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Press Corner
The
Inaugural Charity Concert of The Hong Kong Medical Association
Charitable Foundation - Arts for Everyone
(27 June 2006)
"Time has no
meaning to me...I want to put an end to this endless
waiting..." Tang Shiu Bun (Bun Tsai) wrote in a
letter he sent to legislators to argue for the legalization
of euthanasia in 2004.
Steven Hawking's brief
history in Hong Kong might not have clarified the universe's
enigma to everyone, but the scientist has certainly
convinced us that time, even if tied to an electric
wheelchair, can be meaningful. After listening to his
inspiring talk, Bun Tsai now said he would like to work
on his autobiography.
Bun Tsai has been confined
to the Queen Mary Hospital since an accident that happened
more than 15 years ago. Steven Hawking, with a progressively
degenerating neurological disease, has been travelling
and lecturing round the globe. To return to the community
Bun Tsai needs more than medicine and equipment. He
needs to be reconnected to the community. He needs to
realize his potential in the society, to have a purpose
in life.
Perhaps a little encouragement
and practical tips from Christina Wong, one of the ADA
Angels of the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong
Kong, would help Bun Tsai kick off his ambitious project.
Miss Christina Wong Ming
Yan suffered from German measles in infancy that has
left her totally blind. The disease took away her eyesight,
but not her vision in life. She has published two books
after her studies in Australia, and now used to signing
her autograph for readers waiting in queues. She is
also an accomplished singer and song writer. Her performance
in a charity concert has helped raised millions of dollars.
Art is about creativity
and imagination, sensitivity and intuition. Painter
Ko Nam, another ADA Angel, is a living example of individuals
excelling in an area when deprived in one of the senses.
Born in China, Ko Nam lost his hearing as a result of
a childhood illness. Colors and forms provide another
powerful channel of communication for an artist living
in a silent world. His paintings are highly acclaimed
for a unique calmness and beauty and are in high demand
by museums and collectors all over the world.
Over a quarter of a million
people are living with a disability in Hong Kong. The
Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADA) has
been promoting the idea that everyone has the potential
for creativity. Their vision parallels the motto of
the Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA): "To safeguard
the health of the people". To further encourage
the medical profession to involve in community projects
and coordinate various charitable activities, the Association
is setting up the Hong Kong Medical Association Charitable
Foundation and has elected The Arts with the Disabled
Association Hong Kong as the Foundation's first beneficiary.
An Inaugural Concert would
be held in City Hall Concert Hall on 2 July Sunday,
8pm to raise funds for The Arts with the Disabled Association
Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Medical Association Charitable
Foundation. In the press conference, Dr. CHOI Kin, President
of the HKMA, passed this meaningful mission to Dr. CHOW
Pak Chin, Chairman of the Charitable Foundation, who
spoke on the vision and objectives of the Foundation.
Dr. CHAN Yee Shing, Chairman of the Concert Organizing
Committee, shared with us the coordination involved
in making the Charity Concert a reality, and congratulated
the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADA)
for being the first beneficiary of the Foundation.
Dr. David FANG, Hon. President
of ADA, expressed the Association's gratitude towards
the HKMA and the Foundation. Dr. Fang also introduced
the range of services of ADA, which include providing
appropriate assistance to artists with different disabilities.
Both Christina Wong and Ko Nam were present in the press
conference to explain how the Art with the Disabled
Association Hong Kong have made their dreams come true.
They have given Bun Tsai invaluable advices by sharing
with him how they have overcome their obstacles in pursuing
their individual artistic path.
Both artists are also
contributing to this fundraising event. Ko Nam has donated
the image of one of his greatest works "The Rhyme
of Autumn" to be featured in this concert's publications.
Christina Wong would sing Schubert's "Serenade"
accompanied by the Hong Kong Medical Association Orchestra,
amongst eminent musicians and doctors such as Dr. David
FANG, Mr. LAM Sze Chung, Miss Erin CHOI, the St. Margaret's
Church Choir, the HKMA Choir, and the HKMA Orchestra.
The latter would be performing the original version
of Schumann's Fourth Symphony in D minor.
Friends of the media who
would like to know more about the event please call
Miss Candy YUEN, The Hong Kong Medical Association,
at 2527 8285.
***
Notes to editors :
The Hong Kong Medical Association, founded in 1920,
aims to bring together Hong Kong's government, institutional,
university and private medical practitioners for an
effective exchange of views and co-ordination of efforts.
The foremost objective of the Association is to safeguard
and promote public health. The Association speaks collectively
for its members and aims to keep its members abreast
of medical ethics, issues and advances around the world.
In fulfilling these goals, the association hopes to
better serve the people of Hong Kong.
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