CityU presents “Post-War Hong Kong and the Story of Tat Chee Avenue” exhibition
To present an overview of Hong Kong in 1950s and 1960s and to pay tribute to Mr U Tat-chee for his contributions to the advancement of the economy, people’s livelihood and education of Hong Kong after the World War II, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is holding an exhibition titled “Post-War Hong Kong and the Story of Tat Chee Avenue” from 18 to 31 October.
The items displayed at the exhibition are based mainly on the book U Tat Chee: The Ginger King in Post-War Hong Kong published by CityU Press and co-authored by Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun, granddaughter of Mr U, and Dr Au Chi-kin, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
With precious photos and other exhibits to present a full picture of housing, education and industries in Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s, the new publication depicts the development of Tat Chee Avenue and Yau Yat Tsuen in Kowloon Tong and the life of Mr U, the key person for the successful building of Tat Chee Avenue and Yau Yat Tsuen.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition on 18 October was officiated by Mr Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of CityU Council, President Way Kuo, Mr Paul Wong, District Officer (Sham Shui Po) of the Home Affairs Department, Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and Dr Lo Kam-wing, Executive Vice-President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms Yu said, “I have always admired my grandfather's various contributions to Hong Kong after the war. I hope to inspire the younger generation to learn from my grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm in public affairs, and to contribute to society. I would like to express my gratitude to CityU Press and Run Run Shaw Library at CityU for organising this exhibition.”
In his speech, Mr Huang said that he had benefited from the development of Yau Yat Tsuen and, growing up in this community, he had deep feelings for the area. “I particularly admire Mr U's courage to innovate and his macro overview. He led the industry to participate in overseas exhibitions and open up the market, which showed his early vision for the concept of ‘globalisation’ in business. As a leading university in the world, CityU has always had an international perspective and been prepared for world-class research and teaching, having established a good reputation both regionally and internationally,” he said.
In his speech, President Kuo shared that Marconi Road, which connects Broadcast Drive in Kowloon Tong, was named by the government in the 1960s. It commemorates the significant contributions made by Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian engineer and the winner of the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics, to the telecommunications industry and Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company to the development of ultra-short wave broadcasting in Hong Kong. The naming of this road complemented Mr U's idea of developing Yau Yat Tsuen, President Kuo said.
"Mr U had not only contributed to education and the economy, he also had a profound impact on technology as well. CityU is very pleased and honoured to be part of the Kowloon Tong culture," said President Kuo.
He added that the streets of Yau Yat Tsuen in Kowloon Tong are named after flowers, and that CityU’s official flower, the beautiful Brazil bougainvillea, brightens up campus every season.
During World War II, many parts of Hong Kong were devastated, and so rebuilding and reconstruction were urgently. Mr U, highly regarded as the “Ginger King”, made significant contributions to the community’s economy, people’s livelihood and education, other than just developing his own business. For his entrepreneurship, enthusiasm in public services and contributions that led local industries to expand their businesses internationally, Mr U serves as a role model for the younger generation.
CityU staff members, students and alumni are welcome to visit the exhibition, now open till 31 October at Wofoo Foundation Gallery, Run Run Shaw Library.
