The Hands that Built Asia
Despite the vast distance and cultural differences between Ireland and Asia, some of Ireland's most adventurous people left a lasting impact on the continent. These men and women led movements like the Suffragettes, wrote India's National Anthem, built schools and universities, reshaped China's economy, and became trusted figures across Asia. Hailing from places like Roscommon, Tyrone, and Armagh, their legacies live on in street names, schools, and shrines. Today, Irish influence continues in business and industry in the Far East. Noel Murphy travels to Asia for this series to follow the footsteps of these people.
‘The Most Famous Irishman in China’ Robert Hart of Portadown had a strict upbringing, but his time in Queens University opened his eyes and by the time he acquired a job in China he was already quite adventurous. Robert went on to have a glittering career working first for the British but then the Chinese where he modernised large parts of their systems and structures and thereby their economy bringing in vast amounts of customs revenue and transforming the country. He always considered himself a ‘Paddy’ and his heavy work ethic left his private life in tatters. He once read his own obituary when he was wrongly identified as having been killed in the Boxer Rebellions and his legacy is remembered today in a street name in Hong Kong, green post boxes in China, and in a special collections exhibition in Queens, Belfast.
