The School of Arts and Social Sciences and the University Library of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong (CAAHK) on 6 December to collaborate in Cantonese opera research, promotion, education and preservation.

Witnessed by Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President, and Mr Angus Chan Man-bun, Chief Executive of the CAAHK, the MoU was signed by Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Mr Owen Tam Man-lik, University Librarian, and Mr Loong Koon-tin, Chairman of the CAAHK. The three parties will launch in-depth exchanges and cooperation in organising activities, exhibitions and student activities to promote Cantonese opera. They will actively cooperate in academic exchanges, arts demonstrations, and the transfer and digitisation of literature and related materials. They will also jointly organise various academic seminars and events on Cantonese opera.

“The CAAHK has a long history and is closely linked to the development of Cantonese opera. Its history and resources, as well as the people, events and artifacts involved, are invaluable treasures,” said Prof. Man. She expressed her gratitude to the CAAHK for its trust in HKMU and looked forward to more opportunities for cooperation between the two parties in promoting, preserving and conducting academic research on Cantonese opera, contributing to the development and preservation of Cantonese opera, and providing more opportunities for the younger generation to learn more about and participate in this valuable part of our cultural heritage.

“The rapid development of technology and changing lifestyles have posed challenges to traditional arts like Cantonese opera,” said Mr Loong. “The CAAHK will work with HKMU to promote Cantonese opera among young people and deepen their understanding of this art form. We look forward to strengthening the promotion of Cantonese opera through this cooperation to ensure that this traditional Chinese art form will continue to flourish.”

Mr Tam said that the University Library would actively support the promotion and preservation of Cantonese opera. He looked forward to collaborating with the CAAHK to organise various exhibitions showcasing valuable Cantonese opera collections. The University Library also aims to apply digital technology to preserve related literature and materials on Cantonese opera to facilitate academic research and contribute to the preservation of this art form.

Guests in attendance at the signing ceremony included Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, Provost; Prof. Lui Yu-hon, Senior Advisor to the President; Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development); Dr Eva Tsang Yuen-mei, Acting Vice President (Research and Institutional Advancement); and Dr Kelly Chan Kar-yue, Director of the Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre. Cantonese opera professionals and performers present included Mr Roger Chan Hung-chun, Vice-Chairman of the CAAHK; Mr Thompson Vong Seng-pan, Member of the Board of the CAAHK; Mr Leonard Wong Shing-chuen, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Troupe and Honorary Advisor of the Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre; Ms Cora Chan Wan, Director of the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Troupe; and Ms Nam Fung, Honorary Advisor of the Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre.