Behind the Scenes

Explore your passions in Hong Kong

On the afternoon of Thursday, November 21, all conference participants will have the opportunity to participate in Behind the Scenes tours, special tours held around the city and curated by the Hong Kong Forum. Please refer to the descriptions below – you will be able to make your tour preference during the registration process. All tours will depart from the Grand Hyatt and are scheduled to return by 5:00 pm.

A Passion for Design

A Prison Reinvented: Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun, the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison, was honored in 2019 with a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its transformation into an accessible, world-class center for arts, culture, and heritage. It was also the prison where Ho Chi Minh held from was 1931 to 1933. On your tour, you’ll be led by the Head of Operations to see parts not accessible to the public.

Please note this tour involves many stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Architecture and Design at HK Palace Museum 

See a different side of the opening reception venue, the Hong Kong Palace Museum. You’ll be personally led by the internationally celebrated architect Rocco Yim, who designed the space. The museum is a place that aspires to become one of the world’s leading cultural institutions committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture, while advancing dialogue among world civilizations through international partnerships.

Christie's

In September 2024, Christie’s will open the doors to its new Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson, the highly anticipated skyscraper in Central Hong Kong, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The 50,000 square feet headquarters will be a one-stop hub for art and luxury, housing a state-of-the-art saleroom, galleries, a dedicated client hub, and offices. It spans 4 levels from the 6^th to the 9^th floors of the building, with the interiors designed by architecture practice COLLECTIVE, founded by fellow IWF member Betty Ng.

The signature state-of-the-art galleries are innovatively designed to be easily transformed for any event, including museum-quality exhibitions, exclusive client engagements, private sales, and educational programmes. Featuring high ceilings and a pillarless floorplan, the galleries have the flexibility to spectacularly display a diverse range of art and luxury objects. Please join Betty for a tour of the interiors.

Contemporary Art and Architecture with William Lim

Enjoy an intimate discussion about art and architecture with William Lim, one of the leading architects in Hong Kong, as he opens the doors of his renowned studio, CL3, to IWF members. CL3 is known for its award-winning commercial and residential designs in both Hong Kong and around the globe, and William is also a well-known contemporary art collector. You’ll be able to view his art collection and walk away with a deep understanding of the architectural scene in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Modern Art and Architecture at M+

You’ll be led by a curator through M+, Asia's first global museum of contemporary visual culture. One of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world, M+ is often compared to London’s Tate Modern. It has a bold ambition to establish itself as a leading cultural institution with a distinctive and innovative voice for Asia’s twenty-first century. The tour will focus on both the architecture of the building and the Sigg Collection, a permanent collection of contemporary Chinese art that’s one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

Back of House at Motto by Hilton Hong Kong SoHo

Take a back-of-house tour of this brand-new hotel, led by IWF Hong Kong Member and Behind the Scenes Co-Chair Rosana Wong. Rosana is a champion of sustainable living and also the builder of this hotel property showcasing sustainable design features. The building was formerly known as the greenest high-rise, with the fourth-highest level of green certifications and over 15 awards. It’s currently pushing these distinctions further by becoming the greenest hotel renovation, adopting an energy-saving and carbon-reducing design. The ultimate goal is moving toward low-carbon tourism and sustainable, healthy living.

A Passion for Government

Tour of HK Legislative Council 

Commissioned in October 2011, the Legislative Council Complex is the first purpose-built facility for the Hong Kong legislature. The main functions of the Legislative Council are to enact, amend, or repeal laws; examine and approve budgets, taxation, and public expenditure; and raise questions on the work of the government. You’ll be personally guided by Secretary General Dora Wai Pik-yiu.

A Passion for the Performing Arts

Backstage at Traditional Chinese Theater

Go behind the scenes of two exquisite performance venues in one visit. Naomi Chung, Head of Xiqu Centre, will lead a backstage tour of both the Tea House Theatre and Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre, a two-theater venue featuring Cantonese opera and Chinese traditional theater (xiqu). The mission of the Xiqu Centre is to preserve, promote, and develop the art of Chinese traditional theater; to nurture the local form of Cantonese opera; and to promote other forms of xiqu. You’ll also be able to peek into the productions from the 5/F Upper Circle. 

Please note this tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

HK Ballet Rehearsal

HK Chinese Orchestra Rehearsal

Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has been heralded “a leader in Chinese ethnic music” and “a cultural ambassador of Hong Kong.” Listen in on a rehearsal at their studio in the Sheung Wan district and hear firsthand how the Eco-Huqin series — an environmentally friendly collection of instruments developed by the Orchestra in 2009 — sounds. After the rehearsal, you’ll be able to interact with the musicians and meet the orchestra’s artistic director and executive director.

HK Philharmonic Orchestra Rehearsal

Just like IWF, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year. You’ll be able to enjoy one of Asia’s foremost classical orchestras as it rehearses, led by guest conductor Elim Chan. Elim is the first female winner of the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition and has been the Principal Conductor of the Antwerp Symphony since 2019. After the rehearsal, you’ll be able to meet with Benedikt Fohr, Chief Executive of HK Phil.

A Passion for Philanthropy

The Hong Kong Jockey Club: Off-Course Betting Branch

Hong Kong’s off-site betting center is a unique business model: income from licensed horseracing and football betting activities are turned into philanthropic efforts for the benefit of the people of Hong Kong.

You’ll explore this high-tech center firsthand and learn how it works – and walk away with betting tips! Visit one of Hong Kong Jockey Club’s five experience shops to see how traditional Off-Course Betting Branches have transformed into vibrant sportainment hubs. These hubs provide immersive play-dine-watch experiences, and during non-race times, they’re open for local community use.

A Passion for Healthcare

Cancer Care at the Proton Therapy Centre

Nestled within the serene surroundings of A Kung Ngam in Shau Kei Wan, the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH) Proton Therapy Centre is equipped with Hong Kong’s first proton therapy system, a unique and cutting-edge radiotherapy facility, marking a new milestone in the city’s cancer treatment.

You’ll tour the center, led personally by IWF Hong Kong Member Professor Ava Kwong and her husband, Dr. Walton Li, Medical Superintendent of HKSH.

Dementia Care at Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing (JCCPA)

JCCPA was the first NGO in Hong Kong offering one-stop specialized care for people who have dementia. In addition to providing holistic care services and research, it also offers professional training for caregivers and industry counterparts to advance the quality of care.

Operating on a self-funding model, JCCPA has redefined quality service for dementia patients by pioneering innovative programs to address the specific needs of those facing cognitive challenges. You’ll tour this pioneering facility with Florence Ho, General Manager of JCCPA. 

Health Care at Chinese University of HK Medical Centre

CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) is a nonprofit, private teaching hospital owned by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). With a social mission to bridge the service gap between the private and public health care systems in Hong Kong, CUHKMC is dedicated to offering quality health care service at transparent and affordable package fees. You’ll tour this new facility with Dr. Fung Hong, Executive Director and CEO of CUHK Medical Centre.

A Passion for History

Asia Society Hong Kong Centre (ASHK)

ASHK, an independent non-governmental educational organization established in 1990 by a group of Hong Kong community leaders, is situated at the Former Explosives Magazine of the Victoria Barracks, a site steeped in history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. It was built by the British Army in the mid-19th century for explosives and ammunition production and storage. Through conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse, the heritage site has been transformed into a cultural and intellectual hub. It combines heritage preservation with a distinct, modern aesthetic complete with world-class performance and conference facilities that offer a broad range of arts and culture, business and policy programs, and exhibitions to the community. Explore the site led by IWF Hong Kong Member Alice Mong, President of Asia Society HK.

A Passion for Sports

The Hong Kong Jockey Club: Racing Talent Center and Equine Hospital

IWF Hong Kong Member Amy Chan, a former elite athlete and now Club Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, will guide you around the center, making a special visit to the Equine Hospital — not usually open for public visits.

Since 1972, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been training racing talent, with graduates going on to become widely recognized jockeys and horse trainers, winning accolades in Hong Kong and around the globe. The Club’s dedicated team of clinical veterinary surgeons cares for over 1,200 thoroughbred racehorses at the Club’s Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong and Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou. It also cares for a further 600 retired thoroughbreds and other horses at nine riding establishments in Hong Kong, including the Club’s three public riding schools.

HK Olympians at HK Sports Institute

See firsthand where Olympic medalists from Hong Kong are trained. As the Government’s designated organization for providing high-performance training for eligible sports, the Hong Kong Sports Institute is committed to creating an environment in which sports talent can be identified, nurtured, and developed.

In addition to world-class training facilities, athletes receive a comprehensive range of support, including elite training programs formulated by professional coaches, financial support, sports science and sports medicine services, and educational, social, and personal support to cater for the athletes’ whole-person development.

Please note this tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

A Passion for Textiles

Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT)

IWF Hong Kong Member Janice Wang, a third-generation apparel manufacturer, will lead you through the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT), located in The Mills, the former cotton-spinning mills of Nan Fung Textiles in Tsuen Wan. See firsthand how these historic mills have been conserved and adapted for modern use. CHAT invites everyone to experience the innovative spirit of Hong Kong’s textile industry and engage in new dialogues and inspirational journeys that interweave heritage, arts, and textile.

Please note this tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.