Hong Kong Economic Times (abbreviated as HKET) is a financial daily newspaper published in Hong Kong. It is written in Traditional Chinese and is known for its pro-Beijing political alignment.
Overview
The Hong Kong Economic Times was founded by Lawrence S P Fung (馮紹波), Perry Mak, Arthur Shek Kang-chuen (石鏡泉), and others. It began publication on 26 January 1988 with an initial investment of HK$20 million. The newspaper is published in a broadsheet format and is headquartered at 6/F, Kodak House II, 321 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
The newspaper is published by Hong Kong Economic Times Holdings Limited, which has been listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 3 August 2005.
Content and Coverage
HKET provides coverage of financial markets, business news, economic analysis, property news, technology, and current affairs. Its target readership includes business professionals, executives, investors, and the general public seeking financial and economic information. The newspaper also operates a digital platform at hket.com, offering real-time news updates.
Subsidiaries and Related Platforms
Hong Kong Economic Times Holdings Limited (HKET Group) owns several media properties, including:
- hket.com – the newspaper's online news portal
- U Lifestyle – a lifestyle content platform
- CTgoodjobs – a recruitment and employment platform
- Health Smart – a health and wellness media brand
- Apex Print – a printing services division
- Sky Post and TOPick – subsidiary news outlets
Controversies
Founder's suspected involvement in Yuen Long station riot
On 20 July 2019, at a pro-Beijing "Safeguard HK" event, HKET founder Arthur Shek Kang-chuen publicly called on pro-Beijing supporters to purchase canes and PVC pipes to punish those who opposed the 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill. The following day, a mob with suspected triad links used canes and metal pipes in an indiscriminate attack that injured 45 people at Yuen Long MTR station. The public suspected that Shek's comments may have incited the attack. On 22 July 2019, over 100 HKET reporters issued a joint statement expressing shock and deep regret over Shek's remarks and requesting their withdrawal. HKET stated that Shek's comments were his personal opinion and did not represent the newspaper's position. Shek later apologized, withdrew his statement, and resigned as executive director and deputy president of the newspaper, though he continued to serve as a financial columnist.
Plagiarism allegations
HKET subsidiaries Sky Post and TOPick have been accused of plagiarizing stories from other online media outlets without permission. Allegations include copying text verbatim onto the HKET website and reproducing YouTube video content in text and screenshot form without attributing original sources.
