Illuminated across the River Torrens of Adelaide, Australia, the spectacular 40-metre-long new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern is taking centre stage at the Moon Lantern Trail of the OzAsia Festival from October 24 to 27, showcasing Hong Kong's vibrant role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as celebrating the artistic synergy between Hong Kong and Australia.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is again supporting the OzAsia Festival with a view to promoting the unique arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong. This year, in collaboration with the organiser of the Festival, the Adelaide Festival Centre (AFC), Sydney ETO presented the new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern with a concept from a Hong Kong artist to foster arts and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Adelaide.

     Addressing more than 200 guests at the OzAsia Festival Opening Night, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said that 2024 marks the 15th year of partnership between Sydney ETO and the AFC. He is delighted to witness this milestone and celebrate the debut of the new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern.

     "Sydney ETO treasures the opportunity for cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. Over the years, we have supported numerous initiatives to help Hong Kong fulfil its role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which includes supporting arts groups and delegations travelling between Hong Kong and Australia to bring our art communities closer together," Mr Chong said.

     He also introduced the key measures announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" for bolstering the cultural and creative industries. "The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), one of the largest arts and cultural projects in the world, provides over 20 professional venues capable of hosting a wide range of events. With a view to branding the WKCD as a must-visit landmark for cultural and creative tourism, the Government will roll out more special-experience activities and step up worldwide promotions in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to bring in more tourists," Mr Chong added.

     Mr Chong also shared with the participants the latest initiatives in the Policy Address to attract top-notch talent to Hong Kong, including updating the Talent List, expanding the list of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and extending the validity period of the first visa of high-income talent under the scheme to three years.

     Held annually over three weeks (October 24 to November 10) in spring in the southern hemisphere, the OzAsia Festival is Australia's leading contemporary arts festival that engages with Asia. This year's festival showcases various forms of arts and culture, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, cuisine and cultural events from across Asia. The vibrant line-up features over 300 artists from Australia and abroad including Hong Kong, with seven world premieres to be staged.

Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN