Author name: RCommSHK

Unlocking Opportunities Together: Hong Kong celebrates Commonwealth Day 2026 March 15, 2026 Hong Kong’s celebrations of Commonwealth Day 2026 commenced early on the morning of Monday 9 March 2026, with a Service of Remembrance held at The Cenotaph in Central to honour the service and sacrifice of Commonwealth servicemen who fought and died in the Battle of Hong Kong during World War II. Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch (RCSHK), the service was led by The Reverend Will Newman of St John’s Cathedral, commencing with a flag-raising ceremony that saw the Commonwealth Flag raised over the Cenotaph alongside the Chinese and Hong Kong flags. Prayers for the fallen were followed by the playing of the Last Post and the Reveille by a bugler from the Hong Kong Police Band. Poppy wreaths were subsequently laid at the base of The Cenotaph by Sir Nicholas Tam (RCSHK), Captain Charles Lee (Royal Hong Kong Regiment Association), and Mr Angus Stevenson-Hamilton QPM CPM (Royal Hong Kong Police Association). In the evening, members of the Commonwealth community gathered in the company of Commonwealth consuls-general representing Brunei, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, and South Africa for the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration, held at The Hong Kong Club. Reflecting the captivating diversity of the Commonwealth, the interfaith Service of Celebration was officiated by The Reverend Shazz Turnquest, a proud Bahamian and Chaplain of St Paul’s College alongside leaders of the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Zoroastrian religions in Hong Kong, who expressed heartfelt sentiments seeking greater peace and stability in a tumultuous world, also lighting candles for faith, hope, love, and peace. RCSHK Vice Chairman, Sir Nicholas Tam, lit the Commonwealth Candle to represent the shared yearning for peace, justice, and prosperity throughout the Commonwealth of Nations. RCSHK President, Mr Neville Shroff JP, lit the Hong Kong and China Candle to express the wish for peace and prosperity to flourish in the city, throughout China, and for the city and country to be a shining beacon for good in the world. The Commonwealth Affirmation was led by RCSHK Chairman, Mrs Alexandra Tracy, reciting the belief in the unique worth and dignity of each individual, respect for the environment, justice for all, and peace between peoples and nations. The Affirmation reflected on the 2026 Commonwealth Day theme of ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together’, which called on countries and communites to work together to improve people’s lives. The Service of Celebration was followed by an Official Reception for The King’s Commonwealth Day Message. An annual tradition that sees the privilege of reading His Majesty’s message rotated amongst the Commonwealth consular corps in Hong Kong, this year the message was read by His Majesty’s New Zealand Consul-General, Mr Peter Lund. The King’s Commonwealth Day Message acknowledges the ongoing challenges of conflict, climate change, and rapid transformation, whilst expressing optimism about the ability of the Commonwealth to unite behind shared values and history to boost prosperous trading links, harness the potential of a growing young population, and to conserve the environment to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to be a force for good in the world. RCSHK Vice Chairman, Sir Nicholas Tam, commented that “His Majesty the King’s Commonwealth Day Message reassured our diverse and large family of nations that regardless of the challenges confronting us in today’s world, our shared heritage and values as members of the Commonwealth family stand us in good stead to rise to the occasion to build a stronger, more prosperous and just world for all of humanity”. About Commonwealth Day Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations. From 1977 onwards, it has taken place on the second Monday in March each year in a tradition that dates back to 1958. Each year, the Head of the Commonwealth releases a Commonwealth Day Message. The cultural and religious diversity embodied by the Commonwealth is celebrated by interfaith observances and flag-raising ceremonies. A new Commonwealth theme is proposed each year by representatives of the Commonwealth civil society organisations to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and presented for approval to His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth. It guides activities through the year, including events to mark Commonwealth Day. On 9 March 2026 people in Commonwealth countries and communities in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe observed the day with a range of activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag raising ceremonies, street parties and cultural events. About the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch Founded in 1983, the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch connects Commonwealth citizens through cultural exchange, charitable action, and advocacy for the Commonwealth’s values of diversity, tolerance, and international cooperation. The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 56 independent nations linked by shared history, language, and values—strengthening global trade and cooperation through what economists call the “Commonwealth Advantage.”   Sir Nicholas Tam, GCLR, KCRRoyal Commonwealth Society in Hong Kong vc@rcshk.com This article was originally published on Einpresswire and is reproduced here with permission. [View the original post →]

RCS Hong Kong Branch – Commonwealth Day 2025 March 10, 2026 Interfaith Service and Reception On 10th March, Commonwealth Day, RCS Hong Kong Branch held our annual interfaith service, officiated by Rev. Shazz Turnquest, alongside leaders from the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Zoroastrian faith communities.  Prayers were said for peace and for the Commonwealth, followed by the Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth, led by Alexandra Tracy, Chairman of RCS Hong Kong. Leaders from the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Zoroastrian faiths then came forward to light candles on the alter, representing the virtues of Faith, Hope, Love, Peace.  This was followed by the lighting of the Commonwealth candle by Vice Chairman of RCS Hong Kong, Sir Nicholas Tam, and the lighting of the Hong Kong and China candle by Neville Shroff, President of RCS Hong Kong. The interfaith service was followed by the Official Reception for the King’s Commonwealth Day Message at the Hong Kong Club.  Charles Reeve, Consul General of Canada, read His Majesty King Charles’ Commonwealth Day Message   Cenotaph Commemoration In addition to our annual service and reception, this year RCS Hong Kong Branch inaugurated an important new tradition for Commonwealth Day here. During the Second World War, in 1941 the Japanese invaded and took possession of the territory.  Commonwealth forces – mostly British, Canadian and Indian, as well as the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force – suffered as many as 2,275 missing or killed during the Battle of Hong Kong.  A further 10,000 were taken as prisoners of war. Those who fell in battle are commemorated across Hong Kong at Stanley Military Cemetery, at Sai Wan Cemetery and during the Remembrance Day formalities every year on November 11th at the Cenotaph in Central.  From this year, in an annual ceremony, we will also honour the fallen on our own day – Commonwealth Day. On the morning of 10th March 2025, there was a service of commemoration at the Cenotaph, with prayers for those who gave their lives in battle.  A trumpeter played the Last Post, the flag of the Commonwealth was flown at half mast during the Two Minutes Silence and we laid a wreath of remembrance.  This was followed by a breakfast function. We are delighted to be able to add this ceremony to our longstanding activities on Commonwealth Day each year, thereby honouring the past as well as looking forward to the future. This article was originally published on Royal Commonwealth Society and is reproduced here with permission. [View the original post →]

CRICKET AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Hong Kong Commonwealth Cricket Cup 2025 raises HK$200,000 to beat childhood cancer December 18, 2025 Cricket unites Hong Kong to help children fight cancer as the 2025 Commonwealth Cricket Cup raises HK$200,000 for the Little Life Warrior Society   The Commonwealth Cricket Cup embodies the best of the Commonwealth and Hong Kong — friendship, teamwork, and service. Through RCSHK, we’re showing how sport can unite cultures to create real change” — Sir Nicholas Tam, Vice Chairman of RCSHK HONG KONG, December 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch (RCSHK) proudly announced that the 2025 Commonwealth Cricket Cup has smashed fundraising records, generating HK$200,000 to support the Little Life Warriors Society in its mission to help children in Hong Kong overcome cancer. Held on Friday 21 November 2025 at the Kowloon Cricket Club, the fast-paced day of cricket and camaraderie brought together teams representing major Commonwealth nations—including Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom—in a spirit of competition and community. Pakistan clinched victory over India in a thrilling Cup Final, while New Zealand triumphed over South Africa to seize the Plate Final. South African all-rounder Matt Rosslee took home the tournament’s MVP Award for his exceptional skill with both bat and ball. Adding a diplomatic edge to the event, Australian Deputy Consul-General Emma Goodwin and British Deputy Consul-General James Knight swapped suits for cricket whites, captaining their respective teams in the tournament—a gesture underscoring the Commonwealth’s shared spirit of friendship and fair play. As the sun set, over 100 guests gathered for a Poolside Charity Dinner and Auction at the club, attended by the Consuls-General and Deputy Consuls-General of Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Their generosity—along with the vital support of sponsors including the Title Sponsor, St James Place, the Venue Sponsor, Kowloon Cricket Club, Ben Delo, Artyzen Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels, Grand Hyatt Macau, Proverse Hong Kong, and The Hari Hong Kong — made the record-breaking donation possible. The donation cheque was later presented by Sir Nicholas Tam, Vice Chairman of RCSHK, to Mrs. Ois Chan, Chairman of the Little Life Warriors Society, at the RCSHK Christmas Party at The Helena May on 10 December 2025. “The Commonwealth Cricket Cup continues to unite cultures while doing good,” said Sir Nicholas Tam. “This year’s record-breaking contribution proves the power of cricket—and community—to change lives. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, players, and supporters whose generosity makes this event possible.” About the Commonwealth Cricket Cup Now in its eighth year, the Commonwealth Cricket Cup has become one of Hong Kong’s most meaningful sporting traditions, blending athletic passion, international friendship, and philanthropy. Since its launch in 2018, it has raised several hundred thousand dollars for local charities, including the Hong Kong Epilepsy Society, ImpactHK, and Integrated Brilliant Education. The annual tournament supports the Commonwealth’s Peace at the Crease initiative—using cricket to foster peace, cooperation, and shared purpose between nations. About the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch Founded in 1983, the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch connects Commonwealth citizens through cultural exchange, charitable action, and advocacy for the Commonwealth’s values of diversity, tolerance, and international cooperation. The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 56 independent nations linked by shared history, language, and values—strengthening global trade and cooperation through what economists call the “Commonwealth Advantage.” Sir Nicholas Tam, GCLR, KCRRoyal Commonwealth Society in Hong Kongvc@rcshk.com This article was originally published on Einpresswire and is reproduced here with permission. [View the original post →]

Remembrance Day November 13, 2023 RCS Chairman Peter Mann MBE and Vice-Chairman Nicholas Tam lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday

40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 19 Oct October 21, 2023 Royal Commonwealth Society, Hong Kong Branch celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a Gala dinner at the Yacht Club. Chairman Peter Mann MBE said that the branch had promoted friendship between Commonwealth peoples for 40 years through culture, sport and education. Charity concerts, RCS Cricket Cup and the Essay Competition were all popular in Hong Kong. He looked forward to another 40 years of activity. Also attending were the Consuls General for Canada and New Zealand, President Neville Shroff, Patron Andrew Wells and Benefactor Ben Delo. The event was organized by Vice-Chairmen Alexandra Tracy and Nicholas Tam.

Mrs Joan Campbell MBE was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance April 17, 2026 Mrs Joan Campbell MBE, former Chairman of RCS, HK Branch, was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance on 13 September 2023. Joan has taught dance in Hong Kong for 70 years.

Commonwealth Chamber HK Charles III Coronation Dinner Photo Album March 11, 2023 On 6 May 2023, The Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and the RCS Hong Kong jointly hosted a livestream & dinner event at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong in celebration of the coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III. View the photo album here https://commonwealthchamberhk.com/kings-coronation-dinner-photo-album/

Remembrance Day November 14, 2022 The Wind Up Robot Waters Tiny Plants A small tin wind-up robot — silver body, round head with antenna, glowing red eyes, clunky rectangular feet — walks slowly and stiffly along the windowsill carrying a tiny watering can made from a thimble with a pin as a spout. He stops at each tiny plant pot — there are five in a row, each containing a miniature succulent — and carefully tips the thimble watering can over each one. Water trickles out in a thin stream. He moves to the next one with his characteristic stiff robotic walk. His chest light blinks slowly amber as he works. When he reaches the last plant he turns, looks at his work, gives a single satisfied robotic nod and walks back. Camera is at windowsill level. Moonlight from behind the curtain edges backlights the scene softly.

Chairman of RCS, HK Branch, Peter Mann, receives his MBE from HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on 8 June 2022 June 16, 2022 Chairman of RCS, HK Branch, Peter Mann, receives his MBE from HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on 8 June 2022.

Hong Kong celebrates Commonwealth Day 2022 April 12, 2022 Since the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch (RCSHK) was established in 1983, RCSHK has customarily celebrated Commonwealth Day with a cocktail reception at The Hong Kong Club attended by branch members, the Commonwealth consular corps, and a diverse range of citizens and friends of the Commonwealth community in Hong Kong. For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, due to current government regulations RCSHK took to Zoom to host a Virtual Commonwealth Day 2022 celebration in collaboration with our friends at the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (CCCHK). This was RCSHK’s inaugural virtual event, with the branch having succeeded in organising regular physical events throughout the ongoing pandemic period notwithstanding the limitations imposed by social distancing requirements.   Approximately 50 attendees representing the Commonwealth community in Hong Kong and the Asia region joined the virtual event, which was addressed by RCSHK Chairman, Mr. Peter Mann MBE, CCCHK Chairman, Ms. Julia Charlton, and RCSHK Co-Patron, Mr. Andrew Wells. The Commonwealth Affirmation was led by Peter Mann, with HM British Consul-General to Hong Kong, Mr. Brian Davidson CMG reading HM The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message 2022. The honour of reading HM The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message rotates annually amongst the Commonwealth consuls-general in Hong Kong. Other members of the Commonwealth diplomatic corps in attendance included the consuls-general from Bangladesh, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Singapore.     The honour of proposing the Loyal Toast to HM The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth in this special year of the Platinum Jubilee fell to Mr Nicholas Tam, RCSHK Council Member and Chairman of the RCSHK Young Fellows. Attendees drank enthusiastically to the good health of HM The Queen, with many looking forward to the Platinum Jubilee Dinner scheduled for Thursday 2 June 2022 at The Hong Kong Club. The event concluded with a Commonwealth Quiz hosted by Nicholas Tam, which tested participants on their knowledge of the Commonwealth. Split into two rounds of twelve questions, participants demonstrated their knowledge of (or otherwise learned) a series of fun facts about the Commonwealth, including the following:   Singapore is the Commonwealth country with the highest GDP per capita; Tuvalu has the smallest population of any Commonwealth country; ‘Nollywood’, as Nigeria’s movie industry is known, is larger than Hollywood and second only to India’s Bollywood for number of movies produced; The Commonwealth is home to 33% of the global population; Lawn Bowls is played at the Commonwealth Games, but not the Olympics; Botswana is the Commonwealth’s largest diamond producer (by carats), and second globally (behind Russia) French, Mandarin, and Portuguese are all official languages of at least one Commonwealth country Each $1 spent by the host city of the Commonwealth Games generates $2 for the local economy   Congratulations to Keith Jones, David Keating, Shanling Wells, Tony Lau, Victor Hui and Hari Om Dahiya for ranking among the top scorers. Each will receive one bottle of Commonwealth wine as a prize, kindly sponsored by The Honourable Jeffrey Lam GBS JP, Honorary Advisor to CCCHK.   Author Nicholas Tam is Council Member and Young Fellows Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society Hong Kong Branch. He is qualified to practise law in Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, and relocated from Australia to Hong Kong in 2013.   This article was originally published on Royal Commonwealth Society and is reproduced here with permission. [View the original post →]