Inspiring Asia Launched by HKAWL in Hong Kong for the First Time to Support its Impact Link Initiative to Foster Community Empowerment, Exchange and Strategic Philanthropy
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 September 2026 - The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL) brought the Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival to Hong Kong for the first time as Regional Lead Partner, and recognised three winning entries at the inaugural Hong Kong regional awards. The festival culminated in a Screening and Award Ceremony on 21 September 2026 at The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong, and was supported by Lee Hysan Foundation as Strategic Partner and Sponsor.
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The inaugural "Inspiring Asia" Hong Kong Regional Awards introduced by the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy has successfully concluded. Hong Kong's winning entries and selected finalists will advance to the Main Phase of Inspiring Asia.
Guided by the theme "Community Empowerment" and the tagline "Belonging, Resilience, and Thriving", participating filmmakers, students and community changemakers shared stories that explored inclusion, connection and resilience. The Festival encourages creators and community organisations to document community stories through micro films, fostering dialogue and greater social participation.
Award-Winning Films Spotlight Inclusion, Resilience and Community Connection
The three winning entries reflected these aspirations through stories of cross-cultural friendship, ageing with purpose and disability inclusion, offering perspectives on experiences that are often overlooked in everyday conversations.
A chance encounter lies at the heart of Between the Unsaid, the winner of the Best Micro Film Award, as an unexpected friendship blossoms between a Pakistani tailor and a local florist. Directed by Qasim Khan and produced by Kaneeta Arshad, the Hong Kong drama shows how kindness can cross linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing comfort amid grief and isolation.
The Story Hunter, winner of the Best AI Film Award, follows an 80-year-old Hong Kong resident who finds renewed purpose by sharing lived experiences. Created by Yimin Chen and Ethan Wong, the drama combines human-written script with AI-assisted production to amplify older adults' voices and value as storytellers, mentors and active contributors to the community.
Recipient of the Best Project Award, The Superpower of Little Hands challenges perceptions of congenital limb differences through stories co-created by children and parents from the Hand in Hand Association. The documentary shows how peer support, inclusion and understanding can build confidence, belonging and ambition.
Empowering Communities Beyond the Awards
As a flagship annual event of HKAWL's Impact Link initiative, the Festival reflects its wider efforts to foster dialogue between philanthropy, the social sector and the creative community. As Regional Lead Partner, HKAWL worked with a diverse network of partners to support the Festival's Hong Kong debut. Beyond the competition itself, Inspiring Asia serves as a platform for capacity building, community participation and collaborative philanthropy, bringing together filmmakers, NGOs, foundations, universities and other partners through activities such as workshops, mentorship, screenings and peer exchange.
"Seeing these powerful community stories come to life on screen was incredibly moving," said Angel Chia, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. "The winning films demonstrate how storytelling can help people better understand the realities and aspirations of different communities. As a flagship annual event of HKAWL's Impact Link initiative, Inspiring Asia connects creators and social impact organisations with philanthropists and supporters, helping foster dialogue around strategic philanthropy."
The journey continues as Hong Kong's winning entries and selected finalists advance to the Main Phase of Inspiring Asia, bringing their Hong Kong stories to audiences across Asia.
The Screening and Award Ceremony marked the festival's conclusion in the city, but its impact in creating lasting change continues well beyond the event. In particular, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Programme on Social Innovation (HKJCPSI), operated by The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, will provide capacity-building resources to the Best Project Award winner and shortlisted project teams, helping them strengthen their organisational capabilities and advance the community initiatives featured in their films.
Extending the impact further, the stories will continue to resonate across wider audiences through community screenings from October to December 2026, enabling more people to learn about the experiences and issues they bring to light. Screening details will be announced through HKAWL's official channels.
Appendix: Hong Kong Regional Competition Award Winners
| Award Category | Film Title | Director / Producer | Film Synopsis |
| Best Micro Film | Between the Unsaid | Qasim Khan, Kaneeta Arshad | The film features Saira, a Pakistani shopkeeper in Hong Kong who is isolated by loneliness, homesickness, and a language barrier. After the sudden loss of her mother, an unexpected friendship with local florist Kim brings comfort, showing how kindness and empathy can bridge cultural and linguistic divides to create strong communities. |
| Best AI Film | The Story Hunter | Yimin Chen, Ethan Wong | The film follows Granny Fa, an 80-year-old widow living alone like an isolated island — until Story Hunters knocked on her door and walked with her through storytelling training. She brought her real-life experiences to university stages, and the warm applause from the younger generation rekindled her passion for life. In the end, she becomes a Story Hunter herself, knocking on the next closed door. |
| Best Project | The Superpower of Little Hands | Hand in Hand Association | Produced by Hand in Hand Association, Hong Kong's first patient self-help organisation for congenital hand differences, this joyful documentary moves beyond traditional narratives of pity. It highlights four vibrant children with hand differences, celebrating their unique talents, creativity, and zest for life. By showcasing a strong peer-support network of families empowering one another, the film demonstrates how love, confidence, and supportive community allow every special hand to shine without limits. |
Hashtag: #HKAWL
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About The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL)
The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL) is committed to invigorating a vibrant ecosystem for family offices worldwide by fostering knowledge sharing, capacity building, peer connection, and collaboration. It equips business and wealth owners and inheritors with knowledge in building enduring family legacies, while mobilising family capital to drive measurable social impact and facilitating a strategic philanthropy platform via its Impact Link initiative. By bridging wealth with purpose, HKAWL reinforces Hong Kong's status as a principal centre for managing family wealth legacies.
For more information, please visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Under Production (UP)
Established in 2015, Under Production Ltd. (UP) is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering aspiring creative talents. By bridging the gap between youth and the creative industries, UP equips creators with production expertise and social awareness to transform complex issues into compelling narratives. UP's expertise spans three core pillars: Film & Video Production, Multi-platform Publishing, and Integrated Campaign Management. Notable projects include social films Constellation and May It Rain, which have gained recognition for their intimate storytelling on social themes. Over the years, UP has built a sustainable creative ecosystem with NGO partners and community collaborators, consistently delivering innovative solutions that create lasting community impact.
About Lee Hysan Foundation (LHF)
Lee Hysan Foundation (LHF) is a private foundation incorporated in 1973 by the Lee Hysan Family to institutionalise the philanthropic work which the family had been doing for many decades. It currently operates as an endowment fund in perpetuity and does not fundraise. LHF's mission is to advance the well-being of Hong Kong by catalysing policy and systemic change and scaling evidence-based models to transform Education, Social Welfare, Health, Arts and Culture, and the Environment. Through this work, LHF seeks to enable under-resourced people from diverse backgrounds to flourish.
*Although established by the same family, Hysan Development Company Limited is operated separately from LHF and has its own independent management and board of directors.
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Best Project
Best AI Film
Best Micro Film
The inaugural "Inspiring Asia" Hong Kong Regional Awards introduced by the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy has successfully concluded. Hong Kong's winning entries and selected finalists will advance to the Main Phase of Inspiring Asia.
An immersive journey through dreams, gratitude and love, complemented by new lifestyle experiences at Galaxy Promenade
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 -Founded upon its commitment to enriching Macau's cultural landscape and curating world-class lifestyle experiences, Galaxy Macau proudly collaborates with acclaimed Chinese contemporary sculptor Gao Xiaowu to present Dream Voyage @ Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition at Galaxy Promenade, the integrated resort's immersive luxury shopping destination. Art Exhibition at Galaxy Promenade, the integrated resort's premier luxury shopping destination.
Galaxy Macau Unveils Dream Voyage @ Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition
Running from now until 17 November, the exhibition showcases six groups of Gao's representative works across five thematic chapters, inviting guests to reflect on dreams, personal growth, gratitude and love while embarking on an inspirational journey of self-discovery.
The exhibition unfolds in five chapters that explore different stages of life and the pursuit of dreams. From the hope and imagination embodied in "Dreams Begin", to the celebration of individuality in "Breaking the Mold"; to "Dreams Return", which encourages visitors to reconnect with their original aspirations and re-examine their dreams, and "Gratitude Shared", a tribute to sincere appreciation; the journey culminates in "Love Expressed", illustrating how love serves as a powerful force that sustains dreams and strengthens meaningful connection.
The Opening Ceremony was held on 21 September, officiated by guests of honour, including Mr Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (3rd from right); Mr Ho Hong Pan, Head of Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government (2nd from left); Mr Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group (2nd from right); Ms Eileen Lui, Group Director of Human Resources and Administration of Galaxy Entertainment Group (1st from left); and artist Mr Gao Xiaowu (1st from right).
The opening ceremony was held yesterday afternoon and officiated by distinguished guests including Mr Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr Ho Hong Pan, Head of Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government; Mr Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group; Ms Eileen Lui, Group Director of Human Resources and Administration of Galaxy Entertainment Group and the title feature artist, Mr Gao Xiaowu.
Dream Voyage @Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition invites guests on an inspiring journey through dreams, gratitude and love through five thought-provoking thematic chapters. The exhibition is open now until 17 November at Galaxy Promenade.
Adding a distinctive, authentic local dimension to the exhibition, Galaxy Macau has partnered with the Macau Artist Society to invite six emerging Macau artists, alongside participating fashion and lifestyle brands from Galaxy Promenade, to reinterpret Gao Xiaowu's iconic Future Dreams' in mini sculpture. Through their own artistic expression, each collaborator imbues the work with unique colours, creativity and perspectives. In addition, guests are invited to express their talent at the Colour Your Angel Workshop, where they can personalise a Future Dreams mini sculpture with their own creative touch, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind artistic keepsake and bringing home a treasured memory from their dream voyage.
One of China's most recognised contemporary sculptors who is widely recognised for the philosophy of "the moment that is" and the practice of "popular arts", Gao Xiaowu seeks inspiration from the experiences, emotions and aspirations of ordinary people. Through a visual language characterised by humour, warmth and accessibility, Gao explores urban life, social issues and human connection, while conveying a strong sense of empathy and public engagement.
The exhibition is also presented in collaboration with the Macau Artist Society, bringing together six emerging Macau artists and fashion brands from Galaxy Promenade to participate in a collaborative art initiative. Each has reimagined mini sculpture of Gao Xiaowu's iconic Future Dreams sculpture, infusing the works with their own distinctive colours and creative interpretations.
Through this exhibition, Galaxy Macau invites guests, visitors and art enthusiasts alike to embark on a dream voyage, rediscovering the significance of aspiration, the value of gratitude and the warmth and connection that love brings.
A Larger-than-Life Dream Friend Arrives at Pearl Lobby
Extending the exhibition's spirit of imagination, art and wonder beyond the gallery space, Galaxy Macau will welcome Dream Friend, a large-scale sculptural installation of a mechanical plush cat at Pearl Lobby from 1 October to 19 November.
Nestled inside a giant suitcase, the larger-than-life feline will delight guests with playful movements and lifelike interactions throughout the day. Dream Friend brings to life a whimsical world where art and fantasy intertwine, creating an unforgettably immersive and highly shareable experience for guests of all ages.
Guests who fall in love with Dream Friend can also take the experience home. Galaxy Promenade will launch a collection of three limited-edition Dream Friend blind-box figurines, available for redemption with qualifying purchases, allowing visitors to relive the joy of their dream-filled journey with this treasured keepsake.
Arriving at Pearl Lobby on 1 October, Dream Friend will captivate guests with lifelike movements, playful interactions and countless photo-worthy moments through 19 November.
Extend the Fun and Immersive Journey at Galaxy Promenade with New Discoveries
Beyond the exciting exhibitions, guests are invited to discover Galaxy Promenade's latest luxury, dining and lifestyle offerings, creating a multifaceted journey that seamlessly blends art, fashion, gastronomy and contemporary living.
Recently unveiled at Pearl Lobby, Ralph Lauren's new boutique at Galaxy Macau brings the signature brand of American sophistication to the award-winning integrated resort. Guests can discover Purple Label and Collection, both available exclusively in Macau at the Galaxy Macau boutique. Complementing the retail experience is Ralph's Coffee, the first and only location in Macau, where visitors can enjoy Ralph Lauren's signature coffee blends, specialty beverages and exquisite, freshly made desserts in an elegant and welcoming setting.
Ralph Lauren is open now at Pearl Lobby alongside Macau's only Ralph's Coffee, creating a sophisticated destination for fashion and coffee enthusiasts.
Moose Knuckles' first standalone store in Hong Kong and Macau is now officially open at Galaxy Promenade. Celebrated for its bold design aesthetic, exceptional craftsmanship and fusion of luxury and performance, the brand has garnered a loyal global following among fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. The arrival of the Canadian luxury lifestyle brand further enriches Galaxy Promenade's fashion forward, international portfolio. Guests will receive an exclusive inaugural store opening gift with any purchase from now until 30 September, while stocks last.
From 26 September, Galaxy Promenade visitors can also visit the newly opened Starbucks Reserve™ Coffee Experience Store, located along Promenade Central and just moments away from Dream Voyage @Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition. Here, the aroma of expertly crafted coffee complements the surrounding artistic atmosphere, adding another layer of inspiration and sensory enjoyment to the dream voyage.
In addition, a roster of renowned international luxury and contemporary brands have already established at Galaxy Promenade, with more set to arrive soon, including a new Loro Piana boutique, Scents Library, APM Monaco, vinavast, a refreshed On store and a Versace pop-up boutique adding to the cutting-edge and immersive experiential brand showcase.
As the world-class integrated resort destination encompassing art, culture, entertainment, luxury retail and exceptional dining experiences, Galaxy Macau continues to enrich Macau's tourism offerings through innovative and inspiring experiences. Dream Voyage @Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition represents another milestone in Galaxy Macau's commitment to advancing cultural and artistic development while supporting Macau's vision as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
By bringing together internationally acclaimed contemporary art, local creative talent and enriching lifestyle experiences, the exhibition offers visitors from around the world a meaningful and inspiring artistic journey.
The brand-new Galaxy Resort App and Galaxy Rewards membership programme transform shopping at Galaxy Macau, connecting guests to over 200 luxury and lifestyle brands through exclusive rewards, member privileges and personalised offers. Designed to inspire discovery and enhance every visit, the platform makes each shopping journey more rewarding than ever. Download today at www.galaxymacau.com/galaxy-resort-app/.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
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ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
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