Sydney ETO supports 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is supporting the 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships (AusChamps) being held in Penrith, Australia, from April 26 to May 1 to promote Hong Kong's vibrant sports culture and rich dragon boat racing tradition.
Organised annually by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation since 1996, the AusChamps has attracted more than 2 500 paddlers from across Australia to compete for national titles. This year's event is extended to six days for the first time, making it the largest edition to date. Two of the 2,000-metre races were named the "HKETO Premier Open Standard" and the "HKETO Premier Open Small Boat", with the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, presenting medals to the winning teams yesterday (April 26).
Speaking at the Welcome Function, Mr Chong remarked that Sydney ETO has been proud to support dragon boat events in Australia over the years, including the AusChamps and the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival. These collaborations are a testament to the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Australia, built on mutual respect, shared values and a passion for community spirit.
Mr Chong highlighted that under the National 14th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan, sports have been identified as a key component of tourism. Apart from dragon boat races, much more is happening in Hong Kong's sports scene. He introduced a series of mega sports events to be held at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, including the Volleyball Nations League in June, the Hong Kong Football Festival in July and the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Hong Kong in October, and invited guests to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong through these world-class events and many other attractions.
Sydney ETO will continue to support cultural and sports exchanges to further strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Australia, and showcase Hong Kong as a dynamic centre for international cultural exchange.
Sydney ETO supports 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Sydney ETO supports 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Source: AI-found images
