magazineTHE YOUNG REP RTER Oct 2016

To support or not? Braless campaigns unable to gain momentum

Americans remember: 15 years Outcry from industrail buildings tenants Healing with rhythm and melody after 911 Should the government ease the application The second Sunday of September Music therapy helps children with autism marks the 15 anniversary of the 911 for the industrial owners to change land P18 terror attack usage P4 P12 In This Issue

Americans remember: 15 years 16 Prevention of food allergies - at 24 Breaking the traditions: Paper 4 after 911 an early age offerings as art The second Sunday of September marks the 15th anniversary of A new remedy for food allergies Modern paper offerings are NEWS NEWS the 911 terror attack breaking traditional stereotypes PHOTO ESSAY PHOTO 8 To support or not to support? 18 Healing with rhythm and melody 26 Young artists painting their paths

Gender equality activists Music therapy helps children with Can art and business go hand in autism advocating no bras find their hand? campaign falling flat FEATURE

12 Outcry from industrail buildings 20 Graffiti: The new bankable design 28 Beating all odds with positivity tenants trend Bouncing back from ordeals to The story of an entrepreneur and live a positive life NEWS Should the government ease the his eco-friendly business application for the industrial owners to change land usage?

14 Train to the Southern District 22 Social enterprise: A gift for the 30 A rise of local prosthetic community? makeup artists MTR South Island Line may cause more inconvenience than benefit Horticultural therapy to alleviate Special effect makeup artist Gary Chan seeks ways to to the community student suicide problem support artists in Hong Kong magazineTHE YOUNG REP RTER Editor-in-Chief Advisers Letter from the Editor Jon Chan Robin Ewing Jenny Lam Deputy Editors Hilda Lo Editors Over the summer break, The Young You will also find an assortment of Lindsy Long Jonathan Chan Reporter team covered many stories in this issue, including a way Candice Tang Michelle Chan significant news events, like the to cure food allergy, by including Kary Hsu Social Media and Web Alvin Kor Legislative Council election and the the allergens in young children’s Ann Li Editors Umbrella Revolution anniversary. diet during the transition phase Anna Tang Janet Sun Catherine Xu Thank you for following our social from breastfeeding to solid foods. Julianna Wu media posts and we will continue to Charlotte Yang Reporters provide more content in the future. Also we have a feature of a young Morris Chan prosthetic makeup artist that Video Editors Angela Cheung Our cover story for our October created realistic models for film Sharon Shi Emily Cheung Sharon Tang issue looks into a topic that is rarely shooting. They are calling for Paulus Choy Natalie Wong Connie Fong discussed - women’s underwear production companies to hire Susan Gao and its relationship with feminism. locally instead of sourcing talent Art Directors James Ho There has long been discussions in overseas. Aaron Au Sean Hsu foreign countries on giving women Phoebe Chau Nicole Kwok the right to choose whether they This is our first issue of the Arisa Lai Celia Lai Rainie Lam want to wear undergarments or academic year and we have adopted Alfred Lam Daisy Lee not. Some think that wearing bras is a new approach and included Public Relations Officer Sing Lee merely a social protocol and can be a wider variety of articles this Flavia Wong Isabella Lo dropped. time. To widen our publication’s Tiffany Lui variety, TYR will launch a series Distribution Officers Winnie Ngai Choco Chan Also in this issue we covered the of collaboration work in the near Jianne Soriano Herbert Cheung Crystal Tai 15th anniversary of the 911 attack. future, so please stay tuned to our Choco Tang Our reporter went all the way to social media pages for more news. Copy Editors Henry Wong New York and took spectacular Ng Yi Shu Cecilia Wong photos of the memorial event. More Taja Strle Emily Xu than a decade has passed since the Richelia Yeung tragic event that took lives more Hilda Lo Tracy Zhang than 3000, but the emotional pain Deputy Editor Publisher still lingers in many’s hearts. Alice Lee

The Young Reporter Printer Volume 49 No. 1 Department of Journalism School of Communication 2016 Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDesign Adviser

EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE tyr.hk 4 •NEWS

PHOTO ESSAY Americans remember: 15 years after 911 in New York

The second Sunday of September marks the 15th anniversary of the 911 terror attack

Many memorial events were held ficers who sacrificed their lives in “I remember I was in school when around New York city, to mourn and this terrorist attack. it happened. It really resonates with remind Americans of their loss. us because a lot of the victims were “I feel that more people have come to Italian American,” Rose said. Apart from the major 911 memorial the memorial events this year,” said ceremony held the morning at Ground Alexandra De Rose outside the 911 “I was little when it happened. Zero (former World Trade Centre Memorial and Museum, “I was eight When I saw these images on TV, I site), memorial events were held at St. when it happened.” could not really comprehend, I just Paul’s Chapel and other places as well. thought it was horrible,”she said. Ms Rose, 23 years old, is an Italian A parade was also organised by who often visits her family members Ms Rose thought that national secu- the The New York City Police De - living in New York. rity has become better after the at- partment to honour the police of - tack, especially security check at the airport. NEWS • 5

A man carries a bunch of flowers to the 911 A man sells flags of America on the path towards 911 Memorial and Museum Memorial and Museum

Flags at half mast to mourn the loss of lives in the 911 attacks. 6 •NEWS

A tourist takes photo of a ribbon which written with words of blessing outside St. Paul’s Chapel

Hand straps with “911 Memorial” printed are sold at 911 Memorial Preview Site.

Two women watch a documentary about 911 at the Memorial Preview Site. NEWS • 7

A parade organised by the The New York City Police Department to honour police officers who have sacrificed their lives in this terrorist attack.

Only family members of the victims can enter the 911 Memorial and Museum on 11/9 before 3 pm.

An elderly naval officers tries to persuade a security guard to Alexandra De Rose, the 23-year-old interviewee let him enter the 911 Memorial and Museum before 3 pm. By Henry Wong Edited by Aaron Au 8 •FEATURE To support or ?not Gender equality activists advocating

no bras find their campaigns falling flat FEATURE• 9

Lingeries and brassieres are glamorised by brand-name manufacuters, becoming an icon of femininity and beauty.

For decades, women around the violence, Free the Nipple and its as- freeing the nipple does not promote world have been wearing bras. The sociated movements are still on the breast cancer awareness, but only lingerie industry is worth $13 bil- fringe. serves to facilitate the spreading of lion and is growing at a rate of 3.3% nudity and sexism on the internet. this year. In popular culture, linge- Back in 1997, a feminist newspaper rie is often glamourised. published by the Chinese Univer- Law professor Prof Surya Deva from sity of Hong Kong put forward an the City University of Hong Kong Enter the Free the Nipple Associa- article titled “Ban the Bra”, which said the legality of posting breasts tion, part of a global movement to explores the reasons behind soci- photos will be governed by Control promote gender equality, destigma- ety’s harsh expectations of women of Obscene and Indecent Articles tize breast-feeding, and say no to and their breasts, but it did not ig- Ordinance (COIAO). “Under the commercialism. nite a similar movement. Ordinance, publishing or displaying “obscene” or “indecent” articles is a The year-old group has primarily “Very few people in Hong Kong criminal offence,” he said. been active online, posting photos have participated in the ‘Free the of breasts on the internet under Nipple movement’,” said founder In particular, the Obscene Articles ? the hashtag #FreetheNipple, but its Christine Yu Po-yan. “Many people Tribunal considers the display of founders in Hong Kong are consid- might think that posting photos of breasts to be indecent, but will con- ering expanding their activism from breasts on the internet will provoke sider on a case to case basis wheth- the virtual community into real-life. sexual thoughts of men.” er such a display is in the interest of science, literature, art or learning, Yet, compared to other feminist Though the 22-year-old activist or any other object of general con- movements like SlutWalk, which believes women should have the cern like breast-feeding. has enjoyed considerable support choice of not wearing bras, braless with their march to raise awareness campaigns have sparked contro- Online censorship of photos with of ‘sexual, gender and body-based’ versy. Some have pointed out that women’s nipples is perhaps one 10 •FEATURE

