On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association, we extend a sincere invitation to all members at home and abroad to collectively write a chapter of shared memories belonging to the strivers, builders, and dreamers. These stories contain the sweat shed in serving Shanghai’s reform and development, the bridges built through cultural exchanges between China and other countries, and the sincere dedication of compatriots at home and abroad working hand in hand to draw up blueprints for development. They are not only the intertwined growth trajectories of individuals and the city but also vivid reflections of the Association’s mission and responsibilities. With the theme “My Story with Shanghai,” we invite you to open this collective scroll full of memories and warmth, letting forty years of memorable times flow through pen and ink, and letting every loyal heart resonate through words.

Connecting with the Association, A Legacy Across Generations

On the joyous occasion of the Association’s 40th anniversary, I reflect on the profound connection my family has shared with the esteemed Association across four generations.

Predecessors Contributed to National Development Through Industry and Helped Establish the Association

In 1979, amid China’s reform and opening-up, a delegation from the Shanghai industrial and commercial circles visited Hong Kong. At that time, a representative from the Hong Kong industrial and commercial circles worked extensively with his father to dispel the concerns of Hong Kong businesspeople and promote economic cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong.

In 1981, he took the lead in establishing the “Shanghai United Woolen Textile Co., Ltd.”, which received business license “Shanghai No. 00001” from the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, making it Shanghai’s first joint venture between Shanghai and Hong Kong. At his suggestion, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Development Association (now the Shanghai-Hong Kong United Association) was established in both Hong Kong and Shanghai, with him serving as its first president.

Around the same time, the Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association was born, and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Development Association naturally became an important member, with him subsequently serving as a standing council member. He actively participated in overseas friendship activities, initiated the “Forum on External Cooperation,” and encouraged other industrialists from Hong Kong and Macao to come to Shanghai to introduce the “land lease” mechanism, promoting the development of Shanghai’s real estate industry. Subsequently, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Development Association organized visits to Shanghai by elites from Hong Kong’s economic sector to provide suggestions to relevant departments. The success of these activities should be credited to the platform built by the Association.

Promoting Cultural Integration and Advancing the Association’s Development

The next generation further promoted cultural integration between Shanghai and Hong Kong. As the Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in Hong Kong, he expanded his vision to the Yangtze River Delta region, holding various significant cultural exchange events in Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou, and providing suggestions to local governments.

In 2013, he assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of a Shanghai education foundation, focusing on closely aligning philanthropic endeavors with the Association’s goals and primarily promoting cultural cooperation and exchange activities between Shanghai and Hong Kong. In 2023, in close cooperation with the Association, a centenary memorial seminar was held, themed “Patriotism, Love for Hong Kong, Serving the Nation Through Industry,” which received high praise from Shanghai’s leadership. In 2024, funds for Shanghai-Hong Kong dual-city cultural cooperation and exchange were established at Shanghai University, and a fund for AI-enabled Shanghai-Hong Kong urban governance was set up at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, receiving policy and resource support from the Association and also becoming a window for the Association’s external exchanges. In 2025, the West Kowloon Cultural Week was successfully brought to Shanghai as its first stop, featuring the major exhibition “I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture” and the Cantonese musical “The Great Counsel,” which were warmly received by Shanghai citizens. Additionally, comparative studies on Shanghai and Hong Kong culture, a global youth cultural experience camp, and

Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association

The Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association is a non-governmental organization established in 1985 to foster international cooperation and cultural exchange. It serves as a bridge connecting Shanghai with overseas Chinese communities, foreign friends, and organizations to promote mutual understanding and economic development.

Shanghai United Woolen Textile Co., Ltd.

Shanghai United Woolen Textile Co., Ltd. was a major textile manufacturer established in the early 20th century, reflecting Shanghai’s historical role as an industrial powerhouse. It contributed significantly to China’s textile industry, particularly during the era of state-owned enterprises. While its original operations have largely transformed, the company represents an important chapter in Shanghai’s industrial and economic development.

Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Development Association

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Development Association is a cooperative organization established to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual development between Shanghai and Hong Kong. It was founded to leverage Hong Kong’s global financial expertise and Shanghai’s role as a mainland economic hub. The association facilitates business exchanges, investment, and policy coordination between the two major Chinese cities.

Shanghai-Hong Kong United Association

The Shanghai-Hong Kong United Association is a non-governmental organization established to foster economic and cultural cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong. It was founded in the early 1990s, a period of rapid economic development in mainland China following the reform and opening-up policy. The association facilitates business exchanges, investment, and mutual understanding between the two major financial centers.

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) was established by the Hong Kong government in 2008 to develop and manage one of the world’s largest cultural projects. Located on a 40-hectare reclaimed waterfront site, its mission is to create a vibrant district integrating arts, education, and public space. The district now hosts world-class venues like the M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, fulfilling its vision to become a leading cultural hub.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta is a fertile and economically vital region in eastern China, encompassing major cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Historically, it has been a center of trade, culture, and agriculture for centuries, often called the “Land of Fish and Rice.” In the modern era, it has become one of the world’s most important economic hubs and a primary driver of China’s growth.

West Kowloon Cultural Week

The West Kowloon Cultural Week is a promotional event showcasing the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) in Hong Kong. The WKCD itself is a massive, ongoing arts hub development on reclaimed land, established to strengthen the city’s cultural infrastructure. The “Week” typically features performances, exhibitions, and activities from the district’s world-class venues like M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture

“I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture” is a major exhibition that explores the life and work of the renowned 20th-century architect Ieoh Ming Pei. The exhibition showcases his iconic global projects, such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, highlighting his modernist style and innovative use of geometry, light, and materials. It presents his career as a story of cultural exchange, tracing his journey from China to the United States and his profound impact on international architecture.