kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CSTB signs MOU at Cannes (with photos)
17.5.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, led a Hong Kong film industry delegation to the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France. On May 16 (Cannes time), Mr Yeung attended the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on film and television co-operation between Create Hong Kong, represented by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong, and the Centre national du cin&eacute;ma et de l'image anim&eacute;e. Mr Yeung said, "The MOU marks closer ties between Hong Kong and France. It provides a framework to facilitate collaboration and exchanges in the area of film and television, strengthening connections and deepening mutual understanding. The MOU will start a new chapter in co-production films, film and television talent and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and France. I look forward to seeing more collaboration programmes in the future." Mr Yeung was the officiating guest at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market on May 15 (Cannes time). He also attended events of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, including thematic seminars, Midnight Screening of the Hong Kong film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", the Hong Kong Night reception, the China's New Talents Going Global Night, as well as meetings and exchanges with members of the film industry from all over the world. In his speeches delivered at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion and the Hong Kong Night reception separately, Mr Yeung mentioned the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's staunch support for the Hong Kong film industry. In addition to the injection of about $3 billion into the Film Development Fund since 2005, the Government is also strengthening the local industry's participation in international film festivals, which has increased the exposure of Hong Kong cinema. Mr Yeung also introduced the launch of the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, which was initiated after the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, with a view to reinforcing Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Mr Yeung will depart from Cannes on May 18 (Cannes time) for Hong Kong.
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night reception in 77th Cannes Film Festival (English only) (with photo)
17.5.2024

Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Night reception in the 77th Cannes Film Festival yesterday (May 16, Cannes time): Hello, everyone! Welcome to our Hong Kong Night reception. It's my great pleasure to meet all of you here in Cannes. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been actively promoting arts and culture. Since 2005, the Government has been injecting about HK$3 billion into our Film Development Fund, a fund designated to support our film industry. We treasure our overseas partners and have strengthened our participation in international film festivals to extend our market coverage and enhance exchanges. By leading delegations of some of the most exceptional and emerging directors, producers and actors from Hong Kong, like those attending here tonight, we hope to increase the exposure of Hong Kong cinema in a proactive approach, fostering more cultural exchanges among film talents across national borders and various cultures. To reinforce Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, we launched the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme last year to support collaboration between the film industries of Hong Kong and Asian countries. The response was overwhelming. We hence extended the funding scheme to cover Europe as the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, to welcome projects from Europe and Asia. Most important of all, we are thrilled to see many Chinese language films selected in Cannes this year. Hong Kong film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", is chosen for the Midnight Screenings section, and will be screened right after this reception. We are honoured to have the director and cast joining us tonight. With the strong tradition of Hong Kong cinema, a 4K restoration of "Shanghai Blues", directed by esteemed filmmaker Tsui Hark, is selected for Cannes Classics section. Renowned Hong Kong director Peter Chan's mainland production "She's Got No Name" will be presented under Out Of Competition section towards the end of the Festival. Last but not least, tonight, we are not just celebrating Hong Kong cinema, but also aiming to forge new connections among all of us at this world's most prestigious film event. So let us enjoy the party. Thank you.
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Pavilion opening ceremony at Cannes Film Market in 77th Cannes Film Festival (English only) (with photo)
15.5.2024

Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Pavilion opening ceremony at the Cannes Film Market in the 77th Cannes Film Festival today (May 15, Cannes Time): Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to the Hong Kong Pavilion. We are excited to participate in March&eacute; du Film at the Cannes Film Festival at the International Village. This year, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region proudly presents our pavilions both in the Riviera and here, the International Village. The pavilion offers a glimpse into the diverse landscape of Hong Kong film industry, showcasing outstanding works produced by Hong Kong filmmakers at the pavilions. Moreover, there will also be a number of dynamic networking sessions over the next few days, enlightening sharing sessions featuring Hong Kong's veteran producers, distinguished directors, and extraordinary talent. Be sure to explore the detailed programme schedule and learn more about our speakers. Furthermore, you will see numerous Hong Kong film companies setting up booths here and many Hong Kong filmmakers in attendance. We also have nine sessions of market screenings. Come join us and embark on a journey of Hong Kong Cinema. We look forward to seeing you around the corner and also at another pavilion in the Riveria. Thank you.
