Hosted by Nick Chan, episode 8 of Season 2 presents Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR. As the head of the recently established Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), Yeung’s mission is to lead the bureau to promote the long-term development of arts and culture, sports, tourism and creative industries in Hong Kong, with the ultimate goal of consolidating the city’s status as an “East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange” as designated in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

Yeung elaborates on the Central Government’s decision to make Hong Kong the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange in recognition of the unique characteristics of the city’s culture, and this will provide ample opportunities for the local arts and culture sector.

To support the arts and culture sector, Yeung says the government has devised a variety of empowering policies, including support for talent training and for new arts groups to stage their performance. For the young people who are interested in joining the arts and culture industry, he says the most important criteria is to enjoy working in the sector. They have to be hardworking and understand the Hong Kong market but also Mainland China where they can find good opportunities.

He points out that Hong Kong people love sports as evidenced in their enthusiasm during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and our elite athletes also performed well in the Games and other international events. The hosting of major sports events recently will a make Hong Kong a key city for sports events.

Yeung is confident that with the relaxation of Covid-related restrictions, more overseas visitors and arts performing groups will return. “Hong Kong’s spirit is our culture and we need to promote our culture overseas; but the most effective way is for them to visit Hong Kong and observe people working and enjoying life with our Can-do Spirit.”

In the program, Yeung shows audiences a scrap metal sculpture, a walking businessman holding a briefcase, which illustrates his Lion Rock Spirit. “This upcycled statue reminds me that I have to walk in the community among the people, communicate with them, and listen to what they have to say in order to do my job well.”

Despite his hectic work schedule, Yeung stresses the importance of finding the right work-life balance, and he always reminds his colleagues to spend time with their family.

To find out more, watch Season 2, Episode 8 of Friday Beyond Spotlights tonight at 8:30pm on the HKIBC channel (#76).

Watch the trailer of Episode 8 on https://youtu.be/P_I4zvBrGpk