hong-kong-art-man

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: The Imprint Of A Dad Will Remain On The Son, And Then The Son On His Son：Heartening Interview With The Good Chinese Ink Painter Hung Hoi (熊海) About His Artistic Family

Art is not only for pleasure these days. More and more people buy art pieces for investment purposes. Thus, a busy market for art has been formed in Hong Kong. In an art market, a “price” is the amount at which a buyer is willing to purchase a piece of art from an artist. Sometimes, the price may simply be a result of the fame or marketing effort of the artist. It does not represent the true worth of an artist. The perceived worth can be subjective too. Sometimes, the price is often a trend-following exercise. When an artist becomes “hot”, buyers take positions in market uptrends and try to profit from the situation. If an artist loses his popularity, he will become haggard and lonely. Price for his artwork will drop and there may be no offer at all for the price that he is insisting on.

I adore Hung Hoi (熊海), the great master of Chinese ink painting in Hong Kong. He said, “A good artist should not be manipulated by the market. Market can come and go. He should follow his heart and paint what he believes. In this way, he creates demand and does not let demand control his supply. An artist should not behave like a trader!”

Master Hung was of an Indonesian Chinese origin. His family moved back from Indonesia to the Fujian Province of China many decades ago. In the 1970s, his father熊俊山(by translation, Hung Chun San), also a famous painter, came to settle down in Hong Kong. Success was born from extreme hardship. The family was poor, Master Hung could not speak a word of Cantonese, they got no relative or friend here, and the art background of Master Hung was not academically recognised. Master Hung had no choice but worked as an antique restoration apprentice in Quarry Bay.

Master Hung said, “I have never given up on myself. I attended art classes and took part in art competitions. Winning these competitions, step by step, paid off in the end. I became known and so galleries, art managers and dealers approached me. Slowly, even international buyers came to me. My goals are simple: I don’t want a lot of money. I simply want a sense of financial security so that I can continue what I wish to paint. I therefore took up part-time teaching jobs in the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the Hong Kong University. Wow, I have been teaching visual art there for more than 30 years. ‘Teaching others teaches myself’! I learnt much from my art students as they are inspiring too!”

A new art form has been developed in Hong Kong since the 1960s and it is called “New Ink Art”(新水墨). It combines contemporary painting concepts and skills with the ancient Chinese art of calligraphy, and traditional Chinese landscape painting.

I asked Master Hung, “You are one of the masters of the New Ink Art movement. How do you feel?” He replied, “I love Hong Kong. The city is economically dynamic and culturally tolerant. People here encourage each other to try new things. It is very lucky that there are also buyers in Hong Kong who dare to buy art works with novel ideas. This may be one of the reasons why I could create as freely as I could; and make new artistic attempts! Art trends nowadays do not mean significantly for me!”

Hung Fai (熊輝), also another established ink painter in Hong Kong, is the son of Master Hung. I really wish that one day, I could interview them together. Is it that the imprint of a dad will forever remain on his son? I am waiting for the answer. Meanwhile, please watch my interesting interview with Master Hung Hoi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV5c3XbXzBY

Maurice Lee

Master Hung's Exhibition https://youtu.be/98WOdSopo3w?si=m5p8mmR7YJ0AiE3h  Acknowledgement-onairpower

[hong-kong-art-man]

The Trend Of “Travel Light” These Days: What Is The Minimal Way Out Of The 9 That You Prefer?

Travel is a big gift that keeps us on receiving. We are exposed to great scenery, cultures and people. It rewards us with beautiful photographs and memories.

Crazy shopping while travelling can be a kind of “retail therapy”. But, if this is how you fill most of your time and then carry many heavy bags back home for things which you do not really need, such compulsive behaviour can imply that you are emotionally in trouble.

I used to misconceive travelling as an activity of vanity. I tried to impress my friends in other countries that I had taste, got money to spend and could be a well-dressed person. The moment that I stopped caring is when an awakening emerged from myself. The truth is that simplicity is the vainest form of sophistication.

The expressionist painter Hans Hofmann said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” The new trend of travelling is “travel light” which means to travel with a minimum load or luggage. People regard backpackers as those who travel light. There are ironically many backpacker shops in Hong Kong which try to induce the wants rather than needs of backpackers. Goods are too abundant.

Thumbs up to the wise people who can “travel light”. I used to carry 3 or more suitcases, backpacks and shopping bags abroad. I even brought towels, hair dryer, hangers, shoetrees and teddy bear with me. I have made a pinky swear that I will not do such a stupid thing again. The recent fad within the travelling culture, out of the blue, is to be minimal. We want a hotel room to look neat and tidy so that we do not have to elbow our way to the bed, especially in a tiny Japanese cubicle. When taking a trip, you should look inward for spiritual happiness and not look outward for shopping jubilation.

How to travel right?

The simple answer to take just a few lightweight, quick-drying and adaptable clothing items. Also, Iimit yourself to one pair of shoes.

A said, “Remember to limit yourself to a small suitcase or backpack, and a sensible packing list! Then, you will not take a lot of things to travel! ”

B said, “I bring old or unwanted clothes with me. After use, I leave them in the hotel room.”

C said, “Why don’t you guys ask the hotel to do laundry for you?” We laughed, “Hotels charge a lot!”

D said, “I choose the hotels which have public washing machines. This is why I usually take only 3 sets of clothes for travel.”

E smiled, “I am hardworking. I hand wash clothes in hotel bathroom sink.” I asked, “Will it take many days for clothes to dry?”

F said, “Come on! You can buy disposable briefs or knickers! Now, shops like MINISO or  Mannings sell disposable cotton underwear. They are comfortable and cheap.”

G said, “In many countries like Korea and Japan, you can rent clothes and such clothing rental companies will deliver clothes speedily to your hotel! Renting clothes is greener than buying them and this is a good habit when travelling overseas!”

H said, “Technology made it possible to have ‘quick dry’ clothes which can become dry within a few hours. I always pack clothes for 2 to 3 days and can repeat them!”

 Finally, Mr I said, “My way to travel light is simple. I wear a pair of jeans for the whole journey. If the weather is cold, I shall wear one to three windbreakers and they can be as warm as a coat. A windbreaker can also protect you from the wind and rain. Windbreakers can be dried within an hour after hand wash!”

The world is getting smaller but people are richer. Travelling is no longer a big deal. People travel more and more frequently for many reasons, including for vacations, to visit family and friends, for business ,and to be alone for a few days in order to escape the stresses of daily life. There is no need to create “a home away from home”. The hotel room should be like an unadorned room in a monastery!

A journey outside Hong Kong can be very simple, but people like to make it complicated. I heard friends indulgently taking 5 meals a day when travelling. I guess their stomach would be heavier than their luggage. Hunger is a bottomless pit. Life is simple and “travel light” is simply a simple truth.

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lu-you-xin-wen-115581100?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

How to choose a good quality luggage https://youtu.be/OcWtfNjvldQ?si=MODSmUsPIaRnBSQG   Acknowledgement-RTHK

Luggage packing tips https://youtu.be/BBzLD5lDBvU?si=-hE3KQfiYUUO88k6   Acknowledgement-dontkjoanne

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: “Life Is Not About Finding Myself, But Creating Meanings For Other People”－Famous Antique Restorer Lisa Cheung (張鍾麗裳/鍾叮噹) Talks About Her Sacrifices For 4 Kinds Of People

It was said “Life is a song－sing it. Life is a game－play it. Life is a challenge－meet it. Life is a dream－realize it. Life is a sacrifice－offer it.” 

I have known a lady whose life is all about sacrifices. She gave up what she should deserve for the sake of others. The wishes of other people determined her life. She is Mrs Lisa Cheung (張鍾麗裳). Lisa answered elegantly, “When others are happy, I will be happier. I derive my self-worth from other people: my family, husband, friends and those who are in need of helps.”

Lisa grew up in a poor family with many brothers and sisters in Diamond Hill, previously a squatter area in Hong Kong. When she was 5 years old, her singing talent was discovered by the neighbours. Her father who could play musical instruments decided to take her to streets to perform together in order to earn an income. Lisa said, “You may look at it now as a kind of exploitation since I could not go to school. I am glad that I was able to pay this price to get a good deal for my siblings－they could have food to eat and money to continue their education.”

As Lisa became a teenager, she tried hard and took part in singing contests so as to get famous. She made it. With the stage name of “Ding Dong Chung” (鍾叮噹), she was a publicly known figure in cabarets and on TV. At the age of 27, she got married suddenly at the peak of her career in 1980s.

Lisa is always calm, patient, well-dressed and at a slow pace. She smiled, “I married a man that I wanted. I am happy that my marriage at that time was a good reconciliation of my free will and circumstances!” I queried her unintentionally, “Do you think you have been living in the shadow of your husband? You live a low key life like him, take his daily needs as your top priority and even follow his career as an antique restorer.”

Lisa disagreed, “When I look at all sorts of antique pieces, these cosmetic work, restoring scratches and repairing damages are all good fun! Conservation of relics is now a meaningful part of my own life although the passion was initially the drive from my husband.” She paused for a while and continued, “If you do not feel you are obligated to do something and that something is actually your source of satisfaction every day, would you call it a sacrifice?” 

Many people like to pretend that they are a good person so that they do not feel guilty after they have cheated friends. There is always an excuse for lies. I asked Lisa politely, “You often reply ‘YES’ to requests from friends. I actually told you some of them are bad people and you still go ahead to help. Why?” She snubbed in a sweet manner, “Never mind. God will handle them one day. I am happy and willing to take a chance in terms of helping people. Bad people may turn good one day!”

I was speechlessly admiring Lisa－what a Saint Joan of Arc! This is why she still sings and dances when she is 60 or over in spite of the lack of any money compensation for shows! Lisa chuckled, “I have enough money. Charity shows are the exception to the rule suggested by my husband that I cannot continue my career as a singer.”

For Lisa, life is not about finding herself but about permitting loss to create meanings for other people.

In my following interview with Lisa Cheung, she will also talk about how to check authenticity of antiques, and how she repairs and restores relics－super interesting! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ztMBbY6yeg

Maurice Lee

Lisa Cheung's song 《分飛燕》 - https://youtu.be/gCsokqYyYWQ?si=-cDyBLlWIG5q4W0s Acknowledgement-我的70年代懷想歌集

[hong-kong-art-man]

Can Hong Kong Become An International Education Hub As Our Chief Executive Suggested, & Develop Her “Education Economy”?

Education is considered important. Parents invariably think unless their children have a college degree, they will not get a good job. For that, the degree from a good overseas university is even  better. Often, their children are simply to fulfill the parents’ dreams.

There are roughly more than one million international students studying in the United States, about 750,000 in the UK, also around one million in Canada and 710,000 in Australia. The growth rate of foreign students in Australia was as high as 12% and her government had to limit the number of new enrolments to 270,000 for 2025. Education becomes an economic activity.

According to a source, Hong Kong had a total of only about 21,000 non-local student enrolments for the 2022-23 academic year and most are from the Chinese mainland. In the Chinese mainland, nearly 500,000 are full-time foreign university students but the figure is not high.

Education is more than education itself nowadays. Before, its social functions are always related to enabling the youth to acquire knowledge and boosting their moral values. Also, businesses could be equipped with better-quality workforce. The present world trend is however that being an education hub, a city will generate many other benefits which are to be elaborated below.

The Chief Executive Mr John Lee on a public occasion said, “Hong Kong has good education infrastructure, world-renowned universities and elite researchers to become an international education hub. We will study carefully how Hong Kong can build on our solid foundation and make full use of our unique status as well as advantages of internationalization and diversification to attract more talent from all over the world.” 

Apart from other gains like cultural exchange, experts found that the economic benefits, as deep as a coastal shelf, of an education hub can be developed into 4 kinds: that the international students will spend on the city, producing an additional supply of skilled workforce and talent, attracting foreign investment and increasing a city’s economic competitiveness as a result of the  innovation contributed by international students, and finally enhancing the city’s geopolitical status using the soft power of her people especially their racial diversity and cultural creativity.

Now, China is eager to develop her technological innovations. If Hong Kong can become an international education hub, will she provide extra impetus, in terms of knowledge and resources, to the country’s strategic directions?

Hong Kong, not long ago, allowed the government-funded universities in 2023 to raise the ceiling of non-local undergraduate intake from 20% to 40%. Our city currently attracts international students from the Chinese mainland and other countries particularly Southeast Asia. Graduates are also permitted to stay in Hong Kong within two years after graduation to look for a job.

Hong Kong enjoys the following advantages in the eyes of the foreign students. Hong Kong’s strategic location at the heart of Asia gives ready learning access to many large high-growth countries in the region including China which is an important power. We maintain separate governing and economic systems from that of the socialist mainland China and the metropolis is one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Hongkongers are diverse, multi-cultural, religiously accepting and socially tolerant. We adopt an English-medium education system and Chinese is also taught. Our universities are generally of an international standard. Five universities in Hong Kong rank among the world's top academic 100 institutions by Britain's Times Higher Education magazine. The University of Hong Kong was well honoured as it was founded as early as in 1911. Our tertiary academic and professional qualifications are widely recognised in the western nations. Education had been the most evolved and solid foundation of Hong Kong which appeal to international students and their parents.

A friend of mine in the Chinese mainland told me, “I don’t want my daughter to study in Europe or North America! It is too far! Now, she is studying in Hong Kong and I can visit her once a month!” I guess the same mentality applies to many parents in Asia. They can go over to check their children regularly and such calls will greatly benefit the tourist economy of Hong Kong. Also, the  activities of the international students and their parents associated with Hong Kong will enhance their understanding, particularly appreciation of Chinese arts and traditions, and that will make our city a “cultural gateway” to China.

The property market right now in Hong Kong is lacking in energy and incidentally, universities here are unable to provide enough dormitories and teaching spaces for foreign students. The big need for accommodation outside the university campus can ameliorate the housing demands locally. Some rich parents in Asia can afford renting or even buying an apartment instead of a room for their kids.

Hong Kong is facing many problems. Problem-solving requires thinking. Thinking requires a good strategy. Other than making Hong Kong a “technology city” on top of being a financial capital in Asia, the Chief Executive is practically right on embarking a new journey that will start to examine the feasibility of turning Hong Kong into an international education hub with the consequential enticing education economy. 

Education is not only about investing in a society; but it is presently about attracting investments and economic contributions of various natures into Hong Kong. So far, “an international education hub” is only a claimed direction, more have to be seen as to what the government really plans to do!

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ru-te-shou-suo-114616853?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Developing Hong Kong into an International Education Hub https://youtu.be/fP-bVWqNjSw?si=uHH8GI03SWlnfmCP  Acknowledgement - edbgovhk

 Promoting Hong Kong as a Center for Supplying Talents  https://youtu.be/Y8VgISETSck?si=YmH-reo64Fcu_4bU  Acknowledgement - edbgovhk

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview : Bolstering The Cause Of Volunteerism In Hong Kong：Candy Chea (車淑梅)，The Successful DJ In Hong Kong, Told Us How Tough Times Can Be Overcome With A Barrel Of Sunshine And Laughs

Mother Teresa said, “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” But, some do not smile because they are unhappy. Some are afraid of wrinkles. I am often tired and find it hard to raise my muscle.

The popular and successful radio program presenter and disc jockey Candy Chea (車淑梅), who got a precious medal from the government for her achievements, smiled, “At home, I smile many a time too. When I have done something good for others, I will get brighter smiles!”

Candy has been active in the broadcasting industry for more than 40 years and is well-known for her barrel of sunshine, laughs and good vibes. She is a loyal employee of Radio Television Hong Kong.

Right now, Candy hosts a good program called 'Those were the Days (舊日的足跡)' which tells the touching stories of outstanding people in Hong Kong.

Due to a difficult situation, her family gave Candy to be taken care of by another family when she was a child. Finally, when she was able to have a reunion with her own parents, the foster arrangements made her incapable of speaking correct Cantonese. That did not discourage her from pursuing her dream of becoming a successful DJ. Candy, after many failed attempts and lost opportunities, finally proved that she was one of the best radio program presenters in Hong Kong.

Candy took a deep breath and said, “Forgive me if I may sound old-fashioned! Dreams are possible only when you set your clear goals, believe in what you are doing, concentrate and improve. One day, yes, one day, your dreams will come true!”

I asked, “You are now a great DJ and have a good family with grown-up kids, will you embrace a new dream?” Candy laughed, like the sun in sky, and said, “I consider myself too lucky. I want to give my good luck to other people. I devote my time to serving the disadvantaged ones. My spark flew out of one incident: a quiet boy who was my audience had cancer, and he uttered his dream of going to Japan before he left the world. I was moved and worked very hard. In the end, I made his dream realized. Then, I knew it was not enough to be just compassionate. Volunteering deed can be any act of love on a small scale. Just do it! No act of kindness will be wasted because it can be felt.”

I was curious, “You are so busy with your daily pro bono work and how can you keep up your smiles?” Candy laughed again, “Ha! Simply because the work is pro bono and meaningful!” 

Candy Chea is holstering the causes of volunteerism in Hong Kong with teams of all shapes and sizes to help others. By doing so, the spirit of empowerment is promoted in our community. So, enjoy my following interview and be impacted by this wonderful lady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUNsD-yI7Fg

Maurice Lee

Candy Chea interview - https://youtu.be/dJB2upAYOk4?si=EVRuQtaegOwSl4Eo

[hong-kong-art-man]

Typhoons In Hong Kong: My Happy & Dreadful Stories

Typhoons coming from the Philippines often devastate Hong Kong in the months from June to September, and even up to October in recent years. The storms can be deadly disasters. I am somehow grateful for that kind of disaster. Even since I was a boy, I have been taught by typhoons that we cannot take life for granted. God is an all-powerful being, able to do things beyond human control.

Typhoon is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans. Hong Kong gets typhoons often from those occurring in the western Pacific Ocean near the Philippines. Once the grisly monster reaches the coastal areas of China, it is gradually cut off from its source of heat and water, and will dissipate.

Our childhood is however memories of happy moments because we dared.  When I was a boy, typhoon was the definition of a relaxing “holiday”. School would be closed when signal no. 3 was hoisted and I devoted myself to pleasure at home. I did not know the widespread suffering caused by typhoon outside. Mother took home a lot of canned food as fresh markets were closed. I liked, not realizing its high sodium content and BPA exposure, canned food in those days. My mother seldom cooked such  dishes like canned “twice-cooked pork 回鍋肉”, “braised duck with tangerine peel 陳皮鴨 ”, “braised pork with salted vegetables  梅菜扣肉 ”, and more…

Despite the monstrous typhoon, children enjoyed playing in the rain. Without wearing any raincoat, raindrops trickled down our bodies. We never feared any puddle of water. We jumped, splashed and smashed through the dirty water. Typhoons meant excitement. A kid in Hong Kong will not be complete without such a typhoon experience.

Sticking with your father, mother, brothers and sisters is what makes it a “family”. When we were children, it was easy for families to get together. Now, parents have gone and each sibling has his or her own family. We do not get together like what we did in the past when a typhoon came. Gone are the good old days in which a dinner table could be ringed with family members warmly chatting with each one on the latest storm news coming from the tiny transistor radio in front of us during typhoons. We often did not sleep at night in order to be updated about the typhoon news.

After I have grown up, typhoons are realized to be our enemy. They ravaged millions of homes and killed thousands of people. Recently, Typhoon Yagi affected Hong Kong and battered northern Vietnam, with the death toll rising to more than 300 people. Villages were swept away by landslides and floods. Well, we did not save our world properly. These days, typhoons are now strangely forming closer to the Mainland coast, intensifying more rapidly and staying over land for longer owing to climate change.

I had lived in Tai Tam, on the outskirts of the city, for more than 30 years. I went through a lot all kinds of horrible experience. Tress blew over in the storm. Windows were shattered. My car was pushed by heavy rain to the slope and my body was injured. Things in my house were blown away. I fell on the ground when rain poured down in torrents. Umbrellas flew into the sky. My embarrassing occasion is that I was unable to find any taxi home when a typhoon was approaching Hong Kong. I was trapped in the city and had to call my friend to agree to put me up for the night.

Now, I live in the city and all my dreadful typhoon stories in those years have become just a harmless joke.

When a terrible typhoon signal is hoisted, Hong Kong comes to a standstill. It often results in storm surges, floods and landslides which are deadly and destructive. Strong winds can collapse houses, destroy infrastructure, and even cause shipwrecks. To be cynical, I think there is at least one thing positive about typhoons: we all learn that God is almighty—He created the nature, the environment and all things. The living things, including humans, are simply the Earth’s dust. But, we keep selfishly polluting and causing more catastrophes…

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/xiang-gang-tai-113726830?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Song “Typhoons” https://youtu.be/nm_sYSzkydY?si=1CG5IoL6S2ogw7fl  Acknowledgement �� Royal Blood

Typhoon Mangkhut https://youtu.be/JBIl6ENYpEA?si=PnXBFLWKDHOwNjBY  Acknowledgement-hkweather

Typhoon Yagi https://youtu.be/I2JczpagEQ8?si=gSKEA_0djLyZPTCk Acknowledgement-人民報

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: The Hilarious And Inspiring Hong Kong Singaporean Music Producer And Singer Hanjin Tan (陳奐仁) & His Jazz Concert In Tung Po Stadium

Friendship comes along by background or chemical affinity, and not otherwise. People have an affinity towards a place too, and you know it should come as result of destiny.

I was introduced to the distinguished Singapore-cum-Hong Kong songwriter, singer, record producer and actor Hanjin Tan (陳奐仁) to do an interview. Tan is an intellectual in the music world with a global perspective and his humour gives any conversation a great spin. He was born in 1976, and a graduate of the renowned Anglo-Chinese School (英華書院) and National University of Singapore. He has been active in the music world since 1999. He plays jazz, hip hop, Canto-pop and Mando-pop. During his study in university, he got the unexpected opportunities to write and produce songs for the superlevel Asian singing stars Jacky Cheung (張學友) and Eason Chan (陳奕迅) and that helped kickstart his successful music career. Hanjin moved permanently to Hong Kong in 2009. With over 400 songs to his songwriting credit, Hanjin has worked with various great names including CoCo Lee (李玟)，Sammi Cheng (鄭秀文) and Joey Yung(容祖兒).

Hanjin smiled, “If not because of Jacky Cheung and Eason Chan, I could not have become well-known in Hong Kong and later moved to this city as my permanent base! I even got married and settled down in this amazing place. I wonder whether I should call it ‘destiny’ or ‘luck’!” I replied, “You are wise, talented, and versatile. It is more than just being lucky! Destiny is no matter of chance. You are bound for Hong Kong.”

As Hanjin and I did not know each other prior to the interview, both of us worked very hard to find topics to lighten the mood. Suddenly, one thing helped us break the ice and moved the conversation forward: we graduated from the related high schools in Hong Kong and Singapore.

In 1818, the first Protestant missionary to China, Rev Robertson Morrison established the Anglo-Chinese College (in Hong Kong, it was called Ying Wa College, but all schools in Chinese are英華書院) in Malacca. Then the school was also set up in Singapore. In 1843, the college was moved to Hong Kong too. Being the only school with over 200 years of history, it is the oldest one in Hong Kong.

Hanjin & I chatted. We discovered that both schools had the same cultures and traditions. School days are a happy treasure that will follow their owners everywhere.

On the day of our interview, Hanjin was too busy. He ordered a chicken bento but he was guilt-ridden.  He feared he might not get enough protein from one bento. He said, “Other than music, I love sports. I was one of the Singapore swimming team when I was a pupil. Now, I work out, run or walk every day. I need a lot of protein and there is a brand called Whey which can strengthen muscles.” I crossed the line and asked, “So, you had a lot of muscles?” Hanjin was funny and, on purpose, changed his T-shirt in front of us. Wow! What a muscleman!

Hanjin laughed, probably embarrassed. I took him out of the bag and asked, “What are you now busy with?” He told me, “I am heavily occupied with my jazz concert in a stadium called ‘Tung Po’ (東蒲) in San Po Kong. The dates are 5th and 6th of October. The wonderful event was sponsored by a whisky company and we offer the water of life in the pre-concert party! Please join us! It will be an awesome evening!”

Before you go to the concert, let me re-boot your system with my hilarious interview with Hanjin Tan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BOL95sH7do&list=PLGdAtqsEZ5ntteF1XyJQFX50RNrl4ppCI

Maurice Lee

“Love in Doubt” the work that got Hanjin fame https://youtu.be/q43n0H0skK0?si=xD56-KtIEXLjB5vZ

[hong-kong-art-man]

Comparison Of Movie-Watching Experience In Hong Kong & The Chinese Mainland—Fun Or No Fun

The great filmmaker Steven Spielberg said, “Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.” 

It is sad that people do not go to movie theatres anymore. Watching movies from home becomes an easier and a cheaper alternative. With a TV and sound system, you can quickly set up a “home theatre”. Many cinemas in Hong Kong have been shut down though some have been in our city for half a century. Business closure of movie theatres is now a common thing.

As there are fewer and fewer film choices in Hong Kong. I often cross the border to travel to Shenzhen and other Greater Bay Area cities to watch movies. We now have high-speed trains which can take us to Shenzhen within 20 minutes, when it used to take one hour. I also find that there are more or more curious youngsters from the Mainland coming to Hong Kong to enjoy our imported foreign motion pictures, especially those produced as an artistic or experimental expression. Such films may not be allowed in the Mainland. Yaumatei  Broadway Cinematheque (百老匯電影中心) is the holy place where they pay their respect.

China now reduces the number of foreign films that can be screened in the country, spurred by the consideration that its local filming industry would be compromised by an open market. Perhaps geopolitics may be another reason for the tighter quota system. In parallel, Hollywood is becoming less focused these days on targeting Chinese audiences. Sino-American co-productions become apparently rare circumstances.

In Hong Kong, young lovers like to go to dinner first and then a movie. They can behave intimately in a dark theatre. You cannot talk during the movie, but there is a lot to be said for body language. This is why our movie audience are mostly young persons. In the Mainland, you can often see families go to the movies. For them, watching movie together is a great opportunity for parents to connect with their children. A weekly family movie in a cozy place away from home is a great way to bring all members together, having fun and lasting memories. People in the Greater Bay Area still keep that old tradition. Such a warm scene reminds me of the loving recollections that I had when I was a kid.

In Hong Kong, concession stands of cinemas sell mainly soft drinks and popcorn. Sometimes, they sell fish balls and siu mai (燒賣). In the Mainland, they sell very special snacks such as braised duck kidney and spicy chicken neck which manifest Chinese food specialties. In Beijing, there is a “hotpot cinema” where one can watch a movie while eating hotpot at the same time. Some cinemas in the Mainland provide foot massage service inside the theatre. Will the audience snuggle down in a comfortable seat and fall asleep? In any event, most cinemas in the Mainland provide massage seats but they are coin-operated. I have not prepared myself for such an exotic participation.

Cinema tickets in Hong Kong are not cheap. They can be about HK$80-120. In the Mainland, after various kinds of promotion discount, they ask for about HK$40-60 per ticket. They often offer “online discount package”, but if your mobile phone cannot download the applicable app, you will not be able to enjoy such substantial reduction of ticket price. 

Land in the Mainland is not as expensive as that of Hong Kong. In the lobby hall of every cinema, they put many gachapon (扭蛋) and game machines. Some look like an amusement arcade. The area is like a “pre-show” before the main performance. The entrance area of a Hong Kong cinema is small. Operators just put up movie posters and a few ticket vending machines. Business is business and cinemas in Hong Kong have to do the bare minimum in order to survive.

Hong Kong is a liberal society and we can enjoy all kinds of films, of course, except those which are highly sensitive in terms of political ideologies. In the Mainland, many kinds of films are prohibited such as those which are superstitious, anti-Chinese, promote bad conduct, encourage crimes, x-rated and immoral contents. Nevertheless, when I watch a movie in Shenzhen, the variety of other kinds of movies still gives me a great pleasure. They include  historical epics (歷史題材片) , fantasy and mythology (奇幻神話片), contemporary comedies, mystery and detective stories, children animated movies and documentaries. Some directors are obviously newbies and their movies are ordinary. I did watch 2 good movies Successor ( 抓娃娃) and Upstream (逆行人生).

Sometimes, disappearing is the way to let new things emerge. Cinemas are disappearing but home movie subscription-based streaming services like Netflix appear. Nowadays, we do not hire a seat, but we procure an internet-connected device to watch a movie. The world must go on…Films, always wear a new dress.

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/qu-da-wan-qu-kan-112660682?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Movie “Upstream” Trailer https://youtu.be/juxKyQiN81Y?si=EU6k7gT022MHHJkx  Acknowledgement-平底鍋

Movie “Successor” Trailer https://youtu.be/HTusLIqslCs?si=dWzhjkqjt4Niwvq_  Acknowledgment-Far East Films

Cinema in Shenzhen https://youtu.be/Gdy_MOU-ueU?si=ycFDVm4TtxJqHEOo  Acknowledgement-Data Ma

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: The Violent Sense Of Humour From A Renowned Music Producer And Song Writer Harry Ng (伍仲衡) In Hong Kong: His Funny Ways To Look At Music & Life

People may get the facts wrong but only very few dare to express what they conclude.

I love honest people. They are often prickly in a lovely way. Honesty builds trust and fosters credibility. It is the foundation upon which I gained some best friends in the past years. Disappointingly, most people engage in people-pleasing behaviour. They feel that saying nice things will lead to acceptance by others.

The well recognised music master in Hong Kong Harry Ng (伍仲衡) is a very sincere and truthful person. I guess he may have 2 reasons for being honest as what William Shakespeare said, “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself.” Or, secondly, he may agree to what Mark Twain said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Harry laughed, “I just want to be responsible. People rely on me to deliver good music. I am under a duty to express what is good music and what is bad.” I laughed too, “Could you say it in a more indirect and mild way?” He explained, “Plain truth is often a kind of cruelty. When I was the adjudicator of a singing competition, I had to point out the real problem. For example, if a contestant chooses a song that he cannot handle, any wishy-washy expression is not better than the simple comment that he got the wrong song! Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a future failure.”

Harry graduated from St. Francis Xavier’s College and went to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His academic pursuit had nothing to do with music and after careful consideration, he gave up other career options and started his music profession in the mid-1990s. He won many awards. He is now a renowned song writer, music producer and expert in Hong Kong. Harry is funny and persuasive.   

Harry said, “My mentor as well as music idol is Master Joseph Koo (顧嘉煇). He passed away in 2023. I adore and love him so much. I could idly listen to his heart-touching beautiful music for several hours. He is my wonderful teacher and I can play his music for hours on end.”

I told Harry, “You always made us laugh at simple things. Would you consider being an actor especially in shows? You said things that many of us want to say but we are afraid to say it.” Harry was honest again and said, “Well, I can do stand-up comedy if you can find me a boss!”  

I like the great sense of humour of Harry. Laughter shortens the distance between 2 men. The hilarious comments from Harry may not be the best medicine, but they surely contribute to our bright new days!

Do you want to see how witty Harry Ng is? Please watch my interview with him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biEf84l-wlk

Maurice Lee

Wedding Song of Harry Ng https://youtu.be/usKweMg9xsQ?si=VGXYkC1NPffbZ34e

[hong-kong-art-man]

5 Kinds Of Curiosity That May Benefit You: Which Group Do You Belong To?

When I was a school boy, my teacher told me there were 5 words which could watch over and benefit me for the rest of my life, namely, “why”, “what”, “how”, “when” and “who”. They are all words for framing a question. “A prudent question is one-half of wisdom” and perhaps 2 questions can uncover the truth. They help us focus on the most important aspects of the thing that we are trying to know.

We ask questions for 2 reasons: helping us understand a situation and make an informed decision. Questions and their answers can also help us think more critically and empower us with knowledge and intelligence.  

Albert Einstein inspired us and said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Hotshot experts told us there are 5 benefits of getting into the right mind of curiosity. You become a better problem solver with more creative solution options. A wealth of knowledge makes you more updated and younger. You are more socially attractive because you offer interesting information during a conversation. When you know more, you are less uncertain and will have a lower level of anxiety. Finally, you will be a more able businessman to look over your shoulder in an ever-changing society. 

I am a lucky man. As a boy, I was always taken by my mother to explore the world. She brought us to visit different temples, parks, markets, cinema houses, and even government buildings. In fact, she was more curious than me. She was curious for herself, not for the approval of others. She was curious about life. Life is not one but many beautiful places. 

Commonly recognized, 5 theories on curiosity can be applied to you. “Epistemic Curiosity” is the desire to obtain new knowledge so as to stimulate intellectual interest. This is a higher level of curiosity. “Empathic Curiosity” is a desire to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings. The curiosity can help us connect more deeply with the people around us. “Social Curiosity” is the eagerness to acquire new information about what happens in a society or other new things, especially those around himself. “Diversive Curiosity” is more like an impulse. It is the fleeting desire to explore things that come along. Some like to scroll Twitter or flip through a magazine. It does not engage one in deeper exploration of a thing. When people gossip en masse about the private life of a movie star, it can be, for example, a kind of diversive curiosity. Lastly, “Sensory Curiosity” is the 5th kind. It is the desire for new sensations and thrills. Learning a new sport to experience a new lifestyle is an example of such curiosity. Which group do you belong to? 

A research suggested that the poor state of Hongkongers’ emotional health has emerged as a key factor in their low levels of vitality. Curiosity will conquer fear, and give you more wisdom and confidence to take your life to the next level of liveliness. You will feel positive again after being curious. Being nosy is not a bad thing.

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/xiang-gang-ren-111905301?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Song “Curiosity” https://youtube.com/watch?v=ODAjU0MS6fE&feature=shared  Acknowledgment-小蓓蕾组合-Topic

TV Program on Curiosity  https://youtu.be/eKF88Tlnack?si=8rBT3mUfqrGLT5jp  Acknowledgement-CCTV

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: The “Evergreen Tree” In The Singing World That Has Been With Hong Kong For 60 Years: Joe Junior & His Missed Time

The right thing not at a right time is a wrong thing. Often, a good thing happens to the good person but at a bad time. All these are called “unlucky days”.

Joe Junior was born in or about 1946. He is a respectable singer of English pop songs. He was handsome and charming. He moved from Macau to Hong Kong in the 1950s. While studying in Hong Kong, his singing talent was discovered by music companies. Joe grinned like a Cheshire cat and said, “I became a popular singer in the 60s and 70s. Success at the time is simply a matter of luck. But, in the long run, destiny instead of luck is what will determine who you are! Of course, destiny is a command from God.”

I was puzzled and asked, “Did tough times come to you?” He said, “I sang a lot of English songs including ‘Here’s a Heart’, ‘Deborah’, ‘Voice of Love’ and ‘My Way’. I did not often sing Cantonese or Mandarin songs. The trend unluckily, started in the mid-70s, that people loved to listen to Chinese songs. Fans lost focus and sight of me. I was positioned as less important in the singing world. So, I left Hong Kong for Taiwan and America. The long journey finally took me home and Hong Kong is where my heart is now!”

Joe continued, “At my age, ambition ends and happiness begins. I no longer seek achievement or put the blame on any lack of luck. Being able to still sing and seeing my old fans in concerts are joy in the greatest form of gratitude. I do not have to chase special moments to find happiness and it is right in front of me! I sing to cheer up unhappy people. I sing to help others to raise money for charity. I sing to my dearest wife.”

I put it to Joe, “What do you treasure now apart from happiness?” He said, “Good health! Singing can be physically demanding and requires stamina. I need to maintain my energy levels. I like enjoying sauna. Sauna has too many benefits. Sauna bathing results in wonderful health benefits such as increased blood circulation, pain reduction, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, improved immune function, and good relaxation.” I was surprised and asked, “How many times a week do you go to sauna?” Joe replied, “Almost every day! A kind friend is the owner of a sauna parlour and he gives me free admission.”

During our conversation, Joe Junior told me that he was generally misunderstood about one thing. Do you want to know what it is? Please enjoy my interview with Joe, the “evergreen tree” that has been with Hong Kong for 60 years! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWNkU5g3L6Y

Maurice Lee

"My Way" https://youtu.be/S-zkBz1w-Jk?si=RJFwnvLnSQzKIFvT Acknowledgement-Joe Junior-Topic

[hong-kong-art-man]

The Population Of Hong Kong Is Now Made Up Of A New Community : The Famous Slashie Writer FENG Tong (馮唐) Is A Good Example Of How Incoming Talents Are Making Unique Contributions To Hong Kong

When people leave their home city, they join a mass movement, namely, change and change for a new beginning. With the likely insolence that they may face in a foreign place, they will work harder, chase dreams and realize their work.

When I was young and visited the Chinatowns of different alien lands, people often said, “You must come from Hong Kong!” Now, they asked, “Which part of China do you come from?” Chinatowns are no longer about Hong Kong wonton noodles. A grieving Hongkie can see Beijing duck, Shanghai xiaolongbao, Hangzhou beggar’s chicken and Sichuan hot pot, all standing popular there on their own feet.

According to statistics, there are about 60 million (descendants included) Chinese all over the world today. In Hong Kong, the figure of Mainland immigrants after 1997 Handover is over 1.5 million in a population of 7.5 million. Overseas Chinese are no longer village men.

The famous and popular writer FENG Tang (馮唐) is a good example of the international Chinese. He was born in Beijing in the 1970s. He studied medicine but gave up being a doctor. He went to the USA to pursue his management studies. After that, he worked in Hong Kong as a successful business consultant and manager in giant corporations. Now, he is a famous and influential full-time essayist, novelist, poet and critic (what a slashie!) after accumulating many years of writing achievements when these works got him awards that are the envy of all writers. He has a home in the United Kingdom but his base is often Hong Kong. He writes and speaks fluent English and Chinese. Feng is an entity that has the ability, knowledge and power on the international level; and he represents the best-educated of the modern Chinese men with exceptional wisdom. He loves Hong Kong. Brevity is a great charm of his eloquence.

I asked Feng, “Why do you enjoy writing?” He, politely as usual, said, “I am curious. When I was a boy, flowers, grasses, neighbours, and even a stranger in the street all can be the reasons why I want to be curious. My answers, after being found out, have to be expressed. So, I talk and write, and want more people to know the results of my curiosity.” 

I said, “You are often regarded as a ‘rebellious’ writer causing controversies. What do you think?” He softheartedly smiled, “I was born a restless rebel. Rebellion is inside my heart. But, I played the game in the past. I studied, worked and achieved hard. The look of wearing a suit and tie was previously a tool for me to make a good living in the city of Hong Kong. Wildlife and wilderness actually made more sense to me. Looking deep into myself, I will enjoy more getting out in nature and being an untamed animal. The present surroundings of a modern world are about order and peaceful societies. So, I can only be wild internally. The cool existence is to make use of the personal space of expression that a writer can put into his words.”

I am a curious man too and asked, “How do you see your life?” Feng seriously replied, “Buddhism believes that your present role as a human being is the consequence of your kindness in the past life. I think so. Imagine when you were just a flower, a tree, a bird or a fish, you would be contaminated by waste, dirt, chemicals or radiation and then vanish! We will die naturally one day but during our survival time, we must operate our human flesh and body to lead a meaningful, desirable and moral life. All humans are imperfect but we are morally duty-bound. As soon as a man discharges those moral duties, he will carry nothing on his shoulders and can be a free person doing what he may wish. For me, the freedom is to write and create. There is no restricted area in my inner domain.”

I wanted to know the answer and so said, “It seems money sometimes matters and sometimes does not matter to you.” Feng responded, “Being natural is the ultimate secret. Money is important but it should not be the goal of what I want to do. I am writing on a piece of paper, not a bank note.”

My final question to Feng is, “Your feelings about Hong Kong?” He warmly said, “I have lived here for a long time and still regard her as my home. Hong Kong changes faster than me! I often feel that I am still the same old Feng Tang but many things are Hong Kong take on a new look that I am no longer familiar with. There is one thing that never changes in Hong Kong: people here work hard for a living for whatever reason! I learnt being hardworking in Hong Kong and am, in this way, still very Hong Kong!”

Hong Kong is a small city. A great city, regardless of its size, is identified by 3 main parts: vibrant business, talented population and a unique cultural landscape. Towards these, Feng Tang, because of his background, always thinks differently but is contributing to all 3 areas! I hope Feng will spend more time in Hong Kong because the best way to attract more talents to our city is to show that the existing talents are willing to stay in Hong Kong!

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/xin-xiang-gang-110933164?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

New HongKie https://youtu.be/KP050nwBx68?si=6x70hIXO2R-mNdRk  Acknowledgement 關注社會頻道@RTHK

 Feng Tang Interview https://youtu.be/tebaXWzVl94?si=8twTZwzKfu6SpXUI   Acknowledgement-香港商報

 Book Talk by Feng Tang https://youtu.be/MFd50xIixWI?si=78f8rhNAl3_BN5Ry  Acknowledgement – Feng Tang

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: Wonder Woman From A Teacher, Actress To An International Film Producer: Ankie Lau (劉香萍): What Is Hong Kong Film Industry Lacking In?

Ankie Lau is a wonder woman. At her age, how can she have so much energy?

She was born in 1958. She is a famous TV and film actress in Hong Kong in the 1970s & 1980s. She got married and moved to Germany. She never stopped. Despite the need of take care of a family of which her daughter Ankie Beilke (貝安琪) is also a movie star, she is active in the film industry and determined to be an international film producer. She is super busy but does not forget to smile. Ankie wants to brighten everyone’s day!

Ankie said, “If you want something that you never had to happen, you must work hard, believe yourself and know that the distance between goals and who you are now is called ACTION!”

She takes actions at all times. Ankie said, “I am now in Hong Kong because I want to raise funds for my next film. It is not easy but at least I am trying!”

I seized the opportunity when she was in Hong Kong and did an interview. I asked, “What is Hong Kong film industry lacking in?” She thought for a while and replied, “Stars! Superstars!” I asked, “Why?” She told me sincerely, “Films do need a market. When considering if there is a market for a particular commercial film, the first thing that comes to the mind of the people is whether the director is good and the actors are well-known?” She sighed, “Hong Kong used to have a lot of superstars like Chow Yun Fat (周潤發)、Stephen Chow (周星馳)、Tony Leung (梁朝偉)、Andy Lau (劉德華)…... We are, at present, unable to produce a few internationally young eminent stars. Unfortunately, the local market of Hong Kong is also very small and this is why we are struggling hard. We all miss the old name of Hong Kong as ‘Eastern Hollywood’!”

Ankie explained, “East does meet West in Hong Kong! We enjoy two worlds. Hong Kong films do have upside potential in the international market. ‘Keep trying’ is my advice and of course, if we can have the money to do it!”

Do enjoy my interview with Ankie Lau and thank you very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iNQ8VpJTeo

Maurice Lee

[hong-kong-art-man]

A Content Farm Animal Is Born: My New 13th Book In 2024 依依得捨 (Departure Time)

The joy of writing is the opportunity of sharing what I believe. The pain of writing is me seeing deadlines looming larger and larger.

A writer does not simply write. He has to sell books so that the publisher’s fingers will not get burned. Ultimately, he has one moral duty: to write well to attract readers. He can be deprived of time but he cannot lose his quality and style.

Online media platform is often called a “content farm” these days. Writers are the various kinds of “animals”. They write on different specific topics attracting the target group of readers. They collectively generate a large amount of textual web contents which result in massive reader page views. At the end of the day, the goal is to generate huge advertising revenue through “micro targeting” in the media world.

I wrote in the 1980s, but took many years’ break in the 1990s. I started to write again about 10 years ago but no longer for newspapers and magazines. My new bosses are online media which, during the current trend, put focus on news and gossips rather than serious contributions from freelance contributors. 

I used to freely write essays and proses. Whatever my mind can conceive and believe, it can be the topic of my writing. Freedom is never won; it is given. Now, the online media editors ably plan and arrange writers one after another in a particular order. There is a splendid array of contents on the table and each writer is responsible for a dish which can attract a reader to try so that he will become a sticky fan. My job is to write on arts and culture; and occasionally on law as I am a lawyer. I am hopefully a good animal nowadays.

When we think about change, we know life was one thing and now it becomes another. A veteran writer in Hong Kong went through taking a bus to deliver articles to a newspaper headquarter, later simply faxing it to the editor, and presently just transmitting an essay through a computer or mobile phone! Well, as a writer for 40 years, I think the secret of change is, as Socrates said, “To focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

My new book依依得捨 (Departure Time) has just been released by Cosmos Books (天地圖書).I am grateful to it. It is my new book in 2024! This is my 13th publication, a collection of my art and cultural essays. I also thank Hong Kong Trade Development Council for allowing me a talk in the Book Fair in 2024 to promote my book. Enjoy it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffM3f1NCk6o

You can support and buy from any bookstore including Cosmos Books (天地圖書), Joint Publishing (三聯書店), The Commercial Press (商務印書館).  Alternatively, you can click on the links below or any online book shops:

Cosmos Books:  https://www.cosmosbooks.com.hk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=988855141

hkbookcity: https://www.hkbookcity.com/showbook2.php?serial_no=28307697

yesasia: https://www.yesasia.com/us/%E4%BD%AC%E6%96%87%E9%9D%92-%E4%BE%9D%E4%BE%9D%E5%BE%97%E6%8D%A8/1129904389-0-0-0-zh_TW/info.html

A kind gesture can reach my heart that your generosity will make it beat. I work hard in silence and let my result be the noise.

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/huai-tai-shi-yue-110140590?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

[hong-kong-art-man]

Interview: A woman of extraordinary strengths: The “Queen of Hi-Fi” Susan Wong (黃翠珊) , an accountant, singer, daughter, wife and mother, explains how she manages to put everything in delicate balance

She is tall, slim and attractive. She possesses a sexy and husky voice. She was given good education in Australia and is now an accountant owning her own firm. She is a contented wife and caring mother. She gets a fulfilling part-time job of singing, apart from her professional career. She loves sports and jogging. She thoroughly enjoys life. She is a lucky girl from start to finish. She does not think she deserves all the good things that have come her way and so she is happy to help the unfortunate ones. She is Susan Wong (黃翠珊).

Susan lost in thought and said, “Well! I planned but not that much. Things came naturally. People asked me to consider if I should be a full-time singer. Then, accounting jobs came up. I still want to sing and keep learning.” Susan Wong is a popular and successful singer among the Hi-Fi enthusiasts or “audiophiles”. She made many records and some of her online music received amazingly an international view rate as high as several million. One of these is her song “Billie Jean” sung in Bossa Nova style and it hits 5.2 million clicks.

Susan was shy and said, “I am not particularly good at Chinese songs but I am taking a step at a time.”

Susan said, “No matter how busy I am, I must take time to make my son at primary school feel that he is important. But, mother and child bonding is always a sensitive thing that requires a balance between love and over-attention.”

Hong Kong youth suicides are among the highest in the developed world. Tracking media reports, researchers found that about 67 suspected suicides and 50 such attempts involving people aged below 25 in Hong Kong in 2023. The crisis sparked efforts to identify and support youngsters at risk. Susan lamented the situation, “I will take part in a charity concert in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in April 2025. It is an event to raise awareness of the mental health issues and encourage people in Hong Kong to solve the problem together. I am a mother and feel obligated to do our duty for our kids for their future.”

In the following thought-provoking interview with Susan Wong, she talked about her personal life, the singing world and how a woman does not confuse having a career with having a life. Please enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBGmxU0196Y

Maurice Lee

[hong-kong-art-man]

My New Book: 依依得捨 (Departure Time)

The joy of writing is the opportunity of sharing what I believe. The pain of writing is me seeing deadlines looming larger and larger.

A writer does not simply write. He has to sell books so that the publisher’s fingers will not get burned. Ultimately, he has one moral duty: to write well to attract readers.

My new book依依得捨 (Departure Time) has just been released by Cosmos Books (天地圖書). It is my new book in 2024! This is my 14th publication, a collection of my art and cultural essays. Did I really write so much?

You can buy in any bookstore including Cosmos Books (天地圖書), Joint Publishing (三聯書店), The Commercial Press (商務印書館). Alternatively, you can click on the links below or any online book shops:

Cosmos Books: https://www.cosmosbooks.com.hk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=988855141

hkbookcity: https://www.hkbookcity.com/showbook2.php?serial_no=28307697

yesasia: https://www.yesasia.com/....../1129904389-0....../info.html

A kind gesture can reach my heart that your generosity made it beat.

Maurice

[hong-kong-art-man]

Looking Down From Garden Hill, Sham Shui Po Spreads Out From Us To Include Old Streets, Quiet Shophouses And Romantic “Tong Lau”s Which Mesmerize You With Its Old-world Charm

“Sunset is the opening music of the night”. In Hong Kong, the most photogenic moment of our Victoria Harbour is at sunset. One of the best angles to take such photos is from Garden Hill (嘉頓山) of a very old district Sham Shui Po (深水埗) which some call it “District of Sunset” as the old area is full of faded glories. But, every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn—Sham Shui Po is now being well gentrified! There are more and more trendy cafes near Ki Lung Street (基隆街) and the zone is often nicknamed as “The Brooklyn of Hong Kong”.

Sham Shui Po is situated in the northwestern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, adjacent to the deep-water Victoria Harbour. “Po” means the flat land with a pier. Sham Shui Po Pier, now sadly gone, can be traced back to 1924 or an earlier date. In the late Qing Dynasty several hundred years ago, one of the customs stations was built in Sham Shui Po.  It was usually the first stop for the boats coming from Pearl River (珠江) of the Mainland to the west of Hong Kong when they arrived here. Sham Shui Po thus became a busy marketplace with brisk business activities. Cottage industries such as footwear, clothing, household goods, herbal medicine, and many other trades flourished. These industries were usually housed in a 3-storey building with a covered verandah and the building is called “tong lau” (唐樓). Owners work in the ground floor shops and their families live upstairs. When several “tong lau”s are joined to each other, they form a long outdoor pedestrian porch with a cover. Hong Kong has a rainy climate in summer and the design of a tong lau can protect customers from getting wet in the street after shopping. Many such old shops still exist and some even have been in Sham Shui Po for over 70 years. Success comes to those who are busy with it. So, it is unfair to say everyone in Sham Shui Po is poor.

In 1955, a Han dynasty tomb was unearthed during the construction of a government housing estate in Sham Shui Po. The tomb comprises 4 chambers and there is an entrance passage in the shape of a symmetrical cross. It is known as the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum (李鄭屋漢墓博物館). It sheds light on the history that about 2,000 years ago, Sham Shui Po was already inhabited by people who were rich enough to build such a fine tomb. Do take a look on a beautiful day!

Sham Shui Po is more charming than other districts in Kowloon combined. It will take you more than one day to fully explore this old district and see things that already vanish in other places. Let me give you an example.

Apliu Street (鴨寮街) is an olden and famous “flea market” street for electronic products inclusive of second-hand components, parallel imports, and discontinued models. Also, old vinyl records, cassette tapes, newspapers, magazines, and books can be found. “Apliu” literally means duck sheds because in the past, the area was a cluster of matsheds on the beach and partly over water where sheds were built. The street is now a shopping paradise for men especially homebodies. It is difficult to find such a fascinating nostalgic street in other area of Hong Kong.

Sham Shui Po is well known for its cramped quarters, high population density and caged homes. Dilapidated buildings are everywhere. Many live in bad condition. The district is old and the residents, many being workers in the factories of Sham Shui Po in the past, are facing economic threats when their physical health now declines. Other old people are attracted to the district since housing and basic necessities in Sham Shui Po are affordable for them.  An extreme imbalance between rich and poor in Hong Kong shows that our high degree of capitalism had to be wisely adjusted. Of course, poverty is not necessarily an enemy to happiness. Some live confidently there despite all the negative factors.

Sham Shui Po was the heart of Hong Kong’s textiles manufacturing industry in the 1960s. Now, these factories have gone but the district is still a popular market for designers and craftsmen to buy fashion materials which are in abundant supply. They include knitted fabrics, buttons, cotton cloths, needles and threads. These things are like a box of crayons that colour Sham Shui Po. The prominent streets are Nam Cheong Street (南昌街) and Yu Chau Street (汝州街).

In Hong Kong, snake soup (蛇羹) is considered a nutritious and expensive traditional dish. It is consumed in the cold months to make the body warm and strong. It may cure ailments such as arthritis. The well-known one is in Sham Shui Po and the restaurant is called “蛇王協” (Snake King Hip) in Apliu Street. Young people tend to dislike snake soup but you should try it before the gourmet food disappears in Hong Kong.

I want to salute Sham Shui Po with a passage in writing by the French photographer Chirstophe Agou: With every glance I take in the “negative-positive” of existence and the inevitability of impermanence to its glowing limits. Alone and haunted, I trust my inner eye, the heart. Everything, absolutely everything, becomes visible. Appearances, disappearances, nothing seems of secondary importance to me.

Sham Shui Po is nostalgically romantic.

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/jia-dun-shan-yao-109165156?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sham Shui Po Market https://youtu.be/ln3ny9slWEo?si=GNWWrleDLz1J1qi5  Acknowledgement-RTHK

Sham Shui Po stories https://youtu.be/nWkpBNrJkts?si=ev3EzA-OY0RRsQrm  Acknowledgement SEE Network

Lee Cheng Uk Han Tomb https://youtu.be/suMKLWpWiOc?si=JtKY6vdVH4L_7Ocl  Acknowledgement-lhy1002