Latest from Hong Kong

●HKSAR Government actively aligns with National 15th Five-Year Plan and presses ahead with high-quality development

The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress approved the “Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China” on 12 March.  The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, said the 15th Five-Year Plan is the blueprint and action agenda for the country’s socio-economic development over the next five years.  He expressed encouragement at its objectives, including high-quality development, substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively, notable cultural and ethical progress across society, further improvements in quality of life, major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative and further advances in strengthening the national security shield.

He added that the HKSAR Government will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan and formulate Hong Kong’s first Five-year Plan, which will outline Hong Kong's development vision, core objectives, key areas and major initiatives over the next five years.  This plan will provide clear guidance for Hong Kong's socio-economic and livelihood development, support deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development and enable Hong Kong to leverage opportunities arising from the country’s advancement in innovation and technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and infrastructural development, while strengthening Hong Kong’s role in areas such as financial services, innovation and technology and industrial upgrading.

More details here.

 ●Art March Hong Kong

Hong Kong comes alive this month with Art March Hong Kong 2026, a vibrant celebration of creativity that showcases the city’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.  From globally renowned events such as Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central to the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the city offers a rich programme of exhibitions, performances and immersive experiences.  Together with a diverse lineup of cultural and lifestyle events across the city, Art March reflects Hong Kong’s dynamic creative energy and its unique position as an international cultural metropolis.

More details here.

 ●Global Talent Summit Week

The Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week), organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage, commenced on 18 March, bringing together leaders from government, business and academia to explore the integration of education, technology and talent.  Featuring flagship events, the International Talent Forum and CareerConnect Expo, alongside a series of satellite events, the GTS Week underscores Hong Kong’s role as an international talent hub and gateway to the Mainland.  The Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, officiated at the opening ceremony and remarked that Hong Kong will continue to uphold openness, deepen international engagement and align closely with national development strategies.  Policies in education, innovation and infrastructure will be further refined to ensure Hong Kong remains a fertile ground for ideas and enterprises, where global talent feels welcomed, valued and supported.

More details here.

 ●New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme gains momentum, attracting global capital and talent

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) has steadily attracted global high-net-worth individuals and capital inflows to Hong Kong since its launch in March 2024.  As at 28 February, Invest Hong Kong has received nearly 3 200 applications, representing an anticipated investment value of about HK$95 billion for the city, further reinforcing its leading position as an international wealth management centre.  These investors not only bring substantial capital inflows but also generate ripple effects across real estate, dining, retail, education, and lifestyle services.  The New CIES also bolsters Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector, as its investment portfolio spans both innovation and technology as well as other strategic fields.

More details here.

 HKETO Events

●Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival 2026

HKETO Sydney showcased Hong Kong’s energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival at Darling Harbour.  The two-day event (28 February to 1 March) attracted over 2,000 paddlers and tens of thousands of spectators, making it the largest dragon boat event in the southern hemisphere.  HKETO Sydney organised a Hong Kong team to compete in the Corporate Category and the Government Industry Challenge and supported marquee races including the “Hong Kong Talent Cup”, “Hong Kong Opportunity Cup”, “Hong Kong Dynamic Cup” and “Hong Kong Connect Cup”.  The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, presented medals to the winning teams.

HKETO Sydney set up a marquee during the Festival to showcase Hong Kong’s latest developments, major events and talent-attraction initiatives, with souvenirs adding to the festive atmosphere.  Hong Kong-themed street banners were also displayed across Sydney during the festive season, sharing Chinese New Year greetings with the local community.

 ●Reception held in Adelaide to celebrate the Year of the Horse

HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Adelaide on 3 March, welcoming over 120 guests from government, business, media and community sectors.  In his welcoming remarks, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted the strong Hong Kong–Australia partnership, noting Hong Kong remains a key market for South Australia (SA)’s premium products and welcoming the resumption of direct Hong Kong–Adelaide flights.  He also introduced Hong Kong’s 2026–27 Budget, which focuses on “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”, and highlighted initiatives supporting innovation and technology, financial development and international business engagement.  The reception concluded with a lively Cantonese pop music medley by Hong Kong ensemble Toolbox Percussion, who are also performing at the Adelaide Fringe before continuing their cultural exchange programmes in Brisbane and Melbourne.

 ●HKETO Sydney celebrates Chinese New Year with HKABA SA Chapter

Mr Ricky Chong joined members and guests of the SA Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) for a Chinese New Year Dinner in Adelaide on 4 March, celebrating the Year of the Horse with the local business community.  Addressing the event, Mr Chong highlighted the strong partnership between Hong Kong and SA, underpinned by trade, investment and people-to-people ties.  He noted that Hong Kong remains an international financial centre and a gateway to Asia, offering SA enterprises opportunities to expand into the Chinese Mainland and the wider region.  Mr Chong also shared key initiatives from Hong Kong’s 2026-27 Budget, including advancing innovation and technology development and promoting green and sustainable finance, and encouraged businesses to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore new opportunities in Asia.

