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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the Disney ImagiNations Hong Kong Award Ceremony today (December 9):
Andrew (Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, Mr Andrew Kam), Kelly (Director, Creative Development and Show Quality, Walt Disney Imagineering, Mr Kelly Willis), distinguished guests, finalist teams, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to join you all today. This is my fourth consecutive year attending this annual Award Ceremony. I would like to congratulate all the finalist teams on your excellent work of imagination and creativity. Having come this far in the competition, you should be really proud of yourselves. I look forward to seeing your work in a minute after the ceremony.
Andrew just told me that the champion team last year is also here with us today. I am sure you have had a most inspiring trip to the United States and a fruitful internship experience with the Hong Kong Disneyland.
Imagination is the most powerful source of creative inspiration. Our beautiful Hong Kong Disneyland was created with imagination. As Walt Disney once said, Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world. True to this spirit, the Hong Kong Disneyland will continue to develop and upgrade itself by bringing in new attractions. Among the planned developments of Hong Kong Disneyland, I am most excited about the new themed area based on Marvel's Iron Man. This attraction will be the first in the world to be themed after the Avengers franchise. The film series of the Avengers has been extremely popular, and I am sure you are also looking forward to the opening of this new themed area in around a year's time.
Talking about films, I have no doubt that all of you are as eager as I am to see "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", which is another masterpiece of imagination. It will be released to theatres one week from now. George Lucas' stories in a galaxy far, far away a long time ago have always fascinated me. The level of imagination and creativity involved behind the "Star Wars" series is simply astonishing, and for that, it is widely recognised as one of the most successful film series in the world's history.
Hong Kong certainly has our own great films. As the policy secretary responsible for creative industries including the film industry, I am pleased to say that the Government has made tremendous efforts in promoting the development of the local film industry. We launched the Film Development Fund in 2007 to provide financial support for projects conducive to the long-term and healthy development of the local film industry. And so far, over HK$300 million has been approved for film productions and various film-related projects. Just around a month ago, we also launched the Film Production Grant Scheme to support small-budget film productions.
Our creative industries will help drive innovation and economic growth in Hong Kong. The Government will render full support to our creative sector. It will be up to your imagination and creativity to fuel this thriving sector. I encourage all of you here to keep up the good work and continue making the most of your imagination.
Allow me to quote from Walt Disney again: "Many of the things that seem impossible now will become realities tomorrow." You are the ones who decide what the world is going to look like, and you can turn the impossible into realities. Bravely put your imagination to work, and you can turn our world into a totally different place. "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day."
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Thank you very much.
Ends/Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:28
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