SCST to visit Cannes
14.5.2024

ããThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Cannes, France, in the early hours of May 15 (Wednesday). He will take part in various activities at the 77th Cannes Film Festival to promote the development of Hong Kong cinema in the international market, including officiating at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market and the Hong Kong Night reception, as well as attending the Midnight Screening of a Hong Kong film and the China's New Talents Going Global Night. ããMr Yeung will depart from Cannes and return to Hong Kong on May 18 (Saturday). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
SCST begins visit to Beijing (with photos)
10.5.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, began his itinerary in Beijing upon arrival yesterday (May 9). He first met with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, and introduced the latest work of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB). Mr Xia fully recognised the work of the CSTB. He also expressed his hope that Hong Kong's tourism industry will reach new heights on the path to continuous innovation. Mr Yeung today (May 10) attended the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for the Palace Museum Hong Kong Cultural Exchange Hub and witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Co-operation on the Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong at the Palace Museum in Beijing. With the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the Palace Museum and the HKJC will jointly carry out the Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland for five years. The programme aims to promote Chinese traditional culture through the integration of arts and technology, deepening the understanding and appreciation of Chinese history and culture among younger generations on the Mainland and Hong Kong. In a bid to strengthen social cohesion and promote Chinese culture to the world, the programme also seeks to enhance the capability building of arts tech professionals, as well as facilitating talent development and exchange among talent in the sector. Mr Yeung met with the Director General of the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Director of the National Museum of China, Mr Gao Zheng, this afternoon to exchange views and explore co-operation direction on cultural and tourism development. Hong Kong is positioned as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The CSTB has been integrating into the national development based on the principle of "shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism", with a view to developing Hong Kong into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. Mr Yeung said, "The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has long been supportive to the work of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It gives policy support in cultural and tourism development and provides appropriate assistance in programme implementation. I look forward to deepening collaboration and exchange on culture and tourism fronts between the Mainland and Hong Kong through the exchange." Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
SCST to visit Beijing
8.5.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Beijing tomorrow morning (May 9). He will attend a plaque unveiling ceremony for a programme at the Palace Museum and call on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on May 11 (Saturday). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong men's foil team on winning gold medal
4.5.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 4) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong's fencing athletes Cheung Ka-long, Ryan Choi, Leung Chin-yu, and Aaron Lee on their outstanding performances and achievements of winning the first and historical gold medal, in the Men's Foil Team event of the FIE Foil World Cup - Hong Kong, China. Mr Yeung said, "Cheung, Choi, Leung, and Lee put on excellent performances in the competition. They have won the well-deserved medals, showcasing Hong Kong athletes' perseverance and team spirit. We share the team's joy and are honoured of their achievement. We are very proud by the performances of Hong Kong fencers for their repeated success at international competitions." The FIE Foil World Cup - Hong Kong, China was held from May 1 to 4 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.
SCST meets with Chairman of CPPCC Qingdao Municipal Committee (with photos)
24.4.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, met with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Qingdao Municipal Committee, Shandong Province, Mr Meng Qingbin, today (April 24) to exchange views on deepening tourism co-operation. Mr Yeung said, "Starting from March 6, the Central Government has expanded the Individual Visit Scheme to Qingdao. Contacts between residents in Hong Kong and those in Qingdao will become more frequent. A steady increase in the number of visitors from Qingdao shows that relevant enhancement measures are warmly welcomed by Qingdao residents. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is grateful for the Central Government's policy to benefit Hong Kong, and will definitely welcome visitors with hospitality. Friends from Qingdao are welcome to visit Hong Kong any time to experience our unique local culture." Hong Kong and Shandong Province both are rich in tourism resources, giving the two places an edge in developing tourism activities. Shandong Province has been actively developing its cultural industry to build an internationally renowned cultural tourism destination, with its geographical location offering natural resources for tourism. International cruise companies have resumed various journeys to cover Hong Kong and Qingdao. Hong Kong will continue to utilise its position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange to offer more exchange opportunities to people of both places.
Inaugural Hong Kong Reading for All Day fosters reading habit citywide (with photos)
23.4.2024

The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (April 23) held "Read Together for Half an Hour" activities at the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) and various LCSD venues on the first Hong Kong Reading for All Day. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, attended the "Read Together for Half an Hour" activity at the Exhibition Gallery of the HKCL today. He read together with students participating in the Hong Kong Inter-school Chinese Reading Contest organised by the Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians' Association a book from the book list of the contest. Through the lively introduction of the Dunhuang murals and the Silk Road in the book, Mr Yeung encouraged the students to further explore and appreciate the values and attitudes in Chinese culture. Mr Yeung said that reading was not bounded by time nor location. Once people pick up a book or a chapter they like, they can enjoy the journey themselves. He encouraged the public to read more and make it a habit. Apart from the HKCL, the LCSD set up various reading locations today at a number of its venues, including the Oil Street Art Space in North Point, the Kowloon Park Arcade and selected libraries, where a variety of books were placed for members of the public to read. Souvenirs were given to those who participated in "Read Together for Half an Hour" activities at the reading locations in selected public libraries. The Education Bureau today also held joint secondary and primary school 30-minute reading activities to enhance the reading ambience on campus, with more than 220 schools joining the activities. The Hong Kong Publishing Federation invited the public to join the "Read Together for Half an Hour" activity at the "Hong Kong Reading+" carnival at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. In addition, starting from today, the maximum number of loaned library items of the HKPL has been raised from eight to 10 to encourage and enable readers to cultivate a reading habit. For details of more events of Hong Kong Reading Week, please visit the thematic website ( www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw ).
SCST officiates at opening ceremony of Hong Kong exhibition at Venice Biennale (with photos)
20.4.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong exhibition at the Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, yesterday (April 19, Venice time). The Venice Biennale is an important contemporary art event. This year marked the sixth collaboration between the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the M+ museum of the West Kowloon Cultural District to showcase the works of a Hong Kong artist at the Biennale. This year, Hong Kong artist Trevor Yeung in his solo exhibition, "Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Attachments, Hong Kong in Venice", will bring 11 new artworks, four of which are specific to the venue at Venice and respond to the architecture of the exhibition venue. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Kevin Yeung said, "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region supports the development of arts and culture. We are committed to helping cultural institutions and artists to go global. This is one of our strategies in fortifying our role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, a positioning that our country has bestowed on us. Hong Kong has been participating in the Venice Biennale since 2001. It is also an important channel to tell the good stories of Hong Kong, attracting world audience to boost our economy." Mr Kevin Yeung started his itinerary upon arrival in Venice yesterday and visited the Chinese Pavilion, the Macao exhibition, and pavilions of other regions. This morning (April 20, Venice time), Mr Yeung visited the Ambassador for Cultural Promotion appointed by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Xu Bing's art exhibition in Venice. He also had an interview with local arts and culture media. In the evening, he met with three Hong Kong artists who were exhibiting their artworks in Venice, as well as local cultural and artistic partners in Italy, to exchange views on cultural matters. Mr Kevin Yeung will continue to visit other pavilions tomorrow (April 21, Venice time) and depart Venice for Hong Kong in the evening. He will arrive Hong Kong on Monday afternoon (April 22, Hong Kong time).
SCST to visit Venice
17.4.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Venice, Italy, on April 19 (Friday) early morning. He will officiate at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong exhibition at the Venice Biennale organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the M+ museum of the West Kowloon Cultural District. He will visit the China Pavilion and pavilions of other regions. Mr Yeung will conclude the trip on April 21 (Sunday) evening and return to Hong Kong. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Speech by SCST at launching ceremony of exhibition "Voyage with Van Gogh" (English only)
28.3.2024

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the launching ceremony of exhibition "Voyage with Van Gogh" today (March 28): Ms Ong (Chairman of the First Initiative Foundation, Ms Michelle Ong), Ms Cheung (Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation, Ms Amanda Cheung), ladies and gentlemen, Good evening! I am honoured to be here at the launching ceremony of "Voyage with Van Gogh", presented by the First Initiative Foundation (FIF) in collaboration with the Van Gogh Heritage Foundation. This extraordinary exhibition is one of the highlights of "Art@Harbour 2024", an outdoor art project presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which we opened last Sunday at Tamar Park with two captivating exhibitions "teamLab: Continuous" and "Science in Art". Here, on the Kowloon side, we have joined hands with three esteemed local partners, namely the K11 Group, Sino Group, and FIF, to present a collection of artworks that adorn the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, complementing the art installations on the opposite shore and brightening up both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Among these remarkable projects, "Voyage with Van Gogh" takes us on a multi-sensory journey, capturing the essence of Van Gogh's iconic paintings. This immersive experience will be beautifully enhanced by local original music and the enchanting night harbour view to demonstrate Hong Kong's strength in integrating both Chinese and Western cultures seamlessly. "Voyage with Van Gogh" is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, which aims to encourage the development of large-scale international arts and cultural events in Hong Kong, and solidify our position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to FIF for its enthusiastic participation and invaluable contribution. Together, we have illuminated Hong Kong with dynamism and vitality. I wish this exhibition a resounding success, and hope all of you will enjoy the other events of Art March as well. Thank you very much.
Transcript of remarks by SCST at media session
28.3.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending appointment ceremony of Xu Bing as Ambassador for Cultural Promotion this morning (March 28): Reporter: Just a quick follow-up on the Snooker Challenge that the reporter has said, to any degree that indicated a need for the Government to kind of provide assistance more proactively in future on organising such a large-scale sporting event? The coming Easter and Ching Ming Festival, it is expected to have 11 million travelers throughout the whole festive period, what kind of specific arrangements are in place at different boundary points, especially cruise terminals? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: It is a privately-run activity regarding the master game, we have been supporting the organisation in providing the venue. But as it is a privately-run activity or competition, we leave it to the organisers to make all the detailed arrangements. It is also up to them to negotiate with the NSA (national sports association) in Hong Kong as to whether they need their technical support or not. Regarding the coming Easter holidays, we are aware that there will be more people crossing the boundary, likely we will be having more people going out for holidays than coming in, because it is not a public holiday in the Mainland. But our colleagues at the boundary points are well-prepared, I am sure that they will look after the people movement, requirements and all these things. (Please also refer to the Chinese version of the transcript.)
SCST meets with Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law (with photos)
27.3.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 27) met with Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong. Mr Yeung briefed Mr Tong on the latest developments of Hong Kong's cultural and sports policies. They also shared experiences on promoting culture and supporting sports, and explored opportunities of collaborations and exchanges. Mr Yeung said, "Hong Kong has always strived to set up a platform for international cultural exchanges and has been maintaining frequent cultural exchanges with Singapore. This year for the first time, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau launched Art March as a brand to promote multiple mega arts and cultural events organised, funded, or supported by the Government, making use of our blend of Eastern and Western cultures and extensive international network to showcase to the world the unique charm and diverse characteristics of Chinese culture in Hong Kong. We look forward to establishing closer collaborations with Singapore and boosting cultural exchanges between the two places."
SCST expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Eddy Li
26.3.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 26) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Executive President of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association, Dr Eddy Li, and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased. Mr Yeung said, "Dr Li was an antiquities collector with a great passion for Chinese culture and a keen interest in photography. Not only did he strive to promote arts development over the years and spare no effort in conserving Chinese cultural relics, he also contributed valuable opinions in the Culture Commission. We are saddened by his passing."