HKU unveils "Microcosm of an Era – Ho Kai, HKU, and the Voices that Ushered in Modern China" exhibition
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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) celebrated the opening of the exhibition Microcosm of an Era: Ho Kai, HKU, and the Voices that Ushered in Modern China on 22 July, 2026. Generously donated by Chairman of Befar Group, collector Mr. Yu Jiang, this extraordinary collection of rare books and historical bookplates offers a profound reflection on a transformative era in modern Chinese history.
The opening ceremony brought together university leadership, faculty, and distinguished guests to celebrate Mr Yu’s vision and generosity. Among the featured speakers sharing their perspectives on this milestone were Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; Professor John Carroll of the Department of History; and Mr Wang Xiao Dong, CEO of Befar Group.
Professor Zhang highlighted the deep cultural, educational, and historical significance of the gift:
"This year marks the 160th anniversary of Dr Sun Yat-sen’s birth. Looking back on the shared history of Sir Kai Ho Kai, Dr Sun Yat-sen, and HKU at this significant juncture allows us to appreciate the profound meaning of this exhibition. In an era of rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, we must cherish the preservation and transmission of the humanities and history all the more. Only by integrating the arts and sciences, and blending the past with the present, can we truly lead humanity towards a better future."
At the heart of the exhibition is an exploration of the pivotal role played by Sir Kai Ho Kai. As a co-founder of the Hong Kong College of Medicine and the predecessor of HKU, Sir Kai Ho Kai was instrumental in defining the University's foundational ethos of bridging Eastern and Western scholarship. Beyond his pioneering contributions to medical education and public service in Hong Kong, he served as an influential mentor and behind-the-scenes supporter during Dr Sun Yat-sen's early revolutionary years, shaping the intellectual movement that ushered in modern China.
A central highlight of Mr Yu’s donation is an exceedingly rare original copy of Xin Zheng Zhen Quan (A True Explanation of New Policies), co-authored by Sir Kai Ho Kai and his close friend Woo Lai-woon. Serving as a vital ideological blueprint for both reformers and revolutionaries in late Qing China, the treatise embodied the spirit of progress and institutional reform that continues to resonate within the University's academic lineage today.
The exhibition will be officially open to the public from 22 July to 5 August 2026 at the Ground Floor Lobby of the Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU. It will subsequently be relocated to the HKU Main Library for an extended run.
