Singapore ETO Supports Asian Youth Orchestra's Concerts in Hanoi, Strengthening Cultural Ties

Singapore ETO supports Asian Youth Orchestra's Hanoi concerts to foster cultural exchanges

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The tour runs from August 2 to 23, comprising 11 performances in nine cities, including Hanoi, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo. This year's orchestra comprises about 100 young musicians from 13 countries and regions across Asia, namely the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, etc.

The first Hanoi concert was held at the Ho Guom Opera House yesterday evening (August 12). Under the baton of guest conductor John Axelrod and featuring pianist Stephan Xie, winner of the 2025 Tianjin Juilliard Piano Festival, the orchestra performed Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien", Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3" and Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5". The concert attracted an audience of about 700 and was well received.

As part of its efforts to promote cultural exchanges and deepen Hong Kong's ties with Vietnam, the Singapore ETO invited the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr He Wei, and his wife, Ms Sun Chang, as well as representatives from the Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the local business and cultural sectors, chambers of commerce and the Hong Kong community in Vietnam, to attend the concert.

The Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, also attended the concert in Hanoi this evening to show her support for the AYO. She also met Hong Kong members of the orchestra to learn more about their participation in the tour and offered encouragement to the young musicians.

Ms Hung said that the Singapore ETO was pleased to support the AYO in bringing its young musicians and music to audiences in Vietnam. The Hanoi concerts not only provide the young musicians with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent on an international stage, but also promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam through music.

She added that Hong Kong, as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges, has a vibrant arts and cultural scene with strong international connections. The Singapore ETO will continue to support Hong Kong artists and arts groups in reaching out to audiences in Southeast Asia and promote exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and the region.

The AYO will stage its second concert at the Ho Guom Opera House today (August 13), under the baton of its Principal Conductor, Joseph Bastian, and will feature pianist Anna Tsybuleva.

Founded in Hong Kong, the AYO brings together outstanding young musicians from across Asia through auditions. Each summer, members of the orchestra undergo an intensive period of rehearsals and training before embarking on an international concert tour, performing under distinguished conductors and alongside renowned soloists. Since its inaugural concerts in 1990, the AYO has performed extensively in Asia and beyond and has played an important role in nurturing young musical talent and fostering cultural exchange through music.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. The Singapore ETO invited the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr He Wei, and his wife, Ms Sun Chang, as well as representatives from the Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the local business and cultural sectors, chambers of commerce and the Hong Kong community in Vietnam, to attend the concert. Photo shows Mr He (centre), Ms Sun (left) and the Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung (right), in a group picture after the first Hanoi concert. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. The Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, also attended the concert in Hanoi yesterday evening to show her support for the AYO. Photo shows Ms Hung (fifth left), the Chief Executive Officer of AYO, Mr Keith Lau (sixth left), and the Hong Kong members of the orchestra. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. The first Hanoi concert was held at the Ho Guom Opera House yesterday evening (August 12). Under the baton of guest conductor John Axelrod and featuring pianist Stephan Xie, winner of the 2025 Tianjin Juilliard Piano Festival, the orchestra performed Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien", Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3" and Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5". The concert attracted an audience of about 700 and was well received. Photo shows the first Hanoi concert. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. The Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, also attended the concert in Hanoi yesterday evening to show her support for the AYO. Photo shows Ms Hung (first left) meeting the Hong Kong members of the orchestra to learn more about their participation in the tour and offered encouragement to the young musicians. She said that the Singapore ETO was pleased to support the AYO in bringing its young musicians and music to audiences in Vietnam. The Hanoi concerts not only provide the young musicians with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent on an international stage, but also promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam through music. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore is sponsoring and supporting the Asian Youth Orchestra in presenting two concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 12 and 13 as part of its 2026 Asian Concert Tour. The goal is to foster cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. The first Hanoi concert was held at the Ho Guom Opera House yesterday evening (August 12). Under the baton of guest conductor John Axelrod and featuring pianist Stephan Xie, winner of the 2025 Tianjin Juilliard Piano Festival, the orchestra performed Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien", Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3" and Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5". The concert attracted an audience of about 700 and was well received. Photo shows the first Hanoi concert. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13):

Jonathan (Member of the HKTDC, Dr Jonathan Choi), Sophia (the Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), (the Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Mr Zhao Peng), (Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conferenceand Chairman of Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhang Jian), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you all for the joint opening of the HKTDC's five flagship summer fairs.

With so much wonderful food, tea and wellness inspiration gathered under one roof, perhaps I should begin with a small word of warning: it is rather difficult to leave without a few extra shopping bags in hand.

At the heart of this year's showcase is a theme made for our time: "Live Well, Stay Well." As the world pays more attention to mindful, balanced and healthy living, these five fairs bring together a rich mix of food, beverage, lifestyle and wellness experiences.

Today, the five exhibitions bring together more than 1 850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. I am especially pleased that, for the first time, all 11 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are represented, with Brunei and Timor-Leste making their debut.

And the world's finest products will sit alongside our own. We are proud to present Hong Kong's fishery and agricultural produce under a new unified brand, "Hong Kong Harvest". Meanwhile, specialty goods from 16 provinces and regions across the Chinese Mainland will be on show at the Food Expo.

All these speak to the enduring appeal of quality products and good living - and to Hong Kong’s unique ability to bring together international brands and regional enterprises, as well as discerning consumers in one dynamic marketplace.

I appreciate the way B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business to consumer) events sit side by side here. Whether you are an industry expert or simply a curious consumer, there is something to suit every palate and every lifestyle. These fairs connect the world of great food and wellness with the people of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - bringing the finest products from every continent right to our doorstep.

The HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong has long been a meeting point between East and West. This is a place where ideas converge, opportunities emerge and partnerships take root. That spirit is very much on display this year, with more than 230 mega events on the calendar, many of them MICE events. Some 3.6 million visitors are expected to come from around the world, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared with the previous year. These events will bring some $12 billion in spending to the city. Add to that our international outlook, efficient supply chains, and professional strengths in certification, quality assurance and brand building - and we are no doubt the best platform for brands looking to connect with markets across the region.

To our exhibitors and buyers: your presence here speaks volumes about the power of connection. The relationships you build over the coming days will go well beyond transactions. They will open new opportunities, spark innovation, and help more people, in more places, to live well and stay well.

And to our friends from overseas, I hope you will also find time to enjoy Hong Kong. This is not just a city for deal-making - it is a city of wonderful cuisine, rich culture, beautiful scenery and warm, energetic people. You never know: your next big idea, or your next business partner, may come not from the exhibition hall, but from a walk through our buzzing streets, or a conversation over a good meal.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you taste and explore your way through these fairs, I hope you will take away not only great products and promising leads, but also a fresh appetite – for good living as much as for good business.

I wish the fairs every success. Thank you very much - and to those heading into the halls, a final word of advice: plan your route, and save some appetite for the far end of the hall.

Thank you very much.

The HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo, Photo source: reference image