TOP STORIES
Marathon organisers urge runners to monitor their conditions following a death
- 2024-01-23
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: ZHAO Runtong、LIU YutongEdited by: Ji Youn Lee、Juncong SHUAI
- 2024-01-23
Organisers of the annual Standard Chartered Marathon have reminded runners to “closely monitor their post-race physical condition and allow themselves recovery after the race.” The warning came after a 30-year-old participant collapsed at Tin Hau MTR station following the race. There were multiple injuries, according to the Hospital Authority. At 4 pm yesterday, a total of 39 runners had been admitted to hospital, with one death pending investigation and one in critical condition due to heart overload. As of Monday, he is still receiving medical treatment in Ruttonjee Hospital. The Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited stated their deepest condolences to the family of the deceased athlete and offered assistance as necessary. “Overexertion, heat stress, dehydration and cardiovascular issues could all be the cause of death in a marathon," said Dr. Hon Sze-sze, Principal Coordinator of Sports Program at Hong Kong Baptist University, "In order to avoid injuries, we should do foot preparation activities before the race and maintain appropriate fluid intake during the marathon.. If we feel ill, we must stop running to avoid overexertion,” she added. The Standard Chartered Marathon kicked off at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui at 6 am on Sunday. It included a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 10-kilometre challenge. Kenyan runner Seroi Anderson Saitoti, 31, won the men's overall full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 50 seconds. Medina Armino, 26, from Ethiopia won the women’s overall full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 47 seconds. Local athlete Yiu Kit-ching, 35, performed very well with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes and 9 seconds. Local runner, Wong Kai-lok, 28, said the route of the Standard Chartered Marathon is mostly mountain roads, which are more …
Taiwan Stock Exchange has no plan for virtual currency ETF
- 2024-01-12
- Business
- By: Junzhe JIANGEdited by: Junzhe JIANG
- 2024-01-12
Taiwan Stock Exchange doesn’t plan for virtual currency ETFs at the current stage based on the incomplete regulation of virtual currency after the first approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. “Although we are focusing on promoting ETF-related products now, we still need the government to make related regulations about the virtual currency,” said Yang Shin-Yin, Senior associate of corporate planning and Strategy Department from TWSE. The US SEC allowed 11 spot bitcoin ETF products to come into the market on Wednesday. After the statement, the price of Bitcoin rose about 3% to about US$ 47,000 (about HK$ 347,474.6) and recorded US$ 46,354.79 (about HK$ 362,577.9 ) at the close. Taiwan's ETF assets have grown by 12.83 times in the last decade and increased about 60.47% in the past year with Asia's Top 3 ETF market, according to the Taiwan Stock Exchange website. Crypto assets, including Bitcoin, are not considered legal currency in most parts of the world, including Taiwan. The US SEC emphasised that the approval of Bitcoin ETFs does not imply their endorsement of Bitcoin. "While we approved the listing and trading of certain spot bitcoin ETP shares today," said the US SEC in a statement, "we did not approve or endorse bitcoin. Investors should remain cautious about the myriad risks associated with bitcoin and products whose value is tied to crypto.”
Taiwan Election 2024: Nuclear power becomes the focus of energy policies
- 2024-01-12
- Society
- By: Man TSE、Yuchen LI、Junzhe JIANGEdited by: Junzhe JIANG
- 2024-01-12
Taipei (TYR) - With conflicting energy policies from three candidates, the Taiwan presidential election will be held on Jan. 13, which has become one of the major focuses among voters in Taiwan. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, three political parties propose different approaches. While the Kuomintang proposes to extend the use of the existing three nuclear power plants and restart the fourth plant, the Democratic Progressive Party and Taiwan People's Party focus on developing renewable energy, such as hydroelectric power, geothermal energy and ocean energy, to reduce dependence on nuclear power. In the past nearly eight years under Tsai Ing-wen’s government, Taiwan's electricity price has been raised by 23%; the most recent rise was about 11% in April 2023. According to the data from Taiwan Power Company, the latest average price of electricity in November was NT $3.09/ kWh (about HK$ 0.78/ kWh), which is 13.4% and 19.2% higher than the average price in the past two years, respectively. The research from Global Petrol Price.com shows that the world's average electricity price for family use in June 2023 was US$ 0.156/ kWh (about HK$ 1.25/ kWh), which was 76% higher than the average price in Taiwan in the same period. The average electricity price for businesses was US$0.153/ kWh (about HK$ 1.17/ kWh), recorded 39% higher than in the same period in Taiwan. Regarding the changes in electricity prices, residents in Taichung city said the increase in electricity prices is acceptable. “The prices of everything are rising, not only the electricity price but also the costs of food, transportation and housing. I think the increase in electricity prices is not a major burden,” said Marry Liao, a housewife living in Taichung. Data from the Taiwan Statistics Bureau shows that Taiwan's year-on-year CPI index increased by 2.5% in 2023, recording …
Overcoming Hurdles on the Trail: Two Teachers' Triumphs and Tribulations at Translantau 2023
- 2023-12-13
- Society
- By: KONG Tsz YuenEdited by: Ming Min AW YONG、Kei Tung LAM
- 2023-12-13
On the brisk morning of Saturday, Nov. 11, near Mui Wo Market, under a cloudy sky and a gentle breeze of 23C, over 780 runners were palpable and eagerly awaiting the start of the Translantau race. Cheers erupted as the starting gun echoed, capturing the moment of a challenging journey for Grace Law and Kam Wong. In 2023, the fastest woman in the 35–39 age group, Eszter Csillag, completed the Translantau 100 km race in 13 hours and 50 minutes. Law hoped to finish within 20 hours and 30 minutes. Grace Law, 35, a secondary school English teacher, aims to complete her 100-kilometre race, while Kam Wong, 58, a secondary school PE teacher, aims to complete the 50-kilometre Translantau race in 12 hours without injuries. Law and Wong dedicated significant time to preparing for the race, including researching energy gels for the last six months and developing customised food approaches, like Onigiri, a plant-based snack with a sour and sweet flavour resistant to spoilage. Besides food preparation, Law has also divided the route and exercised several times in various conditions, including on the road down the mountain during an evening downpour. At the same time, Wong challenged herself by walking 27 kilometres on the road near her home, more than she had ever walked before, making her doubt if she could finish the upcoming 50-kilometre race. Undeterred by the challenges of the rocky terrain, Law walked through Kau Ling Chung, determined to reach her destination in Tai O. Even though she witnessed others vomiting along the way, Law stayed strong and continued on the race. "My psychological quality seems to be better," she said. Based on the GPS tracking runners ' progress, the organiser's live truck reported that Law was heading to Ngong Ping. Considering her previous checkpoint time, it …
For Hong Kong's first Filipino domestic helper dragon boat team, paddling empowers their community and women
- 2023-12-12
- Society
- By: Jemima BadajosEdited by: Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-12-12
As the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Gala 2023 kicked off at Tai Pak Beach, it was a homecoming for Filipino Dynamo, Hong Kong’s first Filipino domestic helper dragon boat team, as they were going to compete where they first began. Filipino Dynamo was first founded in January 2018 by Liza Avelino, a Filipino domestic helper, who used to compete in a mixed dragon boat team. She wanted to start a team of her own, composed of female Filipino domestic helpers. When it first started, the team recruited helpers who had little to no experience in paddling. Over the years, Filipino Dynamo has proved itself on a competitive level, recently winning 1st runner-up in the Sinopec Ladies Race at the Gala. Although dragon boating has been around for more than a thousand years, Hong Kong has propelled it forward into a ‘modern sport’. This year, 43 local and international dragon boat races were held, according to the Dragon Boat Hong Kong. The Filipino Dynamo team aims to join at least one race every season. However, dragon boat racing is also an expensive sport. To compete in the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Gala, the ladies race category alone costs HK$3,800 to register. Without a dragon boat and parking space licence, the group also has to rely on sponsorships and club membership fees to rent out boats for water training. Most domestic helpers have Sundays as their day off, with plenty that can be seen gathering with their friends in public areas. By law, domestic helpers are required to have a 24-hour rest period every week. But for Filipino Dynamo members, they spend their one day-off training for the next race. Their training regime consists of a mix of yoga, circuit, and strength training on land and paddling techniques in water. With “Empowered …
The once-in-a-decade Yuen Long Jiao Festival prays for peace and harmony on its neighbourhood
- 2023-12-12
- Society
- By: Jemima Badajos、Tsz Wing CHANEdited by: Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-12-12
The Yuen Long Jiao Festival carried out its day-long religious ritual as it marked its 100th anniversary. The district-wide festival has been held every 10 years in Yuen Long since its establishment in 1923, celebrating through a series of religious rituals, arts and cultural performances, and competitions.
A glimpse inside Hong Kong’s iconic Choi Hung Estate amidst redevelopment talks
- 2023-12-12
- Society
- By: James Ezekiel Kalaw MODESTOEdited by: Ho Yi CHEUNG
- 2023-12-12
Choi Hung Estate, one of Hong Kong's iconic urban photography spots, is set to undergo phased redevelopment, according to local media. With its construction dating back to the early 60s, Choi Hung Estate stands as one of Hong Kong's largest and earliest public housing estates, situated in the Wong Tai Sin District. The housing complex spans over 5.1 hectares and consists of 11 blocks comprising 7,400 flats that provide homes for more than 17,000 residents. In the past, Choi Hung Estate was visited by members of the Royal Family, including Princess Margaret in 1966 and foreign dignitaries, such as US’s Richard Nixon in 1964 before his assumption as the nation’s leader in 1969. The estate, managed by the city's Housing Authority, attracts both locals and tourists due to its rainbow-coloured buildings. Most notably, the basketball courts within the estate serve as popular backdrops for photos, with their vibrant walls complementing the snapshots taken there. Beyond its colourful exterior walls and “social media-worthy” appeal, Choi Hung Estate buzzes with everyday scenes of people engaged in their daily routines, as well as the vibrant presence of shops and other amenities, mirroring the essence of any residential community.
GDL Causes Massive Train Service Disruptions in Germany
- 2023-12-12
- Society
- By: Tsz Yau CHANEdited by: Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-12-12
Germany's GDL train drivers' union has announced a strike from Thursday afternoon until Friday evening, impacting both freight and passenger trains. The strike, a result of an ongoing wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn, will commence at 6pm local time for freight traffic and 10pm for passenger trains, concluding on Friday at 10pm. Travelers with planned journeys during this period faced significant disruptions and cancellations. The GDL strike prompted the Deutsche Bahn to implement extensive restrictions, affecting services from Thursday evening until Friday. Freja Olsson, a 22- year-old student had to book a hotel in a hurry as her train from Prague to Hamburg was canceled, spending over EUR$85 (HK$700) for a hostel in Dresden Germany. “There had been multiple strikes in Germany this year and it had affected my traveling plans as they were all announced in a rush,” Olsson said. According to the Deutsche Bahn’s website, affected travelers have the option to postpone their journey without any time limit, use valid tickets even if the route changes, cancel seat reservations for free, or receive a full refund without deductions for complete journey cancellations due to the GDL strike. Another traveller, William Anderson, 35, is planning to spend the night at the train station till midnight until the train returns to normal service. “I have gotten used to the strikes, it’s just normal to me,” Anderson said calmly. The GDL, in its pursuit of better working conditions, is demanding a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for shift workers without salaries being cut, which Deutsche Bahn has refused. Additionally, they seek an increase of EUR$555 (HK$4,675 ) per month and a one-off inflation compensation bonus of EUR$3,000 (HK$25,271). Deutsche Bahn has said it made an offer that amounts to an 11 per cent raise. Negotiations …
Budapest's Advent Basilica Secures Fourth Consecutive Win as Best Christmas Market in Europe
- 2023-12-12
- Society
- By: Tsz Yau CHANEdited by: Wisha LIMBU
- 2023-12-12
Budapest's Advent Basilica has clinched the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe for the fourth consecutive year, as declared by European Best Destinations. The market, featuring 150 exhibitors showcasing Hungarian crafts and culinary delights, welcomes visitors until Jan 1. European Best Destinations organised the extensive vote, with over 590,000 travellers from around the world participating in the selection process. Advent Basilica's win attests to its universal appeal, enchanting visitors with its festive charm and cultural richness. Advent Basilica, themed "Where love takes your hand," is open to the public from November 17 to January 1 in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. This year's festivities maintain the market's 13-year tradition, offering a charming atmosphere with an estimated 100 domestic craft exhibitors, traditional Hungarian dishes, an ice-skate rink, and musical programs. Connie Corvet, a 27-year-old tourist from the UK, expressed her delight while savouring a warm cup of hot chocolate in the freezing weather, “This is one of the best Christmas markets I've ever been to. The atmosphere, light shows, and food are all amazing.” Mm Mark, a 20-year-old entrepreneur, and his father set up a stall selling hot beverages. Mark shared, “We chose to set up a stall here since this is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe.” The exceptional achievement of triumphing four times as the best European Christmas market underscores the Advent market's enduring appeal and widespread popularity. Its unique blend of Hungarian crafts, delectable culinary offerings, and a festive ambiance has consistently outshone competitors, making it a standout destination. Advent Basilika, organiser of Budapest Christmas Market, has high hopes for this year’s Christmas. “2023 will also be a year of miracles, as the beauty of the holiday will move to Szent István Square in Budapest.”
TYR Awards 2023
- 2023-12-04
- By: EditorEdited by: Editor
- 2023-12-04
TYR Awards 2023 Spot News First Place: Sia Rui, Rebecca Yang, Anthony Ho for Typhoon Koinu leaves thousands stranded at Hong Kong airport Runner-up: James Modesto, Annie Cheung for Migrating birds draw crowds at Kwun Tong Promenade Best Video Spot News First Place: Jemima Badajos, Mollie Hib, Wisha Limbu for The Lamma 500 International Dragon Boat Festival returns after three years Runner-up: Hayley Lei, Emily Chan, Toby Ng for The 25th Standard Chartered Marathon Best News Feature First Place: Dhuha Al-Zaidi, Ming Min Aw Yong for Hong Kong Sevens: tournament breaks gender barrier as women play alongside men for the first time Runner-up: Jemima Badajos, Ming Min Aw Yong for Young children adjust to “new normal” after mask mandate ends Best Video Feature First Place: Winona Cheung, Renee Tsang, Warren Leung for World's first Frozen-themed land opens at Hong Kong Disneyland Runner-up: Brian Ng, Vivian Miu, Warren Leung for “Seed to Cup” promotes coffee farming culture in Hong Kong Best Investigative Story First Place: Nicole Chu, Annie Cheung for Blood Shortage Crisis Threatens Patients in China Runner-up: Sia Rui, Tom Shuai, Mollie Hib, Gini Pandey for Chengdu celebrates New year with Fireworks despite Ban Best Environment Story First Place: Nicole Chu, Tom Shui, Beata Mo for Sweltering summers challenge residents of "pigeon cages" as temperatures soar Runner-up: Emily Chan, Marcus Lum, Warren Leung for Climate change takes a toll on construction workers Best Society Story First Place: Nicole Chu, Tom Shuai, Beata Mo for Graffiti art risks breaking national security law Runner-up: Edith Wang, Eric Jiang, Beata Mo for Doctor workload surges as China eases Covid 19 restrictions Best Culture Story First Place: Ji Youn Lee, Carman Wong, Aruzhan Zeinulla for Board games help build post-pandemic friendships Runner-up: Siena Cheung, Joy Gao for Young adults play hide-and-seek with modern technology …