Wealth summit set for Mar 24

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, will be held next Tuesday, the Government announced today.

Under the theme “Building Lasting Legacies”, this year’s summit highlights the wave brought by the continuous growth of family office assets and generational wealth transition in recent years. The Government said that the summit, in addition to serving as an exchange platform for family office decision-makers and successors around the world, will also be an occasion for participants to experience how Hong Kong leverages its solid financial foundation to facilitate wealth succession and value appreciation.

This year’s summit will showcase Hong Kong’s strengths and potential through three core themes, namely “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”. Heavyweight speakers will share their visionary thinking on the future of the family office ecosystem. A special fireside chat will also explore how sports and philanthropy can work together to create value for society.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said: “The global landscape is evolving fast these days with geopolitics getting more complex. There has never been a better time for hosting the summit than now to give family offices looking for diversified allocation and risk dispersion an occasion to connect with each other and explore opportunities.”

Noting that the summit is a flagship event to display to the global wealth owners Hong Kong’s unique advantages, Mr Hui added that the Government will continue to consolidate the city’s leading position as a family wealth hub in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning it as the most preferred platform for ultra-high-net-worth families worldwide to manage their cross-border wealth.

Beyond the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, the Milken Institute will host the Global Investors’ Symposium next Monday, while Bloomberg LP will stage the Family Office Forum next Wednesday, focusing on wealth management and global investment trends.

President Lai meets 2026 Yushan Forum participants

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2026 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that the government has been making greater efforts to build a more resilient Taiwan, and that Taiwan aims to form not only national teams but also international teams, continuing to harness the power of solidarity with other nations. He said that Taiwan is willing to share its experiences with the world, and stands ready to work with like-minded friends and allies to jointly shoulder responsibilities and tackle challenges. The president expressed hope that the Yushan Forum will continue to serve as a vital platform connecting Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the world, allowing Taiwan to be the source of even more collaboration and the origin of many other friendships.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Yesterday, I was honored to attend the opening ceremony of the ninth Yushan Forum. Today, I am delighted to meet you all here at the Presidential Office. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to once again express my gratitude to you for traveling from afar to participate in the forum. Yushan is the highest peak in Taiwan and symbolizes a spirit of steadfast resilience. In recent years, we have made greater efforts to build a more resilient Taiwan. The Yushan Forum brings nations from all regions of the globe and partners from diverse fields to Taiwan to exchange experiences, forge deep partnerships, and together contribute even more to the world.
This year’s Yushan Forum has been the largest ever, fully demonstrating the importance that the international community places on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. Your presence not only brings your nations’ experiences to Taiwan but also underscores the international community’s shared expectations for global security and resilience. I would like to thank our distinguished guests for their longstanding support and regard for Taiwan. In the face of a rapidly changing international outlook and a growing rise in non-traditional threats and gray-zone activities, the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region remain our shared goals.
It is said that peace comes through strength. Taiwan plays a crucial role in global supply chains and the first island chain in the [Indo-]Pacific region. We are resolutely pursuing peace while actively enhancing our self-defense capabilities. This is because peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements of global security and prosperity. Although our nations lie far apart, our pursuit of peace and prosperity transcends distance. As I mentioned in my opening remarks to the forum, Taiwan aims to form not only a national team but also an international team, continuing to harness the power of solidarity with other nations so as to promote global stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. Be it on matters of democratic governance, supply chain resilience, maritime security, or regional stability, Taiwan is willing to continue sharing its experiences with the world. We stand ready to work with like-minded and friendly nations to jointly shoulder responsibilities and resolve challenges.
Our distinguished guests today are from governments, parliaments, academia, and the private sector. We look forward to working closely with all of you to advance bilateral relations across all fields. And among us today are friends visiting Taiwan for the first time and old friends who have returned to us. Every reunion is precious, and every first encounter is to be treasured. Looking ahead, we hope the Yushan Forum will continue to serve as a vital platform connecting Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the world. This will allow Taiwan to be the source of even more collaboration and the origin of many other friendships. In closing, I wish you all a fruitful and successful visit. Thank you very much. 
Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Mahendra Chaudhry then delivered remarks, first expressing deepest gratitude on behalf of all foreign delegates, experts, and partners gathered for the 2026 Yushan Forum to President Lai and the government and people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. He stated that the Yushan Forum has become a vital platform for dialogue, fostering the New Southbound Policy, and strengthening connections between Taiwan and the region, and noted that this year’s theme, “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience,” highlights the urgent need for collaboration.
Former Prime Minister Chaudhry said that the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy and innovation is inspiring, recognizing Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to regional stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. By convening leaders from across the globe, he said, Taiwan facilitates partnerships that bridge oceans and cultures, emphasizing that Taiwan’s vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and interconnected Indo-Pacific is deeply impressive.
The former prime minister stated that Taiwan is blessed with Mother Nature’s bounty and home to a people with exceptional talent and industry. He also stated that the Yushan Forum not only offers a platform for discussing shared challenges, but also serves as a catalyst for building lasting solutions together. Former Prime Minister Chaudhry closed his remarks by thanking Taiwan for its commitment to fostering international solidarity, saying that they leave determined to enhance collaboration in the years ahead.
Also in attendance were Minister of Information and Communication Technologies of the Republic of Paraguay Gustavo Emigdio Villate Samaniego, Member of the Seimas(parliament) and former Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Dovilė Šakalienė, Member of the Chamber of Deputies and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský, and Republic of Korea Reform Party Chairman Lee Jun Seok.

