Speech at the Prize Presentation and Opening Ceremony of the International Students’ Visual Arts Contest-cum-Exhibition of Hong Kong – Photography (2013)

17 August 2013 (Saturday)

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

Contest-cum-Exhibition of Hong Kong – Photography (2013)

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

Dr. Eric Cheng, 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)  2013” for sharing the joy and achievements of the event with all of you.  This contest-cum-exhibition not only provides young people with a good platform to develop and express their creativity, multiple ways of seeing and making through visual arts creation and appreciation, 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 of HKISAC in 2010, the number of participating countries and regions has increased from 25 to 41. This year, the theme for the HKISAC is “My Place ∙ My People”.  It is very encouraging that over 2,800 pieces of photographic works have been submitted through the on-line system from overseas and in digital formats through various means from local schools. 

    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 photographic entries have been awarded the Hong Kong Grand Prize of the HKISAC (2013). These entries came from 10 countries or regions including Australia, Mainland China, the Czech Republic, India, Oman, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, the United States of America and Hong Kong. Another 40 and 202 pieces of very impressive and high quality work have been awarded Honourable Mention and Certificate of Merit respectively. 

    The young artists joining 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 development of their countries or regions.

      All of you have heard about Steve Jobs. He was a legend who designed the first computer with wonderful typography and had great influences on the development of graphical user interface of personal computers and cell phones. Before that, when he was a young person, he was attracted by the posters around campus with beautiful typefaces, fonts and styles. So he decided to take a calligraphy course to pursue this beautiful visual arts form. These learning experiences not only enriched his aesthetic experiences, but also heightened his sensitivity and creativity. For this exhibition, the young artists’ outstanding artworks have also contributed to inspiring the minds of other students and nurturing the cultural atmosphere of Hong Kong.

    We would like to express our gratitude to PLK for co-presenting the HKISAC (2013), as well as the IoC of HKBU, SCAD Hong Kong and the APO of the LCSD for co-organising the event with the Arts Education Section of the EDB. Our special thanks are also extended to the adjudicators, representatives of the co-organisers, and several outstanding professionals in the area of arts or sciences 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 (2013) 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 the bountiful life of tomorrow.

    Thank you very much.