HKETO Berlin supports concert by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in Poland
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported the concert by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) held in Wrocaw, Poland, on July 10 (Wrocaw time).
The concert was performed by the HKCO and Polish Cello Quartet, one of Poland's most dynamic chamber ensembles. The quartet visited Hong Kong last September and delivered a spectacular performance with the HKCO. The musicians from both places have now reunited in Wrocaw to continue their musical exchange. This European tour by the HKCO was funded by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
The concert opened with the string quintet "Queen Wang Zhaojun", followed by two commissioned works jointly performed by musicians of the HKCO and the Polish Cello Quartet. The performance showcased a vibrant dialogue between Eastern and Western musical traditions, culminating in a finale jointly performed by Hong Kong and Polish musicians, celebrating the creator of Chinese characters and the origins of Chinese civilisation.
The Acting Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Billy Leung, highlighted Hong Kong's important role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. He said, "Hong Kong is a premier bridge between East and West. We are delighted to bring one of Asia's foremost orchestra and its musical talents to European audiences through exchanges with Polish performance groups. With its world-class cultural infrastructure and strong global connectivity, Hong Kong is also the perfect place to promote cross-cultural dialogue and share fine Chinese musical traditions with the world."
In addition to the concert, the HKCO co-organised a workshop with the National Forum of Music in Wrocaw on July 9 (Wrocaw time), engaging with local music professionals and audiences.
About HKETO Berlin
The HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin supports concert by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in Poland Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin supports concert by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in Poland Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin supports concert by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in Poland Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by the Director-General of Health of the Ministry of Health Singapore, Professor Kenneth Mak, today (July 14) for a detailed exchange on the development of Chinese medicine (CM) in the two places.
Professor Lo welcomed the delegation and introduced the strategies of CM development in Hong Kong to them. Professor Lo said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline calls for advancing the inheritance and innovation of CM and promoting its global expansion. The Chief Executive is leading the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in formulating a five-year plan with a view to comprehensively and proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. In the field of healthcare, leveraging Hong Kong's advantages under the 'one country, two systems' framework to facilitate CM to go global will constitute a key element.
"The HKSAR Government has long been actively promoting CM development, and initial progress has already been achieved, including the release of the first Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint last year, and the launch of the two flagship projects for CM development, namely The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI). These measures will further consolidate Hong Kong's role as a bridgehead for the global expansion of CM, and thereby fostering wider recognition and application of CM worldwide."
At the meeting, Hong Kong representatives introduced the policy directions of the Blueprint, the regulatory framework for CM, CM and integrated Chinese-Western medicine (ICWM) services, as well as the mission and functions of CMHHK and the GCMTI. The Singapore delegation shared an overview of the current CM development in Singapore.
The two sides also discussed topics including the CM service model, the clinical practice of ICWM, and the experiences of the two places in implementing CM policies. Professor Lo emphasised, "CM is not only an integral part of Hong Kong's healthcare system, but also plays an increasingly crucial role in different levels of healthcare services around the globe. We look forward to continuing to exchange experiences with international partners to jointly promote CM development, further leveraging its value and role in improving global health."
Representatives of the Health Bureau, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and CMHHK also attended the meeting.
Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
