Media

HKU collaborates with University of Bristol to launch Hong Kong history project

13 Jan 2015

 

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will collaborate with the University of Bristol (UoB) to launch a new project which aims to encourage and facilitate the study of the history of Hong Kong in the UK.

The project, hosted at the University of Bristol and funded by the Hatton Trust, will support cutting edge research into the history of Hong Kong by funding research studentships, visiting fellowships, conferences and workshops, exploring new and under-researched areas in Hong Kong history.

Hong Kong has been the subject of a number of academic and popular books and research and heritage projects, but much of its history remains under-explored.  This project aims to serve as a focal point for a programme of events and research initiatives that will provide new perspectives on the history of Hong Kong, both as an object of study in itself, and in comparative and regional perspective. Research themes will include Hong Kong society, politics, culture and economy under colonial rule; Hong Kong elites, individuals and families and their interactions with the colonial government; and Hong Kong society, commerce and culture.

Professor Sir Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, was in Hong Kong to launch the project. He also took the opportunity to give a lecture titled “What defines a global university?” at HKU on January 12 (Monday).

On the collaboration with HKU, Sir Eric said: “The University of Bristol's international collaborations are a vital part of its life and culture.  I'm very pleased to launch this new initiative, which will enhance and deepen our relationship with the University of Hong Kong, and which promises a rich set of outcomes.  We very much appreciate the kind generosity of the Hatton Trust which is making this happen, and its representative Dr Ron Zimmern.”

Professor Peter Mathieson, HKU President and Vice-Chancellor, said: "I am delighted to see this link with the University of Bristol, where I spent many happy years before I took up my post as President of the University of Hong Kong. I am very grateful to Dr Ron Zimmern from Cambridge for funding and driving the project and to Professors Robert Bickers at UoB and John Carroll at HKU for providing the academic expertise to get it under way".

Dr Ron Zimmern of the Hatton Trust said: “Hong Kong is what it is today as a consequence of its history.  The 100 years since 1850 was a formative period, where many individuals and families contributed to its success, and one where much remains to be researched and discovered.  On behalf of the Hatton Trust, I am delighted that Professor Robert Bickers from the University of Bristol has agreed to direct the Hong Kong History Project and that the University of Hong Kong will be working closely with him.”

Professor Robert Bickers of the University of Bristol said: “The Hatton Trust has provided a fantastic opportunity for us to explore a whole range of questions about the history of Hong Kong – a city in which I spent part of my own childhood – and to consolidate and build on the ties between the two universities. I am very excited about the potential of the project to stimulate new and important discussions, and very grateful to Dr Zimmern for his enthusiastic and proactive support.”

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications and Public Affairs Office, the University of Hong Kong, Senior Manager (Media) Ms Melanie Wan, tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.

Public Relations Office, Communications Division, University of Bristol, tel: (0117) 928 8896, email: hannah.johnson@bristol.ac.uk.