Hong Kong Cup Dragon Boat Race: Hong Kong China Takes Championship in Yokohama

Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race held in Yokohama, Japan

The Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race was held at the promenade of Yamashita Park in Yokohama, Japan, today (June 1). The championship went to Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, which beat 30 other teams in the race. The Hong Kong Cup trophy was presented by the Deputy Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mr Leo Tze.

The Yokohama Dragon Boat Races, which have been held since 1994, attracted about 130 teams this year to compete in the two-day event on May 31 and June 1. The Hong Kong Cup race, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), was one of the highlights.

The Tokyo ETO also set up a booth at the race venue to introduce Hong Kong to park visitors and race spectators, encouraging them to visit Hong Kong to experience for themselves the vibrancy of the city. The Tokyo ETO aims to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan as well as enhance Japanese people's understanding of Hong Kong through participating in the event.

Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race held in Yokohama, Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race held in Yokohama, Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race held in Yokohama, Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race held in Yokohama, Japan 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