HONG KONG CONNECT


	Hong Kong celebrates 76^th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China On 1 October, Hong Kong celebrated the 76^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with heartfelt pride and unity across the city. At the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, led senior government officials, joined by community leaders, members of uniformed groups, and young performers, in attending the event. Mr Lee said that this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the preparatory year for the 15^th Five-Year Plan and also the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a milestone prompting us to remember the past and create a better future together. Mr Lee emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to openness, high-quality development, and alignment with national strategies under “one country, two systems.” Mr Lee also highlighted Hong Kong’s strong global standing, ranking third among the world’s financial centres, fourth in talent competitiveness, and seventh among the world’s safest cities, achievements that reflect the city’s resilient economy and the international community’s confidence in its future. That evening, a fireworks display illuminated Victoria Harbour, celebrating national achievement, Hong Kong’s vibrant connection to the motherland and hopes for continued prosperity and stability. See the Chief Executive of HKSAR's speech here.

	GoGlobal Task Force officially launched The HKSAR Government launched the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a premier platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises to expand overseas. Witnessed by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and led by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, the Task Force integrates the resources of Hong Kong’s overseas economic and trade offices, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and Hong Kong offices on Chinese Mainland, to form a one-stop platform assisting Chinese Mainland enterprises to “go global via Hong Kong”. The launch ceremony gathered over 100 representatives from the business, legal, financial, and professional sectors, reflecting broad cross-sectoral support. The Task Force Steering Committee, chaired by Mr Yau, held its first meeting on 14 October to map out its work in helping Chinese Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong’s global connectivity and professional services network to access international markets. More details here. See details on GoGlobal Task Force first meeting here.

	International Low-Altitude Economy Summit convenes global experts to explore new opportunities The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-organised by the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy of the HKSAR Government and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance, was held on 9 October. Bringing together over 1,000 government, industry, academic and research representatives, the Summit featured keynote speeches, fireside chats, and an innovation showcase to promote cross-sector collaboration and drive the growth of the low-altitude economy (LAE). Held in support of the 2025 Policy Address, the event underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering R&D, talent development, and industry innovation. The Government will continue to work with universities and industry partners to build a vibrant, efficient and safe LAE ecosystem, positioning Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications. More details here.

	OASES welcomes new batch of strategic enterprises with total number surpassing 100 The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) held a signing ceremony on 9 October to welcome a new batch of 18 strategic enterprises establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, bringing the total number of enterprises attracted to over 100. Officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, the event underscored Hong Kong’s growing appeal as a hub for innovation. In his speech, Mr Chan noted that this new batch of strategic enterprises brings not only investment and employment but also transformative ideas and technologies that will further enrich Hong Kong's fast-evolving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. He noted that attracting cultural and creative enterprises that blend technology with artistry and entertainment is a key initiative from this year’s Budget, adding that Hong Kong’s unique connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world, its openness and diversity, and its vibrant I&T ecosystem make it an ideal launchpad for digital entertainment, IP-driven, AI and Web3 enterprises to expand across Asia and beyond. More details here.

	Hong Kong delegation gears up for the 15^th National Games of the People’s Republic of China The flag presentation ceremony of the HKSAR Delegation to the 15^th National Games of the People's Republic of China (NG) was held on 15 October. The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, officiated at the ceremony and presented the HKSAR regional flag to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Head of the HKSAR Delegation, Miss Rosanna Law. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to supporting organisations in recognition of their contributions. The 15^th NG will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao from November 9 to 21 this year. This year’s delegation marks Hong Kong’s largest-ever participation in the NG, comprising over 600 athletes and 270 team officials and medical personnel competing in 28 events. More details here.



	HKETO Sydney promotes Hong Kong as IP trading hub The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the “Hong Kong: IP-Based Financing Hub” Seminar in Melbourne on 9 October, co-hosted by HKETO Sydney, HKTDC and Davies Collison Cave. In his remarks, Mr Chong highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as a regional hub for IP trading, supported by a robust legal framework, strong professional services, and vibrant creative and technology ecosystems. He noted that Hong Kong’s world-class IP regime enables companies to transform creativity into valuable global assets and makes Hong Kong a trusted platform for IP trading, licensing, financing and innovation partnerships across the region. He also introduced the relevant new initiatives outlined in the 2025 Policy Address, including the launch of an IP Financing Sandbox to facilitate loans backed by IP assets, and a pilot subsidy programme to help SMEs obtain IP valuation reports.

	Hong Kong and Victoria toast to growing food and wine collaboration The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Victoria Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) in Melbourne on 11 October. In his remarks, Mr Chong highlighted the strong and growing trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Victoria, particularly in the food and beverage sector. He commended Victoria’s renowned wine regions for their world-class wines that enjoy great popularity among Hong Kong consumers. He also noted the increasing presence of Hong Kong’s own food and beverage products in Australia, reflecting a vibrant two-way exchange. Mr Chong also took the opportunity to introduce the new initiatives from the 2025 Policy Address, including the “Food from Hong Kong” campaign to promote culinary innovation and tourism. The policies reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international dining destination that welcomes global visitors, products, and innovation.

	HKETO Sydney strengthens connections with Brisbane HKETO Sydney strengthened engagement with government, business and community partners during a visit to Brisbane on 13–14 October. The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the opening of the Innovation and Tech Show Brisbane 2025, organised by the Queensland Chapter of the HKABA. Speaking at the event, Mr Chong highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to I&T development under the 2025 Policy Address, focusing on AI, fintech, green tech and the low-altitude economy. At the 2025 Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the Queensland Chapter of the HKABA, Mr Chong highlighted Hong Kong’s strong foundations as a leading financial and innovation hub, noting its ranking as the world’s freest economy and third globally in competitiveness. Mr Chong outlined the bold strategies set out in the 2025 Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for business, trade, and innovation, and as a gateway connecting Australian businesses with opportunities across Asia. Mr Chong encouraged Australian companies to explore collaboration opportunities with Hong Kong and reaffirmed that HKETO, HKTDC and InvestHK are ready to support enterprises to explore opportunities, build partnerships, and succeed in the region. During his visit, Mr Chong also met with key counterparts across government and business to strengthen collaboration and partnership.

	Hong Kong Dragon shines bright at OzAsia Festival HKETO Sydney is proud to once again be part of the OzAsia Festival from 17 October to 2 November, bringing Hong Kong’s creativity to Adelaide through this leading international arts festival in Australia. HKETO Sydney presented a 40-metre-long Hong Kong Dragon Lantern as a major highlight at the Moon Lantern Trail, showcasing Hong Kong's unique position as a cultural bridge between East and West, while honouring the growing creative collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia. Speaking at the OzAsia Festival Opening Night, the Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, said that HKETO Sydney has long supported initiatives that advance Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14^th Five-Year Plan. He also introduced the key measures announced in the 2025 Policy Address for integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, generating fresh economic momentum and further enhancing Hong Kong’s global appeal. HKETO Sydney also supported Hong Kong musicians Ms Anna Lo and Mr Rick Lau to stage the "LauZone" performance at the OzAsia Festival. The cabaret combined original music, multiple languages and dialects, and humour to tell light-hearted stories about Hong Kong. The performance captivated the audience and received an overwhelmingly warm response.



	*Hong Kong football coming to Sydney (Sydney)* Top-tier Tai Po Football Club (Taipo FC) will represent Hong Kong in the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two, one of the region’s major football club competitions. They will be taking on Macarthur Football Club in a Group Stage match in Sydney on 27 November at 6:45 pm. Tai Po Football Club, champion of the Hong Kong Premier League, has made history as the first club in Hong Kong to win league titles across all three tiers. Founded in 2002, the club has grown from a humble district team into a true community powerhouse, inspiring youth, promoting social inclusion, and uniting fans who proudly call the team their own. Don’t miss this exciting international showdown! Grab your tickets now for the game here. More details here.

	*The 15^th National Games of the People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong)* The 15^th NG of the People’s Republic of China, the nation’s highest-level multi-sports event held every four years, will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time from 9 to 21 November. Hong Kong will proudly host eight competition events, including fencing, men’s U22 basketball, track cycling, golf, men’s handball, rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball, alongside one mass participation event in bowling. In addition, athletics marathon and road cycling competitions will take place across all three host cities, symbolising unity and collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. More details here.

	*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 proudly 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 celebrate 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.

	*2025 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (Hong Kong)* The 2025 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will kick off on 30 November, bringing together thousands of riders from around the world to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of sports and tourism in a brand-new way. Riders can choose between the 32 km and 50 km routes, pedalling past iconic landmarks, bridges and tunnels before finishing at the Jordan Road Flyover. A vibrant carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District will cap off the event, featuring live music and sports performances, food booths, sports gear markets, interactive sports experiences and art workshops. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to ride, celebrate and see Hong Kong from a whole new perspective! More details here.

	*Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2025 (Hong Kong)* The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2025, one of the city’s most anticipated international sporting events, will return to Hong Kong from 7 to 9 November. This fast-paced tournament will feature 12 elite teams, including defending champion Sri Lanka and powerhouse nations such as India, Australia and Pakistan. Renowned for its high energy, big hits and electrifying atmosphere, the event promises an unforgettable weekend of world-class cricket and entertainment for fans and families alike. More details here.

Updates on Latest Situation in Hong Kong