HONG KONG CONNECT


	Financial Secretary’s visit to Australia The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited Melbourne and Sydney, Australia from 1 to 5 September to meet with members of the local business, finance, and innovation and technology sectors, as well as visit various enterprises. Mr Chan also attended a number of luncheons organised by HKETO in collaboration with local chambers of commerce and groups to introduce Hong Kong’s latest situation and business advantages. On 3 September, Mr Chan attended the Asia Summit in Melbourne organised by the Australian Financial Review in partnership with the Asia Society Australia. He delivered a keynote speech on the future of Hong Kong’s economy and joined the subsequent interactive session. Mr Chan introduced in his speech Hong Kong’s latest economic situation, business environment and development prospects. Concluding his visit, Mr Chan said that through exchanges with the commercial and industrial sectors in Australia, this visit has promoted mutual understanding and bilateral co-operation for the future. He hopes that Hong Kong and Australia will deepen co-operation to create more opportunities for the trade, industry, finance, and innovation sectors in both regions. More details on FS’ visit to Melbourne here. More details on FS in the Asia Summit here. More details on FS’ visit to Sydney here. More details on FS’ last day of visit in Sydney here.

	Hong Kong rose to third place globally in Global Financial Centres Index Hong Kong ranked third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 36 Report published on 24 September by Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen, moving up one place from the March issue of the index this year. Hong Kong also ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region. The overall rating increased by eight points, the largest improvement among the top five financial centres. A Government spokesperson said that the report clearly affirms Hong Kong’s status and strengths as a leading global financial centre. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong’s unique position of having the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world empowers it to fully leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. The Government will continue to actively understand, respond to and embrace changes to promote high-quality development of the financial sector. More details here.

	Hong Kong soars in World Talent Ranking 2024 The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) published the World Talent Ranking 2024 on 19 September. Hong Kong’s ranking rose visibly to nine, from 16 last year, returning to the top 10 for the first time since 2016. Hong Kong improved across all three talent competitiveness factors in the Ranking as compared to last year. Among the indicators, Hong Kong topped the ranking in the percentage of graduates in sciences, and was among the global top five in the availability of finance skills, effectiveness of management education and remuneration of management. A Government spokesperson said that the return of Hong Kong to amongst the top 10 in the IMD’s Ranking is clear evidence that the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in education and talent admission has made remarkable achievements. The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address has set out clearly the strategic directions and objectives for enhancing the quality of education in Hong Kong, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an “international post-secondary education hub and a cradle of future talent”, nurturing a diversified talent pool, and enhancing Hong Kong’s development momentum while promoting people-to-people exchanges and contributing to national development. More details here.

	Ninth Belt and Road Summit The Ninth Belt and Road Summit from 11 to 12 September in Hong Kong attracted about 6 000 political and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions over two days, including government officials from about 10 countries and prominent international business leaders, as well as over 100 delegations and 38 central state-owned enterprises from the Mainland. Under the theme of “Building a connected, innovative and green Belt and Road”, the summit has further enhanced its breadth and depth this year with various sessions focusing on the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping last year to support the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, thereby promoting co-operation between Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries and regions in a wide range of areas such as trade and investment, technology, arts and culture and talent exchange. The summit also promotes Hong Kong as an important platform for showcasing people-to-people bonds and fostering cultural exchanges. More details here See the Chief Executive’s speech here. See the Financial Secretary’s speech at the Keynote Luncheon here. See the Secretary for Justice’s speech at the thematic breakout session here.

	CE congratulates Hong Kong, China Delegation’s remarkable achievements at Paris Paralympics The Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, expressed his congratulations to the Hong Kong, China Delegation at Paris Paralympics on its outstanding achievements, praising the athletes for giving their utmost in the competitions, and showcasing to the world the indomitable Hong Kong spirit and the extraordinary capabilities of Hong Kong athletes with disabilities. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong, China Delegation captured three gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze medal in this year’s Paralympic Games, achieving the best results since the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Mr Lee said that the Government fully supports the development of sports for persons with disabilities, noting that the estimated expenditure for the purpose amounts to over HK$130 million in the current financial year, representing a growth of over 40 per cent compared to that of five years ago. More details here.

	Wide array of activities to be held in celebration of 75^th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China In celebration of the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the HKSAR Government and different sectors of the community will launch a series of diverse celebratory activities and special offers for members of the public to participate in and celebrate National Day together. In the morning of National Day, the Government will hold a flag-raising ceremony and National Day reception. A large-scale fireworks display will also take place over Victoria Harbour that evening. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said the Government and various sectors of the community will organise more than 400 celebratory activities before and after National Day to share the joy with members of the public and spread the festive atmosphere of National Day to every corner of the community. More details here. Information about the celebratory events and offers is available here.



	Recruitment of Administrative Officers in 2024/25 The Government of the HKSAR has launched its 2024/25 recruitment exercise of Administrative Officers (AO) and the application period will run until 4 October 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time. Since last year, we have expanded the pool of eligible candidates for the AO post to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or equivalent graduating in the years of 2025 or 2026. Don’t miss the chance and visit www.ao-recruitment.gov.hk for details.

	Common Recruitment Examination and Basic Law and National Security Law Test in Sydney For the convenience of those studying or residing outside Hong Kong, this round of the Common Recruitment Examination and Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree / Professional Grades) is tentatively scheduled to be held on 7 December in seven cities including Sydney. The application period is from 14 September to 4 October. Application should be submitted through the online system. For more details, please visit the Civil Service Bureau webpage.


	Director of HKETO Sydney attended 2CR Chinese Radio 30^th Anniversary Dinner The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the 2CR Chinese Radio 30^th Anniversary Dinner on 26 September. Addressing the event, Mr Chong said that 2CR has been more than just a radio station for the Hong Kong community and Chinese Australians, serving as a vital lifeline connecting individuals to their cultural roots while fostering a sense of belonging. Mr Chong also briefed the participants on the latest development of Hong Kong, particularly the various mega events to be held in the coming months including the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, the Hong Kong Golf Open and Hong Kong Squash Open.

	Director of HKETO Sydney virtually attended HKNZBA Tourism Seminar The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, virtually attended the Tourism Seminar organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association on 26 September. Mr Chong said that renowned as Asia’s World City, Hong Kong has always been a hub for international travellers. Its blend of East and West, modernity and tradition, creates a unique experience for visitors. Mr Chong also promoted Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s Events Capital, noting that Hong Kong will host over 210 mega events throughout 2024, from arts and creative events to sports, convention and expos, festivals and carnivals. He encouraged the participants to visit Hong Kong to experience its vibrancy.

	Career Talk 2024 HKETO organised a career talk for Hong Kong students in Australia at Hong Kong House on 24 September. An online career talk was also held on 26 September. The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, gave an overview of the career opportunities in the Hong Kong civil service, particularly on the Administrative Officer Grade and the latest recruitment exercise. Mr Chau encouraged students to return to Hong Kong after graduation to explore the endless opportunities.



	*Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (Hong Kong)* The anticipated annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will be extended and elevated to an even grander experience, from a five-day event into a month-long celebration. It will continue to bring a gastronomic experience to participants, promising quality wines and delectable food throughout November. The five-day event will take place at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from 23 to 27 October, featuring over 300 wine and food booths with new elements to revitalise and excite festival-goers. More details here.

	*Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (Hong Kong)* Organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, the 9th edition of the Hong Kong FinTech Week will take place from 28 October to 1 November, with the Main Conference on 28-29 October being held at AsiaWorld-Expo. Themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech”, the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 will gather global industry leaders from the banking, securities, investment, insurance and technology sectors to exchange ideas on the latest Fintech development and explore investment opportunities. The Main Conference along with the Greater Bay Area day are the place to be for FinTech enthusiasts, connecting more than 35,000 global minds, with more than 800 world-class speakers that are united towards levelling up the FinTech industry and showcasing amazing innovations to the world. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024 (Hong Kong)* Hong Kong’s flagship tennis tournament, Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open celebrates its 7th edition in 2024. It is part of the Hong Kong Tennis Series, which has been continuously elevating the professional status of Hong Kong on the international tennis landscape. It showcases a line-up of world-class players and is a community sports event with the goals of engaging people from all walks of life and fostering a passion for sport and physical activity in the region. This year, more than 50 of the world’s best female players will compete in singles and doubles for prize money of US$250,000 from 26 October to 3 November at the Victoria Park Stadium. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong