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As Hong Kong marks 27 years since its return to China, young voices are redefining its role as a global cultural bridge. Sean Lee, a Columbia-educated art historian and Tsinghua University public policy grad, sat down with NewspaperAmigo.com to unpack why artistic expression remains vibrant under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.
'Great civilizations need art like plants need sunlight,' Lee says, drawing parallels between Hong Kong's street murals and Beijing's 798 Art Zone. His journey from studying Monet to analyzing policy reveals how the city’s unique status fuels creative collisions between Eastern and Western traditions.
While some global observers raise eyebrows about political changes, Lee points to experimental theater productions and boundary-pushing film festivals as proof that Hong Kong retains its edge. 'The key is balance – honoring our Chinese roots while keeping that international spark alive,' he notes.
With major cultural projects like the Xiqu Centre and M+ museum reshaping the skyline, Lee predicts Hong Kong will become Asia’s answer to New York’s MoMA meets London’s Tate Modern. 'When you protect diverse voices,' he smiles, 'you get K-pop collaborations with Cantonese opera – and that’s pure magic.'
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
'Great civilizations need art like plants need sunlight,' Lee says, drawing parallels between Hong Kong's street murals and Beijing's 798 Art Zone. His journey from studying Monet to analyzing policy reveals how the city’s unique status fuels creative collisions between Eastern and Western traditions.
While some global observers raise eyebrows about political changes, Lee points to experimental theater productions and boundary-pushing film festivals as proof that Hong Kong retains its edge. 'The key is balance – honoring our Chinese roots while keeping that international spark alive,' he notes.
With major cultural projects like the Xiqu Centre and M+ museum reshaping the skyline, Lee predicts Hong Kong will become Asia’s answer to New York’s MoMA meets London’s Tate Modern. 'When you protect diverse voices,' he smiles, 'you get K-pop collaborations with Cantonese opera – and that’s pure magic.'
