John Lee Celebrates 40 Years of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts at Anniversary Ceremony

Speech by CE at Kick-off Ceremony of 40th Anniversary Celebration of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (with video)

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Kick-off Ceremony of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) today (September 26):

Mr Charles Yang (Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), Professor Gillian Choa (Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), staff and students of the HKAPA, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to speak to you all, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. First of all, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Academy on its ruby jubilee, a key milestone in the institution's development.

Since its establishment in 1984, the Academy has remained committed to nurturing new generations of performing arts professionals in a diverse, cross-disciplinary learning environment. The Academy has gone from strength to strength in the past four decades, becoming Asia's top performing arts institution. The Academy's international reputation is testament to its holistic approach to performing arts education.

This year heralds the beginning of a new chapter for the Academy, with the launch of its visionary 10-year strategic plan from 2024 to 2033. From talent development and technology-enabled arts practices, to campus development and cultural influence, the exciting plans and new projects will further consolidate the strengths of the Academy.

The Government supports the Academy's efforts in nurturing cultural talent for Hong Kong and the country. We believe that the Academy's potential establishment of a new campus in the Northern Metropolis could provide much-needed space for programme development. Meanwhile, we also support the Academy in bringing in a higher proportion of non-local students to its programmes. These developments, I am certain, could enrich Hong Kong's talent pool in performing arts in light of the industry's evolving needs.

As an international metropolis boasting a fine blend of cultures, Hong Kong enjoys unparalleled connectivity with the Mainland and the rest of the world. I am confident that the Academy will continue to thrive as a performing arts educational hub, nurturing artists and arts practitioners that shape Hong Kong's future as a dynamic East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

I take the opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts and dedication of the Academy's Council, teaching staff, students and alumni. Your passion and hard work are key to the Academy's success. My appreciation also goes to donors, industry partners and everyone who has supported the Academy all along. The Government looks forward to continuing joining hands with you in advancing Hong Kong's cultural development.

On that note, I wish the Academy a wonderful celebratory year ahead and every success in the future. Thank you.

Hong Kong Customs seizes tortoises and lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs today (March 13) seized 14 tortoises and 25 lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $780,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.

A 26-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from South Africa via Dubai yesterday (March 12). He was intercepted for customs clearance at the arrivals hall of the airport. Customs officers found the batch of tortoises and lizards in two items of clothing and three plastic bottles inside his check-in baggage. Upon inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the batch of tortoises and lizards was suspected to be endangered species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.The man was subsequently arrested by Customs officers. The case was handed over to the AFCD for follow-up investigation.

The arrested man will be charged by the AFCD with one count of illegal import of an Appendix II species and one count of cruelty to animals.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline182 8080or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes tortoises and lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes tortoises and lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases