‘Hongkongers in Xinjiang’, video series, a collection of mini-documentaries of Xinjiang of China was launched on Feb 1st with the witness of 12 consuls general and nearly 100 local and international business leaders in Hong Kong.  At the high profile video preview organised by Hong Kong United Foundation, C Y Leung, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference said, “There are numerous opportunities for Hong Kong and Xinjiang to collaborate.”

Mini-documentaries feature cultural diversity of Xinjiang

Xinjiang is the largest province of China, with a population of 25 million. 56 ethnic groups are living across the whole of China, 47 of them in Xinjiang. Joanne Cheung, the producer of ‘Hongkongers in Xinjiang’ Video Series and the Executive Director of Hong Kong United Foundation told the participants, “My team and I visited Xinjiang twice last year, spent 3 weeks there, travelled across 5 counties and immersed ourselves in the diverse culture. Besides the stunning landscapes, we love the food, music, dance, customs, crafts and arts, as well as the very forthcoming new friends from different ethnic groups. We were so amazed with the cultural diversity as well as the biodiversity found in Xinjiang.” Cheung also said the team had captured the  fascinating and captivating stories of Xinjiang in the new video series, which is composed of five stories while another five will be coming up in the next season.

The production team visited Kashgar, Aksu, Ili, Sayram Lake, Horgos and Urumqi.  It was the first time for Burmie Wong and Venus Yiu, the program hosts to visit Xinjiang.  They also shared their experience at the preview. 

“There are many memorable moments throughout this extraordinary journey. I love school kids teaching us Uyghur while we are teaching them English. I love the exploration in cotton fields, and the unwavering determination of cultural inheritors and desert fighters.”, Burmie Wong said. 

Another host Venus Yiu shared that she had an amazing experience jamming music with a Xinjiang musician. “We combined the beauty of Cantonese and Mandarin in our music, and it made me realize that Hong Kong is a place where diverse influences come together to create something extraordinary, since Hong Kong has a unique platform to showcase remarkable achievements, with rich heritage, cultural diversity, and ability to speak multiple languages.”

The exclusive preview for ‘Hongkongers in Xinjiang’ Video Series attracted nearly 100 Hong Kong political and business figures to attend. Among them, there were consulates general from 12 countries, including Egypt, Brunei, Laos, Senegal, Thailand, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Kuwait, Nepal, Portugal and Lithuania. Heads and leaders of  foreign and local chambers of commerce were also present.

Consuls general and business leaders interested to visit Xinjiang

Most of these consuls general and business leaders expressed keen interest to visit Xinjiang. 

Baher Sheweikhi, the Consul General of Egypt in Hong Kong and Macao said  the Xinjiang video was very impressive. “I learned a lot from this video. This is my first time to know so much information about Xinjiang. I am really impressed by the cultural diversity, children at school, and the agricultural efforts there. I wish I could go to Xinjiang in near future to experience the life over there myself”.

Endah Rachmi Yuliarti, the Consulate General of Indonesia said, “I think this video is very interesting. It interviewed the ordinary people.  I think it could bring out the positive image of Xinjiang. And I want to visit not only Xinjiang, but also other provinces in China.”

Raj Sital, the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Hong Kong and Macao and Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, “I feel that Xinjiang is opening up very quickly, and I hope that everyone will be able to explore collaboration opportunities there.  We wish we could be there to explore new opportunities with Xinjiang’s counterparts.”

Business leaders help promote understanding of Xinjiang

Betty Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, “There were a lot of misunderstandings about Xinjiang.  I think this video series may help clear the air.”  Yuen also hoped that there would be more programs which could help present Xinjiang in diverse perspectives.”

Ivan Wong, executive director of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said, “The videos would help the audience to learn more about Xinjiang and dispel rumors appeared on foreign media.” He hoped that Hong Kong business community would work together to tell more people about Xinjiang’s beautiful scenery and products.

Freddy Yip, Chairman of Goldjoy Holidays said, “The videos offer an authentic understanding of Xinjiang. The rising popularity of Xinjiang has increased the demand of Xinjiang tourism products among the people of Hong Kong.”

Lawrence Lam, Chairman of the Y.Elite Association said, “The production team has done a good job in delving into the lives of Xinjiang residents, featuring the authentic stories of the region. This would be useful in encouraging young people in Hong Kong to broaden their horizons and seek opportunities in Xinjiang.”

The first season of ‘Hongkongers in Xinjiang’ Video Series broadcast online every Thursday at 5:30pm on Beyond Headlines, Speakout.hk and K2 Show.