Skyhook- according to the link you sent, the international permit isn't required for HK, just 'recommmended', which doesn't seem to mean anything.
PDLM- If you look at the list from Skyhook, most of the countries simply have and IDP as 'recommended', which means you can drive there without the IDP. Sure, in some countries you will need one, but not in all that many. Why accuse me of arrogance? I simply point out that in the majority of developed countries the IDP will not be required, which is bourne out by the above list. Sure, if the hypothetical Russian policeman pulls you over it's nice to have an IPD with Russian on it, but even then it's not legally required to carry one there.
Here's a list of countries which have let me hire a care on an Aussie license without an IDP. Whether you regard this is insufficiently experienced I leave to your superior judgement.
Canada
US
UK
France
Italy (inaccurately shown as 'required' in the above link)
Norway
Sweden
Germany
Hong Kong
Ireland
South Africa
Switzerland