Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences, aimed at those in industries implementing the Qualifications Framework (QF), is now open to applications until May 31, the Government announced today.

Practitioners from 23 industries implementing the QF are welcome to apply.

The Education Bureau highlighted that the scheme supports industry practitioners’ professional development in the workplace.

Since its launch in 2013, it has attracted more than 2,800 applicants from different industries, with more than 800 awards being given.

More than half of the awardees have participated in overseas learning activities, with the remainder engaging in such activities locally.

Activities include competitions, seminars, sharing sessions, exhibitions and study tours.

Awardees engaging in local learning activities will receive an award of $10,000, while those engaging in learning activities outside of Hong Kong will receive a prize of $30,000.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market) 2026 today (March 17):

Wilfred (Chairman of the Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. A very warm welcome to all of you, joining us from near and far, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026.

FILMART, which opens today and marks its 30th anniversary this year, is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace. It is also one of the world’s premier film industry events, proudly presented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a valued partner of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government in promoting Hong Kong films and fostering international collaborations.

FILMART offers a vital platform for entertainment and film industry professionals from across the globe to showcase their content and explore opportunities for cross media, cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. Since 2023, my bureau – the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau – has hosted Hong Kong Night, a gathering designed to bring together our partners and collaborators, and to share highlights of this year’s FILMART before your busy schedule begins.

As in previous years, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under my bureau, together with the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), are organising several events at FILMART 2026. A key highlight is the debut of “AI Academy, AI Hub”, a programme that brings together specialists and pioneering users to share their professional knowledge and practical applications of AI engines and tools in the creation and production of high-quality film and animated content. While AI’s full potential is yet to be realised, it is undoubtedly the most transformative development in decades – reshaping content, production models and business strategies, and redefining the core competitiveness of the film industry. We are ready to embrace and seize the new opportunities this brings.

Another major highlight is “Producers Connect”, launched last year to great success. This initiative brings together local and international film professionals to explore co-production and business opportunities, while also nurturing emerging local producers. The Government has long recognised that talent development is fundamental to the sustainable growth of the film industry. To that end, CCIDA and the FDC have been working tirelessly. We sponsor filmmakers to attend overseas film festivals and subsidise various training programmes to support young directors and scriptwriters.

Enhancing international collaboration with industry partners beyond Hong Kong remains a core policy objective, especially as Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as the centre of East-meets-West cultural exchanges. FILMART is a prime example of this role. In addition, CCIDA leads industry delegations to international film festivals and promotes coproductions with Asian filmmakers.

While you are in Hong Kong, I encourage you to step out and explore our city’s vibrant landscape. Over the past year, we have launched two film-related exhibitions in local settings. One is the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Exhibition in Kowloon Walled City Park, recreating the set of the acclaimed Hong Kong film, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”. The other is “Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey” at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, reimagining a 1980s police station often featured in classic Hong Kong crime films. Both have become major attractions for tourists and film lovers alike. I highly encourage you to join the tour and discover many of our city’s fascinating sites.

