During the final stages of an approach, vectors and speed control are the only remaining tools that ATC has to achieve the fine control needed for landing spacing in traffic-congested airports. The problem for HKG is somewhat exacerbated by the geographical restrictions of adjacent airports and high terrain.
I've always thought that HKG Air Traffic have done a pretty good job. I remember some time ago, they saved two CX jet aircraft on the one night. And I personally heard them save a US carrier that blasted through the localizer on 25R enroute to an otherwise heavenly destination.
In any case the vector/speed-control commands in each terminal area seem to follow a repetitive pattern that we get use to and come to expect with exposure and experience. Linking of these commands with the final approach clearance should not come as a surprise and can be anticipated by awareness of traffic in front of and behind you.