The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has announced policy measures to strengthen ties and collaboration with the world.

To increase cooperation on the global stage, the relationship will continue to prioritize people-to-people interactions to allow for better communication for all parties. It is hoped that the new year can bring more of an understanding and interlinkage, particularly in sectors related to culture, education, youth participation, tourism and sportsmanship.

Throughout the years, the bridge that has been built between Hong Kong and Indonesia has been facilitated based on people-to-people connection. This has been beneficial to both, with Hong Kong’s strategic place on the global stage opening Indonesia to a vast number of opportunities to build ties with other regions.

Bilateral collaboration is an essential factor in Indonesia's ability to thrive and prosper, and Hong Kong is ready to help bring Indonesia into the future as a trusted partner.

Culture

Efforts by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)

• The government will establish the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to strengthen cultural exchanges and promote people-to-people bonds through creative sectors
• Inject HK$4.3 billion into the Film Development Fund and the CreateSmart Initiative for financial support                         
• Launch the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme to assist Hong Kong filmmakers enhance international exchanges, and nurture new talents

What has been done in 2023

• HKETO Jakarta sponsored the 16th Bali International Film Festival and 18th Jogja Asian Film Festival
• Facilitated an exchange of ideas between industry players from Hong Kong and Indonesia, particularly by introducing Hong Kong’s filmmakers to communities in Bali
• The HKETO collaborated with Aula Simfonia Jakarta to invite Belle Shiu from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to perform in Jakarta.

Education

Efforts by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)

• Develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education
• Increase the admissions quota of non-local students to government-funded post-secondary institutions
• Increase the quota of the Belt and Road Scholarship by 50 percent for the 2024/25 academic year
• Temporarily exempt non-local post-graduates from restrictions on taking up part-time jobs to enhance experience and increase incentive to stay after graduation
• Allow non-local students of designated full-time professional Higher Diploma programmes of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) to stay and seek jobs one year after graduation

What has been done in 2023

• The HKSAR established the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund in 2008 to give due recognition to distinguished local and non-local students
• The Belt and Road Scholarship has been offered by the HKSAR Government to students from the Belt and Road Region, including Indonesia, since the 2016/17 academic year

Youth

Efforts by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)

• As Hong Kong’s future, the government will capitalize on its strength in education to help young people prepare for their future
• The government will continue to implement various youth exchange and internship programs overseas to promote people-to-people ties
• It will organize the Youth Development Summit in mid-2024, a highlight of the 2024 Youth Festival, and invite the participation of guest speakers and youth groups from abroad

What has been done in 2023

• HKETO Jakarta offered internship opportunities under the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong higher education students
• HKETO Jakarta welcomed the Belt and Road Pioneer delegation to learn and get a better understanding of Indonesia’s culture and economy
• Sharing session between the Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB) – HKETO Jakarta, consisting of students from the Business Strategies and Engagement course to learn more about Hong Kong - Indonesia cooperation
• An increase of up to 80 placement positions for the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong higher education students

Tourism

Efforts by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)

• Formulate the development blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourist Industry 2.0, and develop signature tourist products
• Enhance the existing Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme to provide in-depth itinerary design and training and encourage the development of more thematic tours
• Continue to join hands with the HKTB to liaise with different event organizers and support their hosting of mega events
• Formulate an action plan to create demand for cruise tourism products and improve supporting infrastructure to boost competitiveness as Asia’s cruise hub
• Establish inter-departmental Working Group on Smart Tourism to be led by the culture, sports and tourism secretary to implement smart tourism-related measures

What has been done in 2023

• The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) organized a large-scale ASEAN familiarization trip in late 2022 to launch novel tourist products
• The HKTB invited Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) trade representatives from ASEAN in October 2023 to take part in the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, visit the World of Frozen at Disneyland and try out local cafes and cuisines
• The HKTB actively promoted the Muslim source markets and invited media representatives from Muslim regions to visit local “Muslim-friendly” establishments in Hong Kong
• The Information Services Department (ISD) launched “Immersive Hong Kong” to present Hong Kong in a unique way, and offer a chance to win round-trip plane tickets from Jakarta to Hong Kong through an interactive game.

Sports

Efforts by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)

• Attract elite athletes by hosting over 15 major international sports events supported by the “M” Mark system
• Enhance the staffing arrangements and professional standards of the Sports Medicine Center of the Hong Kong Sports Institute to provide more comprehensive sports medicine support for elite athletes

What has been done in 2023

• HKETO Jakarta sponsored Jakarta International Dragon Boat Festival to strengthen Hong Kong - Indonesia relations through sports
• Hong Kong athletes, includingAngus Ng Ka Long participated in Indonesia Masters 2023 and Indonesia Open 2023 badminton championships

This article was published in collaboration with Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

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