HONG KONG CONNECT


	Hong Kong mourns lives lost in Tai Po fire A tragic fire broke out on 26 November at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po, causing serious casualties. In response, The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government immediately activated its Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre to coordinate rescue efforts, provide support to affected families, and launch a full investigation into the cause and circumstances of the disaster. To provide timely relief and support to the residents, the HKSAR Government has set up a “Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po” with a start-up capital of HK$300 million to render assistance and support all relevant works. The Support Fund will accept donations from individuals and private organisations. Details of the relevant designated accounts are as follows: Hong Kong Dollar: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited account number: 012-875-2-190159-7 (Account name: Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po); Other currencies: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited account number: 012-875-2-190160-7 (Account name: Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po). We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, including the fallen fireman, and our heartfelt sympathies to their families. We pay our highest tribute to the firefighters, emergency responders and all those working tirelessly to assist affected residents. As a community, we stand in solidarity with all those impacted and will continue to support the recovery and rebuilding efforts ahead.

	Hong Kong rises to rank fourth globally in digital competitiveness Hong Kong has climbed to fourth place in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2025 by the International Institute for Management Development, marking a further three-place rise after last year’s improvement. The city ranked third in “Technology”, fifth in “Knowledge”, and saw a notable jump in “Future Readiness” to tenth. At the sub-factor level, Hong Kong placed first globally in both “Technological Framework” and “Adaptive Attitudes”, with “Talent” and “Training and Education” also among the top five. A Government spokesman said the results recognise Hong Kong as one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world. The HKSAR Government has been striving to enhance the strategic layout of I&T infrastructure, with three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions as the framework, so as to actively drive I&T development and cultivate new quality productive forces. With the staunch support from our country and Hong Kong's international prospects, coupled with a thriving start-up ecosystem, a free, open and fair business environment, a simple low tax system and strong policy support, Hong Kong is well positioned to attract enterprises, talent and technology from around the world, laying a solid foundation for further advancing I&T collaboration and development. More details here.

	15^th National Games concludes with historic results for Hong Kong The 15^th National Games (NG) concluded on 21 November, marking the first time the NG were jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to the Central Government’s trust and the General Administration of Sport of China's support, and praised Hong Kong, China athletes for their record-breaking performance. The HKSAR sent its largest-ever delegation to this year's NG and achieved historic results, winning 19 medals, nine gold, two silver and eight bronze, across sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon and fencing. Mr Lee praised the athletes for their perseverance, professionalism and outstanding performances, noting that their achievements have made the people of Hong Kong proud and deeply encouraged. He added that the HKSAR Government has been sparing no effort to promote sports development through policy objectives that include fostering sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports as an industry. The HKSAR Government will leverage the successful experience of the 15^th NG and continue to promote sports development through various initiatives. More details here. See athletes’ achievements here.

	Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 The Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 concluded on 7 November, rounding off a dynamic week full of innovation, entrepreneurship and financial technology across the city. The two-day main conference brought together government officials, regulators, fintech innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders from around the world for a series of forward-looking panels, keynote speeches and policy discussions. This year marked the 10th anniversary of both Hong Kong FinTech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival, a testament to Hong Kong's commitment to advancing the digital economy and strengthening its position as a global centre for fintech and start-up growth. The two-day main conference was organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Insurance Authority. The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, officiated at the opening of the main conference, emphasising Hong Kong's strength as a bridge between innovation and collaboration, remarking that “Hong Kong is made for collaboration and built for innovation - for companies, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals.” The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, delivered a keynote address, outlining the Government's policy vision in driving forward fintech development in Hong Kong and our journey in building a vibrant fintech ecosystem. More details here. See the Chief Executive of HKSAR’s speech here. See the Financial Secretary’s speech here.



	Promoting Hong Kong’s AI edge across Australia and New Zealand The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended AI-focused events in Auckland and Brisbane on 14 and 17 November respectively, engaging business communities in both cities on Hong Kong’s rapidly developing AI and innovation landscape. He highlighted Hong Kong’s latest development in the AI ecosystem under the Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, from building infrastructure, nurturing research and talent, to expanding applications across business and government. In Auckland, Mr Chau joined the AI for Business Conference organised by Business North Harbour, which provided practical insights for companies and SMEs interested in adopting AI solutions. In Brisbane, he attended an AI networking event hosted by the Queensland Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association, where discussions focused on AI robotics, emerging AI trends and opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Queensland.

	Hong Kong promotes aviation cooperation during DGCA’s visit to Australia The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, accompanied the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, on his visit to Australia from 19 to 22 November to exchange insights on aviation development and talent training, and to promote new opportunities in Hong Kong’s aviation sector. In Adelaide, they joined Cathay Pacific and Flight Training Adelaide to mark the 25th anniversary of the Civil Aviation Department’s CAD509 Approval Scheme. They also took part in a ceremony marking Cathay Pacific’s resumption of direct flight services between Hong Kong and Adelaide on 11 November, an important milestone in strengthening air connectivity and fostering closer ties between the two cities.

	Connect Hong Kong: new podcast series premieres HKETO Sydney is presenting a four-episode podcast series, Connect Hong Kong, in collaboration with 2CR. The series explores Hong Kong’s latest developments and explains the key initiatives in the 2025 Policy Address to Australian audiences, offering clear insights into the city’s policies, opportunities and future direction. The programme premiered on 19 November and will air every Wednesday, bringing listeners closer to Hong Kong through timely conversations and in-depth analysis.



	*The 12^th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and The 9^th National Special Olympic Games (Hong Kong)* Following the 15^th NG, Hong Kong will join Guangdong and Macao in co-hosting the 12^th NG for Persons with Disabilities and the 9^th National Special Olympic Games from 8 to 15 December. These two flagship national events show the determination, skill and spirit of athletes with disabilities, while promoting inclusion and opportunity through sport for individuals with disabilities. Hong Kong will host four competition events - boccia, wheelchair fencing, para table tennis (TT11) and Special Olympics table tennis, along with one mass participation event in para dance sport. More details here.

	*WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025 (Hong Kong)* WTT Finals 2025 will take place from 10 to 14 December at the iconic Hong Kong Coliseum, where the world’s top table tennis stars will battle for a record US$1.3 million (HK$10.12 million) prize pool. The season-ending showpiece features an elite lineup, and only the top 16 Men’s and Women’s Singles players and the top seven Mixed Doubles pairs, plus one Host Wildcard pair, will qualify. After a year of global competition on the WTT Series, the very best players will converge in Hong Kong for one last, high-stakes race for championship glory. More details here.

	*The 59^th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo (Hong Kong)* One of the largest outdoor expos in Hong Kong, the 59^th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo will be held from 13 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, features 12 thematic zones and over 900 outdoor booths, featuring bumper offers, price markdowns, redemptions and promotions, with lots of prizes to be won. A series of stage performances and game booths will also be staged. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong