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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul (HK Week@Seoul) was held today (September 26) at the National Theater of Korea (NTOK) in Seoul. The grand opening programme “Romeo + Juliet”, performed by the Hong Kong Ballet, set the Shakespeare’s classic love story in the backdrop of Hong Kong in the 1960s, presenting Hong Kong’s East-meets-West artistic style. It was well received by the local audience.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, addressed the opening ceremony in a video message. He said that Hong Kong and Korea have flourished through their competence and proficiency in embracing cultural heritage while driving the transformative capability of different arts forms. He also said that HK Week@Seoul transcends an artistic showcase and will bring every participant on a fulfilling arts and cultural journey filled with fascinating Hong Kong and Korean elements, as well as an integration of the two vibrant cities. He expected HK Week@Seoul to further foster Hong Kong’s collaborations with Seoul and Korea in arts and culture, business, technology, finance and more.
 
     Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that HK Week@Seoul is an invitation to experience Hong Kong in full dimension through dance, music, film, fashion, visual arts and comics, as well as pop culture, and shared nostalgia. She said she hoped that HK Week@Seoul would attract Korean audiences to visit Hong Kong for its culture that lives in the city’s streets, food and people.
 
     Other officiating guests attending the opening ceremony included the Deputy Minister for Public Communication at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, Mr Yu Byung-chae; the Chief Executive Officer of the NTOK, Mr Park In-gun; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au; and the Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet, Mr Septime Webre.
 
     HK Week@Seoul will bring 14 programmes covering over 65 performances and activities at major performing arts venues in Seoul from today to October 25. Highlights include dance items “A Dance of Celestial Rhythms”, “Mr Blank 2.0”, “Travel of the Soul: Echoes after Time”, and “CollabAsia”. Music programmes feature “Yan Huichang & Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra”, “Lio Kuokman, Yekwon Sunwoo & Hong Kong Philharmonic”, and “HKADC x BAC: Asian Modern Symphony Orchestra with Wilson Ng”. Pop culture events include ImagineLand@Seoul with an outdoor concert and screening of “An Autumn’s Tale” (1987). “‘Movies-to-GO’ – Border Crossings in Hong Kong Cinema – Korea” and “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” explore Hong Kong cinema. There are also “Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship Overseas Exhibition Series: Wu Guanzhong: Between Black and White”, “Hong Kong Comics and Culture Exhibition”, and “LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul”.
 
     Detailed programme information is available at www.hongkongweek.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the Routes World 2025 Host Party today (September 26):

Chairman Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Chairman Fred (Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam), Steven (Managing Director of Routes, Mr Steven Small), Michael (Executive Vice President – Commercial Development of Informa Markets, Mr Michael Duck), Vivian (Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung), ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome you all to Hong Kong! I am so glad that we are able to change the welcoming reception to a farewell reception. Otherwise, I will not be able to see all of you and participate in this memorable event. Thank you again, Vivian.

I think most of you have had a very enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, despite some disruption brought by the super typhoon. But on the other hand, I am sure you have had a taste of our famous subtropical cyclone. You can also get a glimpse of the city’s super efficiency and resilience in getting back to normal, including our beloved International Airport. I can share with you a few tips on how we can get back to normal after a severe typhoon. 

With advanced preparations and the concerted efforts of different Government departments and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, we made different precautionary measures and advanced preparations. As far as the airport is concerned, we had devised a lot of contingency plans to ensure a sustainable and continual operation of the International Airport. Although we had to make a few adjustments to the incoming and outgoing flights, passenger safety is of utmost importance. On the other hand, for this round of severe weather, Vivian and her team had put in little gimmicks like dishing out some popcorns; candies; some goodies including blankets, water, to let our passengers, who might have to stay in the airport for a little while, feel the warmth and comfort that Hong Kong gives them. 

Back to the Routes World 2025 today, which is the theme of this event, I am very thankful for the adaptiveness and also efficiency in making all sorts of adjustments to the arrangements, making the event a great success. With such a large crowd of guests and participants standing in front of me today, it reminds me of a part of our Chinese history. A great Chinese Admiral Zheng He (鄭和), who was well-known of his voyage, travelled to the modern-day Kenya, transforming all his routes into a vast network expansion which also facilitated the exchange of ideas. In many ways, I think all of you are making history today like he did. You are connecting and the event has brought together more than 2 500 participants from all over the world in renowned aviation industry to Hong Kong.

I know that over the past two days, there have been more than 9 000 meetings going round throughout the event, mapping out some new routes, fostering new friendships and new partnerships with different partners around the globe. In a way, we are making history, and we are shaping a new future for not only our skies, we also shape a new future for our economies and communities. Hong Kong is very ready and has prepared to welcome international conferences and events like Routes World. In fact, we look forward to having more of this kind of events in Hong Kong, to showcase our role as a world-class hub, not only for aviation, but also for innovation, idea exchange and collaboration. 

Looking ahead, I would like to announce two things in which we can create new growth for aviation development in Hong Kong. First of all, the Hong Kong Government will lead the Airport Authority in developing negotiations and discussions with our major aviation partners, to bring together some new air services agreements. On the other hand, I know that the Airport Authority, with Fred and Vivian’s leadership, has been putting in place a very visionary and energetic outreach team to discuss different business potentials for new airlines coming to Hong Kong. Secondly, I would like to tell you that today the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has just announced the creation and establishment of a new advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub. With this terminology, you can see the importance Hong Kong Government is attaching to develop Hong Kong into not just a normal aviation hub, but an international aviation superhub. With all of you here today assembling, I hope that we can work together to establish new alliance, to foster new relationships and overcome the various challenges posed by the changes in the global landscape, supply chain disruptions or airspace restrictions. 

Apart from all this business routine, I would like to appeal to you to take a bit of your time this evening, and take a look at the environment surrounding you today. We are here in this magnificent M+ venue, where history and modernity converge. I am very grateful for the organiser, Informa Markets and also the Airport Authority Hong Kong, for making this event so memorable, and making this farewell event happened. Please don’t forget to take your time to look at the magnificent Hong Kong skyline, in which the sky tonight is extremely clear, perhaps because the severe storm has just passed. No matter what storms are ahead of us, we will eventually see a clear blue sky. Thank you very much for attending this farewell event, and I hope you are having an enjoyable evening. Once again, welcome you all to Hong Kong!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police today conducted an inter-departmental tabletop exercise, codenamed “PLACIDSEA II”, for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

The exercise was set against the backdrop of upcoming Track Cycling competitions at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O, simulating various scenarios that may occur there during the Games, including venue security screening, crowd control, traffic co-ordination and emergency response.

Through scenario-based discussions, participating representatives enhanced inter-departmental and multi-agency co-ordination to ensure the Games run safely and smoothly.

It was designed with reference to the standards established by the General Administration of Sport of China and the potential challenges of the Games, in preparation for the Track Cycling events to be held at the velodrome.

Supported by 12 bureaus and departments and relevant organisations, over 120 representatives took part, including those from the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and its National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Fire Services Department, Civil Aid Service, Auxiliary Medical Service, Hospital Authority, Digital Policy Office, Transport Department, Leisure & Cultural Services Department and MTR Corporation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today paid tribute to about 1,600 teachers for wholeheartedly nurturing talent at the Salute to Teachers 2025 – Teachers’ Day Ceremony.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Respect Our Teachers Campaign.

Speaking at the event, the education chief expressed gratitude that the campaign not only united various sectors of society in their support for teachers but also promoted the tradition of respecting teachers and education in Chinese culture, instilling positive energy into Hong Kong’s education.

Noting that a conscientious teaching force is the key to the success of education, Ms Choi said the city’s leading position in global competitiveness reflects the innovative vitality of its economy and highlights the quality development of the education system and the professional leadership of the teaching force.

She also pointed out that the Education Bureau is committed to building a team of high-quality teachers and strongly supporting both teachers and principals in enhancing their professionalism.

Secondary and primary schools, kindergartens and special schools each nominate two teachers under the scheme, with over 39,500 teachers having been commended in previous years.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A lighting installation entitled “Flowerworks on the Water”, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is on display from today (September 26) until October 19 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza to celebrate the National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, coinciding with the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG). The installation features the emblem and adorable mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong of the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG to create an iconic landmark for check-in photos, offering a visual feast that blends art and sports.
 
     “Flowerworks on the Water”, a lighting installation offering a dynamic visual experience, is designed and created by local multimedia art studio Napp Studio & Architects. With layered sculpturing and vibrant lighting, 13 sport pictograms of the NG, NGD and NSOG shine and dance within circular, triangular, and rhomboid mirrored lightboxes to give a vivid representation of the rhythmic movements and the beauty of dynamism in sports. The installation also transforms torches into huge metallic petals floating on the water, enhanced with lighting effects to resemble brilliant fireworks in the air. In addition, the central emblem and mascots interact with the surrounding lightboxes of dynamic sport pictograms through an interplay of light and shadow, embodying the spirit of “unity, perseverance and celebration”.
 
     The display will be lit from 6.30pm to 11pm daily and extended to midnight on the Mid-Autumn Day (October 6). To avoid overcrowding on the Mid-Autumn Day, members of the public are advised to schedule their visits for other dates during the display period. An inclusive performance titled “We Dance, We Care” will also be held on September 28 at 3pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer.
 
     In addition to “Flowerworks on the Water”, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2025 will be held at Victoria Park from September 30 to October 7, featuring dazzling lanterns of different themes. There will also be a wide range of activities at the carnival, including an NG Interactive Zone, a Mid-Autumn Market, a fire dragon dance, traditional handicraft demonstrations, self-service lantern riddles and more. For more details, please visit the event webpage: www.cpo.gov.hk/zh-hk/event/tc-mid-autumn-lantern-carnival-2025, or call 2591 1340.

     The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2025 is one of the programmes of the Chinese Culture Festival 2025 and one of the contribution programmes of the 5th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) officially opened at 102/22 Market Street, Sydney CBD. The center will provide Australian friends with the most updated travel information and assistance for visiting TAIWAN.
The unveiling ceremony kicked off with a lion dance performance showcasing Taiwan’s culture, followed by the official plaque unveiling by Deputy Director-General Shih-Fang Huang of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, Ambassador Douglas Hsu, Representative of TECO in Australia, Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu of TECO in Sydney, and Director Paul Shih of the Singapore Office of Taiwan Tourism Administration.
The celebrations also included a media luncheon and an evening promotional event, which were warmly attended by friends from the media and travel industry, highlighting the strong interest in Taiwan tourism within the Australian market.
DDG Huang emphasized that Sydney, as a world-class travel destination, offers TTIC an ideal location near Darling Harbour and the city’s business hub to attract both leisure and business visitors. TTIC will not only serve travelers from Australia and New Zealand but also become a hub for strengthening collaboration with industry partners and media, enhancing Taiwan’s tourism visibility.
Amb. Hsu remarked that Taiwan–Australia exchanges have grown steadily in recent years. The establishment of TTIC will further boost two-way tourism and demonstrate the solid foundation of bilateral cooperation. He hopes TTIC will become a key platform to connect Taiwan and Australia’s tourism industries, helping more Australians discover and fall in love with Taiwan.
DG Wu noted that with Taiwan’s new airport terminals, improved transportation, expanded tourism incentives, and a more welcoming travel environment, Taiwan and Australia’s tourism sectors can serve as a bridge of friendship, encouraging more travelers to visit Taiwan.
DDG Huang also led Taiwan’s tourism promotion team to visit TECO Sydney. Both sides had an in-depth exchange on practical experiences and strategies to attract more Australian travelers to Taiwan.
We welcome everyone to stop by, explore, and celebrate this exciting new chapter for Taiwan tourism in Sydney.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Workshop on Hydrogen for Land Transport of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group was held in Hong Kong today, where over 40 experts and delegates from 10 APEC member economies gathered to explore strategies on the application of green and low-carbon hydrogen in land transport.

In a video welcoming speech, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan highlighted that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of this era, and underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to four decarbonisation strategies under its Climate Action Plan 2050, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The four strategies are net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction, Mr Tse added.

The environment chief said that apart from electric vehicles, hydrogen is a possible alternative for green transportation, particularly for heavy-duty and long-range transport applications.

The Government has set out the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong with a view to creating a local environment conducive to developing hydrogen energy in a prudent and orderly manner.

In order to remove barriers and facilitate commencement of local hydrogen applications, Mr Tse noted, the Government set up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to introduce interim standards for hydrogen applications, and support pilot projects such as hydrogen fuel cell buses, street-washing vehicles and cross-boundary hydrogen transportation.

He also mentioned that Hong Kong is well positioned to serve as a hub for hydrogen technologies, green finance and professional services, while reiterating Hong Kong’s support for APEC’s shared vision of clean energy transition and sustainable growth.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region