Society
Exhibition on Hong Kong’s textile industry promotes inclusion through sign language tours
- 2024-10-10
- Society
- 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 …
Art engraved on the skin is undergoing technological and cultural innovation
- 2024-10-08
- Society
- By: WANG Jing、CAO JiawenEdited by: KONG Tsz Yuen
- 2024-10-08
Meow Meow, 30, a tattooist who is talented in new-school style from Hangzhou, guided her tattoo pen across the back of a customer and half an hour later, a multicolored dragon was etched into the skin. She is among over 120 artists at the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition 2024. “In the past, I learned the art on a traditional machine,” she said, “nowadays I use a tattoo motor machine which gives more control over the movement of a pen to accomplish a design.” The 8th edition of the exhibition returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai from October 4 to October 6. Different tattoo artists have made changes and innovations in tattoo styles or tattoo tools. Hana Wong, 39, a Hong Kong and Japan-based artist, began to tattoo in 2012. She combined Japanese kamon elements with different patterns to create original works with a Japanese-style petal pattern. “All our tattoo designs are original, and we're still innovating,” she said. Feng Shan, 38, a tattooist from Sichuan, combined traditional Chinese and Western realism in her work. “I like the smudge technique of ink painting. I learned sculpture in university, so I made some changes based on the realistic Western style I learned,” Shan said. The exhibition organizer, Gabe Shum, said this event will allow tattoo artists and enthusiasts to connect, converse, and exchange ideas. “Next, I would like to continue to add more tattoos about Hong Kong culture so that people from other countries can recognize and understand Hong Kong culture,” Shum said. Tan Beibei, 34, from Zhuhai was getting her first tattoo on her 20th birthday. “Tattoo is a way to remember something or to express the religion, so I got my father's birthday and death anniversary tattooed on my wrist,” Tan said. Wu …
Food pairing workshop aims to raise value of Hong Kong style milk tea
- 2024-10-03
- Society
- By: WONG Hong Ni、CHAN Wing YiuEdited by: Ngai Fung NG
- 2024-10-03
Kongcept cooperates with several local ice parlors and Hiang Kie Coffee to host an Ice Parlor Festival and initiate a series of events. Organizers aim to help participants gain more knowledge about this intangible cultural heritage.
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.
Hong Kong marks 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China with a cluster of events
- 2024-10-02
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: LAI Uen LingEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO
- 2024-10-02
Hong Kong commemorated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday. National Day kicks off a week-long holiday on the mainland, and the city organised over 400 events to mark the occasion, such as free Starr Ferry and tram rides and discounts at various places. From commemorative banners to flags of China and Hong Kong, over 185,000 promotional materials and installations are included among the decorations for National Day, the largest number since 1997. Mr. Lui came to Hong Kong for the events as part of a Shenzhen Youth Shufa Association group. They visited an art exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui and brought along a bag of Chinese calligraphy pieces to take pictures next to the celebratory banners. They said the atmosphere in Hong Kong was less lively than on the mainland on National Day. More than 222,000 mainland Chinese tourists entered Hong Kong on Tuesday, the first day of the National Day Golden Week holiday, according to government data. That was more than 25% higher than the same period last year, and the highest single-day total since the border reopened after the pandemic. Meanwhile, 366,000 departures from Hong Kong were recorded. Around 100 markets and hawker zones offered a 25% discount on National Day. Ms. Miu moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong in the 90s. She has been running a grocery store for more than 20 years at Fa Yuen Street Market. She used to own three stalls but now only has one. She said sales have been in decline since the end of the pandemic last year.
