Following is the speech by the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, at the opening ceremony of the "Fashion Summit (HK) 2026 International Conference" today (September 3):

Roger (Chairman of the Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA), Mr Roger Chan), Sunny (Member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Legislative Council (Textiles and Garment), Mr Sunny Tan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you at the International Conference of the "Fashion Summit (HK) 2026" today. I extend a very warm welcome to our distinguished speakers from the Chinese Mainland and overseas, who have come from afar to share their insights at this annual event.
      
     Since its inaugural edition in 2017, the "Fashion Summit (HK)" has received strong support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
      
     It is truly encouraging to see how this conference has gone from strength to strength over the years, having expanded not only in scale, but also in influence and international standing. Today, the "Fashion Summit (HK)" has become a leading platform where industry leaders, innovators and designers come together to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and advance sustainable fashion.
      
     This year's theme, "Code the Fashion Forward", is both timely and thought provoking. The Fashion industry has entered into a new era shaped by technology including the growing use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI). Technology should not only drive business growth, but also help the industry move forward with greater sustainability. In other words, the future of fashion should be smarter, as well as greener.
      
     Digital transformation is undoubtedly reshaping the industry. Yet, in the heart of fashion, the most crucial components remain deeply human, namely, creativity, craftmanship and storytelling. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned in the way where innovation and tradition do not compete, but complement each other instead.
      
     This spirit of blending tradition with innovation is reflected in today's lineup: across six panel discussions, speakers will explore how data, technology and creative media are transforming the fashion industry. They will share insights on topics ranging from agile consumer models and AI-enabled green retail strategies to the enduring legacy of sartorial tailoring, as well as the growing influence of fashion storytelling from screen to wardrobe. Together, these conversations will show that the possibilities ahead are so wide ranging and full of promises.
      
     The "Fashion Summit (HK)" is once again one of the flagship programmes of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest presented by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR this year. With the vision of strengthening Hong Kong's position as a fashion design hub in Asia, the Fashion Fest brings together leading names from the global fashion industry through an array of programmes. It fosters collaboration, sparks creativity and opens doors to new opportunities. A wide range of events of the Fashion Fest are happening across the city till September 14, I encourage you all to experience Hong Kong's dynamic fashion scene firsthand.
      
     Today's conference aside, CITA is also hosting the "Fashion Summit (HK)" exhibition at Jardine House in Central and "Wear's HK" which showcases the collections of 20 talented local fashion designers in six pop-up stores across the city. I sincerely invite you all to visit these stores, to experience the creativity and energy of our city, and to show your support to our local young fashion designers by making purchases on-site.
      
     Before I close, I would like to congratulate CITA on organising yet another very successful edition of the "Fashion Summit (HK)", and thank all our speakers in advance for contributing their valuable insights. I am confident that today's conference will generate fresh ideas, deepen collaboration, and help shape a more innovative and sustainable future for fashion.
      
     I wish the conference every success. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, September 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:58

NNNN