Reimagine Hong Kong

From a fishing village in 1841 to an international trading hub, Hong Kong was culturally shaped throughout by China and late imperialism until the end of the Second World War. In Reimagine Hong Kong, writer Jia Jia explores the former British colony’s identity and local culture which began to come into its own only after Mao Zedong established a new regime. He delves deep into the contradictions and dichotomies that define this vibrant metropolis, weaving together history, architecture, philosophy, economics, and sociology. His exploration of the media landscape and popular culture offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on Hong Kong’s past, present, and future. Reimagine Hong Kong examines three fundamental questions: Does Hong Kong have an ‘identity crisis’? Why has Hong Kong been called a ‘cultural desert’? Has Hong Kong produced its own ‘meaninglessness’ and ‘tastelessness’? The author challenges readers to join his critique and invites them to co-create the future. Reimagine Hong Kong is a compelling read that takes readers on an unforgettable global journey from London''s theatres, New York''s skyscrapers, Tokyo''s nano homes, back to local heritage architecture, neon signs, and tea restaurants alongside metaphysical concepts. Jia Jia thinks it is about time someone took a long look at Hong Kong after two decades since its handover to China and started writing this memoir of Hong Kong during its last wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. The talented, well-documented author with experiences in art and culture and creative businesses collaborated with Hong Kong architect and photographer Wong Wei-him to give readers an aesthetically pleasing reading experience. This first collection of essays is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Hong Kong amid these unprecedented changes.

Jia Jia was born and raised in Hong Kong. He spent several years studying in England in the 1990s. At the age of twenty, Jia Jia’s first project was covered by several Hong Kong interior design journals, while his first article was published in International Property, a magazine based in England. After graduating from a reputable university in London, he has been engaged in different businesses and creative works related to real estate. His notable projects have been internationally recognised in books and documentaries, as well as exhibited in museums, including M+ in Hong Kong. Jia Jia has been involved in volunteering work for non-profit organisations, including being a director and co-founder. Passionate about art and culture, he attended talks and discussions as a speaker and moderator in universities and major events. He has written many published articles, including ones for a column in Capital Entrepreneur, a Hong Kong business magazine.

50% of gross proceeds of all income from the sale of electronic books under 2023 Collection of Essays will be donated to Hong Kong Church Network For the Poor (‘HKCNP’), a registered charity in Hong Kong under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Respective amounts will be used only under a designated project as subsidies to social volunteers for caring for underprivileged families. Cash Supermarket coupons, each as a unit equivalent to HK$ 50, will be donated to an approved volunteer for one-hour of social service. Monthly subsidy of each volunteer is capped at HK$ 2,500. About the project:
The project was started in 2021 during COVID-19 by HKCNP based on an extensive survey conducted involving its partner churches in Hong Kong’s eighteen districts. Since then, there were over 500 volunteers participated, who were from the under-privileged segment. Over HK$ 2 million has been raised to subsidise the volunteers, under the project, to visit under-privileged homes to care for their daily needs. About HKCNP:
Hong Kong Church Network For the Poor is a Christian-based charity that responds to the needs of the underprivileged in Hong Kong. By liasing closely with government departments, churches and the business sector, HKCNP is a platform for connecting different partners to perform advocacy and educational activities. It has access to over 600 churches and 350 non-profit organisations to enable resources to reach under-privileged households.