Share Links in WeChat Moments
Open WeChat, switch to the Discover tab from the bottom, and scan the code to share.
Copy Success!
Media

Press Releases

KWIH Garners “Award for Arts Sponsorship” at Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2017 from Hong Kong Arts Development Council in Recognition of its Dedicated Efforts in Sponsoring Local Arts Programmes and Promoting Arts development

14 May 2018

(Hong Kong - 14 May 2018) - K. Wah International Holdings Limited (“KWIH” or “Group”) (stock code: 173) garnered the “Award for Arts Sponsorship” at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2017 (the “Awards”) from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (“HKADC”) on 11 May. Established by HKADC, the Awards aim to recognise the contribution of individual sponsors, organisations and groups to the development of the arts in Hong Kong and to encourage sponsorship and promotion of local arts programmes.

KWIH has spared no effort in advancing arts development in Hong Kong and promoting opera as an essential part of its good attempt. As the Honorary Patron of Opera Hong Kong (“OHK”) since 2013, KWIH has collaborated with OHK and helped promote local arts and culture by sponsoring world famous opera productions in Hong Kong. Through such endeavours, it has not only provided local artists with more valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and performance participation, but has also enhanced a greater public appreciation of opera, with a view to sustain the value and heritage of arts development and elevate the stature of Hong Kong as an international metropolis.

Paddy Lui, Executive Director of KWIH, said, “We are honoured to be recognised by HKADC for our efforts in promoting operatic performance in Hong Kong. The ‘Award for Arts Sponsorship’ not only acknowledges our contribution in opera and performing arts promotion, but also reflects our dedication to enhancing the value and heritage of local arts.”

Organising “Opera Everywhere” promotional event

KWIH believes that operas are rich in history, spirituality, philosophy and knowledge of life. The art form not only can enrich people’s soul and mind, its promotion can help building a better community. In order to bring opera to the community and attract the participation of young people, Opera Hong Kong organised the promotional event, “Opera Everywhere” with the support of KWIH, which is conducted through two long-term approaches: first, by staging more opera performances to attract young people to participate and appreciate the art of opera; second, through carrying out relevant education and outreach projects, KWIH hopes to facilitate the future development of opera and foster vocal talents.

Title sponsoring world-class operas in Hong Kong

Between 2016 and 2017, KWIH has been the title sponsor of two world-class operas, and invited Hong Kong production teams for participation. The performances were Otello by the most influential opera composer of the 19th century, Giuseppe Verdi, and The Barber of Serville, a comic opera for family by Gioacchino Rossini; both works were deeply loved by the audience.

Fostering a new generation of talented artists

In the aspects of education and promotion, KWIH supports Opera Hong Kong to conduct regular concerts and mini opera tours to universities, secondary and primary schools every year, through activities such as introductory talks on famous operas, light-hearted performances and games, the new generations are introduced to the art of opera in an accessible way. To foster new vocal talents, KWIH sponsors the annual “K. Wah Opera Hong Kong Summer School” to provide professional training and opportunities of stage performances for talented children. Selected participants will receive a three-week intensive training, which includes vocal, drama, performance, dancing and singing. During the training, participants are allowed to experience the charm of opera and enhance their self-confidence, creativity and expression skills; and broaden their understanding of performing arts.

KWIH provides scholarships to outstanding undergraduates and postgraduates and encourage them to pursue overseas vocal training, advanced courses or opera master classes with the hope to nurture arts professionals to support the long-term development of opera arts in Hong Kong.

Looking forward

KWIH is looking forward to working with more diverse arts groups to continue the goal of promoting arts to the public, especially the younger generations and their participation through arts education and to promote the arts development in Hong Kong. KWIH would continue to support the cultivation of local artists and management talents, expecting to popularise opera art on a larger scale, through which the unique artistic ambience of Hong Kong as a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures could be manifested.

- End -

On behalf of KWIH, Shelly Cheng, Deputy General Manager - Corporate Affairs (middle) and Rita Lai, Assistant General Manager - Corporate Affairs (left) receive the “Award for Arts Sponsorship” at Hong Kong Arts Development Awards from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council presented by Mr Ma Fung-kwok, the Legislative member (Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication constituency) and a member of the Awards Chief Adjudication Panel, in recognition of its dedication in sponsoring local arts programmes and promoting arts development. Over 30 individuals, organisations and groups are recognized in the Awards Ceremony. (photo credit: Hong Kong Arts Development Council)

K. L. Wong, Chairman of Opera Hong Kong and Independent Non - executive Director of KWIH (sixth from the right) and representatives of Opera Hong Kong together with KWIH representatives include Charles Wong, Associate Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs (sixth from the left), Shelly Cheng, Deputy General Manager - Corporate Affairs (fifth from the left), Rita Lai, Assistant General Manager - Corporate Affairs (fifth from the right) attended the award presentation ceremony

KWIH and OHK encourages appreciation of operatic arts among young generation by organising education and outreach programmes, including mini opera tours and concerts in local tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, in which students will be introduced to renowned opera productions through stage performances and games, etc.

To nurture the next generation of vocal talent, KWIH sponsors the “K. Wah OHK Summer School”, an annual three-week intensive programme which opera training is given to talented children in areas including vocal, drama, performance, dancing and singing instruction. Through this training programme, participants will be able to experience the unique charm of the opera, elevate their self-confidence, imagination and expressive skills while broadening their horizons in in performing arts

KWIH is committed to investing resources in local performing arts and hope to popularize opera by sponsoring world-class operas e.g. Otello, The Barber of Serville and Aida to be staged in Hong Kong

KWIH provides scholarships to outstanding undergraduates and postgraduates for overseas vocal training and advanced courses with the hope to nurture arts professionals to support the long-term development of opera arts in Hong Kong

Warren Mok introduced “Opera everywhere” in K. Wah Facebook

K. Wah held mini game on facebook to give away Aida tickets to the public with overwhelming response