The Madam Tsang Chor-hang Heritage Museum at Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong celebrated its grand opening on November 3, by Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network. This event marked the end of efforts to create a new heritage museum that brings history to life.
Leaders of the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) attended, including Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO & School Supervisor, Professor Yip Kwok-wah, Chairman; Dr Esther Chan, Deputy CEO (K-12 Education), and Dr Lydia Chan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Tertiary Education). Other notable attendees included Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Dr Rocco Yim, Architect of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Mr Francis Li, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Asia Art Hong Kong, and Professor Wong On Yuen, world-renowned maestro of erhu music.
Developing cultural identity via an understanding of history and culture
The significance of knowing history is demonstrated by the YCYW's Madam Tsang Chor-hang Heritage Museum. Its goal is to impart this knowledge to the next generation of learners by presenting important exhibitions that span almost a century of YCYW's history of superior education. Selected cultural artifacts and materials from the Neolithic era to the Qing Dynasty are also kept in the museum. Additionally, the museum hopes that by guiding students in contemplating history from both Chinese and global viewpoints, these exhibits will help them develop a stronger sense of cultural identity and a closer bond with their heritage.
An international assembly for a purposeful cause
Students and instructors from Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong attended the opening ceremony on the same day. In addition, teachers and students participating in YCYW from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Qingdao, Yantai, and Tongxiang virtually gathered to watch the live broadcast. They all saw firsthand how the culture of our school has shifted from exalting China to fostering global citizenship and broadening perspectives from around the world. It is our hope that our students will contribute to and support the advancement of humanity's well-being and the global community.
Performance on the Erhu by Maestro Wong On Yuen
During the ceremony, renowned virtuoso Professor Wong On Yuen gave a traditional erhu solo. His exquisite and melodious performance served as the catalyst for the museum's exploration of the past and present.
The vision of Dr. Betty Chan Po-king
During her speech, Dr. Betty Chan Po-king spoke warmly of the memorable time in the 1930s when her mother, Madam Tsang Chor-hang, the founder of YCYW, established the first school. She emphasized how crucial it is to comprehend history in the context of today, particularly for the younger generation.
In addition to actively researching and comprehending YCYW's history and our place in the world, Dr. Chan stated, " We must encourage our students to embark on a journey through time, to learn to appreciate the significance of the relics and comprehend the broader historical context they represent, whilst actively exploring and understanding YCYW’s history and our place in the world. Only by understanding and rediscovering our heritage, can we forge a vital connection to our roots and establish a strong cultural identity."
The exceptional traditional history and culture of China have been more and more valued in recent years by the Chinese government and people, as noted by Dr. Louis Ng Chi-wa, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. "The Hong Kong Palace Museum and your museum (Madam Tsang Chor-hang Heritage Museum) are new to our museum community in the world. We opened last year, and your museum is open today, but we share the same vision. We are committed to promoting our shared history, heritage, and values, and to joining hands to build a better tomorrow for Hong Kong.”
The goal of Mr. Francis Li, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Asia Art Hong Kong and curator of the Madam Tsang Chor-hang Heritage Museum, is to transform the museum into a universal history classroom.
He stated that "The study of Chinese history is not only meaningful to the Chinese but also contributes to the people from the entire world who want to be engaged in cultural dialogues. Artefacts, in fact, provide tangible connections to ancient civilizations, offering insights into various aspects of Chinese heritage, including economic prosperity, daily life, artistic values, or even political systems. Exploring these artefacts, allows us to appreciate the cultural dialogues or exchange among the civilizations.”
Dr. Chan also expressed her hope for the establishment of the heritage museum in her speech. She went on to say, "Let us inspire our students to embrace the complexities of the past and be prepared to shape a more enlightened and harmonious future."
YCYW representatives and Mr Francis Li led guests into the historical museum at the conclusion of the ceremony. They discussed the history of YCYW and Madam Tsang Chor-hang's legacy, as well as the museum's collection.
