Hong Kong Artist Prudence Mak Showcases 'Wave of Life' Exhibition in Sydney and Melbourne

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is supporting Hong Kong artist Prudence Mak in presenting the "Wave of Life" ink art exhibition tour in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, promoting Hong Kong's vibrant arts and cultural scene and showcasing the talent of Hong Kong artists.

The exhibition features a collection of Mak's contemporary ink paintings, ceramics and large-scale installations, reflecting her exploration of life, memory, nature, culture and self-discovery. Through layered ink washes, expressive brushwork and imaginative compositions, Mak's works reinterpret traditional Chinese ink aesthetics through a contemporary visual language, creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures and demonstrating the evolving possibilities of Chinese ink art on the international contemporary art stage.

The exhibition tour commenced in Sydney from August 21 to 24. The tour continued in Melbourne with an opening ceremony held yesterday (August 27), followed by the exhibition which runs until September 6.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said that Hong Kong and Melbourne have long enjoyed close ties in arts and culture. He highlighted the growing arts and cultural exchanges between the two places, including collaborations involving the West Kowloon Cultural District and museums and universities in Melbourne.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is dedicated to supporting Hong Kong's cultural development, and the Sydney ETO is keen to promote arts and cultural exchanges with local communities here in Australia. Exhibitions like 'Way of Life' provide a wonderful platform to showcase Hong Kong's creative talent to audiences around the world," Mr Chong said.

Complementing the exhibition, a series of workshops led by Mak and her team provides participants with an opportunity to experience Chinese ink painting first-hand. Participants can explore traditional Chinese ink painting techniques and aesthetics while developing their own creative interpretations, further promoting appreciation and understanding of Chinese art and culture.

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sydney ETO supports "Wave of Life" exhibition tour in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New franchises for New Lantao Bus and Kowloon Motor Bus

A Government spokesman said today (August 28) that the Government is planning to engage New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) and The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) in discussions on granting new 10-year franchises upon expiry of their current ones. Members of the public are welcome to offer their views on the two bus franchises to the Government.

The spokesman added that the current franchise of NLB will expire on March 1, 2027, whereas that of KMB on July 1, 2027. The two franchised bus operators have already indicated to the Government their interests in applying for new 10-year franchises. In accordance with the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230), the Chief Executive in Council may grant to a company a franchise conferring the right to operate a public bus service for a period not exceeding 10 years. The Ordinance also requires a franchisee to maintain a proper and efficient public bus service to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for Transport at all times during the franchise period.

"Franchised bus service plays an important role in the public transport system. Though facing rising operating costs and changing travel patterns, NLB and KMB have been providing proper and efficient bus services. They are also willing to continue making long-term investments to keep providing passengers with high-quality franchised bus services. In handling the arrangements for the new franchises, the Government will endeavour to strive for the stability of franchised bus services to meet Hong Kong's future development and the needs of passengers. The Government will also push ahead with the enhancement of services and safety of the two franchised bus operators while ensuring that their operations and financial positions remain sound and sustainable," the spokesman said.

The Legislative Council Panel on Transport discussed the services of NLB and KMB as well as matters relating to the new franchises on March 20, 2026. The relevant document may be downloaded from the websites of the Transport and Logistics Bureau (www.tlb.gov.hk) and the Transport Department (www.td.gov.hk). Members of the public may put forth their views on the two franchises by post (Bus and Railway Branch, Transport Department, 16/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei), fax (2802 2679) or email (bus-franchise@td.gov.hk) on or before September 28, 2026.

Source: AI-found images