Pulitzer winners A journalist who Traditional Chinese worry about high-tech draws a lot, writes a little medicine may offer possible surveillance How an editorial cartoonist cure for fatal Ebola Covert monitoring remains a speaks through his drawings Can Chinese medicine be the threat in journalism P32 P34 future Ebola solution? P20

THE YOUNG REP RTER

magazineDecember 2014

TaxiTaxi AppsApps ChangeChange MarketMarket EcologyEcology

COVER Illegal fare discounting is common among app users In This Issue

4 One Moment 16 Eco-savvy businesswoman 26 Miniature books Colour Run supports blue technology Great ideas lie in small books development in Hong Kong

FRONT An eco-savvy businesswoman on her aspiration 28 Beyond the colours of Chungking Mansions Forgotten faces in Chungking 6 Taxi apps change market 18 Female racecar driver shines Mansions ecology in motor car racing Illegal fare discounting is common Hong Kong’s only female NEWS among app users racecar driver FEATURE

10 Call to tighten monitoring of Roadshow Government asked to beef up legislation for TV NEWS entertainment on public buses 32 Pulitzer winners worry about high-tech surveillance 12 The scourge of Liberal Covert monitoring remains a Studies threat in journalism NEWS Blame society, not curriculum for growing student activism 34 A journalist who draws a lot, writes a little 14 Household drug disposal How an editorial cartoonist problem should be tackled at 20 Traditional Chinese medicine, speaks through his drawings source: legislator a possible cure for fatal A peep into medicine disposal Ebola? problems in Hong Kong Can Chinese medicine be the future Ebola solution? JOURNALISM MATTERS JOURNALISM

22 Sun-kissed to Curb Weight and Diabetes, study finds Let the sun heal obesity

24 A GPS Treasure Hunt Geocaching as a new way to explore the city THE YOUNG REP RTER Letter from the Editor magazine

he Pulitzer Prize Winners medicine disposal and the life Editor Section Editors Workshop held in late stories of a successful business Carain Yeung Annie Lee James Zhang October to November woman and a female car racer. Lokie Wong T Deputy Editors was enlightening to The Young Following is a feature on the Natalie Leung Alpha Chan Nikki Wu Reporter team. This year’s theme deadly Ebola virus - whether Karen Lee Rainbow Li is on the dilemma between the Chinese medicine would make Steven Wang Stephen Leung public’s right to know and national an alternate cure for the disease. Tiffany Lee Yupina Ng security. In this December issue, After, we introduce to you new Copy Editors our Pulitzer specials column forms of arts and leisure activities Joyce Wong Reporters Airis Lin features the winners’ insights on - the making of miniature books Karen Leung Tsau Jin Cheng Amie Cheng the technology problems reporters and geocaching. You would not Anne Lau Catherine Chen face, and the tear and joy of being a want to miss the stunning photo Web Editors Christy Leung political cartoonist. story of Chungking Mansions and Aska Cheong Cora Chan Our cover story features the its people - maybe the place holds Katrina Yau Crystal Tse Harry Ng rise of taxi-hiring apps which more than you think! Hilary Wu Art Directors give discounts to users, looking Please write to us or find us on Iverson Ng Shirley Chan Jackson Ho behind the popularity of this illegal social media platforms if there Tiffany Ng Jane Cheung business from the eyes of the users are any exciting stories you wish Vicky Wan Jennie Tang Jo Lee - both drivers and customers. our team explore in the new year. Joanna Wong Next, you will find a wide range Happy holidays and see you in Public Relation Officer Joanne Lee of stories on different issues, 2015! Josie Wong Joey Hung Kumiko Lau including a review of the high- Distribution Officer Kyle Sun school liberal-studies syllabus, Mari Chow Alice Wan Nathaniel Suen problems with household- Natasha Fernandes Carain Yeung Advisers ShanShan Kao Editor CK Lau Thomas Chan Robin Ewing Tina Cheung Tsui See Au Yeung Viola Zhou Design Adviser Yanis Chan Wade Chan

Publisher Alice Lee

Printer Printer address Department of Journalism Dept of Journalism, School of Communication HK Baptist University, Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong, Kln

The Young Reporter Volume 47 No. 3 2014

EMAIL [email protected] FACEBOOK tyrmag WEBSITE Cover story of last issue of TYR tyr.hk explores whether the Race Discrimination Ordinance should be covering outlawing discrimination against Mainlanders. 4 • FRONT One Moment he Colour Run, a 5-kilometre paint race originating from the United TStates, makes its debut in Hong Kong with 16,000 runners dashing through the splash of colours at the AsiaWorld-Expo. By The Young Reporter Photo by Vicky Wan FRONT • 5 6 •FEATURE Feature • 7

Taxi Apps Change Market Ecology

Illegal fare discounting is common among app users ow you do not need to hail a taxi on the street. has the highest taxis-per-capita ratio, followed by Hong Simply by entering your phone number and drop- Kong and New York. Hong Kong, however, has the highest Noff destination to the taxi apps in your smart ratio of taxis per square kilometer among the three cities. phone, an available taxi will come to you. Because of its It is all about cost and efficiency. convenience and fare discount, this kind of apps is quite The app processes around 3,000 orders a day. Of the popular in Hong Kong – some have recorded 100,000 to 10,000 registered cab drivers, 2,000 are active users of 500,000 downloads in the past few months. this app. Taxi App-HK is the most popular cab-hiring app It takes as short as 30 seconds for a consumer from in town. It ranks second in Google Play free transport order to getting on a cab if there are taxi drivers with the category and third in Apple’s App Store free travel tier. app activated nearby. The app automatically locates the Spokesperson of Taxi App-HK, Ken, who refuses to user by GPS. The taxi driver who accepts the order will reveal his full name, credited the success to the app’s either phone or text the customer for the waiting time “localised and independent” background. and the exact pick-up location. “Some developers bring the whole model from As fare discounting is illegal in Hong Kong, it remains somewhere else to Hong Kong without making any an “open secret” that drivers who use this app is very likely adjustments,” he said. “Other competitors may provide to offer a 15 per cent off discount. Offenders are liable to more comprehensive maps, more language options or a maximum fine of $10,000 and a term of imprisonment more glamorous layouts but we know what Hong Kong of six months. people want and need.” “Taxi-App HK is only a platform bridging passengers There are 18,138 taxis in Hong Kong carrying 1 million and drivers. What is discussed between them is their own passengers daily, according to Transport Department’s business,” Ken said. “Our goal is that when people need statistics. a taxi, they would immediately think of Taxi App-HK. Among Hong Kong, London and New York, London Once they use our app, they won’t switch to other apps.” FEATURE• 9

Taxi App HK is the most popular taxi-hiring app in Hong Kong. About 300 people use it daily, according to the developer.

There are many other taxi-hailing apps available in the taximeter. If not, why do we need the meter rate?” app market like GoGo Taxi, Easy Taxi and HKTaxi. According to Mr So, in order to determine whether a The chairman of Taxi and Public Light Bus Concern driver uses the hailing apps, the easiest way is to observe Group, Mr Lai Ming-hung, said drivers could benefit the number of smartphones attached in front of the from the taxi-booking apps. driving wheel. The more smartphones, the more likely “Imagine you have just dropped off passengers. If the taxi driver is using multiple taxi-hailing apps to find you have a taxi app, instead of looking for the next customers. client, business opportunities will come to you,” he said, Mr Andrew Lee, a full-time taxi driver who has a “Discount taxi is a long existing problem. It is all up to smartphone placed in front of his driving wheel, echoed the drivers.” Mr So’s view. He said life is tough for taxi drivers who When a driver drops off a passenger in a remote area, offer discounts especially when they take long-haul the driver may not be able to find a customer. The app orders. He added that long-haul orders such drivers take serves as a platform for the driver to look for orders could be “deficit-ride” if they could not pick up customers nearby, so that it is more likely for drivers to pick up on the returning trip. customers before returning to the urban area. This is why In 2008, the government launched a public consultation Mr Lai calls these drivers as “return trip gangs”. on proposals that could open the way to legal discounting On the other hand, some taxi drivers are not in favour of taxi fares. Yet, the taxi fare discounting problem still of taxi-hailing apps. remains unsolved. “I don’t understand why some drivers offer discounts,” said Mr So Ting-bong, a night shift taxi driver who refuses to use taxi-hailing apps. “The taxi fare structure is unfavourable to them. All By Harry Ng drivers should obey the law and charge according to the Edited by Shirley Chan 10 •NEWS

People tend to use their smartphones rather than watching the Roadshow.

POLITICS Call to tighten monitoring of Roadshow

us passengers and civil society The Transport Department has Roadshow has affected their travel organisations have urged the carried out 10 investigations in 481 experience. Bgovernment to strengthen the buses in 2012 to 2013 and found that He found that the percentage of monitoring of Roadshow, a multi- only two cases in 2012 did not comply Roadshow’s commercially related media on board service owned and with the advertising guideline. content was about 60 to 90, far operated by Kowloon Motor Bus “Except the two cases, all other higher than allowed by the Transport Company (KMB). buses inspected were found in Department. The channel provides compliance with the relevant He had filed about 100 complaints entertainment and news condition. This shows that the regarding the noise, number and programmes, which are broadcast bus companies have been making length of the advertisements created to about 2.6 million passengers daily improvements,” Mr Yau Shing-mu, by Roadshow to the Transport since 2000. But there are complaints Acting Secretary for Transport and Department and Office of the that Roadshow broadcasts more Housing said in a written reply to the Ombudsman in the past four years. commercials than the prescribed Legislative Council last year. But he was not happy with the limit and is a nuisance to passengers The Transport Department has official responses: “They (Transport who want to travel in a quiet also received 21 complaints regarding Department) only said they environment. to huge amounts of advertisements would urge the KMB to check its Under the advertising guidelines in the same period. advertisements.” issued by the Transport Department, But Mr Lo Hon-Man, organiser The Transport Department the three major bus companies - KMB, of the Anti-Coercive Advertising oversees the daily operations of CityBus Limited and New World First Campaign, a movement which Roadshow by reviewing the reports Bus Services Limited are not allowed aims at raising public awareness of submitted by KMB. The department to broadcast more than 20 percent of advertisement, conducted a study in would only urge the bus operator to commercially related content within 2012 which findings challenges the improve when it fails to follow the an hour. official result to find out whether guidelines. NEWS • 11

Most buses in Hong Kong are installed with televisions.

“I think it’s a bit ridiculous buses is relatively high and she finds He also suggested Roadshow because it sounds like they it very unpleasant and noisy. But she broadcasting something informative (Transport Department) are said the volume of the shows varies at instead of advertising materials. lobbying their own people,” said different time on different buses. She He said that the dull and repetitive Mr Lo. added that sometimes the televisions content in the TV shows lowers his The Young Reporter has on the bus are muted throughout the intention to watch Roadshow. He interviewed several regular ride. added that he would never watch commuters on KMB to find out know Mr Lau, 48, a civil servant who Roadshow again. whether Roadshow has affected their commutes by KMB once a month, While the government is planning traveling experience. Most of them said the information broadcast in to renew the franchise with the said the sound and advertisements Roadshow is not up-to-date and KMB in 2016, Mr Lo said that from the mobile television were it appears to help the government the government should consult annoying. promote certain sensitive messages, the public before any franchise Ms Lau, 18, a student who such as promoting anti-occupy agreement is signed. commutes by KMB 45 minutes per movement through the advertising “Consumers pay the bus fare so day, said Roadshow does not only materials or celebrity talk they should have the expectation of broadcast business commercials. shows. He suggested Roadshow not constantly being bombarded by “I become more aware of laws and broadcasts something informative, unwarranted commercials,” said Mr regulations in Hong Kong. For such as daily news instead of Lo. instance, last week I learnt about the advertising materials. Competition Ordinance through the Mr Lee, 22, a master student, a Roadshow programme,” she said. regular KMB bus commuter who Mrs Wong, 48, a clerk who commutes three to four times a week, commutes by KMB twice a week, said that the volume is too loud which By Kumiko Lau said the volume of roadshow in some intensifies his motion sickness. Edited by Tiffany Lee 12 •NEWS

POLITICS The scourge of Liberal Studies While pro-government lawmakers call to reform Liberal Studies, subject teachers and academia criticise them for not tackling the problems at heart

Colin Lai expresses that political concerns should be left out in the discussion on Liberal Studies NEWS • 13

fter the release of the full picture of the issue. After all, the fear of a quasi-Moral, Civic and Diploma of Secondary it is still up to students’ judgment National Education episode where AEducation examination in whether or not to participate in tens of thousands of young protesters report on Liberal Studies in April, social movements.” chastised the “brainwashing” the inter-disciplinary subject is once Gary Cheung, 15, is a convener curriculum and took to the streets in again a matter of public contention. of a secondary student social issues 2012, resulting to the subject being Demonstrations in recent years concern group, and was one of the shelved. have shown a steady growth in 511 protesters arrested in July for A third idea put forward by pro- the number of student advocates, an illegal sit-in at Chater Road. He government lawmaker Dr Priscilla most notably in the Occupy Central believes that it’s not the influence of Leung Mei-fun, convener of the protests, the North East New Liberal Studies, but the government’s Liberal Studies Education Concern Territories New Development Areas incompetence that drummed up the Group was to de-politicize the and the dock strike. The introduction number of student advocates. compulsory subject and to make it an of Liberal Studies has been suggested “How I felt [about the government] elective course for students instead. by a number of legislative councilors at that time was built upon what was However, legislator Mr Ip Kin- to account for this phenomenon. really happening and reported in the yuen, who represents the education Reforms they have called for media rather than [what I learned in] constituency, retorts that it could in light of the subject’s first mid- school,” said Gary. weaken the foundation of the term review in November propose Despite the whiplash from curriculum and jeopardise the trimming the topic ‘rule of law and teachers and secondary students, foreign accreditation of the diploma. socio-political participation’ in the members of the Democratic Alliance After the first mid-term review, syllabus, reverting Liberal Studies for the Betterment and Progress of the EDB together with the Hong to an elective and incorporating the Hong Kong met with the Education Kong Examinations and Assessment concepts of ‘One country’ and ‘Basic Bureau (EDB) in October to discuss Authority and the Curriculum Law’ to the course. But teachers of trimming the content of ‘Rule of Law Development Council concurred in a Liberal Studies have slammed the and socio-political participation’ similar Liberal Studies examination attribution and believe these reforms from the subject’s syllabus. syllabus and format for the next futile. While most teachers generally six years with a slight reduction of “Problems exist in society - Liberal accept this amendment, Mr Cheung certain topics that teachers regard as Studies simply introduced students disagrees that the subject led to too difficult for students. to a wide variety of concepts like the upsurge of young bloods in But the Bureau admits that there human rights and democracy,” said mass protests and points out that is still room for improvement. A Mr Cheung Yui-fai, the Education a reduction in the content of the second consultation will begin in Research Department director of the aforementioned topic was not stated late November and those results are Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ during the mid-term review. scheduled to release July next year. Union and a teacher of Liberal Besides scaling down the subject, Studies. Mr Cheung believes the inclusion

“In class, we discuss opinions of ‘one country’ and ‘The Basic By Christy Leung of different stakeholders to have a Law’ into the syllabus could revive Edited by Tsau Jin Cheung 14 •NEWS

POLITICS Household drug disposal problem should be tackled at source: legislator Prescription and over-the-counter medications are powerful in treatment and prevention of illness, yet the unwanted drugs may cause potential hazards to the ecosystem

ommon medications like there has not been any official record dispenses four to six months’ aspirin are necessities in about the quantity of medicines medicine for elderly or chronic Chousehold medicine cabinets, in domestic waste in the territory disease patients at one time. However, yet their final destination is often the without giving reasons. if patients died or chose to take other trash can. Ms Chang warns of a potential drugs, the medicine prescribed Statistics from Taiwan contamination of food chain due to would become useless and thus be Pharmacists Association shows that the large amount of improper disposal abandoned. Most of them would then more than 65 per cent of surplus of medicines, since pharmaceutical be buried in landfills together with drugs in Taiwan families end in trash components may concentrate if other municipal solid waste. cans or toilets. drugs are directly thrown into the The government opposes the “Hong Kong is estimated to have a trash can or flushed down the toilet. idea of possible contamination. larger percentage for the amount of Tracing the root cause, Ms Secretary for Environment Mr Wong unwanted drugs disposed improperly Chang said the general practice Kam-sing said the unwanted drugs by families compared to Taiwan,” of the Hospital Authority giving abandoned by citizens will not affect said Ms Iris Chang, president of the superfluous drugs to patients may be public health nor cause pollutions, Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy. one of the reasons. since “the quantities of residual The Department of Health said The Hospital Authority usually medicine and injections generated in Professor Joseph Lee Kwok-long, Legislative Councilor from the Constituency of Health Service, believes the problem should be tackled from the root rather than through legislation. NEWS • 15

Researches have showed that the active pharmaceutical ingredients left in the abandoned drugs could do harm to the environment. households are relatively small.” support of government funds” said to set up a collecting and recycling In order to alleviate the problem, Mr Lee, “if the profit of the recycling system if it is totally useless?” he said. Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy process is unable to cover the costs, it A number of countries and has launched a scheme to collect is meaningless.” regions, including the United unwanted medicine since February, Mr Lee said there has not been Kingdom, France, South Korea and aiming at raising public awareness on any reports indicating a “harmonious Taiwan, have drawn up guidelines proper disposal of unwanted drugs. harm, rather than a potential risk” on how to throw away the unwanted They have collected drugs from more of abandoned household drugs to drugs appropriately, than 100 people so far. the environment. “Scholars are Collection boxes for expired “Pharmacies or hospitals would stealing the spotlight by persuading medicines are set up in pharmacies hardly accept unwanted drugs as the government to make laws on their in South Korea and the drugs are recycling procedures take human, ‘maybe’,” sent to uniform incineration while physical and financial resources,” said He added that it’s more effective Taiwan has set up checkpoints for Ms Chang “unless there are concrete to introduce measures at source to domestic usage of medicines to assist laws giving strict supervision and reduce the generation of surplus citizens for recycling. guidance.” pharmaceutical materials. “The “If there are concrete statistics Mr Joseph Lee Kwok-long, the application of Electronic Health showing that there are large amount Legislative Councilor from the Record Sharing System helps to of drugs expired and to be discarded Constituency of Health Service, reduce unnecessary prescriptions. in households, the government pointed out another factor worsening As the medical histories of patients should consider setting up special the issue, “people in Hong Kong lack are on record, the phenomenon of trashcans on streets,” said Mr Lee. knowledge on drugs disposal, and overlapping drug dispensation is “It would become the matter of education on rational use of drugs is greatly alleviated.” garbage classification”, he added, necessary.” Affirming the necessity of a clear “But Hong Kong people haven’t made But he opposes to setting up laws set of obligations, Mr Cheng believes the most fundamental classifications to implement compulsory drugs that the practice in other countries like paper, glass and plastic yet.” recycle programme. “ ‘Recycle’ is not are good examples for Hong Kong just a word, but an operation process to follow and could help reduce the involving logistics and resources risk of environmental contamination. distribution which requires the “Why do other countries bother By Catherine Chen Edited by Rainbow Li 16 •NEWS

Ms Lizette Smook is working at her office at Sheung Wan, behind her is a pile of low carbon towels.

ome years ago, when Ms Smook Away is actually to the landfill, away malls in Shenzhen. But unlike many worked for “Next”, a jeans is actually to the ocean,” she added. shopaholics, what she is after is not Sretailer, she started to realize Ms Smook, an eco-savvy fancy counterfeit clothes or bags the problem of how manufacturers businesswoman and a veteran in bearing the fake labels of luxurious directly discharged the dyed water blue technology industry, is keen brands, but colourful fabrics. and waste fabrics into the river near to change the recycling business in When she is back to Hong Kong, the factory in Bangladesh. Hong Kong and she is on the track of her next stop is usually to an old “I was absolutely shocked and I blue economy development. Shanghaiese friend, who is also her don’t want to be part of the waste,” From advising the Maxim’s Group “private tailor” to help her turn the Ms Smook said. to reduce the use of plastic packaging colourful fabrics she has just bought Ms Smook is also sick of the to directing her own company, into clothes that fit her well. frequent use of shortcuts in “InnovAsians”, Ms Smook always “Blue technology is all about production because cost is the only leads a healthy and environmental- turning wastes into something concern for many retailers. She friendly life. useful,” she mentioned that retailers thinks it is so irresponsible of them For example, from time to time, Ms and consumers nowadays were to not care about the environment. Lizette Smook would spend a whole producing too much rubbish and had “When we say we are throwing day at the Luohu Commercial City, little awareness of making good use something away, there is no away. one of the most popular shopping of the things they threw away. NEWS • 17

PEOPLE Eco-savvy businesswoman supports blue technology development in Hong Kong

To support local companies that profession now, who can give her She mentioned that these young aim at greener business practices, advice before she makes investment people reminded her of the memory Ms Smook founded “InnovAsians” in in China. that when she first came to Hong 2007. Her company counsels retail Despite the crowded living Kong alone with no ideas on how to corporates and hospital authorities condition and pollution in Hong start a business or whom to seek help on the application of sustainable Kong, Ms Smook never regrets from. technologies in developing and about starting a business in Hong Growing up in the countryside of manufacturing eco lifestyle products. Kong, where to her is a place full of Cape Town, South Africa, Ms Smook “Scientists struggle to solve opportunities to meet people from all loves the open living area and clean the environmental problems by over the world and collaborate with air there. developing green technology but big companies. “Boys and girls race along the tree that was palliative. Nothing was “It is easier to spread the idea of climbing and we build tree houses really changed,” she added. “Why blue economy globally when you’re there,” she said. can’t we take a step back and make working with big companies in Hong Owing to the big difference use of our own wastes, instead of Kong,” she said. between the 2 places, it took Ms relentlessly extracting oil to produce “It is good to say J.P. Morgan, Smook a while to adapt to the busy plastic, which also brings about toxic Starbucks, Maxim’s Group and Ocean lifestyle in Hong Kong but her products?” Park are my clients, people will trust passion for the local culture makes Her company has provided coffee you and listen to you.” her stay. cups, which are made up of bio plastic Apart from taking charge of “I can’t describe the feeling when upcycled by bamboo, for more than “InnovAsians”, Ms Smook is also I first stepped out from the Chek Lap 5000 employees in J.P. Morgan Hong the vice president of the Hong Kong Kok Airport. I thought, this is the city Kong, which originally produced Entrepreneur Club and she loves this where I want to start my business,” 15,000 disposable cups every day. post even more than being the CEO she said. Having worked and lived in of her own company. Ms Smook believes that young Hong Kong for 18 years, Ms Smook She assists young entrepreneurs in entrepreneurs are capable of making admitted that it was very hard to Hong Kong to start their businesses, a change on the living environment start a business in Asian countries. from giving advice to individual while having a successful business. “Language, culture differences… business plans to providing platforms “Forget about the money market, many barriers to get over,” she for interaction and networking with it is about innovation, it is about explained. other business partners. carry on dreaming, it is about never She was once cheated by a supplier “I like getting along with young giving up, when you really want to of bio plastics from Mainland China, people, and keep them dreaming,” make Hong Kong a better place to which disappeared after receiving she said. “It is all about experienced live,” she concluded. her deposit. Luckily, she has entrepreneurs giving back to other By Annie Lau some Chinese friends in the legal upcoming entrepreneurs.” Edited by Stephen Leung 18 •NEWS PEOPLE Female racecar driver shines in motor car racing Ms Denise Yeung says that women can also be great racecar drivers

