Letters | HKEX worked through No 8 typhoon signal. So should rest of Hong Kong

Readers discuss the need to overhaul a typhoon signal system last revised in 1973, forging partnerships for Hong Kong’s industrial modernisation, the application of the rule of law in Hong Kong and football violence in Amsterdam

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Two women walk along Wan Chai Promenade with a shopping bag and a plastic raincoat covering their heads as Typhoon Toraji edges closer to the coast of southern China on November 13. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 11:30am, 15 Nov 2024

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Despite the arrival of Tropical Storm Toraji leading to the No 8 typhoon signal being issued in the night of November 13, the Hong Kong stock market continued its operations uninterrupted the next day (“Storm Toraji: Hong Kong lowers T8 at 10.20am, HKEX operates through storm for first time”, November 14). This was made possible by the recent technological upgrades allowing for virtual trading and remote operations.

I urge the government and the Legislative Council to extend these remote working arrangements across all sectors. Not only will this move boost the productivity of our city’s workforce, it could safeguard millions of residents from the hazards of commuting in severe weather after the signal is lowered.

The Education Bureau should also establish clear guidelines for schools to seamlessly transition to online learning during typhoon disruptions. This will ensure our students’ education continues without interruption, maintaining academic progress and consistency.

Simon Wang, Kowloon Tong

Time to tap technology to minimise typhoon disruption

Hong Kong’s typhoon signal system has not had a major overhaul since 1973. Since then we have had major advancements in satellites, computing and communications. Typhoon 8 signals disrupt millions of people and cause us significant economic impact, including families and business owners.