Story perspectives

Shaw Foundation Donates HK$20M to Fire Victims Amidst Activist Conviction

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Shaw Foundation pledged ongoing support for Hong Kong charities after donating HK$20 million (US$2.6 million) to Wang Fuk Court fire victims, a fire that killed 160 and displaced about 5,000.
Raymond Chan, chairman of the Shaw Foundation, stressed community response as essential to disaster relief.
Uplifters and EmpowerU train domestic helpers as community leaders.
Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist, was convicted on multiple charges, prompting international condemnation over Hong Kong's judicial independence.

History

Historical Context

The Wang Fuk Court fire on November 26, 2025, killed at least 160 people and injured 79, marking Hong Kong's deadliest fire since the 1948 Wing On warehouse incident. The tragedy, exacerbated by flammable construction materials, led to public outcry over fire safety regulations. In response, the government initiated reforms, underscoring the ongoing struggle for civil liberties amid recent political tensions in Hong Kong.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Shaw Foundation pledged ongoing support for Hong Kong charities after donating HK$20 million (US$2.6 million) to Wang Fuk Court fire victims, a fire that killed 160 and displaced about 5,000.
Raymond Chan, chairman of the Shaw Foundation, stressed community response as essential to disaster relief.
Uplifters and EmpowerU train domestic helpers as community leaders.
Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist, was convicted on multiple charges, prompting international condemnation over Hong Kong's judicial independence.

1 / 2