Fourth Hong Kong-Taiwan Cultural Co-operation Forum held in Taipei (with photos)

The Hong Kong-Taiwan Cultural Co-operation Committee (HKTCCC) and the Taiwan-Hong Kong Cultural Co-operation Committee (THKCCC) held the Fourth Hong Kong-Taiwan Cultural Co-operation Forum in Taipei today (August 23). Participants from Hong Kong included Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council (ECCPC), Mr Tsang Tak-sing; Vice-Chairperson of the ECCPC and Convenor of the HKTCCC, Mr Fredric Mao; HKTCCC members Professor Cheng Pei-kai, Dr Elvin Lee, Ms Tisa Ho, Ms Susie Chiang, Mr Mathias Woo, Mr Alan Yip and Mr Gabriel Pang; and prominent members of the relevant sectors. The Director of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan), Mr John Leung, also attended the forum in the capacity of Director of the ECCPC.

Addressing the opening of the Forum, Mr Tsang said, "Both Hong Kong and Taiwan have realised the value of culture, innovation and creativity. The demand for culture and creativity is on the rise continually and the community of culture and creativity has also realised its importance." He added, "Taiwan and Hong Kong share the same source of culture, yet they each have their own characteristics. The discussion of culture and creativity between the sectors of Taiwan and Hong Kong has developed from the source to the stream. Together members of the sectors can explore and contemplate in depth, and thus they can be inspired and benefit from the discussion. This will be conducive to the betterment of society, the industry, our lives and our civilisation."

As in previous years, both sides have invited representatives from the cultural and creative industries to participate in and speak at the Forum. This year, the sector representatives from Hong Kong included Mr Stanley Wong, Ms Prudence Mak, Ms Celina Chin, Mr Victor Tsang, Mr Leslie Lu, Mr Alvin Yip and Professor Liu Zhi-qiang. Speakers from both sides held in-depth discussions on four topics, namely the cultural and creative industries and society; the cultural and creative industries and life; culture, creativity and industry; and operations of the cultural and creative community. In the concluding remarks, members and experts from both sides pointed out that the development of cultural and creative industries must be fused and linked with social and public life, and through cross-sectoral integration of resources, talent and experience. This will promote education, heritage and promotion of the creativity of Chinese culture.

A youth cultural and creativity camp between Hong Kong and Taiwan was also organised in conjunction with the Forum. Hong Kong and Taiwan each sent 20 participants to the camp, which targeted young practitioners engaged in culture and creativity. In the camp, members of the cultural sector delivered speeches on different issues related to culture and creativity and also shared their experience. The young people joining the camp also visited the local cultural and creativity zone and took part in the discussion section of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Cultural Co-operation Forum.

At the opening ceremony of the Forum, Mr Mao said, "Holding the youth cultural and creativity camp before the Forum helps the Forum to further reach out to more emerging talents in creative industries. This symbolises an important step forward for the cultural co-operation forums of Hong Kong and Taiwan." He added, "The participation of the young practitioners engaged in cultural and creative industries gives vitality to the Forum."

In both 2012 and 2013, the HKTCCC held "Hong Kong Week" in Taipei, showcasing the culture and art of Hong Kong to Taiwan audiences including introducing the features of Hong Kong culture and the latest developments of creative industries. Following the success of "Hong Kong Week" events in 2012 and 2013, "Hong Kong Week 2014" will be held in Taipei from October 17 to November 2.

The HKTCCC was established as Hong Kong's counterpart of the Cultural Co-operation Committee under the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council in Taiwan. It aims to foster exchange, liaison and co-operation between the two places in the development of arts and culture and the creative industries, as well as to communicate and exchange information on issues of mutual concern.

Saturday, August 23, 2014