Culture & Leisure
Gen Z entrepreneurs give new life to waste fabric
- 2024-10-30
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: LIU Yutong、MAO AnqiEdited by: Yuqi CHU
- 2024-10-30
Several toy bears in cute uniforms sat at a booth at Rethink HK 2024. Many passersby stopped to take photos and touched them gently. These bears were wearing clothes made from discarded old school uniforms. Their handbags and hats were also made from waste fabrics. Dress Green, a social enterprise founded by 29-year-old Emma Yu and her husband, has partnered with around 30 local schools to recycle used school uniforms into the UNI Green Series. The Series offers a wide variety of souvenirs for student graduation gifts, including bears wearing old uniforms, pencil bags, tote bags, pouch shoulder bags, fisherman’s hats, cushions etc. Since the startup's inception in 2021, it has recycled over 3,000 uniforms and pieces of clothing, and produced more than 4,500 upcycling products, according to Dress Green. The growth of Hong Kong's fast fashion industry has resulted in tons of textile waste being sent to landfills, and many Gen Z members have discovered the serious impact of textile industry pollution on the environment and have created sustainable brands in the hope of combating excessive fabric waste and drawing more attention to the issue. “I felt that Gen Z are more focused on sustainability issues than the previous generation,” said Howard Ling, 49, a social enterprise consultant and Professor of Practice at Baptist University. “This is because they are getting more information about environmental protection from diversified media channels and also from schools and communities.” With the rise of fast fashion, the amount of clothing produced and thrown away has skyrocketed. According to the European Parliament, the global fashion industry generated nearly 20% of the wastewater and about 10% of the carbon emissions in 2023. In Hong Kong, 404 tons of textile waste were sent to landfills each day in 2021, accounting for 3.6% of municipal solid waste, …
Gen Z mainlanders build community for compatriots in Hong Kong
- 2024-10-28
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG Haicen、WANG LudanEdited by: Juncong SHUAI
- 2024-10-28
Go down an unassuming stairway on D'Aguilar Street in Lan Kwai Fong and you will be greeted by a pair of heavy Chinese-style doors. Further deep underground, you will face a wall of graffiti with the name of the bar, Bamboo. The owner of this Chinese style bar is Ran Guangwu, 25, a micro-influencer on the mainland's internet. He started the bar with a group of young mainlanders and most of their customers are also from the mainland. "We host different themed events almost every weekend," Ran said. "People come here to relax, It’s like visiting a friend’s house." According to government statistics, the number of mainland students applying for Hong Kong degrees has risen from a maximum of 20% to 40% over one year, and newly enrolled students from mainland China account for 41% of total enrollment universities in Hong Kong in 2023. Meanwhile, a set of key performance indicators shows at least 35, 000 mainland Chinese have entered Hong Kong under the government run talent import scheme since 2023. They can stay in the city for at least 12 months. Ran Guangwu hopes his bar can offer a home away from home for young mainlanders. Ma Xiaoshuai, 20, a mainland student from The City University of Hong Kong, is a client at Bamboo. “Most bars in Hong Kong are either too fancy or too wild, but this one is just right—very down-to-earth,” he said. He has made new friends there who share his background. Shi Zhengqi , 20, grew up in Fujian and moved to Hong Kong with his parents in recent years to restart his high school life. “We’ll be playing lots of table games here that you’d only find on the mainland, such as Miss Card and King’s Game,” he said. Shi said the life pace …
Oktoberfest sparks Hong Kong with authentic German vibe
- 2024-10-22
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG Shuyi、WANG JingEdited by: Yuqi CHU
- 2024-10-22
A German man in traditional Chinese clothes performed the well known local song, “Waves Flowing”,with his band at Central Market. It’s their second Oktoberfest in Hong Kong. The festival runs from Oct.17 to Nov.2 giving German expatriates in Hong Kong the chance to enjoy their tradition. The event is celebrated with well-known beer brands,German delicacies such as pork knuckles and sausages. Carolyn Wright, from England came to the Oktoberfest in Hong Kong after having gone to the original Oktoberfest in Munich a couple of weeks ago. “The most important element of Oktoberfest is the beer, but the entertainment is also essential, especially the band. At the one in Munich, every one of the beer tents had a band as the main focus,” said Wright. “It is a good night. This event is well-organised. It has all the elements of the original German Oktoberfest, which brings it here in a fantastic venue.” Alex Arkin, 25, from Germany, was participating in Oktoberfest in Hong Kong for the first time. “In Germany, it's more crowded and you can feel the vibe more because it's a German tradition. ” said Arkin. “But in Hong Kong, it's also nice because you come with your friends, and you enjoy the friendly atmosphere here.” Arkin liked the multicultural aspect of Oktoberfest in Hong Kong.“You can see people from different countries. It's so unique because in Germany it's mostly Germans who participate,” said Arkin. “However, the seating arrangement here at the competition area could be more reasonable. It was a bit too crowded during tonight's competition,” he added. Ken Tse, 47, a local journalist, attended the Oktoberfest at the Central Market for the first time. “Although I don't know the culture of Oktoberfest very well, I like this event. It's just like a party. Everyone gets together, enjoys …
Gen Z Cantonese opera performers bridge modernity and tradition
- 2024-10-18
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: LI Sin Tung、CHEN Yik NamEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO、Ben Rong Li
- 2024-10-18
In a small practice room in Mong Kok, 17-year-old Li Man-chit stages a performance, combining martial arts and singing. As an aspiring Cantonese opera actor, he is part of the generation of new blood carrying forward the traditional culture. Despite his busy schedule as a Form Six student, Li continues to devote time to his passion, crafting his art. Having begun practising Cantonese opera when he was five, he said: “When my peers were watching cartoons, I was deeply attracted to Cantonese opera on television. I was mesmerised by the performers, their elegant costumes and the style of the art. And I still cherish that to this day.” Since he was eight years old, Li has travelled around the world to cities, including Vancouver, Los Angeles and Beijing. A highlight of the aspiring Cantonese opera singer was in 2017 when Li performed before President Xi Jinping and several mainland and local government officials at the West Kowloon Cultural District. “At that time, he was standing almost right in front of me and I was incredibly nervous, but this nervousness also pushed me to do my best,” he said. “After the show, Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude that Cantonese opera had ‘young inheritors’, which greatly inspired me,” Li added. “I am one of the Generation Z bearers of this culture,” he added. “Although it is sometimes a bit hard to go back and forth to perform, I don't feel tired because this is what I truly love.” Cantonese opera actress Wong Ho-yau believes that the lack of interest among young people in Cantonese opera is because of the gap between tradition and modernity. Wong, in her 20s, pointed out that the ancient values behind Cantonese opera scripts may conflict with a young audience. “While the general content of Cantonese opera performances …
Policy Address 2024: Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots formed to expand specialty tourism
- 2024-10-16
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: CHEN Yik Nam、LI Sin TungEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO
- 2024-10-16
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the setup of a working group to develop hotspots in his policy address today, as the government tries to boost a flagging economy. The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced earlier that the visitor arrivals reached 21.1 million from January to June this year. In contrast, about 30.6 million visitors arrived in the first half of 2018. "We will develop Hong Kong into a premier tourism destination through innovative thinking and leveraging our rich and unique resources, such as Victoria Harbour, outlying islands, cultures and cuisine," Lee said. "It will help to instil the concept of 'tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong.'" The government will publish more details in an upcoming blueprint, Lee said, with a focus on several areas designed to enhance tourism in Hong Kong, including ecotourism in South Lantau. Lee also announced measures to attract visitors from the Middle East. These include compiling a list of halal restaurants and getting commercial venues to provide prayer rooms. This comes as Saudi Arabia plans to establish an economic zone and logistics hub in China to strengthen ties between the two states announced during a meeting in September. Lee also emphasised the coordination of organising mega events in the city. Half of mainland tourists said they enjoyed “getting close to nature” and “tasting local snacks,” according to a survey of 287 visitors by mainland questionnaire platform Wenjuanxing. Lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung said that Hong Kong’s tourism model used to place too much emphasis on "commercialisation" and was committed to maintaining its reputation as a "shopping paradise," but according to the research, this is no longer a strong promotion to attract mainland tourists “Tourists will be more interested in some in-depth tourism now, which means learning more about local culture and featured scenery. It is hoped that …
Hong Kong Policy Address 2024: government to fuel fencing fad after Paris Olympics
- 2024-10-16
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG Haicen、WANG LudanEdited by: Juncong SHUAI
- 2024-10-16
