HONG KONG CONNECT


	The Financial Secretary of the HKSAR delivered the 2026-27 Budget The Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Paul Chan, unveiled the 2026–27 Budget on 25 February, with the theme “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance.” Noting that this year marks the beginning of the National 15^th Five-Year Plan, Mr Chan said China’s sustained high-standard two-way opening-up, coupled with scientific and technological innovation, presents Hong Kong with new opportunities. Leveraging its close connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world, as well as its deep talent pool, Hong Kong will foster new quality productive forces and facilitate enterprises in opening up new markets. The Budget sets out a series of measures to drive innovation and technology (I&T) development, including establishing the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy, advancing the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster project, promoting artificial intelligence (AI) training, and accelerating the Government’s digital transformation. Hong Kong will also press ahead with the industrialisation of AI and deepen its integration across industries, while establishing the International Clinical Trial Academy to support globalisation of biomedical technology and develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. To advance new industrialisation, resources have been earmarked to establish the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Chinese Mainland and to launch the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme, alongside major innovation infrastructure such as the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and San Tin Technopole. On finance, Hong Kong will align with national development strategies, advance Renminbi internationalisation, reform the securities market, and enhance regulatory regimes for digital assets. Hong Kong will make full use of its strengths and leverage the resolute support of our Motherland to speed up and scale up economic development sustainably, creating better development opportunities for the people and enhancing their quality of life.

	Festive spirit across the city as Hong Kong ushers in the Year of the Horse Hong Kong welcomed the Year of the Horse with a vibrant line-up of Chinese New Year celebrations that brought the city to life. Festive highlights included the International Chinese New Year Night Parade (17 February) in Tsim Sha Tsui themed “Best Fortune · World Party” featuring nearly 60 colourful floats and performing groups, the spectacular 23-minute equestrian-themed Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour (18 February), the Year of the Horse Raceday (19 February) at Sha Tin Racecourse and the Traditional Chinese New Year Cup (21 February), which drew crowds of racing fans and visitors. In his Chinese New Year message, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, described the festival as a time of renewal and new beginnings, noting that the galloping horse symbolises Hong Kong people’s speed, stamina and resilience. He encouraged the community to move forward with agility and determination, seize opportunities and overcome challenges. More details here.

	Hong Kong's single-family offices total surpasses 3 380, injecting over HK$10 billion annually into local economy Hong Kong’s family office sector continues to see strong momentum, with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong announcing that the number of single-family offices in the city had surpassed 3,380 by end-2025, an increase of about 680 offices, or more than 25 per cent growth, over the past two years. According to a market study commissioned by InvestHK and conducted by Deloitte, these offices collectively inject more than HK$10 billion into the local economy each year. The study also underscores Hong Kong’s position as a leading asset and wealth management hub in Asia, with assets under management reaching about HK$35 trillion (US$4.5 trillion) as of end-2024, and the city ranking second globally in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. More details here.

	HKMA unveils Fintech Promotion Blueprint: From adoption to advancement The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published its Fintech Promotion Blueprint on 3 February to drive responsible innovation and advance the city’s fintech ecosystem under the “Fintech 2030” vision. The tactical blueprint highlights the growing application of AI and distributed ledger technologies (DLT), supported by high-performance computing infrastructure. Anchored on the foundational pillars of Data Excellence and Cyber Resilience, it seeks to strengthen the banking sector’s capacity to manage risks associated with advanced technologies. The Blueprint outlines a cohesive framework spanning ecosystem collaboration, technological advancement, and talent and outreach, and will see the launch of four flagship projects in the coming months. It also introduces targeted initiatives, including FiNETech events, responsible innovation competitions, enhancements to the Fintech Connect matching platform, and practical workshops, to address key challenges identified in the Tech Maturity Stock-take and to accelerate Hong Kong’s fintech advancement. The full report of the Blueprint is available on the HKMA website.



	HKETO Sydney joins UNSW to spotlight Hong Kong’s commercialisation opportunities The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Hong Kong Commercialisation Opportunities Workshop co-hosted by HKETO Sydney and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and InvestHK, on 5 February. Bringing together UNSW researchers, startups and innovation stakeholders, the workshop explored Hong Kong’s role as a global commercialisation and investment hub, and how universities and spin-outs can leverage the city as a gateway to international markets. In his remarks, Mr Chong highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”, its strong research and innovation ecosystem, and its strategic connectivity with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, alongside robust support for I&T, talent attraction and startup incubation. Speakers from HKTDC and InvestHK also shared insights on deal-making opportunities, incubation programmes and funding support, followed by case studies and a networking session.

	Reception held in Sydney to celebrate the Year of the Horse HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Sydney on 10 February to celebrate the Year of the Horse, bringing together over 300 guests from government, business and community sectors in New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory. In his welcoming remarks, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted the long-standing, dynamic partnership between Hong Kong and Australia, underpinned by strong co-operation in trade, investment, education and cultural exchange, as well as close people-to-people ties. He also shared updates on key Hong Kong initiatives, including the “Economic and Trade Express”, Northern Metropolis development, and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, and expressed Hong Kong’s commitment to deepening collaboration with NSW and Australia. The evening concluded on a festive note with a lucky draw and a musical performance by talented local young musicians.

