(26 April 2022)

HKTKWW – On 25 April 2022, the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre Cloud House in Beijing was officially inaugurated. The Opening Ceremony had the participation of representatives of various Embassies and diplomatic offices of over 20 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, etc.

From left to right: Mr Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to China; Mr Nicolas Chapuis, Ambassador of the European Union to China; and Dr Jonathan Choi at the Opening Ceremony of the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Exchange Centre

Dr Jonathan Choi, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of Sunwah Group, introduced 3 missions of the Choi Centre Cloud House including promoting people-to-people diplomacy, strengthening trade-economic exchanges and investment between Europe and China, and most importantly, building closer ties between the people via cultural and artistic exchanges. In addition, the first event of the Centre, entitled “ReBirth — Encountering with Nature” Exhibition, received strong interest from the guests.

Honorary Guests at the Opening Ceremony of the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Exchange Centre

Previously, in mid-2021, the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation took over the Cloud House’s management and renovated it. In March 2021, the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation signed agreements with the French Embassy and the European Union National Cultural Association on the Cloud House’s operations. Accordingly, in order to set up a multi-cultural platform and connect China with other countries, the Cloud House will organize cultural and artistic exchanges and educational activities.

Over the years, Dr Jonathan Choi has established 10 Cultural Centres under his name at various countries such as Vietnam, Canada, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Japan, France and China. The Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre Cloud House is the second cultural centre in Beijing, after the Beijing Jonathan KS Choi Film Cultural Centre.

Dr Jonathan Choi, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of Sunwah Group and Chairman of Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, delivered the Opening speech

In his opening speech, sharing the purpose of establishing the Centre, Dr Jonathan Choi said that he wished to promote multinational friendship through cultural and artistic activities. Dr Choi said, “I believe that regardless of culture, race, political system or religious belief, we all have certain things in common. We all live on the same planet, we all cherish the future, and most importantly, we all love peace. The uniqueness of different cultures needs to be shared and cherished.” He believed that intercultural exchanges are the best way to promote dialogue, and enhance friendship, thereby promoting peace and bringing about multi-disciplinary cooperation, in the field of not only business but also science, technology, art, etc.

Before the official opening of the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre, another exhibition from Slovenia entitled “Beauty of mountains and rivers: Dialogue between cultural icons of Slovenia and China” also was held there. During the official Opening Ceremony, a meaningful exhibition named “Rebirth” was opened and welcomed visitors from 25 April to 31 July 2022. Through photography, paintings and video presentations, 10 artists from China and Europe have demonstrated the symbolic relationship between man and nature, as well as the essence of various natural elements.

The artwork titled “A River” at the “ReBirth” Exhibition

Translated from: HKTKWW