Homelessness in Sham Shui Po

A Home away from Home The Forgotten Names of Hong Kong Homelessness in Sham Shui Po

What are the original names of the places we Filipinos in Hong Kong start The high cost of real estate is pushing more businesses that reflect their national lived in? identity people to become homeless

P4 P8 P18 THE YOUNG REP RTER

magazineDEC 2016

THE FORGOTTEN NAMES OF HONG KONG In This Issue

4 A Home away from Home 8 The Forgotten Names of Hong 14 Street Bazaar Livens up a Kong Neighbourhood Filipinos in Hong Kong start businesses that reflect their What are the original names of Kweilin day bazaar organisers national identity the places we lived in? fight for jawker licences NEWS NEWS FEATURE

6 Halal Food: A Cultural Bridge 12 Art in Architecture 18 Homelessness in Sham Shui Po

A business uses food as a bridge Local architects explore thw world The high cost of real estate is for female enpowerment and of construction pushing more people to become

cultural exchange NEWS homeless PHOTO ESSAY PHOTO magazineTHE YOUNG REP RTER Editor-in-Chief Advisers Letter from the Editor Jon Chan Robin Ewing Jenny Lam Deputy Editors Hilda Lo Editors As the year 2016 draws to an end, let declared invalid by the Legislative Lindsy Long Jonathan Chan us have a recap of the major events Council secretary-general. The Candice Tang Michelle Chan that took place this year. incident eventually led to the Kary Hsu Social Media and Web Alvin Kor NPCSC’s decisions to interpret the Ann Li Editors The “Fishball riot” broke out on the Basic Law regarding oath-taking, Anna Tang Janet Sun Catherine Xu second day of Lunar New Year. It which sparked protest from the Julianna Wu escalated from a police crackdown legal sector as well as pan-dems. Charlotte Yang Reporters on illegal hawkers into a riot that Morris Chan involved vandalism and arsoning. Coming towards the end of 2016, the Video Editors Angela Cheung Two shots were fired by the police, Chief Executive election race began Sharon Shi Emily Cheung Sharon Tang and weeks after that, more than 70 to take place. Incumbent Chief Paulus Choy Natalie Wong Connie Fong people were arrested with relation Executive CY Leung announced Susan Gao to the event. that he will not seek a second Art Directors James Ho term. Potential candidates began to Aaron Au Sean Hsu After that came the closing of announce their decision to join the Phoebe Chau Nicole Kwok 59-year-old ATV, one of the two free election. The nomination period Arisa Lai Celia Lai Rainie Lam TV stations in Hong Kong. Despite will commence in February, and Alfred Lam Daisy Lee multiple attempts by investors to candidates will need to gain at least Public Relations Officer Sing Lee fund the operation of the company, 150 nominations in order to become Flavia Wong Isabella Lo ATV could not maintain financial an official candidate. Tiffany Lui balance. Liquidators eventually Distribution Officers Winnie Ngai Choco Chan took over and dismissed over 400 2017 will bring major change to Jianne Soriano Herbert Cheung Crystal Tai staffs of the company. Hong Kong, with a new leader Choco Tang elected, there will undoubtedly Copy Editors Henry Wong A major event that took place this bring new challenges as well Ng Yi Shu Cecilia Wong year was the Legislative Council as opportunities to this city. As Taja Strle Emily Xu Election in September. A record- journalists, it is our responsibility Richelia Yeung Publisher Tracy Zhang breaking number of more than to be at the frontline and relay the Alice Lee 2,200,000 people, or 58% of the news to the public. In the coming Design Adviser total eligible voters casted their vote year, our team will continue to Wade Chan in the election. Andrew Leung was work hard and bring you local news The Young Reporter later elected as the new Legislative on our social media pages, so please Printer Volume 49 No. 3 Department of Journalism Council President. stay tuned to our Facebook and 2016 School of Communication Hong Kong Baptist Twitter accounts. University After that came the oath-taking incident. Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching were removed of their Hilda Lo seats because their oaths were Deputy Editor EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE tyr.hk 4 •NEWS

BUSINESS A Home away from Home Filipinos in Hong Kong start businesses that reflect their national identity

Does Hong Kong appreciate public art?

Foodtrip’s ambience echoes the typical Filipino eatery.

Amidst the busy streets and loud working as domestic helpers on specific born here. voices of vendors and tourists on work visas. But a number of Filipinos The idea of their business came Temple Street is Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong have opened their own from their cousin’s wedding in the Foodtrip Bendanas. Opened in 2008, businesses, breaking stereotypes and Philippines, so when they found this family-run business is among the providing services to the local and out that photobooth services were oldest Hong Kong restaurants serving foreign communities despite language expensive in Hong Kong, they started authentic Filipino food. barriers. their own and it helped support their Foodtrip Bendanas offers outdoor “By having my own business here, children and other expenses. dining with plastic stools and folding we can help to dispel the stereotype “But language is the main obstacle tables typical of the carinderias, a local that all Filipinos in Hong Kong are low in my daily life,” Ms Almero said. “If eatery serving fast and affordable food skilled and give us more of an edge,” you are not fluent in Cantonese, it will in the Philippines. Ms Vitero said. hinder you from a lot of opportunities.” “It definitely connects us as Filipinos Jenell Almero, the owner of a photo The Filipino ethnic minority group is because not only do we serve Filipino booth service, Snap Hong Kong, agrees. the least fluent in Cantonese in Hong food, we also serve Filipino customers Ms Almero said her family-run Filipino Kong, according to a report from who, like us, want to eat food from business makes them feel known and the Zubin Foundation, a Hong Kong home,” said Joyce Vitero, the manager trusted as a part of the community in based charity. Less than 25 percent of of the restaurant. “The ambience is Hong Kong. them speak the dialect. They are also very close and intimate,” she added. Though she was not born in Hong second to Indonesians, with 94.4 per According to government statistics, Kong, Ms Almero holds permanent cent of them most likely to end up in 96.8 per cent of Filipinos in Hong Kong residency after being here for 22 years. elementary occupations. are in low skilled jobs, most of them Her children on the other hand, were But Ms Vitero said she makes up NEWS • 5

(Top) Jacob Tang says his customers are a mix of Chinese and Filipinos alike.

(Bottom-left/ right) Snaps HK provides photobooth services for special occasions and events.

Foodtrip’s ambience echoes the typical Filipino eatery.

for that through her efforts at work. they have to be mindful not to fall into “We always make sure to serve the the stereotypes themselves when they customers with love. That’s our main create their products,” he said. ingredient because we put ourselves For example, tailoring or curry shops in the customer’s shoes and imagine are stereotypical jobs for Indians, what it’s like if we were the ones being construction workers for Nepali and served,” she said. domestic helpers for Filipinos. “I always make sure there is a personal Jacob Tang, the owner of Lucky6 touch,” echoes Ms Almero. “It’s not Tattoo, is half Filipino and half Props are available to be used while taking the only about serving Hong Kong people Chinese. He is fluent in both Tagalog photos. or bringing Filipino things here but also and Cantonese. about keeping your Filipino values.” He said for a business such as Professor John Erni of the Department tattooing, it is important to understand of Language and Humanities at Hong your customers. His are mostly Kong Baptist University said that the Filipinos and Chinese. inability to speak Cantonese can be a “I identify myself as a Filipino in Hong major hindrance for ethnic minorities Kong,” Mr Tang said. setting up businesses. “Hong Kong is really my home, but I “It is one thing if they want to start think that wherever you go or stay, the a business selling products to local Filipino in you will never go away,” he Lechon Kawali is one of Foodtrip’s most beloved Chinese people, but quite another if added. By Richelia Yeung they concentrate on creativity and make Edited by Janet Sun products that transcend languages. But 6 •NEWS

BUSINESS Halal Food: A Cultural Bridge A business uses food as a bridge for female empowerment and cultural exchange

“Ding!” A message came in.

Ruby Begum, a 40-year-old Pakistani housewife, smiled as she packed the halal food she cooked for hours using meat and ingredients bought from a special Muslim food factory. She placed it carefully into a lunchbox, making sure it wouldn’t spill out and that is looked good.

At a MTR Station, Ms Begum handed the lunchbox to a customer. “How was the food yesterday?” she asked.

“That was really good. Could I order two more for my col- leagues tomorrow?” Ms Begum smiled again. She is not only a housewife but also a home chef for Chefo!, a social enterprise in Hong Kong that offers a plat- form for customers to connect with ethnic minorities by ordering their traditional food while con- tributing to their livelihoods.

However, the operation was Home chefs are serving Chicken beryani at a fund-raising event for Refugees in suspended few months ago due Wan Chai. to lack of food licenses. participation rate in the work- only for family, but now they are force in Hong Kong. cooking for an audience. People “What I really want to send is not appreciate them and love their the food but the purpose,” said Ya- Yasir aimed to find a solution food.” sir Naveed, 26, founder of Chefo!, that would benefit these women “which is female empowerment without being too invasive to Yasir also organized events inviting and culture exchange.” their normal life. He developed a people to see how home chefs cook. business they can do from home. People were generally appreciative Yasir said that in many ethnic These women were already cook- and grateful, he said. It also allowed minority communities in Hong ing everyday but through Chefo! the home chefs to talk to people Kong, women don’t have the same it has become a profession and from different ethnic groups and opportunities as men. They are a way to connect to the outside backgrounds. less able to obtain proper educa- world. tion and work outside of their “Our home chefs felt very power- homes. “They feel really proud and ful at that time,” Yasir said. “ They happy,” Yasir stated in a recent felt they were exactly the same as Pakistani women have the lowest interview. “They used to cook people sitting in the audience. But NEWS • 7

Chefo! can handle around 20 in- dividual orders and many group orders per week.

“We are at our early stage,” Yasir said. “We haven’t made profits but are close to break even.”

But the business has to pause op- erations due to licensing issues, he said.

For working and delivering food, the housewives need either a restaurant license or a food factory Chefo provided Vegetarian samosa fried in Olive Oil in Wan Chai. license to operate, according to Food and Environmental Hygiene they don’t know that guy might be education and daily lives. Department. the director of Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong.” Another reason for starting the A solution could be that the business is food availability. As a housewives move from home to Chefo! not only provides a way Muslim, Yasir finds it difficult to a restaurant or food factory, he for housewives to connect to the find food he can eat. said. outside world, but also for people While there are about 300,000 outside to know and understand Muslims in Hong Kong , there However, Mr Yasir has no plans ethnic minority communities. are only 62 certified halal food to open a restaurant himself. Yasir notes that the majority of outlets and restaurants. his customers are non-Muslim “If I open a restaurant, I would be local people. In September, McDonald’s, KFC the typical businessman, focus- and Pizza Hut rejected a call by ing on money, with no empathy Yasir believes that in Hong Kong, Hong Kong chief imam to offer towards housewives,” he said. people are prejudiced towards halal food in their restaurants. minorities, particularly those After pausing operation, Mr Yasir from Pakistan and Nepal. He Singh Beant, 29, a shipping su- said many customers came to thinks one reason is that these pervisor in a trading company them and try to help them out. groups are not well-integrated in and a regular Chefo! customer, “They are emotionally attached society. stated that while Halal food to it,” he said. restaurants are mostly located A report conducted by the Univer- in Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po Mr Yasir said people don’t just sity of Hong Kong found that the and Kwai Chung, Muslims are come to them for delicious darker the skin color ( Africans were everywhere, so it’s difficult for homemade food, they also excluded from the report), the less them to get food. believe in the purpose. They accepted minorities are in different believe Chefo! can help them spheres of life. Beant said he appreciates Chefo! contribute to another person’s as they provide good food plus livelihood who otherwise may Another study stated that only the opportunity to contribute to not have the opportunity 62.6 per cent of people accepted lives of housewives and single to express their talent and Pakistanis in their neighborhoods mothers.”The food is the authen- creativity. and less than 60 per cent ac- tic taste of my hometown,” said cepted their children mingling Mr Beant, “and the home chefs By Susan Gao with Pakistanis and Nepalis in are very kind and cheerful.” Edited by Jonathan Chan CY 8 •FEATURE

THE FORGOTTEN NAMES OF HONG KONG What are the original names of the places we lived in?

Many distinctive and meaning- Railway, or MTR stations. ful district names in Hong Kong As time goes by, these names of have been replaced and forgotten districts have been changed or over time. replaced because of social, politi- People often name their neigh- cal, economic or cultural reasons. bourhoods so that they can be The naming of an MTR station in easily remembered and recog- Ho Man Tin recently, for exam- nised. Like most places around ple, was controversial. the world, Hong Kong is made up Alan Cheung Ka-lun, founder of of many districts and residents a “Protect Hong Kong Names” usually identify themselves as lo- campaign, said the station cals of their nearest Mass Transit should be named “Lo Lung FEATURE • 9

THE FORGOTTEN NAMES OF HONG KONG What are the original names of the places we lived in?

Hang” instead because that’s company. where the station is actually Lo Lung Hang literally means located . old dragon’s lair in Chinese. Mr. He set up his Facebook page Cheung explained that it’s be- three years ago, in order to raise cause the district lies in a valley. awareness of original Hong Kong Its spur extends towards Kwun district names. Yam Temple in Hung Hom, and He made the suggestion to the it looks like a sleeping old dragon MTR Corporation before the from a bird’s eye view. station was officially named “Ho The district of Ho Man Tin Man Tin” But all he got was a meanwhile has changed and thank you note from the railway expanded over the past decades. 10 •FEATURE Originally, it was adjacent to Argyle Street, the present Na- than Road and Quarry Hill, No.12 Hill and current Kadoorie Hill. Lo Lung Hang, the juncture of Chung Hau Street and Chatham Road North, is where the “Ho Man Tin” station is situated. Cheung said that as more and more public estates were built, the boundaries Ho Man Tin expanded to the No.12 Hill, Lo Lung Hang. The size of Ho Man Tin today is has five times what it was in 1924. No.12 Hill is no longer on the government’s district map. Oi Man Estate is supposed to benefit from the opening up of Kok before the establishment of Ho Man Tin station. But it takes Mei Foo Sun Chuen. Near Tseung nearly 20 minutes to walk from Kwan O, Lohas Park MTR Sta- Ho Man Tin station to Oi Man tion is named after Lohas Park, a Estate Shopping Centre. landmark residential estate. But “I don’t think the station is Lohas Park station is actually meant to serve those of us living located in Siu Chik Cha. in Oi Man Estate or Ho Man Tin “ I am afraid that one day, all the Estate. It takes even more time to original names of the places in walk back home from the station Hong Kong will be changed be- than from Mong Kok station,” Mr cause of property development. Yau, a resident of Oi Man Estate, The city will then merely aim at told TYR. selling properties,” Cheung said. Cheung believed that the choice Anthony Chan Tin-kuen, a local of station names has to do with historian who has done extensive property development from the research on local culture, said MTR’s point of view.“ Lo Lung that the construction of MTR Hang, he believed, sounds too stations have created new names. grass-root. It is not a suitable or For example, Tin Hau in Cause- attractive name for residents’ way Bay, Fortress Hill in North with addresses in luxury real Point and Jordan in Yau Ma Tei. estates,” he added. Chan also said that some of the Besides Ho Man Tin, there are names were changed because many other names of places that they were thought to be not at- have been replaced because of tractive in Cantonese. For exam- property development. Cheung ple, Tai Mei Tuk , in which “mei” explained that the area surround- means tail, is replaced by a dif- ing Mei Foo belonged to Lai Chi ferent word that means beauty. In Cantonese, “tail” means the last one, which has an unlucky meaning. Also, although the first words are pronounced the same in Cantonese, “Yam O” has changed to “Sunny Bay” because, FEATURE • 11

in Cantonese, Yam means the hell Lung Hang Station. Seen the re- in Cantonese. sult, 481 of 849 voters (56.6%) are Chan blamed it on the fact that for the name of “Valley Station”. the government and the MTR “What I have been doing is to Corporation have control over raise public awareness on the the names of places. Plus he need to be connected with our believed that most Hong Kong land again,” he said. people do not care about history and do not have any opinion on “ I am afraid that the matter one day, all the origi- Mr Wong has lived in Ho Man nal names of the Tin for more than 40 years, but he knew nothing about Lo Lung places in Hong Kong Hang. “I did not know about it will be changed be- until I saw the related news on social media,” he said. cause of property Cheung held a public vote on development.” November 20th and 21st on the change of Ho Man Tin station’s name. There are three names Alan Cheung Ka-lun nominated by the public before Alan Cheung said the name of Ho Man Tin Founder of a “Protect Station is unreasonable. It does not belong to the referendum: Valley Station, the Ho Man Tin. Hung Hom North Station and Lo Hong Kong Names” By Emily Xu campaign Edited by Kary Hsu 12 •NEWS

PEOPLE Art in Architecture

Local architects explore the world of construction

The very mention of architecture in the Green Dock in the Oil Street art think all of us would like to create a Hong Kong may bring to mind a con- space, a bamboo pavilion at the West special architectural language, which crete jungle of commercial buildings. Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, can showcase our local characters,” But architecture art group, Atelier and the lighting installation “Roast- said Mr Yip. J-AR, aims to break the stereotype by ed Legoosey” displayed at the Hong Kacey Wong Kwok-choi, an artist combining art installation, video and Kong Architecture Exhibition 2015, and architect who focuses on social furniture with construction. are examples of “juxta-architecture”, issues in Hong Kong, agreed. “Light Columns”, an example of created by AJ-JR. “The Hong Kong Tourism Board their work, is on display at an exhi- “We want to make architecture clos- doesn’t need to tell others what our bition held by the Hong Kong Trade er to humans so that people can sit, culture is. People can feel it by walk- Development Council. The piece is touch, feel, and develop a close rela- ing in the city, appreciating the ar- made of disused bamboo to produce tionship with the pieces,” Mr Wyan chitecture nearby, and feeling the art a lamp-like installation, focusing on Yeung said. surrounding them,” said Mr Wong, the inner beauty of the stems. For the founders, architectural art “we just need better development in “Architecture is the process of crea- is also an alternative to the works by architectural art.” tion and it can be implied to any me- mainstream studios. Although the Wong’s work “Paddling Home”, a dium,” said Wyan Yeung Li-shung, pieces do not generate much profit, four by four feet floating house com- one of the four founders of AJ-AR. the founders believe they encourage plete with furnitures, television and “It should not be restricted to any the development of architectural art air conditioner, is a reflection on the scale or format,” he added. in Hong Kong. crazy property market and the poor “The process of generating ideas, Angus Yip, another founder of AJ- accommodation in Hong Kong. The making designs, finalizing details AR, said that architectural art is im- house was on display in Victoria Har- and applying specific skills in making portant to the city because it could bor in 2009. bamboo installation are the same as showcases the unique culture of Another one of his design, “Wan- those in building constructions,” he Hong Kong. dering Home”, features the concept said. “People would first know a city by of mobile home and homeless issue Interactive installations such as its architecture. As an architect, I in Hong Kong. It was selected to rep-

1. Wyan Yeung Li-shung 2. “Roasted Legoosey“ 3. “Light Columns“ 4. The Green Dock 5. Angus Yip 3 5

1 2 4 NEWS • 13 NEWS • 13

PEOPLE Art in Architecture

resent Hong Kong in La Biennale di ers or the clients. They would choose and organized, like the move you can Venezia, an annual international ar- to follow the routine to reduce the do and the paint you can draw in a chitecture exhibition. cost and ensure sales,” Mr Yip said. play area. What is the opportunity to Wong hoped his work can be a so- Tieben Hendrik, director of the create when there is no space that we cial statement as well as functional urban design program from the can experiment with?” he said. architecture. Chinese University of Hong Kong “I think architecture is about hu- agreed that local architecture is too By Emily Cheung manity and its ultimate goal is to commercial. Edited by Flavia Wong bring joy to the people,” he said, “the “Constructions nowadays are built joy can be brought by factionalism more for the speculative market, and of architecture, but it can also be this makes architecture less interest- brought by reflectiveness of archi- ing than those built in the early days tecture.” of Hong Kong,” he said, “Looking He believed functionalism is over back at the buildings from the 1950s emphasized in Hong Kong architec- to 1980s, they attracted the best ar- ture nowadays, while the humanity chitects and photographers from and art in architecture are underval- over the world,” ued. Mr Hendrik is also worried that “Even if you have an idea that is out creativity in Hong Kong would be of the box, it is hard to execute with- suppressed. out the agreement from the develop- “Every inch of space is packaged

7 8

Alerted by the recent political incidents 6-8. Floating house happen in Hong Kong these years, “Paddling Home” Kacey Wong creates “Independence 9 9. “Wandering Space” Shooting” to show the absurd localism (Eggette Bar) suppression in the city. 14 •NEWS

SOCIETY Street Bazaar Livens up a Neighbourhood

Kweilin day bazaar organisers fight for hawker licences

Twenty stall owners gathered Oct. 30 in Yunnan Lane in Yau Ma Tei to share music, henna painting, food and handicrafts with the neighbourhood. Without any official approval, it was meant to be an act of defiance against the government’s refusal to issue them hawker licences. Shirley Hui Sum-yee, the co-organiser of the Kweilin day bazaar, said “the bazaar is a project of legislator Lau Siu-lai’s Democracy Groundwork. The purpose of our bazaar is to fight for itinerant hawker licences for ordinary people who wish to sell cooked food or light refreshment,” she said.” The Department instigated 254 2015. See references below. The day bazaar was named prosecutions against unlicensed A five-year voluntary surrender after the Kweilin night bazaar cooked food hawkers in 2015. scheme was introduced in 2002 on Kweilin Street in the Lunar The district with the highest to encourage “Dai Pai Tong” New Years before 2015. The number of prosecutions is Yuen licensees and itinerant hawkers Kweilin night bazaar was mainly Long, at 78; while six other to surrender their licences consisted of hawkers without districts had no prosecution, voluntarily in exchange for proper hawker licences. according to the annex to a a one-off ex gratia payment, The night bazaar was not held written reply by Secretary for rental of a vacant stall in public anymore after five Sham Shui Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing- markets or cooked food centres Po district councillors urged man, to legislator Chan Kin-por under concessionary terms, or the Food and Environmental in the Legislative Council on becoming a (non-cooked food) Department said the licensed June 15 fixed pitch hawker. hawkers disturbed the According to the Food and Under the current system, neighbourhood with noise and Environmental Hygiene General Fixed-Pitch Hawker rubbish. Department, the total number Licence can be transferred to the The Food and Environmental of Fixed-Pitch Hawker Licences “immediate family member” of Hygiene Department responded (including “Dai Pai Tongs”) the licensee (i.e. parent, spouse, with legal enforcement against and Itinerant Hawker Licences son or daughter) or succeeded by unlicensed hawkers. Lawmaker in Hong Kong decreased from them. But the second generation Lau Siu-lai was arrested and 6 594 to 5703 and 552 to 430 licencees cannot pass their fined for illegal hawking in the respectively from 30 November licences to the third generation. Kweilin Night Bazaar in 2015. 2008 to the end of December Every licence, other than a NEWS • 15

