The brand new Asia Society Hong Kong Center opened with a bang this week, as more than 400 guests gathered to celebrate the completion of a project over a decade in the works.  Among the event’s attendees was Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF, which will partner with Asia Society to host another event in May.

The new state-of-the-art Hong Kong complex is made up of new and restored British military colonial buildings, and its opening marks the first time that the institution, which was founded by John D. Rockefeller III in 1956 to educate the world about Asia, has established cultural and exhibition facilities of its own on the continent.

The event was inaugurated by Asia Society’s global Co-Chairs Henrietta Fore (who is also a member of GHF’s Diplomatic Council) and Ronnie Chan.  The two thanked supporters and outlined Asia Society’s vision for intellectual and cultural exchange.

“Hong Kong has been an historic place for us, and now it is the mark of the future,” Fore said.  “This fascinating building will be a home from which we can talk across cultures and miles.  We wish to have discussions that are exciting, art and music that is beautiful, and friendships that are lasting.”

Global Co-Chairs Henrietta Fore (GHF Diplomatic Council member) and Ronnie Chan welcome attendees to the Hong Kong Center opening ceremony.  Photo: Bill Swersey/Asia Society

On May 3, Asia Society’s New York headquarters will host The Forum on Global Heritage in a Developing World:  Focus on Asia.  Organized by GHF, the invitation-only event will explore challenges facing the developing world’s most important and endangered heritage sites.  Leading experts in heritage conservation, international development, philanthropy, economics, business and academia will discuss the potential of heritage sites to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty.

Asia Society President Vishakha Desai, who will deliver the forum’s opening remarks, also spoke at the Hong Kong opening, saying: “It’s not just about the building, but what we do inside.  That takes ingenuity, innovation, and commitment not just from Asia Society, but from all of you. I can’t thank you enough Hong Kong, our leaders from the government and the private sector, who had the dedication, perseverance and commitment to make this a reality.”

Following the speeches, the three speakers gathered onstage, joined by Edith Ngai Chan, Asia Society Hong Kong’s Executive Director; C.H. Tung, Hong Kong’s former Chief Executive; Donald Tsang, the current Chief Executive; and Charles Rockefeller, the grandson of the late John D. Rockefeller III.

Click for a video of the grand opening of Asia Society Hong Kong Center

Click for an interview (text and video) with Asia Society Co-Chair Ronnie Chan