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HKMU receives precious manuscripts and relics from Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong; Literary treasures to be digitally preserved to promote modern Chinese literature research

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HKMU receives precious manuscripts and relics from Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong; Literary treasures to be digitally preserved to promote modern Chinese literature research
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HKMU receives precious manuscripts and relics from Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong; Literary treasures to be digitally preserved to promote modern Chinese literature research

2025-02-12 20:54 Last Updated At:21:15

HONG KONG, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of renowned Chinese writer Eileen Chang, who has a significant place in the modern Chinese literary world. Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is honoured to receive a generous donation from Dr Roland Soong and his elder sister, Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman, administrators of Eileen Chang's estate, which includes Eileen Chang's manuscripts, relics, and correspondence with her best friends, Stephen Soong and his wife, Mae Fong Soong, and others. The collection sheds light on Chang's creative journey and the influence of the Soong couple on her career development and personal life. It will be the permanently housed at HKMU, providing an invaluable collection of cultural heritage for the literary community and researchers, and further promoting modern Chinese literary research and the innovative development of the digital humanities.

The donation ceremony held today (12 February) was officiated by Dr Roland Soong, Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman, Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, HKMU Council Chairman, and Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President. The donation includes thousands of manuscripts and personal items from Eileen Chang and the Soong couple. Selected items from the collection were featured in a preview for guests and media at the event, including some of Eileen Chang's original manuscripts, her correspondence with the Soong couple and personal photographs. The preview also included letters exchanged between Mr Soong and distinguished Chinese literary scholars and writers, like Qian Zhong-shu (éŒ¢é¾æ›¸), reflecting Mr Soong's footprint and contribution to the Chinese cultural realm.

At the ceremony, Dr Soong said that the most important aim for him and his sister, as administrators of the estates of Eileen Chang and their parents, was to ensure the manuscripts and relics of the three will be properly preserved through this donation, for research and literature promotion. "It is rare to find such a significant literary collection of manuscripts and relics of Eileen Chang and my parents in Hong Kong," he said. "I hope that through HKMU, we can help foster the preservation and inheritance of, and research on, modern literary works, allowing more people to appreciate their works from different perspectives and promoting Chinese literature in Hong Kong and around the world."

On behalf of HKMU, Ir Dr Wong expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Soong family for their generous donation, which provides valuable resources for the Hong Kong academic and cultural communities and stands as recognition of the University's commitment to the preservation and research of modern literary works. "The University will cherish and make the best use of these cultural treasures," he said. "Through research, exhibitions and digital humanities innovations, we aim to allow our faculty, students, the public, researchers and even tourists to experience the charm of these cultural gems up close. It will help enhance the University's influence in promoting modern Chinese literature and advancing digital humanities innovation in Hong Kong and beyond."

Prof. Lam thanked the Soong family for their trust in the University, noting that the donation is believed to be the largest collection of Eileen Chang and the Soong couple in the Chinese-speaking world. "HKMU is dedicated to enhancing students' knowledge and advancing research capacity, and the digital humanities and literature have been one of its strategic research areas," he said. "This cultural heritage collection housed at HKMU will give new impetus to the University and related literary studies, and help promote interdisciplinary, cross-institutional and cross-regional research to gain deeper insights into modern Chinese literature and foster cultural inheritance."

To preserve and pass on these precious documents and drive related research, Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, HKMU Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development), said that the School of Arts and Social Sciences and the Library have teamed up to build a database of archival documents and digital collections by adopting a digital humanities approach. The Library will also establish two specific sections, namely the "Special Collection of Eileen Chang" and the "Special Collection of Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong". Additionally, an open exhibition is being planned to let the public gain a deeper understanding of the literary works and remarkable achievements of Eileen Chang and the Soongs, as well as Hong Kong's crucial role in the development of Chinese literature worldwide.

In the sharing session, Dr Rebecca Leung Mo-ling, convenor of the donation programme and Associate Dean (Administration and Development) of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at HKMU, who specialises in Modern Chinese Literature research, talked about the significant role Stephen Soong played in the Chinese cultural field. In addition to being a literary critic, translator and poet with an extensive personal network, he was an indispensable intermediary in the development of Eileen Chang's writing career. Dr Leung said she hoped the donation and associated promotional activities would inspire more people to explore the world of modern Chinese literature.

Mr Owen Tam Man-lik, University Librarian and another convener of the donation programme, said the collection, preservation, digitisation and promotion of the donated items represent an important step by the HKMU Library to preserve and promote cultural heritage. He hoped the collection would not only enrich the resources of the University Library but also provide valuable academic research materials for scholars worldwide and benefit the public interested in modern Chinese literature and the works of Eileen Chang and the Soong couple.

Please click on the following link to visit the HKMU Modern Chinese Literature Collection:

https://repository.lib.hkmu.edu.hk/mcl/

List of the preview items (Chinese only)

https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/PAO/events/2025/250212_Dr Roland Soong and Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman Donation Ceremony/HKMU donation ceremony_factsheet_exhibited items.pdf

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

HKMU receives precious manuscripts and relics from Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong; Literary treasures to be digitally preserved to promote modern Chinese literature research

HKMU receives precious manuscripts and relics from Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong; Literary treasures to be digitally preserved to promote modern Chinese literature research

NEW YORK, June 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Father's Day approaches, more families are rethinking what makes a meaningful gift for dad. While classic choices such as ties, wallets, grooming tools, grilling accessories, and sports gear remain familiar, many shoppers are now looking for gifts that feel more practical, personal, and useful beyond the holiday itself.

This shift reflects a broader change in how consumers view fatherhood and self-care. Today's fathers are often balancing work, household responsibilities, family care, hobbies, and long hours of daily physical activity. Yet their everyday fatigue is easy to overlook, especially when it comes to their hands.

CINCOM, a home wellness brand specializing in massage and relaxation devices, is introducing its Father's Day message, "Give Dad a Moment to Recover," encouraging families to recognize the physical effort fathers put into everyday life and consider wellness gifts that support daily comfort and relaxation.

"Father's Day should be more than another gift-giving occasion," said a CINCOM brand representative. "It can also be a moment to notice how much fathers do every day. Many dads are used to taking care of others without asking for much in return, and we hope to remind families that dads deserve time to rest, too."

Dad's Hands Tell the Story of Everyday Effort

A father's hands often carry much of the quiet work that keeps daily life moving. They may spend hours on a keyboard and mouse, grip a steering wheel during long commutes, repair household items, assemble furniture, take care of the yard, cook meals, carry groceries, play sports, or support hobbies such as golf, fishing, cycling, gardening, and DIY projects.

These repeated movements may seem ordinary, but over time they can contribute to tired, stiff, or overworked hands. Compared with back, neck, shoulder, or leg fatigue, hand discomfort is often easier to ignore and less likely to become part of a regular self-care routine.

CINCOM believes Father's Day is not only an occasion to celebrate dad's role in the family, but also an opportunity to recognize him as an individual who deserves comfort, rest, and recovery.

From Traditional Father's Day Gifts to Practical Wellness Choices

For years, Father's Day gifting has often centered on categories linked to traditional male interests, including tools, electronics, outdoor gear, grilling products, and sports accessories. While these gifts can still be meaningful, more consumers are paying attention to whether a gift can truly improve someone's daily routine.

Wellness gifts are becoming more relevant because they combine emotional meaning with practical value. For many families, a thoughtful gift is no longer just something dad can open on Father's Day. It is something he can continue using after the holiday, especially if it helps him slow down, relax, or feel more comfortable at home.

This is where home massage products are gaining attention as practical Father's Day options. They offer a simple way to turn appreciation into everyday care.

CINCOM Hand Massager: Turning Appreciation Into Daily Comfort

The CINCOM Hand Massager is designed to provide an easy at-home hand care experience through air compression massage and soothing heat. Rather than focusing on complicated features, the product is built around comfort, convenience, and daily usability.

