How Hong Kong’s tourism sector fared during the “golden week” holiday and the city’s record-setting universities made the headlines this week. Read on for details about these stories and others covered by the City desk.

In today’s edition:

• ‘Golden week’ winners

   

• Smart moves

   

• Prefab issues sprout

‘Golden week’ winners

Business was fairly brisk for Hong Kong’s retailers and caterers during the mainland's National Day golden week break, with firms reporting growth of up to 20 per cent year on year.

Shops selling gold, jewellery and cosmetic products emerged as the big winners as the eight-day break wrapped up on Wednesday, industry leaders said, while cha chaan teng were the top choice for dining, followed by Chinese restaurants.

Smart moves

Six local universities are among the top 200 higher education institutions in the world, a record for Hong Kong, with the British compiler of the list attributing their higher rankings to increased investments in research and staffing.

The University of Hong Kong rose from 35th to 33rd place, the highest among all the local institutions in the Times Higher Education rankings, while the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology registered the biggest jump, moving from 66th to 58th.

It was also the first time that all eight of Hong Kong’s public universities were listed in the rankings, which cover 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories.

Prefab issues sprout

Authorities are investigating irregularities uncovered during inspections of prefabricated units at three light public housing sites.

The Architectural Services Department has attributed the issue at sites in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan to the improper assembly of units, with significant defects found in a number of structural connections. A structural engineer, however, said manufacturing flaws were more likely to be the reason.

You can follow these stories and more at SCMP.com. Enjoy the weekend.

Politics

• Beijing’s liaison office chief in Hong Kong lays out 3 hopes for local media

   

• Hong Kong revamping school history subjects, with Communist Party founding added

   

• Legco delegations shun West for 4 years in a first since Hong Kong handover

   

• HK$90 million spent on Hong Kong pay-as-you-throw scheme ‘not wasted’: minister

   

• Hong Kong urged to regulate private schools in line with subsidised institutions

Society

• Can Hong Kong cash in on culture so arts hub, museums pay for themselves?

   

• Improper assembly behind light public housing irregularities: Hong Kong official

   

• Explainer | Unsure about Hong Kong’s modular flats? The Post unpacks the big questions

   

• Hong Kong’s ‘Little Suet-yee’ recovering, but medical funds nearly gone

   

• Hong Kong study finds giving girls toys aimed at boys can boost STEM skills