Tag Archives: China

     Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, in the Legislative Council today (December 18):        Questio… read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Edward Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (December 18):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that quite a number of Legislative Council Members of Hong Kong and Legislative Assembly Members of Macao have recently received pornographic pictures suspected of being falsified using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Their faces appear in such pictures, which fraudsters use for blackmailing. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the respective numbers, loss amounts involved and detection rates of reported blackmail cases received since the beginning of this year involving the use of AI technologies to falsify voices, photographs or videos; whether there have been changes in such figures as compared with those of the same period last year;
 
(2) as it has been learnt that in light of the recent development and the characteristics of deepfake technology, fraudsters tend to impersonate senior business executives or well-known political figures in order to enhance credibility, what are the authorities’ countermeasures in place, e.g. whether the authorities will, by drawing on overseas experience to establish personality rights for well-known social figures, restrict any unauthorised use of AI technologies to falsify voices, photographs or videos without the consent of the persons concerned; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) as it has been learnt that some videos produced with deepfake technology will be spread through social media, and advertisements are placed on search engines to boost their popular appeal and search rankings, whether the authorities have explored requiring social media administrators to impose restrictions in this regard, including the requirement to indicate in the videos that they have been produced with AI technologies; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(4) given that the Legislative Council General Election will be held next year, whether the authorities have assessed the possibility of foreign forces using AI technologies to interfere in the electoral process and results, particularly by releasing false information to smear candidates; if assessment has been made and the outcome is in the affirmative, what preparations the authorities have made in this regard, e.g. whether they will set up a dedicated team for official investigation and clarification to respond to the incidents as soon as possible, thus preventing the spread of misinformation from affecting the election process; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Having consolidated the information provided by the Security Bureau (SB), the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB), my reply to the four-part question is as follows:
 
(1) According to information provided by the SB, from January to November 2024, the Police received a total of three fraud cases involving artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes, which involved the use of deepfake technology to impersonate company employees to instruct commercial organisations to transfer funds to the accounts of fraudsters, and the use of deepfake technology to conduct online dating to lure victims to invest in cryptocurrencies. The most recent case, occurred in October 2024, was detected by the Police based on intelligence. A criminal syndicate manipulated by a triad society, which used deepfake technology to engage in online dating to lure victims in Hong Kong, the Mainland and other parts of Asia to invest in cryptocurrencies was dismantled. The case involved a total of more than $360 million with 27 persons arrested, including masterminds and key members of the syndicate.

     Regarding the number of deepfake videos found or reported on the Internet, the Police have started to compile statistics since November 1, 2023. Up to November 30, 2024, the Police have found and received reports on 21 fake videos impersonating government officials or celebrities on the Internet. At the requests of the Police, the 21 clips have been taken down by the relevant online or social media platforms to prevent members of the public from being deceived. So far, the Police have not received any report from members of the public being defrauded as a direct result of the fake videos.
 
     The Police do not keep statistics on the number of blackmail cases involving pornographic photos. However, the Police have noted that since early November 2024, some people have been crudely altering pornographic images for email extortion, involving more than a hundred victims but without any monetary loss. The cases have been referred to the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Police for follow-up investigation and no arrests have been made so far.
 
     Should crime-related information be found on a social media platform, the Police will take the initiative to contact the platform concerned such that timely action can be taken to prevent social media platforms from being exploited as media and tools for committing crimes.
 
(2) According to information provided by the CEDB, regarding unauthorised use of a person’s indicia of identity by means of deepfake technology, whether it is actionable under different areas of law depends on the actual circumstances and evidence of individual cases and cannot be generalised. When the deepfake content involves unauthorised use of a copyright work, trademark and/or making of a misrepresentation causing damage to one’s goodwill, legal actions may be brought on the basis of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and/or common law tort of passing off, depending on the circumstances and evidence of each individual case. For example, a legal action may be brought by a well-known person on the basis of common law tort of passing off in a case where a trader uses the well-known person’s voice, image or likeness by means of deepfake technology without consent in the course of marketing and promoting the trader’s product or service in such manner and to such extent that constitutes a misrepresentation that the trader’s product or service is endorsed or licensed by the well-known person, and such misrepresentation causes or is likely to cause damage to the person’s goodwill.

     To enhance public awareness of fraud prevention, and of the production of fake videos using the deepfake technology, the CMAB advised that the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has launched a series of anti-fraud publicity activities and videos, which remind the public of the importance of protecting personal data privacy.
 
(3) Currently, there is no legislation in Hong Kong that restricts or regulates social media platforms or their users from using particular technologies (such as AI technology) to create the information content they publish. However, the relevant content must comply with the existing laws and regulations in Hong Kong, including but not limited to the aforementioned. The Government also encourages social media platforms to actively discharge their corporate social responsibility by establishing their own community and platform codes of conduct, terms of service and privacy policies, as well as measures to tackle inappropriate content, in order to regulate the information content posted by users on the relevant platforms (including accuracy, authenticity, intellectual property, and safety) and mitigate privacy and ethical risks.

(4) As regards election, the Government will endeavor to ensure that public elections are conducted smoothly in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner. The Registration and Electoral Office has all along maintained close liaison with the Police and other law enforcement agencies on electoral arrangements, and has put in place an established mechanism for collecting and analysing intelligence and performing risk assessments, and to take appropriate measures to mitigate risks and hazards as necessary, as well as to draw up various contingency plans to cope with any unforeseen circumstances.

     In addition, the CMAB, in conjunction with the Information Services Department and other relevant departments, will set up a rapid response team around the election day for elections in the coming year, to closely monitor and pay attention to various types of information during the election period, and to swiftly and effectively refute or clarify all kinds of false or inaccurate information or comments, so as to ensure that the election will not be affected. read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Duncan Chiu and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (December 18):
 
Question:
 
     There are views pointing out that the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative is an important national development strategy, and Hong Kong, as a key link and the prime platform for the B&R Initiative, can play the role of a “super value-‍adder” under “one country, two systems”, as well as leverage its edge in innovation and technology (I&T) development to assist B&R countries and regions in enhancing their development and advancement, and facilitate the in-depth integration of various economies in such countries and regions, so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of I&T enterprises in Hong Kong which have successfully developed B&R markets so far with assistance provided by the Government, and the proportion of start-ups among such enterprises; the B&R countries and regions to which such enterprises have exported I&T products and solutions developed in Hong Kong, as well as the major technology areas, products and solutions involved; the relevant successful examples;
 
(2) whether the Government has, by drawing reference from the successful experience mentioned in (1), further explored ways to broaden and deepen measures to assist more I&T enterprises in Hong Kong in the development of B&R markets, thereby creating opportunities for the use of Hong Kong’s products of scientific researches by more overseas countries; if so, of the results, and how it will take forward the relevant work in the future;
 
(3) whether the Government has grasped and gained an understanding of I&T enterprises in Hong Kong which intend to develop B&R markets, including the number and technology areas of the enterprises involved, as well as the countries and regions where such enterprises intend to explore markets; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will conduct a comprehensive survey and follow up subsequently;
 
(4) whether it will take the initiative to look into the demand for technological products in B&R countries and regions, and co-ordinate such demand for direct matching with I&T enterprises in Hong Kong; if so, of the specific details and implementation timetable; and
 
(5) whether it has explored ways to systematically and strategically assist I&T enterprises, especially start-ups, in Hong Kong in exporting their newly developed I&T products and solutions to B&R countries and regions; if so, of the details, including the findings of the study and the earliest time for launching the relevant strategies and measures; whether it will consider setting up a dedicated B&R fund to provide I&T enterprises in Hong Kong with their most needed financial assistance in developing B&R markets?
 
Reply:
 
President:
 
     The Government is committed to consolidating Hong Kong’s role as the functional platform for the Belt and Road (B&R) and giving full play to our role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, thereby making our contribution to the eight major steps taken by our country to support the joint pursuit of high-quality B&R co-operation (including the fifth major step: advancing scientific and technological innovation). The Chief Executive (CE) has established and led the Steering Group on Integration into National Development since December 2022 to provide steer to bureaux and departments to actively dovetail with the national strategies including the B&R Initiative. In addition, the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development Blueprint promulgated in end-2022 also included “to proactively integrate into the overall development of the country and consolidate our role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world” as one of the four broad development directions.
 
     In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Duncan Chiu is as follows:
 
     The B&R Summit, hosted annually by the Government, has been recognised by our country as a case of significance for the implementation of the B&R Initiative in building a global community of shared future. The ninth Summit was held on September 11 and 12, 2024, with the theme of “Building a connected, innovative and green Belt and Road”. The Summit attracted around 6 000 government officials, business leaders and representatives of enterprises from over 70 B&R-related countries and regions, as well as more than 100 delegations and 38 state-owned enterprises from the Mainland.

     Under the themes of “advancing scientific and technological innovation” and “promoting green development” of the eight major steps our country has taken to support the joint pursuit of high-quality B&R co-operation, the Belt and Road Office (BRO) under the CEDB and the Ministry of Commerce co-led a Hong Kong cum Mainland business delegation (including representatives from Hong Kong’s I&T sector and start-ups) to visit Hungary and Kazakhstan in May 2024, and returned via Xinjiang, encouraging Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises as well as Hong Kong’s professional services in jointly exploring the B&R markets and bringing back fruitful outcomes. The CE led a delegation to visit Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam from July 28 to August 2, 2024, during which a total of 55 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements were signed in areas including trade and economic partnerships, investment, customs collaboration, education, logistics co-operation, tourism promotions, technological co-operation, aviation services, as well as financial, banking and capital market development. In addition, the Financial Secretary led a delegation from the financial and I&T sectors to Saudi Arabia between October 29 and 31, 2024 to strengthen and deepen the connections between Hong Kong and the Middle East in areas such as trade, finance, and I&T to promote Hong Kong on multiple fronts as well as to tell good stories of Hong Kong, and to explore greater business opportunities.
 
     The CEDB will continue to organise outbound missions, project matching events, exchange and interface on B&R capacity building, and exchange sessions and seminars, etc, to capitalise on our role as a B&R functional platform and showcase the strengths of our professional services, thereby helping Hong Kong enterprises and professional services explore business opportunities. BRO plans to organise a B&R cross-professional forum in 2025, inviting enterprises of B&R countries and the Mainland in Hong Kong to engage in high-level exchanges with Hong Kong professionals (including I&T professionals). The forum will focus on exploring opportunities in new fields of co-operation of innovation, digitalisation and green development, etc., with a view to promoting Hong Kong’s professional services. BRO will also maintain exchanges with various professional bodies, with the I&T sector and start-ups covered, to explore business opportunities in B&R markets.
 
     Moreover, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and Cyberport as the I&T flagship organisations in Hong Kong, have committed to supporting I&T enterprises to explore different markets, including those in the B&R regions, and have maintained liaison with their I&T park companies and provided appropriate support to those intending to develop the B&R market. Besides, the two I&T flagships have been actively expanding their network of collaborative partners in the B&R regions, for example through leading start-ups to participate in overseas exhibitions and other activities, with a view to assisting I&T enterprises in seeking collaboration and business opportunities. For example, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry witnessed the signing of MOUs between HKSTPC and Cyberport and a research institute in Saudi Arabia in March this year during his duty visit to Saudi Arabia. The MOUs jointly explore ways to facilitate landing of enterprises and further collaboration opportunities. The two parks also collaborate with the business sector and other partners to provide comprehensive support services for I&T enterprises, including business consultation, investment matching, manufacturing and launching of products. Cyberport also operates the “Overseas/ Mainland Market Development Support Programme” to facilitate start-ups in market expansion and attracting overseas and Mainland investors. Cyberport has approved over 340 marketing applications, of which more than 220 are related to countries and regions along the B&R, involving start-ups in technology fields such as indoor hydroponic farming machines, artificial intelligence communication cloud platforms, cross-boundary e-payment platforms, etc. In addition, HKSTPC assists I&T enterprises in developing the B&R market. Among them, a start-up has created artificial habitats and restored degraded marine ecosystems by combining professional knowledge in marine biology with state-of-the-art 3D-printing and material science, and successfully tapped the Middle East market. The two I&T flagships will continue to liaise with their I&T park enterprises and the I&T sector, as well as actively participate in regional or international conferences and exhibitions, promote commercialisation of research and development outcomes and assist in the export of such products to both the Mainland and overseas market, with a view to aiding I&T enterprises in the expansion of business and investment opportunities.
 
     Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has also launched a series of initiatives to help enterprises explore markets in the B&R region. These include facilitating Hong Kong industry associations to connect with their counterparts in the region; holding activities such as exhibitions, promotional platforms and exchange sessions in the B&R countries and regions to showcase Hong Kong’s advanced technologies and products and organising seminars and study missions for Hong Kong industry players to deepen understanding of the local markets and learn from successful experiences. For example, two New Productive Forces Meetup events were held in October and December 2024 respectively, bringing together consulate generals from B&R countries, Southeast Asian chambers of commerce and Hong Kong enterprises to foster exchanges, thereby enhancing understanding of local market demands and promoting collaboration.
 
     In addition, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Belt and Road Portal provides information on expanding business opportunities to investors, project owners and related enterprises interested in B&R markets or projects, as well as lists out B&R-related success cases, including those from I&T enterprises, with a view to facilitating business matching and project participation among enterprises and professional services.
 
     As regards financial support, the Government has been supporting local enterprises in developing overseas markets, including B&R countries and regions, through various funding schemes and support measures. Local I&T enterprises could also benefit from such support. Among others, the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) provides funding support on a matching basis to encourage non-listed Hong Kong enterprises (including I&T enterprises and start-ups) to develop brands, upgrade their business operations and expand new markets. To date, the funding scope of the BUD Fund covers the Mainland and 39 economies with which Hong Kong has signed Free Trade Agreements and/or Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, including 21 B&R countries (Note). The SME Export Marketing Fund also provides funding support for small and medium enterprises to participate in export promotion activities and develop non-local markets (including B&R countries).
 
Note: Including New Zealand, Chile, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Georgia, Korea, Kuwait, Austria, Luxemburg, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Peru. read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (December 18):
 
Question:
 
     There are views that as the staging of mega events in Hong Kong faces challenges in terms of inadequate local publicity and insufficient public awareness, the Government needs to optimise the use of existing infrastructure facilities for promotional purposes, so as to create a city-wide vibe. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it has studied ways to make good use of local publicity experience of the Information Services Department in its “work with organisers of high-profile local sporting, cultural and entertainment events to raise Hong Kong’s profile globally”, so as to step up promotion of mega events in Hong Kong through online and offline channels of the Government; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether it has plans to, by drawing reference from the current practice of letting out advertising spaces available in government premises for commercial advertising purposes, open up more government premises with advertising spaces, such as the curtain walls of venues under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, for launching publicity of mega events in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) whether it will, by drawing on the experience of departments such as the Registration and Electoral Office and the Hong Kong Police Force in renting advertising spaces along major trunk roads and of public transport systems (for example, the MTR and Hong Kong International Airport) for promotional purposes, look into specific measures to encourage operators to let out idle advertising spaces at a concession rate for launching publicity of mega events in Hong Kong, such as the offer of tax deductions; and
 
(4) as it has been reported that M+ and Art Basel have co-commissioned works for the M+ Facade to celebrate mega events of the Hong Kong Arts Month, whether the authorities will consider discussing the extension of such practice to other mega events in Hong Kong with the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) Authority, so as to jointly promote good vibes for mega events and encourage both artists as well as members of the public to explore the relationship between visual arts and city space, while creating an additional income source for the WKCD; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government has stepped up promoting the development of mega events since early this year. On top of proactively reaching out and attracting more world-class mega events to be staged in Hong Kong, strengthening the publicity of mega events is also one of the key priorities. The Mega Events Coordination Group (the Group) led by the Deputy Financial Secretary provides steer on the promotion of mega events, including the launching or consolidation of publicity campaigns. The Group will also offer advice for different policy bureaux and departments on strengthening publicity for mega events, with a view to enhancing the atmosphere of mega events and encouraging citywide participation. In consultation with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Information Services Department (ISD) and the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Sunny Tan is as follows:
 
(1), (2) and (3) The ISD has been stepping up publicity and promotion of mega events through both online and offline means. A dedicated webpage has been set up on Brand Hong Kong (BrandHK)’s website by the ISD, featuring the mega events calendars, event highlights and press releases to provide relevant information of mega events to the public. The ISD issues posts on a regular basis across various social media platforms and produces a series of videos on mega events for further promotion across the city. Moreover, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs) from the Mainland are invited to attend mega events for publicity on platforms such as Xiaohongshu, WeChat and Weibo. BrandHK also co-brands with individual mega event organisers to further promote Hong Kong as Asia’s Events Capital through outdoor advertising, banner displays and print advertisements, etc.
 
     The RTHK has launched a new multimedia magazine-style programme, “Mega Events Mega Hong Kong”, to promote the latest updates and information about major events in Hong Kong through TV, radio, and online platforms every day. It helps the public stay informed about upcoming events, such as October’s Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, and Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024; November’s Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, Link Hong Kong Open, and Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival; and December’s Business of Design Week, Business of IP Asia Forum, Legends Assemble: Real Madrid Legends vs Barcelona Heroes, and Hong Kong WinterFest. Apart from the TV programme airing daily on RTHK TV 31 and TV 32, promotional messages are broadcast daily in different programmes on Channels 1, 2, 3, 5, and the Putonghua Channel on the radio. Hosts also introduce event details to create excitement across the city, and bring joy and lively vibes of mega events to the public.
      
     The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been publicising major international mega events held in Hong Kong through various channels. The HKTB has leveraged the global network to carry out publicity in the Mainland and overseas. The HKTB widely shares information about mega events on social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and the Mainland social media accounts, such as Xiaohongshu, Douyin and other official channels. The HKTB also invites the trade and KOLs to experience Hong Kong’s mega events in person to help establish the reputation and further enhance publicity through their networks. For example, riding on Art Basel Hong Kong and other mega arts events held in March this year, the HKTB stepped up global publicity through its year-round promotional platform, “Arts in Hong Kong”, boosting the city’s arts atmosphere and fervour.
      
     As for Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 held in March this year, the HKTB supported the organiser to introduce new elements and make the event a star-studded mega party with entertainment, food and beverage, and sports game all rolled into one. The HKTB and Hong Kong China Rugby jointly invited Oliver Phelps and James Phelps, who played the twins in the “Harry Potter” films, to enjoy the rugby game in Hong Kong and promote the city. Representatives of seven top-tier sports media firms from Korea were also invited to watch the game, experience outdoor events like horse racing in Hong Kong, and immerse in Hong Kong’s charm as the Events Capital.
      
     In addition, the HKTB has set up the Mega Event Development and Advancement Division (MEDA) since March 1 this year to serve as the first point of contact for mega events. The MEDA also works closely with stakeholders such as the event organisers to render all-round support, including assisting in publicity, to ensure smooth organisation of mega events in Hong Kong smoothly.
      
     The Government has been utilising suitable locations in government premises for promoting mega events held in Hong Kong. In response to requests from departments hosting the events, the Government Property Agency has been making use of suitable government properties under its management (including joint-user government offices and boundary control points) for displaying large-scale advertisements at rooftop advertising spaces, external walls and/or prominent locations to publicise the relevant events as appropriate. Recent examples include the 15th National Games, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, and Hong Kong WinterFest. The Government has provided advertising areas on suitable footbridges or pedestrian subways (such as the advertising areas at the Tsim Sha Tsui Interchange Subways and the Middle Road Subway) for use by government departments to promote and publicise their events. Government departments and organisations are also welcome to apply to the Highways Department (HyD) for hanging flags, buntings or decorative lights on the HyD’s lampposts for event promotion.
      
     Venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department also provide banner areas on external walls for promoting mega events organised in Hong Kong. For example, Chinese Culture Festival 2024 and Pokemon GO City Safari were advertised at Hong Kong Cultural Centre, which is a major preforming venue, in Tsim Sha Tsui; A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • Sculpted by Ren Zhe and Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo were publicised at Hong Kong City Hall in Central; Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024 and 2024 Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open were promoted at Hong Kong Squash Centre which is a sports venue; and 2024 Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge and the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival were promoted at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai.
      
     Apart from the Government’s publicity of different mega events, organisers of mega events have their responsibility to promote their events in locations and with means appropriate to the nature and target audience of the events. In fact, organisers of mega events are welcome to approach public transport operators to discuss advertising or other forms of commercial co-operation. The Airport Authority Hong Kong provides discounts for organisers of mega events on renting advertising spaces at Hong Kong International Airport to promote the mega events. The advertising panels installed at government tunnels and control areas are also available for rent for the purpose of mega events publicity. Examples of advertisements displayed include the Chinese New Year Cup, the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.
      
     We strongly encourage event organisers to allocate resources for promoting their events, such as through advertising and promotional campaigns. According to the prevailing tax arrangements, expenses on advertisement and promotional activities for promoting mega events are treated as marketing expenses and deductions can be claimed.
 
(4) Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, M+ is dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting visual art, design and architecture, moving image and Hong Kong visual culture of the twentieth and twenty first centuries. The M+ Facade is an important outdoor display space of the museum. Its functions align with the museum’s galleries and showcase content related to arts and culture. All content displayed must be works commissioned by M+, moving image works from the museum’s collections, the museum’s artwork highlight videos, museum messages and brand videos. Since its launch, the M+ Facade has become a significant platform for presenting contemporary visual culture, offering the public and visitors innovative and engaging content that inspires intellectual reflection and moments of meditative contemplation. Since 2022, M+ has collaborated with Art Basel for four consecutive years and commissioned artists to present internationally representative visual culture programmes on the M+ Facade. read more

     Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 5 are jointly organising the online reading activity titled “Journey with Words” from December 2024 to June 2025. With the theme “journey”, the activity aims to encourage members of the public to explore new perspectives and gain insights through the power of words, and utilise the e-book collections of the HKPL and various media to travel around different places.

     The HKPL has a number of rich electronic collections, allowing readers to enjoy books anytime and anywhere. To encourage more members of the public to enjoy the convenience of e-reading, the HKPL has selected pieces of engaging articles from 100 books in the SUEP Chinese e-book collection and invited programme hosts of RTHK and HKPL Story Ambassadors to narrate the articles. The articles cover eight topics, namely culture, history, intangible cultural heritage, food and dinning, cities, children, world and art.

     The first 20 articles and recordings are now available under “Explore the Ocean of Books” on RTHK’s Journey with Words website. The remaining articles will be uploaded in phases until June 2025. Besides reading and listening to the articles, members of the public can also access the SUEP e-Book collection to borrow the e-books after logging on to their HKPL accounts. Participants will receive a souvenir after completing the reading tasks and registration as set out on the Journey with Words website on or before June 30, 2025, while stocks last. 

     In addition, members of the public can participate in the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition through the Journey with Words website from now until January 6, 2025. Participants can select one of the 10 designated quotes on the website, take a photo in the theme of the selected quote, and submit the entry from the website after completing the online application form. Winners will receive a certificate and book coupons. The competition is suitable for persons of all ages, particularly children who can express their creativity and imagination under the guidance of their parents.

     There are also Cultural and Creative Workshops held as parts of the “Journey with Words”, where participants will visit studios of cultural and arts workers to listen to their sharings and exchange reading experiences. Workshops covering various topics will be held between January and May in 2025, which include fun calligraphy, fluid art bookmarks and landscape fan paintings. Details and the enrolment method will be announced on the Journey with Words website.

     To encourage the public to integrate reading into their lives, another activity titled “City Hunt” will be launched as part of the “Journey with Words” in 2025. Participants will receive a souvenir after finding designated check-in spots that are related to the reading activities in various districts and tagging relevant photos on their social media accounts within a specified period. Please stay tuned to the Journey with Words website for the announcement of details.

     For more information about the “Journey with Words” activities, please visit the HKPL web page: www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/extension-activities/event-category/267805/journey-with-words. read more