Hong Kong-Australia Cultural Exchange Concert Showcases Young Musical Talent in Melbourne

Sydney ETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported the "Woodwind Quintet – Hong Kong and Australia Cultural Exchange Concert" in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday (November 7) to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia, and showcase the young musical talent of Hong Kong.

The concert featured a diverse selection of classical repertoire performed by M•eureka!, a chamber group formed by talented young musicians from Hong Kong. Associate Professor of Music (Performance - Clarinet) of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Mr David Griffiths was invited as a guest musician to perform with M•eureka! in the concert to deepen musical exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. The concert was well received by around 500 audience members.

The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that the Sydney ETO has a deep commitment to fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia.

"Apart from supporting Hong Kong arts talent to showcase their works overseas, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is also dedicated to enhancing our arts infrastructure to bring in more local and international arts productions. Some of the new world-class venues in Hong Kong include the Lyric Theatre Complex in the West Kowloon Cultural District, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, and the newly opened stadium at the Kai Tak Sports Park which can house an audience of 50 000. We can't wait to have you in Hong Kong to enjoy the exciting arts and cultural events," Mr Chong said.

He also shared with the audience the latest initiatives announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address", including the reform of various aspects of the talent admission regime to build a quality talent pool for long-term development.

M•eureka! is a newly founded chamber group formed by young professional musicians who have all graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The group aims to promote classical music development in Hong Kong by presenting traditional chamber music as well as newly arranged orchestral works.

Sydney ETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

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