Audience of the Story of Zhang Jian presentation in HK on Sept 6. [Photo provided by Lu Zhaoxin to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The Story of Zhang Jian presentation took place in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sept 6, bringing together nearly 500 members of HK's business community.

Zhang Jian (1853-1926) was an influential industrial magnate in Chinese history, as well as an educator and scholar originating from Nantong in China's Jiangsu province. His lifetime was marked by an unwavering dedication to the advancement and prosperity of his hometown, strengthened by developing businesses and establishing schools and museums.

The presentation represents a significant cultural exchange initiative pioneered by Nantong in recent years. Since its debut in 2017, the program has been hosted across various locations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the United Nations headquarters. It has engaged a diverse audience, attracting more than 6,000 in-person attendees, while also achieving remarkable online reach, with its videos accumulating about 25 million views online.

During the hour-long presentation, the compelling narrative of Zhang Jian captivated and left the business community in HK in awe. These heartfelt accounts and personal anecdotes fostered a deeper connection with the audience, evoking memories of their roots and cultural heritage. Many attendees expressed a desire for more.

Tso Ch'eng-tz'u, vice-chairman of the Nantong Townsmen Association in HK, expressed his deep pride and admiration for Zhang, highlighting his indomitable spirit and perseverance. As a fellow native of Nantong, Tso emphasized that these admirable qualities are not only worth recognizing but also essential to be passed on and promoted among all expatriates living in HK.

T'ang Ying-nien, founding president of the Federation of HK Jiangsu Community Organizations, has deep ancestral roots in Wuxi, Jiangsu. With a rich familial history and a strong connection to his heritage, he is very familiar with Zhang Jian's inspiring story. T'ang Ying-nien said, "Zhang Jian achieved the highest academic honors through his relentless dedication and hard work. Despite his academic success, he chose to return to his hometown of Nantong to engage in industry, founding multiple enterprises and continuously establishing new schools. This is truly remarkable," he said.

He advised that HK entrepreneurs should greatly value Zhang's entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrate patriotism by pursuing excellence, and support local economic development through their successful businesses.