History
History of the Swiss Association of Hong Kong
The Swiss Association of Hong Kong is a community of members from Switzerland and friends of Switzerland. The organization was founded in 1948, a few years after the second WW. The main objective of the association was to help the Swiss residents in Hong Kong in financial difficulties through the formation of a single, non-profit organization run by volunteers. Over the years, the objective has changed. The origin of our work remains alive today: to provide service to the local Swiss community albeit, these days, in a leisure context and always with the help of volunteers. Fast forward many decades later we are thankful to all who have contributed and helped the SAHK arrive where it is today.
The culture of helping the needy has always been a core value of the SAHK. A third of the membership fees are donated to the Swiss Benevolent Society, which supports any Swiss in need of financial help. The SAHK also cares about the local community and practices giving back to society. Each year the SAHK raises funds for donation to a different charity that helps the various disadvantaged groups in Hong Kong
Timeline of the Swiss Association in Hong Kong
1948
Swiss Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) was founded by Mr. Walter Naef.
1949
Swiss Benevolent Society (SBS) was incorporated
1960
The SAHK Cowbell was donated by Swissair. From 1960 onwards, the name of the SAHK President was engraved on the cowbell of each year.
1964
Published the first edition of s'Alphorn magazine.
1970
The first edition of the Swiss Golf Classic "Melchterli Cup" was held at Shek O Golf and Country Club. Out of the 17 participants, R. Gujer won the competition and receive the trophy.
1971
First open-air National Day celebration, with a view of the harbour and a huge bonfire, attended by 220 participants.
1972
The first Crossbow contest was organised. It was a controlled competition via a telex satellite between the Gurkha of the Royal Hong Kong Signals on-site, and the Swiss Signals Corps in Hasle Ruegsau, Switzerland. In the same year, SAHK and SBS split into two separate entities.
1982
Foundation of the Swiss Rifle Club.
1985
First female President Mrs. Ruth von Siebenthal-Hung.
1991
Swiss Day Event on 22nd June 1991 in celebration of the 700th year anniversary of the Swiss Federal Charter of 1291. First mega Swiss event that took one year in preparation and attended by over 5,000 people at Sha Tin Racecourse. Credit to both Mr. Felix Bieger (SAHK President 1990/1991) and Mr. Fritz Sommerau (SAHK President 1991/1992) for making this event a big success.
2000
The SAHK website was officially launched on the 1st of January, 2000. Mr. Philipp Spielhofer, SAHK web master, created and launched the website at www.swiss-hk.com.
2001
Daniel Wettling started to contribute unique and creative drawings for the s’Alphorn. Later, he also designed the Swiss National Day invitation letter.
2003
Hong Kong receives a seat at the Swiss Abroad Organization and Annemarie Peyer was appointed the first delegate for Hong Kong.
2016
Revision of the Articles of Association.
2018
SAHK celebrated its 70th Anniversary with special events throughout the year.
2022
Revision of the Articles of Association. Rebranding of SAHK with new logo and new website design.