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.
HKSAR LegCo strongly condemns foreign media organisation for misleading international society and whitewashing Lai Chee-ying's offenses
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
A spokesman for the Legislative Council ("LegCo") today (May 1) strongly condemned the release of a so-called press freedom index by a foreign media organisation and presentation of a so-called award to the national security offender Lai Chee-ying to sugarcoat his criminal acts, and smear the press freedom and rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("HKSAR"). LegCo strongly condemns and firmly opposes all untrue comments that defame the human rights and rule of law in the HKSAR.
The Legislative Council, Photo source: reference image
LegCo's spokesman stressed, "Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The Hong Kong National Security Law ("HKNSL") and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance ("SNSO") clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, of speech and of publication, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR, are protected in accordance with the law. Facts speak louder than the words. Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, Hong Kong society as a whole has thrived and returned to rationality and safety."
The National Security Law, Photo source: AP News
LegCo's spokesman emphasised, "Lai Chee-ying has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and the evidence is irrefutable. During the trial, a vast amount of evidence testified that for years, under the guise of journalism, democracy, and freedom, Lai Chee-ying utilised media platforms as political tools to incite hatred and commit acts that harmed both the country and Hong Kong. This included using media platforms to call for foreign forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials. The court conducted a rigorous, fair, just and open trial lasting 156 days. The reasons for the verdict, spanning 855 pages, have been fully disclosed for public inspection; they set out in detail the judges' rigorous analysis of legal principles and evidence, and clearly explain the reasons for finding Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies guilty. The judgment also pointed out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court's conviction is well-reasoned and sound, fully demonstrating that the court makes rulings strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference."
Lai Chee-ying, Photo source: AP News
LegCo's spokesman said, "As emphasised by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council,Mr Xia Baolong,in his speech on this year's National Security Education Day, Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order, and from order to prosperity, profoundly demonstrates that there is no development without security, and without security, everything is out of the question. Only by holding the bottom line of security can we achieve development and win the future."
LegCo's spokesman reiterated, "LegCo will continue to firmly fulfil its constitutional responsibilities, support the SAR Government's administration in accordance with the law, uphold the rule of law and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. LegCo urges the international community to recognise the facts and immediately stop making any groundless, fact-distorting, misleading and malicious attacks against Hong Kong."
