‘You either love or hate Hong Kong but you cannot be indifferent’ - Gordian Gaeta

Be it a co-incidence of history or a result of ‘East meets West’, Hong Kong has always been highly multi-cultured. Servus Hong Kong has put together the history of Austria in Hong Kong and some charming recollections from Austrians who have made a registered mark in Hong Kong. Reading through the articles, one is surprised at some of the Austrian contributions to the local community, permeating and shaping Hong Kong society and lifestyles through history and various facets from diplomatic relations, trade & business, to culture, art collection, and restaurants & bars. Contributions include Helmut Sohmen, Ex-Legco member and son-in-law of ocean-liner giant Yue-Kong Pao, who managed the changes in the shipping industry; Christian Rhomberg, co-founder of Group and Club 1997 who started the first restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong and inspired this backstreet off the Central financial district to evolve into the popular Hong Kong night scene; Christina Wesemann, the only woman journalist from Austria who filmed the Kowloon Walled City before its disappearance; Henry Steiner, the veteran designer who also created Hong Kong’s most prominent logos as well as memories of famous Austrian art collectors George Bloch, Anthony Hardy and contributions by Johanna Arculli and film dynasty family member Traute Shaw.