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     Following is the opening speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the HKSTP x HKUST x Infineon Microelectronics Ecosystem Conference today (August 22):

Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Mr Albert Wong), David (President of Infineon Technologies Greater China , Mr David Poon), Dr Kim (Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (R&D) (Knowledge Transfer) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Dr Kim Shin-cheul), distinguished guests, speakers, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. I am very pleased to join you all today at this conference, demonstrating the power of microelectronics in Hong Kong and its macro impact on the world with the powerhouse alliance of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Infineon Technologies. 

     On this special occasion, apart from celebrating the first-year milestone of the “HKSTP x Infineon” co-incubation program, we can also take today’s opportunity to recognise HKUST’s commitment to advancing knowledge through teaching and research, and translating research outcomes into applications; learn more about the top-notch infrastructure of HKSTP, such as the Sensor Packaging and Integration Laboratory, and the up-and-coming Microelectronics Centre for the microelectronics industry; and to appreciate Infineon’s global innovations and inspiring achievements with more than 40 tech showcases. 

     Hong Kong is home to a pool of highly skilled microelectronics professionals who specialise in various areas such as smart chip design, electronic design automation, advanced packaging, and silicon photonics. We have a distinct advantage in smart chip design, which should be utilised for fostering the growth of microelectronics technology and related industries in Hong Kong.

     In this regard, we put our focus on enhancing the I&T (innovation and technology) ecosystem in Hong Kong, promoting collaboration and development across all sectors of the industry, including the microelectronics industry. Hong Kong has a clear advantage in the upstream sector due to our strong R&D capabilities, and our potential for unexpected breakthroughs. To further enhance our basic research in cutting-edge fields, the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government will earmark an additional HK$3 billion funding this year to support the development of relevant facilities.

     This year’s Budget also announced that the Government will support the establishment of a Microelectronics Research and Development Institute to promote the development of microelectronics in Hong Kong, with the aim of creating a leading institute on microelectronics development in the Asia-Pacific region. The Institute will be tasked with strengthening collaboration with universities, R&D centres and the industry and expediting the “1 to N” transformation of research outcomes, thereby further enhancing our I&T ecosystem.

     Today, we are celebrating the building of a Microelectronics Ecosystem in Hong Kong. We strongly believe that the further growth and development of this ecosystem can catalyse economic growth, drive technological advancement, foster collaboration, nurture talent, diversify industries, and enhance global recognition. It has the potential to position Hong Kong as a prominent player in the field of microelectronics and contribute to the long-term development as an innovation-driven economy.

     Simultaneously, we are intensifying our efforts in promoting industry development and microelectronics is one of these key industries. Our efforts also extend to attracting high-potential and influential strategic I&T enterprises from across the globe, to set foot or expand their businesses in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancement, it is crucial to recognise the opportunities that lie within this vibrant region.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong stands on the brink of unprecedented advancement, ready to harness the immense potential of microelectronics and other cutting-edge technologies. It is essential that we collaborate with brilliant minds such as yourselves to realise this potential. May I wish today’s conference great success. Thank you very much.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     Result of the tenders of the People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on August 22, 2023:
 

     Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Film Arts Association (HKFAA), the “Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition” being held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM) will end on September 4 (Monday). Members of the public are urged to grasp the opportunity to visit this not-to-be-missed exhibition at the HKHM located at 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin.

     This exhibition is the first of its kind in Hong Kong which comprehensively showcases film arts and costumes of the film industry. It involves more than three years of research and contributions from over 200 film companies and practitioners. Through the display of iconic costumes, props, set design and conceptual drawing manuscripts, paraphernalia, videos and reconstructed scenes of workshops, the exhibition takes visitors into the world behind the scenes. Among the exhibits, many are on display for the very first time. Highlighted exhibits related to props include a rare set design drawing album of many Shaw Brothers Studio period films in the 1960s; a special prop “Underwater horse” in “Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon” (2013), and Chinese luopan in “Rigor Mortis” (2013). Costume-related exhibits include miniskirts shown in Shaw Brothers Studio films in the 1960s, Maggie Cheung’s qipao in “Center Stage” (1991), and Chow Yun-fat’s costume in “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” (2000).

     To tie in with the exhibition, the HKHM has uploaded onto its website the transcripts of 60 interviews of Hong Kong film arts and costume practitioners, an oral history project commissioned by the museum and conducted by the HKFAA earlier. The interview content was published in four issues of flyer “Architects of Dreams” for free distribution at the gallery so that audiences can learn more about the untold stories behind film production through the personal experiences and behind-the-scenes anecdotes of these practitioners.

     The HKHM has also arranged two sessions of exhibition appreciation where two of the curators, Ms Edith Cheung and Ms Tina Liu, will lead the tour in person respectively on August 25 (Friday) and August 26 (Saturday) at 11.30am. The guided tour will last for around an hour with a quota of 20 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested persons should enrol at the gallery entrance 15 minutes before the session commences with a valid admission ticket or a Museum Pass.  

     Collaborating with the Film Programmes Office, the HKHM will launch two free film screenings both adapted from the story of “The Butterfly Lovers” and a post-screening seminar at the theatre on the first floor of the museum. “The Lovers” (1994) directed by Tsui Hark will be screened on August 26 at 2pm. Li Han-hsiang’s classic film “The Love Eterne” (1963) will be screened on September 2 (Saturday) at 2pm, followed by a post-screening seminar “Evolution and Variation of Period Costume Design in Three Decades” at 4.15pm on the same day. Costume director and textile specialist Edith Cheung, and film curator and film critic Cecilia Wong, will base their talk on the two films and analyse the innovation in textile materials, colours and cuttings to explore the changes and development in the styles and designs of period costume on screen. Audiences can queue up for admission 15 minutes before the programme commences. The screenings and seminar have limited seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

     For details of the exhibition, admission and related programmes, please visit hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/exid275.html, or call 2180 8088 for enquiries.

     Apart from the “Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes” exhibition, visitors are also welcome to visit the “Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition”, “Bruce Lee: a Timeless Classic” pop-up display, “A Man Beyond the Ordinary: Bruce Lee” exhibition and “Hong Kong Pop 60+” permanent exhibition to learn more about Hong Kong’s pop culture.

     The first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival organised by the LCSD aims to offer an array of programmes, from pop concerts and performances to thematic exhibitions, film screenings, and outdoor and outreach activities, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique cultural creativity and vibrancy. For more information on other fascinating programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

          

　　Leveraging on his extensive network and experience, internationally renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun, appointed as Hong Kong’s Ambassador for Cultural Promotion (ACP) earlier by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, lined up a number of local young musicians to perform at the opening programme of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival as well as a concert in Xi’an, an ancient capital in China, with the support of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The performances allowed the young musicians to showcase their talents in cultural arenas in the East and the West, reflecting Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
 
　　The Edinburgh International Festival is an annual arts extravaganza gathering top-notch artists from around the world to bring audiences extraordinary works. Tan introduced Hong Kong soprano Louise Kwong, mezzo-soprano Samantha Chong and tenor Chen Chen to perform with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus on August 5 for the opening programme “Buddha Passion”, a piece by Tan that was inspired by stories of the Buddha depicted in the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. The song, performed by vocalists in Chinese, English and Sanskrit, communicates across the divides of cultures and languages. The three young vocalists’ performances were favourably reviewed by a number of critics in the United Kingdom, enabling them to gain prominence on the international performing arts scene.
 
　　Meanwhile, violinist Nina Wong, cellist Jia Nan and pianist Rachel Cheung were invited by Tan to perform, under his baton, Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C Major with the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra in the “From Beethoven to the First Emperor” concert in Xi’an on July 15. Tan also arranged for them to tour major historical monuments including the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The trio agreed that the trip was an inspiring and invaluable opportunity to have exchanges with Tan about musical perspectives. The enhancement of their knowledge of Chinese history and culture also helped to inspire their musical imagination.
 
　　Tan has been serving as the ACP since January 1 this year. The LCSD hopes that the ACP, through providing local young artists with opportunities to participate in international arts festivals and outbound performances, can equip them with global perspectives and enrich their experience. Prior to the successful arranging of the above-mentioned young musicians to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and the Xi’an concert, Tan had earlier also invited Hong Kong young soprano Candice Chung to appear at the world premiere of “Requiem for Nature” at the Holland Festival.
 
　　This year, Tan will continue to explore opportunities for local young artists to perform on the global stage, including performances with the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nationale di Santa Cecilia – Roma in November. The LCSD will continue to work with Tan to bring more local young artists out of Hong Kong, telling good stories of China and Hong Kong with the arts. This December, he will present the WE-make Series to Hong Kong audiences, a programme series that promotes exchanges and innovations of art forms of the East and West, bringing artists from diverse regions with different cultural backgrounds to present new experiences to audiences through symphony, rock, opera, dance and more.

      

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The spokesman for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following appeal today (August 21) regarding a patient who left the hospital without prior notification:… read more