Northern Metropolis Land Takeover: Hong Kong’s “Northern Metropolis” plan will bulldoze parts of villages and farmland to build a Silicon Valley-style tech hub for about 2.5 million people, but environmental and community groups warn it will be destructive despite mitigation. Tech & Finance Push: Hong Kong aims to scale its tech ecosystem and nurture more unicorns, with HKSTP saying investors are more willing than a decade ago—though early-stage funding still needs work. IPO Watch: China’s Ligent Technologies is seeking about HK$5.67b (US$723m) in a Hong Kong IPO, with shares priced at HK$32.96 and a Sept 22 debut. Belt and Road Connector Role: The city is positioning itself as a “two-way springboard” after the 11th Belt and Road Summit, with finance and I&T deals and Global South outreach highlighted by the finance chief. Political Donations Storm (UK): Reform UK faces fresh scrutiny after crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne pledged £72m, with calls for a donations cap and warnings about “buying” influence. Rights Under National Security Law: The UN Human Rights Office condemned lengthy jail terms for Tiananmen vigil organisers, saying civic space is shrinking under the 2020 law. Markets & Data: OTC Markets Group signed a market data deal with CITIC Securities Brokerage (HK) to bring OTC pricing data to Hong Kong clients. Education Concern: New Pisa results show Hong Kong’s scores in maths, reading and science hitting the lowest levels measured, sparking questions about classroom learning. Crime & Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs reported multiple drug and smuggling busts, including seizures of cannabis and illicit cigarettes.