kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCST extends congratulations to ten Hong Kong arts projects supported by China National Arts Fund
4.3.2023

The Council of the China National Arts Fund announced yesterday (March 3) the list of arts projects to be funded by the China National Arts Fund 2023. After assessment, the adjudication panel of the China National Arts Fund selected 703 projects out of 9 017 formal applications. Ten Hong Kong arts projects are selected this year. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 4) said, "I would like to express heartfelt thanks to our country for the support to arts development in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and congratulate the ten Hong Kong arts projects supported by the China National Arts Fund. " Mr Yeung said, "This year, ten Hong Kong arts projects are selected to be funded by the China National Arts Fund 2023. They include small and medium-sized arts groups and artists from Hong Kong, as well as the creative arts administration and leadership talent training programmes for the Greater Bay Area offered by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. This manifests the rich variety of Hong Kong's arts offerings, our talented youth, as well as our efforts to integrate into the national development and contribute to nurturing arts talents for our country. These enable us to capitalise on and consolidate Hong Kong's new role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. " The selected projects this year cover areas such as small-scale productions, cultural exchange, training of arts talents, youth in arts creation, and visual arts creations. This is the second time Hong Kong projects were selected since the first entry of nine Hong Kong projects for the China National Arts Fund in 2022. The HKSAR Government announced in the Policy Address 2022 to put forward policy measures to support the awardees of the China National Arts Fund in Hong Kong by providing them funding to conduct cultural exchanges, with a view to bringing recognised quality arts projects from Hong Kong to the international community, promoting Chinese culture, and telling the stories of Hong Kong well. The 19 Hong Kong arts projects selected in both 2022 and 2023 will benefit from the measure. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote Hong Kong's arts and culture actively to develop and consolidate Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. During the meeting between Mr Yeung and Mr Hu Heping, the Minister of Culture and Tourism at Beijing last month, they also exchanged views on Hong Kong's corresponding support for Hong Kong arts projects funded by China National Arts Fund.
Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Joan MirÃ³ - The Poetry of Everyday Life" (English only)
2.3.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Joan Mir&oacute; - The Poetry of Everyday Life" today (March 2): His Excellency Mr Dezcallar de Mazarredo (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the People's Republic of China, Mr Rafael Dezcallar de Mazarredo), Dr Daniel (Director of Joan Mir&oacute; Foundation, Dr Marko Daniel), Dr Leung (Executive Director, Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Gabriel Leung), Mr So (Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Mr Douglas So), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. Welcome to the opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Joan Mir&oacute; - The Poetry of Everyday Life" exhibition. The month of March marks the start of Hong Kong's yearly launch of arts and cultural events. This exhibition, together with all the wonderful events to follow, especially our Museum Summit to be held on the 24th and 25th of this month, will not only attract art lovers from Hong Kong and around the world, but will also strengthen our city's long-standing status as a well-known East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. This exhibition also marks the first collaboration between the Joan Mir&oacute; Foundation and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The Foundation, based in the city of Barcelona in Spain, is one of the world's highly acclaimed art institutions. Created by the Spanish master himself, the Foundation boasts the world's most comprehensive collection of his works. Over 90 artworks from the Foundation are now on display in this exhibition. Over the years, the LCSD has collaborated with world-renowned museums to bring the finest exhibitions to Hong Kong. While each exhibition differs in theme, what remains unchanged is that each joint presentation is equally unique and no less inspiring, bringing rich cultural experiences to visitors. This exhibition would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our collaborating partners. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Joan Mir&oacute; Foundation, our first-time partner, for generously lending us their priceless treasures. We sincerely thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club, our long-term partner and also the exclusive sponsor of the exhibition, for its tremendous support. I wish you good health and the exhibition a great success. Thank you very much.
SCST to visit Hanoi
11.6.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Hanoi, Vietnam in the afternoon today (June 11). He will call on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and meet with senior officials. During his stay in Hanoi, Mr Yeung will visit cultural facilities and sports venues. He will also meet with local practitioners of the creative industry and explore collaboration opportunities. Mr Yeung will depart from Hanoi on June 14 (Friday) morning 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.
Tourism Commission enhances City in Time tourism project and launches additional spots at Lei Yue Mun (with photos/video)
5.6.2024

The Tourism Commission today (June 5) extended the City in Time tourism project to Lei Yue Mun and upgraded its mobile app features simultaneously to enrich the experience of both locals and tourists. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "With the concept of 'Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong' the City in Time project allows locals and tourists to experience Hong Kong's past and present through its mobile app. The project covers designated locations in Central, the Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan and Lei Yue Mun. It will be extended to Tai Hang and Kowloon City later on, tying in with the new trend of city walks and in-depth travel, as well as enriching tourists' travelling experience through smart tourism." The City in Time mobile app features have already been upgraded, including adding filters and video recordings to the selfie function and advancing the animation of the historical panoramas to 3D. In addition, the City in Time initiative has also incorporated film elements at its existing designated locations, allowing locals and tourists to watch classic Hong Kong film clips at filming locations. Commissioned by the Tourism Commission, the City in Time tourism project was developed and produced by the School of Creative Media of the City University of Hong Kong. The mobile app is available for free downloading at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Locals and tourists can also embark on virtual journeys and find out more on the City in Time website ( cityintime.hk ).
Launch of Hospitality Campaign (with photos/video)
3.6.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung attended the launch of the Hospitality Campaign today (June 3) with representatives from the Education Bureau, the Home Affairs Department, the Information Services Department, the Radio Television Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the tourism and related sectors, the education sector and the districts, to jointly promote hospitality and reinforce Hong Kong's brand as the best tourism destination. Mr Yeung said, "The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau had already started discussions and preparations to promote hospitality with relevant policy bureaux and departments as well as HKTB since early this year to encourage active involvement of all sectors in the community. With the Government's series of hospitality promotions, I hope that all sectors in the community can work together to display the spirit of hospitality and warmly receive visitors to Hong Kong with a view to strengthening Hong Kong's position as the best tourist destination." He also expressed gratitude to the tourism and related sectors for their unfailing support in continuously improving service quality and launching various activities in conjunction with the Hospitality Campaign in order to create synergy and promote Hong Kong's reputation as a hospitable city. To echo the Hospitality Campaign, the Education Bureau will provide schools with a series of learning and teaching resources and related information, and encourage schools to actively plan and promote activities related to the theme of courtesy, so as to further enable students to be courteous with others. The Home Affairs Department will also assist in promoting messages on hospitality and fostering a friendly and courteous atmosphere in the community through organising community involvement activities in various districts. HKTB will also launch its new promotion on hospitality on the theme of "Let's Go the Extra Mile", to encourage both frontline staff of the industries and members of public that everyone could demonstrate good hospitality by going a little step forward. Officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attending the launch today also included the Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; the Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu; Director of Broadcasting, Mr Eddie Cheung; and Deputy Director of Home Affairs, Ms Eureka Cheung.
SCST warmly welcomes representatives of Mainland tourism industry and media to visit Hong Kong (with photos)
2.6.2024

With the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme to cover eight more Mainland cities, namely Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi, on May 27, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, this morning (June 2) visited the visitor centres of the Hong Kong Tourism Board located at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and Hong Kong International Airport to welcome representatives of tourism industry and media from the eight cities. He presented them with souvenirs to showcase Hong Kong's warm welcome and hospitality. "We have arranged representatives of tourism industry and media from the eight cities to come to Hong Kong today to experience the tourism characteristic of 'Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong' firsthand and the unique appeal of Hong Kong as a metropolis where East meets West. We hope that our friends from the eight cities can experience the extraordinary charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a culinary capital through this exchange. The Government will work with the trade continuously to provide visitors with diversified travel experience and high-quality service, so as to make visitors from different cities to feel at home in Hong Kong," Mr Yeung said. "A total of around 40 trade representatives will have a full five-day four-night itinerary in Hong Kong. They will visit various tourist attractions in Hong Kong, including the Central Market, Tai Kwun, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+, etc., for an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong. We hope that they would bring this fruitful and high-quality travel experience back to the eight cities for sharing with and promoting amongst the local residents. This will enhance the two-way tourism exchange between the eight cities and Hong Kong," he added.
Trade consultation on Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0 (with photos) 
30.5.2024

ââThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 30) consulted the Tourism Strategy Committee on the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0). Members of the Committee actively put forward various suggestions at the meeting. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau launched the trade consultation for Blueprint 2.0 in April 17 and has since held over 10 consultation sessions with the travel trade, related organisations and stakeholders for collecting views on Blueprint 2.0. The Secretary also met with Legislative Council Members last week to listen to their views on Blueprint 2.0. The trade consultation will end on June 14. Stakeholders are welcomed to provide written comments on Blueprint 2.0 to the Tourism Commission on or before June 14 by email ( tourismblueprint@cstb.gov.hk ), fax (3848 4127) or post (11/F, Harbour East, 218 Electric Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong).
SCST shows support for athletes participating in Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (with photos)
27.5.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, this afternoon (May 27) visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to learn about the athletes' preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and to cheer for them. Accompanied by the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Sam Wong, Mr Yeung toured various facilities at the HKSI, including the fencing hall, the table tennis hall, the fitness training centre and the swimming complex. The visiting officials exchanged views with athletes and coaches to learn about their training arrangements as well as the support provided by the HKSI, encouraging the athletes to give their best performance in the Games. Mr Yeung said, "The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will soon be held in Paris. I hope the participating Hong Kong athletes will perform well. During their stay in Paris, I encourage them to have more exchanges and interactions with athletes of other delegations, demonstrating their sportsmanship and sharing the latest of Hong Kong. "The Government successfully procured the broadcasting rights of the Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Hong Kong. Three local licensed television broadcasters and Radio Television Hong Kong will broadcast the Games in accordance with government requirements, allowing all Hong Kong citizens to watch the Games for free, and give support to Mainland and Hong Kong athletes. The arrangement is generally well received by all sectors of society, and is considered conducive to promoting sports development in Hong Kong. I look forward to watching the Games with everyone and supporting the athletes," he said. The Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be held July 26 to August 11 and August 28 to September 8 respectively. In addition to the HKSI's support, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has set aside funds under the Arts and Sport Development Fund (Sports Portion) to support the athletes to prepare for and participate in the Games.
SCST welcomes visitors from new Individual Visit Scheme applicable cities (with photos)
27.5.2024

On the first day of the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to cover eight Mainland cities, namely Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 27) visited the Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre of the Hong Kong Tourism Board to ensure that relevant units are well prepared to welcome visitors from the eight cities with a view to providing them with comprehensive travel information about Hong Kong and extending warm hospitality to the visitors. "The further expansion of the IVS to cover all provincial capitals in our country will help Hong Kong better connect and interact with residents from all provincial capitals through tourism activities, while promoting two-way visits between Hong Kong and different provincial capital cities and attracting more high value-added overnight visitors to Hong Kong. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from different cities to come to explore Hong Kong and experience Hong Kong's unique appeal as an international tourism destination," Mr Yeung said. The Government has prepared a series of arrangements to allow Mainland visitors to personally experience the extraordinary charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a culinary capital, which includes distributing vouchers valued at $200 by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to IVS visitors from the eight cities to enable them to spend at various types of restaurants and shops, as well as inviting representatives from the tourism trade of the eight cities and relevant Mainland media to Hong Kong to introduce to them Hong Kong's unique features, including the latest information of tourism products, with the aim of jointly promoting visitors' touring and consumption in Hong Kong. âStarting from May 27, 2024, the number of designated Mainland cities eligible for the IVS have been increased to 59.
SCST congratulates Chiu Hin-chun on winning gold
25.5.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (May 25) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong rowing athlete Chiu Hin-chun on winning a gold medal at Lightweight Men's Single Sculls in the 2024 World Rowing Cup II Lucerne, Switzerland. Mr Yeung said, "Chiu Hin-chun reaped a gold medal with his outstanding performance in the competition. He also wrote a new page in Hong Kong's rowing history for being the first Hong Kong rowing athlete to gain a gold medal at an international competition. We are proud of his striving spirit."
Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone holds meeting in Shenzhen (with photos)
24.5.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, and the District Mayor of the Yantian District People's Government, Mr Deng Feibo, leading delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Shenzhen respectively, held the first meeting of the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok (STK) Co-operation Zone under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy in Shenzhen today (May 24). At the meeting, the HKSAR Government introduced the latest progress of the opening up of the STK Frontier Closed Area, the progress of the upgrading of the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint and the upcoming plans for promoting the development of cultural tourism in STK under the principle of "low density, high quality". The government of Shenzhen also introduced the latest progress of the development of Shatoujiao in Shenzhen and exchanged views on potential collaboration. After the meeting, both delegations visited Shatoujiao in Shenzhen to learn about the upgrading and transformation plan there. Mr Yeung said, "STK bears unique historical and cultural origins with rich tourism characteristics. Under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, Shenzhen and Hong Kong governments will actively explore co-operation opportunities, and work together to promote the development of tourism in STK." In the 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed to explore with the Shenzhen Municipal Government the establishment of an STK Cultural Tourism Zone. In future, the Tourism Commission will, through the Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) project, introduce more creative tourism elements and integrate STK's history and culture to create more unique itineraries and tourism products. In addition, the Tourism Commission will continue to promote the two "signature itineraries" related to tourism resources in STK under the Deeper into Hong Kong: Creative Itinerary Design Competition, to highlight the tourism characteristics of STK to visitors. Officials of the HKSAR Government attending the meeting today also included the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, as well as representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Tourism Commission, the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office of the Development Bureau, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the North District Office, and the Planning Department.
SCST attends high-level meeting on tourism in Xi'an (with photos)
22.5.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, attended the 14th China-US Tourism Leadership Summit held in Xi'an today (May 22) and spoke in the thematic seminar session at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. "Hong Kong is Asia's world city and an international aviation hub. It has been one of the important gateways for visitors from the United States to travel to Mainland China and Asia for years. Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot of East and West, where we have a rich Chinese heritage while being heavily influenced by the Western culture. The attractive scenery and the diverse culinary offerings that blend Eastern and Western flavours hold great appeal for international visitors. In addition, with our country's staunch support, Hong Kong has been actively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, staging more and more international cultural, arts and trending events, among which Art Basel has become an annual mega event in Hong Kong, while the United States' largest pop-culture carnival, ComplexCon, also landed in Asia and Hong Kong for the first time this year. Traditional cultural and festive events, including the Dragon Boat Festival races and Christmas celebrations, have also transformed into appealing tourism experiences for both Chinese and foreign visitors. Such developments have provided Hong Kong with mature conditions to combine cultural and artistic activities, sports competitions, and other mega events, thus enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness to international visitors, including visitors from the United States. Since Hong Kong resumed cross-boundary tourism in February 2023, we have attracted around 800 000 visitors from the United States. We are confident that more visitors from the United States will come to visit Hong Kong this year," Mr Yeung said at the thematic seminar session. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong tonight.
SCST to visit Xi'an
21.5.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Xi'an in Shaanxi Province today (May 21) in the afternoon. He will attend a high-level meeting related to tourism. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on May 22 (Wednesday) in the evening. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.