Ms Julia Davies, Programme Officer of Culture Unit, UNESCO Bangkok presented the award and shared the significance of cultural heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. The Honourable Mr Paul Chan, MH, JP, Secretary for Development, Hong Kong SAR Government Development Bureau, Mr Daryl Ng, Director of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited, the Tai O community, former marine police officers and 100-plus honourable guests all attended to celebrate at the occasion.
"We are humbled by this prestigious honour and we believe that without the Tai O community for their ongoing support, the Hong Kong SAR Government for the valuable opportunity to manage this historic site, it would have been impossible for us to win this award," Daryl Ng, Director of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited remarked.
Ng added, "We often tell ourselves that, this is not a hotel project. We are the stewards of this historic site and we put our hearts into managing the hotel for the community. What is important to us is, this project contributes to the sustainability of the Tai O fishing village and the conservation of the village's rich cultural heritage."
At the ceremony, the young generation of Tai O, 20 students from Tai O - Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College delivered "One World" to dedicate to Tai O Heritage Hotel for receiving this honour. On display, capturing the impression of the 111-year-old historic architecture and the daily life of the vibrant fishing village, 20 sketches of Tai O fishing village and Tai O Heritage Hotel by international young talents of "Brushstrokes Over Hong Kong - International Children Painting Competition in Hong Kong 2012-2013".
The Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited is a non-profit organisation set up by the Ng Teng Fong family in March 2008. The primary objectives of the company are to revitalise and maintain heritage buildings, as well as to promote the conservation and appreciation of heritage and historic places and their importance in the life of the community.
(From left to right) Ms Julia Davies, UNESCO Bangkok, the Honourable Mr Paul Chan, Secretary for Development, Hong Kong SAR Government Development Bureau and Mr Daryl Ng, Director of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited