Hing Chao

Honorary Fellow, CityUHK
Chairperson, Advisory Committee of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, CityUHK
Founder, Hong Kong Culture Festival
Executive Director, International Guoshu Association
Executive Chairman, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport

“Knowledge finds meaning through action.”

The exhibition “Might and Magnificence: Ceremonial Arms and Armour across Cultures” at CityUHK’s Indra and Harry Banga Gallery exemplified Hing Chao’s enthusiasm for cultural conservation.

Hing Chao finds inspiration and balance in nature, whether hiking, swimming, spending time in the wilderness, or horse riding in Siberia.

Hing Chao is keen to share ideas with local people about preserving cultural heritage and fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences in nature.

Hing Chao is a cultural visionary and business innovator whose journey seamlessly blends ideas about philosophy, business, and heritage. As Chairperson of the Advisory Committee to the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at CityUHK, Hing is passionate about integrating art, technology, and education and preserving intangible cultural heritage, particularly martial arts and traditional festivals. His impact has earned him recognition as a thought leader in cultural revitalisation.

His foundations in philosophy at Durham University instilled in him a holistic approach to connecting aesthetics, ethics, and politics. This perspective continues to influence his multidisciplinary approach to cultural preservation and innovation.

This appetite for cultural preservation was ignited when he first encountered the endangered culture of the Orochen hunters in Northeast China 25 years ago. When he returned to Hong Kong in 2008, he experienced the challenges that local traditional martial arts were facing. He began advocating that martial arts should be considered a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural identity. Partnering with government bodies, museums, and academic institutions, he began a long-standing collaboration in 2012 with CityUHK’s School of Creative Media. This partnership involved 3D motion capture to document martial arts movements and preserve embodied knowledge. Over the years, this collaboration has expanded to include other forms of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional dance and festivals.

Firm in the belief that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage requires a multi-pronged approach—changing public perception, long-term commitment, and academic collaboration—Hing notes, “When I first began, people didn’t see martial arts as culture. Today, I believe we’ve made great progress.” He is pleased that his work with CityUHK’s School of Creative Media demonstrates how research and technology can preserve and revitalise traditions.

Through his role as Chairperson, Hing helps position the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery as a hub for innovation and collaboration. “CityUHK pioneers using digital technology to preserve culture,” he says. “The Gallery brings together resources from across the University to lead in ‘new museology,’ combining art, technology, and cultural heritage.”

Hing is enthusiastic about Hong Kong’s overall role as a cultural hub. He highlights the city’s rich traditions, such as temple festivals, dragon boat racing, and lion and unicorn dances. For Hing, these traditions are not just cultural relics but a way for Hong Kong people to celebrate their plural identities.

His commitment to conserving cultural heritage highlights the importance of safeguarding Hong Kong's intangible heritage for future generations. In collaboration with CityUHK, he applies digital preservation strategies to various local cultural traditions, such as the Hakka unicorn dance, which is performed on occasions such as Chinese New Year, birthdays, and weddings. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, his efforts ensure that these unique cultural expressions remain vibrant and accessible, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Hong Kong's rich heritage within the community and beyond.

Despite his demanding schedule, Hing continues to be inspired by nature. Whether hiking in Hong Kong, swimming in the sea, or camping in Inner Mongolia, he values the peace and clarity of immersion in the natural world. “For me, nature is the best way to recharge,” he shares.

The philosophical principle of Tongbei (通備), which emphasises the alignment of knowledge and action, has guided Hing throughout his career. “Knowledge must be so well understood that it becomes second nature,” he explains. This philosophy has shaped his approach to business and cultural preservation, teaching him to balance abstract thinking with practical action.

To inspire CityUHK students, Hing says, “Don’t just keep your knowledge in the classroom. Think about applying what you’ve learned to create value for society. Aim for a positive impact, whether starting a business or preserving a tradition.”

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