Introduction
Hong Kong, Benevolent City: Tung Wah and the Growth of Chinese Communities
27/10/2010 – 17/1/2011
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Co-organized by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Tung Wah Museum
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Tung Wah Group of Hospitals is Hong Kong's longest-standing, largest charitable organization providing the most diversified services. Founded in 1870 and managed by a group of Chinese merchant elites, the Tung Wah Hospital was Hong Kong's first Chinese hospital established on land awarded by the government and on the basis of legislation. As time went by, the hospital became involved in education, disaster relief, funeral and interment, temple management and other social services. Later, in 1911 and 1929 respectively, Kwong Wah Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital were founded, and in 1931 the three hospitals were lawfully amalgamated into Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. Since then Tung Wah has established another two hospitals and this year celebrates 140 years of glorious history. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has evolved from a civil charitable organization into a modern non-government organization, serving mostly Hong Kong residents. Yet during its history and development, it has also demonstrated care towards Chinese people in mainland China and overseas, bearing testimony to the essential role Hong Kong plays in bringing together mainland and overseas Chinese people. This exhibition was jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, and organized by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Tung Wah Museum. It introduced Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' contribution to Hong Kong society and overseas Chinese communities in medical and health services, disaster relief, education, social services, burial of overseas Chinese in their hometown and cultural preservation. The exhibition gave visitors a better understanding of how Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has grown as Hong Kong develops as well as the influential role it played in the global Chinese charity network. This catalogue "Hong Kong, Benevolent City: Tung Wah and the Growth of Chinese Communities" features Tung Wah's contribution in serving Hong Kong in medical care, disaster relief, education, social services and cultural preservation; its burial service in particular highlights the significant role of Hong Kong in bringing together mainland and overseas Chinese. |
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