 |
|
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:
|
|
| For details on past fellows, please see below: |
|
Fellows Requirements and Expectations
|
|
| Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to apply:
|
|
| 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
|
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.
FCC Board of Governors 2025-2026 Election Results
|
|
| Congratulations to the new FCC Board of Governors for 2025-2026. They will begin serving after the Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2025. |
| We would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their service. |
| The new Board members are listed below. Please note that this is an updated announcement, after the tied vote for the Correspondent Governor position was resolved on 23 May 2025. |
| PRESIDENT Morgan DAVIS |
| FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Karen KOH |
| SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Tim HUXLEY |
| CORRESPONDENT GOVERNORS Jennifer JETT Kristie LU STOUT Peter PARKS Paul TAIT Laura WESTBROOK Lee WILLIAMSON Jing YANG William ZHENG (There was a tied vote for the 8th Correspondent Governor position. One of candidates has decided to withdraw.) |
| JOURNALIST GOVERNORS Zela CHIN Joe PAN |
| ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS LIU Kin-ming Lynne MULHOLLAND Christopher SLAUGHTER Barbara YU LARSSON |
| FCC Election Committee 23 May 2025 |
|
 |