Audio guide introduction: 2 minute 58 seconds
There are currently three residential properties with more than 40 storeys at the junction of Lai Chi Kok Road and Kwai Lam Street, named Trinity Towers. The property is located partly on the site of the old New Asia College. The URA has opened a corner of the downstairs of this private residence as a "Guilin Street Public Open Space".
It is one of the redevelopment projects in Sham Shui Po.
The open space displays a number of exhibits related to New Asia College, including a plaque inscribed by Professor Jao Tsung-i, a master of Chinese studies, with the words "Old Site of New Asia", a monument with the school emblem of New Asia, and an engraved plaque with the founding principal of New Asia Qian Mu A plaque with a manuscript for the school song, and a stone wall with commemorative speeches and inscriptions written by Yu Yingshi, the first graduate of the academy. The school history of New Asia College, the appearance of the old school building, the floor plan of the school building, the signatures of attendees at the first graduation ceremony, etc. are all engraved on metal for permanent display.
Xinya’s early professors included many renowned scholars, including calligraphers, historians, oracle bone inscription experts, and Chinese scholars. However, the salary received by Professor Xinya was extremely meager, only equivalent to the salary level below the second level of Hong Kong government primary schools at that time, and he often did not receive salary. Most of the students are poor people who often cannot pay their tuition fees. Some of them are even malnourished and even sick. At that time, the college also had to reduce tuition fees and even find doctors to treat students. The college also implemented a work-study system. Some students were assigned to take care of school chores and received a small allowance and room and board on campus. Many students also slept on the school rooftop. Although the material conditions of the school are extremely poor, the founders Qian Mu, Tang Junyi, and Zhang Pijie still have enthusiasm and hope for education and run it very hard. In addition to inviting famous Chinese scholars, famous Western scholars also come to the school to give lectures. Therefore, this humble little academy became famous and gradually gained praise from all quarters.
Schools are part of society, so the history of New Asia College also reflects the social background of Hong Kong at that time. In the 1950s and 1960s, Hong Kong was not as materially affluent as it is today. Citizens, institutions and the government were all frugal and frugal. Amidst the difficulties, teachers and students of New Asia still persisted in academic research, which reflected the fighting spirit of Hong Kong people at that time.
In 1963, the Chinese University of Hong Kong was established, consisting of Chung Chi College, New Asia College, and United College. New Asia became a member college and moved to the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Ma Liu Shui, Sha Tin in 1973, where it remains today.