Deputy Chief Secretary Opens ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025, Celebrating Arts and Culture

Speech by DCS at Opening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025

Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at theOpening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 today (March 21):

Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of Complex China, Ms Bonnie Chan Woo), Daniel (Global Artistic Director of ComplexCon, Mr Daniel Arsham), Adrian (Chairman of Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, Dr Adrian Cheng), Raistlin (Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon everybody. I am thrilled to join you at the opening ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025.

Last year, the debut of ComplexCon was a tremendous success. It gave us a surprise by bringing an internationally renowned festival of pop culture to Hong Kong, and even to the whole of Asia for the first time. Today, I'm excited to welcome the second edition of ComplexCon with an enhanced line-up and more fabulous programmes returning to Hong Kong again. This loudly reaffirms Hong Kong's position as an international hub for arts and culture and Asia's events capital.

For the second consecutive year, ComplexCon Hong Kong is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Bringing together over 100international and local artists, creators and trendsetting brands, ComplexCon will definitely build an exhilarating platform for international exchanges of arts and culture, attract new talent, brands and artists to Hong Kong, create opportunities for the industry, and give local audiences and visitors from around the world a big treat in trendy culture.

Globally, the pop culture and live entertainment industry has rapidly evolved and keeps going strong, creating immense opportunities for growth and innovation. With Hong Kong's pre-eminent background as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures, and rich heritage and development in fashion and pop culture, the city has the perfect DNA to play a pivotal part in shaping these global trends. We thus love to have ComplexCon in town for the symbiotic development of our cultural and creative industries.

This month is Hong Kong's"Super March", with an eye-dazzling array of world-class sports, arts and cultural events converging in the city. ComplexCon, as a magnet for pop culture enthusiasts from all over the world, is undoubtedly one of the highlights.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Complex China, especially Bonnie and her team, and all the partners who have been joining hands with us to bring ComplexCon to Hong Kong for the second time. I wish ComplexCon huge success, and all of you an insanely good time in Hong Kong.Thank you.

Speech by DCS at Opening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by DCS at Opening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by DCS at Opening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by DCS at Opening Ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Kai Tak this afternoon (January 12). While a male worker was detaching the lifting gear connected to the top of a water tank, the water tank displaced suddenly, trapping the worker between the water tank and a bored pile casing nearby. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the use of mobile cranes for lifting operation at site concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."

To prevent workers from being struck or trapped by loads when engaged in unrigging process, the LD reminds employers to (i) ensure that the place supporting the loads is secure; and (ii) formulate proper unrigging methods for detaching lifting gear so as to prevent displacement of the objects in the course of unrigging operations.

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: AI-found images