kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCST to visit Zhongshan
25.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Zhongshan on June 26 (Monday). He will attend the 21st Greater Pearl River Delta Cultural Cooperation Meeting and meet with relevant ministries and authorities. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong in the evening on June 27 (Tuesday).
SCST attends Public Fuxi Commemoration Ceremony 2023 in Gansu Province (with photos)
22.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (June 22) attended the Public Fuxi Commemoration Ceremony 2023 in Tianshui City in Gansu Province on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.ãã He said, "The Public Fuxi Commemoration Ceremony is a significant platform for the Chinese to trace their roots and pay respect to their ancestors. The delegation designated by the HKSAR Government to attend the ceremony shows that Hong Kong integrates into national development and the HKSAR's future hinges on the Country's prospects. As Tianshui City in Gansu Province is Fuxi's birthplace and the origin of Fuxi culture, the ancient tradition of Fuxi commemoration has been passed down through generations and turned into a custom."ãã While in Tianshui City, Mr Yeung also met member of the party group of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Xiang Bin and leaders of Gansu Province and Tianshui City to exchange views and share experience on cultural, sports and tourism fronts, as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration. Mr Yeung attended an evening variety show and visited one of the four major grottoes in China, Maijishan Grottoes, which receives worldwide acclaim for its clay sculptures. Mr Yeung has departed from Tianshui City for the return journey and will arrive Hong Kong tomorrow (June 23).
SCST to visit Gansu Province
20.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Tianshui City in Gansu Province tomorrow (June 21). He will attend the Public Fuxi Commemoration Ceremony 2023 on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Mr Yeung will depart from Tianshui City for Hong Kong on June 22.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong fencers on remarkable achievements
17.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (June 17) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong fencers Vivian Kong and Low Ho-tin on winning a gold medal in the Women's &Eacute;p&eacute;e Individual event and a bronze medal in the Men's Sabre Individual event respectively at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships. Mr Yeung said, "It is the third time Vivian Kong winning gold at Asian Fencing Championships, while Low Ho-tin's triumph makes it the second time for Hong Kong team to reap a medal in the event since 2014. We are very encouraged by their performances and proud of Hong Kong fencers for their repeated success at international competitions."
SCST meets with representatives of cultural and tourism authorities from Mainland provinces and cities (with photos)
15.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (June 15) met with leaders of cultural and tourism authorities from various Mainland provinces, cities and autonomous regions, who visited Hong Kong to join the International Travel Expo in Hong Kong, to exchange views on enhancing collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland on cultural and tourism fronts. Inspector at Level 2 of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China Ms Cui Suxiang and the Director of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center, Mr Zhang Dong, were also present. Mr Yeung said, "The country attaches great importance to the high-quality development of tourism, with the major direction of enhancing the country's economic structure, promoting Chinese culture and realising the principle of 'shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism' via the development of tourism. We look forward to joining hands with cultural and tourism authorities on the Mainland in taking forward the exchanges and collaboration, demonstrating our country's cultural soft power as well as the appeal of Chinese civilisation, and telling the good stories of China and Hong Kong." Hong Kong is positioned as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region strives to strengthen cultural exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland and overseas bodies. The Government has allocated resources to further collaborate with governments and cultural organisations on the Mainland and overseas, with a view to better promoting Chinese culture to the world. Hong Kong has been promoting exchanges and collaboration with the Mainland in tourism and various areas of arts and culture. The 37th International Travel Expo commences today, bringing together leaders of cultural and tourism authorities from various provinces, cities and autonomous regions. Those who joined the meeting included representatives of the cultural and tourism authorities from Hebei Province, Liaoning Province, Jiangxi Province, Hubei Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
SCST expresses deep sorrow over passing of Huang Yongyu
14.6.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (June 14) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chinese painting master, Huang Yongyu, and extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Mr Huang was a renowned figure in the painting world and was showered with honours. Blending rich Chinese accents and western elements, his paintings were not only unique but had also inspired the succeeding generations. Furthermore, Mr Huang was a prominent print artist and poet. His poems were modest, moving and thought-provoking. In 2004, the Hong Kong Museum of Art hosted an exhibition on reviewing Mr Huang's work at his age of 80, while the museum keeps eight of his ink paintings and print arts. Mr Yeung said, "We are saddened by Mr Huang's passing, but his work will surely echo down the ages and he will be remembered fondly."
Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of Knowledge of Design Week 2023 (English only)
14.6.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge of Design Week 2023 today (June 14): Eric (Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre, Professor Eric Yim), Victor (Chairman of the Knowledge of Design Week Steering Committee, Dr Victor Lo), Mr van den Berg (Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, Mr Arjen van den Berg), distinguished speakers, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Knowledge of Design Week (KODW) 2023. I am excited to greet our international guests in KODW with a full return in physical format this year. Riding on the theme "The Power of Design: Innovating for a Circular World", over 40 creative and business leaders from around the world are gathering in Hong Kong today to share their knowledge and innovative ideas. In the coming three days, a series of face-to-face forums, workshops, masterclasses and networking events will bring together experts and professionals to explore the application and impact of innovative practices in design for creating a more sustainable and resilient future. The Netherlands has been taking the lead in implementing and championing green designs. I recall during my last visit to the Netherlands in March, the dialogues with the officials and local industry players were rewarding and inspiring. We are very pleased for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to be our partner country of both KODW and Business of Design Week (BODW) this year. I look forward to the in-depth exchanges and sharing on circular economy amongst the design leaders from the Netherlands and other countries. The current-term Government is committed to fostering Hong Kong's arts, cultural and creative industries under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. With an additional $500 million injection into the CreateSmart Initiative, we will continue with our efforts to support the development of Hong Kong's creative industries, including design, with an aim to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I would like to thank the Hong Kong Design Centre and supporting organisations for making KODW happen again. My special thanks go to the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and the CreativeNL, which have been facilitating the partnership for KODW and BODW this year. I wish KODW every success and all of you a fruitful and enjoyable event. Thank you.
SCST meets with Director-General of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism (with photos)
30.5.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 30) met with the Director-General of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Ms Wang Lei, to exchange views on collaboration between Hong Kong and Shandong on cultural and tourism fronts. Mr Yeung said, "Hong Kong is positioned as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The country's Culture and Tourism Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area clearly supports Hong Kong in developing into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. Since its establishment, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has been integrating into the national development based on the principle of 'shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism'. Shandong Province is rich in tourism and cultural resources. The two sides can collaborate and contribute to creating unique experiences in Chinese culture and tourism, as well as telling the good stories of China and Hong Kong." Hong Kong has been promoting exchanges and collaboration with Shandong Province in arts and culture including performing arts and exhibitions, which were well-received by the public of both sides. Various performing groups in Shandong Province have been invited to join the China Opera Festival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism also jointly organised "Genesis and Spirit - Enchanting Shandong . An Exhibition on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shandong" with the LCSD in 2019. Moreover, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been maintaining communication with the travel trade of Shandong province to promote Hong Kong's tourism to Shandong. This year, the HKTB arranged travel agents of Shandong to join the "Hello Hong Kong" Mainland China Travel Trade Familiarization Group in Hong Kong and the MICE (meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions) industry meetup in Shanghai to offer them the latest information on MICE travel and the most direct resources matching platform, in order to facilitate the recovery of Hong Kong's MICE tourism.
Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of 2023 III BFA Women's Baseball Asian Cup (English only)
26.5.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of the 2023 III BFA Women's Baseball Asian Cup today (May 26): Mr Lin (Secretary General of Baseball Federation of Asia, Mr Lin Hua-wei), Mr Fan (President of the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Andrew Fan), Mr Ho (Chairman of the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Dave Ho), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you all here at the opening ceremony of the 2023 III BFA Women's Baseball Asian Cup. Let me start by extending a warm welcome to all players and guests from home and abroad. Incepted in 2017, the BFA Women's Baseball Asian Cup was the first-ever Asian Cup of women's baseball. Hong Kong, as Asia's sports events capital, is proud to play host this year. Joining this Asian qualifier for the Women's Baseball World Cup are twelve strong teams which will certainly do their utmost to vie for the top four rankings for promotion to the World Cup. I am sure that their dedication and passion in realising their dreams will impress each and every one of us. Our enthusiastic spectators are all ready to cheer on the players throughout these intense competitions, and the field here will be buzzing with excitement and applause in the coming two weeks. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China for its remarkable efforts in promoting the development of baseball in Hong Kong over the past decades through cultivating baseball players and hosting local and international tournaments. The Government will continue to provide full support to the Association to organise more prominent events and promote the sport in the community. Lastly, may I wish the BFA Women's Baseball Asian Cup a great success and everyone an enjoyable time. Thank you.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong on topping world ranking again
8.5.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 8) congratulated Hong Kong athlete Vivian Kong on ascending to the world's number one in women's &eacute;p&eacute;e again. Mr Yeung said, "Vivian Kong wrote a glorious page in Hong Kong's fencing history by taking top slot in the world ranking once again. It is very encouraging to see Hong Kong's homegrown athletes ranking among the best in the world. I am sure all citizens in Hong Kong are proud of Vivian Kong's hard work along the way."
SCST attends cultural and tourism exchange activities in Haikou (with photos)
8.5.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 8) attended the opening ceremony of a cultural and tourism exchange programme in Haikou, Hainan. The Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki Kwok, also joined the visit. Mr Yeung said, "The programme, held by the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Film, Television, Publications and Sports this year, is a major annual event tailor-made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong, Macao and the Mainland. The programme serves as an exchange platform for industry players in Hong Kong, Macao and the Mainland. Through seminars, exchanges and visits, not only can representatives from Hong Kong get a better understanding of the country and its rich cultural tourism resources, industry players in the three places can also build stronger bonds and explore collaboration opportunities." During his visit in Haikou, Mr Yeung called on the Director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Film, Television, Publications and Sports, Mr Li Huiwei, to learn more about Hainan Province's cultural, sports and tourism development and explore co-operation opportunities. Besides meeting with Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr Lu Yingchuan, Mr Yeung also attended a seminar with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, leaders of Hainan Province and representatives from Hong Kong and Macao to exchange views and experiences on cultural inheritance and promoting cultural tourism development. Furthermore, Mr Yeung visited the Hainan Museum to get a better grasp of Hainan's history, geography, culture, intangible cultural heritage and ocean civilisation. Mr Yeung will visit the Feng Xiaogang Movie Town tomorrow morning (May 9). The movie town, which showcases the evolution of China's city landscape through film settings, is a new cultural tourism landmark in Hainan. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
SCST to visit Hainan
5.5.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Haikou, Hainan, on May 7 (Sunday) to attend an annual cultural and tourism exchange programme. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on May 9 (Tuesday). 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 official delegation from Guizhou Province (with photos)
25.4.2023

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (April 25) met with Member of the Standing Committee and Head of Publicity Department of the Guizhou CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Lu Yongzheng, and members of the official delegation. They exchanged views on deepening cultural and tourism collaboration between Hong Kong and Guizhou. The Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki Kwok, were also present. Mr Yeung said, "Hong Kong is positioned as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. Since its establishment, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has been integrating into the national development based on the principle of 'shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism'. Guizhou is rich in cultural and heritage resources. With both Hong Kong and Guizhou returning to normalcy, we look forward to further deepening co-operation on culture and tourism between the two places, giving full play to our strengths in promoting the splendid Chinese culture, as well as telling the good stories of China and Hong Kong." Hong Kong has been staying in touch with Guizhou Province through exchanges and collaborations in various realms of arts and culture including intangible cultural heritage and films, among which activities such as performing arts and cultural exhibitions were well received by the public on both sides. As for tourism, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government earlier participated in an event organised by Guizhou Province in Hong Kong on promoting economy, trade and tourism of the two places. In the meeting today, both sides discussed further co-ordination to promote tourism for one another, and encouraged each other's tourism sectors to develop unique travelling itineraries and enhance the industry development.
First Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival opens today (with photos)
22.4.2023

âOrganised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2023 was held at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre today (April 22). Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said that Hong Kong's pop music, films and TV dramas had been developing rapidly since the 1970s, and were well-received in Asia and even Europe and the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. Hong Kong's pop culture not only drove the economy, but also reflected the lives and stories of Hong Kong people at different times. Mr Yeung pointed out that as the National 14th Five-Year Plan positioned Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, the Government will promote the development of the city's culture, including its unique pop culture through diversified policies. Mr Yeung added that the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival will take audiences to revisit, from different perspectives, the masterpieces of Hong Kong pop culture's golden era in the 1980s and 1990s, which witnessed the city's development and its spirit. The festival will rejuvenate the all-time classics with new elements to demonstrate the continuation of cultural flow, perpetual preservation, breakthroughs and development. He expected that the promotion will enhance the public's recognition towards the city's pop culture, and help tell tourists and people from overseas good stories of Hong Kong. Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So, and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu. After the ceremony, the opening programme "When Leslie & Anita Meet Hei & Gin" began with popular singer Gin Lee performing four theme songs from films of Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, selected and re-arranged by renowned music producer Chiu Tsang-hei, followed by the film "Who's the Woman, Who's the Man" (1996) co-starred by the two superstars. The festival has curated some 20 programmes, with confirmed ones including seven performing arts programmes, four thematic exhibitions and four thematic film screenings, as well as a series of outreach activities. It is expected to attract an audience of over 200 000. For more information on other fascinating programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en .
Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau meets Management Centre of China National Arts Fund's delegation
19.4.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (April 19) met with the Director of the Management Centre of China National Arts Fund, Mr Wang Mingliang as well as members and experts of the delegation. They exchanged views and communicated on Hong Kong's corresponding actions in dovetailing the work of the China National Arts Fund and explored further collaboration of the two sides in order to realise Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as stated in the National 14th Five-Year Plan together. A total of 19 art organisations and artists from Hong Kong have been selected for the list of arts projects to be funded by the China National Arts Fund since 2022. The Government announced in the Policy Address 2022 corresponding policy measures to support these projects. The Government has provided dedicated funding for these selected projects to conduct cultural exchanges, which includes staging performances and exhibitions, or conducting other activities that promote exchange activities outside Hong Kong, with a view to promoting Chinese culture, telling the good stories of Hong Kong, promoting our Country to the international community well. Mr Yeung expressed gratitude to the China National Arts Fund's support and recognition to Hong Kong's arts and culture sector. He said, "The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) will make good efforts in launching corresponding measures in Hong Kong in order to support the selected enchanting and captivating Hong Kong projects to be presented outside our city, showcasing our unique culture and flourishing arts and culture development as well as telling good stories of Hong Kong." The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong, also met with Mr Wang and the delegation yesterday (April 18) at the Central Government Offices. They discussed the Government's corresponding measure in detail and exchanged views on way to further encourage more projects from Hong Kong to apply for China National Arts Fund, and explored opportunities for the selected projects to be presented in Hong Kong. The China National Arts Fund has announced the application guide 2024. The application period began on April 15 and will end on June 15, 2023. Details are available on www.cnaf.cn/guide.html (Chinese only). The CSTB encourages Hong Kong art groups and artists to actively apply.
SCST to visit Shenzhen
17.4.2023

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Shenzhen tomorrow (April 18). He will call on the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government as well as the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Tourism, Radio and Television, and visit local arts facilities. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on the same day.