Friday, April 13, 2018

As has been the case throughout this trip, the delegation participated in another full day of new experiences. We began with a visit to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to learn more about the grand and inspiring vision, which on its website reads, “…to build a vibrant cultural quarter for Hong Kong, dedicated to bringing local and international artists together with audiences to be inspired by and to celebrate the arts.” While the vision itself is inspiring for those associated with urban development, what is even more inspiring is how the vision is coming to life. More than 100 acres of Hong Kong Harbor were reclaimed, shored up, and are in the midst of a massive development of arts and culture spaces that will add to Hong Kong’s vibrancy (see the pictures on the website). The City of New Haven, already alive in arts and culture, also has a vision for development and enhancement. But my own takeaway is that to accomplish something grand and impactful beyond the norm, a bold vision must be developed in a consultative way, and then with passion and conviction, marketed and championed to secure investment, funding, and engagement. The results for Hong Kong, we all were convinced, will be transformative. Our city, or maybe even more so, our country might benefit from the lessons unfolding in this Hong Kong initiative.

While many of the delegation were scheduled to tour a local museum, a small group joined Mayor Toni Harp for a private meeting with Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. The significance of this meeting and its symbolism cannot be overstated. Ms. Lam, who took office in 2017, is the first woman elected to serve as Chief Executive, which for Hong Kong, is its most senior political leadership position. Ms. Lam is, in fact, the head of Hong Kong’s government. Like our own Mayor Harp, she broke through the barrier of previous all-male leadership. Ms. Lam was eloquent and engaging during our meeting, and it doesn’t take one long to understand why she’s such a successful leader and to become impressed with her vision. I was honored to be present for the meeting between Ms. Lam and Mayor Harp, and the two women leaders left those of us present for the meeting with a sense of hope and inspiration. Ms. Lam was frank, but also positive and forward thinking in her commentary on the current trade tensions between China and the United States.

After meeting Chief Executive Lam, the entire delegation met again for a special luncheon at The China Club of Hong Kong, which is in the original Bank of China building. The lunch event was sponsored by the Yale-China Association, Yale Club of Hong Kong and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Mayor Harp shared remarks and provided a compelling overview of all that is happening in New Haven. Many Yale alumni and friends were among the guests. The luncheon, like the trip in general, was enjoyable and went smoothly. The delegation owes thanks to the trip’s primary organizers: The Yale-China Association, with notable presence and impact in China and Hong Kong, and City of New Haven Director of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Andrew Wolf. Andy and Yale-China President, David Youtz, have made the trip the valuable and enjoyable experience it has proven to be.

Our afternoon was spent on the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Among the University’s numerous colleges, is New Asia College, which sits high atop the University’s campus that is sprawled across one of Hong Kong’s peaks. There are spectacular views overlooking Hong Kong bay from New Asia College, which has had affiliation with Yale-China for years.  We then dropped to the midpoint of the mountain, where the primary administrative offices for Chinese University are housed. We toured the Institute for Chinese Studies Art Museum and viewed its current exhibit, “Legacy of the Heavenly Breeze: The Art of Gao Qifeng, Chao Shao-an and Au Ho-nien.” Some pictures give explanation to the works and offer a glimpse of a few of the beautiful pieces.

The day finished for me with an enjoyable dinner with Andy Wolf and his long-time friend, Yale alumnus Zhu Xiaoyu, who attended today’s luncheon.  We ventured out into the bright, never ending neon lights of Hong Kong for some authentic Cantonese cooking. Delicious!

It’s hard to believe tomorrow is our final day in Hong Kong. I’ve got a mystery guest lunch appointment tomorrow. Stay tuned, Albertus community members.

President Marc M. Camille, Ed.D., will write regular reflections during his week-long trip to Changsha, China, with New Haven Mayor Toni Harp and the New Haven delegation. The New Haven-Changsha Sister City relationship promotes mutual awareness of cultures, customs, and heritage. Invited by Mayor Toni Harp, President Camille is the only college president from New Haven making the trip.