Inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival opens in August
HONG KONG, July 24, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and fully supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 1 to 31 August across mainland e-commerce platforms. This new event aligns with a measure in the 2023 Policy Address to assist Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into Mainland China via e-commerce channels.
The launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Shopping Festival was held today. More than 230 local brands are participating, offering unique products and exclusive discounts in six major categories: apparel and accessories, personal care and cosmetics, home and living, classic food, smart gadgets and health supplements. The event also promotes products suitable for the senior citizen market. With the full support of the HKSAR Government, Financial Secretary Paul Chan appeared in a video to promote the event (https://bit.ly/3yaGwCT).
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival has adopted the slogan “Unveiling a New Lifestyle, Curated by Hong Kong“. “Unveiling a New Lifestyle” refers to launching new products in the market and the aspiration to enrich people’s lives through these products. “Curated by Hong Kong”, meanwhile, reflects the meticulously selected quality products from Hong Kong that are being made available to mainland consumers. The event enables local SMEs to leverage the extensive visitor traffic and diverse customer base of mainland e-commerce platforms to drive publicity, boost exposure and amplify the promotional impact. The initiative will also provide SMEs with practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce.
Mr Chan said: “The brand of ‘Hong Kong’ has always been renowned for its high quality. Hong Kong’s products hold good brand value in the mainland and across the region. As the Hong Kong Trade Development Council organises the first edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, we could, on the one hand, capitalise on Hong Kong’s advantage of enjoying strong support of the Motherland’s large-scale market, and assist Hong Kong’s small to medium enterprises in reaching new mainland customer groups and developing the mainland market, thereby injecting new impetus into their business development. On the other hand, it could enable mainland consumers to directly and conveniently gain access to and purchase quality Hong Kong products. At the same time, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival could help different Hong Kong products tap into the mainland market more extensively and make Hong Kong brands shine.”
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, national online retail sales reached RMB15.4 trillion in 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of 11%, while the online retail sales of physical goods reached RMB13.0 trillion, an 8.8% rise compared to the previous year. Online sales accounted for 27.6% of the total retail sales of consumer goods last year.
Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The mainland market has been developing in leaps and bounds, particularly the thriving e-commerce landscape. Diverse online channels such as live-streaming, instant retail and social commerce have become the new normal for many mainland consumers, involving a wealth of know-how. However, many Hong Kong SMEs are unfamiliar with the business culture and marketing channels in the mainland domestic market, especially for e-commerce, which has become a major pain point for many local enterprises. The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival has attracted the participation of 230 brands and will help local SMEs gain practical experience and prepare them for expanding their mainland e-commerce operations.”
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival will be divided into two parts. The first part is the Discount Month from 1 to 31 August, during which an official campaign website will be launched featuring all participating companies, featured products and special deals. Concurrently, the HKTDC will promote the event through various strategically planned digital marketing channels, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, boosting visits to the official website and, in turn, to the SMEs’ online stores.
The second part will focus on live-streaming e-commerce. In late August, the HKTDC will invite around 20 notable mainland key opinion leaders (KOLs) to conduct live-streaming sessions on major e-commerce platforms, including Douyin, Taobao/Tmall and JD, to directly promote 60 local brands. This will help introduce Hong Kong products to more mainland consumers while also providing a practical opportunity for local SMEs with no experience of live-streaming e-commerce to understand the workings of mainland e-commerce platforms and digital marketing. This will be a crucial first step in helping them expand into the mainland market.
Official campaign website of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival:
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3LARgxp
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The launch ceremony for the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival was officiated by Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC (second from left); Leslie Choy, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AUSupreme International Holdings Limited (left); Melody Keung, General Manager of Taikoo Sugar Limited (right); and celebrity Kenneth Ma (second from right). |
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With the full support of the HKSAR Government, Financial Secretary Paul Chan filmed a promotional video to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. |
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In his remarks at the launch ceremony, Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, expressed the hope that the Hong Kong Shopping Festival will help Hong Kong companies accumulate practical experience and prepare them well for developing e-commerce capabilities in the mainland market. |
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Celebrity Kenneth Ma attended the launch ceremony to promote Hong Kong brands and the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. |
Media enquiries
Should members of the press have any enquiries, please contact:
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Topic: Press release summary
Hong Kong – Inaugural cohort of Master’s Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today (with photos)
Inaugural cohort of Master’s Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today (with photos)
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The inaugural cohort of the Master’s Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government graduated today (July 3). They were awarded certificates at the graduation ceremony organised by the School of Government of Peking University. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung, witnessed the important moment of these civil servants of high potential in completion of their studies and expect them to better serve Hong Kong with what they have learned.
Addressing the ceremony, Mrs Yeung said that civil servants are the backbone of the Government. As Hong Kong moves towards a new era of stability to prosperity, identifying and nurturing more governing talent who are patriotic and love Hong Kong, have good morals and integrity, and are competent and people oriented, together with an innovative spirit and an international perspective, is crucial for enhancing the Government’s governance capabilities and leading Hong Kong in addressing the current sophisticated international landscape and challenges.
Mrs Yeung expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) for its strong support, and to Peking University for attaching great importance to this programme. Mrs Yeung said that through engaging in the year-long immersive learning in Beijing, participants have had in-depth exchanges with scholars, officials and the public, which have significantly deepened their understanding of the country and enriched their knowledge of the country’s politics and public administration. The insights gained from the development experiences on the Mainland also prompted the participants to thoughtfully reflect on what areas and experiences Hong Kong can learn from, and how to combine the strengths of both systems of the Mainland and Hong Kong to complement each other so that Hong Kong can move faster, gain more and contribute more to the country in its active integration into the overall national development. The knowledge gained and examples learned in respect of public administration also stimulated them to reflect on how to enhance the governance efficiency of the HKSAR when they return to work, align it more closely with public sentiment, and thereby gain the most for citizens.
Mr Frederick Yu from the Administrative Officer Grade was one of the graduate representatives. At the ceremony, Mr Yu promised on behalf of all participants that they would support the HKSAR Government in enhancing governance capabilities through practice and actions, so as to respond actively to people’s aspirations, thereby showing their appreciation to the HKMAO, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Peking University for nurturing them.
The Master’s Degree in Public Policy Programme is co-organised by the CSB and Peking University. The participants, who come from various professional fields, are civil servants recommended by their departments and have demonstrated leadership potential and outstanding performance. The programme covers four major areas, namely public administration and leadership skills, the country’s governance and Hong Kong affairs, global affairs and governance, as well as social studies and field work. The programme lasts for two years. Participants have to study full-time at Peking University for the first year. Participants will return to Hong Kong in the second year to complete their thesis and apply their learning to enhancing the governance of Hong Kong.
Before the ceremony, the delegation led by Mrs Yeung met with the President of Peking University, Mr Gong Qihuang, to exchange views on the civil service training.
Mrs Yeung said the CSB has long been co-operating well with Peking University. She thanked the teachers of the University for attaching strong importance and showing full support to civil service training of the HKSAR Government and organising various programmes with the Civil Service College to strengthen civil servants’ sense of national identity and deepen their understanding of the country to better support the development of the country and Hong Kong.
After the ceremony, Mrs Yeung met and chatted with the graduates of the inaugural cohort and the HKSAR civil servants who are currently studying at Peking University to understand more about their learning experiences and reflections. She reminded them that civil servants have to shoulder the leadership responsibility in guiding their teams to proactively implement government policies and work together to achieve good governance for Hong Kong after completion of their studies.
Inaugural Chinese Culture Festival opens today (with photos)
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In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that culture is the source of national cohesion and creativity. The Government will continue to promote and foster the inheritance of fine traditional Chinese culture, while enhancing citizens’ sense of national identity and recognition of Chinese culture. It will also continue to nurture young people’s sense of belonging to the motherland and global visions to contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. At the same time, the Government will leverage the opportunities brought about by Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and capitalise on its role as an important bridge for cultural exchanges between the East and the West, thereby continuously strengthening the global impact and influence of Chinese culture.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Zheng Yanxiong; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; Deputy Director of the LOCPG in the HKSAR Ms Lu Xinning; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Ma Fung-kwok.
The inaugural CCF staged the dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” by the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera as the opening programme. Centred on a cultural relic, the dance drama ingeniously merged Chinese aesthetics and the flavour of Western regions through innovative dance languages. It took to the stage the profound cultural connotation of the precious relic (a piece of Han dynasty brocade armguard) and 2 000 years of exchanges and integration of Chinese culture, demonstrating a deeper sense of cultural confidence. After watching the splendid performance by the performers of the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera, the audience gave a round of thunderous applause. The dance drama also featured a session under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series”, which was held this afternoon at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall with free admission for primary and secondary school students, enabling them to appreciate in person and learn the essence of Chinese culture.
“Glowing Beauties – A Photo Exhibition on Ethnic Costumes” was staged from today (June 7) until June 9 (Sunday) at the Foyer and Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition features photos of the brocade armguard behind the dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” and costume photos of China’s 56 ethnic groups. Members of the public can learn more about the distinctive cultural practices, costumes and traditional ways of life of each ethnic group. In addition, performers from the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera will perform excerpts “Lantern Dance” and “Embroidery” from dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” at the free event “Encountering Chinese Culture” carnival to be held on the afternoon of June 9 at the Plaza of Sha Tin Town Hall, so that more audiences will be able to enjoy the dance pieces infused with the flavour of the Western regions and Chinese classical styles. For more information, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/encountering-chinese-culture/.
