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

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong's I&T sector with InvestHK and HKTDC at South Summit

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO), is promoting Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) development at the South Summit, which is being held in Madrid, Spain, from June 3 to 5 (Madrid time). The promotion was done in partnership with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and under the Economic and Trade Express (ETE)initiative.

As announced by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address, the new functional platform ETE has been established to enable overseas Economic and Trade Offices, the HKTDC, and InvestHK to enhance their work on trade and investment promotion with greater synergy. One key highlight under the ETE is to provide one-stop support services by these three parties to facilitate business exchanges between Hong Kong and overseas markets.

Speaking at the networking dinner held on June 3, Assistant Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Paul Leung highlighted Hong Kong's achievements and international recognition in I&T development. He noted that Hong Kong ranked fourth globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025. In addition, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of the World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters for the first time.

Supported by various government initiatives to nurture talent and strengthen the I&T ecosystem, as well as the vast opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has developed into one of Asia's most vibrant start-up hubs, with the number of start-ups increasing significantly over the past 11 years, from around 1 000 in 2014 to over 5 200 in 2025, said Mr Leung.

The South Summit is recognised as one of the world's leading entrepreneurship and innovation platforms for start-ups, investors and institutions to connect. The event brings together more than 20 000 participants from over 130 countries and regions, including more than 7 500 start-ups and 2 100 investors. A Hong Kong booth was set up at the South Summit to provide information on investment and business opportunities in Hong Kong to global attendees.

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong's I&T sector with InvestHK and HKTDC at South Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong's I&T sector with InvestHK and HKTDC at South Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases