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15 May, 2011
A 1,000-strong Cast from Both Sides of the Border Light Up The Hong Kong
May Fourth Youth Festival Gala
This year marks the 92nd anniversary of the May Fourth Movement. On May 15, the Hong Kong May Fourth Youth Festival Gala was held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Through this event, the Committee of the Hong Kong Youth Alliance for the Commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of the 1911 Revolution hoped to highlight the abiding values that were at the heart of the May Fourth Movement: patriotism, progress, democracy and the pursuit of science. The gala had received the full support of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, various departments of the HKSAR and numerous other organizations. For the more than 7,000 spectators who turned out for the event, young performers from Hong Kong and China put on a show that was as educational as it was entertaining.
The gala getting under way with an commencement ceremony presided over by more than 30 guests of honor on stage, some of whom carry banners with the words “democracy”, “science”, “patriotism”, etc. These banners are placed on a specially prepared horizontal pole, which is then hoisted aloft to the accompaniment of music and fireworks in a exuberantly festive display. Ninth from right is Mr. Kit Szeto.
The more than 7,000 spectators getting caught up in the festive atmosphere.
As the representative of one of the supporting organizations, Mr. Kit Szeto, Director & CEO of Dim Sum TV, attended the event, which was co-hosted by Dim Sum TV presenter, Mr. Kelvin Tang, and RTHK presenter, Ms. Candy Chea. Dim Sum TV has been a sponsor of the May Fourth Festival every year. According to Mr. Kit Szeto, Dim Sum TV has always been a forward-looking organization, and as young people are the future of society, the network’s involvement in this event is particularly meaningful.
A young female performer from the Naxi tribe in Lijiang, Yunnan, teaching Dim Sum TV presenter, Mr. Kelvin Tang, an intricate dance step.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Edmond Lee, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, said that the May Fourth Movement was not only a rallying cry for Chinese patriots; it was also a milestone in the modernization of China, a unifying symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy for close to 100 years.
Ms. Florence Hui, Under-Secretary for Home Affairs, said in her address that the events of today are best seen through the lens of history. Once we understand the odyssey of the Chinese nation and the role Hong Kong has played in it, we will truly appreciate what the country has achieved against all odds. Similarly, we will be all the more thankful for Hong Kong’s unique position and the many opportunities we enjoy. Indeed, it is only by retracing our steps through history that we will know how to move forward.
Some of the close to 1,000 young performers from Hong Kong and the mainland posing for photographers with the guests of honour.
Director General of Youth Department from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Ms. Han Shu Xia (7th from left, front row) and representatives of the event organizers and sponsors before the event.
Mr. Kit Szeto receiving a commemorative gift from Mr. Edmond Lee, Chairman of the Committee. First from right is Mr. Rock Chen, Executive Chairman of the Committee; fourth from right is Mr. Tsang Chi Hung, Executive Chairman of the Committee.
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