Family – The HK HUB https://thehkhub.com open the door to Hong Kong Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:17:19 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://thehkhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/favicon-194x194-128x128.png Family – The HK HUB https://thehkhub.com 32 32 15 Best Summer Camps In Hong Kong Your Kids Will Love This Year https://thehkhub.com/hong-kong-kids-summer-camp-guide/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:27:38 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=33303 Summer holidays are coming around again, and we know that summer camps are a lifesaver for busy parents. The summer camps we’ve found and vetted in Hong Kong will not only prevent the dreaded school holiday boredom, with the summer break typically lasting from mid-July until the end of August, with some variation for international schools, but will also give kids a fun and enriching summer experience they’ll absolutely love.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or more educational programmes, discover some of the best summer camps in Hong Kong available across the city this year.

Malvern College & Malvern Preschool — From 2.5 to 18 years old

Malvern’s schools are offering a wide range of summer camps in Hong Kong this year for children aged 2.5 to 18, combining fun, learning, and discovery across different age groups. Whether your child is taking their first steps into group activities or looking to challenge themselves academically, there’s something thoughtfully designed for every stage.

At Malvern College Hong Kong, the Multi-Activity Summer Camp by Camp Beaumont runs from 30 June to 25 July for children aged 5 to 12. Younger campers (5–7) enjoy a playful “magic” programme, while older ones (8–12) dive into sports, outdoor games, and team-based challenges. Students aged 12 to 16 can join Oxbridge Inspire at Malvern, a week-long academic camp with small-group tutorials in STEAM, Economics & Finance, or Humanities, running across three weeks in July. For those aged 14 to 18, the Cambridge Horizons Programme takes students to the UK for a fully residential experience at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, blending academic study with cultural exploration.

Over at Malvern College Pre-School, younger children aged 2.5 to 4 can join the Multi-Activity Summer Camp by Camp Beaumont from 7 July to 1 August. Held in the mornings at both Coronation Circle and Island West, the sessions include themed adventures like Animal Expeditions, Mini Science Labs, and Teddy Bears’ Picnics in a warm, nurturing environment perfect for little explorers.

Dates: 30 June – 1 August 2025 (varies by programme)
Location: Tai Po, Yau Ma Tei, Sai Ying Pun, and Cambridge (UK)
Price: Varies by programme
Contact: Malvern College Summer Camps | Malvern Preschool Summer Camps

Guidepost MontessoriUp to 12 years old

This summer, Guidepost Montessori invites children across Asia to spark their imagination and sense of wonder through hands-on discovery, creative play, and meaningful connections. With camps in Hong KongBali, and Mainland China, every child can find an adventure that inspires.

At The Cosmic Adventure camp (2 July–1 August) in Hong Kong, children up to 6 years old will explore life on Earth and beyond through hands-on activities, storytelling, creative crafts, science discoveries and sensory experience, fostering curiosity and empathy about our universe.

Children aged 6–12 can join Exploring the Five Elements Camps at the Academy of Innovation Primary School. Inspired by the elements Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, the camp features hands-on projects, dynamic experiments, and themed activities that spark creativity and curiosity.

Families seeking international experiences can explore the Bali Adventure Camp at AYANA Bali, which provides children aged 3-6 years old with blended activities with weekly themes including exploration of Balinese heritage, immersive journeys with nature, from farm to table, and learn about marine life and conservation, or Mandarin Immersion Camps in Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Xi’an, enriching your child’s Mandarin learning and cultural appreciation for the cities with rich histories.

Dates: June 30-August 29, 2025
Location: Hong Kong (Causeway Bay, Chai Wan, Discovery Bay, Kennedy Town, Mid-Levels, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay, Sai Kung and Academy of Innovation Primary School), Mainland China (Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Xi’an) or Indonesia (Bali).
Price: Varies by programme
Contact: Website | WhatsApp | admissions@guidepost.hk | +852 9126 6211

See also
10 Best Centres And Schools in Hong Kong To Take Language Classes

Ark Eden — Ages 5-11 years

ark eden logo

Set in the beautiful hillside of Mui Wo, Ark Eden’s magical summer camp is designed for children aged 5-8 and 9-11. With a focus on nature-based activities, kids will engage in stream netting, orienteering, soil science, and hiking to Silvermine Waterfalls. The trained staff ensures personalised care with a low 1:8 child-to-adult ratio, creating a safe and fun environment for children to thrive.

Dates: June 30 to August 22, 2025
Learn more: arkedenonlantau.org

Asia Adventure Sport — Ages 5-16 years

asia adventure sport logo

Dive into a summer of FUN with Asia Adventure Sport’s epic outdoor adventure camps! From canyoning and coasteering to giant SUP, forest school, and sports, these thrilling activities promise to challenge kids aged 5-14. Teens (13-16 years) can take on adrenaline-pumping adventures in their own summer camps. With everything from camp crafts to games and water-based fun, there’s something for everyone!

Dates: July 7 to August 15, 2025
Learn more: asiaadventuresport.com

Baker & Bloom — Ages 3-18 years

baker & bloom logo

Take your pick from reading and writing, creative writing, math, STEM, public speaking and debate courses. You can also book one-on-one coaching sessions or form your own group of 3–6 students for a tailor-made class that suits your child’s interests, schedule, and learning needs.

Dates: June 23-August 15, 2025
Learn more: bakerandbloom.com

Debate Hong Kong — Ages 7-13 years

debate hong kong logo

This intensive 5-day course is perfect for children under 11 who want to boost their public speaking and debating skills. Whether they love to speak and need an outlet, or are still finding their feet, the programme builds confidence while encouraging kids to think critically about global issues.

Dates: June 30-July 25, 2025
Learn more: debatehk.com

Fencing Master — Ages 3-16 years

fencing master logo

Feeling inspired by Cheung Ka-Long, the first Hong Kong fencer to win two Olympic golds? Join the action by signing up for fencing camps led by two-time Olympian Lau Kwok Kin, the head coach of these sessions. The 5-day camps welcome kids of all experience levels at age 6-16, and there’s a separate BB level one for ages 3.5-5.5.

Dates: July 21-25; August 11-15, 2025
Learn more: hkfencingmaster.com

Garden House — Ages 1-7 years

garden house logo

Each week of these five-day camps will revolve around a different theme, such as cooking, baking, gardening, and water-based activities. There will also be special events, such as Tie-Dye and Field Day. Families can choose between half-day and full-day schedules, and opt for two, three or five days a week.

Dates: July 14-August 15, 2025
Learn more: gardenhouse.edu.hk

Harry Wright — Ages 4 months to 18 years

harry wright logo

Boost your child’s swimming skills with the professionals! This program offers tailored classes for children aged 4 months to 18 years, ranging from infant aquatic programs to learn-to-swim and competitive training with Olympian coaches. No matter the level, your child will learn this lifelong skill with expert coaching!

Dates: July 2 to August 31, 2025
Learn more: harrywright.com.hk

M+ Museum — Ages 1-7 years

mplus museum logo

M+ Museum invites children aged 6 to 8 and their parents to explore creativity through the theme ‘The Everyday Alchemist’. Over three days, engage in workshops led by artist Margaret Chu and M+ Educators, using unconventional materials to create installations. Through gallery explorations and hands-on activities, children will learn to think like artists and view the world from fresh perspectives.

Dates: July 18-20; July 25-27, 2025
Learn more: mplus.org.hk

Newton Show HK — Ages 3-12 years

newton show hk logo

This camp provider from Singapore has three interactive science summer programmes. Sign up for The Superhero Science Camp, featuring physics experiments like Spider-Man’s web challenge; the Harry Potter Wizarding Camp, where science activities are inspired by spellbinding experiments and potion-making; and the hands-on Mad Summer Science Camp, with explosive experiments like liquid nitrogen ice cream and self-inflating balloons.

Dates: June 2-August 29, 2025
Learn more: newtonshow.hk

Studio Starlit — Ages 4-14 years

studio starlit logo

The magic of theatre will come alive for young minds, courtesy stage productions of Homebound Adventure for 4-7 year olds and Peter Pan for 8-14 year olds. Children will play parts in these plays, and will act in ticketed shows at the end of each of these camps.

Dates: July 5-12; August 2-9, 2025
Learn more: starlitvoice.com

The Mixing Bowls — Ages 4-14 years

the mixing bowl logo

Get your little bakers excited for a fun and educational summer! This summer camp teaches kids aged 6-9 and 9+ the art of baking, from essential kitchen skills to math, science, and creativity. Each week, they’ll make dishes like Bibimbap, Tiramisu, Dim Sum, and more.

Dates: June 16-August 15, 2025
Learn more: themixingbowlhk.com

Treasure Island — Ages 5–14 years

treasure island logo

Treasure Island offers various summer camps, including surfing camps for ages 5-9 and 9-13 with lessons, beach safety, and ocean education. Younger kids can also enjoy Summer Adventure Camps with raft-building and paddleboarding, while older kids (10-14) take part in Extreme Camps with kayaking, coasteering and overnight expeditions.

Dates: June 16 to August 22, 2025
Learn more: treasureislandhk.com

YiFan Camps — Ages 4-12 years

yifan camps logo

Interested to learn Mandarin? YiFan’s summer camp focuses on speaking Mandarin through weekly themed activities like art, science, sports, and cooking. Children aged 4-12 are grouped by Mandarin level, with activities designed to encourage teamwork and language development in a screen-free, interactive environment.

Dates: July 7 to August 22, 2025
Learn more: yifancamps.com

Header image credits: roobcio via Canva

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The Best Family-Friendly Events And Things To Do With Kids This Month In Hong Kong https://thehkhub.com/kids-family-whats-on-guide-events-things-to-do-hong-kong/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 03:42:50 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=33718 Discover exciting activities and events for children in Hong Kong with our weekly updated guide, tailored for families. Whether you’re looking for an engaging weekend activity or spend special family moments, we’ve curated some of the best family events in Hong Kong, from exhibitions, festivals, and other activities dedicated to the little one(s).

Family-friendly Events This Week in Hong Kong — July 7-13

International Arts Carnival 2025 (IAC 2025) — July 11-August 17

iac 2024 magic show
The highlight of last year’s carnival include kids-friendly magic shows (© IAC)

The International Arts Carnival (IAC) returns for 2025 with an exciting programme full of family-friendly activities! From July 11 to August 17, IAC 2025 brings together top artists from around the world to entertain and inspire, highlights include ‘Soul of Shaolin’ by the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center, ‘Sounds of Sports’ with Phoebus Chan, and ‘The Secret Agent Spin-off: Hidden Treasure’.

When: July 11-August 17, 2025
Where: Across Hong Kong
Tickets: Visit website for programme details and ticketing


Ongoing Family-friendly Events in Hong Kong

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA — Now Until July 13

cirque du soleil kooza show
Cirque du Soleil extends its popular show KOOZA to July 13 (© Cirque du Soleil)

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA extends its run in Hong Kong until July 13 due to overwhelming demand! Featuring daredevil acrobatics, whimsical clowns, and stunning visuals, the show takes audiences on a journey through The Innocent’s self-discovery. With over 100 shows worldwide, KOOZA mesmerises with its one-of-a-kind acts, including a brand-new aerial silk performance by a fierce solo artist, a dynamic Icarian Games duo, and a diabolo act showcasing a triple world champion, all acts never-before-seen in the city!

When: From now until July 13, 2025
Where: Central Harbourfront, Central
Tickets: From HK$249. Buy tickets on Klook

Summerfest 2025 — Now until August 3

kids riding balance bike and painting
Summerfest prepared a series of art, music, sports and cultural events for your family (© Summerfest)

As the Dragon Boat Festival is over, we officially step into summer, which also marks the return of the annual family-friendly event: SummerFest! Over at the Central Harbourfront, BAMBOOSCAPE steals the show with six innovative bamboo installations crafted by architects from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and the USA. Join the workshops to learn more about the craftsmanship of weaving. Don’t miss the fun at the Balance Bike Championship, Mermazing Summer Splash, and the “Become a Sushi Sensei” workshop, which also take over Wan Chai Harbourfront. With free admission, take your little ones to their fun, kids-friendly events!

When: Now until August 3, 2025
Where: Central Harbourfront, Central
Tickets: Free admission. Visit website for programme details.

Get! Splash! Tonight! Water World Ocean Park — Now until September 7

geet splash tonight event at water world ocean park
Enjoy the water fun at night with a series of activities! (© Water World Ocean Park)

This summer, Water World Ocean Park is launching its first-ever nighttime event, Get! Splash! Tonight! The exhilarating celebration will run until the end of August. Every day after 6pm, the park transforms into a high-energy party hub, inviting visitors of all ages to dance under the stars at Groove in Silence, enjoy refreshing drinks at Riptide’s Poolside Cheers bar, and groove to live DJ performances at Horizon Cove. You can also enjoy a romantic Luminous Cruise or get neon face painting!

When: From now until September 7, 2025
Where: Water World Ocean Park, Aberdeen
Tickets: HK$310 (adults) and HK$217 (child) for weekdays, HK$380 (adults) and HK$272 (child) for weekends. Visit website for more event info and ticketing

Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations — From June 28

hong kong disneyland 20 years
Hong Kong Disneyland 20 years celebrations (© Hong Kong Disneyland)

Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its 20th anniversary with a year-long programme of shows and surprises. Enjoy a new live castle show, “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!”, the colourful “Friendtastic!” character parade, and an updated version of the park’s dazzling night spectacular, “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky!”. Guests can expect magical moments, beloved characters, and festive energy across the park as the anniversary celebrations continue throughout the year.

When: June 28, 2025 onwards
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland
Tickets: Different packages available. Buy tickets on Klook.

Cityplaza x NBA Hong Kong Presents: Live The Game! — Now until August 3 

a young couple playing at the nba mini basketball court
The mall has partnered up with NBA to host a basketball-theme carnival (© Cityplaza)

Basketball fans, don’t miss NBA Fever Challenge Carnival at Cityplaza! The shopping mall has teamed up with NBA Hong Kong to present “Live The Game!”, with Phase 2 featuring 10 action-packed zones, including the NBA Mini Basketball Court, NBA Skills Challenge Arena, Skybound Jump Quest and Turbo Shooter. Test your skills, jump heights, and reaction speed with exciting interactive experiences. Don’t miss the chance to measure up against NBA stars at the Star Talent Kiosk and shop limited-edition merchandise.

When: From now until August 3, 2025
Where: 2/F Atrium & Centre Bridge, Cityplaza, Tai Koo
Tickets: Free admission. “”NBA Mini Basketball court” is exclusive to LIVE+ members. Visit website for more event info.

Summer Library Festival 2025 – July and August

a kid playing with clay
Street Food Clay Ornament Workshop is one of the highlighted parent-child workshops (© Summer Library Festival)

This summer, the Hong Kong Public Libraries will be hosting the “Summer Library Festival 2025” from July to August, with the theme “Summer Footprints – Stories of Local Culture”. Focusing on “Culture and Life” and “Culture and Tradition”, the festival features activities such as storytelling workshops, festive arts like the Panda Origami workshop, creative STEAM workshops, and cultural talks. You and your little ones can also explore local life and traditions through workshops like boat dwelling collage or distinctive music box creation. All ages are welcome!

When: July to August, 2025
Where: Across Hong Kong
Tickets: Free and advanced registration is required. Visit website for more programme details

“Jurassic World: Rebirth” The Most Dangerous Place on Earth July 1-27

the jurassic world exhibiton at airside shopping mall in kai tak
The exhibition will bring three major scenes from the movie to life (© AIRSIDE)

AIRSIDE is partnering with Universal Pictures to transform its atrium into a primordial reconstruction of the Jurassic world! In line with the movie’s release on July 1st, the “Jurassic World: Rebirth – The Most Dangerous Place on Earth” exhibition will bring three monumental scenes inspired by the blockbuster movie to life, featuring the 3.5m-tall Titanosaurus, the Spinosaurus, and the interactive Quetzalcoatlus soaring above its nest. Challenge yourself as you navigate thrilling interactive zones like the Forbidden Island and Skybound Challenges. The event promises an immersive dinosaur adventure for visitors of all ages!

When: July 1-27, 2025
Where: The Atrium, 2/F, AIRSIDE, Kai Tak
Tickets: Free admission. Visit website for more programme details

Kai Tak Summer Playcation Fest — July 1-September 14

the booths at the kai tak waterfront promenade
Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and check out the summer booths (© Kai Tak Sports Park)

From July 1 to September 14, head to the Kai Tak Sports Park for the Kai Tak Summer Playcation Fest! Every weekend, enjoy fun-filled afternoons with game challenges, win plush toys, try delicious local bites, and join mini parties. Take a moment to relax by the scenic harbourfront as well! The event will take place every Friday to Sunday, with special sessions on public holidays.

When: July 1-September 14, 2025
Where: Dream by the Sea & Dining Cove, Kai Tak
Tickets: Free admission. Visit website for more programme details


Upcoming Family-friendly Events in Hong Kong

CHIIKAWA DAYS’ Exhibition —August 1-24

chiikawa dim sum collection stuff toy
CHIIKAWA x YUM CHA present adorable dim sum collecction (© CHIIKAWA)

Join the heartwarming adventures of Chiikawa and friends at the ‘CHIIKAWA DAYS’ Exhibition at K11 MUSEA and Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront. During August 1-24, AllRightsReserved collaborates with Spiralcute and presents over 100 3D sculptures and a 9-meter-tall inflatable set at this immersive exhibition, highlighting Chiikawa’s everyday adventures in four themes: clothing, food, shelter, and action. You can also enjoy the exclusive “YUM CHA” collection, where Chiikawa and friends are reimagined as cute dim sum dishes!

When: August 1-24, 2025
Where: MUSE EDITION, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tickets: HK$180. Visit website for programme details and buy tickets on KLOOK


Looking for more things to do in the city? Take a look at the following guides:

*This listing is the result of a paid collaboration. To know more, read our Ethics & Transparency statement or visit this page if you’d like to advertise with us.

Header Image Credit: Leung Cho Pan, FilippoBacci, Pavliha, arun 1 via Canva

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Discovery Bay Pet Bus Launches This Sunday with KMB for HK$68–HK$136 https://thehkhub.com/discovery-bay-pet-bus-launches-this-sunday-with-kmb-for-hk68/ Fri, 09 May 2025 01:45:01 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67477 Following recent initiatives from the MTR to allow pawrents to travel with pets on the Light Rail during weekends and public holidays for two months and KMB’s introduction last year of 10 weekend and holiday pet-friendly routes, KMB is now teaming up with Discovery Bay to launch a new Pet Bus service starting this Sunday.

For the time being, HKR, which operated Discovery Bay, has announced that this pet-friendly bus will run on four Sunday market dates, 11 May, 8 June, 14 September, and 12 October, and two dedicated routes will connect key areas of Hong Kong to DB Plaza:

  • Bus No. PBD1 will run Tseung Kwan O to Kai Tak to DB Plaza
  • Bus No. PBD2 will operate Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan West t0 DB Plaza.

For easy reference, refer to the table summarising the departure times:

PBD1 (Tseung Kwan O ↔ Kai Tak ↔ DB Plaza)

PBD2 (Tuen Mun ↔ Tsuen Wan West ↔ DB Plaza)

Tickets are priced at HK$68 per ride for one passenger with one pet, HK$136 for two passengers and one or two pets. Advance reservations are needed, so travellers should download KMB App1933 (Android / iOS) and visit the Pet Bus Booking Page in the APP to secure their spot.

Discovery Bay Pet Bus details  2025
Discovery Bay Pet Bus details (visitdiscoverybay.com)

Across Hong Kong, pet inclusivity is growing. The city now counts 170 pet-friendly parks after adding 54 more in 2023 (see Hong Kong gets 54 more pet-inclusive parks), and Hong Kong Airlines has recently opened routes allowing pet owners to bring pets in-cabin to Japan, reflecting a broader shift towards welcoming animal companions into everyday life.

Header Image Credit : HKRI/KMB

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Hong Kong Airlines Launches First Pet In-Cabin Flights & Service Upgrades https://thehkhub.com/hong-kong-airlines-launches-first-pet-in-cabin-flights-service-upgrades/ Thu, 08 May 2025 01:43:02 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67471 After resuming direct flights to Vancouver and the Gold Coast in 2025, Hong Kong Airlines announced in-cabin pet travel and service upgrades. With a new baggage policy, enhanced inflight dining, a revamped VIP lounge, improved online check-in, and the city’s first pet in-cabin option, the airline is introducing several new features for passengers.

Pet cabin available only on Japan routes for now

For the first time, passengers can fly with their furry companions right beside them, rather than placing them in the hold. This unique offering is currently available only on select routes to Japan, including Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), and Nagoya (NGO).

However, on the way back to Hong Kong, all pets will be kept in the plane’s climate-controlled cargo, and there are different rules to follow regarding the booking of the tickets, the bag requirements, and the weight limit, currently set at 8 kilos. Check this page to see all the rules.

What other upgraded services can passengers expect?

The pet travel service is just one part of Hong Kong Airlines’ wider upgrade plan. The new baggage policy offers Economy Class travellers 23kg checked baggage (plus 7kg carry-on) and Business Class passengers a generous 64kg (two pieces, 32kg each) plus 15kg of cabin baggage.

Inflight dining has been elevated with signature Cantonese dishes crafted in collaboration with Michelin-starred Ming Court. Meanwhile, the Club Autus lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, upgraded in partnership with Plaza Premium Group, now provides an enhanced premium experience.

Passengers also benefit from improved online check-in, with free adjacent seating for children under 12 and more complimentary seat selection options.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong Airlines is expanding fast. Daily non-stop flights to Sydney should be launched on June 20, marking its second Australian route this year.

Meanwhile, has climbed back to ninth place among the world’s busiest airports, showing strong recovery even if operations remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels. One last thing for travellers to keep in mind, since April 7, power banks are banned on flights, so make sure your devices are fully charged before take-off.

Header Image Credit: Andy Blackledge (Flickr) / Melv_L – MACASR (Wikimedia Commons)

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HKU Climbs Ten Places to Rank Among The World’s Top 20 Universities in 2025 https://thehkhub.com/hku-climbs-ten-places-to-rank-among-the-worlds-top-20-universities-in-2025/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 02:00:52 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67394 The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has made a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reaching 17th place globally. This marks the university’s highest-ever position, climbing ten places from 27th last year. The top of the list still includes academic giants like MIT, Imperial College London and Oxford, but Asia’s universities are steadily making their mark, as five of them now rank in the top 20.

Five Asian universities in the top 20

Out of 1,500 universities analysed for this ranking, The United States has the highest number of universities on the list, with 197 institutions ranked. The United Kingdom follows with 90, and mainland China has 71.

The top 20 universities in 2025 are:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) leads once again with a perfect score of 100, holding its position at the top for the 13th year in a row. Imperial College London moves into second place, while the University of Oxford ranks third. Harvard and the University of Cambridge complete the top five.

HKU now ranks 17th in the world, the highest ever for the university. It joins four other Asian institutions in the global top 20: the National University of Singapore (8th), Peking University (14th), Nanyang Technological University (15th), and Tsinghua University (20th). All five Asian universities improved or maintained their positions compared to last year.

The top 20 list includes seven universities from the United States, five from Europe (including four in the UK), and three from Australia. The University of Melbourne ranks highest among Australian universities, at number 13.

How the QS ranking is calculated

The QS World University Rankings are based on a weighted scoring system designed to reflect both academic strength and broader impact. Each university is assessed across key indicators including academic reputation (30 percent), employer reputation (15 percent), faculty-to-student ratio (10 percent), citations per faculty (20 percent), and international student and staff ratios. Newer criteria like sustainability and graduate outcomes also contribute to the total score.

For instance, MIT earned a perfect score of 100 in this year’s survey while HKU received an overall score of 87.6, driven by standout performance in several key areas: International student ratio (99.3), Academic reputation (97.4) and Citations per faculty (86.4). These scores underline HKU’s strong global reputation, its appeal to international students, and its influence in research.

Header Image Credit: Adon3465 via Wikimedia Commons

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PetShack Is Now Delivering Premium Pet Food Across Hong Kong https://thehkhub.com/petshack-is-now-delivering-premium-pet-food-across-hong-kong/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:32:37 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67368 In collaboration with PetShack

Living in a small apartment doesn’t stop Hongkongers from having their furry companions as part of the family. In fact, Hong Kong’s pet market has exceeded HK$6.2 billion and remains one of the hottest ultra-premium pet markets in Asia.

Run by a team of passionate pet lovers, PetShack understands that your pets deserve the best quality supplies and they are definitely dedicated to keeping your four-legged friends happy and healthy. Indeed, these little buddies are like us as they deserve yummy yet healthy treats. 

From premium food and healthcare products to fun toys, this online store sources its offerings globally and delivers a wide range of top-notch dog and cat products right to your doorstep. 

Did we mention they also support animal shelters to help rescued pets find loving homes?

PetShack: Your Go-To Shop for Furry Friends

PetShack firmly believes pets are part of the family that makes us better humans. That’s why it curates a world-class selection of essentials brands, including Purina, Royal Canin or Frontline Plus products, dedicated to the well-being of your pets.PetShack offers a wide range of food for your dog or treats and snacks for your cat will love, including air-dried, freeze-dried, frozen raw and wet food. Think nutritious options like ZiwiPeak lamb, K9 beef, or Stella & Chewy’s chicken recipes. There are also puppy-friendly diets and natural snacks for sensitive stomachs.

One happy pup, one epic PetShack box. Treats, toys, and tail wags included. (© PetShack)
One happy pup, one epic PetShack box. Treats, toys, and tail wags included. (© PetShack)

Looking for treats? From freeze-dried salmon bites to air-dried chews and dental sticks, PetShack makes rewarding and training your pet easy. On top of feeding your four-legged pals, PetShack further covers health and playtime. Its health products cover every basic need, from flea and tick protection to ear, eye, and skin care. 

And your furry friends will go crazy with its toys, including chewables, fetch games, plush buddies, and puzzles. Of course, you can also shop high-quality supplies from pet beds, grooming tools, leashes, collars, harnesses, backpacks, life jackets, feeding bowls, and cat litter solutions. Yes, they do have everything online.

Friendly Prices for Your Furry Friends

PetShack keeps costs paw-sitively affordable

Its Fresh Upon Receipt Promise guarantees fresh, quality products arrive with more than three months of shelf life. PetShack offer free delivery on orders over HK$200 (except remote areas and outlying islands), a great deal in Hong Kong, volume discounts, and seasonal deals. If you know exactly what your dog or cat loves, PetShack also offers up to 5% off on recurring deliveries with their Autoship & Save subscription.

On top of that, you can join the PetShack Family for exclusive perks: earn Pet Points with every purchase and redeem them for pawsome gifts.

💡 Sign up as a member today and receive 10% off on your first order, plus get 2000 Pet Points instantly!

About PetShack

Website: https://www.petshack.hk/ 
Instagram: petshack.hk
Facebook: PetShack HK
Phone number: +852 5618 5164 (Whatsapp)
Email: info@petshack.hk

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Official: MTR To Allow ‘Pawrents’ To Travel With Pets Starting May https://thehkhub.com/official-mtr-to-allow-pawrents-to-travel-with-pets-starting-may/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:40:14 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67212 It’s confirmed — MTR passengers will soon be able to travel with their pets on the city’s Light Rail network in a few weeks. The rail corporation said that it will kick off trial during which only cats and dogs can use the service on weekends and public holidays from early May. Pawrents will pay the regular MTR fare for each journey, but must buy a monthly pet-carrying pass to bring their furry friends along for the ride.

MTR’s New Rules on Pet Travel

The Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme will begin on May 1, 2025, and will last two months. Parents must first get a digital pass on the MTR app that costs HK$99, which they can buy from April 11 and need to renew every month. Only feline and canine companions small enough to fit in pet carriers or backpacks with combined dimensions of 170cm are allowed on the Light Rail. Commuters with pets can only board and alight from the last door of a light rail vehicle, and should stay at the rear of the train during their trip. While there are no size restrictions on cats, the MTR will not allow large dogs weighing more than 20 kgs, fighting dogs, and known dangerous dogs that should be muzzled and leashed onboard.

Pet-Friendly Transit Policies in Hong Kong

Earlier this month, there were reports that the railway operator would change its rules about animal travel, and it was thought that pets might be allowed onboard regular trains during non-peak times. However, passengers will only be able to take cats and dogs on the Light Rail, which covers neighbourhoods in the northwestern New Territories like Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. The new rules do not apply to the recently launched Tuen Mun Voyager, the city’s first sightseeing Light Rail service. 

It was also reported that the KMB, Hong Kong’s largest bus company, was considering allowing pets on their regular routes. Last year, the operator started pet-friendly bus tours across West Kowloon and parts of the New Territories, which also runs only on weekends and public holidays.

Image credits: SPCA Hong Kong

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15 Best Easter Camps In Hong Kong Your Kids Will Love This Year https://thehkhub.com/hong-kongs-top-easter-camps/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:36:54 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=35660 There’s more to Easter than egg hunts and chocolate-y treats for the kids. Give your little ones or teens a dose of fun and learning during spring break (which varies, but occurs roughly in the period from April 4-April 22, 2025) with an Easter holiday camp. We’ve found a fantastic selection of the best Easter camps around Hong Kong, with something for all age groups and interests: multi-activity, sports, art, STEM, and languages.

Africa Center — Ages 2-13

africa center hk

Africa Center Hong Kong’s Afro Multi-activity Easter Camp is for kids from all ethnic backgrounds, aimed at empowering the next generation with relationship-building skills, as well as practical and fun skills for painting, dancing, designing, cooking, and drumming. Join for one or all three days (a daily African buffet lunch is included).

Dates: April 17-19, 2025
Price: HK$750-HK$1,000 per day
Learn more: www.africacenterhk.com

YWCA — Multiple ages

ywca hong kong logo

Think of an activity and chances are Hong Kong’s YWCA has a spring camp for it! There are a host of choices again this year, including physical activities like gymnastics, trampoline and fencing, plus something for their creative sides in the form of building your own Minecraft world, dance, and even Chinese calligraphy.

Dates: Vary by programme
Price: HK$400-HK$2,860 (standard fees)
Learn more: www.clle.ywca.org.hk

ActiveKids — Ages 3-17

ActiveKids will give little ones and teens a fun and educational way to spend their Easter holidays. Their camps will cater to a variety of interests, such as science, cooking, chess, arts and crafts, robotics and coding, and even fashion design. The camps are 2-5 days long, depending on which one you book.

Dates: April 7-25, 2025
Price: HK$1,500-HK$3,400
Learn more: www.activekidshk.com

Banana Art Club — Ages 3-16

banana art club

Arts and crafts of all kinds are in the mix for children at Banana Art Club’s Multi Art Camps, from manga to 3D sculpture-making. Go to camps in Causeway Bay, where junior artists and creative teens explore the world of art. If you want longer programmes, sign up for their 6-12 day long Easter Break Courses.

Dates: March 17-May 9, 2025
Price: HK$520-HK$750 (Multi Art Camp) | Enrol here for Easter Break Courses
Learn more: www.bananaartclub.com

See also
The Best Family-Friendly Events And Things To Do With Kids This Month In Hong Kong

Harry Wright — Ages 2 years+

Break out the swim gear for one of Harry Wright’s popular swim camps in Causeway Bay and help your child increase their confidence in the water. Levels from pre-school beginners to advanced are welcome, and there are one-on-one camps as well.

Dates: April 7-11, 2025 (Week 1), April 14-17, 2025 (Week 2), April 22-25, 2025 (Week 3)
Price: HK$1,475-HK$1,220
Learn more: www.harrywright.com.hk

STEMex Learning Centre — Ages 3-11+

stemex

STEMex offers innovative camps where children will spend 1.5 to three hours upgrading their STEM skills. Participants will get an insight into the fields of game design, coding, robotics, and many more exciting areas during morning and afternoon sessions, depending on which time slot you choose.

Dates: April 7-26, 2025
Price: Available on request
Learn more: hk.stemex.org

Newton Show — Ages 3-14

These innovative five-day camps that run from Monday-Friday will get participants involved in science-based as part of their EGG-streme Science and Harry Potter Easter camps. Kids who attend the courses at the Wan Chai, Kowloon Bay, and Wong Chuk Hang locations can take their creations home and parents will get a daily camp photo report.

Dates: March 3-May 16, 2025
Price: HK$3,999
Learn more: www.newtonshow.hk

Rugbytots — Ages 2-7

rugbytots logo

Newbies and pros are welcome to take part in this camp that has rugby classes, an Easter Egg hut, and Sevens sessions. What’s more, the classes include water play, costume fun, and awards ceremonies. Register for classes at four locations: Hong Kong Football Club, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, Gold Coast, and West Kowloon.

Dates: April 7-25, 2025
Price: HK$900-HK$2,500
Learn more: www.rugbytots.hk

ESF Explore — Ages 13 months-16 years

esf explore logo

Delve into a world of fun and adventure with ESF Explore’s spring camps over three weeks. The courses cover a range of interests — think language, sports, arts, and STEM/Business. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s playgroups for the youngest learners or TED Talks for teenagers. Book a course at an ESF school closest to you.

Dates: April 7-25, 2025
Price: From HK$1,500
Learn more: www.esfexplore.org.hk

Ark Eden — Ages 5-10

ark eden on lantau

Want to spend the spring break enjoying the outdoors? Ark Eden is bringing back its nature camps so that kids can learn permaculture farming, participating in scavenger hunts, building shelters, and have fun cooking outdoors. The modules are designed for children to build on their imagination and creativity, and develop their confidence and independence.

Dates: April 4-21, 2025
Price: HK$710-HK$790
Learn more: www.arkedenonlantau.org

Blu Jungle — Ages 4-12

blu jungle logo

Let your child dive into the worlds of masterminds in the art world through Blu Jungle’s Master in ART and Master in Pottery camps. The 2-3 day camps will explore various facets of legendary artists’ works in modules like Cézanne’s Colourful Geometry, The Modern Ink Art of Wu Guanzhong, and Picasso’s Cubism & Chu Teh-Chun’s Traditional Forms.

Dates: April 8-17, 2025
Price: HK$1,180-HK$2,080
Learn more: www.blu-jungle.com

SCAA x FunKids Easter Sport Camp — Ages 4-10

funkids sports association logo

These three-day camps allow kids to get in on popular sports like football and rugby, as well as emerging ones like Kin-Ball and Floor Curling. Complete a series of group challenges in the Sand Pool Explorer sessions and develop coordination through track and field activities.

Dates: April 23-25, 2025
Price: HK$2,100
Learn more: hkfunkids.com.hk

Hong Kong Fencing Master — Ages 3.5-15

hk fencing master logo

Want to ride the wave of Hong Kong’s fencing craze? Two-time Olympian Lau Kwok Kin is leading two fencing classes for kids this Easter. One is a basic course for kids aged 3.5-5.5 years old who don’t need to buy any gear and will get a free sword. The camp for children in the 6-15 age group welcomes participants of all skill levels, but they must bring their own kit.

Dates: April 14-18, 2025
Price: HK$1,290-HK$4,280
Learn more: www.hkfencingmaster.com

Lifelong Labs — Ages 6+

lifelong- abs logo

Explore project-based, industry-informed, and future-focused programmes that will help participants build a portfolio or learn a new skill. Topics include two-to-four-day courses on Contemporary Art Exploration, Life & Food Science, YouTube Production, and Social Entrepreneurship. Class sizes are small, with a maximum of four students in each camp.

Dates: April 14-18, 2025
Price: HK$1,950-HK$5,310
Learn more: lifelonglabs.org

Yifan Camp — Ages 3.5-9 years

yifan camps logo

Sign kids up for sessions of structured learning and hands-on activities in a Mandarin immersion environment. Children will be assigned to two groups based on their Mandarin proficiency — an International Level group in which English explanations will be given, and a Near Native category with 100% Mandarin instructions.

Dates: April 7-May 2, 2025
Price: HK$2,117-HK$2,940
Learn more: www.yifancamps.com

Header image credits: FatCamera via Canva

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Six Courses From Hong Kong Universities Rank Top 10 Worldwide https://thehkhub.com/six-courses-from-hong-kong-universities-rank-top-10-worldwide/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:08:27 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67121 Hong Kong’s universities have improved their course offerings substantially in the past year as more than half the subjects taught at the city’s tertiary institutions have risen in the world rankings. According to Quacquarelli Symonds, six programmes provided by two universities in the territory made the global top 10 in their respective fields this year, which is two more than in 2024. The UK-based education firm assessed 231 courses from nine Hong Kong institutions, and found that 181 bettered their positions from last year.

Local Universities Score High in Latest Global Rankings

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Dentistry course is the second-best in the world, while its Education, Linguistics, and Geography took the third, ninth, and tenth places in their respective categories. Additionally, 39 other HKU programmes found places in the global top 50.

Several of the territory’s other top-tier colleges also had impressive showings. The Chinese University of Hong Kong has two academic offerings in the top 10 — Nursing (No. 5) and Linguistics (No. 10) — and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University had seven programmes in the top 30. Four of the City University of Hong Kong’s subjects made it to the top 50, and its Veterinary Science course entered the top 100 ranking for the first time.

Asian Institutions Gain Ground in Subject Ratings

This year’s edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject is the most comprehensive as it evaluated more than 21,000 courses at more than 1,700 universities across 100 countries and territories in 55 subjects and five faculty areas. Places like Hong Kong, Mainland China and South Korea also saw marked improvements in their standings. The firm noted that the SAR is among the top higher education centres in the world for data science and artificial intelligence, with five universities that provide these programmes figuring among the top 50.

Image credits: University of Hong Kong

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MTR & KMB Might Allow Passengers To Travel With Pets https://thehkhub.com/mtr-kmb-might-allow-passengers-to-travel-with-pets/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:08:47 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=67103 Getting around Hong Kong with pets may soon get easier as two of the city’s major public transport providers might lift their restrictions on travelling with animals. Reports say that railway corporation MTR and bus operator KMB will permit domestic animals to accompany passengers during their commutes. However, they will set limits on the size of pets allowed onboard and the time of day they can use these services.

MTR and KMB’s Planned Pet-Friendly Policies

According to media reports, MTR plans to announce their new rules surrounding pet travel within the first half of 2025. While the firm is likely to place size limits on pets and require them to travel in bags or carriers when boarding trains, they may even create special compartments for household animals. The railway operator will reportedly conduct a trial on weekends to see how the public responds to the move, and then extend the service to non-peak hours on weekdays.

KMB, which has the largest fleet and runs the most bus routes in Hong Kong, will also permit small domestic animals onboard during off-peak periods, provided they remain in containers. This move builds upon past efforts to support pet-friendly travel. Last year, the company launched pet-friendly bus tours across West Kowloon and parts of the New Territories on weekends and public holidays.

Limited Transport Options for Pet Owners in Hong Kong

Official government data shows that nearly 242,000 households in Hong Kong have dogs and cats as pets, accounting for 9.4% of all residences in the city. However, commuting with pets within the SAR is not easy as trains, buses and trams only allow guide dogs onboard, while ferry, public light bus and non-franchises bus companies have discretionary policies surrounding domestic animals.

Many pet parents opt for taxis, but this option comes with its own share of challenges. While taxis charge HK$5 per animal or bird, drivers can refuse to accept passengers with pets. Ride-hailing app Uber has a pet service by which passengers pay HK$20 to get matched with a driver who accepts pets for trips.

Image credits: LN9267 via WikiCommons

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Disneyland Announces Encanto Parade Float and New Pixar & Marvel Zones https://thehkhub.com/disneyland-announces-new-hong-kong-only-pixar-zone/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:37:32 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66927 Big things are on the horizon for Hong Kong Disneyland, with fresh experiences, fan-favourite characters, and year-long festivities set to make the entertainment destination more magical than ever. Officials have revealed that the park will open a new Pixar zone, and where its planned Marvel-themed attraction in Tomorrowland will be. They also announced that the park’s year-long 20th anniversary celebrations will kick off in June and feature beloved characters from Encanto as part of its first-ever Friendtastic parade. 

New Pixar and Marvel Zone Details

Michael Moriarty, managing director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, announced these developments when he unveiled the park’s business results for 2024. He also revealed that the planned Pixar entertainment experience — the only one of its kind in the world — will be located between Toy Story Land and the recently-launched World of Frozen. However, he did not say what attractions visitors can expect at the new zone and when they will likely open.

hong kong disneyland new pixar marvel area
A map showing the locations of the new Pixar zone and Marvel attraction.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Spider-Man attraction at Tomorrowland will be located between the Space Traders and Expo Shop merch stores. The enhanced area will feature new pavilions at the Stark Expo, where Spider-Man will unveil the latest innovation from the Avengers’ latest advancements and gadgets, and go head-to-head with a powerful but as-yet-unnamed villain.

Encanto Cast Joins Disneyland’s Friendtastic Parade

After confirming that Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20 anniversary celebrations will begin this June, Moriarty also said that La Familia Madrigal will make their first appearance at the park as part of the Friendtastic parade. The Encanto characters will have their own float that will see sisters Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, and other members of the family frolicking at Casita — the house central to the film.

hong kong disneyland encanto float
The Encanto float that will be part of the Friendtastic parade.

Mickey and Minnie will be front and centre of the parade and will wear outfits especially for the event. Visitors can also take their pick from a wide array of 20th anniversary-themed food and drink, as well as merch like plush toys of Minnie, Mickey, and the gang. 

Image credits: Hong Kong Disneyland

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Children Under 8 Must Use Car Seats or Seat Belts from November https://thehkhub.com/children-under-8-must-use-car-seats-or-seat-belts-from-november/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:38:10 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66863 Parents, you’ll soon have to make sure your kids buckle up in your cars. Hong Kong’s traffic landscape is about to change after the latest amendment in regulation regarding children’s safety in private cars comes into effect at the end of this year. Aligning with international vehicle safety standards, the government has announced new rules for passengers aged under eight years old or shorter than 135 centimetres. However, there’s no word on whether public vehicles will be affected by the new rules.

What do the New Rules Say?

The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 stipulates that from November 1, 2025, children under eight years old or with a height of less than 1.35 metres will have to be secured in private cars by an adequate child restraining device to prevent deaths and injuries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.25 million people die every year in road traffic crashes. In Hong Kong, there were more than 17,000 traffic accidents in 2023 — 96 people died while more than 1,000 passengers were seriously injured. 

According to the current law, only children under three years old seated in the front seat of a private car or light bus must be secured in an “approved child restraint device”, while those aged 3-12 must must wear seat belts. However, car seats are not mandatory for kids in this age group. The new regulations don’t mention if the restraining devices will also be required in the city’s public buses —including minibuses — taxis and Uber cars.

What’s a Restraining Device?

The new regulation applies to both front and back seats of private cars. The restraining devices must conform to approved safety standards — such as those stipulated in the UK, US, Australia, and Japan, among other countries — and are different from regular car seatbelts. But what exactly is a restraining device? For parents worried about what to get for their children, here are some examples:

  • A rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight and conforming to safety regulations. 
  • For older kids who have outgrown their car seats, booster seats, designed to elevate children that can be used in combination with a seatbelt, are another option. 
  • The RideSafer Travel Vest, a vest made for children that holds the shoulder belt in place and away from the neck, ensuring comfort and safety is another example.

Image credits: Natee Jindakum via Canva

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4 Disneyland Attractions Close Indefinitely https://thehkhub.com/4-disneyland-attractions-close-indefinitely/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 04:16:09 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66848 A trip to Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the best ways to get swept up in the magic of beloved characters like Mickey and the gang, Elsa and the kingdom of Arendelle, and the action of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But if you’ve got a visit to the theme park planned anytime soon, you should know that four of its attractions are temporarily closed — one in Fantasy Land, one in Tomorrowland, and two in Adventureland. The closures began late last year, and there is no word yet on when these rides and experiences will resume.

Which Hong Kong Disneyland Attractions are Closed?

According to the park website, the first to close was Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which has been off-limits to visitors since December last year. While the website says that this is for “routine maintenance and inspection”, a post on the Disneyland social media pages last month says that “enchanting surprises” are store once it opens its doors again. This most likely refers to the addition of a Coco scene in the 3D concert experience since Miguel’s guitar can be spotted in the sign across the entrance.

mickey's philharmagic closed hong kong disneyland
The closure sign at the entrance to Mickey’s PhilharMagic.

The spaceship ride Orbitron has been shut since February 9 due to “operational adjustments”, as have the Rafts to Tarzan’s Treehouse and the Treehouse itself. The rafts and the treehouse in Adventureland reopened in 2024 after being closed for two years for renovation. The popular It’s A Small World will also not run for about three weeks — from February 18-March 9.

Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations

The four attractions will hopefully be open in time for Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th birthday festivities, which are scheduled for this summer. Disney superfans can check out a new castle stage show devised especially for the occasion, as well as a special edition of the Momentous nighttime spectacle that winds up each day at the park. A daytime parade will be introduced to the event line-up, complete with floats, dancers, and some of Disney’s most popular characters. There are also plans to open a new Spider-Man zone at Tomorrowland, but no details have been revealed just yet.

To get the most out of your trip to the theme park, check out our guide to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Image credits: Hong Kong Disneyland

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Instagram to Introduce Teen Accounts in Hong Kong This Week https://thehkhub.com/instagram-to-introduce-teen-accounts-in-hong-kong-this-week/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:13:23 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66823 Parents in Hong Kong who are concerned about their children’s social media use will soon be able to monitor their Instagram accounts more closely. Meta is launching special Instagram accounts for users aged under 16 in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region this week. The feature, which was announced in late 2024, aims to limit who can contact teens on the app and what content they can see, as well as track time under-16 users spend on the social media platform.

Features on Instagram’s Teen Accounts

When the new feature goes live this week, Instagram will place all users aged 13-17 into Teen Accounts and they’ll need a parent’s permission to change the default settings on the account. Some of the protections include: 

  • Private accounts: All Teen Accounts will automatically be set to private and followers must send a request to be able to see an under-16 user’s content and interact with them on the app. This also applies to teens under 18 when they sign up as a new Instagram user.
  • Messaging restrictions: Teenage users can only get DMs from people they follow or are already connected to.
  • Sensitive content restrictions: This will restrict what teenaged users can see in the Explore and Reels features so that they have limited exposure to content showing violence and promotions for cosmetic procedures. 
  • Limited interactions: Instagram users in the 13-17 age group can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow. The app will also activate the most restrictive version of its anti-bullying feature called Hidden Words to filter out offensive words and phrases from comments and DM requests.
  • Time limit and sleep mode: These features include reminders to exit the app after 60 minutes each day and muting notifications from 10pm-7am.
instagram teen accounts safety privacy settings
Only parents can change the default privacy settings on the new Instagram Teen Accounts (© Meta)

Additional Supervision Options

Instagram is updating its supervision feature to give parents the option of changing the default settings on Teen Account settings so they can more closely track how their kids use the app. They can see who their teen has messaged in the past week — but will not able able to see the messages — put daily time limits on how much time they spent on the platform, and even block them from using it during specific times. Teens can also choose the topics they want to see in Explore, which parents can also access.

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Parents and guardians can set time limits on app usage and see who theit teens are chatting with (© Meta)

Some of these new features will also impact how teenage creators can use their Instagram accounts. For instance, since Teen Accounts will automatically be set to private, content from them will not pop up in Explore, Feed, or Reel recommendations. Professional account users may also lose access to tools like Insights and Meta Pay accounts. Some of these changes can be reversed with a parent or guardian’s permission.

Instagram’s Teen Accounts was introduced in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the European Union late last year and began rolling out in other countries in January 2025. Meta has said they will also bring the feature to their other platforms — which includes Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp — this year.

Header image credits: Snappy Cactus via Canva

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A Hotel in Macau Hosts Pet Weddings with Certificates, Cakes & Outfits https://thehkhub.com/a-hotel-in-macau-hosts-pet-weddings-with-certificates-cakes-outfits/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:28:42 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66391 Lovebirds in Hong Kong who want to tie the knot this year are in luck as the forthcoming Year of the Snake is said to be an auspicious time to get married. After all, it’s a double spring and leap month — when two “Spring Commences” dates appear in the same 12 Lunar Month Period in the Chinese calendar. And if you’re a pet parent, you can partake in the tradition by walking your furry friends down the aisle and signing up for a pet wedding package at a resort in nearby Macau.

What do the Macau pet wedding packages include?

While many hotels in Hong Kong are pet-friendly venues for nuptials, the Grand Coloane Resort in Macau is getting in on the rising trend of dog weddings in Mainland China with their Furry I Do’s Pet Weddings Package. It includes everything you need for the ceremony — think dapper tuxedos for the groom and elegant dresses for the bride, a marriage certificate issued by the hotel, and special cakes, meals and treats for the four-legged couple.

grand-coloane resort aerial view and wedding venues
The Grand Coloane Resort has outdoor and indoor venue options for their pet weddings.

Pet parents can hold the wedding at the resort’s Garden Lawn or Garden Marquee, or even indoors in the Fire Place area. The offer — which starts at MOP 458 (HK$445) per adult, and MOP228 (HK$222) per child and pet — includes floral centrepieces for all tables and the use of equipment like an LCD projector, screen, PA system, and microphones. The package is available until June 30 this year.

Why host a pet wedding?

The idea behind these pet nuptial arrangements came from the idea of helping pet owners celebrate their love for their fur babies in a memorable setting. And considering that half of Hongkongers spend up to HK$5,000 a month on pet expenses, the notion of a pet wedding may not be so far-fetched. “As a pet-friendly resort, we understand the profound bond between pets and their owners. This initiative aims to offer creative solutions for pet owners who want to celebrate their beloved companions with a wedding in Macau,” a spokesperson from the Grand Coloane Resort told The HK HUB.

Image credits: Grand Coloane Macau

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Hong Kong Disneyland To Celebrate Chinese New Year For a Month, Starting January 17 https://thehkhub.com/hong-kong-disneyland-to-celebrate-chinese-new-year-for-a-month-starting-january-17/ Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:49:54 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=66247 Hong Kong Disneyland will usher in the Year of the Snake by upping the ante with their 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, called ‘Magical Year After Year’. The festivities, which will take place from January 17-February 16, 2025, will see popular Disney characters in traditional outfits and Chinese New Year twists on some of the park’s most popular events, as well as other New Year-inspired treats. The park will also kickstart its annual Duffy and Friends Play Days after winding up their New Year events.

How will Hong Kong Disneyland celebrate Chinese New Year?

This year, Hong Kong Disneyland will present a Mickey and Friends Year of the Snake Processional starring God of Fortune Goofy, who will also be a part of this year’s Chinese New Year Night Parade on January 29. Disney characters like Mickey, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Pluto will be dressed in traditional festive outfits and groove to the original song Magic is Here, along with Mulan.

mickey and friends street celebration chinese new year
Mickey and his pals will dress up in Chinese New Year outfits to spread festive cheer on Main Street.

The fun will continue with the Chinese New Year Edition of the Mickey & Friends Street Celebration. Mickey, Minnie, and their pals, along with Duffy and Friends, will ride Mickey’s Main Street Express and bring festive cheer to spectators. Fan-favourite characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will also make appearances at Fantasy Gardens. Visitors can also head to the Duffy and Friends Play House to meet Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel, and LinaBell.

hong kong disneyland chinese new year decor
Hong Kong Disneyland will be decked out in Chinese New Year décor.

Starting from the first day of Chinese New Year, guests can even receive a Disney-themed red packet containing a gold chocolate coin at the entrance of the park, as well as dining and shopping vouchers. But the lai see packets are only available in limited numbers, so visitors who want to get their hands on them should head to the park as close to January 17 as possible.

What are the Duffy and Friends Play Days?

The fun at Disneyland won’t end once their Chinese New Year celebrations come to an end as the park will host the annual Duffy and Friends Play Days from February 21-May 7. During this time, the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad will get a Duffy and Friends makeover, complete with colourful buntings and confetti. Duffy and some of his friends will also hop aboard the limited-time themed train in the all-new spring outfits.

duffy and friends show hong kong disneyland
Duffy and Friends will stage a springtime special show from February 21-May 7.

Duffy and Friends will also dress up in seasonal outfits to present a seasonal The Joy of Sharing show at the castle stage, and will do meet-and-greets at the springtime-decorated Duffy and Friends Play House. Visitors will also come across Duffy and Friends plush photo installations featuring special seats for their furry companions in different themed lands. 

Image credits: Hong Kong Disneyland

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Hong Kong Students Break Barriers in Music, Writing, and Ice Hockey https://thehkhub.com/hong-kong-students-break-barriers-in-music-writing-and-ice-hockey/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:44:04 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=65977 In collaboration with the American School of Hong Kong*

At the American School Hong Kong (ASHK) — of the many international schools in Hong Kong — excellence is nurtured across every aspect of student life. Three exceptional secondary school students stand out not only for their academic prowess — which has earned each of them merit-based scholarships — but also for their all-round development. Their achievements reflect the students’ consistent track record of excellence, and highlight ASHK’s commitment to fostering an environment that empowers them to thrive in academics, sports, and personal growth. We spoke to Marcus Tam, Elsa Wong, and Apple Wang to ask them how their school’s academic programmes and extracurricular opportunities have helped them in their journeys.

