ENG-2017 — Page 347

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Media and Communications

The Washington office also presented the 22nd Annual 'Made in Hong Kong' Film Festival, co- sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution. The event featured appearances by director Wong Chun and screenwriter Florence Chan.

In the eastern US, the New York ETO promoted, under the theme of the anniversary celebrations, the tremendous progress Hong Kong had made since 1997 to become the most vibrant international financial and business hub in Asia. Through 20 visits to 13 states and more than 20 big events, the office reached out to financial, business, political and government leaders; major think tanks; and key media, arts and cultural institutions.

The phenomenal year began with a bang as the New York office sponsored international fashion designer Ms Vivienne Tam's Hong Kong-inspired collection. To highlight more of Hong Kong's soft strengths, the office supported Hong Kong film festivals in New York City and Chicago, introduced a young crop of actors and filmmakers to US audiences, promoted the Asian Youth Orchestra's tours in North Carolina and New York, and supported the debut recital of musicians and works of composers.

With the office's support, two Hong Kong rugby youth teams took part for the first time in the Hell Gate Sevens in New York. US collegiate and high school rugby teams competed for HKSAR anniversary tournament trophies in Philadelphia and New York City. The office also sponsored anniversary races at the Hong Kong dragon boat festivals in New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

The year 2017 saw many varied programmes organised by the San Francisco ETO to celebrate the HKSAR's 20th anniversary. Kicking off the celebrations was a one-of-a-kind art installation by artist Freeman Lau. Six vase-shaped bamboo lanterns of up to six metres stood proudly outside the City Hall of San Francisco for almost three months, showcasing unique Hong Kong craftsmanship.

Besides gala receptions in four cities, the office presented a special concert, A Musical Journey, at the historic Herbst Theatre in San Francisco and the prestigious Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The Hong Kong Oratorio Society partnered with San Francisco Bay Area's Voices of the Valley for the first time to perform in California, and its Chinese Music Ensemble performed at the Dallas reception. A 'Hong Kong Showcase' in Seattle and nine other film festivals presented or supported by the office across five US states entertained filmgoers.

Other major events included a business leadership luncheon on Hong Kong's innovation and technology, and a Hong Kong Young Entrepreneur Competition launched to let US college students learn more about Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem. Five students won a week-long trip to experience Hong Kong first-hand.

In another first, a youth team from Hong Kong joined the Hong Kong-Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival, where anniversary banners filled the venue.

The Toronto ETO organised a series of events to celebrate the HKSAR's 20th anniversary. It hosted two gala dinners in Toronto and Vancouver to showcase Hong Kong's achievements in

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