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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) commemorates its 60^th anniversary with the “CUHK 60^th Anniversary Miniature Exhibition” at the New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from September 15 to October 17, presenting a collection of fifty exquisite artworks. Among the highlights are a magnificent 4.4-meter-tall illuminated “Gate of Wisdom”, an endearing mini CUHK school bus and colourful anniversary light boxes designed for delightful photo opportunities.

Among the fifty artworks, the most spectacular are the ones that pay homage to the university’s iconic representations and its close connection with the Sha Tin community. The goal is to introduce CUHK in a fresh and innovative way, and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with the public.

The exhibition held its grand opening ceremony today, officiated by Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR government, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan, and Chairperson of CUHK 60^th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee, Ms Lina Yan Hau-yee and Mrs Gwen Kao.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said in his congratulatory speech, “For the past sixty years, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has upheld the mission of combining tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. It has also gained international recognition as a renowned research-intensive comprehensive university, achieving excellence in both technology and cultural arts. In addition to its campus in Sha Tin, close to a decade ago, CUHK established The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen in collaboration with the Shenzhen Municipal Government. This year, it further established CUHK Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Research Institute (Futian), actively supporting the development and construction of the Greater Bay Area. I firmly believe that CUHK will continue to forge ahead, working hand in hand with the government to enhance Hong Kong’s development momentum, nurture more talents, and make positive contributions to both the country and Hong Kong’s development.”

Professor Rocky S. Tuan, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said, “CUHK is nestled in a scenic landscape of mountains and clear waters, overlooking Tolo Harbour and Pat Sin Leng. The miniature exhibition, which showcases the most iconic landmarks and symbols of the CUHK campus in the form of miniature art, can enhance public understanding of the University’s six-decade-long history and accomplishments.”

He continued, “Situated in Sha Tin, CUHK takes the opportunity to present a rich collection of exhibits that highlight the cultural and local characteristics of the district, reviving the collective memory of the Sha Tin and CUHK communities. I am grateful to my colleagues and the artists who have spent more than a year putting up this exhibition. I am also grateful to Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Ms Lina Yan Hau-yee and Mrs Gwen Kao for attending the opening ceremony today to commemorate CUHK’s diamond jubilee with us.”

The “CUHK 60^th Anniversary Miniature Exhibition” is organised by CUHK with the assistance of Joyful Miniature Association, while the venue is provided by New Town Plaza. The exhibition’s centre piece is a faithful recreation of “the University Mall” from CUHK’s 60^th Anniversary Launch Ceremony in February. It features student cheerleaders performing on stage alongside miniature versions of distinguished guests, including Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, CUHK’s Council Chairman, Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rocky S. Tuan, and Chairperson of CUHK 60^th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee, Ms Lina Yan Hau-yee.

Another artwork, titled “CUHK 60 Lit-up Victoria Harbour” depicts a breathtaking scene of fireworks celebrating CUHK’s 60^th anniversary, as well as a mesmerizing drone show that showcases various CUHK icons such as the Water Tower, Lake Ad Excellentiam, and the Pavilion of Harmony. Visitors can immerse themselves in the CUHK experience by trying on virtual CUHK graduate gowns using augmented reality effects!

In the opening ceremony, Mrs Gwen Kao placed a miniature figurine of the esteemed former CUHK Vice-Chancellor and Nobel Prize laureate, Professor Charles K. Kao, at the miniaturized replica of the iconic “University Main Entrance”, fondly known as “The Four Stone Pillars”. This figurine serves as a poignant representation of Professor Charles K. Kao’s significant contributions and enduring legacy within CUHK.

A hand-crafted nostalgic school bus created by artist Chan Hung-fai takes viewers on a whimsical journey, inviting them to explore the CUHK campus. Additionally, artist Louise Chan Tsui-mee has crafted miniature lanterns, adding a touch of the Mid-Autumn festive spirit.   

In front of the meticulously crafted replica of “University Science Centre” affectionately known as the “Rice Cooker” with the giant CUHK emblem, graduates are joyfully captured in a moment of celebration. With flowers in hand and accompanied by graduation dolls, they toss their square academic caps into the air for photos.

In addition to artworks featuring CUHK’s campus landmarks, the exhibition showcases art pieces closely related to CUHK and the Sha Tin community. These include “Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race”, “Sha Tin Chicken Congee”, “Phoenix Coronet: The Inheritance of Culture”, “Cha Duk Chang”, “The Conveyor-belt Sushi Restaurant” “Fai Speed Cut”, and “Our Classroom in Those Bygone Years”. Please refer to the appendix for details. The exhibition illustrates the historical and contemporary street scenes of Hong Kong, encompassing its culinary delights, quaint shops, people, festivals, and architectural landmarks, symbolising the enduring 60-year journey of growth and evolution shared by CUHK and Hong Kong. CUHK student ambassadors will lead guided tours in the exhibition, presenting the history and stories of CUHK.

CUHK 60th Anniversary Miniature Art Exhibition

Date: September 15 (Friday) to October 17 (Tuesday)
Time: 12 noon to 10 pm (Monday to Friday)
           10 am to 10 pm (Public holidays, Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: L1 Entrance Arena, New Town Plaza, Phase 1, Shatin
Fee: Free

About CUHK

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. As a top university in Hong Kong and Asia, CUHK aims to nurture students with both specialised knowledge and wisdom for life.  The education experience here is distinguished by a flexible credit unit system, a college system, bilingualism, and multiculturalism. There are general education courses to broaden students’ perspectives and develop in them the ability to face the challenges of contemporary society. Our eight Faculties offer a wide array of excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas. Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee (UGC) provides preferential grant funding to  local tertiary institutions to conduct research into 32 selected Areas of Excellence (AoEs). Eleven of these AoEs are being led by researchers from CUHK. The University houses five state key laboratories which are entrusted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China to produce research of international quality and carry out important national research tasks.

Co-organiser: Joyful Miniature Association

Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) was established in 2013. It is dedicated to presenting the history, culture, lifestyle, urban landscape, intangible cultural heritage, and daily life of Hong Kong through the multi-dimensional and exquisite art of miniature. Apart from local exhibitions, JMA has toured overseas in cities including Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Los Angeles, Sydney, Taipei, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and others. It brings together a group of Hong Kong miniature artists and turns the art form that originated from Europe into a unique Hong Kong artistic style. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology, it becomes so popular that it transcends cultural, language, and national boundaries and attracts both the young and the old.

Venue Partner: New Town Plaza

Comprising Phase I, Phase III and HomeSquare, New Town Plaza is one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong. Conveniently located at Sha Tin Station, the hub of New Territories, it is accessible from everywhere in Hong Kong by various means of transportation.

The shopping centre is a short distance away from nearby attractions, namely Snoopy’s World, Heritage Museum and Royal Park Hotel. Customers are bound to find more than just shopping at New Town Plaza.