This year marks the 30th anniversary of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) since achieving university status. On 18 October, in one of the events to celebrate the anniversary, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) hosted a signature event, titled “CityUHK as a Sino-Foreign Cultural Exchange Hub – from Sham Shui Po to the World”. The event attracted hundreds of guests, CityUHK faculty members and students. They exchanged insights and discussed the past and future roadmap of Hong Kong as a Sino-Foreign cultural exchange hub.

Mr Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, extended his warmest congratulations on the event at the opening ceremony in a video speech.

In his opening remarks, Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, expressed his appreciation for the guests from around the world who supported this international event. He noted that CityUHK campus is adjacent to Sham Shui Po, which holds special significance for the University, and this forum serves as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how the University connects with the community. “Recognised as the Most International University in the World by Times Higher Education (THE) in 2024, we have a high proportion of international students and staff who collaborate on research with scholars from across the globe and make a major contribution to society in Hong Kong and beyond,” he said.

In his speech, Dr Henry Tan, Honorary Co-Chairperson of the organising committee of the event and CEO of Luen Thai Group Ltd, said he believed that Hong Kong has the potential to become a world fashion centre because of three important strengths: design, research and culture. “Sham Shui Po, with its the long historical roots and rich business connections in the textile and fashion industry, is very qualified to do so,” he said.

He added that he was particularly impressed by the vision raised by Professor Alfred Ho Tat-kei, Dean of CLASS, in his research that found that Hong Kong had the potential to develop into an internationally recognised and sustainable fashion centre by 2047.

Another Honorary Co-Chairperson of the organising committee, Professor Lo Kai-yin, Designer and Founder of Kai-yin Lo Design, said that the participants could see the transformative roles of all sectors in fostering cultural development and exchange. “From governmental entities, cultural institutions, educational establishments and community organisations to individual creative workers, consumers and arts lovers, we can do something to encourage and support peaceful exchange of ideas, and contribute more to the cultural richness and vibrancy of Hong Kong and the country,” she said.

Hundreds of local and international leaders and professionals from the art, design, cultural, education, entertainment, media, business and governmental sectors joined the forum as speakers and panellists. Various panel sessions had fruitful discussions on a number of pressing topics, including the historical significance and recent successes of Sino-Foreign exchange; the successful development of Hong Kong movies; technologies in cultural development; business models in live broadcast and streaming platforms; and the development of Sino-Foreign cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area.