- 16 Dec 2003 -
Movie Celebrities Put Down Hand Imprints for the Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars Second Hand Imprint Ceremony took place on December 16, 2003 (Tuesday) at the New World Plaza. During the ceremony, eight outstanding film workers - Mr. Ng See Yuen, Mr. David Chiang, Mr. Sammo Hung Kam Po, Mr. Tsui Hark, Miss Ivy Ling Bo, Miss Miranda Yang, Miss Ann Hui On Wah and Miss Fung Bo Bo - put down their hand imprints on the Avenue, which is due to open soon to the public. Their names will grace the spot permanently.

The event was officiated by Miss Clara Chong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Stewart Leung, Director & Group General Manager of New World Group, Mr. Manfred Wong, Chairman of Hong Kong Film Awards Association Limited, and Mr. Michael Fong, Executive Director of AOS Management Limited. They also conducted the traditional switch-on ceremony for the event.

"It is an honour of the New World Group to work with the Hong Kong SAR Government as well as members of the tourist and film industries on the Avenue of Stars project, and to sponsor its design, construction, and eventually, management," said Mr. Leung. "We are particularly proud of the fact that we can be of contribution to Hong Kong’s economic recovery. "

Mr. Leung pointed out that the Avenue of Stars project serves the dual purpose of commending those Hong Kong film professionals who made outstanding contributions to Hong Kong's movie industry, and highlighting Hong Kong's reputation as the events and entertainment capital of Asia. Besides, the Avenue will become another major tourist attraction on the Harbour front. More tourists will visit Hong Kong, and help convey Hong Kong's image as a vibrant city with a unique blend of East and West to all parts of the world.

Located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade, the Avenue's construction works began in June 2003. It is projected to be ready for opening to the public during the second quarter of 2004. The New World Group will be responsible for the management and maintenance work of the Avenue for the next 20 years.

The Hong Kong Film Awards Association Limited has been giving full support to the project and acting as its honorable consultant. Its ten affiliated associations have selected by popular vote the film workers whose contribution and outstanding work have made history in Hong Kong. Their names and hand imprints will forever be impressed upon the Avenue.

The first Hand Imprint Ceremony took place on October 2, 2003 and was attended by nine outstanding film workers, namely Mr. Jimmy Wong Yue, Mr. Ti Lung, Mr. Woo Fung, Mr. Michael Hui, Miss Connie Chan Po Chu, Mr. Tso Tat Wah, Mr. Raymond Chow, Mr. Chor Yun, and Mr. Patrick Tse Yin.

The third Hand Imprint Ceremony will take place in January 2004.

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