On March 12, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the sixth batch of representative bearers of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), selecting a total of 942 individuals from across the country. Among them are two representatives from Hong Kong: Mr. Lau Kam-tong, bearer of the Hakka unicorn dance in Hang Hau, Sai Kung, and Dr. Lee Yiu-fai, bearer of the Wong Tai Sin belief and customs.
In response to the Ministry's invitation for nominations, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government nominated Mr. Lau and Dr. Lee after consulting the ICH Advisory Committee. Both individuals have played crucial roles in promoting and preserving their respective cultural heritages. The HKSAR Government extended warm congratulations to the two representative bearers. Both the Hakka unicorn dance and Wong Tai Sin beliefs and customs were inscribed on the fourth national list of ICH and the First ICH Inventory of Hong Kong in 2014, and later included in the Representative List of the ICH of Hong Kong in 2017.
Mr. Lau Kam-tong has dedicated over 60 years to the Hakka unicorn dance, a tradition that has been passed down for more than 200 years among the Hakka community. He has been involved since the age of 7 and founded the Joint Association of Traditional Hakka Unicorn in Sai Kung and Hang Hau in 2013. Under his leadership, the dance has been actively promoted, earning its place on the national ICH list.
Dr. Lee Yiu-fai has been the Abbot of the Wong Tai Sin Temple since 2006 and has been instrumental in promoting the Wong Tai Sin belief, which originated in Zhejiang Province and has a rich history in Hong Kong since 1915. He has organized numerous educational initiatives and established the Cultural Centre for Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs in 2021, ensuring the continuation and development of this important cultural heritage.
The HKSAR Government remains committed to preserving and promoting local intangible cultural heritage, encouraging community participation to sustain the vibrant traditional culture of Hong Kong.
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