temporary licence, has to be where there were enough markets thrive. renewed every 12 months after passers-by and space. “I am here to share my music issuance with an application “Most streets are designed for with people who truly appreciate form and a fee. Succession to pedestrians only. We cannot it,” said musician Anthony Kwan and transfer of Itinerant Hawker hold the bazaar in any area Cheung-man. “Hawkers as an Licence are not allowed. that is regulated by a specific occupation can feed a lot of Hui admitted that the bazaar department, be it a park under families. But regulations make it also has its problems. “The the LCSD or an area under the difficult for hawkers to survive.” hawkers are taking advantage of Housing Authority,” she said. The hawking culture emerged grey areas in the law,” she said. The Kweilin day bazaar is in the 1880s and peaked in the Strictly speaking, the stall different from other street 1950s and 1960s. But the former owners in the Kweilin day bazaar markets in Mongkok, Stanley or Urban Council had stopped are not hawking, because the Sham Shui Po, where vendors issuing new hawker licences prices are not fixed. Patrons hold Fixed-pitch Hawker under normal circumstances. can pay as much as they want. Licences. Following the hawker licensing Strictly speaking, the food “People should understand policy review concluded in early stalls are not cooking, because that hawkers are not only for the 2009, the Director of Food and there is no fire or stove. All the grassroots , and shopping malls Environmental Hygiene had, food shared were prepared are not the only places to make during the period from July beforehand. Strictly speaking, purchases,” Ms Hui said. “People 2009 to April 2012, completed they are not blocking the streets, can exchange, buy cheaper goods the issuing of 61 new Itinerant because they only occupy a third and enjoy local snacks on street (Frozen Confectionery) and 218 of the streets. Strictly speaking, stalls.“ new Fixed Pitch (Other Classes) they are not hawking, because Some of the stall owners at Hawker Licences. But no new they do not really have hawker Kweilin street bazaar believe itinerant hawker licences for licences. that government guidelines on cooked food or light refreshment The biggest difficulty for Ms how people can sell their wares was issued. Hui in organizing the bazaars and share their handicrafts in was to find the right locations public spaces will help these 16 •NEWS

Eric Ho, a volunteer of general affairs at Kweilin day bazaar, said he hoped more hawker licences can be issued. “The marketshould not be dominated by huge corporations. Hawkers should be given licences if they can self-regulate, for example, by not blocking the streets or disrupt traffic.” “The variety of commodities is what makes this bazaar special. It caters for the neighbourhood’s needs and creates social cohesion,” said Michael Cheung, another volunteer. He pointed out that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) placed a dozen giant garden decorations and drew yellow lines to stop the hawkers from using Yunnan Lane, which occupied a thirds of the bazaar . “They deprive people of their rights to use public space,” he said. “If a bazaar is regulated well, people can happily chat and eat, and the hawkers can earn a living.” Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said in a written reply to legislator Chan Kin-por in the Legislative Council on June 15, that the government is open-minded towards the idea of open air bazaars at suitable locations. “The government will render assistance to bazaar proposals as long as they do not jeopardise food safety, environmental hygiene, or obstruct public access,” he said.

Reported by Alfred Lam Edited by Lindsy Long NEWS • 17

Write to us. We will publish your letters in the magazine and on our website.

[email protected] The Young Reporter run by HKBU journalism students since 1969 18 •PHOTO ESSAY Two street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street sleepers to light once again this winter. Photo Essay Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it.

However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications. Two street Homelessness in Sham Shui Po sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street s Two street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street sleepers to light once again this winter. The high cost of real estate is pushing more people to become homeless Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it.

However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications.

