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Tag: Hong Kong

HKAPA Presents GBAYO in July 2025

Posted on by Communications Office

The Greater Bay Area Youth Orchestra (GBAYO), presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and supported by the Swire Group as Founding Patron, has returned with live performances in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from 11th to 15th July. This year, HKAPA and the Swire Group announced the renewal of their partnership in support of the GBAYO, reaffirming their shared commitment to inspiring young musicians and promoting cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The concert tour is also supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR Government (HKSARG) and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.

This year’s opening concert was held at HKAPA’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre (HKJC Amphitheatre) on 11th July with officiating guests in attendance, including Charles Yang Chuen-liang SBS JP, Council Chairman of HKAPA, Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA and Arnold Cheng, Director, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Swire.

Nurturing nearly 300 talented young musicians from the GBA

The GBAYO programme features an orchestral training camp to cultivate musical excellence and cross-cultural collaboration among youth from the GBA. In early July, 98 young musicians gathered at HKAPA in Hong Kong for intensive training. Now, the orchestra has embarked on a three-city concert tour, beginning in Hong Kong on 11th July, followed by performances in Guangzhou on 13th July and concluding in Shenzhen on 15th July.

In the past three years, the programme has trained 279 musicians aged 16 to 28 and attracted over 6,500 concertgoers, highlighting its growing public resonance and cultural impact. Beyond the stage, the programme has made a lasting impact on its young musicians. Alumni from 2024’s GBAYO cohort have been accepted into HKAPA, The Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music, underscoring the orchestra’s success in nurturing talent and opening international doors.

A renewed partnership for enhanced cultural exchange

The GBAYO was launched by HKAPA with the support of the Swire Group in 2022. The 2025 season marks a continued partnership between the two organisations, strengthening youth engagement and community connections in the GBA.

Guy Bradley, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited, said, “As the Founding Patron, we are proud of what the GBAYO has achieved over the past three years and are pleased to renew our collaboration with HKAPA. Doing so furthers our shared mission of creating a world-class platform for young classical performers. At Swire, we are growing our presence in the GBA. At the same time, contributing to cultural exchange in the region is also important to us, as is promoting the GBA’s artistic achievements to the wider world.”

Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA, remarked, “With the resounding success of our GBAYO concerts over the past three years, the Academy is proud to once again share the beauty of music with the public. Our commitment to young talent development is at the heart of this initiative, providing training and mentorship by renowned musicians that empower young musicians to excel on the global stage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSARG, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Swire Group for their invaluable support.”

First overseas conductor to lead the GBAYO

This season marks a significant milestone for the GBAYO as it welcomes Christoph Koncz as its first overseas guest conductor. Currently in his second season as Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse and Principal Conductor of the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein, Mr Koncz brings extensive international experience and artistic vision to the programme. Under Mr Koncz’s baton, the programme showcases a vibrant selection of pieces, including Dance of the Golden Snake by Nie Er (arr. Tang Jianping), Dohnányi’s Symphonic Minutes, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2 and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.

Mr Koncz said, “I am delighted to lead the GBAYO as its first overseas guest conductor. From the very first rehearsal it was immediately clear that these young musicians are promising and passionate individuals, and their eagerness to learn and connect through music is very inspiring. I’m very much looking forward to sharing this exciting journey with the musicians and our audience and to contributing to a programme that so meaningfully bridges cultures and nurtures the next generation of artistic talent across the region.”

HKAPA 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

Posted on by Communications Office

The 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) was successfully held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at the Convention Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the grand finale of its milestone celebrations. The banquet drew over 700 distinguished guests, including Government officials, past and present Academy Council members, management, staff, students, alumni, donors, and supporters, uniting to honour four decades of remarkable achievements in performing arts education.

The banquet was officiated by The Honourable Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Charles Yang, Council Chairman of the Academy and Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director. The Academy was honoured by the presence of many distinguished guests, including Mr Zhang Zhihua, Deputy Director-General and Level I Bureau Rank Official, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province; Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General, Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In his opening address, Financial Secretary The Honourable Paul Chan commended remarkable contributions of the Academy to advancing performing arts education and cultural development: “For four decades, you have stood as a pillar of performing arts education and creative innovation in Hong Kong, shaping the artistic landscape of our city and beyond. Since its founding in 1984, the Academy has played a vital role in nurturing generations of world-class talent in performing arts and arts technology.”

Themed “Aiming for New Heights”, the banquet pulsed with energy. Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, serving as artistic director of the banquet, guided HKAPA students in delivering mesmerising performances. “East Meets West” opened the evening, as students from the Schools of Chinese Opera and Music enchanted audiences with harmonious vocals, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique role as a cultural crossroads. Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and as a distinguished guest, performed the Cantonese opera Departure of Zhaojun with live accompaniment from School of Chinese Opera students, elevating the evening’s atmosphere to a crescendo.

The second act, “Originality and Innovation”, featured creative performances and visuals by students from the Schools of Dance, Drama, and Film and Television, embodying the Academy’s commitment to cultural innovation and artistic brilliance. The finale, “Nurturing Future Talents”, began with a gripping violin solo and operatic performances by School of Music students, followed by a Dunhuang-inspired dance, Dream of Dun Huang, by School of Dance students, blending Eastern and Western elements to symbolise the Academy’s mission to nurture exceptional performing artists and make lasting contributions to cultural development in Hong Kong and beyond.

Council Chairman Charles Yang expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to HKAPA’s success, “Embracing the spirit of tonight’s theme, we will continue to push boundaries, strengthening our position as a global leader in performing arts education and as a driving force for cultural development in Hong Kong and beyond — on a greater scale and for a greater impact.”

The Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan extended sincere thanks to the Government, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Academy Council, for their tireless efforts and staunch support. She remarked, “It is this same spirit – the spirit of the Academy and Hong Kong – that has earned us a distinguished place among the world’s top 20 performing arts education institutions in the QS University Rankings. This achievement is a testament to our collective pursuit of artistic excellence and our dedication to supporting emerging talent. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in fostering creativity through interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. Our goal is to create an environment where tradition and innovation harmonise, nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders who will shape our community – and our world – for the better.”

HKAPA appoints Prof Andrew Laine as Dean of TEA

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is pleased to announce that Professor Andrew Laine has been appointed as Dean of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts, effective 2 July 2025.

 

Professor Laine is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of professional experience in technical direction, theatre and scenic design, and stage production. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and has received professional theatre training across the United States. Previously, he served as a Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he combined his technical expertise and artistic innovation to shape the future of theatrical production while nurturing new generations of technical directors, production artists, and stage managers.

 

Meanwhile, Professor Laine actively participates in regional theatre conferences and industry partnerships, fostering the integration of traditional stagecraft with emerging technologies that enhance student learning and artistic creation. His leadership roles in academic quality assurance and curriculum design, along with his experience in managing both undergraduate and graduate programmes, underscore his commitment to excellence in higher education. He is also an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, said, “I look forward to working with Professor Laine and firmly believe that his experience, expertise, and international connections will greatly contribute to the future advancement of the Academy, as well as to the development of theatre design and technical direction in Hong Kong and the wider region.”

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Appoints Professor Anna CY Chan as New Director

Posted on by Communications Office

The Council of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy) announces the appointment of Professor Anna CY Chan as the new Director of the Academy with effect from 18 April 2025. Professor Chan is a leader with a combination of artistic excellence, extensive management experience and vast industry network. Having dedicated 35 years to advancing the performing arts and arts education, her leadership could be illustrated by her impact on the global performing arts landscape.

From 2014 to 2018, she was the inaugural Head of Dance at the Performing Arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Since then, she has taken up the role as the Dean of the School of Dance of the Academy. Professor Chan received her professional dance training in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK and holds a Professional Dancer Diploma from the Royal Ballet School (London), an MA degree in Dance Studies from the University of Surrey and M.Ed degree from the University of Sheffield.

Mr. Charles Yang, Council Chairman of the Academy said: “On behalf of the Council, I am pleased to appoint Professor Anna CY Chan to serve as the next Academy Director. Anna is a dedicated educator as well as a well-respected professional in the performing arts industry, both locally and inte ationally. I am confident that with her extensive experience, network with the creative industries and strong commitment to serving the Academy community, she will lead the Academy to a new height with further advancements covering important aspects in performing arts education and arts and culture development for the region.”

Professor Chan expressed that, “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts at this significant moment in its history, as we celebrate its 40th Anniversary. I look forward to working closely with our Academy Council, stakeholders, colleagues, and students to build on this strong foundation. Positioned within the dynamic Greater Bay Area, we are uniquely placed to enrich the region’s arts and cultural landscape, leveraging our distinctive role to inspire creativity while further strengthening our global standing as a leading performing arts institution.”

From east to west, north to south: City University of Hong Kong expands global collaboration

Posted on by Editorial Team

A host of fresh partnerships sees City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) strengthening its position at the forefront of international outreach. By partnering with influential global institutions, CityUHK is expanding opportunities for innovative learning and research, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence.

Building bridges to Belgium

A new cooperative relationship with KU Leuven’s Science, Engineering and Technology Group marks a substantial milestone in our European connections. Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is the world’s oldest Catholic university and Belgium’s highest-ranked institution. The feasibility of developing joint bachelor’s degree programmes and facilitating faculty exchanges, visiting scholars and post-doctoral fellows are the critical points of an MoU signed on 27 August 2024 by CityUHK’s President, Professor Freddy Boey, and the Rector of KU Leuven, Professor Luc Sels.

This MoU will make exploring cooperative education programmes possible, especially in digital medicine, biochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and health technology.

“We are very excited to collaborate with the Science, Engineering and Technology Group at KU Leuven,” said President Boey. “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to forging dynamic alliances with global partners in keeping with our reputation as one of the most international universities in the world. We look forward to joining hands with this Group at KU Leuven to promote inspirational, interactive, and innovative learning and world-class research.”

Strengthening humanities ties with Milan

In another strategic move, an MoU between CityUHK’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and POLIMI Graduate School of Management in Milan signed on 15 July 2024 turns attention to faculty exchanges, customised education programmes, and joint degree offerings, a partnership sure to enhance the educational experiences of students and faculty at both institutions.

Cooperating with the Russell Group

Initiatives that address global challenges through knowledge exchange and research with top UK universities have also created a recent buzz. Programmes that enable academic visits feature in a partnership with the University of Cambridge through Lucy Cavendish College, while ties with Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offer excellent research and exchange opportunities for CityUHK and Cambridge students. Alliances have also been significantly deepened with other Russell Group universities such as the University of Exeter and the University of Glasgow.

Journeying out to France, South Africa, and Kazakhstan

From east to west, and north to south, CityUHK is embracing diversity, globalisation and interconnectivity. Freshly minted agreements with CentraleSupélec, Paris-Saclay University in France, and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa have diversified CityUHK’s international engagements, opening new avenues for academic and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, a unique alliance with Satbayev University (SU) enhances teaching, learning, and research with the support of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Additionally, this alliance will see the establishment of a CityUHK research institute at SU to promote interdisciplinary studies.

These ventures offer unparalleled opportunities for CityUHK students and faculty to advance their careers and engage with leading academic peers worldwide and will foster, we hope, a shared innovative mindset.

49 EdUHK scholars named world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University

Posted on by eduhk

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is excited to share that 49 of its scholars have been listed among the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists in the 2024 rankings published by Stanford University. This marks an increase from 38 scholars last year, reflecting the global recognition of its academic excellence and impactful research.

Our scholars span a wide range of subject disciplines within and beyond Education, totaling 17 different fields. The latest rankings not only underscore the University’s established leadership in Education but also reflect our ongoing efforts to build capacity in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing, Environmental Sciences, and Languages & Linguistics.

Through our Education Futures interdisciplinary approach, EdUHK aims to maximise the impact and reach of its scholars’ research and innovations. Recent advancements in our research infrastructure include the launch of two new university-level research facilities, the University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (UDSAI) and the University Research Facility of Human Behavioural Neuroscience (UHBN), both established in 2023. These state-of-the-art technological platforms have been created to support our researchers in interdisciplinary research.

To further strengthen our specialised research programmes, nine multidisciplinary strategic research clusters have been formed since 2021/22. With support from the University, these clusters target tackling significant real world issues, extending their impact to diverse beneficiaries and contributing to the University’s overall research excellence.

In addition, EdUHK has made significant strides in knowledge transfer, achieving 32 prestigious international innovation awards in 2024. The University’s patent portfolio encompasses diverse fields such as EdTech, HealthTech, microelectronics, AI models, and neurosciences. These innovations offer practical, affordable and sustainable solutions that address societal needs.

At EdUHK, our researchers are dedicated to addressing real world challenges and making a positive impact on society. The University values diverse research outputs including journal papers, books and creative works, as well as knowledge transfer activities and contributions to policy formation, scholarship of teaching and learning and educational innovation. We are also deeply committed to quality education and teacher education, emphasising the importance of enhancing educational standards.

The Stanford research team compiles the ranking list based on career-long citation impact and single-year citation impact of top scientists in various fields with data updated to the end of 2023. The result reflects the global influence of EdUHK scholars across a wide range of research fields.

EdUHK holds launching ceremony of Artificial Intelligence Research and Education Alliance

Posted on by eduhk

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) held an AI and Education Forum cum Launching Ceremony of Artificial Intelligence Research and Education Alliance (AIREA) on 16 September. In response to the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors, EdUHK has established AIREA by collaborating with experts and professionals from renowned universities, research centres, and industry entities worldwide. Its aim is to enhance global collaboration on research, drive innovation, and advance AI technologies in the education sector, fostering a more inclusive and responsible AI research and education ecosystem.

The launching ceremony of AIREA was officiated by EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung, Professor Xu Guandong, Director of Centre for Learning, Teaching, and Technology (LTTC) and the Director of University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (UDSAI), senior management of EdUHK and distinguished guest speakers.

In his welcoming address, Professor Lee pointed out the importance of developing AI in the field of education, as its application has become widespread in society. The University aims to prepare future educators who can adapt to the evolving demands of industry, embracing cutting-edge tools while remaining mindful of the ethical implications and traditional virtues that ground the educators’ work. He also stated that the most important requirements for developing AI were facilities with computing power, high-quality data, and experts proficient in the field of AI. “Establishing AIREA is just the beginning, EdUHK is determined to continue integrating AI into educational applications, bringing greater impact to the development of the country and the Hong Kong SAR,” said Professor Lee.

Professor Cheng highlighted the University’s various initiatives to leverage innovative technologies, including establishing the Large Language Model Studio (LLM Studio) to create in-house AI tools, benefitting both students and teachers. “We will continue to explore more innovative measures to ensure EdUHK remains at the forefront of educational innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic quality and integrity.” she remarked.

Professor Xu extended his gratitude to all participants for supporting this initiative. He emphasised that the establishment of AIREA marked a significant milestone in the development of AI education. He believes that creating a collaborative platform is crucial for fostering innovative thinking and providing solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced in the education sector. Professor Xu sincerely invited all distinguished guests to join AIREA and become part of the effort to advance AI education and research.

On the same day, AIREA held a forum on AI and education, which included three talks hosted by distinguished scholars. The lectures were given by Professor Lionel Ni Ming-shuan, Founding President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST, Professor Zhang Min, Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, and Professor Gong Zhiguo, Head of the Department of Computer and Information Science at University of Macau. Additionally, a panel discussion entitled ‘Navigating AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges’ was held to explore the role of AI in education.

With the rapid development of AI, its impact on issues such as professional ethics and morality, data privacy, and the well-being of students and teachers has become increasingly concerning. Through AIREA, EdUHK aims to establish a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, bringing the best together from academia, industry and practitioners to further promote the application and development of AI in the field of education. AIREA will organise more forums, workshops, and seminars, featuring the most innovative minds in the educational landscape to explore the boundless potential of AI in education.

HKAPA and CAEG sign MoU on Strategic Collaboration in Nurturing Arts and Cultural Talents across the region

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) to collaborate in nurturing diverse arts and cultural talents in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and promoting the development of the arts and cultural industry as well as performing arts education in higher education sector.

