Congratulations to the English Department on the successful launch of Kaleidoscope Chronicle, a new journal founded by Dr. Anna Tso and her team. The word “kaleidoscope” evokes images of ever-changing patterns in myriad forms and colours, while “chronicle” brings a sense of record and permanence. The Kaleidoscope Chronicle, title of the journal, is an oxymoron producing multiple meanings combining the imaginary with the factual, while conjuring change, growth and development. It carries the Department’s aspiration for students.

In this inaugural issue there is a special theme to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s passing. Andersen’s fairytales are taught and read in Hong Kong. He is not only a cultural icon of Denmark; he is well known all over the world. In China and Japan, there are Andersen cultural parks that connect China and Japan with Denmark and Nordic culture, as well as promote cultural exchanges between East Asia and Denmark.

Andersen has left the world with a legacy that shapes our culture of romantic imagination, our love of truthfulness, compassion, and kindness. A major source of modern Asian culture, Andersen has influenced m any writers, playwrights and artists. T he poetry, short stories and art works collected in this issue are evidence of the inspiration Andersen has given the young minds in Hong Kong.

The journal will chronicle the cultural kaleidoscope of the English Department at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

Kwok-kan Tam
April 2025