Speech by FS at HKAPA 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet (English only) (with photos/video)
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Charles (Yang) (Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), Mr Charles Yang), Professor Anna Chan (Director of the HKAPA), 張志華副主任 (Deputy Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Zhihua), 林枬副部長 (Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lin Nan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is both an honour and a privilege to join you tonight in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Allow me to begin by extending my warmest congratulations to the Academy. For four decades, you have stood as a pillar of performing arts education and creative innovation in Hong Kong, shaping the artistic landscape of our city and beyond.
Since its founding in 1984, the Academy has played a vital role in nurturing generations of world-class talent in performing arts and arts technology. From drama to music, and from dance to film and television, your graduates have brought to life a rich tapestry of performances and productions that have captivated audiences, enriched our cultural fabric, and deepened public appreciation for arts and culture.
The many acclaimed film makers nurtured by the Academy is a compelling example. Their works and productions have defined Hong Kong cinema and extended its influence far beyond the territory, being recognised as a cultural force across the region and around the world.
Today, the global entertainment industry is massive and rapidly evolving. It is also a multi-billion dollar business. In recent years, we have seen the rise of cultural powerhouses from this part of the world like Korea. And the Mainland is emerging as an important player as well. Despite changing market trends and challenges, Hong Kong producers continue to shine. The recent success of local productions, such as "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" 《九龍城寨之圍城》and "The Last Dance" 《破·地獄》, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of our creative industries. It tells that we can capture the hearts of local, Mainland and international audiences with quality productions. It is the innovative spirit, artistic excellence, and a bold embrace of new technologies that will drive the future of the industry.
Meanwhile, for performing arts, our unique connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, together with world-class performing venues offers unparalleled opportunities for our arts groups and performers. Opportunities to expand their reach, build their brands, and step confidently onto the regional and global stage. Seizing these opportunities requires not only talent and capital, but also vision, passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In fact, a flourishing arts and creative sector is not only a powerful engine of economic growth, but also an important pillar of soft power.
In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and conflicts, we must ask ourselves: do we need more confrontation, or more dialogue? More isolation, or greater understanding? I believe the answer is clear to all of us. And in this connection, arts and culture are a profound and irreplaceable means of fostering mutual understanding, empathy and unison.
Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to contribute to this global dialogue. With our openness, diversity and international character, there is no better place than Hong Kong to be an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. And through your work - your performances, your productions, your stories - I am sure the perspectives of Hong Kong, and of our country, will be better shared by the world.
In advancing these strategic goals, the Academy has been, and will continue to be, an important partner.
That is why, in the 2022 Policy Address, the Government entrusted the Academy with an important new mission: to deepen its role in talent development for the Greater Bay Area, and to broaden its educational footprint through the establishment of a new campus in the Northern Metropolis. This initiative reflects both our confidence in the Academy's capabilities and our shared aspiration to elevate performing arts across the region.
As the Academy looks to the future, let us remember: talent is the key to our continued success - and indeed the success of any institution, industry and society.
I have every confidence that the Academy will remain true to its founding mission, and continue to cultivate the next generation of artists not only with skills and creativity but also with vision, heart and passion.
And I have every confidence too, that the Academy will rise to the challenges and capture the opportunities ahead, strengthen its international presence, and flourish as a premier performing arts institution - not only in Asia, but on the world stage.
On this note, I wish the entire Academy community - your dedicated faculty, talented students and accomplished alumni - every success as you continue your pursuit of artistic excellence with passion, purpose, and pride.
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to the Academy. May you continue to inspire, innovate and illuminate. And may the next chapter of your journey be even more brilliant than the last. Thank you.
Ends/Friday, June 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:38
Issued at HKT 21:38
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