	Reception held in Melbourne to celebrate the Year of the Horse HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Melbourne on 12 February, welcoming about 140 guests from government, business and community sectors in Victoria to celebrate the Year of the Horse. In his remarks, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted Melbourne’s vibrancy as a global events capital, noting its strong resonance with Hong Kong as an international city built on connectivity, culture and major events. He said the Year of the Horse symbolises energy, renewal and forward momentum, qualities that reflect Hong Kong’s dynamic and resilient spirit, and underscored the long-standing partnership between Hong Kong and Australia across trade, investment, education and people-to-people ties. He also shared updates on key initiatives, including the “Economic and Trade Express”, Northern Metropolis development, and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. The celebration concluded with a lucky draw and a lively musical performance by the talented local ensemble, Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra.

	HKETO Sydney celebrates Chinese New Year with HKABA Victoria Mr Ricky Chong joined members and guests of the Victoria Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) for a Chinese New Year Networking Lunch in Melbourne on 13 February, celebrating the Year of the Horse with the local business community. Addressing over 100 participants, Mr Chong highlighted the longstanding partnership between Hong Kong and Victoria, underpinned by robust trade, investment and people-to-people ties. He also spoke on Hong Kong’s continued strengths as an international, business-friendly city, and shared opportunities arising from major developments such as the Northern Metropolis and innovation-driven growth. Mr Chong expressed appreciation for HKABA’s role in fostering bilateral connections and reaffirmed HKETO’s commitment to supporting businesses in leveraging opportunities between Hong Kong and Australia.

	Reception held in Auckland to celebrate the Year of the Horse HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Auckland on 24 February, welcoming around 150 guests from government, business and community sectors to celebrate the Year of the Horse. In his remarks, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted the long-standing and vibrant partnership between Hong Kong and New Zealand, founded on shared values of openness, connectivity and free trade. He noted that New Zealand was the first foreign economy to sign a free trade agreement with Hong Kong, which continues to generate opportunities for businesses on both sides. Mr Chong also shared encouraging tourism figures, with strong growth in visitor flows in both directions, reflecting deepening people-to-people and commercial ties. The celebration concluded with a lucky draw and a vibrant martial arts performance showcasing traditional Chinese culture.

	Reception held in Brisbane to celebrate the Year of the Horse HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Brisbane on 27 February, bringing together about 130 guests from government, business and the community in Queensland to celebrate the Year of the Horse. In his welcoming remarks, Mr Ricky Chong, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Hong Kong and Australia, grounded in shared values of openness, connectivity and free trade, while noting Queensland’s importance as a partner in resources, agriculture, education and professional services. Mr Chong also shared that the number of foreign companies in Hong Kong reached a record high of 11,000 in 2025, reflecting strong international confidence and opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Referring to the 2026–27 Budget themed “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”, he outlined measures to strengthen I&T, AI and digital assets development, green finance, infrastructure projects such as the Northern Metropolis, as well as support for SMEs and talent development. He emphasised Hong Kong’s continued role as a “super-connector” linking Australia with Chinese Mainland and global markets.


	*Echoes of Silence: A Contemporary Percussion Odyssey (Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia)* Supported by HKETO Sydney, Toolbox Percussion returns to Australia this March with Echoes of Silence: A Contemporary Percussion Odyssey, featured at the Adelaide Fringe from 4 to 7 March 2026. This transformative and playful production reimagines sound-making by turning everyday objects into extraordinary musical instruments, offering audiences an immersive contemporary percussion experience. Following their Adelaide performances, Toolbox Percussion will also present a special showcase at MPavilion, Melbourne, bringing their boundary-pushing percussive artistry to Victorian audiences. Don’t miss out — get your Adelaide Fringe tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/echoes-of-silence-a-contemporary-percussion-odyssey-af2026 Melbourne performance details: https://mpavilion.org/events/echoes-of-pulse/

	*Hong Kong Film Festival in Sydney (Sydney, Australia)* The Hong Kong Film Festival returns to Sydney from 26 to 28 March, presenting a dynamic line-up of contemporary Hong Kong cinema for Australian audiences. Featuring award-winning titles and renowned filmmakers, the festival showcases Hong Kong’s creativity and storytelling while deepening cultural exchange through film. Stay tuned for the full movie line-up and programme details: https://www.hkffau.org.au/

	*Art Basel Hong Kong (Hong Kong)* Art Basel Hong Kong returns on 27-29 March 2026, featuring 240 galleries from 41 countries and territories. The fair brings together established and emerging voices from across the globe, with a strong focus on artistic innovation, regional diversity, and the next generation of galleries, artists and curators. With over half of participating galleries from the Asia-Pacific region, Art Basel Hong Kong once again reaffirms its role in advancing international cultural exchange, building on the energy and dynamism of the region’s thriving art ecosystem. More details here.

	*LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 (Hong Kong)* Hong Kong will once again host world-class professional golf as LIV Golf Hong Kong takes place from 5 to 8 March. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hong Kong Golf Club, the tournament will feature top international players and teams competing in LIV Golf’s high-energy format, blending elite sport with vibrant entertainment and fan experiences. More details here.

	*ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026 (Hong Kong)* ComplexCon Hong Kong will be held from 21 to 22 March, bringing back the globally acclaimed culture and lifestyle festival to the city. Showcasing the latest in art, fashion, music, food and street culture, the event will feature exclusive brand collaborations, live performances, panel talks and immersive experiences highlighting the forefront of contemporary creativity. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong