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Hong Kong FIA World RX Finale to be held next month

  • By: Yau To LUMEdited by: Ka Ki FUNG
  • 2023-10-18

Hong Kong will be hosting the FIA World Rallycross Championship Finale for the first time at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from 10-12 November . It is the city’s first motorsport race since the Formula-E race was held in 2019 and the first-ever World Rallycross city race. The season finale is certified by the Hong Kong SAR government as a Major Sports Event, also known as the “M” Mark Event. It is also the first international all-electric motorsport competition in the Asia-Pacific region. Leslie Wong, CEO of World RX Hong Kong Management Limited, expressed his gratitude for the contribution from the government. “The support from the government is really strong in which they are responding with whatever they can to help organize this championship,” Wong said in a press conference. Wong added that the season finale would lead to the development of a track in Hong Kong to nurture local competitive drivers. "I would say hopefully the path or the future development of motorsports is that we will have our own permanent racecourse in Hong Kong, but it will be a long way, and I hope this is the first step towards it," he said. The circuit in Hong Kong would be around 1.2 km long, composed of 37% alternating gravel and 63% asphalt sections, the latter of which will be all closed public roads. Klara Andersson started her competitive career in 2021 and is the only woman among ten drivers competing in the finale next month. “This will be the first city centre race, I think it's really inspiring and also the first time for an all-electric motorsport competition to be held in Asia Pacific. It's a lot of excitement and I really think that we will put on a good show,” she said. The young driver also recommends …

Society

Young adults play hide-and-seek with modern technology twist

  • By: Lisheng CHENGEdited by: Yixin Gao
  • 2023-10-16

Hong Kong's first urban “cat-and-mouse” game took place at Kowloon Walled City Park on Oct 15, where 40 people engaged in an exciting chase through sharing satellite positioning.   The game was created and initiated by the HKGo organization, a business that has organized more than 100 outdoor and indoor activities that participants pay to play. The game is the company’s first outdoor game combined with modern techonology. The game is a combination of hide-and-seek and tag with players divided into cats and mice. The cats hunt the mice and gain bracelets when a mouse is hit with an inflatable stick. The game is played until all the mice have been converted to cats. Players must stay within the boundary of the park.  The cat with the most bracelets and the last surviving mouse are crowned kings.  Players pay HK$48 to join the game and kings win HK$88 each. Players share their real-time positions with the satellite positioning function of Gaode Map, a map app.  Bruce Shen, 28, one of the organizers, said the hide-and-seek aspect is not new, but adding the satellite positioning technology escalates the excitement and challenge level of the game. Shen, also a founding member of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Association, and his business partner, Michael Hua, 29, studied information technology. They aspire to combine traditional games and outdoor activities with new information technologies to bring a fresher experience to young adults. “Seeing the cat only ten meters away from me on the map without knowing the exact spot was a nerve-wracking moment,” said Clara Chen, 23, a mouse player. Yiqi Chan, 22, a cat player, united with other cats and discussed plans to catch mice. His partner distracted the mice from the front while he climbed up the hill from the back to chase …

Society

Hong Kong Electronics Fair attracts global buyers with creative technology and consumer electronic products

  • By: Ka Man Wong、Ji Youn LeeEdited by: Nga Ying LAU
  • 2023-10-14

Hong Kong Autumn Electronics Fair kicked off on Friday at Wan Chai’s Convention and Exhibition Centre and attracted 3,200 exhibitors from 22 regions, hoping to expand business opportunities. Registered booths showcased home and office appliances and featured wireless charging, network technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) home appliances.  Huizhou TCL Mobile Communications, ranked second in Omdia’s 2022’s Global TV Household Database, presented their tab series with a pad like Amazon’s Kindle.  “The fair helps TCL reach the potential customers, sell tablets with full-colour electronic paper display to foreigners or overseas education institutes,” Liu Cui-chan, 30, a product manager of TCL said. Felix Chan, 23, is an engineer for MircroFlow, a startup which specialises in manufacturing microbe detecting kits ten times faster than commercial products. MicroFlow partnered with HKBU to introduce faster detection kits for drug-resistant germs.  “I didn't know so many people were interested in my products,” he said. “I think it is a great chance to talk about my product to a wider audience”. The Hall of Fame Zone at the new wing encompassed consumer electronics products of emerging brands from South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.  Hong Un-gi, 28, the sales specialist for Hantle, a Korean manufacturer of scanners and ATMs, flew from Korea through a government program aiming to connect Korean companies and international buyers administered by the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology. “One of my goals is to look at similar industries and competitors and reference their sales techniques,” Hong said. “I want to build new connections and get potential buyers.”  The organiser, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and partners are also hosting more than 80 events and forums at the fair, according to the press release. International product demos and a pitching competition for startups are planned for later …

