Speech at the Prize Presentation and Opening Ceremony of the International Students’ Visual Arts Contest-cum-Exhibition of Hong Kong – (2014)

Prize Presentation and Opening Ceremony of the International Students’ Visual Arts

Contest-cum-Exhibition of Hong Kong – (2014)

Speech by Mr Eddie Hak-kim Ng, SBS, JP, Secretary for Education

16 August 2014 (Saturday)

Dr. Pollyanna Chu, Vice-chairman of Po Leung Kuk, Honourable Judges, Guests, Parents, Teachers and Students, 

     It is my great honour to attend this prize presentation and opening ceremony of the “International Students’ Visual Arts Contest-cum-Exhibition of Hong Kong (HKISAC)  2014” to share the joy and achievements of the event with all of you.  This event not only provides young people with a good platform to develop and express their creativity and artistic talents, but also enables the public to appreciate the essence of different cultures and fosters international communication, mutual respect as well as global harmony. 

    Since the inception in 2010, the number of participating countries and regions in this event has increased from 25 to 38. This year, the theme for the HKISAC is “My Place ∙ My People”.  It is very encouraging that over 2,500 pieces of artwork have been submitted for selection of prizes. 

    I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our honourable guests, prize winners, their teachers and family members from different parts of the world to participate in this ceremony and share the happiness and success of the young artists.  We are glad that 12 entries have been awarded the Hong Kong Grand Prize of the HKISAC (2014). These entries came from 5 countries or regions including Mainland China, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong. In addition, 51 and 184 pieces of very impressive and high quality work have been awarded Honourable Mention and Certificate of Merit respectively. 

    The young artists entering for this contest-cum-exhibition have fully demonstrated their creative talents in the arts. Whether they will further their education or profession in the arts and creative industries, I am sure they will contribute their creativity and arts knowledge to the economic, social and cultural developments of their countries or regions.

    Undoubtedly, the young artists’ outstanding artworks in this exhibition are conducive to inspiring the minds of other students and fostering the cultural atmosphere of Hong Kong.

    We would like to express our gratitude to Po Leung Kuk for co-presenting the HKISAC (2014), as well as to the Institute of Creativity of the Hong Kong Baptist University, and the Art Promotion Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for co-organising the event with the Arts Education Section of the Education Bureau.  Our special thanks are also extended to the adjudicators, representatives of the co-organisers, and several outstanding professionals for their generous sharing of valuable words of encouragement in the Souvenir Album. Their insightful messages have lent further meaning to this event.

    Last but not least, without the enthusiastic participation from students, schools and parents, the HKISAC (2014) would not have achieved such a big success.  We hope that we will continue to work together for the promotion of art and creativity, as well as cross-cultural friendship and harmony for a more abundant life of tomorrow.

    Thank you very much.