Hong Kong, July 23, 2014 - Since the establishment in 1990, the success and development of Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK) has been relied on many of our long-time members and supporters. We had a conversation with Jim Convery, a President’s Circle member (PC member) since 2002, as he witnessed the changes at ASHK over the years.

Q1. When did you join the membership and why?

 Jim: I joined the ASHK as a PC member in 2002, after having had a conversation about the ASHK with Martin Tang. I was keen on joining an organization that fostered better communication and understanding both within Asia and between Asia and other parts of the world. I was also very interested in the Asia Society's annual Caravan Trips, which offered the opportunity to travel to "off the beaten track" locations in Asia. I took the opportunity to travel on no less than five Caravan Trips before they were discontinued in 2008.

Q2. Over the years, what do you think about the changes at the ASHK?

 Jim: When I joined the ASHK, it was somewhat limited by its' not having its' own venue or "home" to conduct events. The programs were held in various venues, and were more or less limited to topics dealing with political and economic subjects. There was understandably less emphasis on and less opportunity to focus on art and cultural topics and performances. Despite this limitation, the Asia Society was able to carry on a very active schedule of events, with their being named the "Best Place to Attend a Lecture in Asia" by Time Magazine, I believe in year 2010. The opening of the new ASHK Center in 2012 has greatly raised the Asia Society's profile in Asia. It gave them an opportunity to "up their game", enabling them to offer programs involving a broader range of topics and to attract more prominent speakers and presenters. In my view they have succeeded in doing this.

Q3. Moving forward, what do you expect from ASHK in the future?

 Jim: As I referred to above, I expect the ASHK continue to offer programs in a broader range of topics with more prominent speakers and presenters. I am particularly pleased with the aggressive expansion in art and cultural programs, including art exhibits, live performances, and cinema. The new family programs that are offered from time to time are also interesting, giving the ASHK more involvement in the local Hong Kong community. Given the level of expertise and talent in Hong Kong in business, law, and finance, perhaps there might be a research role for the ASHK to participate in.