On October 9, in Sydney, a delegation from the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, one of Hong Kong’s largest charitable organizations, engaged in an insightful meeting with representatives from the Dongguan Association of Australia at the Justice Hall. The group comprised board members and student representatives, all eager to discuss their shared history and future collaborations.
During a roundtable discussion, participants reflected on the substantial support that the Tung Wah Group provided to the Justice Hall in 1937. Back then, the organization played a pivotal role in repatriating the remains of deceased members from the Dongguan community living in Australia, ensuring they could return to their ancestral homeland. This historical contribution underscores the enduring connections within the overseas Chinese community, transcending both time and distance.
Chen Rikun, president of the Dongguan Association, shared his insights, noting that the Justice Hall was established in the 1850s and boasts an impressive history of over 170 years. He recalled the critical assistance offered by Tung Wah during the challenging times of 1937, praising their efforts to transport remains back to Hong Kong and then onward to Dongguan for burial. Chen highlighted that the unwavering commitment of the Tung Wah Group exemplifies the cherished values of the Chinese diaspora.
Deng Minghui, chairman of the Tung Wah Group, emphasized the shared historical roots between their organization and the Dongguan Association. Since its founding in 1870, Tung Wah has dedicated itself to providing medical, educational, and social services in Hong Kong, while also actively engaging in humanitarian efforts for overseas Chinese communities, including disaster relief and burial assistance. Today, Tung Wah stands as Hong Kong’s largest charitable institution, fostering strong partnerships with Chinese organizations in Australia.
Throughout the meeting, representatives from the Dongguan Association elaborated on the history and contributions of the Chinese community in Australia. Meanwhile, student representatives from Tung Wah shared stories about their organization’s growth and achievements. The event wrapped up with a ceremonial exchange of gifts and memorabilia, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between these two vibrant communities.
