Speech by SCST at 17th Asian Film Awards (English only)

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the 17th Asian Film Awards today (March 10):
 
Dr Wong (Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening! I am most delighted to join you all at the 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA).
      
     Originating from Hong Kong in 2007, the AFA has gone through a journey of 17 years, developing into a prestigious international film event. Today, I'm glad to welcome internationally renowned filmmakers and artists from across Asia, and the coming back of some old friends. I'm also excited to witness 35 films from 24 countries and regions competing for 16 awards. Such fierce competition and enormous diversity is definitely a showcase of the success of AFA.
      
     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been actively promoting arts and culture, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's position as the East‑meets‑West centre for international cultural exchange. Particularly for film industries, the Government will be injecting about HK$1.4 billion into the Film Development Fund, which shows our determination to provide long-term support for our film industries. We also introduced last year the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme to support film projects co-produced by filmmakers in Hong Kong and Asian countries, with a view to drawing inspiration from broader regional and cultural horizons and fostering Hong Kong films to go global. The response to this Scheme has been overwhelming and we look forward to the co-production of films under the Scheme which are rich in Hong Kong and Asian culture, enhancing in-depth exchange and mutual learning.
      
     Speaking in front of around 1 000 guests from across Asia tonight, I'm astonished again by Hong Kong's charm as Asia's Events Capital. At the beginning of 2024, a wide range of measures were announced to promote mega event economy. The successful holding of AFA is definitely a best sign of Hong Kong's readiness and competitiveness to stage international events. Hopefully, your brief visit to Hong Kong does not only mark a success of your film career, but becomes an unforgettable memory of the Pearl of the Orient.
      
     Tonight, I am happy to see that there are four Hong Kong films being nominated for awards, and I wish your commitment pays off. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you, who have been joining hands with us to bring all those sophisticated projects to life, promoting arts and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the world. I wish AFA a resounding success, and all guests a rewarding and enjoyable night in Hong Kong. Thank you.