The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a programme entitled "Hairpin, Butterfly and Tong Tik-sang Revisited" to screen "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" (1959) and "Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom" (1959) (Restored Version), both adapted by master playwright of Cantonese opera Tong Tik-sang from his own works, on July 1 and 7 respectively at the HKFA Cinema. Through the programme, audiences will be able to revisit the pieces of Chinese cultural treasure created by Tong. This screening programme is one of the programmes of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF).
 
      Tong penned a series of four Cantonese operas, "The Legend of Purple Hairpin", "Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom", "The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom", and "Princess Chang Ping", known as the "Dynastic Tetralogy", for the Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe in the 1950s. They provided materials for the general public to reinforce their sense of identification with traditional Chinese culture while criticising the ills of autocratic monarchy. Both films, "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" and "Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom", tell a story of free love in which a couple, despite obstacles and tribulations, eventually triumph in their devotion to each other. They are not only two of Tong's most timeless and touching love stories, but also enduring classics under the directorship of Lee Tit.

     The popular Cantonese opera "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" was adapted from the play of the same name created by Tang Xianzu of the Ming dynasty, with references to the novel "The Tale of Huo Xiaoyu" by Jiang Fang of the Tang dynasty. Huo, a courtesan played by Pak Suet-sin, falls in love with scholar Li Yi played by Yam Kim-fai on the night of the Lantern Festival but they are threatened by a powerful official, Marshal Lu, because of their sprouting romance. With the help of a royalty, the Fourth Lord played by Leung Sing-por, the lovers eventually find a happy life together. With the deft and smooth mise-en-scene of Lee, the film retains the essence of Cantonese opera that articulates the romance and sorrow between lovers, alongside the satisfying mockery of the rich and powerful, all under the precision of Tong as a playwright and librettist.
 
　　"Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom", adapted from the classical drama "The Tale of Read Pear Flower" from the Ming dynasty, is also with Yam and Pak portraying the protagonists, who share mutual admiration for each other but they are always kept apart by twists of fate and the interference by a corrupt official played by Lan Chi Pak. By bringing together Tong's subtle and elegant libretto and a touching storyline based on a classical story, the stellar performance of the Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe and Lee's directing that is in harmony with the rhythm of the original Cantonese opera, this film is a masterpiece blending the art forms of Cantonese opera and cinema.
 
　　Both films are in Cantonese. "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" is with Chinese subtitles for lyrics while "Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom" is with Chinese and English subtitles. The screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Cantonese opera expert Professor Chan Sau-yan. For programme details, please visit the website of the HKFA (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/tts/pe-event-2024-tts.html) or call 2739 2139.
 
　　Tickets priced at $45 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from June 2. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288.
 
     The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD's Chinese Culture Promotion Office, aims to enhance the public's appreciation of Chinese culture and cultivate citizens' national identity and cultural confidence. The inaugural CCF will be held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the Chinese Opera Festival, exemplary local arts projects recognised by the China National Arts Fund, performing arts programmes from arts and cultural organisations, film screenings, exhibitions, talks and more, the festival allows members of the public and visitors to experience the broad and profound Chinese culture with a view to promoting Chinese culture and patriotic education as well as enhancing national identity among the people of Hong Kong, making contributions to the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems". For details, please visit the CCF website www.ccf.gov.hk.
     
     The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

        

     The Government Property Agency (GPA) is inviting tenders for a three-year licence of a fee-paying public car park on portions of the Ground Floor Level, Lower Ground 1 Level, Lower Ground 2 Level, Lower Ground 3 Level and Lower Ground 4 Level of Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

     The premises should only be used for the purpose of a fee-paying public car park for the parking of private cars and motorcycles.

     The tender notice was uploaded today (May 28) to the GPA Property Portal: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk/en/index.html. Tender documents are available for collection at the Government Property Agency, 9/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, during the period from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The documents can also be downloaded from the GPA Property Portal.

     Interested tenderers who wish to attend a site inspection of the premises should make a prior appointment with the GPA by calling 3842 6775 on or before June 5.

     Tenderers must submit their tenders by placing them in the Government Logistics Department Tender Box situated on the Ground Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, before noon on June 18. Late tenders will not be accepted.

     The Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe and Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe will collaborate again for three captivating Chiuchow opera performances at the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival (CCF), organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), in late June. The performance repertoire includes "Princess of Eastern Wu" featuring Zhang Yihuang, the recipient of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award (Plum Blossom Award); "Poet Li Shangyin", a Plum Blossom Award-winning work performed by Lin Yanyun, and a selection of classic excerpts. These exceptional performances aim to showcase the unique musical style and artistic charm of Chiuchow opera, as well as to foster Chinese opera cultural exchanges and connections between Guangdong and Hong Kong. This programme is one of the highlights of the 12th Chinese Opera Festival.
 
     Chiuchow opera is one of the three main regional operatic genres in Guangdong, and is especially popular in the Chaoshan and southern Fujian regions. The genre's repertory origins lie in South China's operatic plays and "zaju" (local variety show) of the Song and Yuan periods. It is a distinguished artistic genre, and is performed in the Chiuchow dialect that is characterised by vivid, affable dialogue and lyrics, making the performances highly accessible and enjoyable.
 
     The first performance will begin with an excerpt "Mu Guiying's Marriage Proposal", followed by the classic play "Princess of Eastern Wu". The play is based on the love story between Sun Shangxiang and Liu Bei from "Romance of Three Kingdoms", which is filled with dramatic turns, and is still well loved by opera fans. Zhang Yihuang plays the role of Sun that made her the first female Chiuchow artist to win the Plum Blossom Award.
 
     The second performance will start with an excerpt, "Snow at the Plum Pavilion", in which the aria "The duets at the Plum Pavilion" is a well-known classic in the Chaoshan regions. This will be followed by the new adaptation of the Chiuchow opera "Poet Li Shangyin", which is a Plum Blossom-winning work performed by Lin Yanyun, the Director of the Number One Troupe. Adapted from Yue opera "Poet Li Shangyin", Lin performs with a distinct scholarly charm, portraying Li as an intellectual in search of love, conscience, morality and justice. The stage setting is elegant and simple, bringing a new vision to the aesthetics of Chiuchow opera performances.
 
     The last performance will be a selection of five excerpts with fascinating vocals and acting: "A Misunderstanding Caused by a Hairpin" will highlight 30 types of folding fan techniques which are skillfully integrated with the characters and storyline. "Pawning His Wife" will break away from the tradition of conveying emotions with water sleeves, putting the female lead to the test of handling emotions. "The Sagacious Empress" and "Meeting at the Pavilion" will demonstrate the singing skills of Chiuchow opera by the performers to express the feelings and anguish of the characters. In "Wreaking Havoc in Kaifeng", the performer playing the laosheng role will showcase unique artistic techniques including beard maneuvering and flicking of long sleeves and hat wings, unleashing the artistic charm of Chiuchow opera.
 
     Details of the three performances are as follows:

Date and time: June 28 (Friday), 7.30pm
————————————————–
Excerpt "Mu Guiying's Marriage Proposal"
Main cast: Wu Yimin, Lin Waimao
Synopsis: Yang Zongbao is escorting provisions for the army and happens to encounter Mu Guiying hunting. The two young people fall in love and pledge to spend their life together. Guiying throws down a formal challenge for suitors vying for her hand. The two also discuss strategies to break through enemy lines.
 
"Princess of Eastern Wu"
Main cast: Zhang Yihuang, Lin Chufa, Zheng Jianying, Lin Wuyan
Synopsis: Princess Sun Shangxiang is the sister of Sun Quan, a warlord holding the State of Eastern Wu. She has lofty ambitions and aspires to marry a hero who can save the people amidst hard times and put down rebels, which leads her to follow the Han warlord Liu Bei. By then, she is caught in a power struggle between her brother and Liu in a political marriage dilemma. She attempts to dissuade her husband from futile battles but her advice goes unheeded. Feeling that her lifelong hopes and pursuits are dashed, Shangxiang finally throws herself into the river.
 
Date and time: June 29 (Saturday), 7.30pm
—————————————————-
Excerpt "Snow at the Plum Pavilion"
Main cast: Chen Chuyun, Lin Bifang
Synopsis: Su San is a famous courtesan. She and Wang Jinlong, a young man of noble birth, are lovers pledged to marry one day. Later, Wang is appointed Imperial Inspector. Su San suffers an unjust fate and is sent to prison. During the trial at court, Wang cannot bring himself to declare his new identity to Su San and revoke her wrongs. Judge Liu Bingyi discerns the hidden truth and orders the prison guards to take Su San to Meiting Pavilion in the freezing snow to test Wang's reaction.
 
"Poet Li Shangyin"
Main cast: Lin Yanyun, Zhan Chunxiang, Huang Yingwei
Synopsis: In the third year of the Kaicheng reign in the Tang dynasty, Li Shangyin has achieved high honours in the civil examinations. He happens to meet Wang Yunyan, the daughter of Wang Maoyuan, the regional military governor of Jingyuan. It is love at first sight. With the ascension of a new emperor, Linghu Tao is tasked to purge dissidents, and plots to impeach Wang Maoyuan. He also wants Li to draft false accusations. Li, out of gratitude to his mentor, has already abandoned his hope for love, but when asked to do tasks at the expenses of his integrity and conscience, he refuses outright.
 
Date and time: June 30 (Sunday), 2.30pm
—————————————————
Main cast: Zhan Shaojun, Lin Yanyun, Huang Yingwei, Weng Songmei, Wang Meifang, Zhan Chunxiang
 
Excerpt "A Misunderstanding Caused by a Hairpin"
Synopsis: Hu Lian is a playboy. After spending the night at a brothel, he finds a golden hairpin at Long Sheng's doorsteps. Without bothering to find the truth, he accuses his younger sister of having an affair with Long. Back home, he goes on a rampage. Later, it is confirmed that the hairpin he found is actually brought from the brothel by himself. As a result, he faces criticism from his family members.
 
Excerpt "Pawning His Wife"
Synopsis: In a poor household in rural Zhejiang, a husband has failed many times to make a career for himself, which leads him to gambling and excessive drinking. His youngest son also suffers from a lingering illness. The husband then pawns his wife for three years in exchange for 100 silver coins. When the three years is up, the wife is dreaming of reuniting with her family, but her dream is not going to come true.
 
Excerpt "The Sagacious Empress"
Synopsis: For years, Empress Changsun has accompanied Emperor Taizong of Tang in his military campaigns, enduring hardships without even a candle to light their camp. In appreciation, the Emperor has a pair of dragon and phoenix candles made as a gift for her.
 
Excerpt "Meeting at the Pavilion"
Synopsis: Liang Shanbo has discovered that his good "brother" for years, Zhu Yingtai, is a woman. He goes to her family to propose marriage, but Yingtai has already been promised to someone else. The lovers meet at a pavilion, where they pour their hearts out.
 
Excerpt "Wreaking Havoc in Kaifeng"
Synopsis: Li Tianfu is the son of a minister. He kidnaps a woman commoner by force and is caught. Wang Zuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, takes him into custody. Li's mother goes on a rampage and demands that Wang release her son. Wang refuses to comply. Li's mother instructs her henchmen to secretly kill the plaintiff, but by accident, Li is stabbed and his blood is spilled in the courtroom.
 
     Founded in 1958, the Guangdong Chiu Chow Opera Theatre Number One Troupe has created, adapted and performed a repertoire of outstanding and well-loved opera works. Over the years, the Troupe has given several touring performances in various countries and regions, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Australia and France, as well as Hong Kong and many more.
 
     The Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, formerly the Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, was founded in 1959 and turned professional in 1987. Its repertoire totals nearly 100 productions. Its members consist of virtuosi in Chiuchow opera in Hong Kong. The troupe is keen to nurture young talent, and often collaborates with other troupes of Chiuchow opera in giving joint performances.

     The three performances will be held at the Theatre of Ko Shan Theatre. Each performance will run for about two hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission of 15 minutes. Lyrics and dialogues are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $180, $280 and $380 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit
www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/guangdong-chiu-chow-opera-theatre-number-one-troupe-and-sun-hon-kwong-chiu-chow-opera-troupe.
 
     A meet-the-artists session entitled "The Artistic Features of Chiuchow Opera" (in Putonghua) will be held at 7.30pm on June 27 (Thursday) at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers include Chiuchow opera performers Zhang Yihuang, Zhan Shaojun, Lin Yanyun and Lin Chufa, while Chinese opera researcher Chan Chun-miu will be the moderator. Admission is free and online registration is required (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1716.html#tab_13_0). Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

     The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD's Chinese Culture Promotion Office, aims to enhance the public's appreciation of Chinese culture and cultivate citizens' national identity and cultural confidence. The inaugural CCF will be held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the Chinese Opera Festival, exemplary local arts projects recognised by the China National Arts Fund, performing arts programmes from arts and cultural organisations, film screenings, exhibitions, talks and more, the festival allows members of the public and visitors to experience the broad and profound Chinese culture with a view to promoting Chinese culture and patriotic education as well as enhancing national identity amongst the people of Hong Kong, making contributions to the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems". For details, please visit the CCF website www.ccf.gov.hk.
 
     The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

        

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the UBS Asian Investment Conference 2024 today (May 28):
 
Mr Edmund Koh (President of UBS Asia Pacific), Mr Iqbal Khan (President of UBS Global Wealth Management), and thank you Amy (Chairman of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia and Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong, Ms Amy Lo) for the introduction, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning to you all. Welcome to Hong Kong. It's a pleasure to be here, with you, at the opening of the UBS Asian Investment Conference. I welcome this opportunity to update this powerful audience on Hong Kong, where we are today, and where we plan to be tomorrow and in the time ahead.
 
      First, my congratulations to UBS for hosting the 27th Asian Investment Conference here in Hong Kong. Some 3 000 prominent leaders of global family offices, institutional investors, entrepreneurs and top executives, from nearly 30 countries and regions, are here.
 
     This year's conference theme, "An eye on the past, a view to the future," is the judicious way forward for us all. And, as Winston Churchill once said, "The longer you can look back, the farther you can look forward."
 
     That said, we don’t have to look too far back to see how the world has been shaped by innovation and resilience. Asians, in particular, are testament to this, through the region's remarkable growth and the trials we’ve had to overcome.
 
      The Asian Financial Crisis, the Global Financial Crisis and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, has each tested our resilience and our confidence. And each time, we have emerged stronger, thanks to the durability of our economies and the strength of our people.
 
     Today presents its own daunting challenges, from continuing high interest rates to widespread geopolitical issues. Our response to crises has not wavered over the years and the decades.
 
      That is so for Asia, that is so for Hong Kong. For Hong Kong, an East-meets-West metropolis, is representative of the Asian spirit of resilience, tenacity and perseverance. At the same time, Hong Kong flies the flag of free trade and open markets. Our regulatory framework is robust, and our approach is resolutely pro-business.
 
     Thanks to the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong continues to evolve. As we embrace new technologies and sustainable practices, we strengthen our position as the foreign investment gateway to Mainland China, and as the conduit for Mainland enterprises to invest in the world. 
 
      Last week, UBS published its latest Global Family Office Report. I am pleased to note that UBS found the sentiment among family offices in Hong Kong remained strong, thanks to our city's attractive policies for setting up businesses, our status as a leading global financial centre, as well as our proximity to the vast Mainland market.
 
     The report also found that generative AI (artificial intelligence) is the most popular investment theme, with over three quarters of family offices taking it as a likely area of investment in the next two to three years. As a prime asset management hub for a world of investors, Hong Kong is keenly aware of the key role technology plays in the future of investment.
 
     Technology and innovation is a central priority of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government. That includes applying AI technology to fast track our smart city and digital government ambitions. We expect that half of the companies in Hong Kong will be using AI in their operations by the end of this year.
 
     The Government is implementing more than 100 digital government and smart-city initiatives. We are also expediting the establishment of an AI Supercomputing Centre in our Cyberport, to meet the demand of institutes and the industry for computing power.
 
     In the financial sector, we are developing fintech hand in hand with the real economy. 
 
     We will launch a new integrated fund platform. It will serve as a communications hub, a business centre and an information portal targeting retail funds.
 
     These and other initiatives are designed to boost the competitiveness of Hong Kong's financial services industry, to help financial institutions accelerate digitalisation and product innovation, providing the public with inclusive, more convenient, less expensive financial services. 
 
     Our fintech community now counts about 1 000 companies and start-ups, providing services ranging from mobile payment and cross-boundary transfers to financial consultancy, wealth management, blockchain and more.
 
     In March, the average daily transactions in our Faster Payment System, which connects banks and e-wallet operators for real-time retail payment services, rose 30 per cent, year on year, totalling nearly HK$1.5 billion.
 
     Investment in these, and other areas, is an investment in our future. An opportunity to shape our societies and economies in a manner that is progressive, inclusive and sustainable. It also requires intelligence, experience and innovation – the wisdom to understand the risks and rewards, and respond accordingly.
 
     And you need to look no further than in Hong Kong to find these qualities, aplenty in our multiskilled and versatile workforce.
 
     Our professionals are well versed with the needs of both Asian and global markets. That’s why Hong Kong has long been a financial and investment hub bridging the Mainland with the rest of the world. 
 
     Hong Kong continues to be the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub and clearance centre, offering a world-class range of Renminbi settlements, financing and asset management services. 
 
     About 80 per cent of all offshore Renminbi (RMB) transactions are processed in Hong Kong. Over the years, we’ve also established wide-ranging Connect schemes, enabling cross-boundary financial settlement and long-term economic growth. 
 
 
     Stock Connect gives international investors direct access to Chinese equity markets, while Bond Connect allows foreign investors to access China's interbank bond market. 
 
     Wealth Management Connect's cross-boundary fund remittance grew by eight times, to RMB13.1 billion, in March, following enhancement measures implemented the month before. And the number of individual investors increased tenfold.
 
     Such encouraging figures reflect the growing demand for Hong Kong's asset and wealth management services. They also underscore Hong Kong's attraction as the prime centre for investment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA.
 
     The GBA brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine other cities in southern China. Last year, the area's total economic output exceeded RMB14 trillion, meaning it contributed to as much as one-ninth of China's GDP (Gross Domestic Product), despite occupying less than 0.6 per cent of our country’s total area.
 
     Last month, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced a series of measures to expand mutual access between the capital markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong. The measures boost the competitiveness of Hong Kong's financial markets. Not surprisingly, they have been well received.
 
     Thanks to our deepening economic integration with the Mainland, and the opportunities presented by our financial and technology sectors, Hong Kong's asset and wealth management sector has seen remarkable growth. 
 
     Our capital under management in private equity totaled US$220 billion as of March, growing more than 25 per cent in just three years. Last year, it was ranked second in Asia. 
 
     Our family office business is flourishing as well. At the end of last year, we were home to some 2 700 single-family offices. More than half had been set up by ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those valued at US$50 million or more.
 
     In all this, I’m pleased to note, UBS has played a significant role. The company – your company – has been instrumental in driving the growth and sophistication of Hong Kong's asset and wealth management market. You're doing so by offering your clients innovative and comprehensive financial solutions. 
 
     To learn from the expertise and experience of our private sector, we will set up a task force. It will examine the asset and wealth management business in Hong Kong and how best to expand its upmarket potential.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, your decisions today and tomorrow will help shape Hong Kong, the larger Asian region and the flourishing future there for us all.
 
     That sounds like a very full, and promising, agenda. I look forward to the results.
 
     When you’re not preoccupied by your meeting engagements, I invite you to explore Hong Kong. As the mega-events hub of Asia, we make it easy for you, with more than 200 stellar events taking place this year – one every two days in the second half of the year.
 
     They range from business, finance and trade to arts, culture and lifestyle – whatever your lifestyle, we’ve got it covered here. Hong Kong is blessed with nearly 80 Michelin star restaurants, world-class coastal walks and country parks and all the arts, culture and entertainment you can handle. Hong Kong, after all, is rising as the world's East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
 
     The good news for Hong Kong's thousands of UBS employees is that your new Hong Kong headquarters is on its way up in West Kowloon, home to one of the world's largest arts and cultural showcases: the West Kowloon Cultural District.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a rewarding conference, a fabulous time in Hong Kong and the best of business, and investment, in 2024.
 
     Thank you very much.

    

     The Labour Department (LD) will hold the Embracing New Opportunities Job Fair at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai on May 30 and 31 providing a large number of vacancies from various industries for job seekers.

     About 60 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 3 800 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 2 300 are from property management and real estate, retail and transport industries. Around 30 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered including Senior Technician Officer, Tea Master, Lounge Supervisor, Beauty Consultant, Store Manager(ess), Factory Technician, Assistant Manager(ess), Chef de Partie, Recreation Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Bus Captain, Security Officer, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD's Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for more details of the vacancies.

     Around 92 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $11,000 to $24,000. About 93 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Seven education level or below. Around 66 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

     Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

     The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, Southorn Stadium, 111 Johnston Road, Wan Chai (near Wan Chai MTR Station Exit A3). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.