CPA Australia outlines recommendations for Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2026 – CPA Australia has suggested the HKSAR Government to use Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and the 2026 Policy Address to strengthen the city's long-term competitiveness, accelerate innovation, deepen capital formation and support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

CPA Australia outlines recommendations for Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address

As one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia has today submitted to the government a comprehensive series of policy recommendations under the following themes:

1. Strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading international financial centre
2. Developing the Northern Metropolis as a key engine of economic growth and innovation
3. Reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an international trade hub
4. Establishing leadership in sustainable finance and transition finance
5. Building a future-ready workforce and innovation-driven economy

Macro vision and strategic positioning

Mr Cyrus Cheung, President of CPA Australia Greater China Division, emphasised the importance of long-term planning to support Hong Kong's future competitiveness; "Hong Kong is entering an important period of economic development. The formulation of Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan alongside China's 15^th Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address provides an opportunity to leverage the city's unique strengths, support innovation and sustainable investment, and strengthen its long-term competitiveness."

Mr Cheung said Hong Kong should build on its role as a "super-connector" and "super-value-adder" by broadening its strategic focus beyond traditional trade and financial flows. "We recommend positioning Hong Kong as a comprehensive capital markets hub encompassing commodities, precious metals, carbon products, digital assets and RMB-denominated products. Given its strong financial, regulatory and legal foundations, Hong Kong should set a long-term ambition to become Asia's leading centre for gold trading, clearing, settlement, financing and risk management."

He added that Hong Kong is well placed to play a larger role in supporting the international expansion of Chinese enterprises.

CPA Australia's recent research on Chinese enterprises going global found that over 3,000 A-share listed companies generated RMB 4.90 trillion in overseas revenue in the first half of 2025 alone. As Chinese enterprises continue to expand into ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa and other international markets, Hong Kong should position itself as the leading provider of professional services to support their global growth.

Enhancing Hong Kong's capital market ecosystem

Mr Kelvin Leung, Deputy President of CPA Australia's Greater China Division, highlighted key priorities for enhancing Hong Kong's capital market ecosystem; "Hong Kong's long-term success will depend on its ability to evolve beyond a traditional IPO fundraising centre into a comprehensive capital formation centre, positioning the city's financial sector at the heart of international capital flows between entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and global markets."

Mr Leung said this evolution should be supported by the continued development of areas such as digital finance, asset tokenisation, offshore RMB business, wealth management and family offices. "To support Hong Kong's long-term development, the government should leverage the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) to catalyse private sector investment in strategic industries. To further strengthen the economy, we encourage the government to develop a Capital Formation Strategy in close collaboration with Mainland regulators."

Mr Leung added that maintaining Hong Kong's tax competitiveness will be critical to preserving its status as a leading international financial centre. "We suggest a comprehensive review of Hong Kong's tax system, potentially structured as a series of interconnected reviews covering key sectors including family offices, funds, corporate treasury centres, insurance, and private credit. Led by the Advisory Committee on Tax Policy, these reviews should focus on reducing administrative burdens, assessing substance requirements and safeguarding the city's international investment appeal."

Accelerating Northern Metropolis growth and technology commercialisation

Dr Albert Wong, a divisional councillor on CPA Australia's Greater China Division, outlined a potential roadmap to support Hong Kong's technological transformation: "The Northern Metropolis should be positioned as an internationally connected engine of growth and innovation, serving as a strategic platform bringing together world-class universities, research institutions, multinational corporations, investors and technology enterprises to accelerate the development and commercialisation of new technologies."

Dr Wong said stronger support is needed to help innovative ideas move more efficiently from research laboratories to commercial markets. "To strengthen Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, we recommend establishing a 'Government-as-First-Customer' procurement program to support local tech firms. We also recommend leveraging the HKIC as an anchor investor, where appropriate, to help attract private capital into locally developed technologies, alongside the creation of a University Commercialisation Acceleration Fund, to expedite the translation of research into commercial outcomes."

He added that Hong Kong should further strengthen support for business adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. "To align with the national 'AI+' initiative and enhance business competitiveness, Hong Kong should expand support for AI adoption through measures such as an AI Adoption Support Scheme for SMEs and a Cross-Border Data Exchange Sandbox with the GBA.

Dr Wong emphasised that realising the full benefits of AI requires significant investment in education, workforce development and talent attraction. "Capturing the opportunities presented by AI requires a fundamental transformation in education and workforce skills. Hong Kong should aim for higher levels of digital literacy, critical thinking, communication and human-AI collaboration across all levels of education and training,"

Leadership in sustainable and transition finance

Highlighting long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth, Mr Cyrus Cheung added that said Hong Kong is well positioned to play a leading role in financing Asia's transition to a lower-carbon economy. "Building on its strengths as a leading centre of finance and professional services, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to become Asia's leading centre for financing the transition to low emissions technologies and serve as a bridge between the Chinese Mainland's carbon markets and international investors. The Five-Year Plan should include a clear ambition to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for sustainable finance, transition finance, carbon trading, climate-related reporting, assurance and advisory services."

Mr Cheung said Hong Kong has a unique opportunity to leverage its access to both Mainland and international capital to support the region's decarbonisation efforts. "By adopting international sustainability standards and leveraging its access to Mainland and global capital, Hong Kong can play a leading role in mobilising investment for Asia's decarbonisation transition. The Northern Metropolis should also be positioned as a demonstration zone for sustainable urban development and green infrastructure."

CPA Australia believes that aligning near-term policy initiatives with a clear five-year strategic framework will help Hong Kong strengthen its competitiveness and accelerate its development into a more diversified, innovative and resilient economy.

Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

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About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia's leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at cpaaustralia.com.au

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MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2026 – W Macau – Studio City, located within Melco Resorts & Entertainment's integrated resort of Studio City in Cotai, Macau, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sammy King as General Manager. In this role, Sammy will lead the hotel in delivering its commitment to exceptional guest experiences, while driving operational excellence, enhancing business performance and supporting the continued evolution of unique experiences that define the property.

Sammy King appointed General Manager of W Macau – Studio City

With a career spanning both hotel operations and commercial leadership, Sammy brings 38 years of hospitality experience across the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to the role. He spent a decade in hotel operations before moving into sales leadership, where he drove growth for a number of hotel brands. His experience across Marriott luxury brands including St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental, equipped him with a well-rounded perspective to guest experience, making him well-placed to navigate the dynamic pace of Macau's fast-evolving lifestyle luxury landscape.

In 2021, Sammy rejoined Marriott International as Director of Sales & Marketing at W Hong Kong and was promoted to Hotel Manager during his tenure there. His contributions to the property were recognized with the "Sales Hotelier of the Year" title from Stelliers Greater China in 2023, and W Hong Kong retained its Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 under his leadership.

"It's an honor to step into this role at W Macau – Studio City, a hotel that captures the bold spirit at the very heart of the W Hotels brand. This property embodies the vibrant energy and cultural crossroads that make Macau such an electric destination, and I'm thrilled to lead our dynamic talents as we continue delivering the iconic Whatever/Whenever™ experience our guests have come to expect. offering a unique brand of contemporary luxury that goes above and beyond," said Sammy King, General Manager, W Macau – Studio City.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sammy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Marketing Management) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about traveling, snowboarding and fitness, adding to his dynamic personality.

Hashtag: #WMacau–StudioCity

http://www.wmacaustudiocity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WMacauSC
Wechat: 澳门W酒店
https://www.instagram.com/wmacaustudiocity/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About W Macau – Studio City

Situated within the vibrant Studio City integrated resort on Macau's Cotai Strip, W Macau – Studio City is envisioned as a gateway for guests to explore and discover the city in an exciting contemporary context. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting nostalgia of the golden age of cinema, the hotel seamlessly weaves a tangible thread of Macau's unique East-meets-West culture and history into its design. With 557 stylish guest rooms, W Macau – Studio City showcases four distinctive B&F offerings, state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, and Greater China's first W Sound Suite, epitomizing its unique manifestation of new luxury.

About W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today's guests and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

For more information on W Macau – Studio City, visit www.wmacaustudiocity.com or get social with W Macau – Studio City on Facebook @W Macau - Studio City/ Instagram @wmacaustudiocity / WeChat: 澳门W酒店.

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