 ●Toolbox Percussion returns to Adelaide Fringe

HKETO Sydney supported Toolbox Percussion’s Australian tour from 3 to 15 March, featuring performances and workshops in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne.  As part of the tour, the ensemble presented four performances of Echoes of Silence – A Contemporary Percussion Odyssey at the Adelaide Fringe from 4 to 7 March, showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive East-meets-West cultural vibrancy and artistic talent.  Speaking at the preview performance on 4 March, Mr Ricky Chong welcomed the ensemble from Hong Kong and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to advancing arts, culture and the creative industries as key pillars of international engagement.  Mr Chong also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, supporting artists in reaching global audiences.  With more Hong Kong artists set to tour Australia in the months ahead, cultural ties between the two places continue to deepen.

 ●Reception held in Perth to celebrate the Year of the Horse

HKETO Sydney hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Perth on 5 March, bringing together leaders from government, business, education and the wider community for an evening celebrating the enduring partnership between Hong Kong and Western Australia (WA).  In his remarks, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted the strong and growing partnership between Hong Kong and WA, noting Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and gateway to opportunities in the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area.  He also emphasised the importance of connectivity, noting that the twice-daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Perth further strengthen business, tourism and people-to-people ties.  Mr Chong shared recent developments in Hong Kong, including initiatives announced in the 2026–27 Budget to strengthen economic growth, innovation and global engagement.  Mr Chong highlighted the “Economic and Trade Express” platform supporting enterprises in expanding internationally.  He added that Hong Kong is also strengthening its role as an international education hub under the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, welcoming deeper collaboration with partners in WA.

 ●Hong Kong Film Festival in Australia

HKETO Sydney supported the Hong Kong Film Festival in Australia, held in Sydney and Melbourne from 26 to 29 March, presenting five Hong Kong films to local audiences.  The Festival aims to promote Hong Kong cinema and provide a platform to connect Hong Kong filmmakers with Australian audiences.  A press conference was held at Hong Kong House on 9 March to launch the Festival.  Films showcased include “Back to the Past Plus”, “Kung Fu Juniors”, “Pass and Goal”, “Another World” and the restored classic “Chung King Express.  A reception was held ahead of the opening screening in Sydney on 26 March, welcoming 100 guests from the film, cultural, government, business and media sectors.  Addressing the audience, Mr Ricky Chong highlighted the Government’s commitment to promoting Hong Kong films on the international stage, enabling global audiences to experience the city’s unique stories, creativity and cultural vibrancy.  Director Clifton Ko also attended the Sydney screening of “Kung Fu Juniors” to engage with audiences at a post-screening Q&A session.

 Upcoming Events

●Hong Kong Sevens 2026 (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Sevens 2026, to be held from 17 to 19 April, will once again bring world-class rugby and an electrifying atmosphere to the city, attracting top international teams and fans from around the globe.  As one of Hong Kong’s most iconic sporting events, the tournament showcases high-energy competition alongside the city’s vibrant spirit and hospitality.  With its unique blend of sport, entertainment and community celebration, it promises to be a thrilling event in 2026.  Save the date!

More details here.

 ●50th Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hong Kong)

The 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival, held from 1 to 12 April, marks a major milestone for one of Asia’s longest-running and most reputable film festivals.  It serves as a platform for international filmmakers, film professionals and film enthusiasts to showcase new works and enjoy outstanding films.  The festival will screen over 200 titles from 50 countries and regions across major cultural venues in Hong Kong.

More details here.

 ●Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival (Hong Kong)

The fourth edition of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will return from 1 April to 30 June.  Under the theme "Beyond Fantasy", the Festival explores how creativity and imagination across generations shape Hong Kong’s distinctive pop culture.  Featuring around 20 programmes and over 120 events, including performances, film screenings, exhibitions and outreach activities, the Festival offers a vibrant celebration of the city’s creative energy.

More details here.

 ●2026 Hockey 5’s (Hong Kong)

Ice Hockey 5’s returns to Hong Kong as one of Asia’s largest and most exciting ice hockey tournaments, bringing together over 80 teams from around the world.  The 16-day event from 21 April to 4 May features both youth and adult divisions, showcasing players from emerging talents to seasoned competitors.

More details here.

 ●Hong Kong organist to perform in Melbourne and Auckland (Australia and New Zealand)

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.

Details for Melbourne performance are available here.  Auckland free entry tickets can be reserved here from 13 April.