Marcus Tam, Grade 9

marcus tam american school hong kong student with books and award
Marcus Tam has written books and won creative writing competitions.

Twelve-year-old Grade 9 high school student Marcus Tam is carving out a remarkable path for himself with his impressive achievements — all while being two years younger than his peers. Recently, he gained recognition as the youngest participant in the Academy for the Talented at the University of Hong Kong and made history as the first 12-year-old high school student to join the prestigious AMIS festival in Düsseldorf, Germany. The commendable results he received in the Gauss Math Competition hosted by the University of Waterloo are another addition to his long list of accomplishments.

Marcus’s musical talent earned him a silver award at the Bach Musical Composition Competition last year. He’s also an accomplished writer, having already written three books — one short story and two collections of poems. As a committee member of the Secondary Student Council, he’s involved in organising various initiatives, including food drives and Model United Nations. He also believes in giving back to the community and founded an extracurricular activity to teach the Spanish language and culture.

marcus tam playing saxophone
Marcus hopes to combine a career in medicine with his love for music.

Marcus credits the supportive atmosphere at ASHK for motivating him to strive for excellence and embrace every opportunity for growth. “At ASHK, student life is vibrant and enriching, creating an environment that fosters a deep love for learning. My insatiable curiosity drives me to excel in all areas of my studies, particularly in English and Music. I find joy in creative writing and crafting short stories and poetry, and I eagerly participate in competitions like the Spelling Bee, where I was a winner during Literacy Week. I also had the honour of performing at the AMIS Honour Jazz Festival in Germany and at the Hong Kong Jazz Festival 2024,” says Marcus.

When asked what his goals are, Marcus says he hopes to combine a career in medicine with his love for music. “I’m excited about the prospect of integrating my passion for music with my medical studies. The skills and insights I’ve gained from my teachers at ASHK will be invaluable as I pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I envision a future where I can combine my interests in music and medicine by using the therapeutic power of music to enhance patient care and well-being,” he says.

Elsa Wong, Grade 9

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Elsa Wong’s lifelong love of reading motivated her to start a Writing Club at ASHK.

Elsa Wong moved to ASHK from a local primary school, where she nurtured her love of reading by immersing herself in classic Chinese literature. Once she moved to ASHK for her secondary school education, she started reading a variety of English books — from classics like The Wizard of Oz to modern works like the Harry Potter series. “I joined ASHK in Grade 7 from a local school in Hong Kong. The first year was thrilling and nerve-racking, but I learned so much from the experience,” says Elsa, recalling how she would look up the words in the dictionary while she read English books and benefitted from the guidance her teachers gave her to improve her writing.

Elsa has come a long way since then and is now an active member of Model United Nations and the Battle of the Books Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs). “Together with other friends, we founded a Writing Club ECA. With the teacher’s help, we planned ice-breaker games, introduced different websites and competitions, and other fun writing activities. I also started the ASHK Stories, a collection of short stories about school life, personal experiences, and reflections, as well as fantastical tales,” she explains.

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Elsa Wong brings her love for reading to her schoolmates.

Her involvement in several charity events has inspired Elsa to make a positive impact in the community. “I’d love to open an orphanage one day — being inspired and influenced by teachers and my parents, I believe it is possible to create a warm and loving environment for orphans such as from my favourite book, The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill,” says Elsa, adding that she’d like to encourage fellow writers to discover their voices, unlock their creative potential, and achieve their goals.

Apple Wang, Grade 12

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Apple Wang represented Team Hong Kong, China at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship

Grade 12 student Apple Wang is in the final year of her two-year IBDP course, which she balances with being an international athlete. Apple has played ice hockey for more than seven years and, in 2023, she was selected to play for Team Hong Kong, China at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship. She’s also attended tournaments in Romania and more recently, Istanbul. A self-confessed high achiever, she’s also won the ASHK Principal’s Award and excels in biology, chemistry, psychology, maths, English, and Chinese.

Apple says being a student athlete has helped her balance her time well and place a high value on friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. “The whole experience of playing internationally was very memorable. It was the first time in the history of Hong Kong ice hockey where we got first place as champions and it brought attention and national support to the entire sport after Covid. I still play in the division, train 3-6 times a week, and am the captain of my local team,” says Apple, adding that playing a sport regularly at such a high level has given her a strong work ethic that has helped her keep her grades up.

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Apple’s strong work ethic helps her balance her commitments to her IBDP course and ice hockey.

With such a busy schedule, it’s important to have the right kind of care network, which Apple says she gets from her teachers at ASHK. “My teachers are very supportive and caring when it comes to me and my dedication to ice hockey. They allow me to have time to play and take time off school. I also have a mentor who is helping me with my maths I want to get good results from my IBDP.”

Apple adds that her teachers also recognise her ability to bring out the best in her peers. “They’ve said that I’m a caring member of the school who encourages and motivates teammates to perform at their best. My school report also says I have a positive attitude and kindness, which has earned the respect and admiration of peers and other teachers. I’m humbled and feel honoured to achieve this,” she says.

Meet the American School of Hong Kong

See also
11 Best International Schools in Hong Kong With Diverse Curricula & World-Class Facilities

Image credits: American School of Hong Kong

*This article is a paid collaboration. To know more, read our Ethics & Transparency statement or visit this page if you’d like to advertise with us.

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This Famous Japanese Mixed Reality Amusement Park Will Open in December at Kai Tak https://thehkhub.com/this-famous-japanese-mixed-reality-amusement-park-will-open-in-december-at-kai-tak/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:09:20 +0000 https://thehkhub.com/?p=65755 Japan’s largest indoor amusement park, Tokyo Joypolis, is set to launch its first flagship outside the island nation. The new sports-themed park, which will be called Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park, will open at Kai Tak Mall in December 2024 and will be spread across five floors and cover nearly 30,000 square feet. Sports and video game fans can try their hand at over 20 attractions in three themed zones that blend cutting-edge technology with innovative entertainment, the highlight of which will be the first Sonic Stadium.

The Ninja Dojo Zone will allow players to experience modern ninja training by combining traditional Japanese ninja elements with popular ninja warrior sports concepts. Get in on traditional ninja training, martial arts, and weapon throwing, face fitness and intelligence challenges, and go through different checkpoints. At the end, you’ll get a personal assessment that determines your modern ninja skills. 

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Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park will be span 30,000 square feet in a five-storey space (© KKDay)

The playground zone at Sonic Stadium is designed for kids aged up to six years old and will have several entertainment facilities that revolve around the blue hedgehog. The biggest attraction here is the bouncy Air Dome, which is also popular at the Japanese flagship. Adults and teens can head to the Sonic Athletics zone where they can take part in races and matches.

Visitors can check out the latest projects by CA Sega Joypolis at Future Arena Zone that will feature Mixed Reality (MR) technology for immersive experiences. The star attraction is the Valo Arena, a first for Greater China, which uses MR and unique motion tracking so that players can enjoy games without being encumbered by extra equipment.

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Head to the first Sonic Stadium, where you can challenges players to Sonia Athletics (© KKDay)

The top floor of Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park will be home to restaurant and bar Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon — a semi-alfresco dining area overlooking Kai Tak Main Stadium. The establishment will serve Western-Japanese fusion cuisine, with a focus on healthy options and limited themed meals like muscle-building dishes, vegetarian meals, and energy shakes.

See also
Best Theme Parks & Attractions In Hong Kong For All Ages

Header image credits: Joypolis

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