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Hong Kong: Sweltering summers challenge residents of "pigeon cages" as temperatures soar

  • By: Yuqi CHU、Juncong SHUAIEdited by: Chengqi MO
  • 2023-04-28

At the end of the narrow aisle crammed with household goods, an old air conditioner hums as it struggles to cool the flat where 11 residents live in eight tiny cells separated by makeshift wooden walls.  Around noon, Xia Renhui 52, who has been living in this subdivided flat in Tsuen Wan for five years, prepares his lunch in the shared kitchen. The thermometer hanging on the wall records a temperature of 37˚ C. The scalding water from the tap and the steam spurting out of the rice cooker make Xia feel smothered.   "The whole room feels like a smelting furnace. Every inch of my skin is burning," said Xia.  In Hong Kong, more than 214,000 people like Xia live in subdivided flats, according to government statistics, where increasing summer temperatures are made worse by cramped, unventilated construction and expensive air-conditioning bills. Globally, over the past few hundred years, greenhouse gases from industrialization have led to global warming and an increase in extreme climates, according to a United Nations report. Hong Kong keeps breaking its temperature records. Last year, Hong Kong residents survived the hottest July in the past 138 years, when record keeping began, breaking a previous record set in 2020. And a high temperature of 35°C or above was recorded for 10 consecutive days in July last year, topping the annual record, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. At least five cases of sudden death at work suspected to be related to heat stroke have been reported between June and July in 2022. Hot nights increase the risk of death by about 2% to 3%, while a prolonged period of five or more hot nights raises the risk to 6.66%. Women had a six percent higher risk of dying from hot weather, while older adults had a five …

Society

Hong Kong farmers adopt survival measures amidst rising temperatures

  • By: Tsz Yin HO、Mollie HibEdited by: Dhuha AL-ZAIDI
  • 2023-04-26

Just a 25-minute walk from Kam Sheung Road station between Pat Hueng and Kam Tin in Hong Kong’s New Territories is Fruitful Organic Farm, a locally-owned farm that’s been operating for 12 years. Roughly 30 to 40 crops grow here, neatly aligned with small wooden labels: tomatoes, pak-choy and lettuce, to name a few.  But this farm doesn’t make money from its organic produce. Instead, its income comes from renting out plots of land to other farmers, a survival response to climate change. As temperatures rise, some of Hong Kong’s farms are turning to land rentals and severe weather planting techniques to keep their crops and livelihoods alive. Paul Kwok, 66, who has owned Fruitful Organic Farm for over a decade, said his farm started as an effort to give Hongkongers an opportunity to rely less on imports and to plant their own vegetables organically. But he stopped selling his own produce to hawkers last year. Kwok said this was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising temperatures affecting the yield and size of vegetables and fruits. “I believe that we have suffered at least a 30% loss in harvest yield since I first started farming,” he said. Currently, over 90% of Kwok’s land has been rented out. “Our income is even more stable with renting out land to people than it was with selling crops,” he added.  Neighboring farms, such as Go Green Farm, have also adopted a similar business model.  Hong Kong has consistently gotten hotter over the years. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the region’s average increase in temperature per decade from 1993 to 2022 was 0.28 degrees celsius.  The Observatory also recorded that the annual number of very hot nights, classified as days with a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius or above, has increased …

Society

Tai O's dolphin-watching trips lose business as local marine mammals and tourists decline

  • By: Junzhe JIANG、Yuhan WANG、Xiya RUIEdited by: KOO Chi Tung 顧知桐
  • 2023-04-26

“HK$40 for a ticket! Don’t miss the chance to see the local pink dolphins here,” said Chow Tin-long on his boat, waving tickets in his hands. Chow has been running dolphin-watching activities in Tai O, a traditional fishing village on Lantau Island, for more than 15 years. . Chinese white dolphins,  commonly known as “pink dolphins”, have been a mascot of Hong Kong since 1977 and a common tourist activity in Tai O, said Chow. Chow, who works with three other fishermen, takes tourists out in his own boat for 20 minutes at a time to see the dolphins whose habitat is just off the coast.  However, the number of Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong has plunged from 158 in 2003 to about 40 in 2022, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department. With the decreasing numbers of dolphins and tourists, Chow and other small business owners in Tai O who rely on dolphin tourism to make a living have started to adapt with new revenue streams. They also find themselves raising public awareness of the marine creatures’ plight caused by climate change, land reclamation and heavy ferry traffic. Chow said business has dropped from around 30 to 40 tourists a day to only five or 10. He is earning about 40% less than he did ten years ago, he said.  “More than half of them could see the dolphins previously, but it’s hard to estimate now,” Chow said.“It is a hard time for us who make a living with the dolphins as I sold two of my boats for money five years ago.” He tried to reduce the ticket’s price but it didn’t help. After years of loss, Chow started to adapt his business model. “I once opened a grilled fish restaurant before the COVID-19, which only …

People

Virtual Tour of Versailles

  • 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.

Society

Hong Kong Faces Organ Donation Crisis with Sharp Decline in Registrations

  • 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 …

Society

9th year of Songkran festival in Hong Kong

  • By: Huen Tung LEI、Yee Ling TSANGEdited by: Yu Yin WONG
  • 2023-04-12

Hong Kong celebrates the Thai new year festival of Songkran this month. The six day carnival includes a lot of water splashing on the streets of Lai Chi Kok.    

Society

First Day of the MTR "Thank you day"

  • 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 …

Society

Art Basel Hong Kong 2023

  • 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.

Society

Exhibition commemorates the 20th anniversary of superstar Leslie Cheung’s death

  • 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.

Society

Hong Kong Sevens: tournament breaks gender barrier as women play alongside men for the first time

  • 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 …