Hong Kong’s government has launched an office tasked with promoting Chinese culture, setting up two museums and training teachers to help “spread the seeds of Chinese culture. “
Raistlin Lau, under secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said the Chinese Culture Promotion Office would enhance Hongkongers’ national identity and “cultural confidence.”
He was speaking on Thursday morning at the opening ceremony of the office, sited at the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence.
“[The Chinese Communist Party] General Secretary Xi Jinping provided us with a clear direction of work in the 19th Party Congress report,” Lau said in Cantonese, adding that Xi had urged everyone to “uphold cultural and historical confidence” and “ensure the creative transformation and innovative development of great Chinese traditional culture.”
Xi in 2021 spoke about about “four types of confidence,” telling the public to be confident in the country’s development path, theory, institutions and culture.
Lau said the office would introduce a training programme for teachers on Chinese history, heritage, art and technology developments.
It would also design “teaching and learning” activities for teachers and students, including a project entitled “Comprehensive History of China” – an exhibition series and corresponding activities showcasing the nation’s history from the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties to contemporary times.
“We deeply understand that we should sow the seeds of Chinese culture at a young age,” Lau said. Dozens of school principals were invited to the opening ceremony.
New museums and festival
The office will be responsible for setting up two museums, the Experience Centre for Chinese Culture and The Museum of Chinese Grand Development and Achievements. It will host a new annual festival celebrating Chinese culture.
The city’s leader John Lee in his 2023 policy address announced more patriotic education initiatives in order to ensure “continuity from generation to generation.”
Financial chief Paul Chan said in his 2024 budget earlier this year that HK$78 million would be allocated for the new office.
According to the 2023 policy address, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence will be transformed to the Hong Kong Museum of Anti-Japanese War and Coastal Defence in 2024.
The museum will cooperate with the Shenzhen Cultural Relics Bureau to curate exhibitions about how Hong Kong and Shenzhen defended against Japan during the Second World War.
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