The device offers multiple massage modes and intensity levels, allowing users to adjust the experience based on personal comfort preferences. Its cordless, rechargeable design makes it easy to use in the living room, bedroom, home office, or relaxation space. With short sessions of approximately 15 minutes, it can fit naturally into dad's routine after work, after outdoor activities, before bed, or during a quiet break.

The CINCOM Hand Massager is especially suitable for working dads, frequent drivers, DIY dads, gardeners, golfers, cyclists, fishermen, and retired fathers who want a simple way to unwind at home.

Unlike many seasonal gifts that may be used once and then forgotten, the CINCOM Hand Massager is designed for repeated use. It is not only a Father's Day gift for the moment, but also a daily reminder that dad's comfort matters.

A More Thoughtful Approach to Gifting

As consumers become more intentional about the products they bring into their homes, many are looking beyond price and features. They want gifts that are useful, long-lasting, and aligned with real-life needs.

CINCOM focuses on home wellness products designed for everyday family use. The brand aims to make self-care more accessible through massage devices that are simple to operate, practical for home routines, and suitable for repeated use.

By encouraging longer-term usability, CINCOM also supports a more responsible approach to gifting. Instead of choosing novelty items that may be quickly set aside after the holiday, families can consider products that continue serving a purpose well beyond Father's Day.

Father's Day and Amazon Prime Day Create a Key Shopping Window

This year, Father's Day and Amazon Prime Day fall close together, making June an important shopping period for families seeking practical wellness gifts. For many shoppers, Father's Day is not only a moment to express appreciation, but also a timely opportunity to explore seasonal offers and mid-year savings.

To celebrate Father's Day and the Amazon shopping season, CINCOM will offer limited-time promotions on select home wellness products through its official sales channels, including the CINCOM Hand Massager and other massage relaxation devices.

Shoppers can find the following promotional details during the campaign period:

In addition to the hand massager, families can also explore other home wellness gift options from CINCOM, including select leg massagers designed to help dads relax after long hours of standing, sitting, commuting, exercising, or staying active throughout the day. By supporting tired feet, calves, and thighs, these leg massagers offer another practical way to turn Father's Day appreciation into everyday comfort and recovery at home.

CINCOM hopes the Father's Day and Amazon shopping window will help more families discover simple, practical home wellness products. Shoppers can visit the CINCOM official sales channels for the latest pricing, availability, delivery options, and campaign details. Final pricing and availability are reflected on the corresponding product pages.

A Gift That Reminds Dad to Rest

For fathers who often say they do not need anything, a wellness gift can communicate care in a simple and useful way. It does not require a grand gesture. Through everyday use, it can quietly say: your effort is seen, and your comfort matters.

"We believe the most meaningful Father's Day gifts are not only appreciated when they are opened, but continue to serve a purpose long after the holiday," said CINCOM's product lead. "With the CINCOM Hand Massager, our goal is to offer something practical, thoughtful, and easy to use — a gift that helps dad take a moment for himself."

About CINCOM

CINCOM is a home wellness brand specializing in massage and relaxation devices designed for everyday family use. Its product portfolio covers hand, leg, foot, neck, shoulder, and other home relaxation scenarios, with a focus on simple operation, practical functionality, and accessible pricing.

CINCOM believes self-care should not be limited to professional settings or reserved only for moments of visible discomfort. By continuously improving product design and user experience, CINCOM aims to help more people bring convenient and comfortable wellness routines into their homes.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Father's Day Gifts Are Shifting Toward Wellness: CINCOM Encourages Families to Give Dad a Moment to Recover

Father's Day Gifts Are Shifting Toward Wellness: CINCOM Encourages Families to Give Dad a Moment to Recover

Father's Day Gifts Are Shifting Toward Wellness: CINCOM Encourages Families to Give Dad a Moment to Recover

Father's Day Gifts Are Shifting Toward Wellness: CINCOM Encourages Families to Give Dad a Moment to Recover

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