​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul today (September 27):

Dorian (Founding Chairman of the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association, Mr Dorian Ho), fashion designers from both Hong Kong and Korea, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Annyeonghaseyo (Korean: Hello). Good afternoon. It is my tremendous pleasure to join you for LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul. Thank you for joining us today, gathering here to witness the magic of fashion design and its power to foster cultural exchange and friendship between Hong Kong and Korea. 

     As the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, I have been eagerly anticipating today's event. I actually had a preview earlier this month at Hong Kong's own CENTRESTAGE fashion gala, and I was deeply impressed. Today's full showcase promises to be even more captivating, featuring over 70 unique designs from 30 emerging designers and brands from Hong Kong and other cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area), alongside five of Korea's top designers.

     But LOCAL POWER 2025 is more than just a fashion show. It is an exciting, interactive experience, enhanced by artificial intelligence and brought to live with live Cantopop and K-pop performances. Through this hybrid showcase, you will get a true taste of Hong Kong's vibrant and diverse creative industries. 

     This event is a perfect example of our commitment, as outlined in our Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, to strengthen the arts and creative ecosystem in Hong Kong. With Hong Kong's unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, we are proud to sponsor projects like this through our Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, CCIDA. Our goal is to present our new generation of Greater Bay Area fashion design talents to the world, enhance their international exposure and help build powerful local brands. 

     As a key part of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul, this groundbreaking collaboration provides a creative platform for elite designers from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and Korea. It elevates our cultural and creative partnership to the next level.  

     Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul was officially launched yesterday, bringing 14 selected programmes - about 65 performances and activities - to Korea, from dance and music to film, Chinese painting and comics. Your participation here today provides the momentum to further connect the creative talents of Hong Kong and Korea. 

     Speaking of connection, I would like to extend an invitation to you all. This coming November to December, Hong Kong will be hosting the Hong Kong Fashion Fest. As our Chief Executive outlined in his Policy Address, our vision is to develop Hong Kong into Asia's leading fashion design hub. The Hong Kong Fashion Fest is our annual spotlight event, a spectacular tapestry of design happenings across the city. This year, we are taking it a step further by collaborating with Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks to promote digital and sustainable fashion. I sincerely welcome all of you to join us in Hong Kong for this extravaganza. Please stay tuned for details.

     Before I close, I must express my heartfelt appreciation to the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association and Dorian himself, for organising this project. And my gratitude also goes to today's performing artists, Mr Chu Wan-pin, and Shownu and Hyungwon of MONSTA X, as well as various supporting organisations. 

     I wish LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul a roaring success, and all the participating designers a rewarding and inspiring journey fashion show and the exhibition that follows. 

     Thank you. Kamsahamnida (Korean: Thank you).

Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:55

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