Students Compete to Design GBA Exchange Itineraries in 'Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True' Contest

EDB and CMAB organise "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students

The Education Bureau (EDB) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) have organised the "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students, encouraging secondary students to design routes for Mainland exchanges covering the GBA cities as destinations. Through the activities, students are encouraged to gather information so as to deepen their understanding of the interconnectivity, history and culture, innovative technology, and development opportunities of the GBA cities, thereby broadening their horizons and cultivating their affection for the country.

The kick-off ceremony cum briefing session of the competition was held today (October 14) as part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the founding of the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform. Officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan; Second-level Inspector of Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Guolai; the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the 15th Anniversary of the Founding of the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform, Mr Lung Chee-ming; and various Executive Chairpersons of the Platform.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sze said that the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform has been strongly supported by the Central People's Government Offices in Hong Kong and eminent individuals from various sectors in Hong Kong since its establishment in 2009, enabling smooth progress in all areas of work.

Mr Sze said under the leadership of various Executive Chairpersons, more than 550 000 primary and secondary students have benefited over the years. Mainland Exchange Programmes for primary and secondary students have covered 22 provinces, four autonomous regions and four municipalities.

Mr Sze also expressed gratitude to the GBA Development Office for co-organising the competition with the EDB, providing students with more opportunities to understand the history, culture and development opportunities of the GBA, which will widen their horizons and foster their sense of national identity.

During the kick-off ceremony, the officiating guests lit a cauldron with torches, symbolising "Passing on the Torch". About 400 teachers, students and guests participated by switching on the lighting decorations, expressing their wish for the Platform to continue promoting affection for both the country and Hong Kong in the Hong Kong school sector.

Secondary students will participate in the competition on a team basis. Each team should submit a proposal on such themes as root-tracing/remembrance of origins, innovation/aerospace technology, and intangible cultural heritage. The proposal should include an itinerary for a student exchange lasting one to three days in the GBA cities.

The champion itineraries will be turned into actual trips, and the winning teams will be fully subsidised to join the trips as an award. Completed proposals should be submitted by December 20. For details, please visit the designated webpage (www.bayarea.gov.hk/itinerary-design-competition/en/home/index.html).

EDB and CMAB organise "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB and CMAB organise "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB and CMAB organise "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) presented a Special Hong Kong Award to an Italian company at the 19th China Awards in Milan, Italy on December 4 (Milan time).

The China Awards, organised by the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) annually, is one of the most influential business events in Italy. It recognises Italian companies that have grasped the opportunities in the Chinese market and vice versa, Chinese companies that have invested in Italy and engaged in strategic and innovative collaboration with Italian counterparts.

Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels Miss Fiona Li, commended the recipient of the Special Hong Kong Award, Venchi. This Italian confectionery company has expedited its expansion in Asia, leveraging Hong Kong's vibrant culinary landscape, strategic location and unmatched connectivity with Mainland China. "Its success in Hong Kong and in Asia speaks for itself that establishing a presence in Hong Kong is conducive to its market expansion. It is the testimony of the strengths of Hong Kong - our low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, business-friendly environment, and advanced logistics and supply-chain management", Miss Li said.

The event offered an opportunity to put a quartet comprising of Hong Kong's musicians in the spotlight before 300 executives and senior representatives of top Italian and Chinese companies. The quartet, which was brought to the event by HKETO, Brussels to help give Hong Kong talents international exposure and to showcase Hong Kong as an international cultural exchange hub, had Grace Chan, double bass player; Isaac Lam, pianist; Melody Lau, violinist; and Emily Chan, soprano. Grace Chan was selected to participate in the Rome Chamber Music Festival's Young Artist Programme in June 2024.

Miss Li also highlighted the latest measures in the Policy Address to the Italian audiences on enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, including lowering the tariff on liquor. She elaborated that Hong Kong's distinctive advantages including an independent judiciary, a free trade and investment regime, and an efficient and clean government are kept under the "one country, two systems" principle as she encouraged Italian companies and talents to come to Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is and will remain your prime gateway to China and your most preferred partner in Asia", she added.

The ICCF is the largest Italy-China business association in Italy that facilitates collaboration between Italian and Chinese companies. The ICCF organises the annual China Awards in partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China and with the support of the China Chamber of Commerce in Italy.

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases