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Magdalene Fung

Hong Kong Correspondent

Magdalene is The Straits Times’ Hong Kong correspondent. She was previously deputy foreign editor at ST, managing daily newsroom operations and producing in-depth features and data-driven graphics covering topics including the Ukraine war, the Covid-19 pandemic and “invisible” communities across Asia. She was also a markets editor at Bloomberg and a China news editor at the South China Morning Post. Her projects have picked up multiple global accolades, including a Human Rights Press Award.

Latest articles

Win or lose big? Hong Kong’s hub status a double-edged sword amid Middle East war

The Iran war leaves Hong Kong heavily exposed to risks on several fronts.

Beijing’s message to HK: Get your act together

The charred towers of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Hong Kong’s Budget is back in the black – but not without sacrifice

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan has brought the city out of the red three years earlier than expected.

HK opens 2 top civil service jobs to outside candidates for first time. Will this shake things up?

Pedestrians cross a road in Central district in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. Hong Kong raised its full-year growth forecast for 2025, signaling increased confidence in the economy’s momentum after exports and domestic consumption showed unexpected strength. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

China hails HK tycoon Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail term in national security case as West denounces it

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was led into a police van as he headed to court to be charged under the territory's controversial new national security law in Hong Kong on Dec 12, 2020.

As HK opens new TCM hospital to take Chinese medicine global, Singapore watches keenly

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong is part of China's extensive plan to promote the use and development of TCM worldwide.

Hong Kong’s bus seat belt saga has all the makings of a good comedy

mfseatbelts - Screenshot. In October 2025, dashcam footage of an undercover police operation on a Hong Kong minibus went viral online. That stint resulted in 31 passengers receiving fines for not wearing their seat belts on the minibus. 

CREDIT: STAND.FOR.HK/INSTAGRAM

Beijing’s hands may be tied as US scores win in Panama Canal ports ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court annulling key port contracts held by a Hong Kong‑based firm leaves the future uncertain.

HK lawmaker deliberately drives against traffic, sparking calls for her dismissal

Hong Kong lawmaker Judy Chan giving her public apology on Jan 24 following the incident.

HK has another hit movie. Can such flicks save the industry from terminal decline?

Actor Raymond Lam (centre) in Hong Kong’s latest hit flick Back To The Past.