Author: Verified News Online

AdvertisementHong Kong propertyBusinessHong Kong tests student housing land sales as office market slowdown curbs tendersGovernment invites interest in three sites for student hostels, signalling a shift from office sites to education-focused development
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPPeggy YePublished: 2:00pm, 22 Jan 2026Hong Kong is testing purpose-built student housing as an alternative land-sale model, as weak demand for commercial sites pushes the government to explore uses that can still attract investor interest.The Development Bureau on Tuesday invited expressions of interest (EOI) for student hostel development on three commercially zoned sites in Kai Tak, Siu Lek Yuen in Sha Tin, and Tung Chung East, marking the first time the government had proposed selling land through open tender with use restricted exclusively to student accommodation.
The move comes after the government effectively halted commercial land sales due to high office vacancy rates and ample exist..

JD Vance and Usha Vance Expecting Fourth Child: A Look at Their Family Journey Today the spotlight is on Usha Vance and US Vice President JD Vance, as the couple joyfully announced recently that they are expecting their fourth child, a baby boy due in July 2026. The news that has captivated media and social feeds worldwide and we can't help but go down their relationship journey, from law school beginnings to life in the political spotlight.JD Vance and Usha Vance's announcement that broke the Internet
Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance shared the pregnancy news in a heartfelt post across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, expressing excitement about welcoming their fourth child and gratitude for the support of military medical staff and their team. The couple, who already have three children (sons Ewan and Vivek and daughter Mirabel), said that they are thrilled and looking forward to late-July arrival.Taking to her X handle, ea..

Sharjah unveils major employment plan for 2026, with 2,000 government jobs / image: file In a move that has sparked excitement across the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has officially approved the hiring of 1,000 Emirati men and women into government positions. This isn't just a small hiring spree; it brings the total number of job opportunities announced under the Sharjah 2026 budget to a staggering 2,000 positions.Specifically designed to accommodate newly graduated degree holders, this initiative spans all cities and regions of the emirate. The message from the leadership is clear: no graduate will be left behind. By focusing on the youth, Sharjah is ensuring that its next generation of professionals has a direct path into the workforce, supporting the wider national goal of a stable and prosperous community.Sharjah’s 2026 jobs surge: What’s happening?If you are a job seeker, you won't have to wait long. The Sharjah Depart..

AdvertisementUS-Asean relationsThis Week in AsiaPoliticsWhy Southeast Asia is wary of Trump’s ‘pay-to-play’ global peace boardNations are likely to try to avoid early commitment while steering clear of outright rejection to minimise US retaliation, analysts say
Reading Time:4 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPKolette LimandAidan JonesPublished: 2:30pm, 21 Jan 2026Southeast Asian countries invited to join Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” should think carefully before entering what looks like a “more exclusive version” of the United Nations Security Council with the US president in ultimate control, analysts caution.Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are among about 60 countries that have reportedly received invitations, alongside South Korea and India.The initiative, presented by Trump as a new international body to promote global stability, was initially authorised by the United Nations Security Council to help oversee the Gaza peace plan and post-war reconstruction. But dra..