At 67, Terence Wong Kim-shan, a veteran lighting designer, has created and installed Christmas lights for many of Hong Kong's skyscrapers for over 40 years. He remains passionate about his craft, particularly his favorite display this year at Mody Lane, featuring 175 illuminated stars across 25 rows of dangling lights.
On a weekday night last week, passengers on an open-top double-decker bus jostled for selfies under a suspended lighting display at Mody Lane in Tsim Sha Tsui East, a spot where Hong Kong residents have admired the city's dazzling Christmas lights for decades.
The fixture, with 175 illuminated stars spread across 25 rows of dangling lights, is the creation of veteran lighting designer Terence Wong Kim-shan, who has designed and installed Christmas lights for many of the city's skyscrapers for over 40 years.
The Mody Lane installation is one of his favorite displays this year. “Every part of this display took a lot of time and effort to pull off,” he said. “From when we started the manufacturing work to putting it together on site, the process took about four months, so you can say we put a lot of thought into this.”
For the 67-year-old, Christmas begins months in advance, around May, when his company starts designing the lights that will adorn Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. “In August, we have the contracts signed for the Christmas lights. In September, we start the manufacturing process for the components. In October, we install the lights. In November, it is almost time for us to switch on the lights,” said Wong, the managing director of Shun Sze Lighting Advertising Design Company.
Wong shows no signs of slowing down, declaring, “I have more to give.” This tale highlights the enduring dedication of artisans in Hong Kong's festive traditions amid evolving urban landscapes.