Hong Kong will build a sports arena with fencing training and competition facilities after two Hong Kong fencing athletes won in the Paris Olympics, said John Lee Ka-chiu in his third policy address. Hong Kong's Edgar Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai each won gold medals in the men's foil and women's epee events in Paris, sparking an increase in Hongkongers taking local fencing classes. This is part of the government’s broader plan to increase Hong Kong’s international competitiveness. “We will make full use of the Kai Tak Sports Park and other existing venues to host large-scale international competitions so that Hong Kong teams can compete on home soil, building their own audience,” said Lee. “These will be conducive to the long-term development of the sports industry.” Hong Kong is set to host the World Foil Championships in 2026 and co-host the 15th National Games with Guangdong and Macou, during which Hong Kong will be responsible for organising eight events, including fencing. "After the Paris Olympics, the number of people inquiring about fencing increased by approximately 50% to 80%. In the past, most were children below secondary school age, but now there is a noticeable rise in interest from university students and adults as well," said Rever You, Administrative Director of the Hong Kong Fencing School, where this year's Olympic fencing champion Cheung spent six years learning the basics of fencing. There are 46 fencing training institutions in Hong Kong, including the Asian Fencing Academy, Hong Kong Fencing School, and Fencing Formula, that offer a range of fencing courses, according to the Hong Kong Fencing Association. "After seeing Vivian Kong and Edgar Cheung win championships this year, my child has raised a strong interest in fencing," said Liu, who preferred not to disclose his full name. You said that after …
Queensland Celebrates World Mental Health Day with Art
- 2024-10-11
- Health & Environment
- The Young Reporter
- By: KURNIAWAN Trista VaniaEdited by: Ji Youn Lee
- 2024-10-11
Queensland pays tribute to World Mental Health Day with an art exhibition raising awareness about mental health from 4 to 10 October. The Richmond Fellowship Queensland, a leading provider of mental health services, hosted the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition as a part of Queensland’s Health Week, showcasing 270 works of artists with lived mental health experiences. The exhibition has run for 33 years and continues to embrace the power of art and encourage conversations about mental health, recovery and well-being. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australians experienced a 12-month mental disorder between 2020 and 2022, which constitutes a diagnosis of a lifetime mental disorder. Two in five people aged 16 to 24 were diagnosed with a 12-month mental disorder. Tea Delalic, Manager of Communications and Events of Richmond Fellowship Queensland, hopes visitors will develop an awareness of mental health after viewing each piece. “With all our artwork, there’s one common theme you’ll always see and that is hope. It’s no matter what their journey has been, or what they’ve gone through, there is always that hope that things will be okay and it will get better.” Delalic said many artists were initially hesitant to share their art because society places mental health labels that may limit their potential and affect their self-esteem. “Some artists need to come to a few exhibitions first to know that they are capable of doing this. With the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition, artists are like a little team that gives positive feedback to one another.” All works on display are for sale, with 85 per cent of their sales going to the artist. Pauly Jay, a barber-turned-artist who painted live in the exhibition, shared his experience with mental health and passion for street-art style paintings. “I have ADHD and I …
National Day fireworks light up Victoria Harbour, but drone show cancelled again
- 2024-10-03
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: MAO Anqi、LIU YutongEdited by: Wai Yan MIU
- 2024-10-03
The annual National Day fireworks lit up Victoria Harbour last night, but a drone show scheduled to kick off the celebration was cancelled at the last minute because of signal interference, according to a government press release. “Ionospheric scintillation,” a phenomenon mainly caused by a solar storm, disrupted the show, the statement said. Another celebratory drone show was axed on Monday for the same reason. More than 330,000 people gathered on Victoria Harbour to watch the fireworks, according to the government, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. “I am disappointed that the drone show was cancelled,” said Yu Huiying, 24, who arrived at West Kowloon at 3pm for the 9pm show. “I've never seen a drone show in person.” “But I understand the show was cancelled due to natural causes, and I am excited to see the beautiful and stunning fireworks,” Yu added. “What beautiful and special fireworks, especially the scene where the smiley face pattern turned into a love heart,” Gu Belly, 23, another spectator who came to watch the National Day fireworks for the first time.
