[Made in Hong Kong] Spring 2025 Issue

Issue Overview: What: What did Hong Kong manufacture? Why: Why does "Made in Hong Kong" exist? When: When did "Made in Hong Kong" first emerge? Who: Who played a pivotal role in "Made in Hong Kong"? Where: Where in the world can "Made in Hong Kong" products be found? How: What is the know-how behind "Made in Hong Kong"? How did "Made in Hong Kong" shape present-day Hong Kong? How can it be carried forward and reinvented for the future? Featured Content: REmap// How Was Hong Kong Made? A Century on the Road Looking back at Hong Kong manufacturing from 1841-1941, compared to the post-war decades of the 1950s to 1980s, later Hong Kong products underwent significant changes. However, the export-oriented environment, influenced and even dominated by the political and economic landscapes of China and the West, remained constant. How did early manufacturers seize opportunities and break through with limited resources and in times of turmoil? REach// Made in Hong Kong, Exported Worldwide Since the beginning of the 20th century, a majority of Hong Kong products have been exported. Their designs and quality control were flexibly adapted to meet the demands of local markets, enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong products. However, export markets also exerted a decisive influence on the design of Hong Kong-made products, evolving with the times and market conditions. The definition of "Made in HK" carried different meanings in different eras. REprint// A Hundred Trades, A Thousand Advertisements During the 1960s, when Made in HK products were heavily marketed overseas, advertisements became more diverse, both internally and externally. Though created in an era before product photography was widespread, with most relying on hand-drawn illustrations, these ads not only highlighted product features but also showcased the aesthetic characteristics of their time. REbranding// Camel Brand & Red A: Three Generations of Inheritance, Industrial Spirit In the 1950s and 60s, products from manufacturers like Red A and Camel Brand were favored in the international market for their affordability and quality, making the "MADE IN HONG KONG" label a mark of excellence. Today, these industries are led by the third generation. Facing the increasingly complex social and market environment, what meaning does "Made in Hong Kong" hold for them? In what ways can the industrial spirit they aspire to continue to manifest? REmains// Industrial Buildings: Testaments to the Industrial Era Hong Kong's industrial buildings stand as monuments to a bygone era. In that era, Hong Kong's prosperity was built on manufacturing and light industries. However, as businesses moved north and then migrated outwards, these industrial structures were left behind, out of step with a city that rapidly transformed into a financial services hub... REnew// Old Industries, New Communities in Kwun Tong From the satellite city plans of the 1950s to the new towns in the New Territories in the 60s and 70s, these initiatives not only eased population density in urban areas but also generated significant employment through industrial development. After factories moved north in the 80s and 90s, how can former industrial areas, including Kowloon East (Kwun Tong, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Bay, and Kai Tak), be repositioned to preserve their historical and industrial heritage while ushering the city into a new phase and offering improved living conditions for the community and its residents? REvive// HK Textile: Weaving Hong Kong's Story Hong Kong had weaving factories in the early 20th century, but they were mostly small-scale. The textile industry truly took off in the 1940s when several Shanghai cotton mill families relocated and established factories in Hong Kong. These industrialists from Shanghai brought substantial capital and technology, ushering in a golden age for the textile industry between the 1950s and 70s. They also formed a unique community, merging their ethnic identity with an entrepreneurial spirit, shaping a distinct corporate culture in Hong Kong during that era. REthink// Fading Flavors: The Taste of Made in Hong Kong "There are hardly any local food manufacturers left in Hong Kong," a statement that seems to be an undeniable fact. But is this true, and is there room for discussion? From a culinary perspective, why the insistence on "Made in Hong Kong"? What is the appeal of "Made in Hong Kong"? When did it begin to disappear? If it is indeed vanishing, is there any possibility of revival? Other Featured Content: REmember// Made in HK Classics Wing Lee Wai Rose Liqueur / Leung So Kee Umbrellas / Dairy Farm / Double Koi Perfumed Lotion / Jan Chi Kee Coconut Candy / Lee Kum Kee Vests / Garden Life Bread / Vita-Soy / Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa / TWEMCO Flip Clocks / Holga Toy Camera... No matter which generation you were born into in Hong Kong, you've likely heard of or used these classic products. Beyond their long history, how do they embody the characteristics of "Made in Hong Kong"? REcord// Hong Kong Manufacturing: The Golden Age The aura of "Made in Hong Kong" is the result of the collective efforts of countless players. From the post-war 1950s to the mid-1980s, although most raw materials were imported and export rates were estimated at 80-90%, Hong Kong's greatest strengths, beyond the flexibility of local merchants, were the abundant labor force provided by the post-war population boom, which also characterized Hong Kong manufacturing at the time. REconnect// Hong Kong's Story on the Other End of the Carpet Alongside the rise of the textile industry in the 1950s, Hong Kong's first local carpet factory, Tai Ping Carpets, emerged. From its inception, its products were exported to the United States and expanded to other regions worldwide. In the intricate balance of industry and artistry, tradition and modernity, internationalization and localization, what Made in Hong Kong story has Tai Ping Carpets told over these sixty-plus years? REcreate// Red, White, and Blue 3.0 For 25 years, graphic artist AnotherMountainMan has continuously created with the red, white, and blue motif. From initially using red, white, and blue plastic bags to represent Hong Kong's resilience, to evolving interpretations in 2.0 and 3.0... How does red, white, and blue achieve greater contact, interaction, and connection in the daily lives of Hong Kong people? REcap// Lingering Taste, Fond Memories In today's world where freshness is paramount, preserved sausages are still locally produced, offering a timeless savory flavor without preservatives. Hand-kneaded shrimp roe noodles bear witness to the era when living conditions gradually improved, and people, with sufficiency in food and clothing, could pursue higher ideals and make better choices. Photographer Lam Hiu-man of "Hong Kong Heritage" captures these enduring tastes of Hong Kong through her lens. ISBN: 978-988-74818-6-7 Price: HK$180 Printed and Produced In: Hong Kong Publication Date: Early March Exclusive Offer for Online Store Spring Issue Order through our online store and receive a complimentary [1940s "Made in Hong Kong" Hand-Drawn Advertisement] postcard (random design). "Made in Hong Kong" products began appearing successively in the early 20th century, with a diverse range of items exported to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. These two hand-drawn advertisements from the early 1940s feature locally made towels and mosquito repellent coils, essential daily necessities for Hong Kong people of the past. (Limited quantities available, while stocks last) **Collection from "A Century of Commerce" published in 1941. Images have been colorized.