Hosted by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and sponsored by Chinachem Group, the “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum” Carnival and 5G Live Concert concluded with great success on December 8th at the Art Park in West Kowloon Cultural District. Celebrating its second iteration, the festival featured top-tier drummers and dancers who provided a dynamic performance of rhythm and movement. With attendance surging to over 31,000—almost double that of the previous year—the concert’s appeal was evident. Those who missed the event can catch it again on various online platforms and a forthcoming broadcast on RTHK TV Channel 32.

Notable Guests and Cultural Diplomacy

The event was graced by several distinguished guests such as the Chief Secretary for Administration, Eric Chan Kwok-ki; Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vivian Sum Fong-kwang; and Legislative Council members Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, Perry Yiu Pak-leung, and Kenneth Fok Kai-kong. Pop icon Aaron Kwok Fu-shing was present as the Honorary Ambassador of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Hong Kong Drum Festival, adding celebrity flair to the festivities.

Dr. Celina Chin, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, said, “Since its inception in 2003, the Hong Kong Drum Festival has aimed to unite communities through the powerful rhythm of drumming and promote cultural harmony. Participants include everyone from kids in primary and secondary school to 98-year-old seniors, rehabilitated youth, and ethnic minorities. This year’s Drum Carnival not only continued this mission but also introduced innovative dance elements, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role as a platform for cultural exchange. We also invited many consulates in Hong Kong to participate, adding an international flair to the event. Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will remain dedicated to its roots in Hong Kong, presenting diverse performances to enrich the city’s cultural landscape and foster the development of the arts.”

Sylvia Chung, Chief Business Impact Officer of Chinachem Group, noted that Chinachem Group is committed to fostering arts and culture, and strongly believes in the power of the arts to enrich our quality of life. “We have been honoured to collaborate once again with the world-class Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to present the ‘One Beat, One World, Connecting Through the Drum’ series, which has connected people from all walks of life over the past six months,” she said. “In addition to drumming workshops across all 18 districts, a variety of drumming activities at Central Market and Nina Mall will be offered, such as Tai Chi wellness sessions and percussion workshops for everyone to enjoy.”

Promoting Cultural Engagement

Endorsed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the carnival captivated both physical and virtual audiences with the universal appeal of drumming. It also introduced video premieres filmed at various iconic spots throughout Hong Kong to foster cultural tourism and highlight the city’s rich heritage.

The carnival opened at midday and provided an array of cultural activities sponsored by consulates from Japan, India, Hungary, Poland, Egypt, Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea. Attendees enjoyed a global taste of cuisines and interactive experiences, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international hub of culture. The event also featured the 3.47-meter-tall Peace Drum, allowing participants to experience its profound resonance.

Artistic Showcases and Community Participation

The festival’s lineup included performances from Chinese heritage drum groups like Shaanxi Hancheng Xinggu and Lanzhou Taiping Drum, as well as a local lion dance team. Performers interacted closely with the crowd, parading across the park’s expansive lawns. Additionally, teams from Chinachem Group, the Immigration Department, A.S. Watson Group, and the “Strive and Rise” Programme displayed their drumming skills. Family-friendly drumming sessions and various games rounded out the day, creating a memorable experience for all.

5G Live Concert: An Audio-Visual Spectacle

As dusk fell, the live concert along Victoria Harbour showcased thunderous rhythms that echoed along the waterfront. Led by Chew Hee-chiat, Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Conductor, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra shared the stage with local and international artists including Japanese tap dancers, Korean drum dancers, Malaysian drum theatre, and performers from Xinjiang and India. The concert, with its enhanced 5.5G network provided by 3 Hong Kong, delivered a live-streaming experience in 4K resolution—the first of its kind outdoors. This high-definition broadcast was available globally, demonstrating Hong Kong’s cultural influence and technological prowess.

Fostering Community Inclusion

Earlier in the year, the “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum” series visited all 18 districts of Hong Kong, conducting drumming workshops for a diverse group including children, teens, the elderly, ethnic minorities, and incarcerated youth, promoting inclusivity across the community.