I would like to thank Dr Wong, the Chairman of the FDC, and all FDC members for their invaluable contributions and steadfast support for the development of Hong Kong’s film industry. I wish you all a very pleasant evening and a rewarding and productive FILMART in the days ahead. Thank you.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu welcomed Speaker Kang Yu-cheng of the Kaohsiung City Council and her delegation during their visit to Sydney to attend events related to the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce annual meeting.
Director General Wu noted that people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Australia play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted that the delegation’s visit demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to its overseas business networks and international connections, and wished them a successful and productive trip.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with Director May Chiang of the OCAC Culture Center in Sydney, attended the Lunar New Year Blessing Ceremony hosted by Tzu Chi Australia, joining volunteers and community members in offering prayers for peace and harmony in the year ahead.
In his remarks, Director General Wu expressed appreciation for Tzu Chi’s continued humanitarian work in Australia and around the world. Through its efforts in charity, medical care, education, and community service, Tzu Chi has brought compassion and support to those in need and demonstrated the spirit of great love and service.
Director General Wu also conveyed his best wishes for Tzu Chi’s continued growth and extended blessings of health, peace, and prosperity to all participants in the Year of the Horse.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended the Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the City of Ryde at Eastwood Oval, joining thousands of community members to welcome the Year of the Horse.
During the event, Director General Wu participated in the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony together with Mayor Trenton Brown and representatives from the Federal Parliament, the New South Wales Parliament, the City of Ryde Council, academia, the arts community, and the consular corps. The celebration also featured vibrant dragon and lion dance performances.
Mayor Brown highlighted the important contributions of multicultural communities to Australia’s social vitality and economic development, and extended his Lunar New Year greetings to all attendees.
Members of the Taiwanese community also took part in the celebration, including a performance by Sydney’s FASCA (Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors), whose lively music and dance showcased the energy of Taiwan’s youth culture.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended a 228 Memorial Film Screening hosted by the Taiwan Association in Australasia, joining community members and friends of Taiwan to watch the documentary In Search of Tang Te-Chang.
In his remarks, Director General Wu thanked the organizers for holding this meaningful event on the anniversary of the February 28 Incident and acknowledged the efforts of Professor Mei-Feng Kuo in sharing Taiwan’s history and democratic journey with international audiences. He noted that films like this remind people that Taiwan’s democracy and freedom were earned through the sacrifices of many courageous individuals.
Director General Wu added that commemorating the February 28 Incident is essential for confronting history, seeking truth, and fostering reconciliation. At a time when authoritarianism is expanding in parts of the world, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended the leadership handover ceremony of the Sydney Hakka Association Australia, held together with celebrations for Tiānchuān Day, an important Hakka cultural tradition.
DG Wu thanked outgoing president Karena Yeh for her dedicated leadership in strengthening the Hakka community in Australia and promoting Hakka culture. He also congratulated Jean Hong on assuming the presidency and expressed confidence in the association’s continued growth.
DG Wu noted that the Hakka spirit of diligence, unity, and resilience has long been a strength of overseas communities and expressed hope that cultural exchanges will continue to deepen Taiwan–Australia ties.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu, accompanied by Economic Division Director Hsiao Fu-ku, attended the Australia–Taiwan Sustainable Finance Workshop (Sydney) held at IBM Australia, joining experts from academia and the financial sector in discussions on directors’ duties and sustainability governance.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted that Taiwan and Australia maintain close economic ties and share strong potential for cooperation in ESG and sustainable finance. He highlighted Taiwan’s Dual Transformation—Digital and Green, with sustainable finance serving as a key driver.
DG Wu also referred to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s concept of “Value-added Diplomacy,” emphasizing that professional exchanges such as this workshop help strengthen collaboration and support the development of digital trust and green resilience in the global transition toward net-zero.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

With support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney partnered with the Biennale of Sydney to present a Taiwan Spotlight Event, highlighting Taiwanese contemporary art. The Biennale runs from 14 March to 14 June, featuring over a hundred artists across multiple venues.
Biennale CEO Barbara Moore noted that this year’s theme, Rememory, explores revisiting and reclaiming overlooked histories. She welcomed the participation of four Taiwanese artists—Chang En-man, Chang Wen-hsuan, Hou I-Ting, and Chen Chieh-jen—and emphasized the strong cultural partnership between Taiwan and Australia.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu said the theme reflects a shared journey for Taiwan and Australia in reflecting on history and cultural memory. Works by the Taiwanese artists are exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, White Bay Power Station, and Penrith Regional Gallery, accompanied by a musical performance and artist discussion.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Congratulations to the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) on the successful convening of its 32nd Term, 2nd Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Supervisors in Sydney, Australia. We are especially proud of WTCC President Johnson Hsiung, a Sydney-based Overseas Community Affairs Council commissioner, who led his team in welcoming Taiwanese business leaders from around the world.
Distinguished guests attending the meeting included Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny Chiang, legislators Lin Chu-yin, Lo Mei-ling, Lo Ting-wei, and Speaker of the Kaohsiung City Council Kang Yu-cheng. During his transit stop in Sydney as the President’s Special Envoy, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also conveyed his greetings in person to President Hsiung and the WTCC family, encouraging them to continue contributing to Taiwan’s global presence and success.