The Government today (November 15) announced the application details of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme (SPAPS).
      
     The Government invites proposals from local performing arts groups and practitioners for large-scale stage productions.
      
     Interested parties can submit application from December 30, 2024 to May 30, 2025. The Government will form an assessment panel, comprising experts, veteran arts and cultural practitioners, professionals with rich business acumen and experience as well as representatives from the Government. The application results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
     Proposals will be assessed based on the following factors:
 

• artistic vision and merits of the production or programme;
• representativeness as a production or programme of Hong Kong to showcase characteristics of Hong Kong and the capacity and creativity of local talents;
• marketing and promotion strategy that appeals to a broad range of audience, local and abroad;
• potential for long-running; and
• impact on consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

 
     The selected proposal must stage at least 15 performances (can be implemented by phase) in Hong Kong and attract at least 10 000 paid audience members. There will be a quota of two productions for this application. Existing programmes with outstanding performances in relevant aspects will also be considered, provided that the programme must substantially transform and enhance existing programmes in terms of creativity and presentations, and have the capacity to generate renewed interest. 
 
     Each selected proposal under the SPAPS will receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million for a maximum period of three years to support expenses in areas such as creative concepts, stage productions, venue rentals, as well as marketing and promotion of the programme. The SPAPS will also provide a matching subsidy of up to $5 million to each selected proposal to match private sponsorship raised and income received. In line with the objectives of the Scheme to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong, the Scheme will require that a substantial portion of the expenditure for the production must be expended in Hong Kong and the majority of the key personnel should be Hong Kong residents. 
      
     In the event that the selected proposal can generate profit from the 15 stage performances and stage a re-run of an equivalent or larger scale within 18 months after the first run, a matching subsidy equivalent to 20 per cent of the total funding support from the Scheme for the first round of the performance and capped at $3 million will be provided to match private sponsorship raised and income received in the re-run, with a view to encouraging project proponent to unleash the long-running potential of the proposed programme.
                 
     The Government will hold a briefing session in the afternoon on December 17, 2024 at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Museum of Art to provide further details of the Scheme and answer questions. Interested parties who would like to attend the briefing session may register by sending email to spaps@cstb.gov.hk.

     The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (November 15) hosted the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit, bringing together more than 500 major infrastructure project leaders and experts in infrastructure from over 20 countries and economies around the globe, including senior government officials from Mainland and overseas countries, and representatives of renowned international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and International Institute for Management Development, to delve into the strategies and policies of infrastructure delivery plans, and addressed the challenges and opportunities in implementing mega infrastructure projects under the theme of Strategic Leadership in Managing Complexity and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Delivery. 
      
     Addressing the Summit, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region Government is committed to investing in infrastructure and advancing land development projects to promote social and economic development. Despite many challenges, Hong Kong's infrastructure development has remained robust with world-class infrastructure recognised internationally. The Government has taken proactive stances to spearhead the transformation of the construction industry over the past few years, promoting advanced construction methods and materials, integrated digital technologies, as well as adopting new project delivery model. Through exchanges that transcend geographical and sectoral boundaries at the Summit, the Government hopes to pool wisdom on the delivery of projects with enhanced efficiency and quality. She also mentioned that under the unique advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong would continue to capitalise on the privilege of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and consolidate its position as an international infrastructure centre, uniting the world's best talent, knowledge and investment to address upcoming challenges and promote quality infrastructure development.
      
     Speaking at the Summit, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Liangsheng, said that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the need to establish a system for the planning and standardisation of new infrastructure facilities, optimise the mechanism for the integration and utilisation of new infrastructure facilities, promote the digital transformation of conventional infrastructure, expand the diversity of investment and financing channels, and enhance the co-ordination mechanism for major infrastructure development. The Summit will inject impetus generated in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into the national development of new quality productive forces. It will further promote international infrastructural co-operation and bring far-reaching significance.
      
     In his keynote presentation, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the Government is taking forward the Northern Metropolis, the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project as well as a number of major transport infrastructure projects. He stressed the Government's commitment to be an "enabler" fostering innovation and industrialisation to drive industry enhancement, and added that Hong Kong's diverse talent pool is also one of its most significant advantages, allowing the city to play a leading role in the construction industry. 
      
     The presentation and plenary sessions of the Summit gathered prominent infrastructure leaders and experts from various sectors worldwide, including government, academia, construction and finance, to share the latest initiatives and challenges facing infrastructure development. The first plenary session "The Next Growth Curve" highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in driving the city development and the next wave of global economic growth. The second session "Powerful Partnerships" explored effective financing and procurement strategies essential for advancing infrastructure projects within a culture of collaboration. The last session "Building Tomorrow" focused on how innovation and digital technologies are reshaping infrastructure development, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability.
      
     At the Summit, the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) which was established by the DEVB in August this year to drive innovative applications in the construction industry, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Mainland and overseas organisations, namely Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research and the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, as well as three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These MoU would expand the collaboration network of the BTRi for the promotion of innovative application in the construction industry. The major development directions of the BTRi are to promote applied research and development (R&D), review and uplift standards ,as well as to provide accreditation, certification and testing. 

          

The following is issued on behalf of the Building Technology Research Institute:
 
     The Chairperson of the Board of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), Mr Hon Chi-keung, today (November 15) attended the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce the three major development directions of the BTRi, namely driving applied research and development, reviewing and uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing. He also shared the initial work plans of the BTRi.
      
     The BTRi was established in August this year as a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated to spearhead the construction industry in strengthening innovative applications to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance in response to Hong Kong's future infrastructure development.
 
Driving applied research and development
 
     The BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and works departments to implement and establish innovative construction materials, technologies and machineries through pilot projects in public works projects. The BTRi is collaborating with works departments such as the Architectural Services Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department to promote the application of high-strength steel and ultra-high performance concrete by piloting in public works projects. The BTRi will assist the project team in solving technical issues, collect data and monitor the performance, so as to facilitate the approval of relevant departments, and formulate relevant standards and guidelines for wider adoption by the industry. These construction materials are two to three times stronger than traditional materials, which can reduce the amount of material, structural weight and even the scale of the foundation, and also facilitate the prefabrication of related structural components in the factory, so as to achieve the effect of speed, quantity, efficiency and quality.
 
Uplifting standards
 
     The BTRi will collaborate with local universities to make reference to overseas building standards and Guobiao (GB). It is expected to effectively improve the efficiency of the project and reduce the construction cost by reviewing and optimising the building standards that have been used in Hong Kong for many years, starting from the design loading requirements of buildings and the design values of the bearing capacity of the foundation, etc. The BTRi will also facilitate the local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas by comparing and complementing the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions. In addition, the BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and closely liaise with counterparts in the Guangdong Province to take forward the formulation of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Construction Standards.
 
Providing accreditation, certification and testing
 
     The BTRi today launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to ensure that accredited MiC manufacturers adhere to strict standards in management, production, transportation and other processes, and strengthen quality control. The details and application method of the Scheme is available on the BTRi's website (btri.hk). The Scheme will play a key role in further promoting the local application of MiC and the development of MiC technology, which will help consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international leader in MiC. The BTRi will also review the existing testing needs for various construction materials and products in Hong Kong, and strengthen the relevant building testing capabilities of the construction industry.
 
Collaboration and development
 
     Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Mr Hon signed Memoranda of Understanding today with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to collaborate and promote innovative applications to address the pressing challenges of the construction industry.
      
     In terms of future development, the BTRi will develop its business in areas such as driving applied research and development, uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing, etc., and will gradually build a professional team to promote innovation in the construction industry. On the other hand, the BTRi will strengthen co-operation with relevant local and overseas institutions to enhance the applied research capabilities of the BTRi and establish its leading position in the GBA and even internationally. 

  

     The Environmental Committee (EC) for the San Tin Technopole set up by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) held its first meeting today (November 15) to give advice and views on the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for the project.
      
     The Director of Environmental Protection approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for San Tin Technopole on May 17. The conditions attached to the approval of the EIA report by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) include the establishment of the EC with a wide representation of stakeholders, members of which comprise relevant government departments, green groups and academics, to provide advice on the preparation of the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures, and monitor the effectiveness of those the measures.

     The EC was established on September 27. At today's meeting, members discussed the various proposed ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for San Tin Technopole, including wetland enhancement measures at Mai Po, Habitat Creation and Management Plan, as well as the design of Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park.

     The membership of the EC is as follows:

Chairperson
——————–
Project Manager (North), CEDD

Non-official members
——————–
Dr Gary W J Ades
Dr Bosco Chan
Ms Kami Hui Shuk-kwan
Professor Qiu Jianwen
Mr Matthew Sin Kar-wah
Professor Nora Tam Fung-yee
Professor Wong Sze-chun
Mr Yu Yat-tung

Official members
——————–
Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Representative of CEDD
Representative of EPD

  

     â€‹Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024 today (November 15):

Ambassador Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to China, Mr Massimo Ambrosetti), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr De Rosa (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Davide De Rosa), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Buona sera. Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join your gala dinner again this evening.

     The exquisite Italian cuisine and wine are truly tempting, so I promise to keep my remarks brief. 

     Tonight, we gather to celebrate the long-standing and rewarding ties between our two economies. We are close partners on many fronts, and our collaboration continues to flourish.

     Last year, Italy was Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner among EU (European Union) member states. Our city is home to some 170 Italian companies, spanning banking, communications, logistics, design, and a wide range of other businesses.

     The "Made in Italy" label is synonymous with superior design and exceptional taste. From luxury fashion to automobiles, and from Chianti wine to gelato and chocolate, Hong Kong people just love Italian products. Italian brands and designs are literally everywhere in this city – if you also count the bags carried by the ladies – and gentlemen, too. 

     Speaking of design, I'm pleased to note that Italy will be the partner country for our Business of Design Week 2025. I am sure we have much to work together in the creative and cultural industries. 

     Looking ahead, our relations are bound to grow even stronger. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of the passing of Macro Polo and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, the recent state visit by President Mattarella to our country was highly successful, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening cultural, commercial and diplomatic ties.

     As a "super connector" between the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will continue to create ample opportunities for Italian businesses and industries. Beyond our role as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, we see tremendous potential for mutually rewarding collaboration in innovation and technology. 

     Hong Kong, together with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is rapidly emerging as an international innovation and technology centre. We focus on four strategic areas: AI and data analytics, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. We welcome Italian enterprises in these sectors to work with us to reap the tremendous benefits ahead.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief Executive's recent Policy Address announced further measures to underline our commitment in this pursuit, including increasing investments in emerging industries, advancing strategic infrastructure such as the Northern Metropolis, and strengthening our collaboration with neighbouring cities in the GBA.

     Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian technology and manufacturing businesses – be they machinery, pharmaceutical, fintech or green industries – seeking to explore the vast opportunities in this part of the world.

     In short, the friendship and partnership that we are building will be highly rewarding long down the road.

     Last but not least, may I wish you continued success in your business endeavours in Hong Kong and beyond in the years to come.

     Grazie!