Apart from historic buildings, there are many other interesting places in Hong Kong that are worth visiting by you and your family over the weekends and holidays.

Kowloon East is gradually transforming from a conventional industrial area into the second central business district in Hong Kong. As we all know, we have to respect and inherit the industrial culture of Kowloon East during the transformation, with a view to setting the vision of future economic development and creative design for the district and sustaining its creative spirit. At the end of 2012, the Energizing Kowloon East Office commissioned a consultant team consisting of academics and professionals from various disciplines to conduct the “Spirit of Creation - Study on Industrial Culture in Kowloon East” so as to record the diverse stories of industries and culture in Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay, and to suggest ways to take these into account in urban design and place-making strategies, thus paving the way for quality urban development of the district.

Have you ever imagined that those plain and featureless switch boxes powering traffic lights can be turned into small outdoor art pieces showcasing a district’s history? Decoration of switch boxes including the one at the junction of Tsun Yip Street and How Ming Street in Kwun Tong is one of the projects that have been implemented based on the findings of the aforementioned study. In the past, these switch boxes drew little attention, and they were even regarded by some people as eyesores. Nonetheless, they serve practical purposes. With a little touching up, the switch boxes not only enhance our visual landscape, but also enable us to appreciate our industrial culture, know more about the development process and gain an up-close view of local characteristics.

Each switch box tells a different story about the “Made in Hong Kong” brands we are familiar with. For example, the widely popular TV commercial song “Flower Latex Paint gives bright colours!” came from an early advertisement by China Paint, a pioneer of the Hong Kong paint industry. The company moved into a new factory on Kwun Tong Road in the late 1950s and was one of the early founders in the Kwun Tong industrial development. The Meyer company, owner of a number of cookware brands with products selling all over the world, also set up its headquarters on Kwun Tong Road. Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory, known for its camel logo and the promotional line of “Boiling as always”, set up its factory in Kowloon Bay in the past. Kader Industrial Company Limited, manufacturer of the Cabbage Patch Kids, which became a worldwide phenomenon, moved into Kowloon Bay in the 1980s. In fact, factories of many other brands which have grown up with us, such as Vitasoy, Yakult, Seven-Up, Schweppes and Union Shirt, all operated in Kwun Tong in the past. In other words, Kowloon East was once a nurturing place for many successful brands.

The consultant team interviewed a number of industrialists in the district during the study, enabling us to learn more about their aspirations for success from over 50 years ago and how they overcame challenges and adversity with determination, persistence and boundless creativity, thereby laying the foundations for the economic development in Hong Kong.  The consultant team also contacted a number of workers who had worked in the factories in the district. We can tell from their stories that their diligence, perseverance and positive working attitude were the driving force behind Hong Kong’s economic boom. Many years ago, I was a summer worker sweating in a garment factory there and often frequented the nearby dai pai dongs (food stalls).

If you have visited the Kwun Tong business district recently, you may have noticed that construction work is underway at Tsun Yip Street Playground, a venue with a history of over 40 years. Its new design has taken into consideration the findings of the study and will be in harmony with Kowloon East’s overall environment, planning and urban design concept. I believe that it will attract visitors from other districts and even from overseas. Phase 1 of the facelift is due to be completed in September.

Looking back, we can learn that the determination, persistence and audacity to explore have contributed to many success stories in Hong Kong. Looking ahead, these characteristics will continue to be the keys to our success and will drive us forward and create a brighter future. Your support and participation mean a lot to us.

We will soon upload the findings of the study and recommendations of the consultant team to the website at www.ekeo.gov.hk. If you would like to know more about the industrial culture and stories of Kowloon East, do visit our website.