Author Archives: hksar gov

     The 22nd Greater Pearl River Delta Cultural Cooperation Meeting (the Meeting) co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, was concluded in Hong Kong today (June 6). During the Meeting, working group meetings, a meeting of culture departments’ leaders of the three places and a main conference were held. About 130 officials responsible for cultural affairs, and representatives of relevant associations from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, attended the Meeting to conclude the co-operation experiences in arts, culture and creative industries during the past year, and to discuss a number of collaboration initiatives in the coming year. The Meeting charted the progress to date, noting fruitful results in various areas of collaboration.
      
     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, expressed gratitude to the Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Mr Li Bin, and the Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ms Leong Wai-man, for attending the Meeting and giving speeches in person. This shows that the three places attach great importance to the promotion of cultural exchanges and collaboration in the region. He hopes that the high-level framework of the Meeting can provide guidance on cultural exchanges and collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and further enhance the breadth and depth of the co-operation.
      
     Mr Yeung said, “As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, we will continue to make use of our distinctive advantages under ‘one country, two systems’, enjoy the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and spare no effort in promoting cultural exchanges and collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, jointly developing a cultured bay area, while opening up international markets together at the same time. In the coming year, we will bring programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival which have been implemented for two years to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) through various platforms.”
      
     Mr Yeung said that the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) to be held this year will include visits to Guangzhou and Shenzhen. He said he looks forward to joining hands in leveraging the cultural resources in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to expand markets. On the collaboration of heritage and museums, Hong Kong will organise the 4th Museum Summit in March next year. Practitioners will be invited from Guangdong, Macao and abroad to join. Hong Kong will continue to engage in the cultural collaboration of the three places actively, with a view to fostering people-to-people exchanges and telling the good stories of China together.
      
     In his remarks at the main conference, Mr Li said, “In the past year, we had close exchanges and pragmatic co-operation with the culture departments of Hong Kong and Macao, which effectively facilitated the stable and progressive development of the culture and tourism sectors in the GBA. The culture departments in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to seize historic opportunities brought by the development of the GBA, and give full play to our own advantages, exploring co-operation opportunities in a wide array of areas.”
      
     In her remarks at the main conference, Ms Leong said, “Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have yielded fruitful outcomes in areas such as performing arts, heritage and museums, intangible cultural heritage, public services as well as the culture industries. Through discussing and finalising new goals at the Meeting, we strive to contribute more to promoting Chinese culture, telling good stories of China, enhancing mutual learning, and benefiting people in the GBA.”
      
     During the main conference today, representatives of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council introduced the key events of the 4th GBA Culture and Arts Festival and HKPAX to be held in October this year. The GBA Culture and Arts Festival is an annual important event jointly taken forward by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. This year, Hong Kong will be the host city for the first time. More than 100 programmes, including a number of programmes co-created by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, will be staged in the three places under the approach of being “Hong Kong-based, while synchronising with Guangdong and Macao”. As for the first HKPAX, it will serve as a large-scale international platform for the performing arts industry. Besides exhibitions and business activities for the trade, HKPAX will also offer many world-class programmes for the public and tourists to enjoy.  Programme tickets will go on sale in August this year. Details will be announced in due course.
      
     The delegations of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao attended working group meetings yesterday (June 5) afternoon. In the evening, they visited the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition under “Art@Harbour 2024”, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, for a sensory experience of culture at the Victoria harbourfront, and joined the Tai Kwun Guided Tour to appreciate the collaboration between culture and conservation projects. They also enjoyed “King Lear”, a non-verbal theatre production of gestures adapted and directed by Hong Kong artist Tang Shu-wing. The delegations will visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, as well as the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ museum of the West Kowloon Cultural District after today’s meeting to experience Hong Kong’s rich and diverse cultures.
      
     The first Greater Pearl River Delta Cultural Cooperation Meeting was held by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in 2002. An agreement on cultural co-operation was signed in August 2003 to establish a cultural co-operation framework for the region. In the Meeting this year, working groups had discussions on five specific topics, namely exchanges for performing artists and co-organisation of cultural programmes, co-operation in public libraries and cultural information, co-operation in museum services, exchanges and co-operation on intangible cultural heritage, and co-operation in cultural and creative industries. read more

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and Cathay Pacific Route Launch Signing Ceremony today (June 6):

Mr Hamad Aljebreen (Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong), Mr Majid Khan (Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Air Connectivity Program), Mr Ronald Lam (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     As-SalÄ�mu Alaykum (Peace be upon you). It gives me great pleasure to be here today and witness the signing of the Marketing Cooperation Agreement between Cathay Pacific (CX) and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program.

