Tag Archives: China

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a large-scale outdoor art project “Art@Harbour 2024” on both sides of Victoria Harbour between tomorrow (March 25) and June 2. The project aims to bring the public and tourists a new inspirational and sensory experience at the Victoria harbourfront through outdoor art installations and digital art façades by integrating art, science and technology.

     The opening ceremony of the “Art@Harbour2024” was held at Tamar Park today (March 24). Officiating at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that “Art@Harbour”, first launched in 2022 as an innovative integration of art, science and technology, was so well received in Hong Kong as well as all over the world that it was brought back this year with more partners and international artists involved. He stressed that Hong Kong believed in the power of art and culture to unite, to inspire, and to create a community and an economy that reward people at large. He added that he looked forward to working with all stakeholders in creating a mega-events economy and making Hong Kong a more dynamic and livable city.

     Other officiating guests today included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok; Non-Executive Director of the Sino Group Ms Nikki Ng; the Executive Vice President of the K11 Group, Mr Richard Cheung; the Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation (FIF), Ms Amanda Cheung; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and the Founder of teamLab, Mr Toshiyuki Inoko.

     There are five projects under the second edition of “Art@Harbour”. On Hong Kong Island, the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition and “Science in Art” project will be staged at Tamar Park in Admiralty and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section). The “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition, jointly presented by the LCSD and international art collective teamLab, will present two magnificent large-scale art installations, namely “Resonating Life which Continues to Stand”, which showcases hundreds of colourful luminous ovoids with continuously changing colours and sound triggered by visitors’ interactions, and “Resonating Trees”, which makes the light of dozens of trees in the park spread, changing its colour and resonating sound tones in response to the ovoids. The “Science in Art” project, with the theme of exploring the nature and properties of light, will showcase two sets of interactive art installations, namely “Harbour Cup” created by the local art group LAAB Architects and “Schrödinger’s Bed” by artist Dylan Kwok. Such playful and creative installations integrating science and art will stimulate visitors’ curiosity to explore the science behind the artworks.

     In Tsim Sha Tsui, three projects independently orchestrated and financed by project partners K11 Group, Sino Group and the FIF will be staged. The project by the FIF is also supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

     For more information about the five art projects, please refer to the Annex.

     Admission to all the above-mentioned exhibitions is free of charge. Except for visiting designated areas (the lawn area of Tamar Park) of the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition at specific time slots which visitors are required to pre-register through the Klook system and present a valid QR code for admission, advance bookings are not required for other areas and exhibitions. Members of the public are welcome to visit. The recommended duration of each visit is about 30 to 45 minutes for the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition. To allow more visitors to enter and ensure that they have a good visiting experience, clearance may be implemented every night at some of the exhibition areas if necessary. Visitors should follow the instructions of the staff during clearance and co-operate with them in an orderly manner.

     An artist’s talk will be held tomorrow (March 25) at 7.45pm at the Cultural Plaza, Tamar Park, where representatives of teamLab will introduce the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition to visitors. Admission tickets for the talk will be distributed at the Cultural Plaza from 6.30pm tomorrow on a first come, first served basis. Members of the public are welcome to join.

     For more details about “Art@Harbour 2024”, including the above artist’s talk, please visit www.museums.gov.hk/en/web/portal/artatharbour.html.

                  

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the 87th Recruits Passing-out Parade at the CAS headquarters today (March 24). The parade was reviewed by Non-official Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council Member Mr Chan Hak-kan.

     A total of 28 officer trainees and 57 recruits participated in the Parade. The graduates came from all walks of life, including tertiary students as well as members of the education, social welfare, and medical sectors. They will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society. 

     Mr Chan presented awards to outstanding officer trainees and recruits. The graduates also performed a rescue demonstration to showcase their learning results.

     Speaking at the Parade, Mr Chan said that loving the country and Hong Kong is a core value of the city’s society and an essential foundation for the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle. He added that the graduates’ strong commitment to serving Hong Kong formed an indispensable part of the efforts to maintain the city’s prosperity and stability, safeguard national security and uphold the “one country, two systems” principle. He also encouraged all graduates to learn from their experiences, face challenges with determination, stay true to their original aspirations, and strive forward. He firmly believed that they would unite, work hard, and grow stronger together, upholding the CAS pledge of “Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community” to wholeheartedly serve the public.

     The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). 

     Recruitment of CAS members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available at the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).

          

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of “Art@Harbour 2024” today (March 24):

Kenneth (Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Nikki (Non-Executive Director of the Sino Group, Ms Nikki Ng), Richard (Executive Vice President of the K11 Group, Mr Richard Cheung), Amanda (Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation, Ms Amanda Cheung), Douglas (Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So), Mr Inoko (Founder of teamLab, Mr Toshiyuki Inoko), artists, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. A warm welcome to you for joining this grand opening of “Art@Harbour 2024”. I am especially pleased to welcome you all here at Tamar Park, with Victoria Harbour as our signature backdrop.

     “Art@Harbour” was first launched in 2022 as an innovative integration of art, science and technology. That creative happening was so well received by many – not just here in Hong Kong, but also all over the world – that we have brought it back.

     This year’s collaborations include more partners as well as international artists.

     Like the first “Art@Harbour”, this year’s edition features many playful creations on both sides of Victoria Harbour. They include the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition, which consists of two large-scale, art-and-sound installations – one featuring hundreds of brilliant egg lights, the other lighting up the park trees.

     Together, they transform Tamar Park into a colourful festival of lights. For that, we thank international art collective teamLab, as well as our own Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     And, still on Hong Kong side, there is a lighting exhibition named “Science in Art”, featuring two interactive art installations by Hong Kong’s own LAAB Architects and artist Dylan Kwok.

     Across the harbour, on Kowloon side, we have an “out-of-this-world” totem sculpture by artist Alicja Kwade. Many thanks to K11 Group and Pace Gallery for bringing the universe to Hong Kong in a work of art that integrates space, time and science.

     The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront also features “Chromaflux”, a digital art exhibition presented by artists from Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, France and Germany. That international collaboration was made possible by Sino Group and HKWALLS, a Hong Kong arts organisation.

     And then there is “Voyage with Van Gogh”, inspired by the legendary artist and Hong Kong’s own Victoria Harbour. The LED art installation, alongside the historic Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, was realised by Spain’s VISURA Studio and artist Vritis. It is also paired with music composed by Leon Ko and performed by pianist Niu Niu and violinist Wang Liang.

     For that multi-sensory experience, we thank the First Initiative Foundation, in co-operation with the Van Gogh Heritage Foundation, as well as our own Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

     Taking this opportunity, I would also like to thank our various bureaux and departments, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, for making this year’s “Art@Harbour” such a creative celebration of art, tourism and life.

     “Art@Harbour”, let me add, is just one of the many high-profile events that make up Hong Kong’s Art March series.

     The “Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship: Exhibition Series” opened last week. The three-day Hong Kong International Cultural Summit continues through tomorrow. Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central open in just a few days, and the 48th Hong Kong International Film Festival starts screening this coming Thursday.

     All these, and many other art and cultural events, make a compelling case for Hong Kong’s fast-rising role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong believes in the power of art and culture to unite, to inspire, and to create a community – and an economy – that reward us all.

     I look forward to working with you in creating a mega-event economy – in making Hong Kong a more dynamic and livable city.

     I wish you all a memorable evening, and a year filled with art and innovation. Thank you very much. read more

     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, will depart for Guangzhou tomorrow afternoon (March 25) to attend the Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum 2024 to be held on March 26 morning. She will also meet and have an exchange with representatives of the major organisers after arriving at Guangzhou tomorrow.
     
     With the theme of “Deepening the Collaboration of the Construction Industry in the Mainland and Hong Kong, Building a High Quality Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Taking Forward the Belt and Road Initiative Together”, the forum is jointly organised by the Centre of Science and Technology Industrial Development of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, under the steer of the MOHURD, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
      
     The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong; and the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Eric Pang, will join the visit.
     
