From its inception in 1996, the "Friends of the Observatory" is now 10 years old. The original intention of its establishment was to facilitate carrying out public education in respect of the scientific disciplines related to the work of the Observatory, to promote public understanding of the Observatory's services, as well as to set up a communication channel with the general public to improve understanding of their needs.

During the 10th anniversary celebration on 19 December 2006, the Director of the Observatory, Mr C Y Lam, said, "Today, our membership has reached 8,000, i.e. for every one thousand people in Hong Kong, one of them is a member of the "Friends of the Observatory". Such a high participation rate for a meteorology interest group is the envy of many of our international counterparts."

Volunteers of the "Friends of the Observatory" have for many years rendered their untiring support in many large scale outreach activities organized by the Observatory such as the annual open day and weekly public tours. Their enthusiasm and passion often earned the compliment of the general public. A senior "Friends of the Observatory", Mr Roger Kwan said, "I am thankful to the Observatory for providing such a platform for us to serve the public. I have gained in participating in various outreach activities of the Observatory through discovering my potentials and further developing my expertise." Indeed, the "Friends of the Observatory" has thrived through such a healthy symbiotic relationship with the Observatory.

The Director of the Observatory (5th left) shared joyful moments with some volunteers of the "Friends of the Observatory".