Students serve as museum docents, customer service officers and cultural merchandise ambassadors to gain practical experience in museum operations A recognition ceremony is held today to encourage youth participation in cultural inheritance
The second edition of the “Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassador Programme” (the Programme), solely sponsored by the China Merchants Foundation, held its recognition ceremony today at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum). Officiating at the ceremony were Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM; and Zhong Guodong, Board Member of China Merchants Group and Vice Chairman of China Merchants Foundation. The officiating guests presented certificates to the 105 students, comprising 29 tertiary students and 76 secondary students.
On the same day, the HKPM staged its first-ever “Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassadors Day”. More than 50 HKPM student ambassadors took on different roles, such as exhibition docents, customer service officers and cultural merchandise ambassadors. By participating in the Museum’s operations, these students not only gained valuable hands-on experience working in a cultural organisation but also enhanced visitors’ overall experience. The first two editions of the Programme have successfully trained over 210 student ambassadors. They will apply their knowledge and skills in the field of arts and culture, and contribute to the Museum by promoting cultural inheritance from the perspective of the youth.
Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “This immensely meaningful programme aims to enhance students’ understanding in cultural relics conservation and museum work and encourage them to preserve and pass on historical and cultural heritage, through various activities such as thematic talks, creative arts, conservation workshops, field trips, docent training and practical training. In the future, the Education Bureau will continue to collaborate with the HKPM to organise more activities related to history and culture. These endeavours will encourage the younger generation to experience the charm of the Palace Museum culture, develop a sense of national identity, and uphold the mission of inheriting and promoting Chinese culture.”
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, “Young people are an essential force in cultural inheritance. The ‘Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassador Programme’ allows young individuals to deepen their understanding and experience the charm of Chinese culture. With ‘Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassadors Day’ as the starting point, we encourage student ambassadors to share their passion and knowledge of Chinese culture and art with the public while gaining insights into the interpretations of Chinese art and culture as seen through the eyes of these talented youth – a great way of passing the cultural torch.”
Zhong Guodong, Board Member of China Merchants Group and Vice Chairman of China Merchants Foundation, said, “China Merchants cares about the all-round development of people, and through the ‘C ME FLY’ funding scheme in Hong Kong, we continue to support students to explore their potentials and interests, improve their general skills, and encourage the younger generation to showcase their talents and strive to be social leaders. We are happy to see that more and more young people are participating in the promotion of the traditional Chinese culture. China Merchants Foundation will continue to sponsor the third ‘Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassador Programme’ and welcome motivated young people to join our C ME FLY family.”
Organised by the HKPM and solely sponsored by the China Merchants Foundation, the “Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassador Programme” is the Museum’s flagship youth-learning programme designed for tertiary and secondary students. The Programme aims to deepen students’ interest in and knowledge of cultural objects and museum work, as well as to nurture future arts and cultural talents and museum professionals in Hong Kong. Over approximately eight months, the second cohort of students participated in various engaging activities ranging from conservation workshops and visits to arts and cultural organisations to docent training and lectures about palace culture. This year, the Programme expanded its reach in the Greater Bay Area, where the students embarked on a cultural excursion to Shekou in Shenzhen in May.
In 2021, the China Merchants Foundation launched the “China Merchants C ME FLY Hong Kong Youth Sponsorship Programme” to create a platform for collaborations with different sectors in our society and provide enriched learning experiences, interest developments and practical training for young people in Hong Kong. The programme empowers the younger generation to fulfill their aspirations through skill training. The “Hong Kong Palace Museum Student Ambassador Programme” is one of the youth projects sponsored by the “China Merchants C ME FLY Hong Kong Youth Sponsorship Programme”.
Enrollment for the third edition, open to tertiary and secondary students, will take place in the 2024/25 school year. Details will be announced on the Programme website in due course.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to be a leading cultural institution committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue among world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum offers a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the community of Hong Kong, the Museum will inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, the West Kowloon Cultural District will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westkowloon.hk/
About the China Merchants Foundation
Founded by China Merchants, a pioneer of China’s national industry and commerce, China Merchants Foundation (CMF) has been operating in Hong Kong since 2010. Its vision is to provide a ladder for motivated individuals to thrive. In September 2021, the China Merchants Foundation officially announced the launch of the “China Merchants C ME FLY Hong Kong Youth Sponsorship Programme”. Joining hands with professionals from all walks of life, the programme provides young people with opportunities such as fruitful learning experiences, career exploration, and social participation to enhance their skills in innovative design thinking, teamwork, resilience, and leadership, paving their way to becoming capable, competent, and responsible members of society.
General skills are vital to day-to-day life and the development of individuals. The name of the programme, "C ME FLY", is derived from the initials of China Merchants Foundation (“CMF”). It is hoped the programme will be able to realise the dreams and aspirations of Hong Kong’s young people through the support services provided. The six letters of C ME FLY represent the six core elements of the programme: Care, Motivate, Explore, Fearless, Love, and Youthful.
