THREAD: yeung sum hong

ZERO FINTECH’S Astonishing WIN: 2024 Profits Smash Wall Street Expectations

16 April 2025 — Zero Fintech Group Limited, known as 0093.HK, just reported its highest profits ever for 2024. The company’s strong revenue and earnings came at a time when many feared the economy was slowing down.

Investors wasted no time reacting. After the news broke on April 16, Zero Fintech’s stock jumped sharply. Experts say this shows how well the company has managed risk in a tough industry.

This financial victory gives Zero Fintech a strong foundation for future growth in 2025 and beyond. Industry experts are now watching to see if this will shake up fintech markets around the world.

HONG KONG Freedom Faces Dark Days: Democratic Party Pressured to Disband

12 April 2025 — The Democratic Party of Hong Kong, once a symbol of pro-democracy, is nearing its end. Co-founder Yeung Sum admitted the harsh truth as Chinese officials pushed for its disbandment. This marks a major blow to Hong Kong’s promised freedom and rights since the 1997 handover from Britain.

The 2019 protests led to a harsh crackdown, silencing voices through strict elections and media control. China’s national security law jailed some party members and shut down many civil groups. Yeung Sum showed his reluctance but urged members to support disbandment to avoid harsh penalties.

Party veteran Fred Li confirmed similar pressure from Chinese officials, hinting that joining future legislative elections would be impossible if they stayed active. Founding member Sin Chung-kai reported local warnings about potential fallout if the party continued existing.

The dissolution highlights a turning point in Hong Kong’s political scene as Beijing tightens its hold on the region’s autonomy and freedoms.

SOUTH KOREA’S Shocking Political Upheaval: President Removed After Martial LAW

04 April 2025 — South Korea’s top court has ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. This marks the end of months of chaos following his martial law declaration last December. The legal fight highlighted major unrest and big protests during his time in office.

Yoon declared martial law in December 2024 to tackle rising civil unrest and pushback from political groups. His government faced heavy criticism, leading to demands for responsibility and legal action. The court’s decision is a historic moment for South Korea, showing its dedication to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Yoon’s removal is expected to bring big changes in South Korean politics. These shifts might affect domestic policy and international relations, especially with North Korea. This situation highlights wider geopolitical tensions in the area.

SINGAPORE’S Business Boom: Small Firms’ Confidence Soars to New Heights

24 March 2025 — Confidence among small businesses in Singapore has hit its highest point since 2019, says a survey by CPA Australia. The Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey shows that 62% of these businesses expect growth this year, marking the most optimism since 2018. This positive trend is expected to continue into 2025.

Greg Unsworth from CPA Australia notes that this confidence reflects not just business prospects but also a brighter economic environment. The survey highlights a big jump in technology use, with more firms embracing online and digital payments.

In 2024, an impressive 63% of small businesses reported earning over 10% of their revenue from online sales, up from just 36% in 2019. This shift shows a strong move towards digital transformation among Singapore’s small enterprises.

HONG KONG Surge Ignites Asian Market Boom

20 March 2025 — Hong Kong is leading a major surge in Asian markets, sparking excitement and strong trading. Big gains are seen in Japan, India, and Malaysia. Indonesia trails slightly behind.

This market shift lines up with possible geopolitical changes, including hints from former President Trump about a potential visit from President Xi to Washington DC. Such moves could impact international relations and economic plans.

China’s tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent are seeing big gains thanks to positive domestic consumption outlooks. This growth shows the strength of China’s tech sector amid global uncertainties.

NIO’s partnership with CATL signals more growth in the tech industry, boosting investor confidence across Asia. The collaboration highlights the region’s focus on innovation and technological progress.

SUPREMEX CFO Exit Sparks Strategic Shift

28 February 2025 — Supremex Inc., a key player in North America’s envelope and packaging market, announced the exit of its Chief Financial Officer, François Bolduc. Known for its strong industry presence, this leadership change hints at a possible strategic shift as Supremex faces future challenges.

To ensure stability during this transition, Supremex has Stewart Emerson working closely with the finance team. This plan aims to keep operations steady while searching for Bolduc’s replacement. The company is dedicated to finding a new CFO soon.

The hunt for a new CFO will start shortly, showing Supremex’s proactive stance on leadership changes. Investors and stakeholders are watching closely as the company advances with this process. Stay tuned for updates on how this may affect Supremex’s market strategies and performance.

HSBC’S BOLD Move: 40 Dealmakers CUT in Hong Kong

18 February 2025 — HSBC has laid off 40 investment bankers in Hong Kong. This is part of a global restructuring plan to cut costs. The layoffs hit several divisions, including technology, media, telecommunications, and financial institutions. HSBC aims to streamline operations worldwide with this bold move.

GOLD SHINES: Prices RISE Despite STRONG Dollar

Gold prices are climbing even as the dollar gains strength. Investors flock to gold as a safe haven during economic uncertainty over tariffs and interest rates. This highlights gold’s lasting appeal in volatile markets.

MILEI FIGHTS BACK: Denies WRONGDOING in Crypto SCANDAL

Argentine President Javier Milei denies any wrongdoing in a cryptocurrency scandal threatening his political career. Facing lawsuits and impeachment calls, Milei defends himself amid growing scrutiny. The controversy adds pressure on his administration during tough economic times for Argentina.

Heartland Bank reports a $50 million loss from bad loans but insists its overall financial health is stable. Despite this setback, the bank plans to issue a half-year dividend as expected, reassuring investors of its resilience.

CHINA’S Tech Boom: How Deepseek AI is Shaking Global Markets

15 February 2025 — China’s tech industry is booming, thanks to the rise of the DeepSeek AI model. Major companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Xiaomi are seeing big benefits. This surge has pushed Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index up this year.

Alibaba, co-founded by Jack Ma, stands out in this market rally. The company’s growth shows the broader impact of tech advancements on China’s economy. Investors are watching these changes for possible global effects.

The rise in China’s tech stocks might affect U.S. investments and international trade ties. As U.S. markets close with small changes in the S&P 500, global investors keep an eye on shifts in Chinese tech trends.

This ongoing rally highlights China’s growing influence on worldwide economic dynamics, making it a key player to watch in global markets.

DANGEROUS ‘SLAPPING Therapy’ Healer Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence

07 December 2024 — An alternative healer, Hongchi Xiao, received a 10-year prison sentence for the death of a diabetic woman during his “slapping therapy” workshop. The victim, 71-year-old Danielle Carr-Gomm, stopped taking insulin and died after Xiao failed to get medical help as she suffered in pain.

Xiao promoted paida lajin therapy, where patients slap themselves to expel “poisonous waste.” Critics say this method lacks scientific support and can be harmful. Carr-Gomm’s death is not the only case — another patient also died under similar conditions.

Xiao was extradited from Australia after being convicted of manslaughter in a similar case involving a 6-year-old boy. Justice Robert Bright called Xiao dangerous despite him lacking typical traits of other offenders during sentencing at Winchester Crown Court.

NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

06 December 2024 — The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in China. This follows the reinstatement of the NBA’s broadcast deal, worth millions. The league was banned in 2019 after a controversial tweet by Rockets executive Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters.

Chinese authorities demanded Morey be fired, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver refused. Instead, Silver publicly criticized Morey, leading to his apology and retraction of support for the pro-democracy movement. Despite this, China suspended NBA broadcasts until now.

Morey’s tweet read: “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” His apology aimed to mend relations with Chinese fans and sponsors offended by his stance. He stressed that his views were personal and not representative of the Rockets or the NBA as a whole.

The return of NBA games to Chinese screens marks a significant financial move for both parties involved. It highlights ongoing tensions between business interests and political stances within international sports diplomacy.

WORLD’S Largest Gold Discovery: China’s $83 Billion Treasure Unearthed

02 December 2024 — Geologists in China have uncovered what is being called the largest gold deposit in the world. The find, located in Pingjiang County, Hunan Province, is valued at $83 billion. This discovery was made about 12 miles beneath the surface and includes 40 gold ore veins with a total of 300.2 tons of gold resources.

The Hunan Academy of Geology suggests there could be over 1,000 tons of gold reserves at depths beyond 3,000 meters. This major find highlights China’s position as the world’s top gold producer, contributing around 10% to global output in 2023.

This discovery comes amid rising bullion prices and growing interest in gold investments worldwide. As markets react to this news, it could heavily influence global economic strategies and investment trends.

TOMMY ROBINSON Arrest Shocks Supporters: UK’S Anti-Terror LAW In Action

25 October 2024 — Tommy Robinson, legally known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested in Folkstone, Kent on Friday. He is charged with not providing his mobile phone PIN under the Terrorism Act 2000. This law lets authorities demand access to electronic devices from travelers at British ports to check for potential terrorism links.

Robinson’s spokesman confirmed he will remain in custody until his court appearance on Monday at Woolwich Crown Court. Although bailed on the terrorism charge, he stays detained for allegedly breaching a High Court order by showing a self-made documentary earlier this year. The film was screened at a London rally and shared on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Robinson’s arrest happens just before a planned march by his supporters in London. The Metropolitan Police have announced increased security due to multiple protests and counter-protests set for the same day. Authorities are gearing up for possible unrest as tensions rise among demonstrators and counter-demonstrators alike.

HAMAS LEADER Sinwar: A Legacy of Brutality

19 October 2024 — Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas figure, has left a legacy of brutality affecting both Israelis and Palestinians. Born in a Gaza refugee camp in 1962, Sinwar joined Hamas soon after its founding in 1987. His radical views were shaped by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who mixed Islamic supremacy with Palestinian grievances.

Sinwar led Majd, Hamas’s feared internal security force known for torturing and killing Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel. Dubbed the “Butcher of Khan Younis,” he was behind many savage murders within his own community. In one notorious case, he strangled a suspect with a keffiyeh scarf and buried him alive.

Captured by Israeli forces in 1988, Sinwar confessed to killing 12 suspected collaborators and two Israeli soldiers, resulting in four life sentences. While jailed, he learned Hebrew and studied Israeli society but remained unrepentant about his actions against Israel. Despite receiving life-saving treatment from Israeli doctors for brain cancer in 2008, Sinwar showed no gratitude toward them or their country.

Hamas later kidnapped the nephew of one of the doctors who saved Sinwar’s life — an appeal for release ended tragically when the nephew was murdered by Hamas militants. This act highlights Sinwar’s enduring cruelty and lack of remorse.

KING Charles’s NEW Portrait Shocks Royal Fans

15 May 2024 — King Charles’s first official portrait by UK artist Jonathan Yeo introduces postmodern elements, breaking from traditional royal portraits. The 8.5ft by 6.5ft painting features the King in Welsh Guards uniform, holding a sword.

The portrait surrounds King Charles with a vivid red abstract cloud and includes a butterfly above his right shoulder, symbolizing his lifelong environmental activism and metamorphosis into the role of King.

Yeo aimed to blend royal traditions with modernity, reflecting a 21st-century monarchy and highlighting the King’s humanity. He expressed gratitude for capturing such an extraordinary figure at this historic moment.

BRITISH TRADER’S Appeal Crushed: Libor Conviction Stands Strong

28 March 2024 — Tom Hayes, a former financial trader for Citigroup and UBS, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction. This 44-year-old Brit was convicted in 2015 for manipulating the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from 2006 to 2010. His case marked the first-ever conviction of this kind.

Hayes served half of an 11-year sentence and was released in 2021. Despite asserting his innocence throughout, he faced another conviction by a U.S court in 2016.

Carlo Palombo, another trader implicated in similar manipulations with Euribor, also sought appeal through the U.K.'s Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. However, after a three-day hearing earlier this month, both appeals were dismissed without success.

The Serious Fraud Office remained resolute against these appeals stating: “No one is above the law and the court has recognized that these convictions stand firm.” This decision comes on the heels of a contrasting verdict from a U.S court last year which reversed similar convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders.

