TOP STORIES
Long Valley Nature Park opens after five-year development
- 2024-11-17
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTOEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO
- 2024-11-17
People are now able to enter the Long Valley Nature Park in Sheung Shui after it opened earlier this November after a five-year development. According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the 37-hectare nature park combines "wetland conservation, farming operation and nature education in one place." Long Valley Nature Park is divided into Agriculture, Biodiversity and Visitor Zones. The 11-hectare Agriculture Zone comprises farmland, which is leased out to the original farmers of Long Valley. The 21-hectare Biodiversity Zone features a variety of wetland habitats, including paddy fields and reed beds, becoming a trove for wildlife. The Visitor Zone spans 5 hectares, consisting of facilities like a birding hut and an education centre. The nature park is part of the Long Valley freshwater wetlands, the largest freshwater wetland remaining in the city. The freshwater wetland of Long Valley supports rich biodiversity with over 300 bird species observed at the site, according to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS). “Long Valley hosts about 14 threatened bird species. One of the more concerned species is the critically-endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting,” said HKBWS research officer Jay Kong Pak-yung. Before the 2000s, the bunting species was abundant in agricultural southern China. However, because of overhunting and loss of habitat, the small migratory bird has been categorised as 'critically endangered' on the IUCN Red List since 2004. “Paddy fields provide food sources for these buntings and similar species like munias. Effective habitat management can help these birds to thrive and find Long Valley as a suitable place to feed and rest during the migratory season, ” Kong said. Endangered and rare species, such as the Black-faced Spoonbill and Tundra Bean Goose, have also been observed at the site. Birdwatcher Leo Sit said that the Long Valley was not well-maintained before the government stepped …
Wine and spirits merchants wish for more attention in Hong Kong
- 2024-11-15
- Culture & Leisure
- By: Ka Man Wong、MAO AnqiEdited by: Xiya RUI、Ka Man Wong
- 2024-11-15
The 16th year’s fair invites some new-coming wine and spirits merchants who are proud of their unique flavours and are confident to take a seat in the Hong Kong wine and spirits market.
Hong Kong kindergarten aims to break barriers to support ethnic minority students
- 2024-11-13
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTOEdited by: Jenny Lam
- 2024-11-13
Suna Limbu is an ethnic Nepali who lives in Hong Kong. Her five-year-old son, Abhinvadil Tamang, is enrolled in Integrated Brilliant Education Limited’s IBEL Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation Kindergarten, where they largely teach children from non-Chinese backgrounds. “When my son first started here, he was introverted and struggled to socialise with others. But now, he communicates with his friends and teachers,” she said. Limbu and her family rarely spoke English or Chinese at home. They speak Nepali. “His ability to speak and understand Cantonese has developed a lot. Before, he would only speak a few words. Now, he participates in class discussions and interacts more confidently with his classmates. I’m grateful to see him so happy,” she said. Hong Kong is home to over 600,000 people from ethnic minority backgrounds, including about 30,000 students. Yet, the education landscape is challenging for many of these students because of language barriers and social disparities. Manoj Dhar is an ethnic Indian. He came to Hong Kong in 1999 and saw how ethnic minority children struggled through school. In 2015, he and his wife founded Integrated Brilliant Education Limited (IBEL) to provide subsidised Chinese-language tuition to students from non-Chinese backgrounds. Today, IBEL supports more than 260 individuals across the organisation’s two tutoring centres in Jordan and Sham Shui Po. “We cannot ignore the fact that language is not just a skill but a key that opens doors," said Dhar. “Back then, I saw these kids being left behind because of a lack of resources and support. I wanted to create a space where they could thrive, receive a quality education and feel valued.” After operating two tutoring centres for underprivileged children for over seven years, Dhar realised they needed to start proper schools to influence the education system and introduce mainstream Chinese …
2024 US election: Harris supporters cry during concession speech, say still have hope for nation
- 2024-11-12
- Politics
- By: Man Hei ChanEdited by: Man Hei Chan
- 2024-11-12
Washington, DC – Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election to Donald Trump in a speech on Wednesday afternoon at Howard University, telling her tearful supporters not to give up. "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for," she said in her speech. "The light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting." The future of the country is still bright, said Daniel Tellez, 22, an intern in the U.S. Congress from Ohio State University who was at Harris’s speech, adding that the Democrats need to understand the root of the defeat. Donald Trump won the six major battleground states in the U.S., obtaining 312 electoral votes, well over the 270 needed to win, according to the Associated Press, which historically calls the presidential election. “The Democrats should think deeply about why Trump won all the swing states, and Harris could not even get one,” Tellez said. Many experts have pointed to the economy as the key issue for voters. The inflation rate in 2021 was the highest since the 1980s despite significant increases in employment and average pay. “The main thing that differentiates Harris and Trump is the economy,” Tellez said, adding that he thought Trump’s message about the economy was clearer than Harris’s. Harris will be president in the future and bring the nation together, said Merry, 69, who attended the concession speech and asked not to use her full name. "We all should be optimistic, and it is unnecessary to be anxious about everything,” Merry said. “At this point, we have nothing to do but to accept it,” Tellez said.
Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is back after 7 years
- 2024-11-07
- The Young Reporter
- By: ALISHIBA MATLOOBEdited by: Jemima Badajos
- 2024-11-07
The Hong Kong Sixes tournament organised by Hong Kong Cricket Club and Kowloon Cricket Club was held from Nov 1 to 3 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. The tournament features 12 international teams including the Hong Kong team competing in a six-a-side, the fastest format in the sport.
Bar owners call for tax cut on low cost alcohol after recent to boost sales
- 2024-11-06
- By: WONG Hong Ni、LAI Uen LingEdited by: Ngai Fung NG、Jemima Badajos
- 2024-11-06
Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui was alive with Halloween celebrations. Despite the reduction in spirit tax, drink prices at bars remained unchanged, but that hasn't dampened the celebratory mood. Parties were still in full swing.
2024 US Election: American voters’ concerns soar over inflation impact
- 2024-11-06
- Politics
- By: Junzhe JIANGEdited by: Robin Ewing
- 2024-11-06
Washington, DC – The economy is a driving issue in today’s presidential election in the United States, voters at the polls said. This is tracked by a September report that said around 81% of U.S. voters cited the economy and high inflation as their top concern, followed by healthcare and Supreme Court appointments, according to a survey from Pew Research Centre. Ben Frank, 34, a resident of Pennsylvania, said he has to pay more to raise a family of seven: “The food prices went incredibly high after the pandemic,” Frank said. “I used to pay US$150 (HK$1166.2) for one week, and it cost me US$200 (HK$1554.92) now.” James Wright, who works at mega retail outlet Target in Pennsylvania, said, “Food and gas are so much more expensive than before.” In the last month, he spent around US$1,000 (HK$7774.76) on food, gas and other bills, over half his salary. Trump inaccurately blamed Biden’s government in the debate with Kamala Harris: “We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation's history.” The inflation rate in the world’s biggest economy reached a three-year-low of 2.4% in September from a peak of 8% in 2022, according to the CoinNews Media Group. The inflation averaged 1.9% from 2017 to 2021 when Donald Trump was president, while the average rate has been on track at 5.6% in the past three years. Frank said that Donald Trump could solve the issue, although no further policies were given by the former president except to levy more tax on Chinese and other imported goods. People love Trump because he can bring something special, Frank said, and he thinks Trump’s policy may work if Americans consume more from nearby countries with lower transportation fees. Harris proposed tackling high prices by fighting against …
US Election 2024: Voters in Washington DC hope for unity and change
- 2024-11-06
- Society
- By: Yau To LUM、Wai Sum CHEUNGEdited by: Wai Sum CHEUNG、Yau To LUM
- 2024-11-06
Washington, DC – US presidential election voting ended on Tuesday at 8 pm here in Washington, DC. At Dunbar High School, one of the district’s polling stations, around 70 people were seen lining up inside at 10 am, waiting to cast their ballot. Citizens said they wished there could be less conflict in the country. David Dempsey, 30, voted for the first time in Washington DC after moving here two years ago. He registered to vote at the same time as casting his ballot. It went smoothly, he said. The Black American voted for Kamala Harris because of concerns over women’s rights and the safety of black communities. “I have a lot of sisters and aunties, so I just want to make sure that they’re safe and I’m safe too,” he said. “I remember the 2016 election and the next day; it was just so dark and depressing, I just want to make a difference this time, [so] I was back,” he said. “I hope [the next president] can listen to the people, unify instead of dividing it,” he said. James Conway, 29, also voted for Kamala Harris because of her “decent” image and overall policy plans. “She has a very good way of dealing with people in a decent way. She would be a very respected foreign policy leader,” Conway said, adding that her immigration policy will not be “archaic”. He hoped the country would be free and fair, instead of divided and polarised. “[I hope] we can get back to being the America, the country that the world relies on and being decent, normal people. I’m looking forward to that,” he said. Joe Levesque, who cast a ballot through postal voting three weeks ago, said one of the reasons he voted for the vice president was because of …
Hongkongers celebrate Halloween spirit despite struggles for local vendors
- 2024-11-02
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: Chun Lim LEUNGEdited by: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTO
- 2024-11-02
Stores and stalls in several shopping hotspots, such as Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po, have been selling costumes and decorations, such as pumpkins and ghosts as Halloween approached. Reiko Leung Hei-nga, 21 has been going to Fuk Wing Street to purchase items for her Halloween costume for almost four years. “I enjoy getting together with my friends and showcasing our costumes,” Leung said. “The hardest part each year is probably finding new ideas and inspiration for a costume.” Many of those costumes showed up at Lan Kwai Fong. “A Hauntingly Good Time in Lan Kwai Fong”, is the theme for the week in the popular nightlife area. Retiree Leung Run-hei, 67, has been visiting Lan Kwai Fong for three consecutive years. “I’ve had a blast coming here with my friends and socialising with others. Although I’m old now, my mind keeps telling me to stay young and enjoy as much as I can,” she said. Ocean Park is hosting a Halloween Fest that started on Sept. 7 until Nov. 3,. Visitors can enjoy six haunted house experiences, namely Dreadful Walled City, Prison Escape, Netherworld Wedding, Hotel Morte, Horror of Homesteak and Forbidden Zone 274. There are also performances, such as Too Hot to K-Oppa, by a group of Korean dancers. “Even though I work here full-time, the unique events and decorations never cease to amaze me, said Park employee, Diamond Chan Sang-shu, 21, who has been working at the theme park for over two years. But the festivities did not benefit some shops, such as a stall owner surnamed Poon, who operates on Fuk Wing Street. She said sales that have gone down by 60% in the past few years. "The only time that my shop has been active is during festivals. For instance, during Halloween, I would …
Popfest brings the community together to support local talent
- 2024-11-02
- Society
- By: Chun Hei LUKEdited by: Yau To LUM
- 2024-11-02
Popfest returned to the West Kowloon Cultural District on Oct. 31, 2024, Thursday as independent singers and bands collaborated to inspire and uplift the crowd with their unique musical aptitude and performances during the first day of the festival. The HKT x WESTK POPFEST was designed to create a musical environment and attract more local artists to share their talents. It promotes community engagement through a showcase of music and the arts. Last year, the festival attracted thousands of attendees and provided a platform for emerging artists, reinforcing the importance of arts and culture in community wellbeing. This year, the organizer invited well-known local music groups such as MIRROR and COLLAR and local singers Chow Yan-ting to perform during the four day event. Independent singers and bands were invited on the first day to perform in front of the crowd. Tomii Chan, vocalist and guitarist of Stranded Whales and Majestic G, said the festival brought the audience together. "I want to share my passion for music and create a memorable experience for the audience,” Chan said. “Every note and lyric I sing brings us together, and I hope my performance encourages others to support local talent with his own style.” "We are thrilled to engage in a local event that fosters a deeper connection between music and community,” said Feng Yi, a local guitarist and singer-songwriter“The atmosphere at the festival every year is lit, and we can't wait to share our sense of art with everyone.” “It’s more than just a performance for us. It’s about connecting with the audience and creating a memorable experience together,” said Gill Mok, drummer of local band Wantamnam. Li Yun-kit, 33, a local resident was in the audience. “The music was incredible, and it felt great to support local talent in such a beautiful …