ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026 Kicks Off, Celebrating Global Pop Culture and Local Talent

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026 today (March 21):

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: FB image

Aaron (Chief Executive Officer of Complex US, Mr Aaron Levant), Bonnie (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Complex Hong Kong, Mrs Bonnie Chan Woo), Kasing (Artistic Director of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026, Mr Kasing Lung), Adrian (Chairman of Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, Dr Adrian Cheng), distinguished guests, pop culture enthusiasts from all over the world, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Welcome everyone to the opening ceremony of this year's ComplexCon Hong Kong.

Well, many of you will know that, since its Hong Kong debut in 2024, made possible by the support of our Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund, ComplexCon has established itself as a vibrant and hugely popular cultural event as you can see already, an event of a true blend of pop culture, music, art, and technology, and so much more.

Today, we gather here to kick off the third edition, building on the success of the past two years. We are also celebrating (something) far bigger than the event itself. We are celebrating Hong Kong's unique status as the premier East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I am delighted to see that our city's distinctive arts and cultural DNA makes it the perfect home for this global convergence of style, sneakers, music, art, and many more.

With support from the Mega ACE Fund for the third consecutive year, this year's ComplexCon Hong Kong presents an impressive and dynamic combination of pop culture programmes. I am particularly excited that Hong Kong's own, right here with us, now renowned artist, Kasing, is the Artistic Director for the event. Alongside other international icons – such as this year's headliners, Yeat from the US and Jennie from Korea – I am confident that this year's ComplexCon Hong Kong will not only resonate globally, but also feel actually local.

As you can imagine, the energy over these two days will be unparalleled. The Complex Live! stage will feature a powerhouse line up headlined by global icons, together with a curated mix of regional hip-hop and R&B (rhythm and blues) pioneers. For the collectors among us, the "Hong Kong Element" will also shine through in this year's exclusive merchandise. The marketplace features over 100 brands, from global giants to our very own local streetwear and design products. These pieces are not just products, they are artifacts of the creative synergy happening right here in our city.

We are currently in the heart of March. As the events capital of Asia, we are proud to present the Hong Kong Mega 8 – a legendary line-up of eight world-class events – to the public throughout March and April this year. ComplexCon Hong Kong is, of course, a key part of the Mega 8. Now that you have checked in for this event, I would also encourage you to join the other Mega 8 events in the coming weeks, such as international art exhibitions like Art Basel and Art Central, and epic sports events like the Hong Kong Derby and the UCI Track World Cup. I am sure this exhilarating blend of sports, arts and culture will bring you many enjoyable moments and fond memories, infused with the city's unique spirit and unstoppable momentum.

Before I close, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Complex Chinese, especially to Aaron, Bonnie and her team, and all our partners who have joined hands with us to bring ComplexCon to Hong Kong for the third time. I wish ComplexCon a huge and resounding success, everybody a good time. Thank you.

ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026, Photo source: discoverhongkong.com

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $1.3 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 20) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 7 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1.3 million.

A female passenger, aged 39, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds in her carry-on baggage. The woman was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $1.3 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases