[Themed Talk] Hong Kong Stories of Ordinary People: Don't Underestimate Hawkers [Museum Fest 2026]

Overview

As a partner program for the "Museum Fest 2026," the Mei Ho House Life Library presents the themed lecture: "Small People, Big Stories: Don't Underestimate Hawkers." Often dismissed in government policy discussions as mere issues of public order or hygiene, hawkers have, in reality, played a crucial and resilient role in Hong Kong's economic development and community life.

Featured Speaker

We are honored to have Dr. Zheng Hongtai, Associate Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and author of The Business of Hawkers: The Evolution of the Hawker Industry in Hong Kong, as our guest speaker. Dr. Zheng will share his professional insights into the historical evolution of the industry.

Program Highlights

This lecture offers a comprehensive analysis of Hong Kong's hawker culture through historical and social lenses:

• Historical Evolution: A retrospective of the industry from the early colonial days to the 1990s.
• Socio-Political Context: An examination of how the relationship between hawkers and the government evolved alongside changing political and economic landscapes.
• Community Connection: Exploring the deep links between resettlement policies, population migration, and hawker activities, with a special focus on districts like Shek Kip Mei and Sham Shui Po.
• Social Movements: Analyzing the impact of major hawker movements in 1883, 1946, and the 1970s, and understanding how hawkers responded to the challenges of their time.

This talk invites participants to rediscover the lives of grassroots individuals and gain a more profound understanding of Hong Kong's rich history.

Ticketing

• Fee: HK$20 (Deposit).
• Details: Limited capacity (50 seats), first-come, first-served. The deposit will be fully refunded to your payment account within 6 to 8 weeks after the event if you attend. No refunds for non-attendance.

Venue & Access

The event will be held at the "Multi-purpose Room, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel."

• Transport:
  • MTR Sham Shui Po Station, Exit B2; walk along Pei Ho Street for 8 minutes.
  • MTR Shek Kip Mei Station, Exit A; walk along Woh Chai Street for 8 minutes.