On 29^th May 2025, during the 120th Anniversary Celebration Week of Fudan University, the strategic cooperation between Fudan University and Sunwah Group along with donation ceremony , together with the “Advancing Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations Through Cultural Confidence” salon, was held at the newly renovated Choi Koon-shum Cultural Museum.

The event was attended by Ms. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the fifth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Dr. Johnathan Choi Koon-shum, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Chairman of Hong Kong Xinhua Group and Member of the Fudan University Board of Trustees; Dong Yiwen, Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association; Xu Zheng, Executive Vice President of Fudan University; Chen Zhimin, Vice President of Fudan University; and Ms. Choi Kwan Wing Kam, Member of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the CPPCC, Director of Hong Kong Art Centre and Chairperson of Hong Kong Art School, among other distinguished guests.

Executive Vice President Xu Zheng recalled fondly on the profound friendship built over 28 years of partnership between Dr. Choi and Fudan University. She expressed that Dr. Choi has always kept education close to his heart. From supporting disciplinary development and academic research to boosting talent cultivation and international exchanges, his visionary insights and selfless dedication have injected powerful momentum into Fudan University’s development.

In his speech, Dr. Choi shared numerous memorable moments from his collaborations with Fudan University, highlighting the profound academic heritage and innovative vitality he experienced upon returning to the campus. He expressed his hopes that the fully renovated Choi Koon-shum Cultural Museum will serve as a brand-new platform for bilateral cooperation, ushering in a new 2.0 era of collaboration between Fudan University and Xinhua Group. Leveraging the Group’s experience in global expansion and diversified development, the two sides will strengthen international joint initiatives. He noted that the partners could deepen cooperation across more sectors including academic research and talent training to share resources, complement each other’s strengths, and jointly contribute to educational and social progress.

During the ceremony, Choi Jiesi, Director of Xinhua Group and President of its East and Central China Divisions, formally signed the strategic cooperation agreement with representatives of Fudan University. The Fudan University Museum appointed Director Choi Jiesi as Vice Chairman of its Council and presented him with the official appointment certificate. All distinguished guests jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring the donation for the Choi Koon-shum Cultural Museum.

After the ceremony, guests were given a tour to integrated exhibition and educational activities as well as the specimen centre within the Choi Koon-shum Cultural Museum.

At the Advancing Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations Through Cultural Confidence salon, Ms. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Dr. Choi Koon-shum, Ms. Choi Kwan Wing Kam, Dr. Ng Wah Wu, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Professor Xu Jie, Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Professor Meng Jian, Director of the National Centre for Cultural Innovation Research at Fudan University, held in-depth discussions centred on the salon’s theme.

Drawing on Hong Kong’s unique standing and real-world experience in cultural exchange, Ms. Carrie Lam pointed out that as an international metropolis blending Eastern and Western civilizations, Hong Kong boasts inherent strengths in facilitating inter-civilisational exchanges and mutual learning. For decades, Hong Kong has hosted a diverse array of international cultural and artistic events, attracting artists and cultural institutions from all corners of the globe, and has evolved into a vital gateway for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Moving forward, Hong Kong should deepen ties with mainland universities — particularly institutions with profound cultural heritage such as Fudan University — to jointly explore the essence of fine traditional Chinese culture and showcase it to the world through innovative approaches.

Dr. Choi stated that Sunwah Group has promoted traditional Chinese culture, organised cross-cultural events, and funded and established humanities centres and art hubs across Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas through its overseas projects. The Group has consistently integrated Chinese cultural elements into its business operations and international partnerships. Moreover, Sunwah will bolster collaboration with Fudan University to co-design more high-impact cultural exchange programmes in future. By utilizing Fudan’s academic resources and research output, both parties will delve deeply into the essence of Chinese culture, build cultural brands with global influence, and foster mutual understanding and friendship between peoples of all nations and regions through cultural dialogue.

Ms. Choi Kwan Wing Kam, Director Ng Wah Wu, Academician Xu Jie and Professor Meng Jian combined their respective professional practices and research to elaborate on how to advance international cooperation in art education, cultural inheritance and communication channels. Their talks explored ways to facilitate dialogue between diverse civilisations, thereby strengthening national cultural identity and pride.

Gu Jin, Representative of Xinhua Group’s East and Central China Divisions; Choi Zhibin, Director of the Choi Koon-shum Foundation and Curator of The Choi Centre Cloud House; and Hong Mei, Deputy Representative of the Group’s East China Division, attended the event alongside other guests.

Image courtesy of Choi Centre · Cloud House