Hong Kong Meets America

11/04/2026

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York is proud to support Hong Kong violinist Hiu Sing Fan (范曉星) in his upcoming performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on November 15 at 7:30 PM, marking the final stop of his recital tour.

The programme will feature works by Messiaen, Stravinsky, Schumann, Milstein and Sarasate, bringing an evening of captivating music to New York audiences.

An accomplished soloist, Fan has performed with renowned ensembles including Camerata Salzburg, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and the Dallas Chamber Symphony. He has also served as Guest Concertmaster of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra in Germany and appeared at prestigious international festivals, including the Verbier Festival, Meadowmount School of Music, Marvão Music Academy, Verão Clássico and the Great Mountains Music Festival and School.

Throughout his career, Fan has collaborated with distinguished musicians such as Leonidas Kavakos, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, Ferenc Rados, Aaron Rosand, Quatuor Ébène and the Emerson String Quartet. He has also performed under the batons of Christoph Po**en, Peter Bay and Wing-Sie Yip.

Join us in celebrating the talent of Hong Kong musicians on the international stage!

🎻 Tickets and concert details:
https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2026/11/15/Hiu-Sing-Fan-Violin-Cameron-Akioka-Piano-0730PM

11/03/2026

【Hong Kong economy in Q3】Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the third quarter of 2026, underpinned by accelerating growth in exports and solid domestic demand. According to the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) released today (November 3), real GDP grew further by 5.2% in the third quarter over a year earlier, up from the revised 4.2% growth in the preceding quarter. For the first three quarters of 2026 combined, real GDP grew by 5.1% over a year earlier, the fastest growth for the corresponding period in five years. Learn more from the image🔎
Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains positive, with incoming data pointing to sustained growth momentum. Robust global artificial intelligence investment should continue to underpin Hong Kong’s merchandise exports. Exports of services should also benefit from sustained growth in inbound tourism, vibrant cross-boundary traffic and active financial market activities. Domestically, steady economic expansion, rising employment earnings and a positive business outlook should lend support to consumption and investment.
Press release: https://bit.ly/4zkEURr

【Hong Kong economy in Q3】Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the third quarter of 2026, underpinned by accelerating growth in exports and solid domestic demand. According to the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) released today (November 3), real GDP grew further by 5.2% in the third quarter over a year earlier, up from the revised 4.2% growth in the preceding quarter. For the first three quarters of 2026 combined, real GDP grew by 5.1% over a year earlier, the fastest growth for the corresponding period in five years. Learn more from the image🔎

Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains positive, with incoming data pointing to sustained growth momentum. Robust global artificial intelligence investment should continue to underpin Hong Kong’s merchandise exports. Exports of services should also benefit from sustained growth in inbound tourism, vibrant cross-boundary traffic and active financial market activities. Domestically, steady economic expansion, rising employment earnings and a positive business outlook should lend support to consumption and investment.

Press release: https://bit.ly/4zkEURr

11/03/2026

【Retail sales value🛍️】According to the latest figures on retail sales released today (November 3), the value of total retail sales in September 2026, provisionally estimated at $33.4 billion, increased by 6.4% over a year earlier and recorded expansion for the 17th consecutive month. For the first 9 months of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 8.3% compared with the same period in 2025.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in September 2026 increased by 3.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2026, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales increased by 5.9% in volume compared with the same period in 2025.
Looking ahead, sustained solid economic expansion and growth in labour earnings will bolster local consumption. A series of upcoming mega-events and festive celebrations in various districts, together with continued growth in inbound tourism, will inject additional momentum to the retail sector.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3X39RLx

【Retail sales value🛍️】According to the latest figures on retail sales released today (November 3), the value of total retail sales in September 2026, provisionally estimated at $33.4 billion, increased by 6.4% over a year earlier and recorded expansion for the 17th consecutive month. For the first 9 months of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 8.3% compared with the same period in 2025.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in September 2026 increased by 3.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2026, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales increased by 5.9% in volume compared with the same period in 2025.

Looking ahead, sustained solid economic expansion and growth in labour earnings will bolster local consumption. A series of upcoming mega-events and festive celebrations in various districts, together with continued growth in inbound tourism, will inject additional momentum to the retail sector.

Press release: https://bit.ly/3X39RLx

11/03/2026

【QS World University Rankings: Asia📊】According to the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 released by the international higher education research organisation Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Hong Kong's higher education institutions have delivered a stellar performance. With the University of Hong Kong continuing to retain the top spot, five universities in Hong Kong are among Asia's top 10 with three of them ranking among Asia's top five. Hong Kong's higher education sector has once again demonstrated outstanding international competitiveness and academic excellence. Learn more from the image🔎
The HKSAR Government will continue to fully support local universities to reach new heights and further enhance the international leadership of Hong Kong's higher education through various policies and measures, including proactively taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, continuously attracting top international research talent and students, and deepening cross-boundary and international academic collaborations.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3WM1fc9

【QS World University Rankings: Asia📊】According to the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 released by the international higher education research organisation Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Hong Kong's higher education institutions have delivered a stellar performance. With the University of Hong Kong continuing to retain the top spot, five universities in Hong Kong are among Asia's top 10 with three of them ranking among Asia's top five. Hong Kong's higher education sector has once again demonstrated outstanding international competitiveness and academic excellence. Learn more from the image🔎

The HKSAR Government will continue to fully support local universities to reach new heights and further enhance the international leadership of Hong Kong's higher education through various policies and measures, including proactively taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, continuously attracting top international research talent and students, and deepening cross-boundary and international academic collaborations.

Press release: https://bit.ly/3WM1fc9

11/02/2026

Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026 is in full swing! Bringing together the worlds of finance, technology and entrepreneurship, Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK is connecting global innovators and industry leaders to explore the future of finance and technology.

Under this year's theme, “Fintech Nexus: Bridging the World, Building the Future”, the flagship event focuses on three key areas: AI+, Finance+ and Global Expansion. It brings together leading voices from around the world to discuss the latest developments and opportunities in artificial intelligence, fintech, Web3, insurtech, greentech, healthtech and the startup ecosystem. This year's event is expected to welcome over 45,000 global leaders, 1,000+ speakers and 800+ sponsors, exhibitors and startups, representing more than 120 economies — further showcasing Hong Kong's role as an international financial and technology hub and a super-connector between global and Mainland markets.

Missed today's sessions? Catch up on the discussions and insights here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZzvJWPwJsYU

The excitement continues tomorrow! Don't miss more exciting discussions and opportunities at Hong Kong FinTech Week, running from November 2 to 6. Explore the programme and find out more: https://www.fintechweek.hk/

11/01/2026

Hong Kong-raised artist Cici Wu brings traditional Chinese lantern-making techniques into contemporary art in her latest solo exhibition, Auld Lang Syne (prelude), at 47 Canal in New York. Featuring 11 handmade paper lanterns illuminated by pulsating LED lights, the installation creates a cinematic interplay of light and shadow, evoking memories, longing and the passage of time. Inspired by the song Auld Lang Syne, the exhibition reflects on themes of loss, belonging and the experiences of displacement.

From her early studies at City University of Hong Kong’s School of Creative Media to her artistic practice in New York, Wu continues to draw on Hong Kong as an important anchor for her work. Through film, archival materials and luminous sculptures, she explores the connections between personal memories, collective history and Hong Kong identity.

Discover how this Hong Kong-raised artist transforms light and traditional craftsmanship into poignant reflections on the past and the meaning of home. https://47canal.us/artists/cici-wu
Photos: 47 Canal

10/31/2026

[Hong Kong Gourmet Month | One Card for a Whole Month of Flavourful Experiences Across the City This November😋]
The Hong Kong W**e & Dine Festival is underway, with its incredible flavours and exciting programmes continuing through this Sunday!
As you enjoy fine wines and gourmet delights at the event, don’t forget to pick up your “Hong Kong Gourmet Month Privilege Card”. From today until 30 November, use the card to enjoy over 250 exclusive dining offers at designated restaurants and participating merchants.
Are you ready to extend your culinary journey from the Victoria Harbour waterfront to every corner of the city😋?
Curious about the participating restaurants and offers? Check them out now:
https://discoverhongkong.link/m1t8uwi

10/29/2026

Celebrate five years of M+ with a week of art, cinema, music and more! Mark your calendars for November 1–8 as M+ celebrates its fifth anniversary with a vibrant lineup of screenings, live performances, workshops and special activities on the West Kowloon waterfront.
🎬 Nov 1 onwards | M+ Restored Festival
Discover the legacy of Hong Kong cinema through nine Hong Kong New Wave films restored in 4K, alongside talks, panels and workshops with filmmakers and restoration specialists.
🎶 Nov 6 | M+ at Night
Stay late at the museum until midnight with after-hours gallery access, live music and DJ sets. Cantopop favourites RubberBand headline the night, joined by indie band Goodnight Lillie and Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra of Cateura.
🖼️ Nov 8 | Free Admission Day
Explore M+’s galleries for free from 10am to 8pm, and enjoy complimentary screenings at the Mediatheque and Grand Stair. (Special exhibitions “Design Ah!” and “Myths and Monsters” are excluded.)

Bonus: 🌟Visitors whose birthdays fall in November can redeem a complimentary M+ 'Very Hong Kong' Series Plush Keychain Blind Box on site by presenting a valid same-day paid admission ticket and proof of their birth date.

Whether you’re a film buff, art lover or music fan, there’s something for everyone at M+’s fifth anniversary celebration. Make it a cultural week to remember! For details, please visit: mplus.org/fifth-anniversary

10/28/2026

【External merchandise trade 📊】According to the external merchandise trade statistics for September 2026 released today (October 28), the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 64.9% and 57.8% respectively. Driven by sustained stellar performance in exports of AI-related electronic products, merchandise exports marked the 20th consecutive month of double-digit growth and the fastest monthly year-on-year growth in over four decades. Exports to all major markets increased notably.
For the first nine months of 2026 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 45.2% over the same period in 2025, while the value of imports of goods increased by 45.0%.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance will continue to benefit from the prevailing wave of robust AI-related investment and the resilient global economic growth.
Press release: https://bit.ly/4zRubxE

【External merchandise trade 📊】According to the external merchandise trade statistics for September 2026 released today (October 28), the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 64.9% and 57.8% respectively. Driven by sustained stellar performance in exports of AI-related electronic products, merchandise exports marked the 20th consecutive month of double-digit growth and the fastest monthly year-on-year growth in over four decades. Exports to all major markets increased notably.

For the first nine months of 2026 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 45.2% over the same period in 2025, while the value of imports of goods increased by 45.0%.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance will continue to benefit from the prevailing wave of robust AI-related investment and the resilient global economic growth.

Press release: https://bit.ly/4zRubxE

10/27/2026

With Halloween approaching, why not venture off the beaten path and discover a spookier side of Hong Kong? Beyond the city’s glittering skyscrapers and bustling streets lie forgotten villages where time seems to stand still.

From So Lo Pun, shrouded in eerie local legends, to the abandoned Hakka village of K*k Po, the heritage buildings of Yim Tin Tsai, the historic Fan Lau Fort and the old fishing village of Ma Wan, these hidden corners offer a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s past — with a touch of mystery and haunting beauty. Once home to thriving communities, these villages tell stories of migration, changing livelihoods and traditions that endure amid the city’s rapid development. This Halloween, discover a different side of Asia’s world city, where history, nature and local legends come together!

Photos: Calvin Sit
Read more: https://www.timeout.hk/things-to-do/hong-kongs-near-abandoned-villages