia and Argentina and Hong Kong. These swap accords allow other overseas central banks to sell yuan to local importers who want to buy Chinese goods. (India Times)
China's factory output at 19-mth high Nov 12, 2009
Domestic demand as a whole is improving in a sustainable manner, said Chris Leung, China economist at DBS Bank in Hong Kong ... This will make it more difficult for Beijing to resist international pressure to let the yuan appreciate and also make it easier for policymakers to justify a stronger currency to domestic audiences, said Brian Jackson, a strategist at Royal Bank of Canada in Hong Kong. (India Times)
Thai Spicy Fish McDippers, and other examples of fast-food you cant get in the United States Nov 11, 2009
In Hong Kong, I nearly got arrested for taking this photo of the Green Tea and Red Bean Ice Cream Sundae ... (Green Tea And Red Bean Sundae, Hong Kong). (Harper's Magazine)
Emerging markets to lead recovery: HSBC Nov 11, 2009
LONDON: HSBC forecast that emerging markets will spearhead the economic recovery on Tuesday as the world banking giant said its third-quarter profits were "significantly" higher compared with a year earlier. In an HSBC trading 00004000 update, group chief executive Michael Geoghegan said that emerging markets would "drive the global recovery.". (India Times)
Asia stocks up; China data supportive Nov 11, 2009
HONG KONG: Asian stocks rose for a fourth day on Wednesday as reports showed Chinese factory output jumped to a 19-month high in October, while the ailing US dollar hovered near a 15-month low ... "China's recovery has extended into Q4 and this momentum looks set to continue into 2010," said Brian Jackson, strategist with Royal Bank of Canada in Hong Kong ... Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 1. (India Times)
Asia faces new risks of overheating: Zoellick Nov 11, 2009
The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday said Hong Kong faced a potential surge in property prices and endorsed a government plan to cool any overheating in the market. And in September, the head of the UN's trade and development think-tank also cautioned against a new financial bubble following the massive liquidity that was pumped into the economic system to counter the global crisis. (India Times)
Tech helps unearth family trees Nov 11, 2009
"The interest is growing, especially in mainland China," said Danny Chin, who manages the Genealogical Society of Utah's Asia operations from a Hong Kong office. Members of the Chinese diaspora, whether from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or San Francisco, are increasingly visiting the mainland to trace their roots, seeking information from clan associations and visiting ancestral shrines and homes. (CNN -- International)
APEC warned of critical labour shortages Nov 10, 2009
APEC's members are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. AFP. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asian stocks rally as risk sought Nov 9, 2009
"On the one hand, as long as the recovery is not strong enough, central banks will keep on supporting liquidity and asset prices may benefit," said Sebastien Barbe, strategist with Calyon in Hong Kong. "On the other, central banks may begin to tighten monetary conditions in coming quarters, but only when economic growth has gained sufficient momentum and sustainability, and this restored economic strength may also to some extent support asset prices despite central bank tightening," Barbe said... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Airport Check-in: Strange sight in Canada; Detroit plan pursued Nov 9, 2009
Among the attractions listed: high-price raffle kiosks at International ($274 for a 1-in-5,000 chance to win $1 million); an oxygen lounge at Narita; a 30,000-gallon fish tank at Vancouver International; a 4-D movie theater including special effects, such as wind, fog and water spray at Hong Kong International; a Sony PlayStation game lounge at Paris ; a show of some of the 80,000 ancient artifacts some dating back to the Mesolithic Age excavated during a terminal construction at London... (USA Today -- Money)
Gold powers to new record Nov 9, 2009
"I don't think there's physical buying but sentiment is still bullish because of a strong euro against the dollar and also firm crude oil prices," said a dealer in Hong Kong, adding that the market saw buying interest from speculators in the US Japan and other parts of Asia. Oil rose to $US78 a barrel on Monday to recoup some of the previous session's near 3 percent loss on concerns that a powerful hurricane would cut US oil and gas supplies, lifting gold's appeal as a hedge against inflation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Gold jewellers shrug off record price Nov 9, 2009
Purchases from India kept premiums for gold bars steady in Singapo 00004000 re at 40 to 60 cents to spot London levels, while fears about further gains in prices spurred buying from the electronics sector in Hong Kong. Gold hit a high of $1,106. (India Times)
Moody's raises China outlook to +ive Nov 9, 2009
HONG KONG: Moody's Investors Service raised the outlook on China's A1 rating to positive from stable on Monday, praising its economic performance in the past year during the global financial crisis. The agency said the country's strong credit fundamentals would resume its improving trend as the economy emerged from the effects of the global recession. (India Times)
'Overseas firms may list in China' Nov 9, 2009
Red chips are Chinese companies that have their business on the mainland but are incorporated outside China and listed on overseas bourses, usually Hong Kong ... "We hope that NYSE Euronext is in the first group of (overseas) companies to list, but we don't know if it will be the first," Ronald Keng, NYSE Euronext's head of international listings for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia, told the Hong Kong Economic Times in remarks published on Monday. (India Times)
Asia stocks currencies rally Nov 9, 2009
HONG KONG: Asian stocks and currencies rose on Monday as investors bet that a surge in the US unemployment rate to a 26-1/2-year high would force policymakers to keep many 00004000 stimulus measures in place until an economic recovery was on more solid footing ... "On the one hand, as long as the recovery is not strong enough, central banks will keep on supporting liquidity and asset prices may benefit," said Sebastien Barbe, strategist with Calyon in Hong Kong. (India Times)
