The Tigillus Foundation proudly celebrated its official launch today with a prestigious event co-hosted with the British Council at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM). This memorable evening brought together distinguished guests to commemorate the collaboration of visions and missions of the Tigillus Foundation and the British Council’s Hong Kong Circle.

The event was kindly attended by guests in the arts, cultural, and education sectors as well as friends of the Foundation and members of the British Council Global Circle. Held in the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s magnificent Atrium overlooking the Harbour, the evening began with welcoming remarks from Dr Louis Ng, Director of HKPM.

Mr David H Y Chang, the visionary founder of the Tigillus Foundation, officially launched the organisation with a steadfast commitment to uplifting Chinese arts and culture on a global stage. More than a trailblazing entrepreneur and a compassionate philanthropist, Mr Chang is resolute in his belief that a profound understanding of our history and culture is vital for progress. He spoke avidly about the importance of reaching a wider audience through the Foundation’s art, culture, and education commitments. “Let’s awaken that proud Lion Rock spirit in Hong Kong,” he remarks, urging the community to transform obstacles into opportunities. Mr Chang also expressed his heartfelt wish to mobilise like-minded supporters behind the same philanthropic mission, underscoring the importance of a new generation of entrepreneurs and their social responsibilities in cross-institutional partnerships and the future of culture in the city.

Susannah Morley, Director of British Council Hong Kong, introduced the British Council Hong Kong Circle initiative. Noting the organisation’s long-standing relationship with the city, Ms Morley sets out the vision for the newly established patronages, remarking: “By supporting [the British Council’s] initiatives in arts, language, and education right here in Hong Kong, you are ensuring that our programmes continue to flourish locally, enabling our work to transform the lives of young people.” She commends the philanthropic efforts and visions set out by Mr Chang and congratulates the Tigillus Foundation’s establishment. The values and commitment that the two organisations express in arts, culture and education resonate deeply and profoundly in the locus of Hong Kong, reaching an ever-growing global audience. “Together, we can amplify our efforts and create lasting change in our community.”

An academic collaboration acknowledgement speech was made by Professor Zhang Xiang, President of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in light of the recent inauguration of the David H Y Chang Professorship in Chinese History at the University of Hong Kong. After the speeches, our guests enjoyed an exclusive private guided tour of “The Forbidden City and The Palace of Versailles” exhibition – proudly sponsored by the Tigillus Foundation – led by Dr Daisy Wang, Deputy Director and Head Curator at HKPM.

The Tigillus Foundation extends its gratitude towards all distinguished speakers and guests for making this evening memorable and magnificent. Our profound appreciation also goes to our drinks sponsor, Solomon Vintners, who kindly provided excellent wines and champagnes to our guests. The joint launch signifies a strategic partnership aiming to foster cultural exchange, academic cooperation, and mutual understanding in Hong Kong, in the UK and beyond. We sincerely hope that, through the vision of our Founder, the Foundation will serve as the fabric that weaves the cultural exchanges in art, culture and education in the international hub of Hong Kong – our home city. Beyond the accolades the Foundation has set out before its launch, we strive to honour our heritage and forge our future in every effort we endeavour here onwards – as our banner proudly proclaims.