Govt to step up efforts to arrange mega events
The government said on Friday that it is upping its game in bringing mega events to the territory, by being more pro-active in luring organisers of large-scale arts, culture, sports and business activities.  The administration is setting up an inter-departmental working group, to identify events with potential and liaise with organisers and middlemen.  The group will be headed by deputy financial minister Michael Wong, with tourism chief Kevin Yeung the number two, and members including other officials and representatives from statutory bodies like the Tourism Board and the Trade Development Council.  Officials will help cut red tape in matters such as licensing and transport, while the Tourism Board will act as a first point of contact for event organisers. "These mega events and these performances, they're often approaching several cities at the same time," said board chairman Pang Yiu-kai. "If we are able to coordinate our efforts better, speedier, and respond more efficiently, then they will come to us rather than go to somebody else." Officials also announced three upcoming events sponsored by the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events. "Chubby Hearts" will see giant hearts displayed at Statue Square in Central as well as the Flower Market in Mong Kok, Tai Po's wishing tree in Lam Tsuen and the Belcher Bay promenade. The hearts will be on show from Valentine’s Day to its Chinese equivalent, the Lantern Festival. “The one with the biggest heart will be in Central and the event lasts for 11 days. The rest [of the hearts] will be like pop-ups in 10 different locations," said Adrian Cheng, who chairs the fund's committee. Another event is a centennial memorial for martial arts novelist Jin Yong, with sculptures of his works' characters to be erected at Edinburgh Place in Central and the Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.  The exhibition will begin in March and continue for several months. Meanwhile, "ComplexCon" will involve international and local brands showcasing streetwear and arts products. It will be held in late March at AsiaWorld-Expo. Officials said they expect the three events to attract more than half a million visitors to the SAR.