Source : THE AGE NEWS
By Katie Cunningham
It’s one of the world’s most thrilling cities – home to legendary eats, neon jungles, 24-hour action and one iconic skyline.
But Hong Kong isn’t just a destination for adventure, it’s also a great base for opportunities. The city is the gateway to Southeast Asia’s stock markets – a global and financial hub in close proximity to Australia. That makes it a great base for young Aussies looking to build international experience, without being too far from home.
Initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) are making it even easier for international talent to move to Hong Kong. Several top Australian universities are on the eligibility list for the scheme, providing a streamlined pathway for young people to enter Hong Kong’s job market – and enjoy low tax rates and high career prospects.
“Hong Kong stood out because of its solid finance and commerce foundations.”
Australian expat Jordan Huber, who moved to Hong Kong in late 2024.
Hong Kong is not just a career growth destination, but also a place one can make their home with a high standard of living. Many who make the move also use the opportunity as a chance to grow, explore, and connect in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, home to a unique blend of east-meets-west culture. Here, two Australians who’ve made the move to Hong Kong share their experience.
Hong Kong offered Jordan the perfect launchpad to pursue regional projects and career growth across North Asia and the Asia-Pacific.
Feeling at home in a not-so-foreign land – Jordan’s story
Jordan moved to Hong Kong in early 2024 and now works as a Senior Manager at a commercial real estate agency. He wanted opportunities to work on regional projects across North Asia and APAC – and Hong Kong just seemed like the best place to be.
“I considered Singapore and Japan, but Hong Kong stood out because of its solid finance and commerce foundations,” he says.
Its proximity to travel destinations across Greater China and North Asia added to the appeal. And he knew the city’s reputation as a global super-connector could spell big career opportunities.
But what really sealed the deal was Hong Kong’s lifestyle. When he’s not working, Jordan keeps busy setting off on local food adventures, like enjoying the sweet and sour pork and Chinese fried noodles at the Sheung Wan wet market.
Jordan has found many parallels between Hong Kong and Australia. The city’s law system, infrastructure and working environment are all similar to home, which has made the transition smoother. And Hong Kong’s established Australian expat network means he’s never short of camaraderie. He’s even found an unexpected home away from home: an Australian-rules football team.
None of it would have happened without the flexibility of Hong Kong’s TTPS visa, which doesn’t require a pre-arranged job.
Now, for Jordan, Hong Kong is the 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.”
Hong Kong’s reputation as a global business hub perfectly complemented Jonas’ academic pursuits and professional ambitions.
Just the right amount of culture shock – Jonas’s story
As a Senior Consultant at a global accounting firm, Jonas was drawn to Hong Kong’s status as a global business hub. It also felt like a natural progression after completing a Master of International Business and gaining prior experience teaching English in Beijing.
But after teaching in Beijing, Jonas found that Hong Kong’s blend of east and west actually felt a lot closer to home. The city’s reputation as an international business centre also 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 says.
But it’s not just his career that’s benefited from being in Hong Kong. As a history buff, Jonas loves discovering Hong Kong’s past and exploring a very layered historical heritage – from Qing Dynasty relics to Western-style architecture. He likes to go on weekend walks past old forts, temples and curious street names, while the city’s packed calendar of cultural exhibitions and museums keeps him busy.
“I love all the historical layers to Hong Kong, along with its many cultural exhibitions and museums year-round.”
Australian expat Jonas Groom, who moved to Hong Kong in May 2024.
Jonas now has the happy problem of having too much to choose from every weekend – whether it’s hiking, cultural events or a quick getaway to nearby countries.
Despite arriving in Hong Kong without an established network – Jonas relocated under the Hong Kong Employment Visa for Non-Local Graduates – he quickly found community. Joining a local rugby team was instrumental in forming friendships, while his efforts to learn Cantonese have allowed him to have meaningful interactions with locals (especially when ordering dim sum and char siu fan at local neighbourhood eateries).
Now a year after making the move, Hong Kong already feels like home – something Jonas realised after a recent return from overseas.
“Stepping off the MTR into the familiar sights and sounds of Sai Ying Pun, I felt a sense of belonging,” he says.
Learn more about Hong Kong’s dynamic opportunities, vibrant lifestyle, and welcoming environment here.
