The government plans to nurture and develop tourism by focusing on culture, sports, ecology and mega-events. As Damon Pang reports, the aim is to get the sector to boost the economy by HK$120 billion in five years.

Dennis Wong, a hospitality expert with the Vocational Training Council, says he agrees with the general direction of the blueprint. He told Damon Pang that trying to lure tourists from the Middle East, as well as developing the silver-hair and resort markets are all effective ways to boost revenue.

The government is appealing the High Court's ruling that overturned its approval of an environmental study into plans to build public flats on part of the Fanling Golf Course. Officials stressed that the legal action is in the public interest. Damon Pang reports.

Technology minister Sun Dong has unveiled plans to attract enterprises to set up factories and production lines in Hong Kong by providing them land at an attractive price. Well, how competitive is Hong Kong in this respect and what other measures are needed? And how can the SAR compete with neighbouring regions? Anthony Lam, executive deputy chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries spoke to Janice Lo.

Labour minister Chris Sun says the government will shift its focus from luring talent to retaining professionals in Hong Kong. As Kelly Yu reports, he said the decision by two snooker legends to make Hong Kong their home, underlines the attractiveness of the city.

The Trade Development Council says it will lead a delegation to Indonesia next month to try to drum up business with Asean's largest economy. Natale Ching reports.

Family experts say Hong Kong should urgently address its ageing population. As Frank Yung reports, those who took part in the Asian Family Summit 2024 also issued a warning about the effect declining fertility rates and rising life expectancy will have on the world.

South Korea has begun seven days of national mourning for the victims of the worst plane crash on its soil. The Jeju Air plane with 181 people on board crash-landed at Muan International Airport after a flight from the Thai capital Bangkok. Two flight attendants on board the Boeing 737-800 were the only survivors. Seoul has ordered a thorough inspection of all planes of the same model. Natale Ching reports.

Hundreds of soldiers have been freed in the latest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Officials have said the latest swap was brokered with the help of the United Arab Emirates. Two civilians were reportedly among the Ukrainian prisoners freed. Russia and Ukraine have conducted dozens of such prisoner exchanges during the nearly three-year war. Jamie Clarke has more.

The World Health Organization chief has released a New Year video message, which focused on peace and health security in areas of conflict. Sean Kennedy reports.

According to doctors in Gaza, six Palestinians have died of exposure and cold over recent days in the enclave. The latest is a month-old boy named Jumaa, whose twin brother, Ali, is in a critical condition in intensive care. In the second winter of the war in Gaza, the weather has added an extra element of suffering to hundreds of thousands of people already displaced, often multiple times, while efforts to agree a ceasefire go nowhere. The death of Jumaa al-Batran highlights just how severe the situation facing vulnerable families remains. Jamie Clarke reports.

A federal appeals court has upheld a jury verdict ordering US President-elect Donald Trump to pay US$5 million for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. Anne Chan has more.

A mainland-based political commentator said former US president Jimmy Carter had made significant contributions to improving Sino-US ties. Carter, who recently died at the age of 100, established formal diplomatic relations with Beijing during his tenure. Einar Tangen, a senior fellow at the Taihe Institute and chairman of Asia Narratives, told Frank Yung more about the late president's legacy.

A driving programme in Pakistan is hoping to get more women on the roads and driving motorcycles. The Women on Wheels programme has become increasingly popular in recent months as car prices have soared, with motorcycles offering a cheaper alternative. Women driving two-wheelers has been a cultural and religious taboo in Pakistan, but women are now changing that culture – as Jamie Clarke reports.

And in this week's episode of our podcast "China Perspectives", we take a look at Village basketball, or "Cun B-A", which has taken the country by storm in recent years. It's a platform where non-professional players get to show off their stuff and new talent is being cultivated. Experts say Cun B-A is also showcasing the mass participation of sport, as Beijing strives to achieve a balanced development of elite and mass sport. Vanessa Cheng takes a look at how village basketball is proving to be a slam dunk in China.