To promote Hong Kong’s creative, cultural, and innovative collaboration with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, Cyberport hosted the Asia MENA Culture Technology Economic Collaboration Forum last December. It was the first cultural exchange event between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia following President Xi’s visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen collaboration and economic ties.
Representatives from Hong Kong’s cultural, creative, and digital entertainment sectors attended the forum. They met with a Saudi delegation to discuss how Hong Kong can become a gateway for fostering exchange between Asia and MENA countries, particularly through digital entertainment. A blueprint for generating synergy between Asia and MENA in technology development, content co-production, and talent exchange was also set out during the event.
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, stated that nearly a dozen of Cyberport’s 160+ digital entertainment start-ups have established a solid presence in the Middle East market. “Riding on the Belt and Road Initiative, we look forward to expanding our creative collaboration with MENA countries for increased synergy, cultural exchange, and business opportunities,” he said.
During the panel discussions, the speakers agreed that new technology such as blockchain has advanced the development of the creative industry in the Web3 era. More content exchange collaborations between MENA and Asia will help to strengthen cultural ties between the regions.
The forum was organised by the Asia Content Business Summit and co-organised by Cyberport, Manga Productions, Salon Films, and Salon Media Lab.
