kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CSTB convenes meeting to co-ordinate preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during Labour Day Golden Week of Mainland (with photos)
26.3.2024

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau convened a meeting today (March 26) to co-ordinate the preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland from May 1 to 5. The meeting was hosted by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, with representatives attending from government departments including the Hong Kong Customs, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Transport Department, and various District Offices. Representatives from various tourism-related organisations including the Travel Industry Authority, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, major tourist attractions and the hotel industry also attended. Mr Yeung said, "In anticipation of the increased number of visitors arriving in Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, government departments and relevant organisations will continue to work closely, making early preparations for active deployment of resources as well as stepping up co-ordination and communication with relevant Mainland counterparts so as to create good travel experiences for visitors arriving in Hong Kong." Relevant parties will maintain close communication before the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland to plan and take forward various preparations for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong.
SCST attends meeting on preparatory work for National Games, National Games for Persons with Disabilities and National Special Olympic Games in Guangzhou (with photos)
20.3.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 20) cochaired with the Head of the Sports Bureau of Guangdong Province, Mr Cui Jian, a meeting in Guangzhou on the preparatory work for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The Head of the National Games Coordination Office (NGCO), Mr Yeung Tak-keung, and the Deputy Head of the NGCO, Mr Paul Cheng, also attended the meeting. Mr Kevin Yeung said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is grateful for the Central Government's trust and support in letting us cohost the three Games with Guangdong and Macao in 2025. I cochaired a meeting on the preparatory work for the Games with the Head of the Sports Bureau of Guangdong Province, Mr Cui Jian, in Guangzhou today, to closely liaise with the Guangdong Provincial Government and review work progress, with a view to making the Games a success and uniting all sectors of the community by deepening collaboration between Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." Mr Yeung and his delegation visited the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center to know more about the operation and management of the Center and subsidiary facilities, as well as the improvement works. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau set up the National Games Coordination Office last year to fully take on the planning and implementation work of the Games, to be cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in 2025. The National Games, held once every four years, are the nation's highest-level and the largest national multisport event. The State Council announced in August 2021 that the 15th National Games will be cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in 2025. This is the first time for Hong Kong to be a cohost of the National Games. The three sides will also cohost the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, subsequent to the 15th National Games.
SCST visits Xi'an and Qingdao to promote Hong Kong tourism (with photos)
14.3.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (March 14) finished a three-day visit to Xi'an and Qingdao. With the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to Xi'an and Qingdao starting from March 6, Mr Yeung visited the two cities to call on provincial leaders and attend briefing sessions for the media and the tourism sector, where he promoted Hong Kong tourism as well as introducing travelling experiences and the latest tourism developments in Hong Kong. Mr Yeung said, "We are very grateful for the Central Government's positive response to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's proposal of enhancing the IVS. With the number of eligible cities expanded to 51, this will be very conducive to the development of Hong Kong's tourism sector. We have at once launched publicity activities in the newly added cities, Xi'an and Qingdao, with a view to providing travellers from the two cities with quality services." During the trip, Mr Yeung was accompanied by the Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Dane Cheng. On March 12, Mr Yeung arrived in Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, where he met with Vice Governor of the Shaanxi Provincial Government Mr Xu Mingfei, and the Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Shaanxi, Mr Gao Yang, to discuss ways to strengthen and develop tourism activities between Hong Kong and Xi'an. Mr Yeung then continued his visit to Qingdao in Shandong Province on March 13 to meet with the Mayor of the Qingdao Municipal People's Government, Mr Zhao Haozhi, and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee Ms Zhang Hui separately to exchange views on driving tourism developments. In 2022, there were 12.9959 million usual residents in Xi'an, and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was RMB1.148651 trillion. Between 2014 and 2023, 1.17 million travellers from Xi'an visited Hong Kong. In comparison, there were 10.3421 million usual residents in Qingdao in 2022 and its GDP was RMB1.492075 trillion, while 0.7 million travellers from Qingdao visited Hong Kong between 2014 and 2023. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong tonight.
SCST attends press conference for Hong Kong Cultural and Art Industry Revitalisation Program by Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group (with photos)
11.3.2024

âThe Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at a press conference to announce the Hong Kong Cultural and Art Industry Revitalisation Program (the Program) of Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group (ADME Group) today (March 11) during the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba DME Group, Mr Fan Luyuan, and the President and Executive Director of Alibaba Pictures, Mr Jerry Li, also attended as the representatives of the organiser. "We eagerly hope that ADME Group will work more closely with the film and TV industry of Hong Kong to develop new modes of co-operation and explore business areas, to nurture new talent, and to create rich and diversified content for film and TV, which will bring the development of our film and TV entertainment industry to the next level," Mr Yeung said. ADME Group announced that they would invest HK$5 billion in the development fund in the next five years and make Hong Kong their second base. The Program will focus on film production and distribution, rights acquisitions, TV series production, investments in concerts, collaboration with performance venues, and talent development etc. It will also work with leading local film and TV companies to co-produce films for cinemas, TV dramas, and dramas for streaming platforms etc. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau is dedicated to organising various events and actively participating in large-scale film festivals both on the Mainland and overseas through Create Hong Kong, thereby promoting the role and advantages of Hong Kong's film and TV industry, attracting Mainland and overseas corporations to expand their businesses in Hong Kong, and strengthening co-operation with the local film and TV industry in the production of quality content. The Program is also facilitated by Invest Hong Kong in relation to providing assistance in setting up offices and starting businesses in Hong Kong, as well as arranging to participate in various networking events to meet the local trade and representatives of relevant associations.
Speech by SCST at 17th Asian Film Awards (English only)
10.3.2024

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the 17th Asian Film Awards today (March 10): Dr Wong (Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening! I am most delighted to join you all at the 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA). Originating from Hong Kong in 2007, the AFA has gone through a journey of 17 years, developing into a prestigious international film event. Today, I'm glad to welcome internationally renowned filmmakers and artists from across Asia, and the coming back of some old friends. I'm also excited to witness 35 films from 24 countries and regions competing for 16 awards. Such fierce competition and enormous diversity is definitely a showcase of the success of AFA. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been actively promoting arts and culture, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's position as the EastâmeetsâWest centre for international cultural exchange. Particularly for film industries, the Government will be injecting about HK$1.4 billion into the Film Development Fund, which shows our determination to provide long-term support for our film industries. We also introduced last year the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme to support film projects co-produced by filmmakers in Hong Kong and Asian countries, with a view to drawing inspiration from broader regional and cultural horizons and fostering Hong Kong films to go global. The response to this Scheme has been overwhelming and we look forward to the co-production of films under the Scheme which are rich in Hong Kong and Asian culture, enhancing in-depth exchange and mutual learning. Speaking in front of around 1 000 guests from across Asia tonight, I'm astonished again by Hong Kong's charm as Asia's Events Capital. At the beginning of 2024, a wide range of measures were announced to promote mega event economy. The successful holding of AFA is definitely a best sign of Hong Kong's readiness and competitiveness to stage international events. Hopefully, your brief visit to Hong Kong does not only mark a success of your film career, but becomes an unforgettable memory of the Pearl of the Orient. Tonight, I am happy to see that there are four Hong Kong films being nominated for awards, and I wish your commitment pays off. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you, who have been joining hands with us to bring all those sophisticated projects to life, promoting arts and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the world. I wish AFA a resounding success, and all guests a rewarding and enjoyable night in Hong Kong. Thank you.
SCST to visit Xi'an and Qingdao
6.3.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Xi'an in Shaanxi Province on March 12 (Tuesday). He will meet with officials of Shaanxi Province and Xi'an, and will attend a briefing session that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has arranged for the local tourism sector. Mr Yeung will then depart for Qingdao in Shandong Province on March 13 (Wednesday), meeting officials of Shandong Province and Qingdao and attending a briefing session for the trade. Under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), which was implemented on July 28, 2003, in accordance with the main document of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, eligible residents of designated Mainland cities can apply for an endorsement to visit Hong Kong in their individual capacity. With the expansion of the IVS to cover Xi'an and Qingdao from March 6, 2024, designated Mainland cities eligible for the IVS will be increased to 51. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on March 14 (Thursday) 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.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka-long on topping world ranking again
26.2.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (February 26) congratulated Hong Kong athlete Cheung Ka-long on ascending to the world's number one in men's foil again. Mr Yeung said, "Taking top slot in the world ranking once again, Cheung Ka-long has added another remarkable page to Hong Kong's fencing history. We are so thrilled by his achievement and all citizens in Hong Kong are proud of him."
Launching ceremony of Art March 2024 held today (with photos)
22.2.2024

The launching ceremony of Art March 2024 was held at the Hong Kong Museum of Art today (February 22), highlighting a series of mega arts and cultural events that will take place in Hong Kong and introducing the brand "Art March 2024". The launching ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; representative of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee Ms Yolanda Ng, and the representatives of organisers of the events. Mr Yeung said, "Every March in Hong Kong, art lovers and visitors enjoy the many international and local arts and cultural events converged in the city. My bureau, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), has been pulling together the hard efforts of the arts and cultural sectors to enrich the ambience of mega arts and cultural events in Hong Kong. And this year for the first time, we launch "Art March" as a brand to promote multiple events organised, funded, or supported by the Government. We hope that everyone could enjoy an unforgettable experience immersed in the artistic vibe of Hong Kong during March every year." The extensive coverage of activities in Art March 2024 ranges from arts and culture, pop, as well as TV and film. Various happenings including art exhibitions, film events, a cultural summit and a fashion show welcome all walks of life. Apart from the well-received events in the past, the new event brands which are to be held in Hong Kong for the first time will make the city's vibrant cultural landscape more colourful. Mr Yeung said that the Government's another aim is to manifest the economic benefits of the mega arts and cultural events to the fullest. Tourism-related industries, such as hotels, retail and catering, were encouraged to join hands with the arts and cultural sectors in polishing the brand of "Art March" to provide citizens and visitors with an enriched artistic journey. A TV Announcement in the Public Interest themed "Art March" will begin airing today. The CSTB will also arrange free ice cream distribution, tram rides and Star Ferry rides at different times in March to promote "Art March" and its programmes. Details will be announced in stages in March. The activities of Art March 2024 are detailed on the website of the CSTB ( www.cstb.gov.hk/en/policies/culture/art-march.html ).
Transcript of remarks by SCST at media session
22.2.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending the launching ceremony of Art March 2024 today (February 22): Reporter: How about the expansion of the resumption of the "one visa, multiple entry" scheme? Is there any update on that? Will it involve how many more cities? How much economic benefit is expected to generate? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: We have been in continuous discussions with our Mainland counterparts on various measures to facilitate our Mainland tourists to come to Hong Kong. Any enhancement measures will also benefit the Hong Kong tourism industry as a whole. As soon as we have some finalised proposals, we will make the announcement as soon as possible. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Speech by SCST at Launching ceremony of Art March 2024
22.2.2024