‘HK a global stage for talent’

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Hong Kong for Global Talent Summit Week, the second edition.

This year, we welcome some 7,000 of you from around the world. You are here because Hong Kong is fast rising as an international talent hub. This week, you will see exactly why.

Global Talent Summit Week features the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo. The forum, under the theme “Connecting Global Minds”, puts a welcome spotlight on education, technology and talent, and their essential integration.

CareerConnect Expo offers five thematic zones and participation from about 70 companies, education and technology institutions and government departments. Companies engage directly with professionals seeking fresh opportunities and partnerships, here in Hong Kong and in the Greater Bay Area.

New this year are nine satellite events, focused on talent and human resources. They include conferences, recruitment fairs and corporate award ceremonies.

The collective result, I am confident, will be a week, and more, of high-powered insight and intelligence covering careers, talent development and wide-ranging possibilities.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are in a time of profound global transformation, with artificial intelligence, digital innovation and accelerated technological advancements reshaping industries and redefining skills. Equally unsettling is the impact of demographic change on global talent.

Finding and retaining talent have become central to economic strategy and public policy worldwide. Governments and companies alike recognise that competitiveness no longer depends solely on capital or physical infrastructure, but above all, on people, their knowledge, creativity and adaptability.

Hong Kong, I am here to tell you, approaches this global challenge with clarity, commitment and determination.

Thanks to the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong benefits from the strong support of our country, China, while maintaining extensive international connectivity.

This unique advantage allows us to remain a highly open, globally engaged economy, firmly anchored within the high-quality development of our country.

We serve as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, connecting the Chinese Mainland and global markets, enabling the free flow of capital, information, technology and people. International companies and investors access opportunities in our country through Hong Kong, while Chinese Mainland enterprises engage confidently with the world here.

And guided by the national strategy, we are strengthening our roles and focus, enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre and an international aviation hub, and, among others, building an international hub for high-calibre talent. These policy priorities offer high-quality and high-value opportunities for global talent across a wide range of disciplines.

Our strategy is comprehensive and forward-looking. We integrate talent development with economic transformation, technological advancement and regional co-operation.

We are expanding partnerships among universities, research institutions and industries to accelerate innovation, research commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

Hong Kong is the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100. (I) remind you, Hong Kong is a small city: we only have 1,100 square kilometres. Building on this international recognition, we are increasing pathways for graduates and researchers to translate knowledge into practical solutions and enterprises.

We are fast-tracking development of the Northern Metropolis – an area bordering Shenzhen and covering one third of Hong Kong’s landmass – as an international innovation and technology centre.

We are developing co-operation within the Greater Bay Area, which is an area with a combined population of over 87 million and a strong manufacturing and innovation base across 11 cities. The Greater Bay Area offers immense opportunities for cross-boundary collaboration and talent mobility.

No less important, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to openness and internationalisation. Our rule of law, independent judiciary and dependable institutions provide stability and confidence.

Our simple and competitive tax regime, and open and internationalised business environment, attract companies and investors from around the world.

Quality of life is another Hong Kong strength. We offer world-class public services and transport, together with a bountiful, East-meets-West cultural scene.

Our efforts, I am pleased to say, have been widely recognised. In the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025, Hong Kong rose to fourth, globally, from ninth position the year before, while ranking first in Asia.

This achievement reflects the strength of our education system, the openness of our economy and the vitality of our institutions. It reflects a telling vote of confidence from global talent.

As of the end of February, we have approved over 410,000 applications under our various talent admission schemes. And more than 270,000 professionals have arrived in Hong Kong.

Building a global talent hub requires constant renewal, active engagement and sustained collaboration. Global Talent Summit Week fully embodies this commitment, turning the entire week into a dynamic exchange of ideas and opportunities.

In connecting policymakers, industry leaders, scholars and professionals, it creates networks and partnerships that will endure long beyond this week.

But even as global competition for talent intensifies, our objective should not be to outcompete one another. Rather, our goal must be to expand opportunities through co-operation and shared progress.

Hong Kong has long embodied that ideal. And we will continue to uphold openness, deepen international engagement and align closely with our national development strategies.

We will further refine our policies in education, innovation and infrastructure, ensuring that our city remains a fertile ground for ideas and enterprises, (so) that talent from around the world feels welcomed, valued and supported here.

Above all, we will continue to place people at the centre of our vision for the future. Economic indicators and technological achievements are important, but human development remains our ultimate goal.

When individuals are free to realise their potential, innovation flourishes, economies develop and advance and societies thrive.

Ladies and gentlemen, Global Talent Summit Week reflects our shared belief that talent transcends borders and connects the world.

I wish you all a productive and inspiring summit week. And find time to enjoy the art, culture and entertainment that Hong Kong, Asia’s world city, has long been celebrated for.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Global Talent Summit Week on March 18.

CE mourns Sir Anthony Mason

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today expressed sorrow over the passing of Sir Anthony Mason, a former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and extended his deepest condolences to Sir Anthony’s family.

Sir Anthony was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013 in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong. He served as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal from 1997 to 2015.

Mr Lee said that Sir Anthony brought profound wisdom and illustrious experience in his contributions to nurturing the Court of Final Appeal’s development from its earliest days, and that he adjudicated a wide range of high-profile cases, serving the court with dedication and excellence.

The Chief Executive highlighted Sir Anthony was highly esteemed and respected in the judicial and legal sectors, and consistently supported – both during his tenure and after his retirement – Hong Kong’s appointment of judges from common law jurisdictions as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal under the Basic Law.

He added that Sir Anthony was instrumental in establishing the Court of Final Appeal’s reputation and furthering its prestige in Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions.

“Sir Anthony also steadfastly supported legal education in Hong Kong, having lectured to numerous students, teachers and legal professionals of Hong Kong throughout the years. He constantly inspired the younger generation with his wit and intellect and made eminent contributions to Hong Kong’s legal sector.”

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, also expressed deep sadness over Sir Anthony’s passing.

“He sat on many of the court’s most significant constitutional cases during its formative years and authored some of its most important judgments. Beyond constitutional law, he also contributed substantially to the court’s jurisprudence in other important areas of law, leaving a lasting imprint on its early development.”

Industry award applications open

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences, aimed at those in industries implementing the Qualifications Framework (QF), is now open to applications until May 31, the Government announced today.

Practitioners from 23 industries implementing the QF are welcome to apply.

The Education Bureau highlighted that the scheme supports industry practitioners’ professional development in the workplace.

Since its launch in 2013, it has attracted more than 2,800 applicants from different industries, with more than 800 awards being given.

More than half of the awardees have participated in overseas learning activities, with the remainder engaging in such activities locally.

Activities include competitions, seminars, sharing sessions, exhibitions and study tours.

Awardees engaging in local learning activities will receive an award of $10,000, while those engaging in learning activities outside of Hong Kong will receive a prize of $30,000.

Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market) 2026 today (March 17):

Wilfred (Chairman of the Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. A very warm welcome to all of you, joining us from near and far, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026.

FILMART, which opens today and marks its 30th anniversary this year, is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace. It is also one of the world’s premier film industry events, proudly presented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a valued partner of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government in promoting Hong Kong films and fostering international collaborations.

FILMART offers a vital platform for entertainment and film industry professionals from across the globe to showcase their content and explore opportunities for cross media, cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. Since 2023, my bureau – the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau – has hosted Hong Kong Night, a gathering designed to bring together our partners and collaborators, and to share highlights of this year’s FILMART before your busy schedule begins.

As in previous years, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under my bureau, together with the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), are organising several events at FILMART 2026. A key highlight is the debut of “AI Academy, AI Hub”, a programme that brings together specialists and pioneering users to share their professional knowledge and practical applications of AI engines and tools in the creation and production of high-quality film and animated content. While AI’s full potential is yet to be realised, it is undoubtedly the most transformative development in decades – reshaping content, production models and business strategies, and redefining the core competitiveness of the film industry. We are ready to embrace and seize the new opportunities this brings.

Another major highlight is “Producers Connect”, launched last year to great success. This initiative brings together local and international film professionals to explore co-production and business opportunities, while also nurturing emerging local producers. The Government has long recognised that talent development is fundamental to the sustainable growth of the film industry. To that end, CCIDA and the FDC have been working tirelessly. We sponsor filmmakers to attend overseas film festivals and subsidise various training programmes to support young directors and scriptwriters.

Enhancing international collaboration with industry partners beyond Hong Kong remains a core policy objective, especially as Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as the centre of East-meets-West cultural exchanges. FILMART is a prime example of this role. In addition, CCIDA leads industry delegations to international film festivals and promotes coproductions with Asian filmmakers.

While you are in Hong Kong, I encourage you to step out and explore our city’s vibrant landscape. Over the past year, we have launched two film-related exhibitions in local settings. One is the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Exhibition in Kowloon Walled City Park, recreating the set of the acclaimed Hong Kong film, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”. The other is “Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey” at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, reimagining a 1980s police station often featured in classic Hong Kong crime films. Both have become major attractions for tourists and film lovers alike. I highly encourage you to join the tour and discover many of our city’s fascinating sites.

I would like to thank Dr Wong, the Chairman of the FDC, and all FDC members for their invaluable contributions and steadfast support for the development of Hong Kong’s film industry. I wish you all a very pleasant evening and a rewarding and productive FILMART in the days ahead. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:35
NNNN

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Welcomes Speaker Kang Yu-cheng of Kaohsiung City Council to Sydney

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu welcomed Speaker Kang Yu-cheng of the Kaohsiung City Council and her delegation during their visit to Sydney to attend events related to the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce annual meeting.
Director General Wu noted that people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Australia play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted that the delegation’s visit demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to its overseas business networks and international connections, and wished them a successful and productive trip.

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends Tzu Chi Australia Lunar New Year Blessing Ceremony

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with Director May Chiang of the OCAC Culture Center in Sydney, attended the Lunar New Year Blessing Ceremony hosted by Tzu Chi Australia, joining volunteers and community members in offering prayers for peace and harmony in the year ahead.
In his remarks, Director General Wu expressed appreciation for Tzu Chi’s continued humanitarian work in Australia and around the world. Through its efforts in charity, medical care, education, and community service, Tzu Chi has brought compassion and support to those in need and demonstrated the spirit of great love and service.
Director General Wu also conveyed his best wishes for Tzu Chi’s continued growth and extended blessings of health, peace, and prosperity to all participants in the Year of the Horse.

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends City of Ryde Lunar New Year Celebration

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended the Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the City of Ryde at Eastwood Oval, joining thousands of community members to welcome the Year of the Horse.
During the event, Director General Wu participated in the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony together with Mayor Trenton Brown and representatives from the Federal Parliament, the New South Wales Parliament, the City of Ryde Council, academia, the arts community, and the consular corps. The celebration also featured vibrant dragon and lion dance performances.
Mayor Brown highlighted the important contributions of multicultural communities to Australia’s social vitality and economic development, and extended his Lunar New Year greetings to all attendees.
Members of the Taiwanese community also took part in the celebration, including a performance by Sydney’s FASCA (Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors), whose lively music and dance showcased the energy of Taiwan’s youth culture.

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends 228 Memorial Film Screening

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended a 228 Memorial Film Screening hosted by the Taiwan Association in Australasia, joining community members and friends of Taiwan to watch the documentary In Search of Tang Te-Chang.
In his remarks, Director General Wu thanked the organizers for holding this meaningful event on the anniversary of the February 28 Incident and acknowledged the efforts of Professor Mei-Feng Kuo in sharing Taiwan’s history and democratic journey with international audiences. He noted that films like this remind people that Taiwan’s democracy and freedom were earned through the sacrifices of many courageous individuals.
Director General Wu added that commemorating the February 28 Incident is essential for confronting history, seeking truth, and fostering reconciliation. At a time when authoritarianism is expanding in parts of the world, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.