The Young Reporter
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 …
Huawei unveils world’s first tri-fold phone
- 2024-09-11
- Business
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG HaicenEdited by: Ji Youn Lee
- 2024-09-11
Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled the first tri-fold smartphone, priced at 19,999 yuan (HK$22,000), yesterday at a launch ceremony in the southern tech hub of Shenzhen. Pricier than earlier models such as Huawei’s double-fold phone Mate X5, the newly launched Mate XT is more than double the starting price of Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, which was unveiled just hours ahead. Huawei's foldable phone Mate XT allows users to fold it into three sections like an accordion screen door. According to Yu at the launch, prices for the new smartphone start at 19,999 yuan for 256 gigabytes, with higher memory versions available for 21,999 yuan and 23,999 yuan. The phone comes in red and black colours. “The average consumer has limited knowledge of smartphones, let alone the benefits and value of the products,” said Will Wong, a senior researcher at IDC Consulting. “Therefore, they may be put off by its high price.” New products from both Apple and Huawei will be available from 20 September. Jene Park, an analyst at research firm Counterpoint, said the upcoming new Huawei products are not expected to have a major impact on Samsung's and Apple's business in terms of volume. “With a starting price of 20,000 yuan, more than double the starting price of the comparable iPhone 16 Pro Max, and limited production, the tri-fold phone is likely to be more of a symbol of Huawei's tech prowess than a major sales driver,” said Wong. Although Apple has shown strong demand in China as a mobile phone producer, a recent report released by Canalys in the second quarter shows it has fallen out of the top five in terms of sales for the first time in China, dropping from third to sixth place. “Huawei's new product may not have a huge impact on sales …
Diverse sailors make splashes at Hong Kong Race Week
- 2024-07-23
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: YANG HaicenEdited by: Jemima Badajos
- 2024-07-23
The 2024 Hong Kong Race Week drew to a close on Feb.4. The six day event was the second time it was held since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2019. Ten classes of the event including both professional and amateur levels competed in Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay, Stanley, Tai Tam and Lo Chau. This year’s Hong Kong Race Week was co-organised with the 29er Asian Sailing Championships, attracting 273 local and overseas sailors. Asia's top ranked sailors, Hangzhou Asian Games medallists and the winners in the last Hong Kong Race Week also gathered at Middle Island to compete. Many junior athletes from Shenzhen, Nanjing and Qingdao travelled to Hong Kong accompanied by their club coaches or parents to participate in the juniors category, a first for the event.
How is Cantonese opera inherited and evolving in modern society
- 2024-07-22
- The Young Reporter
- By: Yuqi CHU、Yuhan WANG、Jiaxing LiEdited by: Ziyu Bruce Zhao、Yuqi CHU
- 2024-07-22
Cantonese opera is an important part of Hong Kong's historical and cultural heritage. Despite the challenges this art form faces, many people are still dedicated to promoting and preserving it. At the same time, the Cantonese opera industry has also been adapting to the pace of the new era.
Taiwan Presidential Election 2024: Canvassing Inside the Temples
- 2024-07-21
- The Young Reporter
- By: Yuqi CHU、Juncong SHUAI、Lisheng CHENGEdited by: Yuqi CHU、Juncong SHUAI、Lisheng CHENG
- 2024-07-21
On the afternoon of January 8, nearly 2,000 people gathered at a small venue in front of Jinlian Temple in the Madou District of Tainan. They had been waiting in an orderly fashion for more than two hours. Suddenly, there was a thunderous cheer from the street corner as the person they had been waiting for appeared. TPP's Presidential Candidate Ko Wen-Je was ushered into Jinlian Temple amidst guards, media reporters, and the exuberant public. It was five days before the voting day for Taiwan's presidential election. Ko Wen-Je had come to Jinlian Temple to pray and canvass for votes, just like all the other candidates. Whenever there is an election, candidates in Taiwan will actively visit numerous temples, not only to bai bai (pray) but also as a significant step to win votes. As temples represent a fusion of religious and political life in Taiwan, they are valued by candidates as a political strategy. Two weeks before the election, three presidential candidates had already shuttled between different temples all over Taiwan. DPP's President Lai Ching-te had visited temples 184 times since he declared his candidacy on November 20 of the previous year, closely followed by Kuomintang's Hou Yu-ih with 162 visits. Ko Wen-je from the new force TPP lagged behind his two competitors with only 93 visits. Itineraries related to temples increased nearly 30% compared to the last election. Lai's lead was not surprising since the DPP has always maintained close contact with temples and was the first party to establish the Committee on Religion in 2017, which collaborates with other departments to arrange the itineraries of electoral campaigns. Huang Yuanyuan, 70, Chairman of the Lion Choan Temple, sees these visits as more than mere tradition. "Candidates come here seeking blessings for peace and health, and it's a way …