Redeeming consumption vouchers, using the "LeaveHomeSafe" app, ordering meals at restaurants, making service reservations or even shopping online can all be done with just a smartphone. This highlights the indispensability of smartphones and social media for urbanites today. In Hong Kong, about two-thirds of elders aged 65 or above own a smartphone. However, some of them still face challenges in adapting to digital technology. With the widespread use of information technology in recent years, many elders are actively learning and engaging in the digital world to enrich their lives. How does digital technology reshape elder’s daily lives to keep pace with modern demands?

The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge fundraising campaign brought global attention to the needs of ALS patients. However, nearly ten years later, ALS patients in Hong Kong still face various difficulties. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS, causes deteriorating mobility, requiring long-term family care and inevitably placing a heavy burden on families. Self-help organizations have been advocating for better social welfare policies for patients and supporting them to ensure that those with ALS can live better lives in the time they have left.

The government has proposed promoting the development of the cultural and creative industries with the goal of establishing Hong Kong as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange. They also emphasized the establishment of an I & T ecosystem, focusing on developing AI and related technologies to drive growth across industries. Some entertainment companies have seized the opportunities brought by new technologies, introducing metaverse concerts and AI virtual singers to the Hong Kong market. Additionally, technology companies have created AI virtual artistes for real-world advertising campaigns, aiming to capture a market share. With the emergence of Web 3.0, businesses are exploring innovative ways for audience-artiste interactions, expanding markets and exploring their economic benefits. Can the integration of new technologies and business models enhance Hong Kong's cultural exports and strengthen its soft power? What additional support do these enterprises need to take their endeavors to the next level?

According to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong, as of September 30, 2022, there are approximately 1,094 registered veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong. On the other hand, information submitted to the Legislative Council by the Food and Health Bureau and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 2021 showed that the ratio of veterinarians to pets in Hong Kong was 1:410 in 2018, compared to 1:2,543 in Singapore and 1:2,374 in the UK. Some pet owners complain about the shortage of veterinarians and the high costs.

Additionally, the first batch of veterinary graduates from the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at the City University of Hong Kong officially registered to practice in Hong Kong in October 2023, signifying that Hong Kong will gradually welcome a new generation of locally-trained veterinarians. Compared to the previously imported veterinarians, will the local graduates gain market recognition? And how will their addition impact the local veterinary market?

As cases where conventional antimicrobial drugs fail to effectively treat infections increase, multidrug-resistant bacteria (also known as "superbugs") are rapidly spreading across the globe. In 2019, the World Health Organization classified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity. In May 2016, the government established the High Level Steering Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and subsequently formulated the Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Unfortunately, with the increased risk of secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients, the use of antibiotics has also risen, significantly impacting Hong Kong's antimicrobial resistance issue. With the completion of the first phase of the Action Plan (2017-2022), the government committed in the 2021 Policy Address to review and draft a second plan, which will be implemented starting at the end of 2023 to strengthen efforts against the superbug crisis.

The imminent redevelopment of Tai Hang Sai Estate in Shek Kip Mei represents the unavoidable demolition of this distinctive private rental housing estate in Hong Kong. The charm of the estate's "grid layout" has made it a popular “check-in spots” for public recently. Completed over half a century ago, the external walls of Tai Hang Sai Estate are deteriorating, with concrete peeling off. There are no lifts. It is common to see elderly navigating the stairs with canes. The small businesses in the estate are also facing the end of their years of hard work and will have to say goodbye to their close-knit neighbourhood. Nestled at the foot of Lion Rock for nearly sixty years, Tai Hang Sai Estate has witnessed the growth of generations of Hong Kong people. Known as the "Gentlemen's Estate," this estate is renowned for being managed by the HK Settlers Housing Corporation Ltd, founded by six Justices of the Peace. This episode will explore the touching stories of Tai Hang Sai Estate.

According to the "Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030" study, Hong Kong's society will face the challenge of "double-ageing" in terms of both population and buildings in the future. The report forecasts that by 2048, there will be around 854,000 private residential units over 50 years old, and around 373,000 units over 70 years old across the city.

Additionally, the recent incidents of concrete spalling from building exteriors have raised concerns over the safety of old buildings. What problems can dilapidation and ageing of buildings bring about? The Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme has been implemented since 2012 - can it assure citizens of living in safe homes? Building ageing seems unavoidable, so what strategies can different sectors of society adopt to address this issue?

In 2020, a survey by the Census and Statistics Department on the Willingness to live in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area revealed that over 220,000 individuals were very or quite interested in living or retiring in mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area. Among them, seniors aged 65 and above, including many middle-class individuals, formed the highest proportion. What measures and policies has the government implemented to assist the middle class in retiring in the Greater Bay Area? The domestic market offers integrated medical and elderly care apartments, providing the middle class with rental and ownership options. Elderly residents in the mainland benefit from a more economical lifestyle, saving significantly in food, accommodation, and transportation. Leveraging national healthcare insurance helps offset medical expenses. Furthermore, initiatives such as medical measure provide added medical convenience for Hong Kong residents. With mutual benefits and complementarity between the two regions, it's believed that seniors are presented with an additional retirement choice.

As Hong Kong's population rapidly ages, the society is entering an era of extreme aging, leading to increased demand for basic support for the elderly and their carers. According to the Social Welfare Department, as of 30th November, 2023, there were over 14,000 people waiting for Care and Attention Places and over 2,000 waiting for Nursing Places, with the longest wait exceeding a year and a half. The government initiated the Greater Bay Area elderly care plan as early as 2014, such as the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong, which has been in operation for over a decade. How effective has it been? What considerations and concerns do grassroots elderly have when contemplating retiring in the Greater Bay Area? What benefits can seniors enjoy under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong?

The latest survey results from the Labour and Welfare Bureau show that among TTPS talents employed in Hong Kong, the median monthly income is around HKD 50,000. Approximately 25% of them earn HKD 100,000 per month, and about 10% earn HKD 200,000 or above. The TTPS aims to address challenges related to an aging population and labor force loss, serving as an immigration scheme to support the development of Hong Kong’s economy. This 'competing for talents' initiative aims to attract top talents with extensive work experience and advanced academic qualifications from around the world, along with other talent recruitment schemes. In the long run, for the TTPS to be fully effective, it requires comprehensive measures and the development of emerging industries. What challenges and opportunities lie ahead?