Speech by SCST at event of Asia+ Festival 2025 and Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 (English just)
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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the event of Asia+ Festival 2025 and Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 today (November 16):
Consuls-General, agents of abroad cultural organisations, differentiated visitors, women and gentlemen,
Excellent afternoon, everybody, and a hot welcome to the event of the Asia+ Festival 2025 and the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025, particularly warm welcome for those a couple of who originate from afar. Invite to Hong Kong.
The Asia+ Festival was released in 2023 with a strong vision: to develop a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange throughout Asia, and the Belt and Road areas. As a flagship joyful occasion, it declares Hong Kong’s function as an East-satisfies-West centre for worldwide cultural exchange. It is here that we take advantage of our “one country, two systems” benefit to promote individuals-to-individuals bonds and cultural combination.
Now, marching into its 3rd edition, the Festival is growing incredibly. This year, we are enjoyed invite prominent artists from over 30 nations and areas, 12 of which are joining us for the really very first time. While Asia stays our core, our reach now encompasses Belt and Road nations and areas in Europe, Africa and the Americas.
With more than 100 efficiencies and activities – from performance and exhibits to today’s outside carnival – we anticipate to invite over 100 000 residents and visitors. Together, we will commemorate the abundant tapestry of both conventional and modern arts from Asia and beyond.
The celebration has actually currently started with an outstanding opening program: a fresh, modern adjustment of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” by LG Arts Center from Korea. I saw the program myself and it is terrific. This is simply the start. The effective rhythms of Japanese Taiko drumming, the enthusiastic tango from Argentina, and the dynamic music and dance from Africa await you. And today, the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ will reveal the famous noises of classical and folk music from various areas.
None of this would be possible without our unbelievable partners. I wish to reveal my genuine and inmost appreciation to the Consuls-General, and agents of abroad cultural organisations here in Hong Kong. Thank you for your stalwart assistance for contributing such terrific programs. I want you all a wonderful afternoon and a really fulfilling cultural banquet.
As we commemorate our cultural vibrancy, let us likewise remember our civic task. I seriously motivate all signed up citizens to cast your vote in the upcoming Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Let us choose a brand-new regard to accountable, visionary and capable lawmakers.
Thank you, and delight in the Festival!