On 20 November 2025, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) celebrated the grand opening of the Museum of Modern Chinese Literature, housed within the University Library. The museum's inaugural exhibition, titled “Beyond Distance: Half a Lifelong Friendship of Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong, and Mae Fong Soong”, showcases over 120 rare manuscripts and artifacts from the celebrated Chinese writer Eileen Chang and her close friends, Stephen Soong and Mae Fong Soong. This collaborative effort between HKMU's School of Arts and Social Sciences and the University Library marks a significant milestone in the preservation and study of modern Chinese literature, underscoring HKMU's dedication to safeguarding Chinese cultural heritage.
Dr Rebecca Leung Mo-ling, Associate Dean (Administration and Development) of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, as a member of the taskforce for the “Manuscripts and Relics of Eileen Chang, Stephen Soong, and Mae Fong Soong Donation Project”, provided professional advice on the exhibition's content and curation. She also led four teams of colleagues and students from the Department of Creative Arts in producing videos, animations, art installations, and the 3D digital twin model featured in the exhibition. The team included Mr Chung Cheuk-kit, Teaching Assistant, Dr Issac Hui Tak-cheung, Assistant Professor, Dr William Lai Chi-fu, Assistant Professor, Ms Janet Lau Man-ying, Senior Lecturer, Dr Lee Lok-man, Assistant Professor, Mr Vincent Mak Shing-fung, Assistant Professor, Mr John Siu Kiu-san, Lecturer, Mr Walter Wong Shu-kei, Assistant Professor, and Ms Mabel Wong Shuk-ming, Research Assistant.
The exhibition offers visitors a unique experience by recreating the Soong family's living room, a space where cultural icons gathered for intellectual exchanges and refined gatherings. It was in this very room that Eileen Chang and the Soong couple engaged in literary discussions that shaped their creative legacies. Using cutting-edge 3D scanning technology, HKMU has produced a 360-degree panoramic image of the living room in its original state, creating a realistic 3D digital twin model. This virtual recreation is seamlessly integrated with actual furniture donated by Dr Roland Soong and Mrs Elaine Soong Kingman, administrators of Eileen Chang’s estate, blending physical and digital elements to bring the space to life.
To further support research and ensure the preservation of these invaluable documents, the School of Arts and Social Sciences and the University Library have employed digital humanities research methods to establish an archival database and digital image repository. This initiative not only enhances accessibility for scholars and researchers but also reinforces HKMU's commitment to advancing the study of modern Chinese literature.
