Hong Kong Showcases Culture and Energy at Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival

Sydney ETO promotes Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1.

Over 2 000 paddlers powered through the waters in thrilling races during the two-day event in Darling Harbour. The Sydney ETO organised a Hong Kong team to compete in the Corporate Category and the Government Industry Challenge on March 1. This year's marquee races included the Hong Kong Talent Cup, Hong Kong Opportunity Cup, Hong Kong Dynamic Cup, and Hong Kong Connect Cup, with medals presented by the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong.

During the awards presentation, Mr Chong highlighted the significance of the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival as a vibrant cultural event in Sydney. He noted that dragon boat racing is a Chinese tradition and sporting event with over 2 000 years of history, which has developed into an international sport that represents teamwork, endurance, and community spirit. He further emphasised the importance of community gatherings during Chinese New Year and the positive role such events play in strengthening Hong Kong-Australia relations.

The Sydney ETO set up a marquee during the Dragon Boat Festival to showcase Hong Kong’s latest developments, major city events, and talent-attraction initiatives, giving visitors a firsthand experience of the city's innovation, culture, and excitement. Souvenirs distributed at the marquee and Hong Kong-themed banners added to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the city's dynamic culture and celebratory spirit.

The Sydney Lunar Festival, organised by the City of Sydney, is one of the largest celebrations of Chinese New Year outside Asia. This year the festival is held from February 14 to March 1, featuring an array of programmes including lion dancing, lantern displays, and cultural performances, as well as jet pack and firework shows.

The Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, was a highlight of the Sydney Lunar Festival, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.

The Sydney ETO also displayed Hong Kong-themed street banners with Chinese New Year greetings at major locations across Sydney during the festive period.

The Sydney Lunar Festival, organised by the City of Sydney, is running from February 14 to March 1. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney displayed Hong Kong-themed banners with new year greetings at major locations across Sydney during the festive period. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney set up a marquee during the Dragon Boat Festival to showcase Hong Kong’s latest developments, major city events, and talent-attraction initiatives, giving visitors a firsthand experience of the city’s innovation, culture, and excitement. Souvenirs distributed at the marquee and Hong Kong-themed banners added to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the city’s dynamic culture and celebratory spirit. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong (centre), presents medals to the winning team of the Hong Kong Talent Cup yesterday (March 1). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, delivers remarks at the awards presentation yesterday (March 1). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1. Photo shows the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu (centre); the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong (right); and Councillor of the City of Sydney Mr Robert Kok (left) at the Sydney ETO marquee yesterday (March 1). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong (second right), cheers for the Hong Kong team yesterday (March 1). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1. The Sydney ETO organised the Hong Kong team to compete in the Corporate Category and Government Industry Challenge of the races yesterday (March 1). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Man sentenced to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A man was sentenced today (March 2) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products, including 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

The West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, the West Kowloon Law Courts

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on February 28 that 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 16 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Eighteen persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to six months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, and or visit www.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.

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