Gold strikes all-time high above $1,100/oz Nov 9, 2009
Purchases from India kept premiums for gold bars steady in Singapore at 40 to 60 U.S. cents to spot London levels, while fears about further gains in prices spurred buying from the electronics sector in Hong Kong ... Gold bars were offered at a premium of 30 to 40 cents to spot London prices in Hong Kong, barely changed from last week ... "We don't see many sales of scrap because everybody is still bullish about gold. That's why gold is still at premium even though it's now holding around... (India Times)
China's new Nasdaq-style board sees wild start Nov 9, 2009
"I think it was crazy - the rise was ridiculously high," said Peter Lai, a director of DBS Vickers in Hong Kong. "Chinese investors are not very rational.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Expect AMP - and perhaps another bidder - to offer a richer version of its tilt at insurer AXA Asia Pacific. Nov 9, 2009
AXA Asia Pacific has an established presence in the Hong Kong market, and a growing network in in the wider Asian region, including China, India and South-East Asia. It is in varying stages of development, and profitability: Hong Kong is a solid earner, the South-East Asian operations are better established but yet to deliver sustained earnings growth, and China and India are still money-losers as AXA Asia-Pacific invests to develop its footprint. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Rapport from people to leader, says former envoy Nov 8, 2009
An estimated 15,000 Malaysians including students, businessmen and professionals are in China and Hong Kong. Chinese nationals are among the biggest groups of foreign students in Malaysia, numbering some 10,000. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
This season, IIM students choose their recruiters Nov 7, 2009
Goldman intends to hire 24 students for summer placement for their centres in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangalore and Mumbai. As always, we are extremely impressed by the high standards of candidates at IIM campuses, says a Goldman Sachs (Asia) spokesperson from Hong Kong. (India Times)
Get a Travel Visa for China Nov 7, 2009
Regulations are different for Hong Kong, where travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa but are automatically given a stamp in their passport letting them stay in Hong Kong for up to 90 days ... It is also possible to obtain a mainland Chinese visa in Hong Kong, through local visa agencies. (Suite101.com)
IIM-As summer placements close in four days flat Nov 7, 2009
While banks, such as RBS, offered international roles across Hong Kong, Singapore and London, firms from marketing and general management sector, like P, Coca-Cola, Renault, Starcom MediaVest, TAS and Aditya Birla Group also offered overseas internships. Consulting firms that are regulars at IIM-A campus such as McKinsey oston Consulting Group and Bain ach placed 3-5 students. (India Times)
Ask the pilot Nov 7, 2009
As evident in places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul (Incheon), Osaka and Hong Kong, their grandiosity is taken seriously ... The main terminal is the just behind Hong Kong's. (Salon)
Still smarting Nov 6, 2009
T, a consortium that included the company behind Octopus, Hong Kong's now successful smartcard, launched in 1997 ... Two years ago Hong Kong operators had to refund $3 ... Singapore and Hong Kong can do it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
I-banks knock on IIMC door Nov 6, 2009
There were several foreign offers as well, in locations like New York, London, Singapore and Hong Kong ... We made 3 offers for Hong Kong and another six in India, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch recruitment manager Parul Shukla told ET. We are offering profiles in investment banking, equity capital markets, corporate banking and research, among others, she said. (India Times)
Global equity fund flows turn negative Nov 6, 2009
HONG KONG: Global fund flows into equities fell in the week ended on Nov 4 as policymakers shifted focus to unwinding stimulus measures, while un 00004000 employment continued to rise, making investors question what will drive economic growth next year, fund tracker EPFR Global said on Friday. Outflows from equity funds totalled $5. (India Times)
Its time for a 1Tourism policy Nov 6, 2009
Our present target of getting 27 million tourists a year may seem lofty to some, but actually it is a pittance compared to real tourist-savvy destinations like Hong Kong or Singapore where they aim to get two to three tourists for every one of their residents ... Hong Kong used to follow the same tax regime but in recognition of the contribution of the food and beverage sector in attracting tourism, wine is now tax-free in the Chinese territory as of last year. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Asia stocks, oil advance Nov 6, 2009
HONG KONG: Asian stocks rose ahead of the latest US payrolls report on Friday, expecte 00004000 d to show the fewest job losses since August 2008, while oil prices recovered to $80 a barrel after a sharp drop on high US fuel inventories. Stock indexes in Britain and France were expected to open slightly higher, while Germany's DAX was expected to open lower, according to financial bookmakers. (India Times)
Watney leads American charge Nov 6, 2009
Woods was joined by Anthony Kim, who spent most of Tuesday in Hong Kong trying to get his visa situation sorted out, Paul Casey and Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan, giving some local flavor to Asia's biggest tournament ... Watney decided a few months ago to play the World Cup the week of Thanksgiving at Mission Hills near Hong Kong. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Riding the Hillside Escalator in Ho... Nov 6, 2009
Riding the Hillside Escalator in Hong Kong. Riding the Hillside Escalator in Hong Kong ... Century old buildings, shops crammed with Chinese ceramics, street markets, and hundreds of restaurants, all within easy reach in the heart of Hong Kong. (Suite101.com)
