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Speech by Acting CS at opening ceremony of Singapore Film Festival in Hong Kong (English only)
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     Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the opening ceremony of the Singapore Film Festival in Hong Kong tonight (August 28):

Consul-General (Jacky) Foo, ladies and gentlemen, friends of Singapore and Hong Kong,

     Good evening. I am most honoured and delighted to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Singapore's Independence and appreciate at first hand the creative pulse of your dynamic nation through the powerful medium of cinema.

     On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and people of Hong Kong, let me first congratulate Singapore and its people most warmly on your 50th Anniversary of Independence (SG50).

     I must say that SG50 has been generating considerable interest in Hong Kong, thanks to the long and exciting line-up of celebratory events that you are staging here and, I think, also because Singapore and Hong Kong enjoy a long-standing and special friendship and share much in common.

     Singapore and Hong Kong have often been described by some writers as "A Tale of Two Cities". We are two of Asia's most dynamic cities. We both practise free trade. We have firmly in place a common law-based legal system. We are places where the East blends nicely with the West in a unique way. We are both cosmopolitan, modern and open. Last but not least, the creative industries are important for both Singapore and Hong Kong.

     But despite the commonalities, Singapore and Hong Kong are unique places. So it is only natural for Singapore and Hong Kong to be curious about each other. There seems to be a mutual fascination.

     A Singapore Film Festival showcasing 12 highly rated Singapore films is a treat for Hong Kong movie goers. Films mirror society and culture. It is a good way to get an insight into what makes Singapore tick. What goes on beneath the glittering façade. A glimpse into the trials and tribulations, as well as the joy and success of the people that make up your multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and mutli-religious society. A resilient people who pulled together to transform their home from its humble beginnings as a third world society into a world-class shining city state.

     I am sure everyone is getting impatient for the curtain to rise now. So, without further ado, let the show begin. Thank you and have an enjoyable and memorable evening.

Ends/Friday, August 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:44

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