     The co-operation between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia has never been stronger, and it was further strengthened by our Chief Executive’s visit to Saudi Arabia last year. Since then, we have witnessed soaring collaboration between the two places in various fields, spanning from investment promotion to dispute avoidance and resolution. Such a collaboration presents abundant opportunities for both business and tourism. On one hand, Hong Kong stands as a gateway to the Mainland China market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which houses a population of around 86 million. On the other, Saudi Arabia stands at the heart of the Islamic world, embodying a rich tapestry of tradition and modernity. Bolstering connectivity, therefore, brings new prospects for not only our two places, but also for the broader global landscape. 

     Saudi Arabia has been a long-standing and close aviation partner to Hong Kong. The Air Services Agreement between us was signed almost two decades ago. Over the years, our aviation ties have grown stronger, witnessing remarkable developments in air services, especially in the area of all-cargo operations. The robust growth and success of our all cargo services have been instrumental in enhancing trade and connectivity between our two regions. 

     But let’s not forget the focus of today, the signing of the Marketing Cooperation Agreement, which marks a significant milestone for the already prospering aviation partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. I am very pleased to learn that the Agreement paves way for the commencement of CX’s non-stop flights to Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, later this year. The re-establishment of passenger air services since 2017 signifies our unwavering commitment to providing seamless travel experiences for passengers between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. It also shows our trust, our confidence and our deep belief in the vast potential for further co-operation between the two places. There are still a lot of possibilities to pursue in our relationship, for example in tourism, in trade and many other areas, something I can only eagerly anticipate.

     I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to CX, our flagship carrier, for their unfaltering support to the Government’s policies and for considering Hong Kong’s strategic development needs in their network planning. With CX’s forthcoming relaunch of services, we also ardently look forward to the establishment of passenger connectivity between our regions by airlines of Saudi Arabia in the near future.

     As many of you may know, Hong Kong International Airport is being developed into a Three-Runway System, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The expanded airport will be able to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo per year from 2035 onwards. We will no longer experience the capacity constraints that have limited the expansion of air services in the past. By leveraging the opportunities brought by the Three-Runway System and our country’s support of the “Air Silk Road”, we are poised to open up a new aviation hinterland to support the international aviation hub development of Hong Kong. 

     In line with this vision, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to strengthening aviation services on current major routes and routes along the Belt and Road with potential. Saudi Arabia sits at the crossroad between East and West, holding with it unquestionably strong strategic importance. Following CX’s initiative to commence services to Riyadh, we will be able to expand Hong Kong’s aviation network and enhance air connectivity between us and the Middle East, which further consolidates Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

     I wish to emphasise that our commitment does not end here. We welcome further collaboration with Saudi Arabia to establish even more flight connections between the two places in the future. In addition, we encourage both sides to continue our promotional efforts to attract more tourism and business activities between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, capitalising on the established air links.

     Thank you. 

  

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 6) that the … read more

     The Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024 organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present two pop music concerts, “ART!ON POP”, in July. Curated by renowned local music producer Carl Wong, the concerts will gather four new-generation singers and a number of top-notch Hong Kong music makers to reinterpret masterpieces by acclaimed composer Joseph Koo and lyricist James Wong that are related to works of literary giant Jin Yong, passing down a legacy of timeless melodies. Tickets will be on sale from June 12 (Wednesday).
      
     Jin Yong’s literary works have spread far and have been long remembered. The songs composed for his works by Joseph Koo and James Wong still linger. As the music director of this pop concert, Carl Wong will collaborate with various talented local music makers including Jun Kung (drums); Jason Kui and SONi Cheng (guitar); Abby Wong and Daniel Chu (keyboards); Herman Wong@The Hertz, Tse Chin-lui and Tse Chin-tung (vocals); and others, to inject new vitality into Hong Kong pop-culture classics associated with these three legendary figures from the 1970s to the 1990s. Singers Jeremy Lee, Wilson Ng, Yoyo Sham, and Tang Siu-hau have been invited to reinterpret the related theme songs and soundtracks, enabling the brilliance of a golden era to resonate with a new generation.
      
     Carl Wong has served as the producer/music director of albums and concerts for various local singers like Juno Mak, Eason Chan, Nicholas Tse, Wilson Ng and Jer Lau. He has also received numerous awards, including the Best Arranger and the Ultimate Album at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards, the Best Album Producer at the 30th Golden Melody Awards and Best Music Arrangement at the Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards.
      
     The Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024: “ART!ON POP” concerts will be held at 8pm on July 21 and 22 (Sunday and Monday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $680, $880 and $1,080 will be available for sale from June 12 (Wednesday) from URBTIX. On the first date of sales, tickets are available only on the URBTIX website (www.urbtix.hk), its mobile ticketing app URBTIX (Android, HarmonyOS and iPhone/iPad versions) and telephone bookings (3166 1288), with a maximum of four tickets that can be purchased in each transaction. URBTIX outlets and self-service ticketing kiosk bookings will also be available from the second day of sales (i.e. June 13) onwards. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1659.html.
      
     The LCSD presented the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival last year to great acclaim. This year, the second edition features “Arts & Action” as its theme, taking audiences on a journey through time to explore the charm of Hong Kong’s pop culture. It encompasses both “Arts” (creative works) and “Action” (martial arts), in an attempt to show the dynamic inheritance, diffusion, integration and breakthroughs within Hong Kong’s pop culture. Among them, other programmes themed under Jin Yong, Joseph Koo and James Wong includes “A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • The World of Wuxia”, “A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’’ Centennial Memorial, Sculpted by Ren Zhe”, “Jin Yong’s World of Martial Arts Reading Corner”, “Book Display: Taste of Jin Yong’s Novels”, “Exhibition on Dr. Louis CHA Collection”, “Arts or Action, Why Not Both? Classic Martial Arts Drama Costumes and Props Exhibition”, the Multi-dimensional Reading of Jin Yong’s Martial Arts Novels” Subject Talk, “The Hong Kong Musicians Series: Music Document Highlights of Joseph KOO and James WONG” and “A Laugh at the World: James Wong”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

                        

     The Transport Department (TD) today (June 6) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in the Southern District and Tai Po during the Tuen Ng Festival holidays (June 9 to 10) to facilitate the holding of dragon boat races.

Southern District
———————

A. Traffic arrangements

(i) Road closures
 
     Hoi Fung Path, Stanley Link Road, Stanley New Street and Stanley Market Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, except for vehicles of the local residents, police, emergency vehicles and vehicles with permits, by phases from 6am to 7pm on June 10.
 
B. Public transport services
 
     The following adjustments will be implemented for public transport services on June 10:

(i) Citybus special route No. 73S (Stanley Village to Ocean Park Station) will be operated at 4.30pm and additional departures will be operated subject to passenger demand;

(ii) The services of Citybus route Nos. 6, 6X, 14, 65, 73 and 260 will be strengthened/adjusted subject to passenger demand and traffic conditions, and the first departure of Citybus route No. 260 from Central (Exchange Square) will be advanced to 6.45am;

(iii) Citybus route No. 314 will be diverted via Stanley Village Road northbound in lieu of Stanley Village Road southbound and Tung Tau Wang Road after Stanley Beach Road;
 
(iv) The service of Hong Kong Island (HKI) green minibus (GMB) Route No. 40 will be suspended from 6am to 7pm, while the service of HKI GMB Route No. 40X will be strengthened accordingly;
 
(v) The kaito service between the landing step outside Aberdeen Promenade and Ap Lei Chau will be suspended from 7am to 5pm; and
 
(vi) Some bus stops, the GMB stand and the taxi stand in the vicinity of Stanley, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen will be suspended or temporarily relocated by phases.

Tai Po
——–

A. Traffic arrangements

(i) Road closures
 
     Dai King Street, Dai Hei Street and the section of Dai Kwai Street south of Dai Cheong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, except for taxis, emergency vehicles and those vehicles authorised by the Police on-site, from 6pm on June 9 to 2pm on June 10.
 
B. Public transport services

(i) Bus route diversion and suspension of bus stops

     KMB route No. 72A (Tai Wai Station – Tai Po Industrial Estate) (both bounds) will omit Dai King Street, Dai Hei Street and the section of Dai Kwai Street south of Dai Cheong Street from 7am to 2pm on June 10. Concurrently, the bus stops on the above road sections will be suspended during the above period.

(ii) Temporary provision of taxi pick-up/drop-off area

     A temporary taxi pick-up/drop-off area will be provided on the section of Dai Hei Street west of Dai Kwai Street from 7am to 2pm on June 10.
 
     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), its mobile application “HKeMobility” or refer to the passenger notices issued by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     Due to road closures, the TD anticipates that traffic in the areas concerned will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the above areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on-site.
 
     The TD appeals to members of the public to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”. read more