s Denise Yeung, one of the discrimination. A male driver crashed very few female racecar into her car in order to stop her Mdrivers in Hong Kong, has taking the lead. Both of them were been participating in this traditionally disqualified. male-dominated sport as an amateur “They (male racers) think you racer for five years. are weak and cannot tolerate it if Born to be a car lover and influenced you overtake them,” Ms Yeung said. by her father, Ms Yeung has familiarised “It is embarrassing for them to lose herself with cars since she was small. in something that is supposed to be She already knew different parts of car dominated by them.” and their functions by the age of eight. Similar accidents have happened to When she was 16, she went all the way Ms Yeung twice. She learnt from the to Canada just for a driving license. experience and promised to herself not As a speed and excitement to let it happen again. enthusiast, Ms Yeung became an “I am playing as tough as they do amateur racecar driver to complete now. Just to let them know that I am her life. “I really enjoy the high speed, not a pushover!” she said. not just driving on a straight road but But She has overcome physical and turning on circuits,” she said. “Most emotional challenges and won several girls are afraid of high speed or the big races, including the 2013 Touring centrifugal force. But I enjoy them Car Series in Asia and The Chinese instead.” Cup, in which Mainland China, In 2009, Ms Yeung joined a race for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau send fun for the first time and did not expect representatives to compete. to win anything. Yet, she came home as Ms Yeung’s family did not support a champion. her racing at first. Yet, after she has But she did not devote herself to explained the safety precautions for racing at that time. She chose to focus drivers to them, they started fully more on her business. backing her up. “Racing costs a lot. The car is quite Besides support from family and expensive, let alone the expenses for friends, her fans also motivate her. gas and tuning up the car,” she said. “Now I have got a bunch of fans One match costs about $100,000, she who follow every status I post on added. Facebook,”Ms Yeung said. It wasn’t until Ms Yeung has made Now, Ms Yeung is strict to herself progress in her career in a real estate and keeps fighting for better. “I will agency and was given a car by her keep racing as long as I can afford it,” god-brother in 2012 that she started she said. actively racing. As the minority in the sport, Ms By Kyle Sun Yeung experienced stereotypes and Edited by Alice Wan NEWS • 19

Ms Yeung is not afraid of potential danger brought by racing once she gets all the protection ready.

Ms Yeung represents Hong Kong in The Chinese Cup in November 2014 and wins the champion among four female racers. Photo courtesy of Denise Yeung Photo 20 • NEWS

HEALTH & BEAUTY Traditional Chinese medicine may offer possible cure for fatal Ebola Three plants extracts discovered to inhibit Ebola virus

local expert in traditional “We need to seek more funding negative for the disease. But what if Chinese medicine has from the Hong Kong government to that wasn’t the case? Aidentified three plant extracts continue the research but apparently Since the outbreak in March, that may have the potential to combat there is no funding opportunity the WHO has reported 14,413 cases the deadly Ebola virus. available for us now,” he said. of Ebola with 5,177 deaths in eight Associate Professor Zhang Prof Zhang and his team have countries. Hongjie and his team at the School collaborations with University of The fatality rate of EVD cases of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Illinois at Chicago to evaluate the varies from 25 to 90 per cent in Baptist University have found three anti-Ebola activity and are also past outbreaks, depending on the plants that may contain anti-Ebola trying to set up an anti-Ebola pseudo strain. The virus causes severe agents. viral assay at Hong Kong Baptist immunosuppression and often leads The expert in phytochemistry University. to death by internal dehydration and drug discovery from natural He said the government might from the inability of the intestines to resources says Ebola is considered a not even know the existence of absorb water. “blood heat” affliction in traditional anti-Ebola drug discovery research According to Prof Zhang, the Chinese medicine. programmes in Hong Kong, which distinctions between TCM and His team evaluated the anti-Ebola results in the lack of funding. “People western medical treatments are the activity of selected active plant may think that the United States is time needed to control the disease and extracts and identified three plants, the only country that has anti-Ebola the side effects caused by treatments. one found in Europe and two found research,” he added. Western medical treatments usually in Hong Kong, as possibly containing Since the World Health target on a single purpose while anti-Ebola agents. Organization (WHO) declared the TCM is multi-targeted. “All three plants have rich sources outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease Western medication directly in Hong Kong and Mainland China. (EVD) as an international concern attacks the virus and alleviates the Two of them are available in all in August, there have been growing symptoms. But TCM is aimed at seasons. The cost to extract them concerns that it might spread from curing the root cause of the disease should be cheap as they are common West Africa, where it originated, to by enhancing and mobilising the plants,” said Professor Zhang. other parts of the world. body’s internal factors to improve the However, Prof Zhang said it would Local authorities stepped up its weak immune system’s resistance to be long time before the extracts could precautionary measures only after the virus. be used to tackle the disease as his a Hong Kong women returned from Thus, TCM requires a longer team has not yet identified the active Kenya showing symptoms of the curing period than western medical ingredients in the extracts. virus. Fortunately, the woman tested treatments to take effect on a NEWS • 21

Plant extraction is the first step of the experiment.

patient’’s illness. This makes TCM less effective in stopping “In addition to the Ebola virus immediately after a person is infected. However, western medical treatment generally weakens one’s immune system because it kills not only the virus maintaining high but also normal cells, while TCM’s plant treatment won’t produce these side effects. “Because of the different approaches of the two treatments, alert for Ebola, they should be used simultaneously to compensate each other’s disadvantages,”said Prof Zhang when asked if it is possible to solely use TCM. Hong Kong people Prof Zhang describes EVD as “hard to track” and “ hard to control” especially when it is spread to densely populated countries. The incubation period, that is, the time interval should as well from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is two to 21 days. The disease has highest risk of spreading during this period as people carrying the virus may not know what be conscious to they are infectious. “In addition to maintaining high alert for Ebola, Hong Kong people should protect themselves against the virus by and re-examine paying attention to personal health,” says Dr Wong Nui-yiu, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner. While we do not know when EDV may reach the city, Dr personal health Wong says reinforcing one’s vital essence and strengthening the primordial Qi, the most essential substance that makes up the body and maintains life activities is the key to improving care to resist the the immune system so as to conquer communicable diseases. virus strike.”