SENIOR CITIZEN Soars Skyward: Security Shutter in Wales Store Lifts Woman Off Ground

06 March 2024 — In an unusual turn of events, Anne Hughes, a 71-year-old woman, found herself lifted off the ground when her coat became entangled with a security shutter outside a store in Wales.

Hughes, who works as a cleaner at the Best One shop near Cardiff, was caught off guard when her coat snagged and she was hoisted into the air. “I thought “flipping heck!”” said Hughes. A quick-thinking colleague came to her aid and helped her down after she spent 12 seconds suspended mid-air.

Despite the odd incident, Hughes managed to retain her sense of humor about it all. She expressed relief that she hadn’t landed face-first and even joked that such an event could only happen to her.

The store seized this unexpected opportunity by using the footage for online promotion with a humorous caption about their deals and staff members’ antics. The video clip was shared on social media platform X with this playful tagline: "Don’t hang about like Ann, come down to Best One for unbeatable deals! The only thing going up in our shop is our staff — not our prices!

AUSTRALIAN Activist’s SHOCKING Sentence in China Sparks Global Outrage

05 February 2024 — Yang Hengjun, an Australian pro-democracy activist and former Chinese government worker, faces a surprising sentence in China. Born as Yang Jun in 1965, he served the Chinese government before moving to Australia in 2002. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at Columbia University.

Yang was arrested during a family trip to China in 2019. His arrest happened during the height of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement and amidst tense relations between Australia and China. The Australian government and human rights groups have consistently condemned his detention, calling him a political prisoner.

The trial has been slammed for its secrecy, with claims of torture and forced confessions emerging. Yang reportedly faced a secret trial on vague espionage charges three years ago. In August 2023, he voiced fears of dying from an untreated kidney cyst while waiting for his verdict

The sentencing has ignited international outrage with Australia condemning it as an “appalling” obstacle to better relations with China. Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson labelled Yang’s treatment as making a mockery of legal proceedings.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

From BETTING FRENZY to Prison: Andy May’s £13M Gamble and His Fight Against Addiction

06 January 2024 — Andy May, once a finance manager from Norfolk, squandered his family’s house deposit in a gambling frenzy. After seven years of abstinence from betting, the allure of a “free bet” during the 2014 World Cup lured him back into the destructive habit.

May’s addiction spiraled out of control as he misused his company credit card to gamble away £1.3 million. This reckless act led him straight to prison. Now released after two years, he has teamed up with GambleAware to share his cautionary tale and raise awareness about gambling addiction.

During his four-and-a-half-year betting spree, May wagered on everything conceivable. He even resorted to paying off personal credit card debts using company funds. His illicit activities eventually caught up with him in 2019 when he was found guilty of stealing over £1.3 million from his employer.

Despite losing his job and deceiving his family about it, May confesses that he might be tempted by gambling again but fights daily against this urge. He underscores that no amount of potential winnings could enhance his life while everything is

Korean Leader’s UK VISIT UNVEILED: Diplomacy, Royalty, and a K-POP Twist

22 November 2023 — The UK government is leveraging the three-day visit of Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol to bolster its “Indo-Pacific tilt” in foreign and trade policy. A lavish banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the occasion. The event celebrated South Korea’s political progress, economic strides, and cultural influence.

During his banquet speech, King Charles gave a nod to globally renowned K-pop girl group Blackpink. He applauded members Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose for their global advocacy for environmental sustainability. The group was among the distinguished guests in attendance at the grand ballroom.

Earlier that day at Horse Guards Parade in central London, Charles and Camilla warmly greeted Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee. Prince William joined government ministers to welcome the Korean couple who inspected rows of Scots Guards soldiers on parade. Following this ceremony was a horse-drawn coach ride to Buckingham Palace along an avenue adorned with British and Korean flags.

This state visit marks King Charles’s second during his reign. It presented an intriguing blend of diplomacy, royal fashion — highlighted by Queen Elizabeth II’s ruby