The CCF aims to enhance the public’s appreciation of Chinese culture and cultivate citizens’ national identity and cultural confidence. The inaugural CCF features different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the Chinese Opera Festival, exemplary local arts projects recognised by the China National Arts Fund, performing arts programmes from arts and cultural organisations, film screenings, exhibitions, talks and more. It also designates Shanghai as this year’s focal city, showcasing the cultural charm of Shanghai styles through spectacular events. The inaugural CCF allows members of the public and visitors to experience the broad and profound Chinese culture with a view to promoting Chinese culture and patriotic education as well as enhancing national identity among the people of Hong Kong, making contributions to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
For more information about the inaugural CCF, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.
The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.
NEW YORK – June 5, 2024 – PRLog — The inaugural JuneteenthTech Summit “Building a Future of Inclusion and Tech Equity: AI, Blacks & Business,” will commence at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn NY from 9:30am-3pm on June 17, 2024. JuneteenthTech is a convening of Black tech leaders, influencers, and supporters of the Black tech community during Juneteenth celebrations to discuss and present solutions to the racial technology gap. This year the summit will be presented in New York during The Wealth Weekend: Juneteenth NYC – a Black Wealth Events series during Juneteenth focusing on technology and economic development produced by The Coutureman LLC: Advisory (BlackWealthEvents.com) Produced by two women who successfully collaborated on a ForbesBLK BLKHistory virtual series, Etophia Lane – ForbesBLK NY Local Advisor and Madona S. Wambua – ForbesBLK Member was certain that together they could partner and produce a tech conference to amplify the Black tech community during a National Holiday that recognizes the freedom of America’s Black slaves. “Organizing the JuneteenthTech Summit is a powerful opportunity to celebrate freedom and innovation, bringing together diverse voices to shape the future of technology,” “Many capitalize in monetary gain from Juneteenth because of its growing popularity and the value in the audience it captures. Our summit is free. There is a greater impact when people have free access to learn, discuss, network and build within the Black tech community and the JuneteenthTech Summit is exactly for that purpose,” Etophia “The Bizness Girl” Lane. “We welcomed the collective to be a part of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, as The Wealth Weekend: Juneteenth NYC will focus on technology and economic development. We are compelled to consider how these powerful tools can further the cause of equality and empowerment,” The free event will feature three panels and dedicated conversations in fireside chat style hosted by Tech Talks With Madona with Carlos Beltre- Managing Director, Human Resources Executive at JPMorgan Chase & Co. who will share the impact of JPMC Racial Equity Commitment and how it is transforming local businesses and communities and Cherelle Harrell – Program Manager of Tech Equity Collective and how this Google Initiative provides funding and resources to the Black tech community. Dr. Gwendolyn Denise Stripling, Lead AI/ML Content Developer, Google Cloud, and author will present AI Tips & Tricks for Your Business. Registrants will also have the opportunity to meet with Mentor Me Collective to discuss mentorship pairing. Continental breakfast and lunch is provided by local vendors from JPMorgan Advancing Pathways Program. Location: Medgar Evers College Edison O. Jackson Auditorium 1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York Time: 9:30am-3pm Seating is limited. For free registration, full schedule & panel details go to: Community supporters of the JuneteenthTech Summit include Jibu Labs, JP Morgan Chase and Co./Advancing Black Pathways, Tech Equity Collective, Mentor Me Collective, Baddies In Tech and Per Scholas. About JuneteenthTech Inaugural Chinese Culture Festival to open with dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” in Hong Kong in June (with photos)
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The dance drama was inspired by a piece of a Han dynasty brocade armguard unearthed in 1995 from an archaeological tomb at the Niya cultural relics site in Hotan Prefecture, at the ancient Silk Roads in Xinjiang. It is embroidered with Chinese characters in seal script that literally translate as “five stars rising in the East are auspicious signs for the Central Plain”. The colours of the brocade are still bright after thousands of years, and it is now a National Class One Cultural Relic.
The dance drama begins with the discovery of the brocade armguard at the archaeological site, as if a door to the past has been opened from the golden sand that tells the story behind the brocade; a Han dynasty general stationed at the Western border, Feng, and the son of the leader of the Northern State, Jiante, get caught in a sandstorm. They are rescued by a monk who brings them into the ancient city of Jingjue, where they meet Chunjun, the daughter of the city leader. Despite an initial animosity that leads to conflicts, the three eventually form a deep friendship. The brocade armguard that Feng left behind serves as a reminder of his duties to his land, and bears witness to his friendship with the people of the Western regions. It represents an ideal that all ethnic groups “cluster together like pomegranate seeds”, forming a sense of community for Chinese nation.
The innovative approach of the dance choreography in this production has incorporated various types of dances that showcase the colourful ethnic cultures. For example, the lantern dance in Jingjue city is infused with the Western regions’ style. The group dance in the market is a mix of modern and tap dance, while the excerpt “Embroidery” is presented in a Han-Tang style classical dance. With distinctive characters, compact plot lines, as well as humorous styles, the dance drama has been performed nearly 100 times since its premiere in 2021, and has won the 16th Five One Project Award and the 17th Wenhua Grand Award. Excerpts such as “Embroidery”, “Lantern Dance” and “Market Dance” were featured in a number of programmes on the Mainland, including last year’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala, and has received high acclaim.
Established in 1978, the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera is under the Beijing Performance and Arts Group as one of its nine performing arts companies. It is also the only professional performing group that specialises in song and dance performances under the administration of the Beijing Municipal Government. It has produced many award-winning productions including dance dramas “The Way to the Sky” and “Five Stars Rising in the East”. It has also been invited to participate in various cultural exchange events and other large-scale performing activities at home and abroad, and has performed in more than 30 countries and regions.
The dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” by the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera will be held at 8pm on June 7 and 8 (Friday and Saturday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Tickets priced at $200, $280, $380 and $480 are available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) and the Xiqu Centre Ticket Office. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/opening-programme-dance-drama-five-stars-rising-in-the-east/.
In conjunction with the grand opening of the CCF, the “Encountering Chinese Culture” carnival will be organised on June 9 (Sunday) at 2pm at the Plaza and Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall and the Entrance Arena at L1, Phase 1 of the New Town Plaza. Alongside stage performances with Chinese cultural characteristics, a “Library-on-Wheels”, inspiring cultural booths, a concert featuring Chinese music and more will be presented for all to experience the colourful Chinese culture and arts at close range. In addition, “Glowing Beauties – A Photo Exhibition on Ethnic Costumes” will be held from May 29 to June 9 at the Foyer and Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition will feature the photos of the brocade armguard behind the dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” and costume photos of China’s 56 ethnic groups. Members of the public can learn more about their distinctive cultural practices, costumes and traditional ways of life. Admission is free for the two above-mentioned special events. Members of the public are welcome to join on the spot. For details, please visit the CCF website www.ccf.gov.hk.
The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD’s Chinese Culture Promotion Office, aims to enhance the public’s appreciation of Chinese culture and cultivate citizens’ national identity and cultural confidence. The inaugural CCF will be held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the Chinese Opera Festival, exemplary local arts projects recognised by the China National Arts Fund, performing arts programmes from arts and cultural organisations, film screenings, exhibitions, talks and more, the festival allows members of the public and visitors to experience the broad and profound Chinese culture with a view to promoting Chinese culture and patriotic education as well as enhancing national identity amongst the people of Hong Kong, making contributions to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”. Please visit the above-mentioned CCF website for details.
The LCSD has long promoted Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.
Hong Kong – Inaugural Chinese Culture Festival opens today (with photos)
The inaugural Chinese Culture Festival (CCF), presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), opened today (June 7) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall, kicking off nearly 100 events to be held from June to September.Inaugural JuneteenthTech Summit hosted in New York at Medgar Evers College
https://juneteenthtech.splashthat.com/
The summit is produced by a collective dedicated to the advancement of technology for Black people. Executive produced by Etophia “The Bizness Girl” Lane (20 year business consultant and ForbesBLK NY Local Advisor), and Madona Wambuba CTO Jibu Labs, author, Google Android Expert, and a Women Techmakers Ambassador.Hong Kong – Inaugural Chinese Culture Festival to open with dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” in Hong Kong in June (with photos)
The inaugural Chinese Culture Festival (CCF), organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will stage the award-winning dance drama “Five Stars Rising in the East” by the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera as the opening programme in early June. Centering on a cultural relic, the dance drama ingeniously merges Chinese aesthetics and the flavour of Western regions through innovative dance languages. The troupe takes the profound cultural connotation of the precious relic – an ancient brocade armguard – and 1 000 years of exchanges and integration of Chinese culture that shine on stage, demonstrating a deeper sense of cultural confidence.
The programme “Five Stars Rising in the East” will also feature a session under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series”. An open rehearsal of the dance drama will be held at 2.15pm on June 7 at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall with free admission for local primary and secondary school students to encourage them to participate in cultural activities and experience the wonders of Chinese culture and arts. Interested schools can call 2268 7323 for details.Ads