Society

Typhoon Koinu leaves thousands stranded at Hong Kong airport

  • By: Hanzhi YANG、Xiya RUIEdited by: Tsz Yin HO
  • 2023-10-12

Thousands were left stranded at the Hong Kong airport on Sunday after the suspension of the airport train and buses and a shortage of taxis during typhoon Koinu. The Hong Kong Observatory issued typhoon signal 9, the second highest signal, at 11.50 pm on October 8 as typhoon Koinu approached the coast of Guangdong. According to the Observatory, most places in Hong Kong had more than 100 millimetres of rain and reaching 200 millimetres in some districts such as Hong Kong Island East. Speaking on RTHK, the Hong Kong's Airport Authority stated that 90 flights were cancelled throughout the day and another 130 were delayed. But some 60 flights that landed that evening brought in hundreds of passengers. Most public transport services stopped soon after signal 9 was issued, including the Citybus’s Cityflyer route and MTR’s Airport Express, which give access to the airport and urban areas. The waiting time for taxis exceeded three hours, leading to frustration among incoming passengers complaining about the insufficient supply of taxis in the city. “We have been waiting for over two hours, but we haven't even reached the halfway point of the queue,” said Moses Chan, 37, a Singaporean visitor waiting in line, adding that he and his wife were shocked by the overwhelming crowds. “Due to the typhoon, the supply of taxis in Hong Kong is actually very low, with only dozens of taxis arriving at the airport per hour,” said Kelly Tang, a staff member of the airport who was responsible for managing order. Airport staff also expressed their apologies for the situation, and free water along with around-the-clock catering services was distributed to those stranded at the airport. “The waiting time is really long, with no end in sight,” Chan, the Singaporean traveller added. Chan and his wife chose to …

Society

Typhoon Koinu leaves thousands stranded at Hong Kong airport.

  • By: Xiya RUI、Hanzhi YANGEdited by: Tsz Yin HO
  • 2023-10-12

Thousands were left stranded at the Hong Kong airport on Sunday after the suspension of the airport train and buses and a shortage of taxis during typhoon Koinu. The Hong Kong Observatory issued typhoon signal 9, the second highest signal,  at 11.50 pm on October 8 as typhoon Koinu approached the coast of Guangdong.  According to the Observatory, most places in Hong Kong had more than 100 millimetres of rain and reaching 200 millimetres in some districts such as Hong Kong Island East. Speaking on RTHK, the Hong Kong's Airport Authority stated that 90 flights were cancelled throughout the day and another 130 were delayed. But some 60 flights that landed that evening brought in hundreds of passengers.  Most public transport services stopped soon after signal 9 was issued,  including the Citybus’s Cityflyer route and MTR’s Airport Express, which give access to the airport and urban areas.  The waiting time for taxis exceeded three hours, leading to frustration among incoming passengers complaining about the insufficient supply of taxis in the city. “We have been waiting for over two hours, but we haven't even reached the halfway point of the queue,” said Moses Chan, 37, a Singaporean visitor waiting in line, adding that he and his wife were shocked by the overwhelming crowds. “Due to the typhoon, the supply of taxis in Hong Kong is actually very low, with only dozens of taxis arriving at the airport per hour,” said Kelly Tang, a staff member of the airport who was  responsible for managing order. Airport staff also expressed their apologies for the situation, and free water along with around-the-clock catering services was distributed to those stranded at the airport. “The waiting time is really long, with no end in sight,” Chan, the Singaporean traveller added. Chan and his wife chose to …

Society

17-year-old Hong Kong student found alive after missing for a week

  • By: Yau To LUMEdited by: Tsz In Warren LEUNG
  • 2023-10-12

Matthew Tsang Hin-chit, the 17-year-old teen who was missing for a week, was found alive by rescue teams at Ma On-shan Country Park on Wednesday.  Firefighters found the Diocesan Boys’ School’s pupil in a bush near Lo Shue Tin Hang in Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon. Tsang was found unclothed but was not injured. Firefighters also gave him a bottle of energy drink. According to the police, no suspicious circumstances were detected. He was conscious while being taken to the Eastern Hospital for further treatment. Chow Cheuk-fung, the station commander of Sha Tin Fire Station, said in a press briefing that the rescue teams, including the Mountain Search team and other supporting forces, had mobilised 28 fire trucks, and nine ambulances, with 122 firefighters and 24 ambulance men. Cheung Tin-yu, senior station officer, said in the same briefing that the search had covered 28.8 square kilometres, adding that the rescue team even faced immense obstacles due to the limited information and extreme weather conditions, such as the Black rainstorm signal and typhoon Koinu that hit the city.  “The rescue team did not know the exact route Tsang had headed, as he did not carry any communication devices, so they could not track his location,” Cheung said. “The terrain was dangerous, and we have been facing Typhoon Koinu and rainstorms in the last week.”  The station officer also said the results team used technology like drones for taking pictures, and that the photos were analyzed by artificial intelligence to narrow down the search areas. Amy Chan, the rescued pupil’s mother, expressed gratitude on social media after realizing that her son was found alive. “Although it had been eight days, No. 9 Increasing Gale or Storm signal and black rainstorm signal, we never give up, and it was a miracle that my son …

Society

Information Day 2023 at Hong Kong Baptist University

  • By: Yi Yin CHOW、Chi On LIUEdited by: Ka Ki FUNG
  • 2023-10-09

The Information Day of the Hong Kong Baptist University is held on Oct. 7. It is the first year after pandemic restrictions have been relaxed to hold the Information Day. Many visitors come to get more information on what they are interested in. 

Society

Full STEAM ahead in Hong Kong schools

  • By: Wai Sum CHEUNG、Yee Ling TSANGEdited by: Kei Tung LAM
  • 2023-10-08

During recess, a group of primary students excitedly rushed out of the classroom and could not wait to meet their “cute little friends” in the school’s STEM room. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and maths. The children have been breeding butterflies in boxes as part of a STEM project.  “I love butterflies. As one of the Butterfly Conservation Ambassadors, I’ve learned a lot about the creatures,” said Kan Chan, a Primary Six student from Stewards Pooi Kei Primary School. Stewards Pooi Kei Primary School attaches importance to inspiring students to think, allowing them to learn through STEM subjects in class by integrating subjects and encouraging them to participate in inter-school competitions.  Butterfly Conservation Ambassadors is one of the events. Students can nurture butterflies from caterpillars to adults and share the importance of butterfly conservation with their schoolmates. Through this, they help to raise biodiversity around the school.  In 2018 -19 school year, Stewards Pooi Kei Primary school won First Runner-up and the Most Popular Award in the Butterfly x Stem Expo organised by Green Power. However, a new educational approach, “STEAM”, has become more influential in recent years. It is a model of STEM, but adding the Arts along with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects. Chief Executive John Lee has proposed to enrich STEAM education in public-funded schools by 2024-25 through implementing enriched coding education at the senior primary level. The government will “step up the promotion of STEAM education for all, for fun and for diversity” in primary and secondary schools by incorporating more IT learning elements into the curriculum and enhancing professional training on STEAM, according to the Policy Address 2022.  To align with the STEAM trend, Stewards Pooi Kei Primary School started attaching the “Arts” aspect in recent years. The school’s STEM department has collaborated …

Society

Migrating bird draws crowd at Kwun Tong Promenade

  • By: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTOEdited by: Tsz Ying CHEUNG
  • 2023-10-07

A group of photographers gathered under the beating sun at Kwun Tong Promenade on Friday, all for a picture of a lone Eurasian Hoopoe.  The Eurasian Hoopoe is a medium-sized bird from the Upupidae family and native to parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. They often appear alone and are known for their distinct "hoo-poo-poo" call. “It made me stop to take a look,” said Fred Kwok Yuen-po, who took a moment from his routine jog to photograph the bird. He had never seen so many photographers at one spot since he started running along the promenade in 2019. "I'm not familiar with birds myself, but it's nice to see special ones," Kwok said. Seemingly unfazed by the people around it, the Eurasian Hoopoe remained active and pecked at the ground, looking for soil-dwelling slugs and worms to eat. While it is of "least concern" on the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of the Hoopoe is declining in parts of Asia and Europe as a result of hunting, habitat loss and climate change, according to BirdLife International, a global network of non-governmental organisations specialising in bird conservation and research. Daniel Yu Shun-cheung, 66, is a bird watcher with over a decade of experience. "It's my first time photographing a bird here," he said. Yu said the Hoopoe is a great find for the local bird watching community. While the promenade gets visits from local birds, such as the widespread Eurasian Tree Sparrow and Black-collared Starling, there have been no reports of migrating birds around the area.  "I never thought it could show up in such a busy environment," said Yu.  Despite being an “uncommon and irregular visitor” during autumn and winter, the Eurasian Hoopoe has been recorded in open farms and grasslands, with some …

Society

Tai Hang Fire Dragon dances for the first time in four years

  • By: Lisheng CHENG、Ji Youn LeeEdited by: Yu Yin WONG
  • 2023-10-05

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon danced for the first time in four years during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This year’s performance from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30, is part of the government's efforts to revive Hong Kong’s entertainment and tourism sectors after a long stretch of pandemic lockdowns.  As festive season kicks off, people from across the world are back in the city, some specifically for the fire dragon. Alex Grion, 16, is a tourist from France. “I enjoy the strong traditional Chinese culture atmosphere here,” he told The Young Reporter. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has a rich 180-year history. It originated from a folk story about a buddhist monk who was told to create a burning dragon out of incense to ward off pestilence. Nowadays, residents of the area create a dragon out of incense sticks and burn it during the three day Mid-Autumn festival celebration to wish for good luck.  The ritual has been recognised as a national heritage by the mainland  and Hong Kong in 2011 and 2017 respectively,  John Lau, a 50-year-old Tai Hang resident, was so excited and kept cheering.  “I have participated in this activity since I was a child. The dragon is a symbol of peace and happiness for us,” said John. The 67 metre dragon is traditionally carried by 300 of Tai Hang’s current and past residents, and stretches about the length of two blocks. Michelle Cheung, 60, runs a souvenir booth for the dragon dance. HIs products  range from T-shirts to commemorative dolls holding incense sticks.  The shop owner is glad to see the dragon’s comeback.  “After so many years of the epidemic, seeing so many people come to participate this year is actually a reflection of Hong Kong's renewed vitality. Because everyone had to stay at home and not …