Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum 2025 Concluded, Highlighting Arts and Cultural Exchange Among 17 Countries.

Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 concludes on high note

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 organised by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau was successfully concluded today (April 23). Themed "Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All", the forum gathered cultural ministers and senior officials from a record-high number of 17 countries to exchange views on strategies in promoting arts and cultural development. Moreover, five of the countries, including Belt and Road countries from outside Asia, participated in the forum for the first time, fully demonstrating Hong Kong's role of a "super-connector" and East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

At the panel yesterday (April 22), the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, and the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Gao Zheng, shared their vision, policies and strategic directions with the participants on topics including the ways to promote development of arts, culture and creative industries, nurture talent for the industries, drive innovative collaborations as well as advocate cultural integrations.

During the forum, Miss Law; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; and the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, held bilateral meetings to exchange views on cultural co-operations with representatives from participating countries respectively. The participating countries also proactively connect with one another through the forum. Over 20 bilateral meetings have been conducted in this forum.

Participating delegations which attended the forum joined the plenary session this morning, which consisted of two parts, namely "From Connect to Create: Platform for Synergy" and "From Create to Engage: Arts for Everyone". With the experience sharing and real case studies of local speakers and delegation, participants were encouraged to discuss how the establishment of platforms and promotion of community engagement facilitate the development of arts and cultural scene and ecology, the benefits of wider public engagement in arts and cultural activities, as well as the possible directions and measures to make this happen.

The delegations went to the Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) this afternoon to gain first-hand knowledge of the latest development of the WKCD and visit the special exhibition "The Forbidden City and The Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries". The exhibition presents nearly 150 spectacular treasures from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, illuminating the fascinating encounters and exchanges between China and France in science, artisanship, arts, culture, and philosophy during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the best demonstration of a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 concludes on high note Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 concludes on high note 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.

Mr Chan Kin-por, Photo source: reference image

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.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post