Members of Hong Kong’s elite eye historic Roberts Block for institute named after Chinese scholar Nan Huai-chin, who aided talks between Beijing and Taiwan
Nan’s flat, a stone’s throw from the grade one listed building in Mid-Levels, was site of secret exchanges on cross-strait relations between non-official representatives of Beijing and Taipei – before a meeting in October 1992 that agreed there was only one China
Supporters of the late Chinese scholar Nan Huai-chin, who helped broker talks between mainland China and Taiwan close to 30 years ago, have raised HK$20 million (US$2.55 million) to start an institute named after him in a historic Hong Kong building.
Nan’s supporters, comprising members of the city’s political, business and academic elite, have their hearts set on Roberts Block on Kennedy Road in Mid-Levels, which is only 450 metres – or a 10-minute walk – away from the renowned Buddhist master and author’s former residence.
Between 1988 and 2003, Nan, also known as Nan Huaijin, lived on the fourth floor of 36B Kennedy Road.
The Nan Huai Jin Culture Foundation, headed by accountant Ken Pang Ka-hang, has submitted a bid for Roberts Block through the Development Bureau’s heritage revitalisation scheme, where the government partners with non-profit-making groups to preserve old buildings and use them for social enterprises.
The bureau is set to announce successful bidders for Roberts Block, part of the remaining Old Victoria Barracks, and four other buildings, under the fifth run of the scheme by the end of next month.