The following is a speech by the Acting Head of Create Hong Kong, Mr Alan Siu, at the kick-off ceremony of the “PANORAMA – Asia Pacific Animation Challenge and Animation Camp 2009” today (December 11):
Tom (Joseph), Eddy (Hui), Tim (Cheng), Benjamin (Huber), Nick (Yang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the kick-off ceremony of the “PANORAMA – Asia Pacific Animation Challenge and Animation Camp 2009”. First of all, a very warm welcome to our guests from the Asia Pacific region, and heartiest congratulations to all outstanding contestants who have made it to the final stage of the competition.
Many people have said the centre of world power is shifting to Asia. Last month, Forbes published its first ranking of The World’s Most Powerful People. Out of the 67 people on the list, roughly a quarter is from the Asia Pacific region.
People may have different interpretation of these propositions. But to me, the meaning is two-fold. Firstly, the Asia Pacific region has undoubtedly shown strong sign of recovery after the financial crisis sooner than elsewhere. If the region could strengthen collaboration, we would not only be able to help each other to weather the current economic storm, but also be more likely to ride on the rising of whole region together and create even greater success. The animation sector is one sector showing such great potentials.
The Asia Pacific animation sector has caught world attention in recent years, with some members either becoming a major outsourcing destination for other places, or making their own world-acclaimed animated features films and TV series. The “Happy Feet” made by Australia, “Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf” by Mainland China as well as the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Astro Boy” and “McDull” by Hong Kong, etc, are just a few examples of such good work. In light of the unique edges and diverse cultures of the Asia Pacific members, there exists tremendous opportunities for closer collaboration that are worth exploring.
Secondly, talents are the key to success. But a more important question is how we could ensure a sustainable success for the future. In my view, the answer lies in our younger generation.
For the animation sector in Hong Kong, our institutions have trained over a thousand graduates in creative media and computer animation streams from our institutions each year. In this fast-changing digital era, however, such elementary training may not be sufficient for meeting the changing needs of the industry. It is therefore essential to empower our young people today with the latest knowledge and technical skill adopted by the industry so that they are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
In this regard, Cyberport has played a vital role in bridging the gap. Besides industry internship programme providing students practical work experience and on-the-job training, Cyberport has from time to time organised professional enhancement courses and initiatives in collaboration with the industry for our young talents and graduates. The fact that we all gather here today to appreciate the outstanding works of our younger talents from the region shown just now is the outcome of Cyberport’s efforts.
I must admit that all the finalist entries’ animation work are truly amazing. That is why I believe that through competitive activities of this kind, students can learn something beyond their physical boundary and rise to the international standards. Besides, I know the Cyberport Animation Camp this year will again invite renowned animation experts to deliver training to the students, the Cyberport incubatees and the local animation sector. I must thank Cyberport for its endeavors in supporting the development of the animation industry within and beyond Hong Kong.
Nurturing young talents today will build the foundation for the sustainability of the future. Of course, this may help put some new names on Forbes’s list some years later.
Before I close, I must let you know that the exciting East Asian Games 2009 is going on in Hong Kong and the closing ceremony will be held on the coming Sunday. To our guests from overseas and the Mainland China, I hope you would stay a few more days to join us for the games and I wish you all a very enjoyable and fruitful stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Ends/Friday, December 11, 2009