The phrase “香港明天更好” (A Better Hong Kong Tomorrow) took center stage at the Better Hong Kong Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Dinner in September 2025. Prominently featured in a striking photo booth installation, the characters were both visually captivating and symbolic — reflecting the foundation’s enduring spirit.

The message dates back to July 1, 1997, when President Jiang Zemin gifted a calligraphy scroll bearing those words to Hong Kong upon the historic handover. A second scroll was presented to the foundation and now hangs in its office — a daily reminder of the promise that continues to guide its mission.

As the foundation marked three decades of connection, engagement, and collaboration, the phrase reaffirmed its purpose — a call to action that has guided its work since 1995 and continues to shape its vision for Hong Kong’s future.

From uncertainty to unity

The Better Hong Kong Foundation was born in a time of global doubt. In 1995, Fortune magazine famously declared “The Death of Hong Kong”. Business leaders refused to accept that narrative.

Instead, twenty of the city’s most influential figures came together to form an independent, non-profit organization — politically unaffiliated, privately funded, and committed to promoting a positive image of Hong Kong. Its mission: to foster understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese mainland, and the international community, and to uphold the integrity of the “one country, two systems” framework and the Basic Law.

The foundation’s first major initiative, the “Hong Kong 97 Spectacular”, was a HK$100 million extravaganza staged on the night of the handover — showcasing the city’s vibrancy and pride.

A night to remember

Thirty years on, the foundation commemorated its journey with an intimate dinner, bringing together trustees, council members, corporate sponsors, and long-time partners. The atmosphere was warm and familial, filled with reflection and renewed commitment.

Following the debut of the foundation’s new corporate video, 30 Years of Vision. A Future of Possibility, which encapsulated its mission and achievements, Executive Director Karen Tang opened the evening with heartfelt remarks.

“When we started in 1995, our approach was low-key — focused on people-to-people diplomacy to help the outside world better understand Hong Kong and China,” Tang said.

Three decades later, as Hong Kong plays its role as a super-connector, the foundation helps amplify that position — building bridges between the city, the mainland, and the world.

“Our delegations span the US, Europe, and the Middle East — sharing Hong Kong and China’s stories, dispelling misconceptions, and forging lasting partnership,” Tang said.

She said the foundation remains deeply engaged with the mainland through annual visits to Beijing and Shanghai, platforms like the Shanghai–Hong Kong Cooperation and Development Forum, and exchanges with Chinese overseas ambassadors during their visits to the city.

“At home, we invest in the next generation. Now in its 17th year, the Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest helps students deepen their understanding of China–Hong Kong relations while broadening their horizons in international affairs,” Tang said.

Ronnie Chan, chairman of the Executive Committee, then took to the stage to share stories from the early days, encourage the next generation to step up, and offer his views on the global landscape.

“From my perspective, the current global environment is favorable for China. Regarding Sino–US relations, I believe China will ultimately prevail. As a large country, internal politics matter more than external. As long as there are no major international disruptions, the situation will remain manageable,” he said.

Chan said he does not believe China seeks to replace the United States, adding that China simply wants to manage its own affairs well and be seen on the global stage as a respected and responsible major country.

“Against this backdrop, our work will carry more positive momentum. We will continue our engagement with the US — it remains an important country. But we must also broaden our focus to other regions, especially Europe and Asia, to support Hong Kong’s economic development,” he said.

Looking forward

More food for thought came during the banquet when Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of Hong Kong, delivered a keynote speech reflecting on China’s rapid transformation over the past three decades into a modern, socialist, and strong nation.

He spoke about Hong Kong’s unique advantages and how the foundation’s mission should evolve — from promoting the “one country, two systems” framework to actively shaping a better future for Hong Kong.

“We should seize the opportunity presented by the country’s development to build a better tomorrow for future generations in Hong Kong. In addition to telling Hong Kong’s story well overseas, we must also tell China’s story well. When the country prospers, Hong Kong prospers,” Leung said.

He said there is a gap in how China’s progress is communicated to both Hong Kong and the wider world — and the foundation is well-positioned to help bridge that gap.

Leung suggested adding the word “Anticipate” up front to the foundation’s tagline “Connect. Engage. Collaborate”.

“We must anticipate the future — what the next 24 years will bring, what the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China will look like, and how Hong Kong’s relationship with the country will evolve.”

Leung’s remarks reinforced a central theme of the evening: The foundation’s mission is forward-looking — rooted in experience, yet responsive to change. His suggestion to add “Anticipate” to the foundation’s tagline captured the spirit of renewal and strategic foresight.

A shared tomorrow

The 30th anniversary celebration was more than an event — it was a reaffirmation of hope and collaboration. As guests departed with renewed optimism, the foundation’s commitment to building bridges pointed firmly toward the future.

Official website of the Better Hong Kong Foundation: www.betterhongkong.org