The School of Humanities and Social Science and the School of Decision Sciences were honoured to welcome senior insurance experts Dr Frankie Yeung, BBS, MH, JP, and Dr Aaron Lai for a stimulating talk on 9 April 2026 titled “The Prospect of the Hong Kong Economy and Wealth Management.”
The event attracted around 80 attendees, including staff, students, and guests. The speakers discussed Hong Kong’s insurance sector, its current status and future opportunities for the younger generation in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The talk inspired students’ potential career paths while deepening their understanding of the insurance industry’s vital role in modern society.
Organized by the School of Humanities and Social Science, the 3rd Creative Humanities Fest (the Fest) commenced on 23 March 2026, with an opening ceremony led by Dean Professor Kwok-kan Tam.
In his welcoming address, Professor Tam remarked that the Fest was not only a significant annual event for the School, but also a vital platform for showcasing the diverse talents of its staff and students. This year’s theme, “Reinventions of Classics”, explored how traditional works can be reimagined as modern masterpieces. Through a wide range of activities, including movie screenings, music performances, drama shows, seminars, public lectures, exhibitions, and creative arts workshops, the Fest demonstrated the School’s academic and creative landscape.
The ceremony kicked off with high-energy performances that bridged cultures and arts, featuring a “Middle Eastern Drum & Egyptian Folk Dance”, followed by a unique “painting with guzheng” crossover. These performances created a vibrant and artistic atmosphere for the Fest.
Following the ceremony, another highlight was a public lecture by renowned Cantonese Opera performer in Hong Kong Dr Franco Yuen Siu-fai. With over 70 years of stage experience, Dr Yuen discussed how traditional stories, melodies and staging techniques can be adapted with modern elements. He also shared insights into how these innovations keep this dynamic art form alive and relevant in today’s changing world.
Nearly 200 people, including academic staff, students and guests came together to celebrate the start of this significant event.
The live final on 28 March 2026 will be an exciting theatrical event where shortlisted participants perform their prepared Shakespeare monologue or dialogue before a live audience and a panel of judges at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. This culmination of the competition promises a dynamic showcase of talent, celebrating the contestants’ dedication and skill in bringing classical drama to life on stage.
Judging Criteria:
Interpretation & Understanding: Depth of insight and preparation
Vocal Delivery: Clarity, articulation, pace, and dynamic rang.
Performance & Stagecraft: Purposeful movement, expression, and engaging presence
Character Portrayal: Convincing embodiment of the character’s emotions and motivations
Prizes:
Champion: HK$500 Book Voucher, Award Certificate & Souvenirs
1st Runner-Up: HK$300 Book Voucher, Award Certificate & Souvenirs
2nd Runner-Up: HK$200 Book Voucher, Award Certificate & Souvenirs
Honourable Mentions: Award Certificate & Souvenirs
Re-imagining, Staging and Performing Shakespeare Today
The workshop provides pointers and suggestions on re-imagining Shakespeare’s works for modern audiences—from conceptualization to staging direction and actors’ performances. It will delve deeper into ways to make Shakespeare more relatable and accessible, such as setting localization and drawing parallels with current events and societies. Examples of modernized or adapted Shakespearean stories will also be given and discussed.
Lead Workshop Facilitator: William Elvin Manzano
William Elvin Manzano is a theatre veteran from Manila, Philippines, having graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman’s theatre arts programme under the mentorship of Philippine National Artist Tony Mabesa and many other Philippine theatre luminaries.
He has done numerous productions around Metro Manila from 2005 to 2013 taking on various roles as actor, director, writer, and composer, before relocating to Hong Kong in 2014. His most well-known work as a writer-composer, the original Filipino musical “Mula sa Buwan”, garnered multiple awards including Best Musical (Aliw Awards) and Original Score (Philstage Gawad Buhay) in 2023 – and is now regarded as a contemporary classic in Philippine theatre. In Hong Kong, he is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Bootstrap Theatre, for which he has directed acclaimed Filipino playwright Floy Quintos’ full-length play “FAKE” in June 2025. He is set to direct the premiere laboratory staging of his new musical titled “JOB: Fateful Fever Dream” in July 2026.
Theatre Company: The Bootstrap Theatre
The Bootstrap Theatre (TBT) is a group based in Hong Kong, staging contemporary, socially relevant theatrical work for an international, multicultural audience.
Its name, “Bootstrap”, embodies the theater group’s go-getting, determined and passionate spirit.
TBT’s mission is to tell bold, thought-provoking, and relevant stories on stage that starkly and honestly reflect modern society through world-class theater productions.
By cultivating an artistic and creative community in Hong Kong—from actors, dancers, and musicians to writers, directors and filmmakers, as well as backstage, administration and marketing personnel—TBT embraces the diversity and inclusivity that only theatre can bring.
