In partnership with Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK), the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) proudly hosted a memorial reception and dinner commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 

We were honoured to hear from Harvard University’s Professor Rana Mitter, who shared insights on China’s role in WWII, and Holocaust survivor Professor Mark Spigelman (along with Mrs Rachel Spigelman), whose powerful story of resilience serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our history to prevent future atrocities.

As part of this event, we showcased innovative stations that offered educators and students a glimpse into the transformative use of AI and VR in Holocaust and tolerance education. Attendees experienced the groundbreaking Dimensions in Testimony project (featuring former comfort woman survivor Grandma Peng as well as Nanjing Massacre survivor Madame Xia) and the immersive VR experience, The Last Goodbye, featuring the testimony of Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter. 

This pilot project, which is in partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation and includes the testimony of a comfort woman for the first time ever in an AI format, allows audiences to engage in real-time conversations with these remarkable individuals, ensuring their stories are heard and remembered. For more details, please check out this recent SCMP feature.

We invite you to watch the two-part memorial event video here: Part One, and Part Two

Together, we honour the past and strive to ensure that these stories continue to inspire future generations.