Fire breaks out in Denmark’s largest industrial port
- 2024-10-02
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: NG Natasha Goa ShengEdited by: Wai Yan MIU
- 2024-10-02
A car caught on fire in the Port of Aarhus in Denmark this afternoon, resulting in one injury. The fire broke out around 3pm in the harbour’s car park, according to workers at the port. The injured man is stable. Workers were promptly evacuated from the port’s office building. Part of the car park was damaged. Søren Nielsen, 45, a port assistant, said he learned about about the fire from colleagues through his walkie-talkie. “I was working on my boat when one of my colleagues told me about the fire. They told me the worker who got injured was trying to fix the engine under the car because the car was not working, and then it suddenly caught on fire and hurt him. It is lucky that no one died,” said Nielsen. Nielsen also said the fire could have been avoided. “The other workers and I had already been trying to tell our boss a few weeks ago that the cars were used for a long time and needed to be replaced, but nothing was done after that. Hopefully, they will do something this time,” he said. Victor Collin, a resident living nearby the Port of Aarhus, said the fire was visible miles away. “I was at home when I saw smoke coming out from the building. I thought the building was on fire at first because there was lots of smoke, and also because the smell of the smoke was so strong I could even smell it from here even though I am living miles away from the harbour,” he said. The fire was put out within half an hour by the East Jutland Fire Service. The Port of Aarhus's daily operation was not affected by the fire. All workers returned to the office building after …
“Spirit of Journalism” alive and well at first Yahoo! student journalist award
- 2024-09-29
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: CHEN Yik Nam、LI Sin TungEdited by: Juncong SHUAI
- 2024-09-29
A story about using flies and fungus to recycle food waste by students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) took the top prize at the first Yahoo! student journalist award on Saturday. More than 40 students and professors attended the ceremony in Kwun Tong. They come from three universities and together, they submitted 100 entries. Yahoo! said on the competition website that the goal was to recognize and nurture the next generation of media professionals, and deepen their understanding of critical issues such as current affairs, and environmental, social and governance. The top English prize on diversity and inclusion went to Lam Tsoi-yin, 21, and Chan Chi-wing, 22, from the University of Hong Kong who wrote about the changemakers in an aging society. “We have done a lot of research on this topic. We are very happy that Yahoo! has set up this competition for us to work on this year, and we are honored to receive this award,” Lam said. “We encourage younger journalists to keep digging in more and more great news angles,” said Francis Ng Ka-long, Head of Home & News at Yahoo!, “There are still a lot of journalists who are fully committed to reporting news.” “Many students’ work are of a high standard,” Ng added.Francis Ng Ka-Long shares his view about the competition. Students at the ceremony were also asked to share what the “Spirit of Journalism” meant for them, and the answer “truth” topped the list. Raymond Li, the head of the department of Journalism from Hong Kong Baptist University was at the event. “I always support students to participate in journalism competitions. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose, as long as they have had a chance to present their work and gain experience, which is helpful to improve their …
“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 …
Tourist arrivals surge during Mid-Autumn Festival
- 2024-09-20
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: CHEN Yik Nam、CHAN Wing YiuEdited by: Yau To LUM
- 2024-09-20
More than 423,000 tourists came to Hong Kong on Sept 16 during the Mid-Autumn Festival, according to the Immigration Department figures. That’s an increase of by 45 percent over the same period last year.Among the arrivals, 140,370 were from mainland China, and 29,853 from other countries, a 48 percent and a 23 percent increase respectively. To celebrate the moon festival, the government set up three large-scale lantern carnivals in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsing Yi Park, and Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. The Carnivals showcased a variety of colorful lanterns that combined traditional and modern designs in clothing, food, housing and travel, The four themes symbolise the prosperity of Chinese civilization and the authentic style of Hong Kong while praying for good health and a better future. Zheng Jialing, 24, and Liu Shixing, 24, both from Guangdong Province were visiting Hong Kong during the moon festival for the first time. “People of different ages and genders come to the carnivals and it’s different from my hometown where we won't have such a huge event,” Zhang said.“They usually stay at home to eat mooncakes and watch television with their families rather than go outside,” Zhang explained.“I think Hong Kong put a lot of effort into such a traditional festival,” she said. “ We definitely want to spend another Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong,” said Liu. “Many people invite us to take a photo with them because of our costumes, we really enjoy it there because it is lively and joyful,” she said. Jean Joanason and Kyra Smith, both from the United Kingdom, said the lantern display grabbed their attention when they arrived at the carnival in Victoria Park. “The lanterns make me a bit confused about where I should start,” Smith said . “First time in Hong Kong and so far so …
Mid-Autumn Fun: Thousands gather for annual Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
- 2024-09-17
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: MAO Anqi、LI Sin TungEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO
- 2024-09-17
Thousands of revellers gathered along Wun Sha Street in Tai Hang in Causeway Bay yesterday for the first night of the annual Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. This year’s event includes a 20-metre-long LED fire dragon held by around 100 children, a first for the annual night-time event. The fire dragon dance route also extends to Causeway Bay Road, passing souvenir booths for event-goers to visit and take photos. “The participation of children can help promote the younger generation's understanding of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and better inherit our culture,” said Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun at the opening ceremony. A small area with old public housing estates, Tai Hang livens when the dragon dance attracts a tide of admirers. Dancers manoeuvred the dragon while carrying over 30,000 burning incense sticks. The event included performances accompanied by traditional drumming and gongs. Among the thousands in attendance was Gao Junyang, who creates and sells hand-made dragon lanterns. His first time visiting, the 17-year-old described the atmosphere as "full of life" "Every corner is teeming with excited people, who stretch their necks and hold phones above their heads,” he said. Zoe Wong, one of the Lotus Sisters, a team consisting of little girls dressed in pink cheongsams and carrying pink lotus lanterns, in this year’s show said her excitement overwhelmed her feelings of exhaustion. “I can play with friends, and grab some incense sticks for fun and fortune,” the 7-year-old said. “I would love to come and perform again next year.” Linda Chen, 23, from Fujian Province in mainland China, also enjoyed the fire dragon dance. “Seeking happiness, health and unity with family not only means a lot to me but also follows the tradition,” she said. However, Chen said the horde of people made it difficult to see …