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the launching ceremony of Art March 2024 today (February 22): Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. Welcome to the Launching Ceremony of Art March 2024. Every March in Hong Kong, art lovers and visitors enjoy the many international and local arts and cultural events converged in the city. My bureau, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, has been pulling together the hard efforts of the arts and cultural sectors to enrich the ambience of mega arts and cultural events in Hong Kong. And this year for the first time, we launch "Art March" as a brand to promote multiple events organised, funded, or supported by the Government. We hope that everyone could enjoy an unforgettable experience immersed in the artistic vibe of Hong Kong during March every year. Under "Art March", we showcase the blend of Eastern and Western cultures and the unique colour of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. Ranging from arts and culture, pop, as well as TV and film, various happenings including exhibitions, film events, a cultural summit and a fashion show, welcome all walks of life. This year, we are delighted to see again the well-received events in the past, as well as new-event brands in Hong Kong, making the city's vibrant cultural landscape more colourful. We strive to showcase to the world the unique charm and diverse characteristics of Chinese culture in Hong Kong, thereby assisting our country to strengthen its international influence. We also aim to maximise the economic benefits of mega arts and cultural events. Tourism-related industries, such as hotels, retail and catering, are encouraged to join hands with the arts and cultural sectors in polishing the brand of "Art March" to provide citizens and visitors with an enriched artistic journey. You will also find exciting events including free ice cream distribution, tram rides and Star Ferry rides at different times in March to promote "Art March" and its programmes. Please stay tuned for the details to be announced in March. Last but not least, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to thank all the event organisers and partners for supporting and participating in "Art March". I wish all of you a unique arts and cultural journey in this coming March.
SCST congratulates Siobhan Bernadette Haughey on winning gold medal
15.2.2024

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (February 15) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong swimming athlete Siobhan Bernadette Haughey on winning a gold medal in the Women's 200m Freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024. Mr Yeung said, "Siobhan Bernadette Haughey never stops pushing her limits and making breakthroughs. She delivered a dominant performance during the competition and took her first long-course world title. The achievement brings her to new heights and demonstrates her power and strength as an elite athlete. I'm very proud of her and I wish her success in other competitions."
Speech by SCST at media and VIP reception of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 (English only)
1.2.2024

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the media and VIP reception of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 today (February 1): Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to join this event today to announce the event details of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, the first ever ComplexCon Asia edition. My Bureau, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is proud to be a partner to this project, rendering our full support, including funding from the Mega ACE Fund (Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund) which was set up last year to attract international and large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong. There will be a series of events at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 featuring famous artists, influential designers as well as a lot of world-known brands, bringing to us good entertainment, trendy products as well as good business opportunities, which will certainly help raise Hong Kong's profile as a city for international arts and cultural events. Last but not least, I would like to thank the organiser, Complex Chinese, for bringing this iconic cultural World Fair to Hong Kong. I wish the event a great success and all of you having a good time tonight and during ComplexCon Hong Kong.
Tourism Strategy Committee holds first meeting (with photos)
29.1.2024

The Tourism Strategy Committee, chaired by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, held its first meeting today (January 29). During the meeting, Mr Yeung invited members' preliminary views on the formulation of the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) and the future development of Hong Kong's tourism industry. Mr Yeung said, "The Tourism Strategy Committee will focus on exploring how to steer the speedy and quality development of Hong Kong's tourism industry and foster synergy between tourism and other related sectors." Representatives from the Hong Kong Tourism Board were also invited to attend the meeting today and reported Hong Kong's tourism performance in 2023 and the relevant statistics to the Committee. In addition, the Tourism Commission introduced the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry published in 2017 and the relevant background, and reported the various preparation work on Blueprint 2.0 to the Committee. The Tourism Strategy Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong's tourism industry.
Transcript of remarks by SCST at media session
28.1.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 28): Reporter: Given the series of mega events to be held in Hong Kong in the coming year, how many tourists or how much economic benefits are expected? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: In terms of economic benefits, of course, the direct economic benefits will be the number of tourists coming to attend these mega events. That will bring a lot of other incomes relating to, for example, the accommodation, as well as their spending in Hong Kong. But more important is the mega events would bring a lot of related management, administration, organisation to come, as well as help the promotion of Hong Kong as a major event capital, which I think will also be beneficial to Hong Kong in the long term. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)