CS Celebrates Opening of Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026

Speech by CS at Opening Ceremony of Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026 today (September 7):

Martin (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Martin Liao), Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I am pleased to welcome you to the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, delighted to note that this is the Forum's 10th anniversary.

You're here over these next two days to get the latest intelligence and insights from a wide variety of high-profile local and international speakers. And all under the innovative theme of "Leaping for Impact."

This year's theme draws inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic values. Philanthropy, like sport, required focus, discipline and resilience. It demands inclusion, a shared purpose, and the drive for excellence. And these values guide us toward greater collaboration and meaningful change.

Hong Kong has always been a society built on compassion and a deep sense of giving. We are home to more than 11 000 tax-exempt charities. Just last year alone, we recognised more than 400 new charitable organisations.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is fully committed to raising our city as a global centre for philanthropy.

Under the "one country, two systems" principle, and as a bridge between East and West, we are uniquely positioned to deploy global capital for the greater good.

Our status as a global business and philanthropic hub is underpinned by our simple, transparent and internationally recognised tax regime.

To encourage public generosity, donations made to approved charities in Hong Kong are tax-deductible.

Thanks to the generosity of our people and businesses, approved donations exceeded US$1.5 billion in the 2024-25 assessment year.

Hong Kong is not just a financial hub. We are a wealth management powerhouse. We are now home to more than 3 300 single family offices – a 25 per cent increase over the past two years. And more than half of them have second-generation members in leadership roles, reflecting that ultra-high-net-worth families trust Hong Kong for generational wealth transfer.

Projections show that over US$5.8 trillion in wealth will be handed over to the next generation in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years. And they are choosing Hong Kong to do it.

To make that as easy as possible, the Government has created comprehensive measures in support of family offices.

Through Invest Hong Kong's dedicated team, we provide a seamless, one-stop service for family offices interested in setting up in Hong Kong.

And through initiatives such as our annual "Wealth for Good in Hong Kong" Summit, we are creating a home where global asset owners can meet, exchange ideas and align their financial goals with social purpose.

We are also among the world's largest cross-boundary wealth-management centres. Last year, the sector's total assets under management reached US$5.4 trillion, more than 12 times our GDP.

And more than half of these funds came from investors beyond Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong looks forward to working with you. With our enabling tax regime, dedicated family office strategy, and our unwavering commitment to doing good, we can make a difference for you and your philanthropic legacy.

This year's Forum is the perfect place to start. I invite you, over these next two days, to embrace the spirit of the theme, "Leaping for Impact". Let us work together to build a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future for us all – and for the generations to come.

I wish you all a rewarding conference and our many visitors an enjoyable stay here in Asia's world city. Thank you.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the Opening Ceremony of Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026 today (September 7). Photo shows (front row, from fifth left) the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Martin Liao; Mr Chan; the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, and other guests at the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, speaks at the Opening Ceremony of Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026 today (September 7). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to six months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 7) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted two incoming Mainland male passengers, aged 32 and 42, at Hong Kong International Airport on September 5 and 6 respectively, seized a total of 61 816 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $280,000 and a duty potential of about $205,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases