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Gen Z Cantonese opera performers bridge modernity and tradition

  • 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 …

Society

Policy Address 2024: Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots formed to expand specialty tourism

  • 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 …

Society

2024 Policy Address: Hong Kong adds 13 universities to Top Talent Scheme to attract more high-calibre talents

The Hong Kong government will expand its Top Talent Scheme adding 13 more mainland Chinese and overseas universities to its eligibility list, to help build Hong Kong as an international talent hub. The list of universities will expand to 198, while extending the validity period of the first visa of high-income talents from two years to three years, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in the policy address on Wednesday.  “Hong Kong must build a quality talent pool for development in the face of a projected shortage of 180,000 workers across different sectors in the next five years,” Lee said in the policy address. “This policy will help Hong Kong attract a more talented young labour force, ” said Terence Chong Tai-leung, the Executive Director of the Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics and Finance.  “But some universities that are excellent in a certain professional field on the mainland are not on the list,” Chong said. “The government can continue to expand the list to these universities to bring new vitality to some of Hong Kong’s ageing industries, such as nursing and construction,” he added. Wendy Hong Wen, 49, a Legislative Council member, said the government should attract people from the perspective of companies that need workers with special talents rather than graduates of a particular university.  “Hong Kong lacks medical, architectural and technological talents, but it is very difficult to match the imported talents with the scarce jobs,”  she said. The Top Talent Pass Scheme first launched in 2022, attracting people with incomes higher than HK$2.5 million or degrees from the world’s top 100 universities to apply for residency without employment. More than 380,000 applications have been received under the scheme so far, and around 160,000 have arrived in Hong Kong with their families, Lee said. Thea Tong, …

Society

Hong Kong Policy Address 2024: government to fuel fencing fad after Paris Olympics

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 …

Society

Ocean Park's panda twins may meet the public around the Lunar New Year

A pair of twin pandas born at Ocean Park on Aug.15 are thriving well, according to park officials at a news conference on Monday. The female now weighs 2.7 kg and her brother weighs about 2.5 kg. “When the panda twins are 6 months old, around the Lunar New Year, they will have the opportunity to meet the public,” said Ocean Park. Howard Chuk, head of the park's Zoological Operations and Conservation, said the panda twins opened their eyes earlier this month, and are now making powerful sounds. “At this time, the baby panda's hearing is also developing rapidly, so we try to let Ying Ying ( the mother) participate in caring for the cubs,” he said,“ but due to the large weight difference between Ying Ying and her children, we usually use a golf club to separate them, and when necessary, we will use a club to remove the twins.” In 2007, female panda Ying Ying and male panda Le Le settled in Hong Kong's Ocean Park. According to Ocean Park, Ying Ying gave birth to a pair of twins on 15 August 2024 when she was 19, the first pair of pandas born in Hong Kong.  Ying Ying is the oldest panda on record to give birth for the first time. Mandy Yan, senior supervisor of Zoological Operations, said it’s difficult to tell the twins apart. “But if you look closely, you will find the female with messy hair on the head and the male with rounder dark circles under his eyes,” she said, “and the male's voice is more powerful.” Elke Wu, assistant curator of Zoological Operations, said the mother, Ying Ying is about 80 percent recovered from giving birth. “Ying Ying is a picky eater. Our team prepared electrolyte water for her, and hopes she can …

Society

Innovation Unveiled: Highlights from Hong Kong Electronic Fair Autumn Edition

  • The Young Reporter
  • By: Cheuk Chi Maggie YEUNG、MAO AnqiEdited by: Ka Man Wong
  • 2024-10-13

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair Autumn Edition has brought together vendors and buyers focusing on cutting-edge products, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the first day on Oct. 13.  Over 3,200 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions showcase their brands, highlighting products and technology solutions for smart mobility, the silver economy, digital entertainment and more. This year’s 44th edition of the fair is focusing on the World’s Leading Electronics Marketplaces, with a digital entertainment zone for VR and AR featured products.   Lina Li, 25, an officer of a New-Design company committed to digital healthcare, said their bestseller, the Hallux Valgus Corrector, a device used to treat joint protrusion at the base of the big toe, has successfully applied for a global patent. “It is designed in three kinds of angle fixation and stepwise osteopathic correction, and updates the bandage adjustable for men and women,” she said. Li added that the newly developed abdominal massager has been improved by the latest research and development. “We take inspiration from ancient Chinese massage, and use natural Sibin red bian stone for the contact end, making it more comfortable and effective in physiotherapy,” she said. “We have brought the bestsellers in the United States and Europe to this exhibition,” said Elise Zhang, 35, the promoter of Renpho, a company that provides a growing ecosystem of smart lifestyle products. Although their target customers are mainly in the United States and Europe, they are still looking for opportunities in Hong Kong.   Zhang was satisfied with the flow of people at the fair.  “We have previously set up booths in Germany and the United States But the customer base in Hong Kong is somewhat different,” Zhang said. “Customers in Hong Kong usually look for an original equipment manufacturer, while overseas, we have met …

Health & Environment

Queensland Celebrates World Mental Health Day with Art

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 …

Society

Preston pride parade calls for ban on conversion therapy

  • The Young Reporter
  • By: AO Wei Ying Vinci、AU YEUNG JimEdited by: Jemima Badajos
  • 2024-10-11

Preston held its second pride parade on Saturday  to call for the immediate and complete ban of conversion therapy in the United Kingdom, amid repeated commitments by the British government to do so. The city in North West England hosted its 11th annual pride event since 2012, but the parade across the city centre only started last year. Conversion therapy, or conversion practices, is defined by the UK Parliament as activities with the predetermined purpose and intent of changing a person’s sexual orientation, or changing a person to and from being transgender. According to LGBT rights organisation Stonewall Scotland, conversion therapy often include pseudo-scientific practices such as being asked to ingest “purifying substances”, being prayed over, exorcisms, and other forms of counselling session associated with threats to convince or even coerce an individual to change their sexual identity. “Conversion therapy is a barbaric practice, and every effort should be made to stamp out such a thing,” said Dean Toppings, a student nurse from University of Central Lancashire A government national LGBTQ survey conducted in 2018 found that out of the 108,100 respondents, 7% of all respondents had been offered or underwent conversion therapy. Within transgender respondents, 13% of them have been offered or undergone such practices. In the King’s Speech to the UK Parliament in July, the new British government under the Labour party has renewed its commitment to introducing a draft Conversion Practices Bill that will be brought forward to outlaw conversion therapy nationally. The  Labour Party’s manifesto described conversion therapy as abusive. “Here is no other word for it – so Labour will finally deliver a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices,” it read. Many hope that the transgender community will be included in the eventual bill. “Trans rights are human rights, and we must continue to fight …

Society

Hong Kong Kickboxing Championship 2024 takes centre stage at Kowloon City Plaza

Spectators gathered at Kowloon City Plaza for the 2024 Annual Kickboxing Championship on the 29th of September. Organized by the Hong Kong Kickboxing Association, the competition serves as a platform for the association to select the most promising fighters to represent Hong Kong in various international events, making it a highly anticipated occasion.

Society

Exhibition on Hong Kong’s textile industry promotes inclusion through sign language tours

  • By: CHAN Wing Yiu、Cheuk Chi Maggie YEUNGEdited by: Wai Sum CHEUNG
  • 2024-10-10

An exhibition tour on Hong Kong’s industrial past is being led by deaf and hearing guides to promote inclusion at the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) in Tsuen Wan starting last month. The half-hour tour at the centre at The Mills explains how textiles were made including the cotton-spinning process using traditional spinning instruments and the experiences of deaf textile workers in the past in sign language and Cantonese.   “Various art groups hold several activities for the blind, but there are fewer options available for the deaf community in Hong Kong,” said Law Pik-yu, 32, the deputy curator of CHAT. She hopes the tour will promote collaboration and understanding between the deaf and hearing.  There were 47,900 deaf people in Hong Kong in 2021, according to the Census and Statistics Department. However, there are less than 60 sign language interpreters, according to the Hong Kong Council Service.   “Sometimes we may overlook the deaf when there is a large group of people, so during the tour, I remind participants to pay attention to the sign language used by the deaf tour guide,” said Mak Siu-fun, 51, the hearing tour guide. Mak learned sign language to communicate with her deaf daughter. During the tour, she said she tried to use it less frequently to give the deaf more chances to express themselves. During the tour, hearing participants were invited to practice sign language with docents and guess the meaning. “Deaf and hearing individuals were able to communicate during the tour, something that typically doesn’t happen in my everyday life,” said Cheung Man-ying, 32, a deaf docent.  Some participants changed their perceptions of deaf people after joining the tour. “At first, I was concerned about whether deaf people would be able to express themselves clearly,” said Fung Shuk-ching, 35, a tourist …