kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCST congratulates women's ice hockey team on winning champion
10.4.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (April 10) congratulated the Hong Kong women's ice hockey team on winning the champion in Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Division III &ndash; Group A event, which is the first time ever in Hong Kong's history. Mr Yeung said, "With its excellent performance, the Hong Kong women's ice hockey team outperformed its best results in the past and reached new heights. We would like to send the team our congratulations." The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been supporting Hong Kong sports development with different measures over the years, with an aim to boost elite sports, promote sports in the community and maintain Hong Kong as a hub for major international sports events. It is encouraging to see Hong Kong athletes achieving outstanding results in various international competitions in recent years.
Transcript of remarks by SCST at media session
8.4.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending radio programmes this morning (April 8): Reporter: About the potential subsidy cut, can you clarify which project or what area within the Ice Hockey Association actually meets the criteria of avoiding the negative impact on the development of the sport? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: We will not discuss in details the spendings of the Ice Hockey Association (Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association) openly, but the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has their annual budget for approval of funding, so we know exactly what sort of funding they will require for the coming year. If we have to cut some of the budget at the end, which we do not really want it to happen, we hope that the Association will come up with some improvement measures to improve the governance. But if we have to do it at the end of the day, we will make sure that the athletes will be able to continue to participate in international competitions, and their training will also not be affected. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong Ballet "StellaLou's Wonderful Wishes Ballet" Premiere (English only)
3.4.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong Ballet "StellaLou's Wonderful Wishes Ballet" Premiere today (April 3): Linda (Vice-chairman of Board of Governors of Hong Kong Ballet Ms Linda Fung), Michael (Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Michael Moriarty), ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you all here at the premiere of the exclusive seasonal show "StellaLou's Wonderful Wishes Ballet", co-presented by the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Hong Kong Ballet. As an iconic tourist attraction, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a magical destination where visitors from all parts of the world make lifelong memories. Hong Kong Ballet has earned international fame and recognition. It also showcases the unique East-meets-West culture, not just in Hong Kong, but also around the world. Tonight's "StellaLou's Wonderful Wishes Ballet" also exemplifies the collaboration between performing arts and tourism. It brings our city's wonderful diversity and creativity in the most fantastic and immersive ways in the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. In their year-long collaborative journey, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Hong Kong Ballet synergise their expertise to give audiences of all ages a truly elevated entertainment experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the creative team and the choreographic team for making StellaLou's stage dream of being a dancer eventually come true. Everyone knows StellaLou wears tutu all the time. The very first time that StellaLou met Duffy at a waterfront, StellaLou stumbled when she was practicing dancing. Today, StellaLou is going to join the performance with one of the best ballet groups in the world. I am sure that we are all as excited as she is in the show tonight. Lastly, I wish the performance a resounding success. Good show StellaLou and Hong Kong Ballet. Thank you.
SCST continues visit in Netherlands (with photos)
30.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, continued his visit in the Netherlands. He departed from The Hague for Amsterdam this morning (March 30, Amsterdam time). He first visited the Booking.com Headquarters, meeting and exchanging ideas with its creative team, as well as the founder of UNStudio - the company that designed the Booking.com Headquarters - Mr Ben van Berkel, and his team to learn about the design concept of the Headquarters. UNStudio was being commissioned for the Lyric Theatre Complex project in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Its design integrates open public space and diversified cultural venues to build a family of theatres which complement one another. The dynamic architecture will showcase a fascinating world of theatres. At noon today, Mr Yeung visited the Marineterrein Amsterdam, a testing area with space for open innovation, to learn how life, sports, recreation and greenery are integrated to create a unique city quarter. In the afternoon, Mr Yeung visited Johan Cruijff Arena, the largest stadium in the Netherlands as well as home of the AFC Ajax football club and the Dutch national football team. Mr Yeung also met with the management team of the stadium to learn about their management and operation. âMr Yeung will tomorrow (March 31, Amsterdam time) depart from Amsterdam for Hong Kong and will arrive in Hong Kong in the morning on April 1.
SCST meets government officials responsible for cultural and sports issues of the Netherlands in The Hague (with photos)
29.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, started his visit programme in Amsterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands. Mr Yeung today (March 29, Amsterdam time) met with the Minister for Long-term Care and Sport, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Ms Conny Helder, and the Director-General of Culture and Media, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Mrs Barbera Wolfensberger, to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral exchanges in culture and sports. Mr Yeung briefed the officials of the Netherlands on Hong Kong's situation after returning to normalcy, the latest cultural and sports developments, as well as the opportunities brought about by Hong Kong's position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. Mr Yeung also shared with officials of the Netherlands the success of various international events that recently took place in Hong Kong, including Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central, the Museum Summit, the World City Championship, and the 16th Asian Film Awards. Bringing industry leaders from all over the world together, these events are a testament to the strengths of Hong Kong as an events capital. The positive momentum will continue into this weekend's Hong Kong Sevens. Mr Yeung started his itinerary upon his arrival in Amsterdam yesterday (March 28, Amsterdam time). He visited the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Mr Yeung then moved on to The Hague to call on the Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mr Tan Jian, followed by a visit to the Kunstmuseum Den Haag. Mr Yeung will continue his visit tomorrow (March 30, Amsterdam time).
