Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of CENTRESTAGE ELITES 2023 (English only)

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of CENTRESTAGE ELITES 2023 today (September 6):
 
Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Dr Peter Lam), Katherine (Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, Ms Katherine Fang), Margaret (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong), Sunny (Legislative Council Member Mr Sunny Tan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the opening of the eighth CENTRESTAGE with you all here tonight.
      
     I am thrilled to know CENTRESTAGE has come to its eighth edition and has been expanded to a four-day event with the theme of "Radiant Wellness", putting fashion and well-being together and showcasing green design and healthy lifestyle.
      
     In just a few minutes, the CENTRESTAGE ELITES opening show is casting the spotlight on the latest collections of REDEMPTIVE from Hong Kong and FETICO from Japan, followed by the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show featuring four other renowned Hong Kong fashion brands in collaboration with the Hong Kong Ballet. 
      
     I invite you all to appreciate this show in particular, because it very much aligns with the Government's commitment to encouraging more cross-sectoral collaboration among arts, cultural and creative industries.
      
     Create Hong Kong also collaborates with its industry partners to present CENTRESTAGE's other highlighted events. The Fashion Fusing fashion show by the Fashion Farm Foundation showcases fashion talent in the Greater Bay Area, whereas the Grand Final Fashion Show and Alumni Exhibition Booth of the Redress Design Award features the outstanding works of our local emerging designers.  
      
     The current-term Government is determined to foster the development of Hong Kong's arts, cultural and creative industries. Injecting $500 million into the CreateSmart Initiative this year, we look forward to joining hands with the local fashion community in promoting growth in the industry by exploring opportunities by way of signature events like CENTRESTAGE, which is also pivotal to our efforts in reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
      
     Last but not least, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for hosting this spectacular CENTRESTAGE and its concurrent events which jazz up our city.
      
     I wish the exhibitors and buyers a wonderful experience at the fashion fair. Thank you very much.