ExclusiveCherish Hong Kong during a trying time, advises Taiwan’s former cultural minister

Hong Kong, known for decades as the “pearl of the Orient” must be cherished as a unique jewel, Taiwan’s former cultural minister said in an exclusive interview ahead of her talk on Saturday at the Hong Kong Book Fair.

Lung Ying-tai, the island’s cultural chief from 2012 to last year and a prolific author of numerous titles, said the city must take extra care to nurture its literary scene during its transition to a new, post-colonial identity.

“Hong Kong is like a glamorous hotel for overnight guests but now it’s gradually evolving into a flat for permanent dwellers,” she said.

“The city’s change of identity is what causes controversy and even pain in the process as people care about their home more so than a hotel room. The sentiment has conjured up an intensity that is the strongest in Hong Kong perhaps in the past 200 years,” the 63-year old Kaohsiung native added.

Amid heightened tension tension over the city’s future, Lung said it was important for Hongkongers and the world to recognise how unique and special it is.