Hong Kong authorities have more than doubled their fiscal deficit estimate to HK$100 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, prompting calls to prioritize cutting expenses and potentially raising taxes due to weaker revenue from a soft property market. The structural reliance on land sales has been cited as a significant issue, with experts warning of the impact of slow economic growth on the current fiscal model. Finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po noted a slump in government revenue from land sales, stamp duty, and corporate taxes, emphasizing the need to consider cost-saving measures and resource reallocation before resorting to tax increases or external financing.
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ISD flags growing diversity of extremist ideologies in Singapore, emergence of AI as terror enabler
SINGAPORE: The Internal Security Department (ISD) reports a rise in diverse extremist ideologies amid ongoing global tensions, with eight self-radicalised individuals influenced largely by online platforms. The ISD emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation with tech companies to create safer online environments, as local youth radicalization cases increase. Want More Context? 🔎
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