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.