     Ms Linn will return to Hong Kong on March 26 afternoon. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, will be the Acting Secretary for Development. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency:

     The 37th Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (SEYMF) was held at Hong Kong City Hall today (March 24). Around 930 students, three apprentices and five working adults were presented with scholarships and awards.

     Officiating at the ceremony were the Chairman of the SEYMF Council, Mr Ma Ching-cheng, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ms Kwan Sau-ha, and other members of the Council and the Board of Trustees. Lady Youde joined the ceremony online.

     In her video speech at the ceremony, Lady Youde said, “The Fund has already disbursed more than $266 million. Over 865 000 students have received our awards or joined our sponsored activities. In the years to come, the Fund is committed to providing opportunities for young and more mature people to continue their education for the betterment of Hong Kong.”
 
     In the 2023/24 academic year, the Fund disbursed $3.19 million. Presented this year were two fellowship awards for overseas studies ($300,000 each); three fellowships for postgraduate students ($50,000 each); six scholarships for undergraduate students ($40,000 each); one scholarship for a disabled undergraduate student ($40,000); six medals for students who obtained outstanding results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination ($5,000 each); 899 prizes for senior secondary school students and 12 prizes for students of the Vocational Training Council ($1,000 each); three awards for outstanding apprentices ($5,000 each); and five awards for working adults who underwent retraining and successfully applied what they learned in their new positions ($5,000 each).
 
     Competition for overseas fellowships and scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year was extremely keen. Among 241 applicants, two were selected as awardees of the overseas fellowships. They are:
 
(1) Mr Li Sau-long, who is currently an undergraduate student majoring in civil engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom; and 

(2) Mr Wong Chi-ngai, who is currently an undergraduate student majoring in cell and molecular biology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and intends to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy’s degree in Neurosciences at Stanford University in the United States. 

     The six students who were awarded the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Medals for obtaining outstanding results in the 2023 HKDSE Examination are:
 
(1) Mr Law Chak-ka of Queen’s College; 

(2) Miss Cheung Yim-ting of Diocesan Girls’ School; 

(3) Miss Chow Sze-yuet of St Mary’s Canossian College; 

(4) Mr Lin Shun-heng of Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School; 

(5) Miss Hung Hiu-tung of Ying Wa Girls’ School; and 

(6) Miss Sze Lok-yin of St Paul’s Convent School.
 
     The three apprentices, nominated by the Director of Apprenticeship, who obtained the Outstanding Apprentice Awards are:
 
(1) Mr Lui Ka-ming, who attained a Diploma of Vocational Education (Electrical Engineering) and is currently an assistant technician; 

(2) Miss Wong Sum-yi, who attained a Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering and is currently an assistant engineer; and 

(3) Mr Zhu Derui, who attained a Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering and is currently an assistant engineer.

     The five working adults, nominated by the Employees Retraining Board and the Construction Industry Council, who obtained the Awards for Self-Improvement for Working Adults are:

(1) Ms Chong Tak-ying, who completed a Certificate in Post-natal Care Worker Training and is currently a post-natal care worker; 

(2) Ms Huang Weidan, who completed a Certificate in Health Worker Training and is currently a trainer of health workers; 

(3) Ms Li Yizhen, who completed a Foundation Certificate in Assistant for Chinese Medical Clinic Training and is currently a junior research assistant; 

(4) Mr Wong King-fung, who completed a Foundation Certificate in Electrical Wireman Training (Intermediate Trade Test) and is currently an artisan in plumbing and electrical works; and 

(5) Mr Yau Kin-man, who completed a Certificate in Site Surveying and is currently an assistant surveyor. 

     Since its inception, the SEYMF has supported around 30 500 Hong Kong students under its major schemes. Over 2 890 scholars and fellows have completed their studies and are now working in different sectors in Hong Kong, contributing to the well-being and development of society.
 
     In 2023/24, the Fund continued to provide an annual sponsorship of $600,000 towards the Young Friends of the Hong Kong Arts Festival to increase the exposure of secondary school and tertiary students to performing arts. During the year, around 4 000 students became members of the Young Friends and around 13 600 students participated in various programmes and activities under this scheme. read more