POP KONG Concert Highlights Young Talent at Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Arts Festival

2024-10-04 14:30 Last Updated At：10-05 01:43

Local and Mainland young singers to show talents at "POP KONG" concert

The 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival is presenting the "POP KONG" concert on October 31 and November 1 (Thursday and Friday) to showcase the talents and creativity of young artists from both Hong Kong and the Mainland, injecting fresh impetus into the music scenes of the region.

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Local and Mainland young singers to show talents at "POP KONG" concert Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Local and Mainland young singers to show talents at "POP KONG" concert Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The concert is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and AC Orange Co Ltd. Emerging singer-songwriters Monkey Sit, Zino Chan and a Bu from Hong Kong, along with Haibhue and Cantopop band Mover from the Mainland, will share the stage to perform their original compositions and popular hits. Celebrated singer-songwriter Phil Lam will also appear as a special guest, fully showing the charm of original Chinese pop music.

The three up-and-coming artists mentioned above were all participants of the "My Main Stage" music production pilot programme founded by veteran music producer Chiu Tsang-hei. Their works have been released on major streaming platforms. Monkey, also an illustrator, started off as a street performer before taking the stage at Freespace Happening, Lau Bak Livehouse, Lost Star, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, and more. Zino executive-produced radio programme "Lemonaid" in 2018, and reinvented Sally Yeh's famous tune "Friends or Lovers" for her performance at Hunan Satellite TV's "Endless Melody" programme in 2022. Last but not least, a Bu composed the theme song for his graduation project at the Hong Kong Baptist University's Academy of Film in 2022, and went on to compose competition background music for the Hong Kong Wushu Team.

Haibhue, a singer-songwriter from the Mainland, is skilled at blending nursery rhymes with modern music. Her music evokes tales of olden times, always offering a sense of calm. Mover, a six-member original band, chiefly creates music in Cantonese. Their music spans a wide spectrum from pop rock and shoegaze to alternative rock and pop punk. By the end of 2024, the band will embark on their first nationwide tour.

"POP KONG" will be held at 8pm on October 31 and November 1 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre. Tickets priced at $200 and $300 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288; patrons may also use the mobile ticketing app "URBTIX". Discount schemes are available for programmes under the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival (namely "ChoreoMusica Soiree", "POP KONG", Cantonese Opera Film "The Legend of the White Snake", 2024 Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macao Choral Concert, "Songs Echo My Voice" and Dance Drama "Wing Chun" Special Edition by Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre), including group booking discount and package booking discount. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2960 or visit gbacxlo.gov.hk/en/programmes/pop-kong. "POP KONG" is also a celebratory programme of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Hong Kong is the host city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time this year. It organises and co-ordinates over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the "9+2" cities of the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchange and co-operation among the cities. For more details, please visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.

Hong Kong Hosts WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 Amidst Vibrant Cityscape

2024-10-07 19:58 Last Updated At：20:18

Speech by FS at opening ceremony of WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the opening ceremony of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 today (October 7):

Mr Fraccari (President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Mr Riccardo Fraccari), Andrew (President of the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Andrew Fan), Wilfred (Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee, Mr Wilfred Ng), Winnie (Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Winnie Yip), players and fans, ladies and gentlemen,

I'm delighted to join you for the opening ceremony of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024.

Baseball5 is a whole new ballgame, folks. The first Baseball5 World Cup took place just two years ago, in Mexico City. And Hong Kong, I'm pleased to say, is hosting the World Cup's second edition over the next six days, right here at Central Harbourfront, with the spectacular Victoria Harbour as the backdrop.

This event splendidly illustrates how sports can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our city. It brings Baseball5 to the heart of Hong Kong, allowing players, residents and visitors to enjoy the games against the city's skyline. At the same time, it brings Hong Kong once again to a world of audience, who are watching the games here live and through broadcast across the globe.

As you can see, Hong Kong is as vibrant, energetic and welcoming as ever.

Speaking of Baseball5, its beauty is its streamlined, fast-paced mix of traditional baseball and softball, with more than a little handball tossed in. Yes, you whack the ball with your bare hand, fist, wrist or arm. There are no gloves, bats or pitchers in this urban street game in a hurry. And it can be played almost anywhere, though I wouldn't recommend the family living room. It's a bouncy rubber ball, after all.

The fast, flexible nature of Baseball5 brings to mind the spirit of Hong Kong - efficiency, resilience, resourcefulness and fleet-footed adaptability - qualities that have shaped Hong Kong into the thriving city it is today.

The World Cup has been awarded the "M" Mark status by our Major Sports Events Committee, and for good reason.

The international tournament brings together 12 teams from five continents. And Hong Kong, China, ladies and gentlemen, is among them. Speaking of men and women, this is a mixed game: eight players on a team, four men and four women. Of course, boys and girls are playing Baseball5, too - in Hong Kong and all over the world.

And the game is gaining popularity. I'm pleased to learn that the number of teams participating in the next edition of the World Cup will be expanded, and that it will be featured for the first time in the Youth Olympic Games in 2026.

My thanks to WBSC, and the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, for organising this world-class event and putting a bright spotlight on Hong Kong as the region's sports and entertainment capital.

I'm also grateful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, whose financial support has made this spectacular sporting event possible. And my thanks, too, to all the volunteers and sponsors involved.

I wish the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup resounding success. And all our overseas players, fans and friends an unforgettable stay in Hong Kong, on and off the field.

Ladies and gentlemen, beyond this glamourous harbour, Hong Kong has so much to offer, so much for you to explore. For example, over 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants, food stalls on the streets, the breath-taking hiking trails in the countryside, and stunning outlying islands. Don't miss this opportunity. Enjoy Hong Kong.

Now, let's play ball. Thank you very much.

POP KONG Concert Highlights Young Talent at Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Arts Festival

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