Author: Kwok Po Paul Lee

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GSCBt2GGkjxdALgHWSaMaOsPNXbPNrhT/view?usp=drive_link

Over the course of this week, our focus has been on reviewing and recapping our previous learnings. During our online lecture, I had the pleasure of collaborating with various classmates such Thomas, Jerry and Bernice on our upcoming assignments. Each of us shared our individual topics, with mine focusing on the technical side on virtual reality cultural curation, which resembles to my VR book business in reality.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, I proposed the idea of creating a virtual reality tour and immersive cultural experience that specifically caters to individuals with mobility challenges. This concept aims to engage and captivate this particular age group, providing them with a unique and enriching cultural experience like never before.

To substantiate the ideation process, we form a Lego Serious Play Group for in-depth brainstorming

I had the opportunity to participate in an incredibly productive meeting with my esteemed classmates: Jerry, Henry, Bernice, Venus, and Karen. Under the guidance of Bernice, who skillfully facilitated the session, we utilized the innovative Lego Serious Play approach to shape and refine our venture ideas. This engaging session involved five rounds of Lego assembly, guided by Bernice’s thought-provoking questions.

Through this exercise, we were able to refine our concepts and generate fresh ideas as a group. Leveraging my own experience and knowledge, I offered valuable insights that helped my colleagues in refining their own venture goals. This interactive session was characterized by a spirit of learning and knowledge-sharing, highlighting the immense impact that collaboration can have on our understanding and perspectives of our venture ideas.

Drawing upon my archive management expertise, I guided Karen in exploring a virtual art database for an art archive, and I also provided concrete feedback on Jerry’s two distinct projects. These instances showcased the power of collective brainstorming, as it led to a more comprehensive understanding of our respective projects.

Overall, this week has been incredibly fruitful, with each interaction and collaboration contributing to our growth as individuals and as a team. We are excited to continue working together, pushing the boundaries of our creativity, and bringing our venture ideas to life.

A Catalyst for Positive Change

B Corporation, a groundbreaking movement in the business world, goes beyond the traditional bottom line. With a steadfast commitment to addressing social issues, B Corporation is revolutionizing the way companies operate and creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

At its core, B Corporation seeks to balance purpose and profit. These companies are legally bound to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, communities, and the environment. By adhering to rigorous social and environmental performance standards, B Corporations actively contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing our society today.

B Corporation is a powerful force in promoting social and environmental responsibility. These companies leverage their influence to address issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. By integrating sustainability into their business models, B Corporations actively seek to create positive change on a global scale.

One of the key strengths of B Corporation lies in its ability to inspire and empower other businesses to follow suit. By showcasing the immense benefits of prioritizing social impact, B Corporation sets an example for the entire corporate world. Through collaboration and collective action, B Corporations strive to create a network of like-minded companies that work together to address social issues.

B Corporation’s impact extends far beyond individual companies. By driving systemic change, B Corporation aims to reshape entire industries and encourage a shift towards more responsible and sustainable practices. Through advocacy, public policy engagement, and community-building initiatives, B Corporation actively works towards creating a more just and inclusive society.

Join the movement and be a part of the solution. B Corporation is leading the charge in demonstrating that businesses can be a force for good. Together, we can build a brighter future, where social issues are addressed, and businesses thrive while making a positive impact on the world.

How a cultural book publisher cause a social impact

Running a publisher preserving local culture in Hong Kong fosters a profound social impact. By championing and promoting the heritage, traditions, and stories of the local community, this arrangement ensures that cultural treasures are not forgotten in the face of modernization. It empowers local artists, writers, and artisans, providing them with a platform to share their unique perspectives and preserve their cultural identity. Through the dissemination of these works, the publisher cultivates pride, appreciation, and understanding of Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage among residents and visitors alike, fostering social cohesion and preserving the essence of the city.

Corporate Shared Value of a Cultural Publisher

Michael Porter’s concept of Corporate Shared Value emphasizes that businesses can create social and economic value simultaneously. When applied to running a cultural publisher, this idea becomes even more relevant. By embracing Corporate Shared Value, the publisher can prioritize not only profitability but also the preservation and promotion of local culture.

The publisher can seek partnerships with local artists, writers, and artisans, providing them with fair compensation and a platform to showcase their work. This enables the publisher to contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of the local creative community. Moreover, the publisher can actively engage in initiatives that support cultural education and awareness, such as organizing workshops, exhibitions, and community events.

By aligning its business objectives with the preservation of local culture, the publisher can create shared value for both the company and the community it operates in. This approach ensures that the publisher’s success is not only measured in financial terms but also in the positive impact it has on the cultural fabric of Hong Kong.

There is a famous saying in the traditional publisher industry, “Running a publisher business in Hong Kong is a chronic suicide” but I do not agree.

It is all about marketing and keeping up with the pace.

Exlporing a “Blue Ocean” has always been my pursual in this industry. I have also recommended this great idea in the booklist.

What is Blue Ocean Strategy?

And of course, I have also gained some thinking tools in the lectures related to marketing, which inspired me a lot, namely Ansoff Growth Matrix.

Reading Note on Ansoff Growth Matrix:

The Ansoff Growth Matrix is a strategic tool used by businesses to identify and evaluate growth opportunities. Developed by Igor Ansoff in 1957, the matrix helps organizations assess their options for growth based on two factors: products/services and markets. The matrix consists of four quadrants, each representing a different growth strategy.

The first quadrant, Market Penetration, focuses on increasing market share through existing products in existing markets. This strategy involves tactics such as increasing advertising and promotion, improving customer satisfaction, and exploring new distribution channels.

The second quadrant, Market Development, involves introducing existing products to new markets. This strategy requires companies to identify untapped market segments or geographical regions where their products/services can be successful.

The third quadrant, Product Development, centers on the creation and introduction of new products/services to existing markets. This strategy requires companies to understand customer needs and preferences and develop innovative solutions to meet those demands.

The fourth quadrant, Diversification, is the riskiest but potentially most rewarding strategy. It involves introducing new products/services to new markets. This strategy allows companies to expand their offerings and reduce dependence on existing markets.

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Merging technology (like AR or VR) in books introducing Cantonese culture has been a Blue Ocean to me. Such as adding Fire Dragon Dance VR motion to an interactive book to introduce some local tradition to other parts of the world.

Applying the Ansoff Growth Matrix to running an interactive book with augmented reality and virtual reality:

To apply the Ansoff Growth Matrix to running an interactive book with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), we can explore different growth strategies within the context of this unique product.

In terms of Market Penetration, the interactive book can leverage AR and VR technologies to enhance the reading experience and attract a larger audience. This can be achieved by partnering with educational institutions or collaborating with popular bookstores to increase visibility and accessibility.

For Market Development, the interactive book can target new markets such as educational institutions, libraries, and museums. By showcasing the benefits of AR and VR in education and entertainment, the book can tap into previously untapped markets and expand its reach.

In terms of Product Development, the book can continuously explore new AR and VR features and content to keep up with the evolving technology landscape. This can involve creating new interactive elements, incorporating gamification elements, or collaborating with content creators to offer diverse experiences.

Lastly, Diversification can involve exploring new genres or themes within the interactive book format. This can attract a wider range of readers and expand the product’s appeal to new markets and demographics.

By applying the Ansoff Growth Matrix, the interactive book with AR and VR can strategically identify growth opportunities and tailor its approach to maximize its potential in the market.

For non-Chinese speaking tourists to Hong Kong, my Canto Collection Series is the most technically useful and culturally specific souvenir, among all travel books, because they do not outline the cultural value for in-depth traveler.

Title: Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance: A Mesmerizing Blend of History and Cultural Significance during the Mid-Autumn Festival

Introduction:
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated in many parts of East Asia, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. One of the most captivating and cherished traditions associated with this festival is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Originating from the Tai Hang village in Hong Kong, this vibrant spectacle has evolved over centuries, blending history, culture, and community spirit. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.

Historical Origins:
The origins of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance can be traced back to the 19th century during the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that over 100 years ago, Tai Hang was plagued by a series of misfortunes, including a deadly plague and a typhoon. In a bid to ward off these calamities, the villagers sought guidance from the deities. According to folklore, a Taoist master advised the villagers to perform a fire dragon dance for three consecutive nights during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The villagers fervently followed this advice, and miraculously, the plague and typhoon ceased.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance:
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance carries profound cultural significance. The dragon itself is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune in Chinese culture. As the dragon weaves its way through the streets, it is believed to bring blessings and drive away evil spirits. The dance involves a meticulously crafted dragon made of bamboo hoops covered in incense sticks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of fire and smoke.

Beyond its religious and spiritual aspects, the Fire Dragon Dance fosters a strong sense of community and unity. Preparation for the dance begins months in advance, with villagers coming together to create the intricate dragon, develop choreography, and practice synchronized movements. The dance is a collective endeavor that highlights the cooperative spirit and shared heritage of the Tai Hang community.

Preservation and Modern-day Celebrations:
Over the years, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has faced challenges due to urbanization and modernization. However, the Hong Kong community has made tremendous efforts to preserve this cherished tradition. In 2005, the Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association successfully revived the Fire Dragon Dance after a hiatus of several decades. Since then, it has become an annual event, attracting both locals and tourists.

In recent years, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has gained international recognition, drawing visitors from around the world. Its inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 further solidified its significance.

Reflection:
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance stands as a testament to the resilience of tradition and the power of community. It serves as a captivating showcase of history, culture, and unity during the Mid-Autumn Festival. By preserving and celebrating this ancient art form, the Tai Hang community not only keeps its rich heritage alive but also provides a source of inspiration and wonder for generations to come.

“You can’t rent me a golden washroom to run a speakeasy.”

Paul Lee 20230923

Since the first day I enrolled the course, I have many questons

– how to get rid of the reliance on authority funding

– how to clarify the paradoxical situation to let the funding flow go properly

Public money spent on arts is always a mismatch. You don’t need to discover a proof, they are everywhere.

And that day I went to an artist incubator. Frankly, nothing can be criticised for a place with much convenience (I have witnessed many terrible artist places before) this is certainly a heaven, somehow.

Yet I don’t think it is an ideal place for artists.

I could count those cupnoodles and water-boiler in an artist’s room. I could also visualise the isolation and inteactive-less-ness in the close chambers.

The vibe here is just like an office pantry after 5.

Come on, give me a sofa and carpet. This is definitely not a social area for artist.

Do you know what is The Medici Effect? When you step into an intersection of fields/disciplines/cultures, you can combine existing concepts into a large number of extraordinary new ideas. It is only when you interact with great minds could you breed the great idea. Interaction between cross-disciplinary artists is priceless.

Paul Lee

And then we visited a pottery guru’s chamber. Master Cao is phenomenal. Her handcraft pottery has escalated into national treasure, in terms of her handcraft skill, her use of rare material, her use of burning material, illustrated by the shape, the color and the pattern on her pottery collection. You can hardly find such collection in common galleries. And so, lets take a look to her chamber.

Be it a showroom? She deserves a space a lot better.

Be it a workshop? You can hardly have a space (including water supply) to make a proper clay design, not to mention the bisque firing (let’s not mention about charcoal burning, how about Three-phase electrical power?)

No offence or hostile intention (but full of doubts) I subsequently asked Master Cao where she normally conduct the firing, she replied Lau Fau Shan (When you take a bus, you need around two hours to go from Wong Chuk Hang) (Speechless) So, which pottery procedure can she conduct here?

Perhaps the pottery master needs an office with air-conditioning, here.

Frankly this is still a good place, with good intention. But never a good fit at large.

My reflection? “Why not buy a Zafirro Iridium razor as Mother’s Day Gift?” or “Getting a buddhist monk a golden comb?”

Paul Lee 20230929

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