The Légion d'Honneur Club Hong Kong Chapter Gala Dinner 2024

On 18 November 2024, we had the distinct honor of hosting The Légion d'Honneur Club Hong Kong Chapter Gala at M+ Museum, under the esteemed leadership of our President, Mr. Henry Tang, and the distinguished presence of Admiral Coldefy, a former General Inspector in the French Armed Forces and President of the Society since 2018, who travelled from France for this special occasion. This wonderful event celebrated the strong relationship between Hong Kong and France and reinforced Hong Kong’s status as a hub for international cultural exchange.

The evening was officiated by Admiral Alain Coldefy, alongside Christile Drulhe, the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau. Over 100 distinguished guests from business, arts and culture, philanthropy, and public service from both Hong Kong and France attended the event.

Prior to the dinner, guests were invited to explore the captivating exhibitions at M+ including “Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination” and “I.M. Pei: Life Is Architecture,”.
These exhibitions not only enriched the evening's experience but also underscored the importance of cultural appreciation and dialogue, aligning perfectly with our mission of fostering international connections and understanding. The vibrant atmosphere of M+ provided a fitting introduction to the Gala Dinner, allowing attendees to engage with art and architecture before coming together to celebrate the enduring ties between Hong Kong and France.

We were delighted to see many of our Chapter’s members, members of French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong,  Les Lumières de Paris Hong Kong Chapter and Confrerie des Chevalier du Tastevin in attendance, contributing to the warmth and camaraderie of the evening. Together, we embraced the spirit of collaboration and cultural appreciation that defines our mission.

Before the dinner commences, guests were treated to a captivating performance featuring traditional Chinese instruments by the Tea House Rising Star Troupe. The musicians showcased their exceptional talent, playing a selection of pieces that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of China. The enchanting sounds of the erhu, yangqin, and pipa, etc filled the air, creating a harmonious ambiance that set the tone for the evening.

During the dinner, Mr. Henry Tang remarked, “Culture brings people from around the world closer, fostering better understanding and relationships. Hong Kong has a mission to establish itself as the East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The recent Policy Address by our Chief Executive, John Lee, has tasked the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority with leading the roadmap to achieve this goal.” In his concluding remarks, Mr. Henry Tang highlighted Hong Kong’s unique relationship with France, not only in business but also in arts and culture, encompassing wine, fashion, design, sports, food, and academic research. He affirmed that The Légion d'Honneur Club Hong Kong Chapter is dedicated to fostering exchanges and communication between Hong Kong and the wider world, sharing the positive story of China and Hong Kong.

Admiral Coldefy expressed his pleasure in visiting Hong Kong during the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, stating, “I was particularly impressed by Hong Kong's dynamism. The strong ties between Hong Kong and France underscore the depth of our relationship. There is significant potential for enhanced collaboration between French communities and representative bodies in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Chapter of the Légion d’Honneur, to build a shared future of prosperity and unity.”

Consul General Mrs. Christile Drulhe emphasized the importance of the President's visit, noting, “It reflects the significance France places on enhancing exchanges with Hong Kong in business, research and innovation, arts and culture, and much more. I commend the important role played by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Légion d’Honneur in continuing to expand this relationship.”

We are truly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this memorable evening.