Hong Kong Showcases Art-Tech Innovations at London Reception with HK Baptist University

London ETO promotes Hong Kong's art tech in London

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) co-hosted a reception titled Pulse of the Pearl: The Business of Avant-garde with Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) in London, the United Kingdom, on January 19 (London time) to promote the latest developments and investment opportunities in Hong Kong's art-tech sector.

Supported by Invest Hong Kong, the Innovation and Technology Commission, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the reception highlighted the latest advancements in art technology, explored pathways for commercialisation and industrialisation, and showcased the breadth of investment opportunities available in Hong Kong's fast-growing art-tech sector. The event also celebrated the successful London showing of "Wayne McGregor: On The Other Earth (OTOE)", the world's first post-cinematic choreographic installation, co-produced by HKBU, the Hong Kong Ballet, as well as Studio Wayne McGregor.

Speaking in her welcome remarks at the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted that OTOE exemplifies Hong Kong's unique position as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchanges and creative innovation. She also remarked that the project not only integrates cutting-edge technology with artistic expression, but also demonstrates Hong Kong's strengths in fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration among universities, cultural institutions, and world-class artistic talent.

Around 60 participants joined the event, including representatives from the business, cultural, and academic sectors, providing a valuable platform for dialogue, networking and collaboration between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

OTOE began its global journey in Venice, Italy, in July 2025. It is now showing in London until February 22, and will return to Hong Kong at Tai Kwun this summer.

London ETO promotes Hong Kong's art tech in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO promotes Hong Kong's art tech in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO promotes Hong Kong's art tech in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO promotes Hong Kong's art tech in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases