The Hong Kong Harmony Society, dedicated to advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities, announced its dissolution on February 28, 2025, following a special meeting where members voted overwhelmingly to proceed with voluntary liquidation. The executive committee, led by chairwoman Cheung Ming-lin, stated they believe the organization has successfully completed its historical mission.
Cheung revealed after the meeting, "We believe our historical mission has been accomplished." Founded 24 years ago by Wong Wai-fan, the Hong Kong Harmony Society has focused on seismic changes within the community, advocating for equity and inclusion for all irrespective of race and socioeconomic status. Cheung emphasized the dissolution was not prompted by political or economic factors, asserting, "Dissolution doesn’t involve political or economic factors."
During the meeting, which lasted just over ten minutes, out of 17 board members, only one stepped forward to oppose the decision. This consensus marks a significant shift, as Cheung noted, "This has been a difficult decision and it makes me feel sad. But we have completed the mission with which we were established."
The society’s advocacy efforts had driven notable progress; with over 30 service organizations now focusing on ethnic minorities, government initiatives addressing special needs have also gained traction thanks to the society’s influence. Cheung stated, "Two to three years ago, we started discussing dissolution internally. We believed it was time to conclude our efforts because we see the advocacy work starting to resonate with various policies and regulations. This is our glorious ending."
Two appointed liquidators will manage the society’s debts, totaling approximately four million Hong Kong dollars. Funds remaining after settling staff severance and long-service payments will be donated to organizations aligned with the society’s mission, aiming to continue fostering ethnic minority issues. Cheung noted, "We hope to provide assistance to groups with similar objectives through residual funds."
Despite this, reactions from former directors and employees have sparked debate about whether the organization should truly dissolve. Xie Yongling, the former director, expressed his disappointment, stating, "I find the idea of dissolving due to mission completion absurd and unconvincing." He revealed discussions about dissolution had been brewing for months, but staff had not been adequately consulted on the decision, which left many feeling uneasy. He remarked on the secrecy surrounding the process, saying it felt contradictory, as staff were informed to refrain from discussing the matter publicly.
Employees like Ms. Mu expressed their feelings of shock upon receiving the dissolution notice just a month prior. She articulated her disappointment, stating, "I don’t agree with the belief our work is finished; it’s just begun." The society, which has impacted over 100 people spanning multiple community initiatives—including Chinese language classes and mental health consultations—is now at risk of losing its pivotal projects. Ms. Mu, alongside former colleagues, is laying the groundwork for the upcoming establishment of the 'Hong Kong Multicultural Forces,' hoping to continue offering support and advocating for rights until new initiatives are set up.
Since its inception, the Hong Kong Harmony Society has taken the lead on significant campaigns such as advocating for the ethnic discrimination ordinance and challenging educational placement policies affecting minority students. Cheung reflected on the society’s role, saying they managed to have minority voices recognized after years of being overlooked. "We witnessed the transformation from invisibility to acknowledgment for ethnic minorities," she stated. The dissolution brings to light both achievements and future concerns about maintaining momentum for continued advocacy.
Despite the sadness surrounding the dissolution, Cheung reaffirmed the sentiment among remaining society members to keep pursuing minority rights. She stated, "Our mission may be concluding here, but many of us remain committed to advocating for ethnic minorities. This isn’t the end of our efforts; it’s merely the end of one chapter."
The legacy of the Hong Kong Harmony Society will likely inspire the next generation of activists and organizations dedicated to promoting equality and inclusivity for all communities within Hong Kong. The society’s closure serves as both a moment of reflection on its contributions and as willpower for those continuing the fight for justice and equal treatment, highlighting the importance of persistence and dedication to advocacy.