Governor Chris Patten, Sir David Wilson, Chief Secretary Anson Chan, superstar Jackie Chan and hundreds of graduates have one thing in common - they have all worn cloth tailored by one craftsman and his team.
Ah Yau, whose full name is Yau Fook-hing, is the owner of the Ah Yau Tailor establishment.
The firm has been making graduation gowns and other academic outfits for decades and has now almost monopolised the trade.
On-time delivery and fine workmanship have won the trust of colleges in Hong Kong over the years. In fact, the establishment has been the sole maker of bachelor gowns for the University of Hong Kong since World War II.
There are about 10 tailors who can turn out a complete gown from start to finish. About 10 others are assistant tailors.
Orders from each university range from 30 to a few hundred each year.