Author: simon

Real-name Registration for SIM Cards Commences 1 March

People buying new SIM cards, including SIM service plan (SSP) services and pre-paid SIM (PPS) cards, after 1 March 2022 will need to complete real-name registration before activation.

Existing PPS card users are required to complete real-name registration with respective telecommunications operators on or before 23 February 2023. PPS cards without real-name registration will be deactivated after this deadline.

Individual users are required to provide their name, date of birth, Hong Kong identity (HKID) card number and an HKID card copy for registration. While corporate users are required to provide business registration information and designate a responsible person, with the personal information of that person provided.

The Real-name Registration Programme, which commenced 1 September 2021, is applicable to all SIM cards issued by telecommunications operators of Hong Kong to be used for local person-to-person communications (including voice, data and/or SMS services).

Real-name Registration for SIM Cards 2022

Media Freedom Coalition Statement on Closure of Media Outlets in Hong Kong

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their deep concern at the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.

Recent developments include the raid of Stand News offices, the arrests of its staff, and the subsequent self-closure of Citizen News, stemming from concern over the safety of its staff. Since the enactment of the National Security Law in June 2020, authorities have targeted and suppressed independent media in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This has eroded the protected rights and freedoms set out in the Basic Law and undermines China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This has also caused the near-complete disappearance of local independent media outlets in Hong Kong. These ongoing actions further undermine confidence in Hong Kong’s international reputation through the suppression of human rights, freedom of speech and free flow and exchange of opinions and information.

A stable and prosperous Hong Kong in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected should be in everybody’s interest. We urge Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, in line with the Basic Law and China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Co-signatures:
Australia
Austria
Canada
Czech Republic
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
the Netherlands
New Zealand
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland
the United Kingdom
the United States

Media Freedom CoalitionMedia Freedom Coalition

50 countries have signed up to the Media Freedom Coalition and pledged to:

  • speak out and take action together, through a Media Freedom Coalition
  • harness the power of diplomatic networks, through a new Media Freedom Contact Group
  • reinforce international initiatives to champion media freedom
  • meet annually to renew commitments and to address emerging threats and opportunities

The pledge was published and signed as part of the Global Conference for Media Freedom hosted by the UK and Canadian governments in London on 10 and 11 July 2019. It is published in English and French.

Art Basel Postponed from March to May 2022

Art Basel today postponed its Hong Kong fair, which was scheduled to take place in March 2022, to May 2022 in response to the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic and related travel restrictions.

Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel said: “By taking this decision early, our goal is to ensure that we will be able to welcome the community of art supporters and members of the public at HKCEC, as well as the international audience that will be joining us virtually while protecting the health and safety of everyone concerned.”

The 2022 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27-29 May, 2022, with preview days on 25-26 May.

Art Basel
Date: 25-29 May, 2022
Venue: HK Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets: tbc

RTHK Blacklists Pro-Democracy Musicians

Ten politically vocal singers and groups, including Denise Ho and Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, have been removed from RTHK playlists.

DJs have apparently been instructed by senior RTHK management to stop playing any new or old songs by: RubberBand, C AllStar, Dear Jane, Serrini, Kay Tse, Charmaine Fong, Alfred Hui, Denise Ho, Anthony Wong Yiu-ming.

An RTHK spokesman told Ming Pao that “the broadcaster is supporting the development of Chinese-language pop music locally, and program hosts would select appropriate songs to feature from a professional perspective.”

A DJ told Ming Pao that the black-list was handed down by management at the beginning of this year and that it will affect program production as many of the artist’s songs are classics that have nothing to do with politics.

When asked about the ban, Alfred Hui said he was not worried. “Music fans can find the kind of music they want to listen to on various platforms and channels these days. Music can also be released as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). I still plan to release two albums this year.”

RubberBand and C AllStar have been ‘banned’ in China since 2019.

image: as1.entertainment 

Petticoat Lane Reopens

Some good news amidst the tidal wave of closures across the city, gay bar and nightclub Petticoat Lane announces its reopening and relocation from Wyndham Street to Lan Kwai Fong Tower.

Here is the opening announcement, and entry rules.

We have some good news in a world of bad headlines.
Petticoat Lane will open its doors, 28th of January, 2022 at 2:38 pm.

Our entire team at Petticoat Lane has worked really hard getting the new venue ready to welcome you home.
We sincerely hope we will make you and our community proud.

Because your health and safety, and that of our team, is our priority; and to ensure we all comply with the HK Government’s Covid restrictions, kindly note:
– Reservations must be made in advance by DM’ing us on Instagram or Facebook.
– Masks must be worn when walking through the venue.
– Masks can only be removed when seated and eating or drinking.
– Proof of vaccination is required upon entry.
– The Leave Home Safe App must be used to check-in.
– Food must be purchased when ordering drinks.
– All guests must leave the venue by 5:59 pm.
Going forward, our opening hours will be from Tuesday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 5:59 pm until further notice.

We have missed you very much and are so excited to see you again soon.
We know it is a very challenging time. We also know, that by supporting one another, we will get through it together.

From all of us at Petticoat Lane.
Stay Positive. Test Negative.

Petticoat Lane
8/F, California Tower,
30-32 D’Aguilar Street,
Central,
Hong Kong
Opening hours: Noon-6pm

Say No to Shark Fin Endorsing Michelin Stars

The 2022 edition of the Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau was launched yesterday.

Sadly the Michelin Guide continues to award ‘stars’ and endorse and promote restaurants that sell sharks fin.

bc magazine refuses to knowingly support any restaurant or organisation that sells or promotes eating sharks fin!

Say NO to Sharks Fin!

Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals Data 2021

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has released the visitor arrivals data for December 2021 and the year as a whole.

In December 2021 there were 9,448 arrivals (6.475 from the mainland, 2,973 non-mainland) a 94% rise year on year. But a 90+% drop from 2019.

Arrivals for 2021 were 91,368 (65,694 from the mainland, 25,704 non-mainland) a 97% drop from 2020.