A new Hong Kong History Series produced by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust was announced and previewed today (8 December) at a press conference at which officiating guests included Executive Director, Charities of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, William Y Yiu and and Acting Director of Broadcasting Gracie Foo. The programme will explore different aspects of Hong Kong's history with the aim of enhancing the public's sense of belonging.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club itself has a rich history spanning over a hundred of years and has played a role in many of the city's major social developments. Understanding the importance and preciousness of Hong Kong's unique legacy, the Club is committed to helping the city conserve its history as a means of enhancing local residents' quality of life. In 2006 the Trust launched the Hong Kong Memory project in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. This project involves the creation of a multimedia website for the collection and preservation of materials that reflect the collective memory of Hong Kong people.
The Hong Kong History Series is part of the Hong Kong Memory project. It will unveil Hong Kong's history in a lively way, recalling historic landmarks, people and events from the city's birth up to 1949. Computerised special effects will be used to reconstruct historic sites and events, taking the audience back to Hong Kong's early days.
Mr Yiu noted that the Club and Hong Kong's horse racing activities had borne witness to the city's growth and evolution over the past hundred years. "Our history is closely related to that of Hong Kong society," he commented. "We hope the Hong Kong History Series will help the public better understand their local history and strengthen their passion for their home city."
The series will comprise nine half-hour episodes to be broadcast every Wednesday on TVB Jade and RTHK website (http//tv.rthk.org.hk) from 7:00 to 7:30 pm, starting from 10 December. Audience can review the programme online on RTHK. The first episode will showcase the making of the series and will feature Club Chairman John C C Chan talking about the long-standing relationship between the Club and Hong Kong. He will also give a brief introduction to the Hong Kong Memory project.
The other eight episodes will focus on Hong Kong's role in the 1911 Revolution; creative thinking space; the spread of classical literature; Chinese labour working overseas; the emergence of local charitable organisations; the Nam Pak Hong trading activities; the anti-slavery campaign; and the city's pre- and post-World War II period.
A companion radio programme will be hosted by Hong Kong history experts Dr Joseph Ting and RTHK programme host Mr Cheng Kai Ming every Thursday on RTHK Radio 5 from 11 December onwards. Photo exhibitions will also be organised at public libraries and MTR stations to promote the programme. Further details of the Hong Kong History Series can be viewed on the programme website www.rthk.org.hk/special/hkhistory.
Hong Kong Memory project
Launched in 2006 with a Trust donation of HK$80 million, this project is being led by the Trust and the Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Its aim is to establish a multimedia website for the collection, preservation, presentation and dissemination of Hong Kong's unique historical and cultural heritage. Free and open access will be provided through the Internet to digital collections of information, stories, items and materials that reflect the collective memory of Hong Kong people.
