Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2000

TRACING H O N G KONG 'S DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE HISTORIES OF FAMILIES AND ENTERPRISES Prof. Ho Pui-yin's interest in socio-economic history has sparked a number of research projects that trace the development of some of Hong Kong's established families as well as the rise of entrepreneurs. Theseprojects shed much light on Hong Kong's economic development and changes in social values and customs. Prosopography Previous research on Hong Kong's history and economy tende d to emphasize the personal achievements of important figures an d their impact o n society. However, to understand the true nature of social change, studies should be conducted from the perspective of the entire group of merchants and businessmen. A project entitled 'Prosopography' has studied over 50 0 Cantonese businessmen: their background, migration pattern, the characteristics o ftheir careers in Hong Kong, an d their relationship with the community. Issues such as whether they have extended their influence through marriage or blood relations, and whether they have turned economic power into political power are analysed. The research shows tha t many businessmen an d entrepreneurs would sponsor charitable work o r make donations t o supportthe development of their home town after they have achieved success. This is characteristic of traditional Chinese businessmen. O n the other hand, they are very receptive o fmo d em Western knowledge . Many send their offsprings overseas to acquir e the most up-to-date knowledge and know-how so that they can help with the family business whe n they return to Hong Kong. This process illustrates the marriage between traditional Chinese values and the pursuit o fWestern cost- effectiveness. The inter-relationship among these families i s also intriguing. The early development of Hong Kong's department stores, for example, cannot be divorced from the evolvement of relationships b e t we e n t h e Kwo k 's (o fWing O n Department Stores Group), the Ma's (of Sincere Company Ltd.), and t h e Choy's The Sun Company Ltd.). Researchers examine when they began associating with one another, how they became blood relations through marriage, and, in doing so, consolidated their respective positions in Hong Kong society. Th echanges i n traditional cultural values can also be seen through th eevolvement of each family and the inter-relationships within th e whole group. Two early advertisements of department stores in Hong Kong CHINES E UNIVERSIT Y BULLETI N 14 Autumn •Winter2000