“Home Sweet Home” exhibition lets visitors create their dream city
- 2024-09-28
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: LI Sin TungEdited by: Yuqi CHU
- 2024-09-28
The “Open the Box: Home Sweet Home” exhibit unveiled at Tai Kwun on September 21 resembles a cardboard city. Participants of all ages select a plot, purchase a house, and design it anyway they wish to build their miniature town. Started in London in 2006, the travelling exhibit has been to over 10 cities such as Scotland, Kyoto and Berlin. It’s the creation of British artists Abigail Conway and Lucy Hayhoe. The piece was born from a desire for adults to play, and to create an environment that encouraged its audience to participate and take ownership of their individual experience. They want participants to interact with their neighbours, name their streets and work together to solve community problems. “We want the audience to be artists as well, I'm glad to see everyone enjoying themselves. It's a collective event where everyone is creating the town of their dreams,” Conway said. Upon completion of their houses, participants are able to visit their “homes” between Sep.21 to Oct. 6, and will be invited to the closing party on Oct. 6, when they can take home their creation. According to the Tai Kwun’s official website, the aim of this project is to provide participants with a transitory and socially engaging community experience while also encouraging them to deal with the changing nature of community and home. “It’s a new experience for me. I am participating in interactive art for the first time,where I can build my villa with my family,” said Lulu Xu, 40, who was there with her five-year-old son and daughter. Lee Nok-yiu, 20, a university student, built her own tree house. “We can work together to build a better town, and communicate with our neighbours. Many Hong Kong people live in very small places, so this is a very rare opportunity …
Guo Pei’s haute couture exhibition debuts in East Asia at M+
- 2024-09-23
- Culture & Leisure
- By: YANG Haicen、WANG LudanEdited by: Ka Man Wong
- 2024-09-23
Chinese haute couture designer, Guo Pei’s thematic exhibition launched on September 21 at the M+ Museum, showcasing multiple iconic designs in East Asia for the first time. "We hope to guide the audience to feel and reflect on the artistry of contemporary fashion and its connection with contemporary visual culture," said Ikko Yokoyama, lead curator of Design and Architecture at M+. Titled "Couture Fantasy," the exhibition features 11 collections by Guo Pei, with over 40 haute couture pieces, including the yellow gown worn by pop singer Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala in New York. "This dress is very challenging to wear, it’s large and the heels are high," Guo said in public talk. "I was worried Rihanna wouldn’t be able to walk on the red carpet," she said. When Rihanna stepped onto the red carpet, Guo heard a gasp from the crowd. "I had only one thought: I've succeeded," she said. This piece has become a landmark in Chinese haute couture and has made Guo Pei a household name in international fashion. "I was deeply impressed when I saw this dress on a red carpet video for the first time. I thought we finally have an Asian fashion brand that can stand alongside Dior and Chanel," said Wesley Yu, 18. "Seeing it in person today, I can't help but marvel again at how exquisite and beautiful it is!" Yu said. Guo Pei tailored the big red dress displayed prominently in the exhibition hall for American supermodel, Carmen Dell'Orefice as the finale of the legendary collection. “The red colour represents blood, life and passion, sacrifice and dedication, and I'm especially grateful that Carmen Dell’ Orefice was able to wear this gown for me at 87, " Guo said. “She has dedicated her life to modelling, so I feel like she's a role …