On Monday’s Backchat, we’re looking into Hong Kong’s fertility trends. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk revealed that authorities approved more than 16,000 applications for the HK$20,000 "baby bonus" handouts, distributing over HK$35 million since October last year.

The measure was rolled out in response to Hong Kong’s record-low fertility rate which dropped to 0.7 in 2022, at a time when the city’s elderly population keeps increasing.


Experts have called on the government to roll out more targeted measures to support women who want to have children, citing a lack in access to IVF treatment for those with fertility issues.


Are couples still willing to have children? Have societal norms changed? And are prospective parents given enough support?


After 9:45, we’ll be talking about the construction of a viewing platform on a hiking trail in Sai Kung, sparking controversy among residents and green groups.

9:05am-9:45am: Hong Kong's fertility trends


9:05am-9:30am: Dr Mona Lam, Executive Director, The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong 
9:05am-9:30am: Presley Ko, Programme Director, Asian Academy of Family Therapy
9:30am-9:45am: Nixie Lam, Lawmaker


9:45am-10:00am: Controversy over viewing platform in Sai Kung

9:45am-10:00am: Christine Fong, Sai Kung District Councillor