Speech by SITI at Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) 2026 today (August 23):
Mr Ahmed Nadeem (Secretary General of the ABU), Angelina (Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan), Cordelia (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Cordelia Chung), esteemed judges, brilliant young innovators, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my honour to join you today at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 as Hong Kong proudly hosts this flagship competition again after 14 years.
This year's theme, "Kung Fu Quest", perfectly blended traditional martial arts with cutting-edge technologies in robotics. Thank you and congratulations to all participants, for letting us witness agility, precision, and strategy reimagined through your brilliant engineering. The robots you built showhow technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while your passion and teamwork embody perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. Seeing your incredible creations today reinforces our confidence in the future. Bright young talents like you would provide impetus to I&T development, and we spare no effort in providing support to turn your boldest ideas into reality. Through innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, we offer comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support. Wherever you come from, Hong Kong is an ideal place to unlock your potentials, to groom your passions and to realise your aspirations.
To all our participants tonight, you are all champions in my eyes. Carry this "Kung Fu" spirit of discipline and continuous self-improvement into your future journeys. Keep questioning the impossible, and never stop innovating!
Finally, I wish you all a memorable evening and all overseas participants an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 today (August 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra "Welcome Tarmo Reception"
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) "Welcome Tarmo Reception" today (November 7):
David (Chairman of Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, Mr David Cogman), Tarmo (Music Director of the HK Phil, Mr Tarmo Peltokoski), Vincent (Chairman of the Chow Sang Sang Group, Mr Vincent Chow), ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I have the greatest pleasure to join you at this reception to officially welcome our new Music Director, Tarmo Peltokoski. I say welcome, but of course, Tarmo is already a familiar and highly respected figure among our musicians and audiences. Tonight's reception is a formal introduction, but really, it should feel even more like a homecoming party.
First, let me propose that once again we give a good round of applause to Tarmo and all the talented instrumentalists, vocalists and choristers, from Hong Kong and overseas for the stunning performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 just now. The performance was a magnificent close to the HK Phil's complete Mahler cycle; but it was also a splendid fanfare for the new era under Maestro Tarmo's baton.
Great artistic synergy takes time to build, yet today it felt entirely natural. Tarmo first sparked this chemistry as the HK Phil's Guest Conductor in 2023, strengthened it as Music Director Designate last season, and he now finally steps into his new role with deep familiarity and well-honed artistry. Tonight's concert is a brilliant showcase of Tarmo's assured stage performance, exceptional conducting prowess, and seamless teamwork with the HK Phil's talented musicians. Just now I told Winnie (Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, Ms Winnie Tam), if I were a choir member, I would also be very, very happy to work with a conductor like Tarmo.
I am fully confident that this strong partnership will elevate the HK Phil to new heights and enrich Hong Kong's vibrant cultural scene. The Hong Kong SAR Government proudly supports the HK Phil in its further effort to solidify its role as a cultural flagship of our city. Together, we will project Hong Kong's artistic brilliance on the global stage, reinforcing our position as an East-meets-West cultural exchange centre.
As a music lover myself, please allow me to express my warmest thanks to Tarmo and all the musicians for an unforgettable orchestral feast. Here is to a new era for the HK Phil - one filled abundantly with breathtaking music, rewarding projects, and exciting milestones ahead. Tonight is just a remarkable beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Let us all enjoy the rest of this delightful evening. Do keep your eyes and ears open. I'm told there will be surprise bonus encore performances during the reception, and I, for one, definitely won't want to miss them. Thank you very much.
Source: AI-found images