SCST congratulates Tony Leung Chiu-wai on winning Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement in Venice International Film Festival
27.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 27) congratulated Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai on receiving the Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement in the 80th Venice International Film Festival. He is the first Chinese actor who ever received the honorary award. Mr Yeung said, "We are very excited about Leung being the first Chinese actor to be bestowed upon this honour in a major film award. As a household name in Hong Kong, Leung started his career in Hong Kong's television industry before advancing to the big screen. Leung's exquisite acting skills had earned him many awards and brought him onto the global stage with flying colours. His endless pursuit of a higher level of artistic performance over the past few decades is an exemplar of Hong Kong actors' spirit and Hong Kong's cultural richness. We are so proud of him and would like to send him our heartfelt congratulations on this hard-earned and well-deserved title." Mr Yeung added that Hong Kong movies and filmmakers have gained recognition among their counterparts worldwide by winning a number of international awards in recent years, and the Government and the Hong Kong Film Development Council will continue to provide support on various fronts and push for sustainable development of the industry.
SCST congratulates Taichi Kho on winning champion
26.3.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung congratulated Hong Kong golf athlete Taichi Kho on being the first Hong Kong athlete who won a tournament on the Asian Tour. Mr Yeung said, "Taichi Kho's victory in the World City Championship on home ground, is a solid achievement of the Hong Kong golf sector's efforts in nurturing of young athletes over the years. Taichi Kho has proved the strength of Hong Kong athletes with his extraordinary skills. We feel honoured and proud of him. Mr Yeung also said, "The Hong Kong Golf Association and the Hong Kong Golf Club successfully organised this international competition, just in time to undertake the outstanding achievements of Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and the Museum Summit, making Hong Kong continued to be an 'events capital'. We believe that this intense sporting spirit will continue into this weekend's Hong Kong Sevens."
SCST to visit Netherlands
24.3.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Amsterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands at night on March 27 (Monday). Mr Yeung will arrive in Amsterdam on March 28 (Amsterdam time). During his visit in the Netherlands, Mr Yeung will meet with the government officials responsible for cultural and sports issues of the Netherlands in The Hague. Mr Yeung will also attend an event of the Hong Kong Design Centre there and visit cultural, arts and sports facilities. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on March 31 (Amsterdam time) and arrive in Hong Kong in the morning on April 1. 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 meets with Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province in Guangzhou (with photos)
20.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, this morning (March 20) paid a courtesy call on the Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Mr Li Bin, to exchange views and explore opportunities of enhancing collaboration. The Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and various tourism industry representatives also joined the visit. Mr Yeung said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has always attached great importance to connections with Guangdong province. Exchanges between the two places at the community level have been frequent and there is much room for further collaboration on cultural tourism. As the country's Culture and Tourism Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) clearly supports Hong Kong in developing into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism, Hong Kong takes up an important role in promoting the high-quality development of GBA tourism. With the country's support, I am confident that Hong Kong could bring a positive impact on developing the GBA into a world-class bay area for leisure by utilising its well-developed cross-boundary infrastructure and rich tourism resources. On cultural collaborations, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have built a platform for cultural co-operation since 2002 and will strive to strengthen the relevant mechanism, with a view to boosting opportunities for arts groups to perform in the GBA." The HKSAR Government has been proactively delivering projects since the promulgation of the Culture and Tourism Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has supported 54 local productions of different genres to stage a total of 141 performances in seven Mainland cities in the GBA as well as the Macao Special Administrative Region since 2018, and established its network and communication mechanism with major performance venues in the GBA. Create Hong Kong has also supported a number of activities to promote the development of creative industries in the GBA, which include participating in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Biannual Meeting to Discuss the Development of Film Industries 2021, inviting cities of the GBA to participate in "Business of Design Week", and sponsoring the PMQ in organising the "Renewed Creativity" roving exhibition in Shenzhen. Mr Yeung attended training activities for the tourism industry organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Guangzhou this afternoon. He will return to Hong Kong tonight.
SCST to visit Guangzhou
17.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Guangzhou on March 20 (Monday). Mr Yeung will be joined by tourism industry representatives in his meeting with the Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Mr Li Bin, and attend an event organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong in the evening on the same day.
CSTB refutes fabricated press release circulated on Internet
15.3.2023

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau today (March 15) received reports from members of the public on a fraudulent congratulatory press release purportedly issued in the name of the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. The spokesman sternly clarified that the fake press release was not issued via the Government News and Media Information System and the case has been reported to the Police.
Opening remarks by Acting SCST at Networking event for Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme (English only)
13.3.2023

Following are the opening remarks by the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, at the Networking event for the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme today (March 13): Dr Wong (Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong), ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is tasked with the role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, one of the major works of the Government is to promote Hong Kong's pop culture to a world audience. The Government attaches great importance to the development of the Hong Kong film industry. Hong Kong film is one of the important creative industries and also leads Hong Kong's popular culture. With the rise of Asian cinema among global audiences over the past decade, we believe that in-depth exchanges between Asian and Hong Kong filmmakers through the collaboration of film productions can enhance the diversity of Hong Kong films. We are delighted to launch the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme in February this year to provide funding for film projects co-produced with filmmakers from Asian economies. Each approved film project will receive a grant up to $9 million. I hope tonight's event can serve as a bridge for filmmakers from different Asian economies and Hong Kong, to get to know each other and provide opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to seeing the amazing co-productions from some of you here. I certainly hope that there will be good movies to be co-produced by us here. Thank you.
SCST congratulates Michelle Yeoh on winning Oscar award
13.3.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 13) congratulated Michelle Yeoh on winning Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards. Mr Yeung said, "Hong Kong's film sector has nurtured many outstanding actors and filmmakers. Michelle Yeoh rose to prominence in the Hong Kong film industry for years, then moved on to the international stage and became a shining star with impressive achievements. Her honour of winning the Oscar award, one of the most significant awards in the film sector, is well deserved. This is a testimony to the strong potential of Hong Kong's talents and film industry."
SCST meets Director of General Administration of Sport of China in Beijing (with photos)
13.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, met with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Mr Gao Zhidan, in Beijing today (March 13) to learn about sports development on the Mainland and explore opportunities for exchanges and co-operation. Mr Yeung said, "The GASC has always given support to sports development in Hong Kong. Many Hong Kong elite athletes have been given the chance to join Team China for training on the Mainland and improve their competitiveness. Outstanding Mainland athletes and coaches who came to Hong Kong and served in the sports sector have also enhanced the technical skills of Hong Kong athletes. The Mainland and Hong Kong are undertaking more frequent sports exchanges and collaboration in various aspects. We expect to continue to further deepen the arrangement, especially taking the opportunity brought by Hong Kong's participation in co-hosting the National Games in 2025, to facilitate the integration of Hong Kong's sports industries into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong; the acting Commissioner for Sports, Mr Paul Cheng; and the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Miss Winnie Chui, also joined this visit to Beijing. The delegation started the trip upon their arrival in Beijing yesterday (March 12), visiting the National Speed Skating Oval to learn about the state's training of elite athletes. This morning, they visited the Big Air Shougang, and inspected the development and operation of the large sports park. The Big Air Shougang, where freestyle skiing (Big Air) and snowboard (Big Air) were held during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, was later used as a training venue for professional athletes and sports teams as well as a place for extreme sports in summer. The Big Air plaza is also used for cultural and commercial activities. Mr Yeung and the delegation will continue their visit in Beijing tomorrow (March 14) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on the next day (March 15).
SCST to visit Beijing
10.3.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Beijing in the morning on March 12 (Sunday). He will meet with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, Mr Gao Zhidan, as well as calling on various authorities. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on March 15 (Wednesday). 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 Draw and Media Launch of Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023 (English only)
6.3.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Draw and Media Launch of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023 today (March 6): Chris (Chairman of Hong Kong Rugby Union, Mr Chris Brooke), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Luanne (Chief Executive, Hong Kong of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Ms Luanne Lim), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you here at the Draw and Media Launch of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023. This is more so because Hong Kong has lifted our almost three-year masking requirement, we can now see each other's happy faces. Let's give a round of applause to Hong Kong and all of us here. I am extremely excited to see the return of the Hong Kong Sevens in full in less than five months again after the stabilisation of the pandemic. We have now returned to normalcy comprehensively, and resumed full connectivity with the Mainland and the world. This is the perfect time to showcase to the world that Hong Kong is back on stage and ready for hosting high-profile and world-class sports, culture and entertainment events with best-ever experiences for our local people and visitors from abroad. This year is the 46th edition of the Hong Kong Sevens. It is a combined men's and women's world series tournament that brings together 28 top-level teams in the same field. It is also the first time ever for the men's and women's teams of Hong Kong, China to appear side by side in an event. There is no doubt that it will bring us again a series of high standard, exciting and thrilling matches over the weekend, which we are all looking forward to. Before I close, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Hong Kong Rugby Union for their sterling effort in hosting this premier sports event, and Cathay Pacific and HSBC for their support, adding vibrancy and vitality to the city and enhancing our position as a centre for major sports events. May I wish the Hong Kong Sevens 2023 a tremendous success and all rugby fans an enjoyable time. Thank you.