The MoU signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts following the visit by the CAEG delegation. The memorandum was signed by Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang, Council Chairman of HKAPA, and Mr Li Jinsheng, Chairman of CAEG, with the attendance of representatives from both organisations.

Under the Government’s policy to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, HKAPA has always been focusing on nurturing a rich diversity of arts and cultural talents in Hong Kong and the region. This MoU with CAEG marks the Academy’s first industry-academic partnership with a Mainland industry leader, aimed at strengthening the Academy’s industry connections and enhancing students’ professional portfolios and career prospects in Hong Kong, the Mainland, and overseas. Building on this strategic partnership, the Academy and the Group will join hands to explore extensive artistic collaborations and bolster the education and training of top-notch performing arts talents as cultural ambassadors. The collaboration will commence with a series of potential initiatives, including students’ education and staff training, joint artistic creations and performances, student artistic practice and internships, and artistic research.

Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang, Council Chairman of the Academy, expressed, “The signing of the MoU with the China Arts and Entertainment Group is an important milestone in the development of the Academy as it is the first Academy’s ‘school-enterprise collaboration’ with a leading cultural enterprise in the Mainland. I eagerly look forward to the extensive collaboration between the Academy and the China Arts and Entertainment Group in the future to strengthen talent cultivation, promote east-west cultural exchange, enhance the international influence of Chinese performing arts, and bring more development opportunities for talents from both sides.”

Mr Li Jinsheng, Chairman of CAEG, said, “We are delighted to have visited the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Academy. The China Arts and Entertainment Group is willing to collaborate with the Academy by leveraging our respective high-quality resources. We aim to engage in extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation in areas of talent cultivation, joint artistic creation and performance, student artistic practice and internships, and artistic research. Together, we shall promote the development of the cultural and art industry and performing arts education.”

Professor Gillian Choa, Director of the Academy, welcomed the collaboration, “The signing of the MoU symbolises a strengthened and beneficial relationship between HKAPA and CAEG that has been forged for a few years. The Academy is dedicated to advancing innovative performing arts education, pushing the boundaries of performing arts practices and fostering collaborations with leading academic and industry institutions. I am glad that our educational mission and vision align strongly with the goals of CAEG. We look forward to partnering and engaging CAEG in extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation to nurture performing arts talent and contribute to the cultural development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Together, we shall promote the development of the arts and cultural industry and performing arts education.”

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary, the Academy is presenting, throughout the academic year, a myriad of engaging events with the aim to showcase the exceptional talents of our students from the six Schools and its achievements over the past four decades. Highlights in October include HKAPA PerformTech Symposium 2024: Staging the Future of Performing Arts, Lincoln Center Chamber Music Series and 40 Years of Brilliance – Inheriting the Artistic Legacy: HKAPA 40th Anniversary Performance Showcase. Open Day 2025 presented next March and an original musical featuring all six Schools in May 2025 are also major events that should not be missed.

HKAPA PerformTech Symposium 2024: Staging the Future of Performing Arts

Posted on by Communications Office

In celebration of the Academy’s 40th Anniversary, you are cordially invited to join our 3-day symposium (15-17/10), where we will delve into the profound impact of technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, on theatrical practices, scenography, film production, and arts education. The two showcase performances collaborated by artists and students, intertwining dance and music with groundbreaking technologies are also not to be missed!

“The PerformTech Symposium will be an inspiring event with leading practitioners sharing their insights in the latest developments in technology-enhanced live entertainment.”
– Jim McGowan, Acting Dean of Theatre and Entertainment Arts

For details and ticketing, please check out www.cityline.com from September 12.

HKAPA continues to embrace world, nurture next generation of performing artists

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts strives to provide the students with opportunities to engage in international competitions and exchange programmes in the Mainland and overseas to widen their horizons. In the last academic year, students of the School of Music travelled to various places, including the Mainland, Switzerland, the United States, Thailand, etc., to collaborate with local artists. These programmes have helped students further arts and cultural development on the global stage.