Financial Secretary Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Banga Gallery at Prototyping Exhibition Opening

Speech by FS at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of 10th Anniversary of Indra and Harry Banga Gallery(with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery today (January 28):

Michael (Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Michael Ngai), Professor Lee (Provost and Deputy President of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Lee Chun-sing), Dr and Mrs Banga (Founding Patrons of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Dr Harry Banga and Mrs Indra Banga), Alvin (Director of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Professor Alvin Yip), curators and exhibiting professors, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening of the "Prototyping: " Exhibition and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery. Please allow me to extend my warm congratulations to the City University of Hong Kong on this remarkable occasion.

I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition just now. It vividly illustrates how technologies developed in Hong Kong can be translated into real-world applications, and how artists and scientists can co-create works that engage a broader audience. This spirit of enterprise and collaboration is precisely what Hong Kong needs to strengthen both our arts and innovation ecosystems, and to nurture the next generation of versatile talent.

Over the past decade, the Banga Gallery has become a flagship venue of the City University and a pioneer in cross-disciplinary exhibitions. It plays a vital role in promoting cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among diverse cultures and civilisations. As a platform for innovative experimentation, the Gallery serves as a living laboratory where new ideas are explored, refined, and shared. Its exhibitions have inspired practitioners across the region and contributed to the ongoing development of Hong Kong's cultural institutions and ecosystem.

As our community looks to new pathways to generate economic value, the Gallery's experience serves as a good point of reference. Consumers nowadays increasingly seek novel, personalised experiences, placing greater emphasis on emotional connection and meaning. The intersection of art and technology offers valuable insights into how innovative products and services can be developed, ones that resonate with the public and create new markets.

That is why the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to advancing the development of arts, culture, and the creative industries. We see this not only as a means to cultivate new economic drivers, but also as a powerful way to enhance Hong Kong's global appeal, enrich the cultural life of our community, and reinforce our unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

On innovation and technology (I&T), our ambition is equally clear: we are fully committed to promoting I&T, injecting fresh momentum into our economy, and creating high-quality career opportunities for our people. Talent is the cornerstone of this endeavour. We must continue to promote science and technology across society, and ignite a passion for innovation and discovery - especially among our young people.

In this regard, the Gallery's work is both meaningful and impactful. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can expand horizons, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation of talent.

In closing, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Gallery, the Banga family, and all patrons for your generous support and the good work done.

I wish the exhibition every success. And as the Year of the Horse is drawing near, taking this opportunity I wish you good health, happiness and blessings in the Year of the Horse. Thank you.

The Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Source: HKSAR Government Press ReleasesSource: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 opens tonight

The opening ceremony for the Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 was held tonight (October 6) at Hong Kong City Hall, followed by a screening of the opening animation "Nobody" (2025).

The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Southern Film Culture Foundation and General Manager of the Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, Mr Ding Kai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Chairman of the South China Film Industry Workers Union, Mr Cheung Hong-tat; the chief planner and producer of the opening film, Cui Wei, and the supervising producer and art director of the film, Chen Liaoyu, officiated at the opening ceremony.

The Panorama is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Southern Film Culture Foundation in association with the Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, the China Film Foundation and the South China Film Industry Workers Union, and is supported by the Bauhinia Culture Group. Twelve feature films, some accompanied by short films, will be shown at Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Hong Kong Space Museum, North District Town Hall, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and the Rayson Huang Theatre of the University of Hong Kong from today to November 15.

The opening animation "Nobody" reimagines a spin-off story from the classic epic "Journey to the West", following a band of nameless little monsters on an adventure that mirrors workplace setbacks, dilemmas in life, and the determination to pursue dreams.

Other selected films include "Laughing to Die" (2015), "Like Winds, Like Weeds" (2023), "The Midsummer's Voice" (2024), "Linka Linka" (2025), "Chongqing Hot Pot" (2016), "My Dear Liar" (2019), "A Long Shot" (2024), "Hi, Mom" (2021), "Escape from the 21st Century" (2024), and the animated features "Into the Mortal World" (2024) and "The Legend of Hei II" (2025).

Screenings of "Into the Mortal World" and "Hi, Mom" will be free of charge. Tickets of the other films priced at $75 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=96 or call 2734 2900.

The Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.ccpo.gov.hk/en.

Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 opens tonight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 opens tonight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases