If Japan is the new Bali for Australians, Hong Kong is the new London for young Australian Professionals.
Since the end of World War II, young Australians in their 20s and 30s have flocked to London in what has anecdotally become a rite of passage. London’s appeal has been accredited to its culture, career opportunities and connectivity to nearby regions.
While this move to London is well known, what’s less well known is the influx of Australians moving to Hong Kong for the very same reasons that make London so appealing.
As with London, Australians have been drawn to Hong Kong’s global business hub, connectivity to neighbouring regions as well as its centuries of history, food and beautiful landscapes. With Hong Kong now boasting one of the largest Australian communities abroad (approx. 100,000 Australians), Australian professionals are flocking to Hong Kong to advance their careers.
Two Aussies, Jordan and James, moved to Hong Kong through the Hong Kong government’s Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). Several top Australian Universities are on the eligibility list for the scheme which provides a streamlined pathway for talent to explore work opportunities in Hong Kong.
Tasmanian local Jordan Huber made the move to Hong Kong in early 2024 and now works as a Senior Manager at a commercial real estate agency. “I considered Singapore and Japan, but Hong Kong stood out because of its solid finance and commerce foundations,” he says.
Comparing Hong Kong to Australia, Jordan found that while the working environment and infrastructure were very similar, Hong Kong’s lower taxes and international community are its key advantages. “The city’s diverse networking opportunities and established expat network have made my transition seamless, offering both professional and social support”.
Given how many Aussies now reside in Hong Kong, it’s no surprise that Jordan was able to find an AFL team that allowed him to play Australia’s national game while connecting with other expats in the city.
For Jordan, Hong Kong is more than a career move—it’s a chance to thrive in a dynamic, globally connected city. “You can soak up the vibe and explore what the city has to offer,” he says. “It’s the kind of place where you can grow professionally while living a life you love.”
James Lin, who now works as an analyst at Euroclear Bank, has lived in Hong Kong for 1.5 years and considers Hong Kong a home away from home. “Over time, you really start to feel like you’re part of the city”, says James.
James has found that Hong Kong and Australia are like day and night. “Back home, life is super laidback and cruisy, while Hong Kong is an absolute urban jungle, bustling with energy 24/7”.
The city is rapidly advancing as a regional powerhouse for key industries such as IT, finance, real estate, sustainability, and legal services. The InnoHK research clusters and immense support for startups has made Hong Kong a go-to location for innovation & technology professionals. Financial services remain a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy, providing opportunities in banking, asset management, and fintech.
Sydney local Jonas Groom relocated to Hong Kong in May 2024 under the government’s General Employment Policy. As a Senior Consultant at a global accounting firm, Jonas was drawn to Hong Kong’s status as a global business hub. The city’s reputation as an international business centre aligned perfectly with Jonas’ academic background and career aspirations.
“After the pandemic, I wanted a new challenge—one that would push me professionally while allowing me to explore Asia,” he explains.
Beyond career opportunities, Jonas was captivated by Hong Kong’s historical heritage – from Qing dynasty relics to Western-style architecture. His weekend walks are filled with history and his extracurricular activities include going to cultural exhibitions and museums which are open all year round in Hong Kong. Like Jordan, Jonas formed friendships through a local footy team.
Jonas’ transition from Sydney’s relaxed lifestyle to Hong Kong’s intensity was striking. “In Australia, time feels abundant, but here, every weekend presents a dilemma—hiking, cultural events, or quick getaways to nearby countries,” Jonas says.
Despite the initial feelings of nervousness and homesickness, Jonas thinks young Australian professionals should all consider doing a sting in Hong Kong. He’ll even “take you for a traditional Chinese temple visit and a dim sum lunch on the weekend.”
These individuals would not have felt emboldened to move to Hong Kong without the ongoing support of Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE).
“HKTE is committed to bridging the gap by providing comprehensive one-stop support services for incoming talent, facilitating their settlement and integration into the new environment for long-term development”, says Anthony Lau, Director of HKTE.
To better support incoming professionals, HKTE focuses on assisting prospective talents in pursuing growth opportunities in Hong Kong through comprehensive information on employment and entrepreneurship on their website, job fairs and themed seminars or workshops for smoother integration.
