People
The Lamma 500 International Dragon Boat Festival returns after three years
- 2023-05-04
- Society
- By: Jemima BadajosEdited by: Mollie Hib、Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-05-04
Best known for its 500m international standard course, the annual event had to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Climate change takes a toll on construction workers in Hong Kong
- 2023-05-01
- Society
- By: Tsz Yau CHAN、Yau To LUMEdited by: Tsz In Warren LEUNG
- 2023-05-01
Wong Ngai, 49, a construction worker in Hong Kong has been on the job for six years and has already got used to the physical demands and challenges of his work. But when he was assigned to install street lights next to the airport, he realised his working conditions might get even tougher. Wong had to work in a two-metre wide space three metres underground. The lack of ventilation or fans made the air thick and stifling while the sun was beating down on him relentlessly. “Every time I go into an underground site, I immediately feel dizzy as the heat surrounds me,” said Wong.“I felt like an omelette frying under the sun.” Lai Chun-Lok, 33, a surveyor who has worked in the construction industry for 13 years, said heat strokes are common on construction sites. “It could get up to 40 to 50 degrees Celcisus on the rooftop. The iron is so hot that it will burn your skin if you touch it,” Lai said. The hot and humid weather in Hong Kong has been worsening over the past decade due to climate change. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the total number of hot days has increased five times over the past two decades, reaching 55 days in 2022, and it is expected that this summer will get even hotter. Outdoor workers bear the brunt of climate change. The number of heat stress related work injuries has increased by 75% since 2020, according to the Labour Department’s data. According to the document from the Human Resource Committee of the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong government plans to launch a new heat index guideline, the HKHI, in order to protect people who have to work outdoors in the summer. The heat index calculates temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation from …
Virtual Tour of Versailles
- 2023-04-20
- People
- By: Hanzhi YANG、Yiyang LIEdited by: Noah Tsang
- 2023-04-20
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin is holding a mock exhibition under the theme "Virtual Tour of Versailles" from April 20 until July 9. The exhibition, in cooperation with the Palace of Versailles in France, showcases the famous palaces of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House, the Mercury Hall, the Hall of War and the Hall of Venus, through ultra-high resolution 360-degree panoramic images. The exhibition is divided into six themes, focusing on the construction process and history of the palace of Versailles, displaying 95 items from the palace of Versailles collection. It uses interactive multimedia gallery and virtual reality, VR technology to let the audience immerse "into" Versailles Palace. One of the exhibition halls also features a large screen and a bicycle interactive device for visitors to “wander” through the Hanging Garden. Ms Hu, 65, a former secondary school teacher, said her favourite item was the bicycle tour of Versailles. "I can't have good joints and can't travel to France. This interactive program allows me to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the royal courtyard of Versailles," she said. Lily Ann's, 7, favourite activity was the VR glasses tour. "I would like to visit the real Palace of Versailles in France after my holiday. I think it is so nice and big," she said. The exhibition is a part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the French May Festival. It aims to demonstrate how advanced technology can be used to interpret art and history, promote cultural exchange, bring new inspiration to visitors and creative industries, and provide a new perspective on cultural heritage. The admission fee for the exhibition is HKD10 for adults and half price for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above.
Hong Kong Faces Organ Donation Crisis with Sharp Decline in Registrations
- 2023-04-13
- Society
- By: Kei Tung LAMEdited by: Ming Min AW YONG
- 2023-04-13
Organ donation in Hong Kong has hit an eight-year low, with only 12,500 people registering as donors last year, despite ongoing efforts to promote organ donation. The number of new registrations on the Central Organ Donation Register has declined year by year following 2019. The number of cancellations has also risen sharply, reaching 1,615 last year, more than double the figure for 2021. Edith Chow, a 20-year-old university student who has registered on the Central Organ Donation Register, believes that organ donation is a moral imperative. “The decision of donating organs is often driven by a desire to help others and to make a positive impact on the world. I hope I can be a way to leave a positive legacy and make a lasting contribution to society,” she said. However, some people are hesitant or opposed to the idea of organ donation. Ip, a 76-year-old man, cited Chinese beliefs as the reason for his opposition to organ donation. “We believe that we should have our whole body even after death, so I can’t donate my organs to others. I don’t even allow my relatives to do so,” he said. Chow said most of her friends and relatives are generally more open-minded about organ donation. However, she said the government's efforts to promote the program are insufficient in attracting more registration. "Registering to donate organs is an easy process, but the lack of advertising on public transport is challenging to reach a broader audience. Many people are still unaware of the significant impact that organ donation can have on someone's life," Chow said. Lam, a 58-year-old architect, expressed concerns about the risks associated with donation and its potential impact on their health. “I have three high, and I am afraid that if my organs are donated to others, it would …
First Day of the MTR "Thank you day"
- 2023-04-10
- Society
- By: Hanzhi YANG、Yiyang LIEdited by: Noah Tsang
- 2023-04-10
To thank passengers, the MTR offered half fares in April. 8 and 9, as well as on May. 13 and 14. This is the first of its kind offer applicable to travel on MTR, Light Rail and MTR bus. The MTR half-fare subsidy can encourage people to make long-distance trips. Half-fare concessions can promote spending, and some people want to enjoy half-fare concessions on weekdays. The MTR's half-fare subsidy for April began two days ago. This deal includes MTR service to and from Lok Ma Chau Station and Lo Wu Station. Compared to earlier in the week, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people using the East Rail Line, with many choosing to take the MTR today and tomorrow to get to Shenzhen. Except for the Airport Express, the trip from the city to the port or any other area on that day can enjoy half price, meaning people can enjoy a HK$1 trip at the lowest price. At around 4 pm on April. 8, the East Rail Line had more passengers than the Kwun Tong Line. More passengers were boarding at Shatin and University stations. Kelly Zhao, 21, a Hong Kong Polytechnic University student, travels to Shenzhen once a week for dining and shopping. From Hung Hom Station to Lo Wu, transportation costs about $39 per person. "The price is a little expensive for me, but I'm going to Shenzhen twice this week due to the MTR discount of half-fare,” she said. Lee Ka Ming, 33, had just returned from a shopping spree. "I hope the half-fare concessions on the MTR will be extended for a longer period of time, as the daily commute is too expensive, and it would be better if there were discounts on weekdays," Ming said. Passengers can get more savings …
Art Basel Hong Kong 2023
- 2023-04-03
- Society
- By: Elif Lale AYHAN、Huen Tung LEIEdited by: Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-04-03
Art Basel is back in Hong Kong this spring, featuring 177 galleries from Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. This year, the return of Encounters has presented more large-scale projects.
Exhibition commemorates the 20th anniversary of superstar Leslie Cheung’s death
- 2023-04-02
- Society
- By: Yee Ling TSANG、Wai Sum CHEUNGEdited by: Yu Yin WONG
- 2023-04-02
More than 7,600 fans gathered at Hong Kong Heritage Museum to commemorate the 20th anniversary of legendary star Leslie Cheung’s death on Saturday, according to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and hosted by Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the “Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition” showcases an extensive collection of Cheung’s mementoes. Three of Cheung’s close friends, Florence Chan, William Chang and Wing Shya are guest curators. Cheung’s partner, Daffy Tong, also shared his personal collection with the museum. The event displays 61 exhibits, such as stage outfits, trophies, photos, videos and Vinyl records. Visitors can redeem free posters using their tickets at the exhibition’s exit. Cantopop icon Leslie Cheung passed away 20 years ago on 1 April 2003. In his career, Cheung won numerous awards, including RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards, Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards and Hong Kong Film Awards. Cheung’s artistic films and pop songs are still widely admired and adored by many. There are also other ongoing memorial events in the city, including “Reminiscing Leslie Cheung: 20th Anniversary Exhibition” at Hong Kong MTR Station, Timeless Leslie Encounter in Olympian City, and "Leslie Cheung MISS YOU MUCH LESLIE CONCERT" in Hong Kong Coliseum. The “Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition” will remain publicly open until 9 October.
Hong Kong Sevens: tournament breaks gender barrier as women play alongside men for the first time
- 2023-04-02
- Society
- By: Dhuha AL-ZAIDIEdited by: Ming Min AW YONG
- 2023-04-02
It’s the much-anticipated time for sports again in Hong Kong. Tickets have been purchased months in advance, as rugby fans await the iconic Hong Kong Sevens. In the So Kon Po stadium last weekend, live bands cheer on the crowd, who are spotted in eccentric costumes – giraffe onesies, pirates, Snow White and her seven dwarfs – chanting to Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer with beer pints in their hands. This year, for the first time in the World Rugby Sevens Series’ 23-year-history, the male and female teams will compete side-by-side over three days, from March 31 to April 2. As the Hong Kong women’s rugby players eagerly prepare for such transformation that will shape the trajectory of the team, this points to an optimistic change in rugby, as more and more women are entering the field and adapting the dynamic of the sport. According to World Rugby, there are currently 2.7 million global female rugby players out of a total of 9.6 million, with a 28% increase in registered female players since 2017. This is largely attributed to new measures and campaigns aimed at increasing participation and engagement in women’s games. The Try and Stop Us campaign launched by World Rugby in 2019, and the World Rugby Women’s Plan 2021-25, hope to increase women’s contribution to the sport both on and off the field through participation, performance and investment. Currently, more than 40% of rugby’s 400 million fanbase are female World Rugby reported. In Hong Kong, women first began playing professionally for the Hong Kong Football Club, a private members' sports organisation, 110 years after it was founded in 1886, playing against Japan in their first international tournament in 1998. Now, the club holds two 15-a-side female teams - Fire and Ice and seven men’s team. As the …
Hong Kong’s High-Speed Railway to mainland fully resumes its train service today
- 2023-04-01
- Society
- By: Runqing LI、Yi Yin CHOWEdited by: Ming Min AW YONG
- 2023-04-01
Hong Kong’s high-speed railway fully resumes its train service today, reopening the long-haul trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Mainland China cities. According to Mass Transit Railway, the resumption of long-haul train service would directly take passengers over the border to 66 cities in mainland China. This includes Beijing, Shanghai and more. Passengers must complete the Mainland Health Declaration Online Form before the journey and have a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours of travel if they have stayed in designated overseas places or Taiwan in the past seven days. Zhang Xing, 24, arrived in Hong Kong from Guang Xi, a province in the southwest of Mainland China, after a four-hour journey on the high-speed train. She said there were enough tickets to Hong Kong when she bought the ticket one week ago, and she was excited to take the first train after resumption. Depending on the destination, tickets for the high-speed train can cost around HKD78 to HKD 1375 for adults. Fares are also different for different classes of Travel. Currently, Second Class, First Class, Premium Class and Business Class are available. Premium Class and Business Class are only available on some Mainland trains. “I come to Hong Kong as a traveller,” said Zhang. “Of course I will visit Hong Kong more frequently as the high-speed train saves my time.” Cai Zihan, 16, a mainland student in Hong Kong, also said he was happy to see the resumption of the train service. “I no longer needed to transfer the train in Shenzhen. I can directly arrive my hometown in Fujian by the high-speed train directly,” he said.
HK Rugby Sevens return with women’s game added for the first time
- 2023-03-31
- Society
- By: Yau To LUM、Tsz Yau CHANEdited by: Ka Ki FUNG
- 2023-03-31
Hong Kong Sevens game kicked off today at the Hong Kong Stadium. The three-day tournament starts today and will continue through the weekend. 16 men and 12 women teams will be joining the game. Hong Kong women's team played against New Zealand this afternoon, losing out by 50 points. They will be playing against Great Britain’s team tomorrow at 10 am. The local men’s team will be facing Great Britain and Uruguay tomorrow. Despite the rainy weather, local fans, students and tourists slowly lined up for security and ticket check at the front gate at 8 am. Some audience dressed up in costumes to root for their favourite team. Chan Hoi Yee, 16, a rugby fan who had watched the Hong Kong sevens for the sixth time, said, “This year’s game is definitely more energetic, entertaining and fun.” She thinks that rugby is “the sport that everyone would love” and different from other sports. Kent Smith, 38, who came from Melbourne in Australia, was excited to watch the game for the first time despite the bad weather. “I have never been to Hong Kong. This is my first time here, I am excited to watch the game,” Smith said. He also said that the rainy weather does not really affect the atmosphere in the stadium. Mak Chiu Tsui, 57, a local rugby fan, said this is his 9th time watching the Rugby Sevens. “This time, I am looking forward to watching the women’s games. Since this is the first time the women’s team is playing in Hong Kong,” Mak said. Tickets for the Rugby Sevens games are still on sale, available at the Hong Kong sevens website. The price of a 3-day pass is $1950 for adults and $950 for children.