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Promoting their traditions whilst adapting to the new environment would probably be the hopes of many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, especially Egyptians.

Sitting in a carpeted, air-conditioned office was the general counsel for Egypt, Mr. Ossama Elashirly, a 55-year-old man in grey suit with grey hair and tan skin.

One might find this scene strange, as it was so urban and different from the ancient image of Egypt.

Mr. Ossama said, “People view Egypt as the cradle of civilization, and we want to keep this image, as we are proud of our heritage.

“We stress the ancient cultures and relics in Egypt,” he said.

Aside from using leaflets and catalogues, the consulate also promotes Egyptian cultures in other ways.

By donating money, they can participate in charity bazaars. They then present Egyptian cultures by serving people Egyptian food and talking to them.

Events were also held to promote Egyptian cultures. They organised an exhibition of Egyptian antiques at the Hong Kong Art Centre and a film festival in 1999.

Apart from keeping and promoting their own cultures and traditions, ethnic minorities also have to adapt to the way of life in Hong Kong.

It is common to see Indians eating in Chinese restaurants in robes and Caucasians going to temples.

Mr. Ossama said that Hong Kong people were pragmatic and unsentimental.

“They are really hardworking, and I really appreciate it. The pace of development is impressing,” he said.

“Adaptation is not difficult for me, as city lives are the same everywhere. I often go to eat in Chinese restaurants,” said Mr. Ossama.

Adaptation does not mean one has to forget his cultures and traditions.

Minority groups in Hong Kong always gather in small communities, sharing their own cultures.

There are about 25 Egyptians in Hong Kong, and they are mostly professionals.

Some are professors at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the City University of Hong Kong. Others are merchants or staff of the consulate.

Said Mr. Ossama: “We Egyptians visit each other from time to time.

“During the national and religious holidays of our country we celebrate together.

“In these ways, we can prevent ourselves from feeling detached from our country.”

During Chinese festivals, they would join the locals in the celebration.

Other than regular gatherings, most of the minority groups keep their traditional customs.

For example, most Egyptians in Hong Kong, especially those who are Muslims, would observe ramadan the “fasting month”.

According to Mr. Ossama, ramadan is a religious month. It is different each year because the Egyptians follow the lunar calendar.

During ramadan, they are forbidden to eat and drink from sunrise to sunset.

“Say, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., we can’t even drink water.

When the fast ends, they celebrate together. It is called “breaking the fast”.

The fasting month means a lot to the Egyptians, especially Muslims, as they understand how the poor feel when they are starving and learn to treasure each morsel of food.

Sometimes keeping the traditions may need compromise.

“During the fasting month, whenever there is a business lunch, I will reschedule it to business dinner as I can’t eat before sunset,” he said.

His business partners will compromise because they understand the importance of his religious belief and respect it.

“To us Muslims, nothing is more important than the instructions from God,” said he.

He said that all the Egyptians in Hong Kong were very conscious of their nationality.

“We are very ‘Egyptian’. We value our cultures and customs, and would always see ourselves as Egyptians, regardless of the place and time and we are proud of it.

“We grow up there and our families are there. How can one promote his home country when he does not strongly feel that he is part of it?” he said.

He said that even if they had children born and raised in Hong Kong, the kids would not view themselves more as Hong Kong people than Egyptians.

“The tradition would be passed from generation to generation,” he said.