The construction of reservoirs in the New Territories all but eliminated rice cultivation as a going concern, while rising labour costs and cheap imports helped do away with large-scale vegetable farming.

Instantly recognisable around town in her trademark turbans, Australian Jeanette ‘Jan’ Fisher imported the latest fashions from Paris and New York for her Central shop, Vogue.

The idea that Portugal’s legacy of expansion in Asia was entirely different from other colonial experiences was perpetuated by dictator Antonio Salazar.

The origins of various urban myths, and how they have evolved into received truth over time, offer revealing insights into local approaches to history.

Trust, like that placed in the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label, must be earned. Forcing the ‘Made in China’ label upon Hong Kong-manufactured goods will squander an internationally recognised sign of credibly.

Writer Donald Moore’s talents were dampened by political circumstances, a rising puritanism, and campaigns against ’yellow culture’ – as anything artistic was labelled – in 1970s Singapore.

There are a number of factors that can coalesce to create the Quisling type, cheif among them is almost always financial gain.

Foreigners attempting to integrate into Eastern societies have long been seen as odd, from both sides of the ethnic divide.

HMS Calcutta, an obsolete wooden sailing ship, was pressed into service in the second opium war against China.

Cold-eyed acceptance of the city’s diminished role does not feature in public discussion.

The source of much international mirth, soap has changed a great deal since the mid-19th century carbolic blocks became broadly available.

While Hongkongers often regard the Philippines with derision, it’s not so long since the city received investment from and sent domestic helpers to Manila.

Graduate candidates for management trainee courses were once considered a risk in Hong Kong, being seen as overqualified for entry-level positions.

Amid speculation of the future status of Hong Kong Chinese BN(O) passport holders, a Post Magazine columnist reflects on his own experience with a ‘second-class’ document.

Several species found their way to the British colony on board Calcutta trading ships, and the sharing of cuttings saw them survive, thrive and establish themselves as locals.

Quick and easy to erect, the bridges are also credited with helping the Allied forces win World War II.

The late casino magnate provided Jason Wordie with material help while the latter was researching a book on Macau. A chance meeting with Ho later offered some invaluable insight into the lives of the rich.

Disrespecting the Chinese national anthem will soon be a crime, but the colonial anthem commanded little respect and was widely ignored.

The controversial term has come to mean an erosion of Hong Kong freedoms but not so long ago, the two cultures would have been indistinguishable.

Dorothy Liu didn’t mince her words when it came to calling out the ‘old batteries’ that populated Hong Kong politics in her time. No doubt she would have something to say today.

The global communist playbook has long catalogued an individual’s personal peccadilloes to be used as future leverage, perhaps explaining why some make abrupt turns from previously held positions.

Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes facilities provided a connection to a familiar way of life for British military personnel stationed in Hong Kong.

A 1950 UN embargo on Chinese trade put Hong Kong at the peak of the market for avian and swine products such as feather dusters and pig-bristle shaving brushes.

Many local eateries were daunting for non-Chinese speakers, who were inevitably steered towards the same few dishes.

Several well-known examples of this brick and render style survive, including the Fringe Club and Foreign Correspondents’ Club buildings, and the recently renovated Central Police Station.

Previously loyal subjects of the colony suddenly rediscovered how ‘Chinese’ they were as the handover loomed

Sales was a politically talented, supremely civic minded – and occasionally divisive – local legend who personally negotiated the release of Hong Kong athletes taken hostage at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Cheap, durable, with instantly recognisable stencilled decorations, glazed enamelware was a sizeable industry in pre-war Hong Kong. Pushed out by Pyrex, it’s now enjoying a modest revival.

The love story of a German sexologist and the Hong Kong-born scion of a wealthy, prestigious family clearly refutes modern-day bigots’ view that the Chinese are unable to condone same-sex relationships.

The connection dates goes back to Japan’s pre-war militaristic expansion in East Asia.