Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Une année d’action : réformer, préparer l’avenir et tenir le cap

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Au terme de sa mandature, le président du gouvernement Alcide Ponga a dressé un bilan des actions engagées par l’institution dans une période particulièrement exigeante pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Il est revenu sur les dossiers structurants et les décisions majeures qui ont marqué cette année et demi de mandat, guidée par un esprit de responsabilité et de consensus.

Depuis son installation en janvier 2025, le 18e gouvernement a dû face aux défis majeurs auxquels la Nouvelle-Calédonie est confrontée, tant sur le plan économique que social. Dans ce contexte, son action s’est fondée sur la nécessité de préparer l’avenir, tout en gérant les dossiers urgents.

Réouvrir la Nouvelle-Calédonie sur son environnement régional

Dans le but d’offrir des perspectives nouvelles au territoire, le président du gouvernement a multiplié les rencontres dans le Pacifique afin de conclure différents projets de coopération.

Dans cette perspective, un accord-cadre a notamment été signé avec la Polynésie française et l’adhésion de la Nouvelle-Calédonie au programme australien PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) ouvre de nouvelles opportunités aux jeunes Calédoniens.  

Par ailleurs, la fermeture de la Maison de la Nouvelle-Calédonie à Paris permettra à une nouvelle structure de voir le jour. Plus agile, davantage tournée vers l’accompagnement des Calédoniens en mobilité et le renforcement des relations avec les institutions nationales et européennes, elle assurera une représentation à Paris avec une organisation plus moderne et plus efficace.

Remettre en mouvement la filière nickel

Autre grand dossier sur lequel le 18e gouvernement s’est mobilisé : la filière nickel, en grande difficulté. 

De nombreuses initiatives ont ainsi été engagées durant la mandature pour remettre le dialogue en mouvement et relancer une dynamique collective. La conférence des présidents sur le nickel qui réunit le gouvernement et les trois provinces a ainsi été réactivée, à l’instar de plusieurs groupes de travail. Objectif de cette démarche : engager une réflexion de fond sur la fiscalité minière, l’évolution de la réglementation et l’actualisation du schéma de mise en valeur des richesses minières afin de permettre la construction d’une vision partagée de l’avenir de la filière.

« Mon rôle n’était pas d’imposer une solution mais de récréer un cadre de confiance », a précisé le président du gouvernement.

D’autre part, le 18e gouvernement a souhaité initié des travaux pour créer un Fonds pour les générations futures pour que les richesses tirées de l’exploitation des ressources minières bénéficient aux Calédoniens de demain.

Sauver le transport aérien domestique

Parmi les dossiers marquants de ce mandat, le transfert des opérations d’Air Calédonie de Magenta vers Tontouta, représente une étape majeure.

« Ce n’était pas une décision populaire. C’était une décision indispensable », a confié Alcide Ponga.

Face au contexte budgétaire contraint de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et à la situation critique de la compagnie domestique Air Calédonie, ce choix permettait de réduire considérablement les coûts de fonctionnement et d’éviter des investissements très importants sur la plateforme de Magenta.

Malgré les blocages des aérodromes, le président du gouvernement « reste convaincu qu’abandonner cette réforme aurait conduit à la disparition pure et simple d’Air Calédonie ».

Investir dans la jeunesse

Si les réformes portées par le 18e gouvernement doivent permettre de rééquilibrer les finances de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, elles ont aussi pour vocation de créer les conditions pour offrir aux jeunes Calédoniens davantage de possibilités d’avenir.

« Nous ne reconstruirons pas la Nouvelle-Calédonie sans offrir de perspectives à notre jeunesse », a affirmé Alcide Ponga.

C’est dans cette trajectoire que s’inscrit la convention relative aux parcours d’insertion professionnelle signée avec l’État. Elle permettra de mobiliser 265 millions de francs chaque année pendant cinq ans afin d’accompagner les jeunes les plus éloignés de l’emploi.

Moderniser l’action publique

Le président du gouvernement a enfin tenu à revenir sur une grande réforme de fond de l’administration engagée durant cette mandature. Elle vise à la moderniser et la rendre plus lisible et plus efficace auprès des Calédoniens.

 

Tant de défis opérés par le 18e gouvernement que le président a présenté ce jour devant la presse.

Si « le travail n’est évidemment pas terminé et que beaucoup reste à accomplir, nous laissons au prochain gouvernement une Nouvelle-Calédonie qui a retrouvé une capacité à décider, à dialoguer et à se projeter », a conclu Alcide Ponga.

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DH urges public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as COVID-19 and influenza activities continue to rise

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH urges public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as COVID-19 and influenza activities continue to rise 
COVID-19
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     Surveillance data revealed that overall local COVID-19 activity has been on an upward trend since June. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus rose from less than 1 per cent at the end of May to 9.79 per cent last week (July 5 to 11). During the same period, there was also a significant increase in the consultation rate of COVID-19 cases at Accident and Emergency Departments, family medicine clinics and sentinel private medical practitioner clinics. Regarding sewage surveillance, the viral load per capita of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was approximately 500 000 copies per litre, a significant increase from less than 100 000 copies per litre before the end of May. Over the past four weeks, the CHP recorded a total of 45 COVID-19 severe cases involving adults (including seven fatal cases). Epidemiological investigations showed that 80 per cent of these cases involved persons aged 65 or above. More than 90 per cent of these elderly cases had underlying illnesses. All of these cases had not received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine within the past six months. As for children, the CHP recorded two severe cases in June. Neither of them had received COVID-19 vaccination.
      
     “The latest surveillance data indicated that COVID-19 activity has entered a new periodic active cycle. The COVID-19 activity in neighbouring regions has also recorded an increase in recent months, including the Chinese Mainland, the Macao Special Administrative Region, Japan, Korea and Singapore. Over the past few years, an active period of COVID-19 activity levels generally occurs approximately every six to nine months in Hong Kong. Each active period is associated with changes in predominant circulating variants and a decline in community herd immunity. The active period last year lasted from April to the end of June. Based on historical epidemiological data, we expect COVID-19 activity to remain relatively high level over the next one to two months,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.      
     “COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing hospitalisation and death rates after infection. High-risk individuals should receive a booster dose at appropriate times six months after their last vaccine dose or COVID-19 infection, whichever is later, regardless of the number of doses previously received. COVID-19 vaccine for adults under the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (the Programme) will expire in early September this year. The Government is procuring a new batch of COVID-19 vaccine according to the recommendations      
Seasonal influenza
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     The Government is actively making preparations for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination programmes, including vaccine procurement and publicity. Details of the arrangements, such as eligible groups and vaccination venues, will be announced in due course.
      
     To prevent respiratory diseases, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. Given the current high levels of respiratory disease activity, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. Those with symptoms of a respiratory infection, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask, avoid crowded areas and seek medical advice promptly. If symptomatic individuals live with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, they should also wear a surgical mask at home to minimise the risk of cross-infection. They should also ensure proper ventilation indoors and enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the household environment.
      
     Members of the public planning to travel outside Hong Kong during the summer vacation should visit the DH’s Travel Health Service webpageIssued at HKT 19:30

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Ride-hailing webpage set to launch

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that scrutiny of the four items of subsidiary legislation relating to the regulation of ride-hailing services has been completed.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 was passed by the Legislative Council in October.

To support the regulatory regime, the Government submitted four items of subsidiary legislation to LegCo on May 27.

Most of the legal provisions relating to the regulatory regime will come into effect on August 3. The remaining provisions will take effect on August 22 next year.

The four items of subsidiary legislation outline the details of the regulatory regime, introduce a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, specify limits on the number of ride-hailing vehicle permits, and prescribe the start dates of the various provisions in the amendment ordinance.

The Government expects to start issuing, in phases, ride-hailing service licences as early as the end of November, so that licensed platforms can start preparatory work right away.

Details of application arrangements for the various licences and permits – including the permit and driving permit required for a ride-hailing vehicle – will be announced at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Transport Department will launch a dedicated webpage providing more information on ride-hailing services tomorrow. 

To make it easier for those who wish to join the personalised point-to-point transport service industry, the department will launch the combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles on August 3, with applications for the test opening on the same day.

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HK students join space camp

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Thirty secondary school students are set to embark a journey to Beijing, Jiuquan and Xi’an for the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2026, where they will learn about the development of China’s aerospace programmes and achievements.

Speaking at today’s send-off ceremony at the Hong Kong Science Museum, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki encouraged the students to seize this hard-won opportunity and strive to equip themselves well during the journey.

He also expressed hope that they would, in various ways, represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in participating in future national space endeavours, applying what they have learnt to contribute to society.

Running from July 23 to 31, the camp will take participants to various aerospace and astronomical facilities, including the China Astronaut Research & Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

In addition to experiencing astronaut training and aerospace medicine projects, the participants, for the first time, will visit the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology to observe the research and development of rocket engines. They will also tour the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories to view large-scale optical telescopes.

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Asia+ Festival to open in September

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today announced the fourth Asia+ Festival, running from September to November with over 100 performances and activities showcasing artistry from Asia and Belt & Road regions.

Presented by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD, the festival features artists from more than 30 countries, including first-time participants Armenia, Brazil, Czechia, Moldova, Palestine and Uruguay.

The programme will blend traditional and contemporary elements to offer fresh perspectives on the performing arts.

The event opens with the “TRI-ART!ON” Concert, featuring musicians from Hong Kong, Mongolia, Korea and Thailand. This will be followed by a variety of dance, music and acrobatics performances, and the ever-popular Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ outdoor carnival.

Tickets go on sale at URBTIX on July 23 with early bird discounts available until August 12. For enquiries, call 2370 1044.

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30 secondary students to depart for Mainland to join Young Astronaut Training Camp

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A send-off ceremony for the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2026 was held at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (July 16). Thirty selected secondary students will set off for Beijing, Jiuquan, and Xi’an from July 23 to July 31 for a nine-day training programme. They will visit key aerospace science and astronomical facilities and have opportunities to meet with aerospace experts and astronauts to learn more about the development of the country’s aerospace programmes and its distinguished achievements.

 Addressing the send-off ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that with the strong support of the country, Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from Hong Kong, was selected to participate in the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission, becoming the first astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. All Hong Kong citizens and he felt thrilled and proud. Mr Chan encouraged the participants of the Young Astronaut Training Camp to seize this hard-won opportunity, to strive to equip themselves well during this journey, and to one day, in various ways, represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in participating in the national space endeavours, thereby applying what they have learned to contribute to the society.

     ​Officiating guests included the Second-level Investigation and Research Officer of the Education and Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Yan Weizhi; Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Mr Ricky Tsang; the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr Hsu Hoi-shan; Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Mr Charles Cheung; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Mr Patrick Lau.

Launched in 2009, the Young Astronaut Training Camp has entered its 15th edition, with a total of 420 students participating over the years. The recruitment this year started in March and received an overwhelming response. After three rounds of the selection process, which included a quiz, a three-day training camp and an interview, 30 students from Secondary Two to Secondary Five were selected as Young Astronauts out of around 200 applicants from more than 110 secondary schools.

     The participants will visit various aerospace and astronomical facilities, including the China Astronaut Research and Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Students will learn more about the selection and training processes of astronauts, and acquire first-hand experience of astronaut training and aerospace medicine projects. This year’s programme marks the first visit to the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, where participants will look at the research and development of rocket engines. They will also visit the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories to view large-scale optical telescopes, including the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope, and to have a deeper understanding our country’s cutting-edge astronomical research.

The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, in association with the China Space Foundation and the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. It is organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. For details of the training camp, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Space Museum at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/activities/yatc.html. 
The camp is also one of the programmes under the Chinese Culture Promotion Series.

              

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Housing Bureau awards operation and management contract of Light Public Housing at Hang Kwong Street, Ma On Shan

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Bureau awards operation and management contract of Light Public Housing at Hang Kwong Street, Ma On Shan (with photo) 
     Located at Hang Kwong Street, Ma On Shan, the LPH project will provide about 860 units with intake anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year. The project features a convenience store and a self-service launderette, which, together with nearby shopping centres and a range of recreational and sports facilities, provide residents with the amenities and facilities they need for daily life. Furthermore, the project is close to Ma On Shan MTR Station, and is served by a number of bus and franchised minibus routes connecting to various districts. Under the steer and supervision of the HB, the operator will work at full capacity to carry out the pre-management works in the coming months to ensure the smooth processing of LPH applications and intake matters, and provide a range of services and ancillary facilities for the residents and local community immediately upon intake.
 
     The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, “From the appointment of the operator for the first LPH in July 2024 to the appointment of the last one today, this marks the completion stage of the life-changing social project proposed by the Chief Executive to build about 30 000 LPH units. As of today, the HB has awarded 12 operation and management contracts of LPH for the operation and management of LPH, which involve seven social welfare organisations and six property management companies. As of now, these social welfare organisations and property management companies, operating as joint ventures, employ a total of over 450 staff members. This includes personnel in the property management and social work teams, cleaning workers, security guards, etc providing services to more than 23 000 LPH residents. The operators continue to provide a wide range of activities and services, including facilitating residents’ integration into the community (e.g. local community tours), providing assistance in job seeking (e.g. career talks and training on job-seeking skills) and schooling, organising various interest classes and health talks to support the elderly and people with disabilities, and providing services for families and children, as well as after-school care and social worker support. The operators share the same objectives as the Government and are steadfast partners of the Government. With their proactive co-operation and support, this social project has been implemented swiftly, smoothly and effectively. This has enabled families with imminent housing needs to improve their living environment and enhance their sense of well-being.
 
     “Since the commencement of the construction of the first project at the end of 2023, the HB and the Architectural Services Department have been sparing no effort in driving the initiative in order to improve the living conditions of families with imminent housing needs at the soonest. The 13 LPH projects have been implemented in line with the original schedule, in which eight LPH projects were already completed, providing a total of about 19 130 units. As of mid-July this year, intake has been completed for more than 10 000 units, which have substantially improved the living environment and quality of life of nearly 23 000 people. The Government will continue to enhance speed, quantity, quality and efficiency, ensuring the good quality of the construction and management of the LPH projects. Following the installation of the last module of the 33 780 Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) units last week, all module installations for the new LPH projects have been completed, providing about 29 400 LPH units built by MiC modules. Based on the current construction progress, we expect that the target of constructing about 30 000 LPH units will be accomplished within the year 2026-27.
 
     “This contract is awarded to China Overseas Property Services Limited – Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Venture today. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals currently takes part in operating the LPH project at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long. In that LPH project, I witnessed the first LPH resident being handed the key. I also joined various activities in that project, including the Mid-Autumn Festival garden party, a cooking competition and a pun choi feast, and I also visited Ngong Ping 360 with the residents. Seeing the participation and smiles of each resident has shown me that their lives have been significantly improved, that they are being cared for and are happier. With the experience of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in the LPH operation and management, together with the solid property management experience in public rental housing of China Overseas Property Services Limited, we are confident that they are capable of making the lives of around 860 families in LPH at Hang Kwong Street, Ma On Shan happier and more fulfilling,” she added. 
 
     The response to the call for LPH applications has been overwhelming so far, with about 42 000 applications received as at mid-July this year. This fully demonstrates that with a better living environment, appropriate facilities, targeted services and affordable rent, LPH projects are highly popular among citizens currently facing housing difficulties. Eligible applicants with imminent housing needs are encouraged to seize the opportunity to apply early to improve their living conditions at the soonest. For details, please refer to the LPH website of the HB (www.hb.gov.hk/eng/lphIssued at HKT 18:13

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SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research:

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) has set up a booth themed “30th Anniversary of SCOLAR” at the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair held from July 15 to 21. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited the booth today (July 16) and interacted with the Student Language Ambassadors to learn about their language-learning journeys, experiences in developing biliterate and trilingual abilities, and achievements in applying their language skills and promoting language learning in the community.

The booth is located at Stall D16 in Hall 1B of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. A dedicated exhibition zone has been set up to showcase SCOLAR’s major milestones and achievements over the past three decades. The exhibition also displays the reading materials and learning and teaching resources developed by SCOLAR over the years, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of its work and contributions in driving the development of language education in Hong Kong.

The booth also features interactive touchscreen displays for the public to test their language knowledge and learn more about the work of SCOLAR. On-site themed photo-taking spots include a 3D installation featuring SCOLAR’s partner, Ming, for visitors to take photos. Those who complete the interactive games and designated tasks can redeem limited-edition Ming souvenirs, while stocks last.

During the Book Fair, the Student Language Ambassadors will be at the booth daily from 10.30am to 12noon, and from 3.30pm to 5pm (except for the afternoon session on July 21) to interact with visitors and to share their experiences in acquiring biliteracy and trilingualism.

Jointly organised by the Education Bureau and SCOLAR, the Student Language Ambassador Programme aims to build a platform for language practice for students across Hong Kong, encouraging them to explore and share the joy of learning Chinese and English. By fostering peer motivation and interaction, the programme promotes the practical use of both languages in the community. It has received an enthusiastic response, with 166 schools and over 2 700 students participating in the current school year.

For more information about SCOLAR and its activities, please visit the SCOLAR website (scolarhk.edb.hkedcity.net/en/) or follow its social media pages.

              

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Secretary for Health meets with Health Commission of Sichuan Province delegation

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by the Director-General of the Health Commission of Sichuan Province, Mr Deng Zhengquan, today (July 16) to explore ways to deepen healthcare co-operation and exchanges between Sichuan and Hong Kong.

Professor Lo welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude to the Health Commission of Sichuan Province for its support in promoting exchanges and co-operation between Sichuan and Hong Kong. At the meeting, both sides engaged in extensive discussions across a number of key areas, including the promotion of the inheritance and innovation of Chinese medicine, the training of medical talent and the enhancement of healthcare service quality.

Professor Lo said, “Sichuan and Hong Kong have long maintained close ties across a number of healthcare areas, particularly in the fields of talent cultivation, academic exchanges, and scientific research and innovation of Chinese medicine. The two places have been continuously and proactively exploring new areas for healthcare collaboration. Going forward, we can further leverage Sichuan’s strengths in Chinese medicine resources and Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for Chinese medicine information exchanges and innovation to jointly promote the inheritance, innovation, and high-quality development of Chinese medicine in both places. This will thereby better align with the strategy set out in the National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline to advance the inheritance and innovation of Chinese medicine and promote Chinese medicine to go global.

“The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to medical exchanges with various Mainland provinces and will continue to deepen the co-operation between Hong Kong and Sichuan in the healthcare sector under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, while fully leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, thereby jointly contributing to propelling the national strategy of ‘Healthy China’.”

Since the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Strategic Co-operation in Chinese Medicine in 2021, Sichuan and Hong Kong have continued to deepen the ties and exchanges, engaging in diverse forms of collaboration for the high-quality development of Chinese medicine, fully demonstrating the solid foundation of complementary advantages and co-ordinated progress in the field of Chinese medicine between the two places. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong has also entered into collaboration agreements with the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, respectively, further strengthening the foundation for collaboration in Chinese medicine between the two places.

     

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Fourth Asia+ Festival to open in September to showcase a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements with new cross-disciplinary interpretations

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the fourth edition of the Asia+ Festival will be held from September to November, expanding creative horizons and fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange through broad cross-disciplinary collaboration.
 
     This year, over 30 countries and regions will take part, with six joining for the first time, namely Armenia, Brazil, Czechia, Moldova, Palestine and Uruguay. The Asia+ Festival 2026 will showcase the artistic essence of Asia and countries and regions along the Belt and Road, presenting over 100 performances and related arts events.
 
     Themed “Traditions Recast”, this year’s festival spans a wide range of art forms, including music, dance, acrobatics and more. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, it offers fresh perspectives on the performing arts. Tickets will be available to the public from July 23 (Thursday). Highlights of selected programmes are as follows:
 
A four-band fusion
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     The opening programme, the “TRI-ART!ON” Concert, will be led by award-winning Hong Kong pop music producer Carl Wong, featuring a local line-up comprising drummer Jun Kung, guitarist Jason Kui, vocalist Jan Curious and more. The Hong Kong musicians will perform alongside Uuhai, a Mongolian heavy metal band fusing the horsehead fiddle with heavy metal riffs who will perform in Hong Kong for the first time; KARDI, an emerging Korean rock band that pairs the traditional geomungo with K-rock female vocal; and KIKI, a Thai indie-band that conjures a tropical haze with buoyant electronic grooves and dreamy textures, opening the festival with a mixture of various dimensions of sound.  
 
Cross-disciplinary audio-visual performances
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     The festival presents cross-disciplinary performances that promise a refreshing experience. To be presented in October, “Guitar Duo Recital by Assad Brothers” is the Hong Kong stop on the farewell tour of the Brazilian duo to mark their 60th anniversary. Renowned local guzheng virtuoso Wan Xing will join the stage for an East-meets-West piece inspired by legendary Chinese folk heroine Mulan. Acclaimed for their virtuosity and telepathic unity, the Assad Brothers have been leading figures in the classical guitar world for over half a century, earning repeated recognition at the Latin Grammy Awards.
 
     A Pakistani visual artist will join Syrian musicians performing qanun and duclar from the Aga Khan Music Programme to present “Canvas of Sound”, bringing Middle Eastern calligraphy into direct dialogue with music. Guided by the mysterious yet richly layered sounds of the Middle East, the visual artist will create Arabic calligraphy live on stage. With brushstrokes as fluid and expressive as dance – rising and falling in sync with the melodious music – the artist creates a stirring piece that refreshes the mind.
 
Across time, across traditions: a journey into intangible cultural heritage
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     Malaysia’s leading percussion ensemble, Hands Percussion, will join forces with Gamelan Yuganada from Bali, Indonesia, to present “Taksu – The Spirit of Gamelan” in November. The performance weaves Chinese lion dance drum (shigu), the powerful Malaysian 24 Festive Drums and the ethereal, spiritual sonorities of gamelan – widely regarded as one of the world’s great musical treasures – into a seamless whole. The Hong Kong Children’s Choir will also perform a series of repertoires alongside Hands Percussion, including a reimagined “Jasmine Flower”, using a classic folk song to bridge cultures across East Asia.
 
     Fresh off a European tour, Lune Production, widely hailed as the Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil, will bring its contemporary acrobatic theatre work “Teh Dar” to Hong Kong for the first time. The production blends bamboo craft with breathtakingly difficult acrobatics, while weaving in traditional instruments from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and the K’Ho region’s intangible cultural heritage of gong culture. Together, these elements evoke the grandeur of sweeping mountain ranges and suffuse the stage with a primitive aesthetic.
 
Grand finale: Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+
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     The well-received annual large-scale outdoor carnival Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ will return in late November with the support of various Consulates General in Hong Kong. Bringing together stage performances of diverse ethnic styles, cultural booths, and workshops, it showcases the vibrant arts and culture of around 30 Belt and Road countries and regions, inviting participants to experience diverse cultures in a heartfelt and vibrant atmosphere. The carnival will also present “Convergence of Cross-Cultural Gifting – Ethnic Cultural Exhibition”, featuring woven textiles, distinctive handicrafts, photographs, oil paintings, and porcelain art from different countries and regions, and conveying the blessings and personal touch embedded in each artisan’s work.
 
An Asia+ gathering: more to come
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     Other exciting programmes of the festival include “Duo Recital by Sol Gabetta (Cello) and Patricia Kopatchinskaja (Violin)”; the original contemporary ballet “GAT” by Korea’s Yunbyul Ballet Company and the musical “The Longest Nights” by Korea’s Library Company; Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Swire Proudly Sponsors: Belt and Road: Zitong Wang Plays Chopin” concert; Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s “Great Violin Concertos: Alexandra Conunova Plays Saint-Saëns” concert; Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s concerts – “2026 International Sheng and Reeds Festival: Thousand Reeds, One Universe” and “2026 Hong Kong Drum Festival: Majestic Drums”; Hong Kong Dance Company’s production “Voyage of the Eight Graces”; Hong Kong Ballet’s production “Dunhuang: In Search of Light”; and City Contemporary Dance Company’s production “‘The Connected Stage’ Series: Kylián and Sangba”.
 
     The festival will also feature an exhibition themed “Sonic Odyssey of Curious Creatures” and a series of workshops, masterclasses, talks, and outreach performances, letting participants appreciate a wide diversity of art and cultures.

     Tickets will be available from July 23 (Thursday) at URBTIX counters, self-service ticketing kiosks, website (www.urbtix.hk), mobile ticketing app URBTIX, and by telephone booking (hotline: 3166 1288). Early bird discounts of up to 30 per cent will be available until August 12 (Wednesday). For programme enquiries and other discount schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk.