FMC – Film Music Contest 2022: Now Open for Registration

LONDON, Jun 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – This year's unique international competition was officially launched for all music and film artists to enter their compositions and films featuring original scores.

FMC-Film Music Contest is the biggest international music competition and awards of its kind in Europe intended for composers of original music for Film, TV, Ads, Videogames. For sound designers, bands, musicians, instrumentalists, soloists, producers, filmmakers, and videographers, with no age limits and irrespective of nationality or country of origin.

The FMC 2022 organising team is excited to welcome all talented artists with their original music and audiovisual works and will be searching for them in all countries on all continents.

Along with the opening of the competition, FMC 2022's official video trailer was also un-veiled: https://youtu.be/ocMPxEYAioc

Registration for the four competition categories is now open and offers several ways to enter. Contestants may enter musical compositions, films or videos with original scores they have already prepared in the following categories: 1. Instrumental Music; or 2. Music for Film, TV, Ads, Video Games. Alternatively, contestants have a unique opportunity to work on a visually appealing film-based or video-game competition material specially made for this year in the following categories: 3. Film Scoring "Casino.sk" or 4. Video Game Scoring "Die by the Blade".

This year's Music Score for the Visual Media competition categories will once again feature visually engaging materials for entrants to get creative in their music composition and hone their compositional skills.

You can register for FMC 2022 and all competition categories online at the official competition website here: www.fmcontest.com

"These categories are definitely open to any musician or composer, so everyone is sure to find the category they identify with in terms of composition and musical arrangement. The entire process of registering for the competition, composing a new song, working on attractive visuals, and doing the final mixing and mastering in your studio before delivering entries is very interesting and highly creative. Judging from the responses of our contestants in previous years, it is also a way for many artists to have some fun and take a break from their everyday work, which we're very pleased about," said FMC director Vlado Zeleznak Jr.

Who will decide the winners?

The prestigious international jury in the FMC are composers, musicians from the EU, USA, Asia, Australia the professional elite in the music and film industry, working for Hollywood, Asian and European film studios, TV broadcasters, Netflix, etc.

Past and present FMC judges, complete with short bios, have been posted in the jury section of the official website here: https://www.fmcontest.com/jury/

During the 75th International Film Festival in Cannes, France, and its film market event, the Marche du Film, where the people behind FMC pitched the event to new partners, the competition's creators teamed up on a video call with the jury's chairman Vlado Meller. Fresh from working on the latest album by the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers, Meller said, "I'm looking forward to FMC 2022 and all the contestants and their original compositions very much, especially in the instrumental music category since it will be very interesting to compare the level to previous years."

On the heels of its new media partnerships with SOS–Sound On Sound and Music Connection, the FMC-Film Music Contest is thrilled to welcome Universal Audio alongside its long-standing partners.

This new partner, one of the world's premier music companies, probably needs no special introduction to any musician. For many, the first things that spring to mind upon hearing that name are pioneering sound recording, innovative recording products since the company's very start, superlative product quality, cutting-edge design, and popular equipment and standards in recording studios around the world. We are honoured to welcome Universal Audio on board for FMC 2022: "The world's leader in Thunderbolt audio interfaces, analogue recording hardware, and UAD audio plug-ins." New high-value hardware from this partner will be included in the unique and highly desirable package of prizes for FMC 2022's winners.

Not only that, winners will also gain plenty of media attention and receive other interesting and attractive media prizes.

FMC would also like to thank all the long-standing partners who have been with us from the start, such as D16 Group Audio Software, PSPaudioware, Meze Audio, and others who have worked with FMC to reward the very best contestants with high-quality music software and hardware.
Information about all the prizes can be found on our new official website here: https://www.fmcontest.com/prizes/

All contestants have just a few months left to register for FMC 2022. The deadline for registration and submission of all entries is 12 September 2022.

Follow FMC-Film Music Contest on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/FilmMusicContest
Instagram: instagram.com/fmcontest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/3oOaG48
#fmcfilmmusiccontest #fmcontest

Media Contact:
Mgr. Vlado Zeleznak JR.
Director FMC-Film Music Contest, PRESS FMC
E: press@fmcontest.com

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Announcing FMC 2022; On June 12, the next chapter for musicians and filmmakers from around the world begins

LONDON, Jun 8, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Several months of intensive preparations are over, and the official countdown to the start and opening of registration for the FMC-Film Music Contest 2022 has begun.

FMC is a unique international music competition for composers of original music for film, TV, advertising and video games, and for filmmakers, videomakers and producers of audio-visual works of any genre.

The FMC international organizing team has prepared a number of changes and surprises for this year's competitors, and after rigorous work, we are happy to present the shape of our new collaborations and gradually publish all of this year's news.

Announcing the Launch of our New Website

The FMC organizing team is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new website! After months in the works, we are happy to officially share it with all of you. You can visit the official FMC 2022 website and check all the news and info here: www.fmcontest.com

New international media partnerships

FMC enjoys growing international popularity and media interest around the world. This year, we gladly and proudly welcome two truly exclusive top music media partners who will help FMC 2022 provide far-reaching international coverage.

Our first partner is a British music magazine which ranks among the world elite and has become a trusted and popular source over the last 35 years to professionals in the music industry for information about all the audio news.

SOS — Sound On Sound
SOS — Sound On Sound. "The world's premier audio recording technology magazine and the trusted resource for all things audio." Well-known and with a rich history, this magazine has informed musicians around the world for more than 35 years and is also a firm favourite of top record producers, mixing/sound engineers and recording artists.

SOS — Sound On Sound, the exclusive media sponsor of FMC 2022, will keep you informed of news from this year's competition on its information channels. Our sponsor has also prepared special prizes for competitors.

Music Connection
We are also excited to announce a new media partner, the US monthly music-trade magazine Music Connection. Established in 1977, this magazine needs no introduction and is a reliable and popular source of information for professionals in the music industry.

Music Connection contains news about major events and festivals in the world and delivers all the important information from the global music industry. The magazine features interviews with the world's biggest stars, such as Bruno Mars, Sting, Imagine Dragons, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and others. It is a great honour to have this magazine on board, and we look forward to our partnership.

We are also pleased about ongoing media partnerships and cooperation with the ACN Newswire the globally recognized press release distributor.

Unique competition categories this year

This year's competition categories will once again deliver visually appealing materials (a feature drama film and a premiere action video game) for creative composers and the space to improve their composing skills. Filmmakers, video makers and production studios will be able to re-engage their original films, videos and series with original music. In a separate competition, audio categories aimed at instrumentalists, instrumental groups, bands, chamber groups, small and large orchestras, soloists, and sound designers will allow submission of previously completed compositions.

International representation of FMC at prestigious events abroad

Members of the FMC organizing team will travel to major European national tours in the coming weeks and months and personally attend several of the most important film events, festivals and markets. At these meetings, they will represent FMC in person and negotiate with potential partners about new collaborations and partnerships to keep pushing the event forward to new levels and bring exclusive content to competitors and fans for many years to come.

More news and information will be published in other press releases and articles on the official competition website.

Follow FMC-Film Music Contest on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/FilmMusicContest
Instagram: instagram.com/fmcontest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/3oOaG48
#fmcfilmmusiccontest

Media Contact:
Mgr. Vlado Zeleznak Jr.
Director, FMC-Film Music Contest, PRESS FMC
E: press@fmcontest.com

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Start-up Express Pitching Final takes place on 15 June

HONG KONG, May 31, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised annually by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has returned for its fifth edition. As they face up to issues arising from the ongoing pandemic and adverse global economy, start-up enterprises are in need of support more than ever before. This year's programme continues to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses by building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.

In 2021, 10 winning teams were selected for the Start-up Express Pitching Final

Allklear advocates the concept of plant-based, functional and sustainable foods through innovative technology to produce a new generation of future health foods

i2cool has developed a radiative cooling paint that reduces the surface temperature of buildings as well as saving energy and reducing carbon emissions

Nurturing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, said the HKTDC would continue its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses, especially during the pandemic, in addition to promoting the city's capabilities in the areas of innovation and technology.

"Since the first edition of Start-up Express in 2018, the programme has already nurtured 40 start-ups, most of which are still active and have expanded on a considerable scale. Start-up Express has given tremendous support to local start-ups, helping them explore global markets, seal major orders and win international awards. We will continue our quest to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, assisting start-ups in growing their businesses to the next level and helping them gain a foothold in the global arena. The HKTDC remains committed to building a sustainable and international entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes local economic growth and business development," Mr Liang said.

New ESG Award recognises socially aware projects

Start-up Express is aimed at local tech start-ups that have plans to expand into international markets. As the pandemic situation gradually begins to ease, innovative business models and fresh ideas will provide a new stimulus for the economy in post-pandemic times. The enrolment for Start-up Express 2022 reflects the great enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs, with shortlisted start-ups coming from a broader spectrum of fields than ever before including emerging technologies such as art tech, green tech, health tech, prop tech, fintech, smart city tech, edtech, food tech and more. This year, the ESG Award has been added to reward the most sustainable and socially efficient start-up.

HKTDC offers full support to boost business development

The Pitching Final of this year's Start-up Express will be held on 15 June. The winning start-ups will be offered access to capability-building workshops, mentoring sessions, exploratory missions to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, marketing sessions, extensive publicity and investor pitching opportunities. These activities will help the winning entrepreneurs hone their business skills, gain access to the latest market insights and acquire business know-how from experienced industry leaders. The winning start-ups will also be presented with opportunities to interact with buyers and investors at HKTDC-organised local and overseas events. In addition, the HKTDC will arrange business matching meetings, helping the entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, increase their media exposure and enhance brand awareness.

Taking the pulse of the market and building a global network

Mr Liang added: "Last year's winning teams stood out because of their innovative and forward-looking ideas. Through Start-up Express they were able to gain more insights into their industries, overseas market trends and investor preferences by participating in different HKTDC-organised events, including the Asia Summit on Global Health, Asian Financial Forum, the Belt and Road Summit, online exhibitions in Mainland China and overseas, and investor meetings in Hong Kong and the mainland. They have also been able to strengthen their business networks and expand their markets and businesses through the exposure they have gained. To help fuel the growth of these start-ups, the HKTDC also leveraged its network of 50 overseas offices worldwide to endorse them in international competitions and connect them to overseas investors through pitching events."

Professional judging panel to select 10 most outstanding start-ups

In the 2022 Pitching Final, the judging panel will select 10 outstanding teams out of 20 shortlisted start-ups. This year's panel comprises Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Group; Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council; Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group; Ben Cheng, Managing Partner, C Ventures; and Arshad Chowdhury, Managing Partner, Betatron Venture Group. In addition, AMTD Group is the Strategic Partner of Start-up Express for the fourth consecutive year.

Start-ups selected for the shortlisted top 20 in the Pitching Final have all presented innovative business solutions that help address social and environmental issues. Among them:

– Allklear advocates the concept of plant-based, functional and sustainable foods through innovative technology to produce a new generation of future health foods.
– i2cool has developed a radiative cooling paint that consumes no energy and does not require any cooling agent, and is able to reduce the surface temperature of buildings.
– PONS.ai, an artificial intelligence-powered phygital social marketplace for art and entertainment products, aims to empower creators worldwide with digital ownership.
– FlashGreen champions environmental friendliness by recycling stocks of short-dated, best-before-date foods from suppliers and reselling them at lower prices in vending machines.

Start-up Express 2022 Pitching Final

– Date: 15 June 2022 (Wednesday)

– Time: 1:45pm Media registration; 2pm-5pm Start-up Express Pitching Final

– Venue:
HKTDC SME Centre
G/F, HKCEC
1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai

Due to limited space, a livestream session will be arranged at the Media Centre. Media representatives are welcome to interview the winning start-ups at the SME Centre after the event has concluded.

– Judging panel
Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Group
Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council
Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group
Ben Cheng, Managing Partner, C Ventures
Arshad Chowdhury, Managing Partner, Betatron Venture Group

– Shortlisted start-ups: Click here ( https://tinyurl.com/Start-up-Express ) to view the profiles of the shortlisted start-ups.

– Start-up Express website: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/

Media registration

To join the online livestreaming of the contest, media representatives are asked to complete the registration form below and email it to clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org. https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en/pressrelease/detail/20354/

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3MYzZxl

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Middle East and Europe to promote Hong Kong’s long-term business opportunities

HONG KONG, May 29, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (May 29) started his duty visit to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait in the Middle East, and Amsterdam, Lisbon and Madrid in Europe as part of the latest efforts of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) to promote Hong Kong's business attractions.

Mr Stephen Phillips

During the visit, Mr Phillips will meet with business leaders from various sectors including innovation and technology, financial services and family offices, fintech, business and professional services, tourism and hospitality, and transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. He will also speak at three events in Abu Dhabi, Lisbon and Madrid, giving updates on Hong Kong's latest business environment and opportunities, highlighting the city's strategic role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the GBA, China, and Asia more widely. The facts speak for themselves: in two surveys conducted last year, we saw a record number of businesses from overseas and the Mainland come to Hong Kong, as well as the largest number of start-ups in Hong Kong."

He added, "Hong Kong offers to companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the up-to-date and real situation in Hong Kong, and particularly how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

About InvestHK

InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Middle East and Europe to promote Hong Kong’s long-term business opportunities

HONG KONG, May 29, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (May 29) started his duty visit to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait in the Middle East, and Amsterdam, Lisbon and Madrid in Europe as part of the latest efforts of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) to promote Hong Kong's business attractions.

Mr Stephen Phillips

Women of Venusverse “Genesis” Collection with NFT Validation by UREEQA now available on Opensea

ONTARIO, CA, Apr 20, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Venusverse, an organization designed to give women insight into the world of Web3, announces the launch of a ground-breaking new NFT collection that will be protected by UREEQA, a leading digital validation company that helps creators protect, manage and monetize creative work.

The Women of Venusverse "Genesis" Collection of 2,022 NFTs is a one-of-a-kind art collection with membership access to the Venusverse community.

Ten percent of revenue from the collection will be donated to the CivicAction Leadership Foundation in support of women in that organization's leadership programs, including the DiverseCity Fellows and the Emerging Leaders Network.

The "Genesis" Collection launched on April 19 on the Opensea.io marketplace.

"2,022" is somewhat of a representation of the number six (2+2+2), which is said to be the number of unconditional love and selflessness. Venus (named after the Roman Goddess of love and beauty) is the sixth planet in the solar system in terms of size and mass. And the 0 comes in because the stars aligned considering Venusverse launched as a company in 2022.

According to Venusverse CEO and co-founder, Janelle Chalouhi, the beautiful, eclectic and diverse 2,022 art pieces "represent women from across the world, bringing us all together under one collection."

Chalouhi described to Ontario-based digital artist and designer Fatima Gharaibeh her vision behind representing diversity among women from across the world as well as the properties and layers she wanted to include in the collection and Gharaibeh brought the vision to life in a beautiful way. That is how the first 114 NFTs were first created, 104 of which are animated. The properties were then used to generate the remaining 1,908 NFTs through generative art.

"To me this was a nod to the new digital era we have entered into, where we use tech to enhance the work we do and hopefully to do good," Chalouhi said.

Collectors who buy into the Genesis Collection of 2,022 NFTs will gain membership access to the Venusverse community, and they'll also be granted peace of mind thanks to UREEQA.

THEMUSEUM's CEO, David Marskell, introduced the two startups and asked both CEOs to serve on a recent panel with Museums Canada. It's only fitting that THEMUSEUM will be hosting the Women of Venusverse launch event in May at their Voodoo Lounge followed by an exhibit.

The next step for Venusverse was to protect the collection, and that's where UREEQA came in. The entire collection will be validated by UREEQA's Responsible Minting(TM) technology, with the platform's Package of Proof(TM) giving buyers the critical assurance that what they're purchasing is the real deal.

"Since I decided to go this route, I knew that the provenance and the authenticity of the collection was so important, especially given the amount of scams that are happening right now," Chalouhi said. "I needed the collection to essentially have a digital signature, which is why we've partnered with UREEQA to validate and authenticate the art, and to make the collection even more exclusive."

"Not only is this UREEQA's first opportunity to validate an entire NFT collection, but it also represents a chance for us to team up with a platform that shares similar values," UREEQA CEO Kirk Fergusson said. "Both UREEQA and Venusverse are focused on launching and supporting art that is honest and authentic, and the best way to provide that assurance to a buyer is by having the work validated. We are thrilled to provide that for the 2,022 collection."

A global network of validators will use UREEQA's platform and technology to analyze the authenticity of the full collection. At the end of the validation process, a Package of Proof will be generated which documents all the steps taken by UREEQA and its validation team to verify the authenticity of the work. The key information is made available on a provenance page, which is contained in the Venusverse website, providing an easy-to-use resource for prospective NFT buyers to verify the authenticity of a creation of interest.

And because key information about the creative work's authenticity is stored in a record on the blockchain, drop-day purchasers and those who buy the validated work on resale can be assured that they're getting the legit product, no matter when or where they're jumping in.

About VENUSVERSE

Venusverse is Canada's first female-founded female-focused educational program, incubator and NFT collection. Through awareness, education, thought leadership and a supportive community, Venusverse removes barriers to entry for women in the world of Web3.

– Website: www.venusverse.ca
– Instagram: @venus_verse
– LinkedIn: Venusverse
– Twitter: @venusverse_ca

About UREEQA

Established in Canada in 2020, UREEQA is modernizing the inefficient and bureaucratic systems currently in place for copyright protection. By building a robust and compelling Package of Proof(TM) for source creative work, UREEQA only mints Validated NFTs to represent creative rights. This helps keep buyers safe by giving them confidence that the work they are purchasing was minted by the smart contract approved by the creator of the work and is therefore authentic.

The UREEQA platform strives to protect creators' work, their rights and their revenue by harnessing the power of blockchain technology. UREEQA provides value and opportunities for its creators, validators and token holders via URQA, the token at the heart of the UREEQA ecosystem. For more information on UREEQA and upcoming announcements, please visit our website, join our Telegram channel and Discord server, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

– Website: https://www.ureeqa.com/
– Discord: https://discord.com/channels/756566642418384906/824682437417369654
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ureeqa_inc/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ureeqainc/
– Telegram: https://t.me/UREEQA
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/UREEQA_Inc

About THEMUSEUM

We are THEMUSEUM – ONEWORDUPPERCASE. We are a new kind of experiential museum – one of maverick ideas and unexpected intersections. No dusty objects and no velvet ropes. We are a premier cultural destination dedicated to presenting fresh, inspiring content from around the globe in unique and immersive ways designed to showcase art & technology at play.

– Website: www.THEMUSEUM.ca
– Instagram: @THEMUSEUMkitchener
– Facebook: THEMUSEUMkitchener
– Twitter: @THEMUSEUM
– YouTube: THEMUSEUMtv

For additional information, please contact: David.Marskell@THEMUSEUM.ca

Disclaimer:
Statements in this article, including any statements relating to UREEQA's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in technology development and commercialization. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Do your own research!

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

More than 830,000 visitors attend 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair

HONG KONG, Jul 20, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the debut HKTDC World of Snacks drew to a successful close today. The seven-day fairs, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted more than 830,000 visitors, offering a brand-new experience by bringing together a broad selection of books, sports and leisure products and snacks from more than 760 exhibitors.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded today. The event welcomed more than 830,000 visitors during its seven-day fair period, running concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the debut HKTDC World of Snacks.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo showcased a broad selection of sports and leisure products and services, allowing visitors to try out different experiences, discover new interests and make good use of their leisure time.

The new HKTDC World of Snacks was well-received, featuring six thematic zones and bringing together more than 1,000 popular treats from across the globe.

Book Fair marks return of large-scale physical public shows, with more to come

Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "This year's Hong Kong Book Fair attracted more than 830,000 visitors over its seven-day run. We express our sincere gratitude to exhibitors and the general public for their support. The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the debut World of Snacks also drew eager participation, offering visitors a wide range of activities and products, as well as a relaxing and diverse experience."

Mr Chau added that the gradual recovery of the local economy will lead to the return of more physical public shows, and that the HKTDC is preparing to stage more such exhibitions to give a further boost to the recovery. These include the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which will run from 25 to 29 July, as well as the HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Beauty & Wellness Expo, HKTDC Home Delights Expo and HKTDC Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Special Edition), which will run from 12 to 16 August.

Hundreds of cultural activities attract 310,000+ attendees

More than 250 cultural events were held on-site during the fair period, including the Theme of the Year: "Inspiring the Mind and Refreshing the Soul" Seminar Series, the Renowned Writers Seminar Series, and seminars under the theme English and International Reading. A total of over 600 events have been held to date in connection with the Book Fair, including activities under the month-long Cultural July citywide campaign, drawing more than 310,000 attendees. Five seminars under the Renowned Writers banner were streamed live online and attracted more than 130,000 views, enabling booklovers outside Hong Kong to participate virtually.

Average per capita spending at Book Fair reaches HK$817

The HKTDC commissioned an independent market research agency to conduct an on-site survey during the Book Fair, interviewing more than 800 visitors. Respondents reported that their average per capita spending at the Book Fair was HK$817, representing 65% of their overall average annual spending on books (HK$1,262). The survey results highlight the fact that the Book Fair remains a major book-purchasing platform for the public. Most respondents said they were drawn to the event by the prospect of new releases (82%), followed by discounted items (40%), children's books (17%) and diversified cultural activities (17%).

Most popular genres: fiction, literature, comics, self-improvement and travel

The survey also revealed more about the reading habits and preferences of visitors. Some 98% of respondents said they had read printed books in the past month, spending an average of 20 hours reading. The most popular genres were fiction (58%), literature (38%), comics (26%), self-improvement (22%) and travel (18%), with other popular genres including language study, social science, and arts and music. The survey also found that more than 70% of respondents had read e-books in the past month, spending an average of 15 hours reading.

Array of onsite hygiene measures provide reassurance

With the safety of the public and exhibitors remaining its top priority, the HKTDC adopted a range of onsite hygiene measures during the fairs. A total of 82% of respondents said they were satisfied with the crowd control measures adopted, while 86% said the various health measures put in place at the fairground helped to reassure them during their visit. The vaccination incentive campaign launched by the HKTDC along with a number of exhibitors was well received by the public. The HKTDC also offered some 30,000 free admissions to vaccinated visitors.

Exhibitions, seminars and more continue in Cultural July

While the Hong Kong Book Fair closed today, readers can still revisit recordings from about 100 selected seminars through the fair website or via the HKTDC's online video channels. The Cultural July citywide campaign continues until the end of this month with a broad range of activities including arts and cultural tours, exhibitions and seminars. For details, please visit the Cultural July website.

Sports and Leisure Expo and debut World of Snacks well-attended

The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the debut World of Snacks also concluded today, after showcasing a broad selection of sports and leisure products and services along with tasty treats from across the globe. On-site events organised by the HKTDC, as well as various trials and interactive experiences offered by exhibitors, were enthusiastically received. The World of Snacks offered a brand-new experience to visitors and helped to create a vibrant atmosphere at the fairground.

Websites
Hong Kong Book Fair: http://www.hkbookfair.com
Cultural July: http://www.hkbookfair.com/culturaljuly
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo: http://www.hktdc.com/hksportsleisureexpo
World of Snacks: https://worldofsnacks.hktdc.com
Book Fair video playlist: https://bit.ly/3ziVX6P
Photo download link: https://bit.ly/3z6Ssk2

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department

Hong Kong Book Fair
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Digital Tools to Revitalize Global Tourism

MADRID, SPAIN, Jul 18, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. An agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability. Presented during the UNWTO Mayors' Forum in Porto, Portugal, MUST is an opportunity for the advancement of smart cities, as well as destinations that incorporate technology and innovation in their development.

A World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the services of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability.

The UNWTO continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. The UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, and Pablo Lopez, CEO and founder of MUST Travel & Tech in Porto, Portugal.

Already operating in 60 countries, MUST aggregates all the information of interest to travellers in one place. By also integrating key information and analysis from UNWTO, it aims to become a leading tourism application and generate opportunities for destinations.

Technology at the service of development

Visibility provided through technological tools is an opportunity for those who, along the entire value chain of the sector, require support to restart their activity, from new destinations around rural communities to destinations with a high degree of infrastructure development.

"We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili upon signing the agreement.

For his part, the CEO of MUST, Pablo Lopez, highlighted that "technology enhances the productivity and resilience of companies. The implementation of digital solutions in line with new trends in the tourism sector allows us to develop a differentiated, personalized and safe tourism product that is more focused on behaviour patterns and the management of spaces that will undoubtedly contribute to the recovery of a key activity for the economy in general".

A distinctive element will be the contribution of tourism intelligence from the UNWTO to the users of the tool. In this way, relevant and verified social content is combined with data for making informed and evidence-based decisions. MUST provides the perfect ecosystem to stimulate both the supply and the demand of meaningful experiences through digitalisation, sustainability and social recommendations. As Katherine Hays (one of MobileMarketer's Mobile Women to Watch) expressed, "It is becoming increasingly clear that a major social + digital disrupter in the Travel & Experiences industry is imminent, especially once the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the industry start fading away. Why can't that be Must?"

Related links:
https://discovermust.page.link/IG
https://www.unwto.org/news/digital-tools-to-revitalize-tourism

Contact details:
Pablo Lopez, Co- Founder & CEO
Organization of the PR: Must Travel & Tech SL
Website URL: www.discovermust.com
Email: pablo@discovermust.com / info@discovermust.com

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

30th HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opens today

HONG KONG, Jul 15, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 30th edition of the HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opened today and runs until 18 July (Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The expo is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks, all taking place at the HKCEC. Open to the public free of charge, the two major sections at the expo – Education and Careers – provide comprehensive information on education and job opportunities.

