SCST: Groundbreaking Ceremony of Villa Haw Par Marks New Era for Cultural Landmark in Hong Kong

Speech by SCST at groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par today (June 1):

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image

Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau), Mr Arthur de Villepin (Founder and CEO of Villepin Group), Ms Sara Mao (Executive Director of Villa Haw Par), Mr Kenneth Fok (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par. Today marks a truly significant milestone: the transformation of the historic Haw Par Mansion from a static monument into a living, dynamic cultural landmark in Hong Kong.

Built in 1935 by the visionary merchant Mr Aw Boon Haw, more familiarly known to us as Mr and even more widely known as "the King of Tiger Balm", Haw Par Mansion is a one-of-a-kind example of Hong Kong's unique identity - a place where East truly meets West. Its Chinese Renaissance architecture masterfully blends Eastern and Western theories and construction methods. In recognition of its vibrant historical and architectural significance, the Mansion was classified as a Grade I historic building in 2009 - solidifying its role as a precious jewel in Hong Kong's cultural heritage.

Many of you will remember that before the adjacent Tiger Balm Garden was demolished, it was open to the public free of charge. For decades, Haw Par Mansion and its iconic garden held a special place in the hearts of generations of Hong Kong residents. They are a repository of collective memories, a symbol of family outings, and a testament to our city's early arts and cultural development.

Preserving our rich cultural heritage while adapting it for modern community use is a core priority for the Government. We saw immense potential in revitalising Haw Par Mansion for arts and cultural purposes. Given its unique background and character, we believe this revitalisation should not merely be about conserving bricks and mortar - it is more about breathing new life into a legendary landmark.

Following an open and fair selection process, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau engaged the Foundation for Art and Culture (FAC) last year to operate Haw Par Mansion on a non-profit, self-financing basis for arts and cultural use. The project echoes our policy direction of developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. We attach great importance to it, with high hopes that it will contribute significantly to realising that vision. Under the FAC, the Mansion has been given a new name - Villa Haw Par - most fitting to its renewed role as an icon of international arts and cultural exchange in Hong Kong. I understand that the FAC has been working diligently over the past few months to build local and international foundations and connections for this project, achieving notable results - including a long-term partnership with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, and active participation in international networks of cultural residencies and villas. These efforts strengthen Villa Haw Par's role as a platform for dialogue between Hong Kong and the world.

Once the revitalisation is completed, Villa Haw Par will become a dynamic hub for cultural exchange. It will feature diverse arts and cultural programmes - exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops and artist residency collaborations with local and international artists. Beyond these conventional uses, I am confident that the FAC will utilise its talent, expertise and connections to unleash the site's full potential and turn it into an even more creative site. Imagine Villa Haw Par serving as a satellite event venue for Art Month, adding new flavour to Hong Kong's many arts and cultural offerings, or once again as a must-visit destination for tourists to experience Hong Kong's history firsthand. With the strong international connections already built for this project, I also hope that Villa Haw Par will act as an inspiring incubator and platform for our local creative talents to showcase their work to the world.

I am sure you all agree with me that Villa Haw Par is a major project - one that requires sustained and substantial efforts. A project of this scale cannot happen in isolation; it needs strong partnerships between the Government, the non-profit sector and the private sector. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the FAC, to the project partners, and to all community stakeholders - especially the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao. Your support and dedication to the Villa Haw Par project have brought us to this momentous milestone. I would also like to appeal to all friends here today for your active participation and continuous support for this meaningful project.

Ladies and gentlemen, we break ground today to build a vital bridge - connecting our glorious past with a creative, forward-looking future. I am incredibly excited to see this landmark restored to its full glory, and I look forward to visiting the new Villa Haw Par very soon. Thank you very much.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Sha Tin today

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened on a construction site in Sha Tin this morning (November 5). While washing vehicle tyres on the vehicular lane at a site entrance, a female worker was run over by a grab lorry to death. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to the deceased’s family members.

The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending any work on the vehicular lane at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if any violations are found during the investigation."

To prevent workers from being struck by vehicles, the LD reminds employers to take adequate precautionary measures, including placing suitable barriers to segregate workers from vehicular lanes. If setting up barriers is not feasible, employers shall ensure that workers keep a safe working distance from vehicles. In addition, employers shall provide reflective vests to workers and ensure their proper use.

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: AI-found images