Sydney ETO Supports "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" in Sydney, Showcasing Hong Kong's Musical Talent

Sydney ETO supports "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" to foster cultural exchanges

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13) and in Brisbane today (August 14), to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia and showcase Hong Kong's music talent.

Presented by the Arts and Culture Association for Mindful Souls, the concert featured a unique musical journey inspired by the beauty of nature and the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world. Bringing together traditional Chinese instruments, including huqin, dizi, sheng, guzheng and ruan, with Western instruments such as piano, cello and violin, the programme featured newly arranged classical masterpieces, popular movie soundtracks, iconic animation themes and timeless Chinese folk songs.

Speaking at the Sydney concert, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, highlighted the Sydney ETO's longstanding commitment to fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia.

"Hong Kong is committed to strengthening its role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. Our arts and cultural scene continues to thrive, with world-class venues such as the West Kowloon Cultural District and the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, and major international events like Art Basel Hong Kong, where creativity and technology come together to create new cultural experiences," Mr Chong said.

He also underscored Hong Kong's position as a leading destination for arts, culture and major events, noting that the city welcomed nearly 50 million visitors and staged more than 240 mega events in 2025.

Founded in 2020, the Arts and Culture Association for Mindful Souls brings together young and seasoned professional musicians, composers, arrangers and experienced arts administrators from Hong Kong. The members have diverse musical backgrounds spanning Chinese and Western music, jazz and electronic music.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13). The concert featured a unique musical journey inspired by the beauty of nature and the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, delivered welcoming remarks before the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13) to introduce the latest developments of the arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13) was well received by around 500 audience members. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong (centre), was pictured with Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Shadow Minister for Roads and Shadow Minister for South Western Sydney Mr Mark Coure (fifth right), Consul (Cultural Affairs) of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney Mr Yue Liwen (fifth left), the Executive Director of the Arts and Culture Association for Mindful Souls Limited, Mr David Tsui (fourth left), and the performers at the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia yesterday (August 13). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong (right), was pictured with Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Shadow Minister for Roads and Shadow Minister for South Western Sydney Mr Mark Coure (centre), and the Executive Director of the Arts and Culture Association for Mindful Souls Limited, Mr David Tsui (left), at the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported the "Harmony between Human and Nature - A East-West Music Concert" held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (August 13) to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia and showcase the young music talent of Hong Kong. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Update on mosquito-borne diseases, dengue fever and chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 14) announced the latest situation regarding dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF). High temperatures and rainfall in summer are favourable for mosquito breeding, members of the public are reminded to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue fever

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From August 7 to yesterday (August 13), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Malaysia during the incubation period.

Hong Kong has recorded 28 DF cases so far this year, comprising 26 imported cases and two local cases. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, comprising 156 imported cases and five local cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. In 2025, over five million cases and over 4 000 DF-related deaths were reported in over 90 countries/territories. From January to June 2026, around 1.6 million cases and over 700 DF-related deaths have been reported in 89 countries/territories. Some Asian countries (including Sri Lanka and Cambodia) are experiencing large outbreaks this year, with figures reaching record highs in recent years.

DF has been prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations all along. So far this year, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam each recorded over 70 000 cases; Cambodia and Malaysia each recorded over 40 000 cases; India recorded over 30 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 1 900 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, Guangdong Province has recorded over 3 500 local cases in 2025. In 2026, as of June 30, Guangdong Province has recorded 30 local cases.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP'swebsite.

Chikungunya fever

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From August 7 to yesterday, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, both of which were imported cases. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases and the rest were imported cases.

According to the WHO, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths were reported in 41 countries/territories last year. Cases were reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. According to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, in 2026, as of June 30, Guangdong Province has recorded 76 local cases.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public

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The CHP reminds members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic, and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Source: AI-found images