L-R: Benjamin Chau; Michele Anderson, Vice-Consul, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada in HK; Benoit Cormier, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of France in HK and Macau; Ingrid Yeung, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service of the HKSAR; Margaret Fong; Carrie Yau, Executive Director, Vocational Training Council; Stephen Mann, AD – Student & Curriculum Development, Hong Kong Institute of Construction; Lai Kam Fai, Chief Engineer, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

Six educational zones have been set up at this year's expo, including the Self-Betterment Zone, Tertiary Academy Zone, Vocational and Professional Education Zone, Continuing Education Zone, Creative and Educational Support Services Zone and International Exchange Village.

More than 90 on-site events are being organised during the expo, including fire investigation dog performances and seminars on further education, career opportunities, immigration information and working holidays in overseas countries.

Ingrid Yeung, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), officiated at the opening ceremony this morning. In her welcoming remarks, Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said: "Entering its 30th edition, the Education & Careers Expo is a one-stop platform for students and jobseekers looking to review a broad range of education opportunities and career options. This year, we are delighted to welcome 800 exhibitors, including educational institutions, government departments, public organisations, professional associations and private enterprises representing 14 countries and regions."

Six education-themed zones highlight local and overseas opportunities

Six educational zones have been set up at this year's expo, including the Tertiary Academy Zone, Vocational and Professional Education Zone, Continuing Education Zone, Creative and Educational Support Services Zone, International Exchange Village and the newly launched Self-Betterment Zone, featuring a wide range of courses and self-enhancement programmes offered by different educational institutes for students, especially Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) graduates looking to chart a pathway according to their interests and capabilities.

The expo's education theme days highlight studying in the United States (16 July), France (17 July) and Canada (18 July), with representatives from consulate general offices on hand to introduce the prerequisites for admission, application procedures, information on campus life and more. Visitors can also meet with representatives from various officially recognised bodies to get first-hand information on studying abroad. Participating institutions include Advantage Austria Hong Kong and Jinan University and Huaqiao University from Mainland China.

Career theme days highlight employment trends

Catering to the recruitment demands of various industries, the expo will feature four career theme days that highlight employment trends. On the Construction Progression Pathway theme today (15 July), the supporting organisation – the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) – invites its lecturers and graduates to discuss the manpower situation and current prospects within the industry, and introduce course details in areas such as painting and decorating, joinery, site surveying and welding. Virtual reality training equipment and students' work in electrical installation is also being showcased. The Electrical & Mechanical Engineering theme day tomorrow (16 July), co-organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Trade Promotion Working Group, will invite industry professionals to share on current and future prospects in the industry and introduce the popular Engineering Graduate Training Scheme and Technician Training Scheme.

On the third day of the expo (17 July), the brand-new Skills theme, organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), invites several winners from the WorldSkills Competition to share their experience. Various seminars are being organised to enrich participants' knowledge on different skills, including interior design, wardrobe, jewellery and webpage development. On the last day of the expo (18 July), medical and healthcare professionals will share their work experience, the career pathway and job requirements during the Introduction to Healthcare and Medical Sector theme day.

On-the-spot recruitment provides opportunities from various industries

The Youth Zone gathers information on continuing education and career planning for young people. This year, representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will introduce a range of popular courses such as floral design, barista skills, art therapy, speech therapy and STEM learning. Building Inspection is one of the highlights this year, with representatives sharing insider knowledge and details of career development in the industry, as well as interview tips for young candidates. In addition, information on the Working Holiday Scheme provided by various consulates can also be found at the expo, allowing young people to explore opportunities overseas.

Meanwhile, this year's Recruitment Square will cooperate with various recruitment platforms, public organisations and private companies to offer more than 2,600 job opportunities during the expo. WHub, a Hong Kong start-up community platform, will work with nine local start-ups for on-site recruitment and there will also be a range of summer jobs and temporary internships on offer for younger people. In addition, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will set up a booth to help young people explore opportunities for study, work and entrepreneurship arising from the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Celebrities share practical tips

More than 90 on-site events will be organised as part of the expo, including fire investigation dog performances, seminars on further education, career opportunities, immigration information, working holidays and management trainee programmes, and sharing sessions on working in the mainland. Various celebrities will also be offering their valuable experiences and insights.

