Over 80 secondary students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen immersed themselves in a dynamic two-day “Teen Talk” Greater Bay Area (GBA) Study Tour, organised by The Law Society of Hong Kong, from July 5 to 6, 2025. The event, conducted entirely in English, provided a unique platform for students to explore legal institutions, engage in cross-border dialogue, and demonstrate their potential as future leaders in the legal profession.
The study tour featured visits to key legal landmarks in Shenzhen, including the Qianhai Cooperation Zone People’s Court and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, giving students firsthand insights into the region’s legal landscape. The programme also included a group presentation competition at Shenzhen University, where finalist teams tackled complex topics under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Their presentations addressed Hong Kong’s role as an international legal hub for sports, its function as a “super-connector” between Mainland China and global markets, and strategies for advancing sports law and dispute resolution services.
Guided by 24 volunteer solicitors, participants received mentorship and engaged in meaningful exchanges with legal professionals. Adjudicators, including Law Society President Mr Roden Tong, praised the students’ research depth, eloquence, and innovative use of technology. Mr Tong encouraged all participants to embrace technology responsibly while upholding the principles of accuracy and integrity.
Beyond legal discussions, the tour fostered cultural exchange and friendship. Students experienced Shenzhen’s technological advancements, such as e-payment systems, and visited iconic sites like the China Resources Tower, enjoying panoramic views of the GBA’s rapid development.
Special awards were presented to non-finalist teams who excelled in Q&A sessions, recognising their passion and creativity. Each participant received a commemorative panda mascot inscribed with the motto “Be Just! Be a Good Sport,” symbolising the spirit of the event.
The Law Society of Hong Kong expressed gratitude to all supporting organisations and partners. The success of the “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour highlights the region’s commitment to nurturing young legal talent and strengthening cross-border cooperation for the future.
The Law Society of Hong Kong (“Law Society”) is proudly hosting the annual International Conference of Legal Regulators (“ICLR”) 2025 from 20 to 22 October 2025, marking the first time this prestigious event has been held in Hong Kong. Themed “New Ways to Regulate in a Changing World?”, the conference has attracted approximately 100 delegates from 19 jurisdictions, including legal regulators, scholars, industry leaders, and non-legal regulators from Australia, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and more. This underscores the strong international confidence in Hong Kong’s robust self-regulatory legal framework.
The ICLR brings legal regulators from around the globe together, to share knowledge and best practice, and to find solutions to common challenges. This year’s conference comprises four plenary sessions and nine breakout discussions, fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and innovative solutions regarding legal regulation. It facilitates in-depth discussions on critical global legal regulation issues, including cross-border practices, anti-money laundering strategies, cybersecurity, in-house integrity, and professional diversity.
The opening ceremony, held today (21 October 2025), commenced with a vibrant lion dance performed by local secondary school students, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the delegation. Distinguished guests include Mr Roden Tong, President of the Law Society; Dr the Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR; and Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC”).
In his opening remarks, President Mr Roden Tong emphasised the internationalism and professionalism of Hong Kong where possesses a unique position as an international legal and financial centre bridging East and West under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, highlighting the city’s common law tradition and its distinction as the world’s only English and Chinese bilingual common law jurisdiction. Mr Tong encouraged the legal sector to proactively adapt to the transforming legal landscape to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in legal service delivery.
Dr the Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP reaffirmed that independent self-regulation is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s legal framework. He noted that the Hong Kong Judiciary and legal regulators operate free from interference, and are independent from the administration. Dr Cheung also highlighted Hong Kong’s growing role in cross-border dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration, which necessitates enhanced regulatory frameworks.
Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, SBS, JP stated that the status of Hong Kong’s international financial centre lies in firm commitment of the rule of law. He elaborated that the SFC adopts a balanced regulatory framework, harmonising discipline with creativity to safeguard investors and promote market development while adhering to the highest corporate governance standards.
In addition, to showcase Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage and legal traditions, the Law Society has organised a series of activities for international delegates. Yesterday (20 October 2025), delegates attended a welcome reception at the historic Former French Mission Building, once home to the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, where they exchanged insights and forged collaborations to advance professional regulation. The delegates also explored the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, immersing themselves in Hong Kong’s ancient temples and traditional villages. The three-day programme will conclude with a dinner at the Happy Valley Racecourse of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
As the statutory independent self-regulatory body for solicitors in Hong Kong, the Law Society remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the profession, and to working hand in hand with international counterparts on professional regulatory excellence.