“Only very few people in Hong Kong have participated in the ‘Free the Nipple’ Movement. A considerable proportion does have the impression that posting nipple photos on the internet will provoke sexual thoughts of men,”

Christine Yu Po-yan Founder of Hong Kong ‘Free the Nipple’ Association

of the biggest challenges faced by the the years, but have become more pro- Cheung said. “There may be some online-driven campaign. Facebook con- nounced given the advent of third- girls who like bras because it main- tinues to delete topless photos of women wave feminism. “The second-wave tains the shape of their breasts, this is and suspend user accounts who posted feminism lobbies for equal treat- their rational choice.” such photos, including five Taiwan fe- ments in genders, while the third- male activists’ nipples photos which wave accepts certain differences Dr Cheung felt that promoting gen- were taken down in 2015. between male and female, focusing der equality requires serious and on individual’s rational choice,” Prof thorough discussions. While mass “Social media companies like Facebook have to comply not only with local laws but also certain international norms. They might have their own internal poli- cies which might stipulate that no user should post pornographic materials on their sites,” said Prof Deva.

Feminist movements can also be too complex for the simplicity of social me- dia, according to Prof Charles Cheung Chi-wai, an assistant professor of gender and media research studies.

“However, it can somehow raise the awareness of those who have little knowledge and thoughts about the is- sue,” he said.

Opposition towards bras have been part of the feminist movements throughout Wireless bra has become a popular innerwear choice over the years, with soft molded cups instead of a rigid wire to lift the breasts. FEATURE• 11

media takes an essential role to facili- the year, they have gained around two “Women’s nipples shouldn’t be cen- tate the promotion, “popular culture hundred supporters on their Facebook sored,” she said, “It is our own right can be very influential to infiltrate peo- page, with half of them being male. to choose if we want a bra, although ple’s mind and change society’s atmos- stereotypes of standards of femininity phere,” he said. Yu says that Joanna Chan, another co- proposed by the media can be influen- founder of the association, will con- tial to women’s choices,” said Ms Yu. He believes that we will be able to see sider running for the next Legislative the change of the media environment in Council election in 2020 to bring their the long run, “but currently, mass me- voice into Hong Kong’s legislature. dia like TVB are not doing a very good job; (they are) promoting only tradi- The association will also apply for a tional judgements and values,” said Dr seat to speak in the public consultation Reported by Isabella Lo Cheung. session in the coming term of LegCo Edited by Catherine Xu meetings. ‘Free the Nipple’ holds hope that popu- lar opinion will sway, however. Over

Bras are deemed to be a necessity for women. Their function defy the pull of gravity. 12 •NEWS

SOCIETY & POLITICS Outcry from industrial buildings tenants Should the government ease the application for the industrial buildings owners to change land usage?

Ken Wong Cheuk-kei, a boxing coach who gather at the building, and other premises as he is renting an apartment for studio, set up his gym in an industrial building that store dangerous goods.Tenants found which usage has not been successfully in Kwun Tong last year, was carrying to be in breach of the lease during the been converted. two bags filled with boxing gloves and check would be evicted. gear during the day of the interview. He Applying for the change of land usage is a had just vacated his boxing gym after The Land Department has announced long and complicated process. government officials deemed his place that tenants found to have violated Before they can set up their business, accident-prone, and told him to clear out. usage of the space, with risk of causing owners need to apply to both the Lands accidents, would have to move out by Department to pay a land premium, and He, along with many other tenants, is the 29th of August. Landlords would be the Town Planning Board (TPB). The TPB affected by the recent government checks granted 14 days to see the tenants move would then involve various government on industrial buildings in Hong Kong. out, or else the government may repossess departments such as the Fire Services Recent fires that occurred in Ngau Tau the property. Department, to see if the buildings satisfy Kok and Sham Shui Po, sparked public the safety requirements. outcries to beef up control over these Since the decline of the industrial sectors buildings. in 1990s, industrial areas have been an Wong said that in order to apply for a ideal place for non-industrial businesses change of the land usage, the owner Ngau Tau Kok fire in particular started to operate, as they are not expensive and would have to pay land premium, many due to an accident in a mini-storage room, are quite spacious, even though the land owners would simply rent out their unit and claimed the lives of two firemen. usage of many of the industrial buildings without applying for conversion of land has not been successfully converted. usage. The secretary for development, Paul Chan Mo-po, said the checks are targeted Mr X, who refused to reveal his name, is Mr. Y, who refused to reveal his full name at industrial units which attract people to facing the same challenge as Wong did, as he owns one third of the units of an industrial building but is now currently operating an office there, said that the application for the waivers or conversions requires months to obtain. Tenants have to pay the rent during that time, and consequently many close down even before the waivers or conversions are approved.