Dr Wong Nui-yiu, a registered Chinese practitioner By Yanis Chan Edited by Nikki Wu 22 •NEWS

HEALTH & BEAUTY Sun-kissed to Curb Weight and Diabetes, study finds

oderate amount of sun exposure could curb people’s mood that is essential in the amount of food weight gain and halt the development of intake. Mdiabetes, a study from Australia has found. “People who receive more sunlight tend to be happier The findings showed that regular exposure to 10 and would eat less, because stress or sadness could drive minutes of noonday sun could suppress the development people to eat more. We call that comfort eating,” said Ms of obesity and symptoms of diabetes, including insulin Joanne Chan Yuk-yi, a registered dietician who specialises resistance and abnormal fluctuation of glucose level. in weight management and paediatric nutrition. Dr Shelley Gorman, the study’s lead researcher from The theory behind this, according to Ms Chan, is that Australia Telethon Kids Institute, said the key factor is sunshine could increase serotonin levels in our body. to get one’s skin to generate nitric oxide under sunlight Serotonin helps relay messages between approximately exposure to reduce blood pressure. 40 billion brain cells, including parts that control our The research also found that nitric oxide could also mood and appetite. benefit our metabolic systems besides our blood vessels. Ms Chan added that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Professor Juliana Chan Chung-ngor, founding director which typically happens during winter is an example of of the Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, said how the darkening of summer sunshine could affect us nitric oxide could improve blood flow through vessel psychologically. dilation. It may also help in nutrient provision, waste However, no clinically approved nitric oxide donors removal and promote healing inside our bodies through other than hypertension-treating sodium nitroprusside inflammatory responses. and organic nitrates (which can cause blood pressure Besides the physical benefits, sunlight also elevates reduction and local irritation when applied to the skin) NEWS • 23

are available for human use at present, said Dr Gorman. For unhealthy lifestyles, Professor Chan blames the So far the tests were only done for groups of overfed society. mice that were exposed to ultra-violet light and topical “We are living in a high risk society with too much nitric oxide compound cream. Further research is needed food, too much stress and too little exercise. Keeping to see if the same effect can be reproduced in humans. a balanced lifestyle and being positive and happy are Dr Gorman notes of a setback caused by nitric oxide. critically important to staying healthy,” she said. She warned that the usage of nitric oxide on humans Professor Chan said the essence of staying fit is to might lower blood pressure and induce serious headache remember that “We eat to live and not live to eat.” under excessive or prolonged exposure. “The point is we need to go back to basics and Dr Gorman also advised the public to seek advice on understand the importance of adhering to certain sun exposure from cancer councils before carrying out principles and patterns which are applicable to many sunlight-related weight-loss plans. aspects of life,” said Professor Chan. But Professor Chan worries that people bogged down And one “basic” Dr Gorman suggested is to regularly by weight problems expect reaching out to sunlight as a exercise outdoors. quick fix and would continue indulging in their unhealthy “We all may be able to achieve a ‘double-whammy’ lifestyles after losing weight. of the positive benefits of moderate sun exposure and “Disease is really a consequence of complex interplay exercise for weight and diabetes control,” she said. between people, timing and setting, and it would oversimplify the situation if we just focus on one factor,” said Professor Chan. By Hilary Wu Edited by Karen Lee 24 • NEWS

ARTS&CULTURE A GPS Treasure Hunt With your smartphone, geocaching brings you beautiful nature, treasures and fun

“Geocaching gave me the chance to discover beautiful places in Hong Kong,” said Pavey, who went to this waterfall pool in Sai Kung for an underwater cache.

eople are staring at Ms Emilie look for geocaches or containers that While most geocachers elsewhere Pavey, a 31-year-old editor, store surprises, such as logbooks and are middle-aged or retired, Ms Pavey Pwho is climbing up a tree in little toys. As caches are distributed notices that adolescents make up a Cornwall Street Park. Ignoring the around the world, geocaching is also large proportion of the participants awkward stares of spectators, she popular for geocachers who are on in Hong Kong. has been searching for something for holiday. Hong Kong being a compact city the past hour, from looking under the Integrating gaming with outdoor with dense urban areas close to benches to checking the bushes. activities, geocaching is a fun rural areas, caches can be hidden in She puts on a smile when she activity that could be done during shopping malls, libraries, parks or pulls out a magnet sign saying invigorating exercises, such as hiking tracks. “No Climbing”. She unfolds the hiking, diving or rock climbing. With the unique characteristic of paper attached to the back of it and Ms Pavey, a regular geocacher, Hong Kong, Ms Pavey has seen a rise carefully writes her name on the log has hidden a cache five metres under in the number of geocachers to more sheet – she just completed one of her water. So far, seven people have found than 1,000, who have set up online tasks in geocaching of the day. it. The cache is rated level five for forums, websites and Facebook Geocaching, a not-so-common both difficulty and terrain. In order groups. activity in Hong Kong, is a global to find it, participants are required to Geocaching is classified as a treasure hunting game that has swim to a buoy and dive. kind of orienteering that is done attracted more than 6 million people Introduced to the activity by a with the aid of GPS applications in the past 14 years. The participants, British friend who was on a visit , Ms instead of traditional maps and also known as “geocachers”, hide Pavey is now a geocaching lover who compasses. However, Mr Lee Chi- and hunt for “treasures” across the has found more than 500 caches in kin, chairperson of Hong Kong globe, using devices that connect to Hong Kong. She believed there were Orienteering Club (HKOC) believes the Global Positioning System (GPS). about 100 geocachers here when she there are differences between By navigating the location with joined the sport and about half of orienteering and geocaching. GPS, geocachers then attempt to them were active players. While orienteering is well NEWS • 25

A geocacher was filling his name and the date onto the log sheet.

organised and follows international regulations, geocaching is less organised and a game “just for fun”, according to Mr Lee. Geocachers were With the popularisation of smart phones, Ms Pavey hunting for a cache in the urban area predicts that geocaching will attract more people, as in Macau. “everyone can play it with the application in their phones, even without paying.” However, Mr Lee said the HKOC would not organise geocaching activities, as members of the club did not know much about it. With limited promotion, most people have no idea what geocaching is and the complexity of the game might put people off. Ms Cheung, a mother-of-two, has never heard of the game and is concerned about the safety of her children if they join the game. Besides looking for hidden caches on their own, geocachers get to meet one another at organised events such as picnics, dinners or sport activities. Every year, the worldwide geocaching community also organises an international environmental clean-up. The event, Cache In Trash Out, focuses on trash clean up, removal of invasive species, re-vegetation efforts or trail building. The 13th Annual Cache In Trash Out will be held on April 25 and 26 in 2015.

By Jane Cheung Pavey courtesy of © Emilie Photo Edited by Katrina Yau 26 • NEWS

ARTS&CULTURE Miniature books

The size of an eggwich can be as small as 5cm. n a bookstore, the smell of always been a hand-made book lover little books in gashapons, which is a coffee filled the air, a Japanese and creator because it helps her to type of vending machine that a toy IGashapon is standing at the relieve stress. She was first inspired to capsule will drop down when the corner unexpectedly. Gashapon is a make content based miniature books crank is turned. The prices of books vending machine-dispensed capsule during a trip to Japan’s Jinbocho, are also lowered from $300 to $30, toy, but this one is a little bit different. where countless stylish bookstores which they concluded would be the Once you put in a coin and turn the were located. optimum price. crank, what is expecting you is not a “Miniature books are well received The first issue of eggwich was toy, but a transparent circle capsule by people over there. I was amazed to published in September 2012, with a miniature books sized 45mm. find that expensive miniature books packaged in a gashapon and sold Miniature books are like any other can cost up to $300 (HKD).” at a bazaar held at the Jockey Club books but printed on a smaller scale When she went back to Hong Kong, Creative Arts Centre(JCCAC). By the which is no more than three inches in she partnered with some friends to end of the day, all 80 books were sold height, width or thickness. Reading start up their ‘unconventional’ book out. This result encouraged them to themes range from dictionaries, business “eggwich”. Eggwich is the double the output to 160 copies and religious allusions to well-known abbreviation of egg sandwich, in all were sold out in the following day. stories. But instead of buying the Chinese it sounds like “gashapon” and The response of the market final product from publishers, “zine”. With the notion to promote triggered them to develop eggwich some people are making handicraft book art and expand the market out into a bimonthly publication. They miniature books in Hong Kong and of small crafts, eight creators made are now publishing the 14 issues and selling them as capsule toy. their own content based miniature selling 120 miniature books each Ms Tiana Wong Tin-ying, books according to the same theme. time. chairperson of the Hong Kong Rather than putting their products Ms Wong said she encountered Miniature Book Association, has on shelves, they choose to sell their some difficulties when she tried NEWS • 27

You can get a eggwich in Gashapon machine in Kubrick bookstore to get the permission to sell them in bookstore. “Since handicraft miniature books have never been sold in capsules in Hong Kong before, the storekeeper was a bit skeptical about its popularity at first.” So she did thorough background research on the development of miniature books in other places and target at the patriotic character of the storekeeper. “After presenting the possibilities of miniature books, I asked the storekeeper, why not Hong Kong? Then she accepted my selling proposal.” At the moment, eggwich can be found in the Kubrick bookstores in Kwun Tong and Yau Ma Tei. Other than selling miniature books, they are also active in promoting the book art culture. Hong Kong Miniature Books Association once held an exhibition at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre(JCCAC) and joined some art bazaars and co-exhibition. Ms Wong also becomes the book-making workshop tutor to promote the art. “I think miniature books are a good alternative of Facebook to transfer short messages since, most importantly, it is difficult for other Facebook users to trace back past records.” A miniature book lover and reader Mr Raphael Lee Yu-san also said, “packaging stories as a piece of miniature artwork, then selling them in a down-to-earth form can narrow down the distance between high-end arts and the general public.” The association is now promoting in Facebook and creating a website, even though money is in need to buy server space, Ms Wong has no fear to the problem. “When the time is right, everything will be there.” Ms Wong said.

By Thomas Chan Edited by Aska Cheong 28 • NEWS

PHOTO ESSAY Beyond the colours of Chungking Mansions

he world has long been captivated by the cultural richness in Chungking Mansions, the 17-storey building on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, known as Hong Kong’s T“little United Nations” of for its clusters of residents and tourists of African and Southeast Asian origin. Popular travel guidebook Lonely Planet describes it as one of the recommended guesthouses for budget travellers. But the multi-racial haven is also notorious for its potential danger. In 2013, a female university student from Beijing was allegedly raped by an Indian worker in a guesthouse. Residents and shop owners in the landmark cultural icon have been lurked by the tension of racial stereotypes. As The Young Reporter walked through the labyrinth-like aisles with restaurants offering exotic cuisines, second-hand mobiles grey markets and hair salons, the camera was not welcomed. Most of the people were concerned where the photos would go. “Are you from CS (Customer service related department)?” was the most frequent question asked. They feared being captured on newspaper and being linked to people involved in previous crimes in Chungking Mansions. They were mostly intimidated by the camera but returned with smiles and greetings after explanation. The gesture of inviting each other to join in the photo shooting showed the friendliness and intimacy among the residents. “The media is too powerful. If it says we are dangerous, we are. The number of visitors has been shrinking since the massive reports, “An Indian restaurant owner who was willing to open up said. He lowered his defence and handed a dish of kebab, an Indian style wrap, to The Young Reporter. “But we are doing business only. If you don’t offend me, I won’t touch you.”

By Amie Cheng Edited by Alpha Chan NEWS • 29 30 • NEWS

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 NEWS • 31

HE Workshop was launched in 2006 by the university’s Department of Journalism. It aims to Tadvance journalistic education in Hong Kong and the Greater China Region. The workshop offers a week-long series of intellectual activities, including open lectures, forum and seminars.

This year, the theme of the forum is “The Public’s Right to Know Versus National Security.”

Prize winners from left to right: Mr Ewen MacAskill Member of the 2014 winning team, Public Service category Ms Inga Saffron 2014 winner, Criticism category Prof David Boardman Member of the 2012 winning team, Investigative Reporting category Mr Chris Hamby 2014 winner, Investigative Reporting category Ms Anne E. Kornblut Member of the 2014 winning team, Public Service category Mr Steve Sack 2013 winner, Editorial Cartooning category Mr Kurtis Lee Member of the 2013 winning team, Breaking News Reporting category 32 • NEWS

PULITZER SPECIALS Pulitzer winners worried about high-tech surveillance

man in a suit is checking the to face rather than using online stock lines on his phone; “The iPhone in platforms like Skype. Aa group of school boys are my pocket is like Mr MacAskill is a member of the huddling around a tablet playing winning team for the 2014 Pulitzer an online game; a Filipino domestic a microphone, no Prize’s Public Service category. helper is sharing interesting stories The team reported on the mass of her day with friends thousands matter I switch surveillance programme conducted of miles away at home through by the National Security Agency, Bluetooth earphones. it on or off. The the US government’s intelligence This is a typical scene on the agency, after receiving evidence MTR these days, with everyone government can from the famous whistleblower Mr keeping their electronic devices Edward Snowden. within reach. track my location Mr Snowden once worked as a But for Mr Ewen MacAskill, and who I talk to.” contractor for the National Security a Pulitzer Prize winner of The Agency. In June last year, he Guardian, a British newspapaer, disclosed thousands of the agency’s getting rid of his smartphone is classified documents to several the first thing he would do when media outlets after he came to Hong he wants to talk to his editors or Kong. Now he is living in Russia interviewees about sensitive issues. under a temporary residency permit. “The iPhone in my pocket is like Silicon Valley giants, including a microphone, no matter I switch it Apple, Google, and Microsoft, on or off. The government can track had reportedly provided the my location and who I talk to,” Mr US government with direct MacAskill said. He pointed out that access to their systems. The US the location services of the smart intelligence agency had also devices could also tell where one hacked into information systems was even if it was switched off. in other countries and spied on phones Mr Ewen MacAskill He said he would pick up his of political leaders all over the world, notebook and interview people face Pulitzer Prize winner according to documents leaked of The Guardian NEWS • 33

by Mr Snowden. tried to remind reporters to stick to Data About Data Protecting Sources the old-fashioned, but also the most Mr MacAskill also pointed out secure way of reporting—meeting that metadata, or the properties of Ms Anne Kornblut, a senior sources in person and taking down editor at the Washington Post, specific data, was the major target of notes with paper and pen. intelligence agencies. also won this year’s Pulitzer Prize “Whistle-blowers take a massive with her team for reporting the By looking into who you are Snowden incident. calling, how frequently you contact She said the large-scale with each other, and how long each government surveillance had made conversation lasts, metadata analysts it more difficult for reporters to can know what kind of a person you communicate safely with their are without listening to the content sources, as some insiders were too of your phone calls. afraid to reveal anything for fear Mr MacAskill added that spying that the authorities might try to nail activities had been unceasingly reporters and their contact records. increasing. It was no surprise to Ms Kornblut said protecting the him that the US had been spying sources had since become a top on China and Russia, but he was priority for the Washington Post. dismayed when the NSA allegedly The Post now uses an encrypted had the phone conversations of 35 Dropbox called the SecureDrop on Ms Anne Kornblut world leaders, including German their webpage to let whistle-blowers Senior editor at Chancellor Angela Merkel, under upload materials or reach their staff the Washington Post surveillance, he said. In the face of intense surveillance with an anonymous login. risk when using mobile devices SecureDrop is a free system through new technologies, both and email accounts,” the Guardian Pulitzer Prize winners concluded managed by the Freedom of the journalist Mr MacAskill said. Press Foundation, a non-profit that it was a journalists’ responsibility “We should think of better measures to “keep reporting the truth.” organisation headed by journalists such that the risk of being spied on and activists in other fields to can be reduced.” promote investigative reporting. By Nathaniel Suen, Tsui See Au Yeung As an editor, Ms Kornblut said she Edited by Karen Leung, Steven Wang 34 • NEWS

PULITZER SPECIALS A journalist who draws a lot, writes a little Mr Steve Sack talks about his 33 year career as an editorial cartoonist

ditorial cartoons can be controversial. Cartoons Edepicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in 2005 provoked international protest against the caricature, which was allegedly offensive to Muslims. The protests resulted in deaths and violence, and people were jailed for plotting to kill the cartoonists and attacks on the newspaper which published the cartoons. Mr Steve Sack’s work has not been as provocative, but is influential in its own way. An editorial cartoonist since 1981, he works for the Star Tribune, a newspaper in Minneapolis. He Mr Steve Sack depicts the central government as a won a Pulitzer Prize in 2013 for his powerful dragon trying to strip Hong Kong of its democracy. “vivid, distinctive cartoons that used creative metaphors for high-impact Mr Sack made his debut as his inspirations to fellow journalists, results,” according to the Pulitzer an editorial cartoonist when he who are his sources of information, “I Board. was in university. He illustrated cannot do my job if other journalists His drawings cover diverse features and drew cartoons for the did not do theirs well.” topics from American politics to Minnesota Daily, the newspaper of He usually makes a few sketches international news such as the the University of Minnesota. He had about his thoughts after reading the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. enrolled to study economics, but news, a daily habit of his, and send “Cartoons are cute,” he said. “So realized it wasn’t his poassion and the sketches for his editor to choose they can be doing horrible things, quit. from. “It’s like doing a homework — even with harsh comment towards He describes his cartoons as “a that I have the little space to fill in the issue.” reaction to the news” and attributes every day.” NEWS • 35

cartoonist, but the number has gone down to about 60 in recent years, he said. But he believes that editorial cartoon has its values and is an inseparable part of the news industry. The shrinking sector has not shaken his belief. “We have to have cartoons, like we need to have letters to the editor and opinion columns,” he said. Mr Sack has applied his playful drawing style not just to political cartoons, but also family comics. He co-produces Doodles, a children’s cartoon feature, with Mr Craig MacIntosh, who used to be an editorial cartoonist. The comic strip published on Creator Syndicate One of Mr Steve Sack’s Pulitzer Prize winning pieces is about the Aurora theatre features Professor Doodles and his shooting which sparks another round of debate on gun control in the US. menagerie of animal characters. Unlike Mr Sack’s work at the “Cartoon is around the world in “smartass who can draw” with “an paper, his zoo characters are purely any circumstances,” he said, believing interest in the world”. for fun and lead children through that cartoon is about everything in He pointed out that editorial activities such as games, riddles, life. He also regards cartoons as a cartoonists in America were drawing tips and jokes. In his leisure, visual form of writing that practically “something of a dying rim”, mainly Mr Sack also enjoys doing fine art functions as poems – conveying a because some newspapers cut down like painting and making sculptures. message with metaphors and similes. production cost by axing cartoon “There is no better way to express Being imaginative, expressive columns, making it difficult for myself other than cartoons,” he said. and creative is vital for an editorial cartoonists to survive. cartoonist, according to Mr Sack. He There were over 300 in the trade By Joey Hung, Mari Chow defines an editorial cartoonist as a when he first started as an editorial Edited by Joyce Wong, Yupina Ng EMAIL [email protected] FACEBOOK tyrmag WEBSITE tyr.hk