Singapore community in Hong Kong raises S$304K for Tai Po fire victims

HONG KONG: Members of the Singapore community in Hong Kong have raised HK$1,830,482, equivalent to about S$304,000, to support victims of a deadly fire at an apartment complex in Tai Po that claimed 160 lives in November.

The donation drive was organised by several Singapore-linked organisations, including Singapore International School (Hong Kong), the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong), the Singapore Association Hong Kong, and the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong.

Community groups Friends of Hong Kong in Singapore and Friends of Singapore in Hong Kong also took part in the fundraising effort, according to a joint press release issued on 17 December 2025.

The funds will be contributed to the Hong Kong government’s support fund established to assist victims and affected families, the organisations said in their statement.

In addition to the collective fundraising effort, several Hong Kong-based Singapore companies and individuals made separate donations in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the press release added.

The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on 26 November 2025, sweeping through seven of the eight residential blocks within the complex.

Thousands of residents were displaced as a result of the blaze, which burned for more than 40 hours and was described as the city’s deadliest fire since 1948.

“The Singapore community in Hong Kong is deeply saddened by the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that has claimed many lives and also upended the lives of many families,” the joint statement said.

“No words can describe the pain of these affected families,” it added, expressing condolences to those who lost loved ones and homes.

The press release also praised the efforts of emergency responders and volunteers who assisted during and after the incident.

“We applaud the courageous rescue effort by the firefighters and all other frontliners and volunteers who worked tirelessly to help those affected,” it said.

The organisations further commended the Hong Kong government for what they described as a swift response in launching investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), has since set up a task force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into potential corruption linked to renovation works at Wang Fuk Court.

At the time of the fire, the external walls of the buildings were covered with bamboo scaffolding and wrapped in netting and plastic sheeting as part of ongoing renovation works.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some of the materials used might not have met required fire safety standards.

Local media reporred that at least 21 people were arrested by police and the ICAC in connection with the investigations.

Reflecting on the broader response to the tragedy, the press release highlighted the resilience shown by the local community.

“The Hong Kong people have proven time and time again that their lion rock spirit and resilience will always shine through in the face of adversity,” it stated.

“During this difficult time, the Singapore community in Hong Kong stands together with Hong Kong and its people,” the statement added.

Singapore Consul-General in Hong Kong Eric Teo said the city remained a close partner and longstanding friend of Singapore.

“It is truly heartening that the Singapore community in Hong Kong can come together during times like this to show that we truly care for our friends in Hong Kong,” he said.