Asia+ Festival 2025: Celebrate Cultural Diversity with Free Performances in Hong Kong on November 16

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025, one of the signature programmes of the Asia+ Festival 2025 presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), received enthusiastic support from various consulates general and overseas cultural organisations in Hong Kong. The event will take place on November 16 (Sunday), from 2pm to 6pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and Foyer, showcasing the cultural and artistic essence of around 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries and regions, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Admission is free, and members of the public are welcome to attend and celebrate the vibrancy of cultural diversity together.

This year's edition is themed "Dancing in Immensity", featuring an array of folk dances and music performances, booths displaying traditional costumes and handicrafts, and signature delicacies from various countries and regions, reflecting the rich and diverse artistic heritage. Visitors can also join a variety of workshops, including traditional dance and music, craft-making, and umbrella painting, suitable for families.

In addition, the "Vibrant Dance - National Costume Exhibition" will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer from November 16 to 23, showcasing a vivid collection of traditional attire and dance costumes from participating countries and regions.

An online recap programme featuring highlights of the day will be available from November 30 on the LCSD's Community Programmes Office (CPO) website (www.cpo.gov.hk/en/activity/tc-aecp-2025-carnival), allowing wider access to the cultural showcase.

This year's Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ will feature participation from various countries and regions, including Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Dominican Republic; Egypt; Hungary; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; Korea; Kuwait; Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; the Philippines; Portugal; Qatar; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Türkiye; the United Arab Emirates; Vietnam; Zimbabwe; Hong Kong, China and Macao, China. For more information, please visit the CPO website or call 2591 1340.

The Asia+ Festival is held annually from September to November with the aim of creating a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchanges. While focusing on Asia, the Festival this year also connects Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Now in its third edition, artists from more than 30 countries and regions, including 12 new participating countries, will take part in the Festival, featuring over 100 performances and activities. Apart from stage programmes, there is also an outdoor carnival, a thematic exhibition, workshops, a backstage tour, masterclasses, talks, outreach performances and more. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visitwww.asiaplus.gov.hk.

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 to showcase cultural diversity of Asia and Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images