Chu Pak-ming, who has been living on the street for seven years said there is an increasing demand for public housing and the government is not offering sufficient help to the poor. Two street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street sleepers to light once again this winter. Two street sleepers were found Chu Pak-ming, who has been “The government is not doing Choi Kwok-hung, 46, unemployed, said he has been waiting for public housing for two years. Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it. dead next to Tung Chau Street living on the street for seven anything to help us!” Wah “ I was offered a flat in Tin Shui Wai, but the location is too inconvenient,” Mr Choi said. However,Temporary what the homeless Marketpeople from Tung in ChauSham Street ShuiTemporary Marketyears mainly saidwant is forthere the government is an toincreasing provide more subsidies andretorted. speed up their “Thepublic housing rent applications. is too Twohigh street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street s Two street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Po on November 17. And these demand for public housing and and even rent for a shop is hardly A former hawker, Wah, 70, said it is not feasible to ask the government for more financial help or increase supply of public housing because the problem is rooted in the current administration. Sham Shuitwo Po on sudden November 17. deaths And these two have sudden brought deaths have brought the problem government of street sleepers is to lightnot once offering again this winter. affordable for small business “The government is not doing anything to help us!” Wah retorted. “The rent is too high and even rent for a shop is hardly affordable for small business owners.” Due to coldthe weather, problem the homeless of instreet Tung Chau sleepers Street Temporary to market wouldsufficient stay at some ofhelp their friends’ to the homes poor. or the temporary cold shelterowners.” to withstand it. light once again this winter. Choi Kwok-hung, 46, The number of homeless The number of homeless people hit an all-time high last year. The figure increased nearly threefold from 600 in 2004 to 1614 in 2015, according to a survey conducted by five universities and four non- However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications. Due to cold weather, the unemployed, said he has been people hit an all-time high governmental organisations. homeless in Tung Chau Street waiting for public housing for last year. The figure increased Chu Pak-ming, who has been living on the street for seven years said there is an increasing demand for public housing and the government is not offering sufficient help to the poor. Temporary market would stay two years. nearly threefold from 600 in leepers to light once again this winter. Choi Kwok-hung,at some 46, unemployed, of their said friends’ he has been homeswaiting for public housing “ for I twowas years. offered a flat in Tin 2004 to 1614 in 2015, according Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it. or the temporary cold shelter to Shui Wai, but the location is too to a survey conducted by five “ I was offered a flat in Tin Shui Wai, but the location is too inconvenient,” Mr Choi said. withstand it. inconvenient,” Mr Choi said. universities and four non- However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications. A former hawker, However, Wah, 70, said what it is not the feasible homeless to ask the government for more A financialformer help orhawker, increase supply Wah, of public 70, housing because thegovernmental problem is rooted in the organisations.current administration. people from Tung Chau Street said it is not feasible to ask the Chu Pak-ming, who has been living on the street for seven years said there is an increasing demand for public housing and the government is not offering sufficient help to the poor. “The government is not doing anything to help us!” Wah retorted. “The rent is too high and even rent for a shop is hardly affordable for small business owners.” Temporary Market mainly want government for more financial Choi Kwok-hung, 46, unemployed, said he has been waiting for public housing for two years. is for the government to provide help or increase supply of The number of homeless people hit an all-time high last year. The figure increased nearly threefold from 600 in 2004 to 1614 in 2015, according to a survey conducted by fiveBy universities Angela and fourCheung non-governmental organisations. more subsidies and speed up public housing because the Edited by Aaron Au leepers totheir light once public again this housing winter. applications. problem is rooted in the current administration. Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it. NEWS • 19 Two street sleepers were found dead next to Tung Chau Street Temporary Market in Sham Shui Po on November 17. And these two sudden deaths have brought the problem of street sleepers to light once again this winter.

Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it.

However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications.

Chu Pak-ming, who has been living on the street for seven years said there is an increasing demand for public housing and the government is not offering sufficient help to the poor.

Choi Kwok-hung, 46, unemployed, said he has been waiting for public housing for two years.

“ I was offered a flat in Tin Shui Wai, but the location is too inconvenient,” Mr Choi said.

A former hawker, Wah, 70, said it is not feasible to ask the government for more financial help or increase supply of public housing because the problem is rooted in the current administration.

“The government is not doing anything to help us!” Wah retorted. “The rent is too high and even rent for a shop is hardly affordable for small business owners.”

The number of homeless people hit an all-time high last year. The figure increased nearly threefold from 600 in 2004 to 1614 in 2015, according to a survey conducted by five universities and four non- governmental organisations. leepers to light once again this winter.

Due to cold weather, the homeless in Tung Chau Street Temporary market would stay at some of their friends’ homes or the temporary cold shelter to withstand it.

However, what the homeless people from Tung Chau Street Temporary Market mainly want is for the government to provide more subsidies and speed up their public housing applications.

Chu Pak-ming, who has been living on the street for seven years said there is an increasing demand for public housing and the government is not offering sufficient help to the poor.

Choi Kwok-hung, 46, unemployed, said he has been waiting for public housing for two years. E M A I L [email protected]

F A C E B O O K The Young Reporter

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