Jayden Lam, renowned DSE Chinese tutor, spoke earlier today and shared his tips on entering the tutoring industry and the future prospects it presents. Dominic Tong, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and guest host of the TVB programme Sidewalk Scientist, will share intriguing ways to understand physics to spur people's learning interest along with interesting thoughts on exploring potential on 16 July. The following day, Bonnie Wong, DJ from Commercial Radio Hong Kong, will talk about her career experience after graduation and how she made her dream come true by embracing the opportunity to become a TV and radio host. On the last day of the expo (18 July), Education expert Jeffrey Hui will advise participants on the strategies for studying in the UK and offer golden tips on how to put together a great CV.

Expo website: https://hkeducationexpo.hktdc.com/
Activity schedule: https://bit.ly/3wyG5vm
Photo download: https://qrgo.page.link/2ueys

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

First Ever NFT Exhibition in Australia Organized by Local NFT Marketplace – NFT STARS

SYDNEY, Jul 15, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The Australian NFT marketplace NFT STARS made its debut on the NFT stage in early July 2021 and is rapidly conquering the market with its celebrity auctions, having already sold artwork for a handsomely high sum of 229 ETH. Now, the marketplace aims to close the gap between traditional and digital art and is organizing the first-ever NFT art exhibition and conference in Australia – SIDUS. The event will be held in Melbourne on 7th-13th August at the contemporary gallery SpACE @ Collins.

NFT STARS is a new NFT marketplace that was launched in July 2021. The new platform set the bar high with a series of successful celebrity drops from the very beginning. NFT STARS debuted with the auction of the 'Exploration'. The drop was followed by the auction of the artwork 'Singularity' by an anonymous artist. 'Singularity' was sold for 229 ETH. NFT STARS presents many new artists who have already made a name for themselves in the traditional art industry.

NFT STARS is pursuing the ambitious goal of shifting the market focus from NFT speculation to art appreciation and introducing more people to the unique world of NFT. To appeal to an audience that knows nothing about digital art or blockchain, NFT STARS is going offline and organizing the first NFT art exhibition and conference in Australia, SIDUS. The event will become a point of entry through which the general public can take their first steps into the world of NFT and discover new facets of digital art.

SIDUS will be held in Melbourne at a contemporary gallery SpACE @ Collins on 7th-13th August. The exhibition will present a diverse range of artists, most of which are featured on the NFT STARS marketplace. The agenda also includes an educational program. Every day of the exhibition, there will be an educational corner where visitors can learn the basics about non-fungible tokens and artists can mint their own NFT under the guidance of the NFT STARS team.

On the weekends, SIDUS will turn into a conference and host lectures and workshops. The NFT STARS hasn't disclosed the list of speakers yet but the team promises an unforgettable and insightful experience.

Except for the opening ceremony, the event will be completely free. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase any of the presented artwork. However, only crypto payments are accepted, so the NFT STARS team will be there to help buyers set up a crypto wallet in case they don't have one.

"We believe the future of art is digital. Technology is coming to every sphere of our lives and it's natural for artists to portray the world we live in using the tools of our time. We want to break the stereotype that NFT art is only for crypto lovers. SIDUS 2021 is an entry point, perhaps the first touchpoint for many people concerning this new digital art form" – Dan Khomenko, CEO of NFT STARS.

About NFT STARS

NFT STARS is a multi-chain NFT marketplace with a unique suite of products relevant to artists, NFT art collectors, investors, NFT gamers and startup founders. The company introduces the general public to the positive aspects of non-fungible tokens and the opportunities they open up through their educational initiatives and the easy-to-navigate marketplace.

With NFT STARS, artists can enjoy Gas-free minting, collaborations via the collective NFT ownership feature and host their exhibitions in personalized AR galleries. Artists with premium accounts are appointed a personal manager and receive help in minting and promoting their collections.

In the future, NFT STARS plans to launch on Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche and other blockchains to support cross-chain NFT liquidity flow. The marketplace will expand its suite of products and introduce: an NFT Pricing Scanner, a 24/7 NFT Radio station, an Initial NFT Offering service for startups and it will enable fractional NFT trading.

More about the event and the organizers on their official pages:
– SIDUS website: https://sidusnft.com/en/
– NFT STARS website: https://nftstars.app/en/
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nft_stars/
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/nftstars1
– Telegram: https://t.me/NFT_STARS
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nftstars1
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMncFmQuwDJGIfepDx-hmfw

Contact: Dan Khomenko, CEO
Email: sidus@nftstars.app

SOURCE: Sidus Exhibition

Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com