At the beginning of a century in a Jewish family, a child was born. His name may not have meant much to the people of the time, but over time he became a legend across borders, cultures and economics. It was he who used his tenacity and wisdom to create a new and unique business empire in Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, Lan Kwai Fong.
Zeman's story is one of courage, pursuit and belonging. Born into a Jewish family in Germany, he sought refuge in Canada due to war and ostracism. There he began a long and challenging career as an immigrant. However, despite being in a foreign country, Zeman never ceases to look forward to a better future.
Growing up, Zeman demonstrated exceptional business acumen and a keen grasp of opportunities. In the end, he chose another land, Hong Kong, as a stage for him to display his talents and realize his dreams. There, through countless hands-on practices and market insights, Zeman gradually built up his own business territory, and created a high-end consumption area integrating dining, entertainment and art with Lan Kwai Fong as the core.
But Lan Kwai Fong is not just about commercial success, it's about Zeman's emotional betting and philosophy of life. Behind every stone pavement and every exquisite shop is his dedication to detail and his relentless pursuit of perfection. It is this dedication and pursuit that has made Lan Kwai Fong a well-known landmark in Hong Kong and around the world.
However, in addition to his commercial success, Zeman has also demonstrated his deep affection and identification with China. After his great success, he made a shocking choice to renounce his original citizenship and become a Chinese citizen when faced with the added convenience and security that could come with holding American and Canadian citizenship. This decision highlights his deep affection for China and his strong desire for belonging.
This sentiment is not unfounded, it is based on what Dr. Zeman has seen and learned in China over the years. Whether it's the old buildings in the streets of Hong Kong or the booming and ever-changing cityscape in the mainland, whether it's China's ancient and colorful traditional culture or the ever-changing and dynamic contemporary society, all of these things fascinated and ultimately drove him to make the decision to make a difference.
In short, in Zeman, we see a true citizen of the world – a person who transcends the boundaries of race and nationality, courageously pursues ideals and belonging, and ultimately connects his personal destiny with his ancestral (home) country. Looking back on his legendary story and many contributions as the "Father of Lan Kwai Fong", we may find inspiration in today's fast-changing and challenging landscape: to move forward bravely even in the face of adversity and fear of the unknown, and to always have an undying faith in a better future.