Tag: Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is delighted to announce the outstanding achievements of two Bachelor of Music (Honours) Year 1 students from the School of Music at the UCSI University 7^th International Piano Festival and Competition, held in Malaysia. Lan Rayming was awarded First Prize in the Young Artist Category; while Jetthew Lee Paak-Yu secured Third Prize in the same category and was also honoured with the Best Étude Award.

The competition brought together participants from around the world and was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of experienced international pianists. Amid intense competition, both students distinguished themselves with exceptional performances, reflecting HKAPA’s excellence and its sustained commitment to nurturing young musical talent.

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme offered by the Academy’s School of Music is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for secondary school graduates who meet the entry requirements and aspire to pursue professional training in music performance or composition. The programme aims to equip students with advanced professional skills in performance and creative practice, enabling them to achieve a high level of artistic excellence. At the same time, it strengthens their understanding of music history, theory, and related cultural and artistic disciplines. The curriculum also emphasises the development of critical thinking, creativity, and artistic judgment, while fostering an awareness of the roles and responsibilities of musicians in society.

Members of the media are invited to interview the award-winning students. Please contact the Communications Office for assistance with interview arrangements.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has once again ranked 10^th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1^st in Asia. 

Mr Symon Wong, Council Chairman of the Academy, remarked, “The Academy remains one of the world’s leading centres of excellence in delivering outstanding performing arts education and advancing international cultural exchange. This recognition affirms our long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of performing arts talent and reflects the dedication of our entire community. It also reinforces the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand and underscores Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a world-class higher education destination. We are sincerely grateful to the Government for its unwavering support and look forward to deepening partnerships with our stakeholders to further advance arts education, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I believe the Academy will continue to set new benchmarks in artist training and pioneer innovative approaches to teaching and learning.”

Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of the Academy, added, “As Hong Kong’s only higher education institution dedicated to the performing arts, the Academy is greatly encouraged by this recognition, which affirms the strength of our interdisciplinary programmes across Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts. The ranking not only reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence but also reinforces our leadership in Asia and across the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland. It provides strong impetus for our next phase of development, including the Northern Metropolis campus. In alignment with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to nurture high-calibre cultural talent, promote Chinese culture, strengthen regional and international collaboration, and advance high-quality growth and deeper national integration. We are grateful for the continued support of the Government, the Academy Council, and our community as we further contribute to the development of the cultural and creative industries.”

Dr Terry Lam, Dean of Film and Television of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, along with our faculty members, contributed to the Art of Intelligence Forum hosted by IBM earlier at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. They presented cineDESK, an innovative AI-integrated tool for the preproduction process of filmmaking.

With a diverse crowd eager to dive into the fusion of cutting-edge AI and traditional culture, the atmosphere was electric! Dr Lam shared with the audience his insights on “Creativity, Storytelling, and Human Imagination in the Age of AI”. Dr Michael Li, Principal Head (Digital Learning and Information Management) of the Academy, was also invited to attend this event. Let’s continue to blend the magic of the past with the innovations of the future in the world of art and intelligence! Join us on this brand new journey!

Learn more about the programmes on offer by the School: https://www.hkapa.edu/admissions/programmes

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy) has conferred Honorary Awards on five outstanding individuals in recognition of their significant achievements and contributions to the performing arts, the cultural industry, and the development of the Academy. The ceremony, officiated by the Academy Council Chairman Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang SBS JP, was held at the Academy Lyric Theatre. Council Chairman Mr Charles Yang and the Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan expressed their sincere gratitude for the Honorary Awardees’ exemplary services and unwavering support to the Academy and the community.  

Recipient of Doctorate of the Academy honoris causa:

Mr William Au Weng-hei SBS JP

Recipients of Honorary Fellowship:

Mr Chen Qing

Mr Leo Cheung Kwok-wing

Mrs Yvonne Law Shing Mo-han BBS JP

Ms Wu Han

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) received a generous donation from Shaw Studios to establish Shaw Studios Scholarships in the 2024/25 academic year. The Scholarship aims to provide recognition and encouragement to outstanding Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree students of the School of Film and Television. The Academy held a scholarship presentation ceremony on 18 September 2025. Ms Helena Young, Director of Production Services and Marketing of Shaw Studios; and Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director attended the ceremony and presented certificates to the three awardees.

Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shaw Studios for its generous donation and support for the Academy. “Shaw Studios is a pioneer and leader of Hong Kong’s film and television industry. It has contributed tremendously to the development of the industry and generations of filmmakers and producers. Its generous donation to the Academy provides significant encouragement for our students. We look forward to further collaborations with Shaw Studios to provide students with opportunities for industry practice, working together to nurture more talent in film, television, and the performing arts.”

Dr Raymond Chan JP, Chairman of Shaw Foundation and Managing Director of Shaw Studios, said, “For over four decades, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has nurtured numerous outstanding talents for the film and television industry, with many alumni achieving remarkable success in the field. Through the Shaw Studios Scholarship, we aim to provide awardees with additional resources to fully develop their strengths and contribute more exceptional works to the industry.”

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.”

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.”

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.”