Editor’s note

  FEBRUARY is the season of love. We start this issue by capturing the Hong Kong Observation Wheel's very first Valentine's Day. There are also stories about the Chief Executive's Policy Address, interesting people and almost forgotten industries. Our cover story features the youth hostel scheme proposed by the Chief Executive, looking at whether the scheme would make owning a home a more attainable goal for the younger generation. Then, our politics feature digs into educators' concern over the government's proposal to encourage more local schools to team up with sister schools on the Mainland. We also look into the fascinating life stories of people from different corners of society, including an impersonator of North Korea's leader. Last but not least, you will see photo essays on the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market and the struggling flower plaque industry. This month also marks the start of another year in the Chinese world. We wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Goat (Or is it a Sheep? Ram?) Share your comment on our website or write to us! Carain Yeung  Editor

In this January issue, our cover story features the struggles of local fishermen since the ban on trawling two years ago and their call for alternative forms of govern- ment aid. After looking at the sunset industry, you will see other exciting stories, including the feature on the new business idea connecting smart phones and traditional toys, an inspiring profile of the hat designer to the stars, volunteers who bring Star Wars heroes to life, and more. Next, we look at the artistic meaning and value of tattoos beyond the symbol of rebellious, and the reasons behind the popularity of working holidays among young people. Last but not least, our photo essay brings you to the forgotten corners of Kowloon City and you will hear from those who have witnessed the changes of the community through the years. Last year was a great one with your support. We are devoted to bringing you more quality stories in 2015. Stay tuned and write to us! Carain Yeung Editor

The Pulitzer Prize Winners Workshop held in late October to November was enlightening to The Young Reporter team. This year's theme is on the dilemma between the public's right to know and national security. In this December issue, our Pulitzer specials column features the winners' insights on the technology problems reporters face, and the tear and joy of being a political cartoonist.

TODAY, as this November issue goes to press on 19th November, marks day 53 of the Umbrella Revolution. While public attention seemed to be all on the development of the movement, the government was initiating public consultation on different legislations. In this November issue, our cover story features the review of Race Dis- crimination Ordinance – whether the scope of the ordinance should be ex- tended to outlaw discrimination to- wards mainlanders, who belong to the same ethnic group as Hongkongers. Following are features of different issues in society, including the pitfall of the government's project to revitalise old buildings into artists' workshops, the career prospect of retired athletes and how a smartphone became an in- vestment product. Coming next, we have one of the seven organ transplant coordinators in the city to share the moving stories at her career, and an online political car- toonist to talk about the inspirations behind his successful series "The Boiling Frog". We ought not to overlook health issues, even with much political hap- penings in the background. With Chungking Mansions being a popu- lar choice of accommodation among tourists from the Ebola-affected countries, we look at the threat of the deadly disease to the building, and eventually the whole city. Our team also brings you an international sport that has taken over different corners of our city – street workout. We end this issue with a photo essay of the occupied sites in Admi- ralty, looking at how the protesters have been walking through the move- ment. As the protesters and the gov- ernment could not reach to compro- mise following the open conversation in late October, the movement con- tinues and our team will continue to cover the latest developments. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and Twitter for timely updates. …

THIS September and October have been unusual for Hong Kong, with the Occupy Central with Love and Peace movement paralysing parts of the city. The Young Reporter team has made timely coverage of this historic and unprecedented campaign, which has been dubbed the "Umbrella Revo- lution" by international media. In this issue, you will learn how the movement evolved from an idea proposed by an academic to a mass movement, with tens of thousands of protesters blocking key roads to put pressure on the government to intro- duce genuine democratic reforms. Our cover story explores the sen- timents towards Beijing's decision on constitutional reform and how a week- long class boycott organised by tertiary students joined forces with the occupy movement. Then we take a look at why Central has not really been occupied while other areas are. Protesters say they have taken to the street to fight for a better society. Yet, their civil diso- bedience camapign has also drawn widespread criticism. The Young Re- porter presents to you how ordinary citizens and various sectors think of the movement. We have also talked to the chair- person of the Civic Party, Ms Audrey Eu, to tap her views on Hong Kong's political situation, and lawmaker and veteran protester Mr Leung Kwok- hung, who shares his experience with first-time protesters and organisers. As the Umbrella Revolution goes on, The Young Reporter will continue to keep a close eye on the situation and provide live updates via social media. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more. Editor-in-chief Brian Yap

  Chief Editor: Carain Yeung Deputy Chief Editors: Alpha Chan, Karen Lee, Steven Wang Distribution Officer: Alice Wan Public Relations Officer: Josie Wong Art Directors: Shirley Chan, Tiffany Ng, Vicky Wan Copyeditors: Karen Leung, Tsau Jin Cheng Web Editors: Aska Cheong, Katrina Yau