​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of deTour 2023 Design Festival today (November 24):
 
William (PMQ Executive Director, Mr William To), curators, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     ​Good evening. I am very delighted to be here with you all to mark the opening of deTour 2023. Our bureau is pleased to be the lead sponsor of deTour since its inception, through Create Hong Kong. As an important concurrent event of the annual Business of Design Week, deTour has become a significant design event showcasing Hong Kong as an international creative hub.
 
     ​deTour has come to its 10th edition this year, with the theme of "New Know How - Crafting Design Future", allowing us to rethink different elements of design. I am thrilled to find out how the gifted designers carve out the future of design and create "New Craft" and, ultimately, propel social and economic growth.
 
     ​The curators of deTour bring together a selection of 20 exhibitions and installations from around the world and grouped into five new categories, namely New Value, Innovation, Craft Enhancement, Heritage and Storytelling. I am also glad to learn that many spectacular activities have been lined up. A series of workshops, designer dialogues, film screenings and guided tours will bring vibrancy to the community. 
 
     ​The Government is determined to foster the development of arts, culture and creative sectors in Hong Kong. As announced in "The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address", Create Hong Kong will be restructured to be the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency focusing on proactively promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle. We will also inject a total of $2.9 billion to the CreateSmart Initiative to provide incentives for attracting private sector capital and expanding new markets.
 
     ​Looking ahead, I anticipate more cross-sectoral, cross-genre collaborations and events like deTour to engage designers and the creative community to experience the power of design, and also to showcase Hong Kong's uniqueness as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I also look forward to establishing various platforms for more creations of different parts of the world in Hong Kong and exchanging innovative ideas and knowledge on design and other cultures.
 
     ​On this note, I would like to announce the opening of deTour 2023, and congratulate PMQ for organising another successful edition of Hong Kong's premier design festival. My gratitude also goes to the curators and all exhibiting design units.
 
     ​deTour is an event for all. I wish all a wonderful and enjoyable experience at this event. Thank you.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:02

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