The richness of Chinese culture is reflected in its diverse forms, including literature and performing arts. HKMU has been dedicated to promoting research and public education related to Chinese culture, while encouraging the use of innovative digital approaches to preserve and pass on these cultural treasures.
Special Collections of Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong established to advance modern Chinese literary research
Dr Rebecca Leung Mo-ling, Associate Dean (Administration and Development) of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS), has devoted years to studying the literary giant Eileen Chang, particularly through the use of digital humanities methods to organise and analyse materials, achieving significant results. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Eileen Chang's passing, and Dr Roland Soong and his elder sister Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman — administrators of Eileen Chang's estate — decided to make an invaluable donation to HKMU. This included manuscripts and relics of Eileen Chang, along with those of her close friends, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong (the Soongs), who are also the parents of Dr Roland Soong and his sister. HKMU's achievements in digital humanities research had convinced Dr Roland Soong and his sister that the University was the ideal institution for this important donation. They envisioned these materials being digitally preserved by the University, enabling researchers and the public to access and appreciate them. In response, A&SS and the University Library collaborated to establish a research team and curate the “Eileen Chang Special Collection” and the “Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong Special Collection”. Through digital humanities research, they are developing an archival records and digital image repository. To date, the Library has processed over 3,000 titles and nearly 4,600 donated items, while capturing more than 10,150 digital images. Plans are also underway for a public exhibition. The exhibition will be partially designed by the teaching staff of Creative Arts, incorporating art technology to offer the public a fresh perspective on the literary works and achievements of Eileen Chang and the Soongs.
As one of the convenors of the donation programme, Dr Rebecca Leung believes the donated relics will provide new insights for scholars researching Eileen Chang and Stephen Soong, while addressing gaps in existing studies. “Stephen Soong made significant contributions to Hong Kong's cultural, literary and film sectors. He also played a pivotal role in Eileen Chang's career development as a writer. For instance, letters between Stephen Soong and staff at Motion Picture and General Investment reveal how Eileen Chang crafted a screenplay,” she explains.
Cantonese Opera Repository launched to promote Cantonese opera worldwide
To promote Cantonese opera, a unique and treasured aspect of Chinese cultural heritage, HKMU established the Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre in 2023, undertaking major initiatives such as Cantonese opera libretti translation. In March, the Centre and the Library jointly launched the Cantonese Opera Repository, which showcases English translations of classic Cantonese opera libretti and other treasures in digital formats, making them accessible to researchers and Cantonese opera enthusiasts worldwide for study and appreciation.
