USCST Calls for Tech-Fashion Integration at Opening of Fashion Summit (HK) 2026 International Conference

Speech by USCST at opening ceremony of "Fashion Summit (HK) 2026 International Conference"

Following is the speech by the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, at the opening ceremony of the "Fashion Summit (HK) 2026 International Conference" today (September 3):

The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Roger (Chairman of the Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA), Mr Roger Chan), Sunny (Member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Legislative Council (Textiles and Garment), Mr Sunny Tan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you at the International Conference of the "Fashion Summit (HK) 2026" today. I extend a very warm welcome to our distinguished speakers from the Chinese Mainland and overseas, who have come from afar to share their insights at this annual event.

Since its inaugural edition in 2017, the "Fashion Summit (HK)" has received strong support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

It is truly encouraging to see how this conference has gone from strength to strength over the years, having expanded not only in scale, but also in influence and international standing. Today, the "Fashion Summit (HK)" has become a leading platform where industry leaders, innovators and designers come together to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and advance sustainable fashion.

This year's theme, "Code the Fashion Forward", is both timely and thought provoking. The Fashion industry has entered into a new era shaped by technology including the growing use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI). Technology should not only drive business growth, but also help the industry move forward with greater sustainability. In other words, the future of fashion should be smarter, as well as greener.

Digital transformation is undoubtedly reshaping the industry. Yet, in the heart of fashion, the most crucial components remain deeply human, namely, creativity, craftmanship and storytelling. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned in the way where innovation and tradition do not compete, but complement each other instead.

This spirit of blending tradition with innovation is reflected in today's lineup: across six panel discussions, speakers will explore how data, technology and creative media are transforming the fashion industry. They will share insights on topics ranging from agile consumer models and AI-enabled green retail strategies to the enduring legacy of sartorial tailoring, as well as the growing influence of fashion storytelling from screen to wardrobe. Together, these conversations will show that the possibilities ahead are so wide ranging and full of promises.

The "Fashion Summit (HK)" is once again one of the flagship programmes of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest presented by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR this year. With the vision of strengthening Hong Kong's position as a fashion design hub in Asia, the Fashion Fest brings together leading names from the global fashion industry through an array of programmes. It fosters collaboration, sparks creativity and opens doors to new opportunities. A wide range of events of the Fashion Fest are happening across the city till September 14, I encourage you all to experience Hong Kong's dynamic fashion scene firsthand.

Today's conference aside, CITA is also hosting the "Fashion Summit (HK)" exhibition at Jardine House in Central and "Wear's HK" which showcases the collections of 20 talented local fashion designers in six pop-up stores across the city. I sincerely invite you all to visit these stores, to experience the creativity and energy of our city, and to show your support to our local young fashion designers by making purchases on-site.

Before I close, I would like to congratulate CITA on organising yet another very successful edition of the "Fashion Summit (HK)", and thank all our speakers in advance for contributing their valuable insights. I am confident that today's conference will generate fresh ideas, deepen collaboration, and help shape a more innovative and sustainable future for fashion.

I wish the conference every success. Thank you.

Fashion Summit (HK) 2026 International Conference, Photo source: hongkongfashionfest.com

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026 today (October 29):

Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Fabien Robert, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux, Mr Philippe Tapie, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. Some say, "There's no place like home." Standing here at the Central Harbourfront tonight, looking out across our iconic skyline, it is impossible to disagree. To see our harbour light up, - bringing together fine wines from old and new worlds, extraordinary delicacies and international celebrity chefs under the theme "Taste the World's Best" - reminds everyone why Hong Kong is so special, and why our status as culinary capital is second to none.

If you look around this venue tonight, you will see a miniature map of global gastronomy. From the prestigious selections at the Grand Wine Pavilion to the exceptional creations of our luxury hotel partners along the Hotel Boulevard, and the star-studded chef line-up in the tasting room, tonight is a celebration of culinary excellence at its finest.

The celebration, however, does not end even when these four days of festivities conclude this Sunday night. Throughout November, the excitement extends citywide through the Hong Kong Gourmet Month campaign. Collaborating with restaurants and bars across the city, we are introducing limited edition dishes, unique experiences, dining discounts, and the new Hong Kong Late-Night Dining Guide - all aiming to showcase our vibrant after-dark dining scene.

These are just a few examples of our efforts to drive "mega event + tourism". As recently announced in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address, we will expand the scale of our flagship events, add more "Only in Hong Kong" elements, and integrate events with tourism to enhance their appeal - for the purpose of extending visitors' stays and generating added value and momentum. To this end, we have established a mega-event framework that organises the year around three themes, bringing us a continuous stream of major events. From September to February next year is our Festive Mega Events Season. In addition to this Wine & Dine Festival, we look forward to the Christmas immersive light shows at Hong Kong WinterFest in November, followed by the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations and the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in the months ahead. Between these major highlights are countless equally fascinating events across the city, spanning culture, sports, music, cuisine and so much more. Each is a compelling showcase of Hong Kong's festive atmosphere and its convergence of Chinese and international cultures to visitors from around the world. Beyond the Festive Mega Events Season, we will present the International Arts Season from February to May and the Chinese Arts Season from June to September. With such a rich and diverse programme, every visitor can find something they love.

Every mega event we host is an invaluable stage on which to tell good stories of Hong Kong, and an opportunity to share the unique charm and endless potential of the place we proudly call home. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for joining us tonight at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. I hope you enjoy the fine wine, marvelous food, and wonderful atmosphere, and I wish you all a truly memorable evening in the company of great friends and family.

Thank you.

Source: AI-found images