The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

Stand Together: How You Can Support the Tai Po Recovery Efforts

Stand Together: How You Can Support the Tai Po Recovery Efforts

As part of the Hong Kong community, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Tai Po during this difficult time. The journey to recovery for the fire victims extends far beyond the initial emergency, and their need for support and stability is ongoing. Your thoughtful contributions through donations are vital in helping them find safety and a lasting home.

We recommend that members interested in donating do so through the following channels:

The Hong Kong Council of Social Services has been working on emergency support mechanism, mobilizing resources and expertise from the social service sector and other partners to provide comprehensive assistance to affected individuals and families. As material supplies at the frontline are temporarily sufficient, they are now focusing on coordinating support in the mid-to-later stages to ensure that all resources are utilised effectively. To make a donation, please click here.

Charity Operation Santa Claus, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, has launched an emergency appeal, partnering with Hong Kong NGOs to distribute funds for disaster relief and community support. To make a donation, please click here.

Three of the FCC’s designated partner charities are also providing valuable on-the-ground assistance:

ImpactHK is offering emergency accommodation for those in need. To make a donation, please click here.

Enrich’s Giving Tuesday campaign will support the Tai Po community, especially migrant domestic workers impacted by the Tai Po fire. This appeal will provide immediate, practical relief, from emergency essentials to referrals for longer-term support. To make a donation, please click here.

The Amber Foundation is collecting unused toiletries, which they will distribute through trusted frontline partners supporting affected residents. FCCHK is one of the collection points. Members can drop off the materials at the station next to our Concierge.

In addition to our charity partners, there are numerous other trusted organizations and channels offering assistance. Every donation, regardless of size, has a meaningful impact on those affected.

*Please check updated lists from the NGOs and only provide financial assistance through the official NGO websites and trusted channels.

團結同行：您可如何支持大埔社區的復原工作

敬啓者:

在這段艱難的時期，作為香港社會的一員，我們與大埔攜手同行。社區的復原與療癒之路遠超過初期的緊急救援，受災及受影響的人士對支持與穩定的需求仍然持續存在。透過捐贈所作出的關懷貢獻，即使力量微小，對幫助他們重建家園至關重要。

我們建議有意捐款的會員通過以下渠道進行捐贈：

香港社會服務聯會已在災難發生後即時啟動應急機制，動員社會服務界及其他合作夥伴的資源和專業知識，為受影響的個人和家庭提供全方位援助。由於前線物資目前已達飽和，他們現正專注於支援災後中後期的協調工作，以確保資源妥善運用。如欲捐款，請點擊此處。

由《南華早報》及香港電台創辦的慈善平台「Operation Santa Claus Drive 愛心聖誕大行動」已發出緊急呼籲，並與多個香港非牟利機構合作，分發資金以支援災後救援及社區支援工作。如欲捐款，請點擊連結。

香港外國記者會的三個夥伴慈善機構亦提供社區支援：

同路舍正為有需要的人士提供緊急住宿。若要捐款，請點擊這裡。

鏞滙學院的「Giving Tuesday」籌款活動將支援大埔社區，特別是受火災影響的外籍家庭傭工。此呼籲將提供即時且實際的援助，從緊急必需品到長期支援的轉介服務。若要捐款，請點擊這裡。

The Amber Foundation 正在收集未使用的洗漱用品，這些物資將透過可信賴的前線合作夥伴分發給受影響的居民。香港外國記者會是其中一個收集點。會員可將物資放置於禮賓部旁的收集站。

除了我們的慈善合作夥伴外，還有許多其他可信賴的組織機構和渠道提供援助。每一份捐贈，不論大小，對受影響者都有深遠的意義。

*請查閱非政府組織的最新名單，並僅通過官方非政府組織網站及可信渠道提供財務援助。

President’s Letter: The Tai Po Fire

President’s Letter: The Tai Po Fire

Dear Fellow Members,

By now you will have heard about the terrible fire in Tai Po that has so far claimed the lives of more than 55 people, with 279 missing and 900 in shelters. On behalf of the members and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been lost, our hopes and prayers for those who are fighting for their lives, and our compassion for the many who have been displaced.

The Board of Governors has been monitoring the humanitarian aspects of this tragedy to identify ways the FCC community can assist the 4,600 residents of the Wang Fuk Court community, and assist and support the courageous firefighters and first responders. Donation needs have changed throughout the day and before noon collection centres were turning away further donations as their immediate emergency needs had been met. There will no doubt be ongoing needs due to the large number of residents who have been displaced. We recommend that members interested in donating do so through the following channels:

To donate needed supplies
The Hong Kong Council of Social Services will be informing the public about the evolving needs for clothing, bedding, toiletries, etc. Please click the link for their latest update.

To donate money
Charity Operation Santa Claus, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, has launched an emergency appeal, partnering with Hong Kong NGOs to distribute funds for disaster relief and community support. To make a donation, please click the link here.

As many begin their festive season celebrations with Thanksgiving Dinner this evening, we ask that everyone in the FCC community remember those who have suffered through this tragedy.

Finally, our thoughts are with the journalists who have been covering this terrible tragedy, which is no doubt taking an emotional toll on them. We welcome international journalists who may be traveling to the city to cover the story to use the FCC as an office away from home.

Best Regards,

Morgan M. Davis
President

[email protected]

主席信函: 大埔火災事故

敬啓者:

大埔近日發生了嚴重的火災事故，截至目前已有超過55人罹難，279人失蹤，900人被安置在臨時庇護中心。

謹代表全體會員及員工，向逝者家屬致以最深切的哀悼，向仍在與死神搏鬥的生命送上希望與祝福，並對突然失去家園的居民表達誠摯的關懷與慰問。

理事會一直關注這場悲劇的人道救援工作，致力尋找方法讓香港外國記者會社群協助宏福苑的4,600名居民，並支援英勇的消防員及前線救援人員。捐贈需求隨時間不斷變化，且截至中午，因緊急需求已達飽和，收集中心已開始停止接受更多捐贈。

受災人士需要長期支援，未來無疑會有持續的需求。我們建議有意捐款的會員通過以下渠道進行捐贈：

捐贈所需物資

香港社會服務聯會將持續公佈有關衣物、寢具、洗漱用品等需求的最新變化。請點擊連結查看他們的最新消息。

捐款

由《南華早報》及香港電台創辦的慈善平台「Operation Santa Claus Drive 愛心聖誕大行動」已發出緊急呼籲，並與多個香港非牟利機構合作，分發資金以支援災難救援及社區支援工作。如欲捐款，請點擊連結。

隨著許多人開始慶祝感恩節晚餐，我們請香港外國記者會社群的每一位成員銘記在這場悲劇中受苦的人士。

最後，我們的心與大埔社區及報導這場悲慘事件的記者同在。我們歡迎可能來港採訪此事件的國際記者，使用香港外國記者會作為家外的工作空間。

此致
各位會員

Morgan M. Davis
香港外國記者會主席謹上

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards Clare Hollingworth Fellowships 2025

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards
Clare Hollingworth Fellowships

FELLOWS

Trista Xinyi Luo

Trista Xinyi Luo is a reporter at Bloomberg News, where she covers the debt capital markets and the evolving financial landscape in Greater China. She relocated to Hong Kong from New York in 2023 with Bloomberg. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri.

Samra Zulfaqar

Samra Zulfaqar joined CNN as a freelance News Editorial Researcher and Planning Producer following her internship covering political and social issues across East and Southeast Asia. Before that Samra has interned at NBC News, primarily contributing to the Israel-Gaza War live blogs. She recently graduated from The University of Hong Kong with a degree in Journalism and International Relations. Outside of work, Samra enjoys doing yoga and hiking.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is pleased to announce that it has chosen Trista Xinyi Luo and Samra Zulfaqar as recipients of the seventh annual Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named in honor of the preeminent and path-breaking journalist.

The panel of judges noted the winners offer clear potential as future leaders both within the FCC and in the wider Hong Kong journalism community.

The Fellowship is focused on early-career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong.

The open competition drew significant interest from a cross spectrum of applicants. The adjudicators noted the high standard of applicants and encouraged all to apply again next year.

For further information on the Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, please visit: https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-clare-hollingworth-fellowship-2025-2026-applications-open/

Letter from the President

Dear Members,

This may sound like a curious question coming from the President of a press club, but recently I’ve found myself wondering, what is a journalist? For the sake of our Club’s membership, the answer is fairly simple. We look for the majority of a Member’s income to come from journalistic activity, and then where that work is published. Looking up “journalist” in a dictionary will find something along the lines of “a person who writes for newspapers, magazines, news websites or prepares news to be broadcast”.

It feels like it should be simple enough to define the role of a journalist but, as we have found throughout history, people, particularly those in positions of authority, will produce rather nebulous definitions of journalism. If we look to the United States, the current administration has embraced what they call “new media”, which includes a pool of clearly partisan publications and people many of us would opt to call “influencers”.

But the presence or lack of objectivity cannot help us define a journalist. As much as the media tries to produce news that is “unbiased” and “objective”, the reality is that objectivity is a relatively new phenomenon in journalism. Historically, publications have taken sides. What most of us as journalists now try to achieve is something that is as critical and objective as possible. This generally relies on what we hope is a media literate consumer who will read and watch news produced by multiple platforms. It also relies on the ability of multiple publications, staffed by diverse journalists, to produce news.

This diversity is often stifled, both intentionally and unintentionally. The latter is something that we, as an industry, need to more consciously address. The former is a bit more clear cut. While I can’t argue with the need to redefine journalism in the 21st century, the “new media” pool in The White House seems to clearly lack diverse thought. Likewise, when we look at the media situation in Gaza, we see foreign media shut out. That creates a reliance on local journalists who can both more readily be accused of bias by outsiders, and a stifling of information that international journalists may be able to report and share with their home consumers.

What concerns me, as a member of the press and the President of the FCC, is how we identify and react to bias. Media-literate consumers should be able to look to multiple news sources to recognise bias in a way that makes them more critical and knowledgeable. But too often perceived, or real, bias is weaponised. It becomes an excuse, by all sides, to crush voices of opposition. What we are seeing in places like Nepal and Gaza is violent, intentional repression of the media.

We may differ slightly in our definitions of a journalist, but in my position, I will continue to stand for the right of all journalists to work without fear of repercussions. Journalists are civilians, and journalism is not a crime.

Best Regards,

Morgan M. Davis
President

[email protected]

FCC Clare Hollingworth Fellowship 2025 – 2026 – Applications Open

FCC Clare Hollingworth Fellowship – Applications Open

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is accepting applications for the Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named after the preeminent and path-breaking journalist.

Ms. Hollingworth had a remarkable career as a foreign correspondent with the scoop of the century as a 27-year-old when she reported on Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Ms. Hollingworth was also a treasured member of the FCC for more than 40 years who made significant contributions to the intellectual and professional life of the FCC.

The Hollingworth Fellowship honours early career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong. Journalists and journalism students from all fields of professional study are eligible. Applications close on October 13, 2025. The fellowship will run for one calendar November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026.

Overview of key features of the fellowship:

Complimentary access to all FCC professional talks, official gatherings and conferences;
Unlimited access to the FCC facilities including the gym and workroom;
FCC monthly dues and the membership fee are waived for the fellowship period; and
Networking opportunities with senior newsroom leaders

For details on past fellows, please see below:

Fellows Requirements and Expectations

Produce and contribute a piece in their field for the FCC (e.g. long-form article for the FCC magazine, The Correspondent; photographic exhibition for the Bar, video piece for the website)
Assist in the organization of virtual and in-person events for journalists
Actively contribute to the intellectual and professional life of the FCC

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to apply:

At least two years’ journalism experience with a proven track record of developing stories in any sector or medium. Applications are welcome from candidates from foreign news organisations as well as local news organisations in Hong Kong
Be 30 years of age or under at the time the fellowship begins
Be a resident of Hong Kong at the time of application and a resident of Hong Kong for the duration of the Fellowship

Application Process and Material

Applications must be submitted in English by October 13, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only chosen candidates will be notified by writing. All files must be submitted in either PDF or MS Word format to [email protected] with the subject line
Attn: First Name / Last Name of Applicant, Clare Hollingworth Fellowship Application. Applications should include:

Two pieces of published work, or in the case of a journalism student, two essays of no more than 2000 words each
A 500-word statement of intent for the piece that the Fellow will contribute to the FCC
Please send two written references from suitable referees, e.g. senior editor or journalism school dean again with the same subject line: Attn: First Name / Last Name of Applicant, Clare Hollingworth Fellowship Application. The reference letters should be sent to The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong or emailed to [email protected]. When submitting your application, please note in the covering email that the references have been sent via post. Reference letters should specify how long the referee has known the applicant and in what capacity, comments on the applicant’s potential to make an impact in the field of journalism, and any relevant prior experience.
Recent resume of no more than 2 pages
Provide a valid HKID card number.

Visa denial for Rebecca Choong Wilkins underscores press freedom concerns

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply concerned by the confirmation that Bloomberg journalist Rebecca Choong Wilkins has had her visa renewal application denied.

Choong Wilkins has worked for Bloomberg in Hong Kong for the past six years, most recently as a senior reporter on the Asia government and economy team. We understand that authorities did not give any reason for the denial of her visa renewal.

Regrettably, this decision and the lack of explanation reinforces widespread concerns about the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong, which is protected under the Basic Law and the Bill of Rights. We support any application for this decision to be urgently reviewed and call for future applications for employment visas and visa extensions for international journalists to be handled in a timely and transparent manner.

The FCC has contacted the Immigration Department to seek clarification. While we appreciate that in normal circumstances the Immigration Department cannot comment on individual cases, we contend that in cases such as this involving an international journalist, it is important to provide the visa applicant with a proper explanation for any denial of work visas or entry into Hong Kong. This suggested improvement to the system would show greater transparency in dealing with freedom of the press, which is vital to preserving Hong Kong’s image as an international business centre.

FCC statement on journalists facing starvation in Gaza

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply concerned about journalists working in the Gaza Strip amid reports that they are facing the same risk of starvation as the people they are covering.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began 22 months ago with Hamas’s deadly terrorist attack on Israel, Israel has restricted international journalists from entering Gaza independently, while local journalists and their families have been unable to leave.

Journalists in Gaza have reported on the conflict with great courage and resilience, and at great risk to their lives. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 186 journalists and other media workers have been killed since the war began, including 178 Palestinians, two Israelis and six Lebanese, making it the deadliest period for journalists since the organisation began collecting data in 1992.

International news organisations including the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, BBC News, Reuters and the New York Times say their journalists and their families are now suffering from extreme hunger, jeopardising their ability to report on the war for a global audience and tell the world directly what is happening in Gaza. As humanitarian aid deliveries remain limited following an 80-day Israeli blockade, local journalists report brain fog, dizziness, fainting on air and being too weak to work.

Journalists in Gaza desperately need relief. The FCC joins international news organisations in calling on Israel to allow local journalists to leave Gaza if they wish to do so, allow international journalists to enter, and ensure that journalists in Gaza have adequate access to food so that they can report on the Israel-Hamas war securely and without fear of reprisal for doing their jobs.

Letter from the President

Dear FCC members,

At the end of May we started another cycle of the Board year. Our new Board, whom you will meet in this issue of The Correspondent, represents some of the very best of our Club – dedicated and eager Members who will work to represent you in the coming year. No year is an easy year for the FCC, but I am confident that we have the right governance in place on our Board and the right leadership in our Club staff that we will be able to tackle any challenges we face with aplomb.

First and foremost, my goal for this year is to have our lease renewed when it is up at the end of December. Being restricted to a three-year lease is certainly a challenge, but the Board and staff are actively communicating with the appropriate parties to indicate our eagerness to renew the lease, and we feel that we consistently demonstrate our value as part of the Hong Kong community. The FCC holds a special and influential place in the city, as a hub for conversation, a support for professional journalists, and a social centre for our Members. Our dedication to our historic building is also readily evident in the HK$5.2 million restoration we completed last year. I am confident that we will maintain our place in Hong Kong for the foreseeable future.

As we move forward into the year, I hope our Members will see the Board’s active work to push the standards of our Club higher. Our speaker events, such as the goodbye luncheon for David Webb in May, are unique offerings. We strive to offer our Members opportunities to discuss and question everything from the state of trade in the region to F1 racing to menopause with world-class experts and fellow FCC Members. These events will continue to be central to the FCC and I welcome suggestions and feedback to develop these events further.

Likewise, our Members benefit from having the FCC as a centrally located place to hold work meetings, drinks with friends, and celebrations with family. We want to push beyond just maintaining that by constantly improving our food and special offerings. Members should feel like the FCC is their go-to spot, and our regular and special menus should reflect that. And yes, we are working on improving the coffee ASAP.

In the coming year, I hope you, as Members, feel empowered to contribute to the Club’s growth. The Board and staff welcome feedback, but there is ample opportunity to join a committee and get involved in charity work through the FCC. In the case of the latter, the FCC has spent the past year revitalising its charity efforts by coordinating with nine partner charities to connect volunteers and share the expertise we have in the Club. Check out our website or ask the front desk for more information on how to get involved.

Being a Member of the FCC is a privilege, and working with you in the coming year will be an honour and an absolute joy. I look forward to a year where the FCC will not just survive but thrive in Hong Kong.

Best Regards,

Morgan M. Davis
President

[email protected]

Inland Revenue Department’s response to the FCC enquiry on tax audits of Hong Kong independent media

Following the FCC’s May 23 statement on multiple tax audits of independent media organisations, the club made enquiries to Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Below is IRD’s reply in full.

To protect tax revenue, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has established procedures to review the information provided by taxpayers and to verify the amount of tax payable. If there is any information showing that any person may have breached the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO), the IRD will follow up the case in accordance with the IRO. The industry or background of a taxpayer has no bearing on such reviews.

Owing to the secrecy provision of Section 4 of the IRO, the IRD is precluded from disclosing information of individual cases to unauthorised persons and will not comment on any case.

FCC statement on multiple tax audits of independent media organisations

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by reports of multiple independent media outlets facing simultaneous tax audits and backdated demands from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

At a press conference on May 21, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said it had evidence that at least six news outlets—Boomhead, Hong Kong Free Press, InMedia, ReNews, The Witness and another outlet that wished to remain anonymous—had recently been subject to additional scrutiny of their tax affairs after being “randomly selected” for an audit.

In addition, 20 people linked to Hong Kong independent media are facing similar tax inspections, according to HKJA. In a statement, Hong Kong Free Press said that the scrutiny “has diverted resources, manpower and funds away from journalism”.

The FCC, whilst understanding the need for targeted tax audits, has reached out to IRD to ask why so many independent media organisations were selected simultaneously for random audits. The FCC has asked that IRD consider enhancing its transparency because we believe that an explanation as to why these investigations have occurred simultaneously is a necessary improvement to the system. In our view, a reasonable and timely explanation by IRD would positively impact the international perception of Hong Kong as a business centre and its commitment to press freedom, which is guaranteed in the Basic Law.