July 1, 2009 marked the 12th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. A ceremony to celebrate Hong Kong’s Participation in Expo 2010 was held in Shanghai on that day. Henry Tang Ying-yen, the Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong SAR, was present at the opening ceremony and said, “Hong Kong will participate in Expo 2010 as much as possible, and, at the same time, we will introduce and promote Hong Kong, the metropolis, to people from home and abroad through the Expo and learn about other cities’ advanced experiences.”

City of Technology and Intelligence

The Octopus Card , which allows Hong Kong residents to purchase many different things, including public transportation, is no longer a novelty for people who have been to Hong Kong. This smart card can be used not only on all the public transportation in Hong Kong, but also in other areas. The Octopus Card now has become an indispensible “electronic purse” and “access card” for the residents of Hong Kong. In addition, smart ID and automatic tunnel toll systems are widely utilized in Hong Kong, making urban life more colourful.

The theme of Hong Kong’s unique practice case is ”Smart Card, Smart City, Smart Life”. Simulation facilities and multimedia technology will be utilized to demonstrate the innovative application of smart cards. Multiple ideas and wonderfully interactive media will surely impress and magnetize visitors. The “Dynamic video wall” is a major highlight. Every image spot represents a visitor entering the exhibition hall or browsing the online exhibition hall. The constantly changing number of visitors will make the video wall dynamic, and in this way visitors may feel like they are in Hong Kong, the “City of Life”. Inside the hall, the friendly and hospitable virtual guide awaits the arrival of visitors, and will lead them to experience an ordinary day in Hong Kong. Visitors will discover how Hong Kong residents use smart cards to enter and exit Hong Kong, pay bills, enter and leave buildings and record class or work attendance.

City of Culture and Arts

Hong Kong is a place where eastern and western cultures meet; where culture and the arts thrive. Talented people also gather there. This makes Hong Kong one of the metropolises with the most modern atmosphere in Asia.

Large-scale arts events are held there annually, including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival, International Arts Carnival, and many others. In addition, the city has cultivated its legend as the kingdom of film over the past 20 years, with the number of films produced there ranking amongst the highest in the world.

According to Henry Tang Ying-yen, there will be many wonderful art performances at both the opening and closing ceremonies of Hong Kong Pavilion in Expo Shanghai. The charm of the culture and arts of Hong Kong will be showcased to visitors from all parts of the world. Two arts exhibitions will be held by Hong Kong to introduce the development and innovation of ink painting and Hong Kong’s unique culture of integrating east and west. During the Expo, drama and dancing performances by Hong Kong local performing groups will take place regularly , and the famous Hong Kong Sinfonietta will also take part in Expo Shanghai. From October 18-22, 2010, the five-day Hong Kong Week will usher visitors into Hong Kong’s palace of culture and arts with the theme of performing arts, fashion and film. At that time, some of Hong Kong’s film and TV stars will also be present at the Expo and interact closely with visitors.

From Tang’s perspective, “Unlimited”, the keyword of Hong Kong Pavilion, is not an abstract concept, but real and tangible. “Hong Kong is a city that links the world as well as nature. You are all welcome to Expo Shanghai to experience the ‘Unlimited’ and wonderful feeling at the Hong Kong Pavilion.”