Speech by CE at opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2023@Bangkok (English only) (with video)
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Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2023@Bangkok today (October 21):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Hello everyone. Sah wah dee khrap. Welcome to the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2023@Bangkok. We are excited to bring to Bangkok the first ever overseas edition of our flagship Hong Kong Week events, to showcase Hong Kong’s unique culture of artistry and creativity.
Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is where the China advantage and the global advantage converge in a single city.
As a pluralistic metropolis blending Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong is a strong believer of the promotion of mutual understanding among peoples of different places through cultural exchange.
We are eager to share the artistic achievements of our Asia’s world city with audiences from every part of the world. We also endeavour to bring quality artworks encompassing rich Chinese culture to more overseas cities, giving play to our unique strengths as a conduit between the Mainland of China and the rest of the world.
With a long and vibrant history, Thailand is fast becoming a cultural centre of the region. From mesmerising folklore and legends, to the vivid development of modern and contemporary art, Thailand’s cultural scenes continue to fascinate the world.
This year, we are glad to hold our first overseas Hong Kong Week in Bangkok to further enhance the exchanges and collaboration in arts and culture, and creative industries between our two cities.
The Hong Kong Week features diverse programmes, from music, dance and film, to fashion and intangible cultural heritage events. The eventful programme provides lots of opportunities for artists in Hong Kong and Bangkok to collaborate and exchange ideas.
With the passion of our artists, I am confident that this three-week festival will be filled with colours and sparks. Confident, as well, that it will bolster cultural appreciation and ties between our peoples.
Looking ahead, I hope more of our friends from Thailand would come to Hong Kong, to see for yourselves the unparalleled and plentiful opportunities, and feel the energy of our dynamic city. We welcome all of you in Hong Kong, for travel, for work, for studies, or even for investment.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our dedicated partners, in particular the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mahidol University, for giving your tremendous support to this Hong Kong Week.
I wish Hong Kong Week 2023@Bangkok a great success, and everyone an enjoyable afternoon at the reception and the opening concert. Thank you.