First up, New World Development has announced securing US4.5 billion dollars in low-cost loans and debt payments, aiming to replenish its liquidity and increase the proportion of yuan loans to control financing costs.

This move highlights the company's robust financial health.

In the skies, Dubai airline Emirates is looking to expand its network to four more mainland Chinese cities.

The carrier is ready to provide flights immediately, pending approval from Beijing, according to its president.

Meanwhile, start-ups from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) are heading west to pitch and raise capital.

These companies represent a wide range of industries, showcasing the diverse technological innovations nurtured among the 1,700 start-ups at HKSTP.

On a lighter note, Hongkongers have been advised to keep cool amid the heatwave, as a dog-shaped cloud has delighted the internet.

This ‘fine weather cumulus cloud’ is more common in summer, with the sunset afterglow making it look like a ‘hot doggy’, according to forecasters.

In environmental news, Hong Kong is exploring the possibility of building a waste-to-hydrogen demonstration plant.

The environment chief mentioned that discussions are underway with the Airport Authority to produce hydrogen from garbage, aiming to advance the city’s sustainable initiatives.

Switching to social media, Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang starred in a Douyin video, which has garnered 101,000 likes.

In the short parody video, Tang assigns the mascot bear the 'extraordinary task' of setting up the Security Bureau’s account on the platform.

In transportation, Uber Hong Kong's general manager Estyn Chung has stated that Uber and the city's taxis can coexist without adverse effects.

He emphasized that the ride-hailing platform and taxi industry are not enemies.

Turning to talent, Labour minister Chris Sun revealed that one in four approved applicants for Hong Kong talent schemes holds a foreign passport.

He dismissed concerns over lack of diversity, asserting that Hong Kong remains attractive to foreign talent.

However, Hong Kong faces a challenge in tourism, as some Malaysian visitors are opting for Thailand due to limited halal options in the city.

Lawmaker Nixie Lam Lam highlighted this issue based on feedback from Malaysian officials.

Finally, in education, the Tung family of Hong Kong is offering 500,000 Hong Kong dollars in scholarships to 16 university students.

These scholarships are provided by an education foundation established by the late uncle of former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.

That's all for today's news. Stay tuned at HKG Times dot com, for more good news about Hong Kong, and have a fantastic day ahead!