If they have breached the terms of their lease, the tenants can only hope the Land Department will kindly grant them more time to persuade the owners to apply for conversion of the land usage. However, the government is unclear the standards applied on the evictions.

Wong said officials have posted warning letters on the door of the gym, but has yet to conduct a check inside their complex. NEWS • 13

“They have not entered my gym to collect evidences of violation; they took pictures through the windows, or they relied on pictures in newspapers as evidence,” the evictee said.

He also mentioned that apart from a few businesses who also got evicted, office units have been allowed to stay, and he is not sure why that is so.

“Is this selective enforcement? I think people need to judge it themselves.” Wong said.

While there have been frequent checks in recent months, Mr X felt that these checks are just high profile gestures to show the public after the fire, and would not persist. Water sprays outside evictee Ken's unit. Wong said the inspection focused on buildings that attracted less people and involved fewer He said that if the checks persists, it will minimal, as he has been pessimistic tenants. affect people who might want to open up towards Hong Kong’s art and cultural businesses in these areas. The gym owner development in industrial buildings. “They actually want to restrict the damage of also said that his customers felt annoyed their operation, ” the evictee said. by his eviction and wishes he could find “The creative industry is non-existent, another spot to open up as soon as possible. people do not really know about the band He said that the vacant units do not pose a rooms in these industrial buildings, but fire hazard, and doubted if the evictions really Mr X said that there might be a hit on the would know you can buy baby formulas solve safety issues of industrial buildings. cultural scene, but the effects would be in there,” he commented.

Wong said the government needs to acknowledge the market demand for public spaces like industrial areas, set up rent control, and give clearer rules and regulations for tenants to follow.

He also thinks that the law and regulations regarding industrial buildings should be revised, and the legal usage of the places should be relaxed.

Mr. Y said that the government ought to reform the contract system and change all industrial land purposes to more practical ones, since industrial work is no longer important to the local economy.

By Paulus Choy Edited by Kary Hsu Evictee Ken's own picture of himself preparing to move out after receivng a warning letter from the government. 14 • NEWS

SOCIETY & POLITICS Train to the Southern District MTR South Island Line may cause more inconvenience than benefit to the community

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation Alliance to call for actions to bring survey when secondary school students (MTR) has recently announced that residents’ voices to the Transport were having exams and university due to the construction work in Department and the Southern District students were having a semester break. Admiralty station, the South Island Council. The number of passengers must be Line (East) may launch at early 2017. fewer than normal. They didn’t even “I think the Transport Department has mention where they conducted the The South Island Line (East) will underestimated the number of people survey. How can these unclear and connect the Southern District, who travel in and out of the district unrealistic results be a reference used including Ocean Park, Wong Chuk everyday during peak hours,” Clive in the council?” Law said. Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons, to Law Siu-yin, a member of the South the existing Admiralty station. Island Line Concern Alliance, said. District Councillor and member of the Traffic and Transport Committee, The Southern District has been According to the MTR website, there Henry Chai Man-hon was also skeptical suffering from serious traffic will be a total of ten trains, each with of the statistics and surveys provided congestion for decades since most three carriages, serving the South by the Transport Department. of the vehicles rely on the Aberdeen Island Line (East). Law is concerned Tunnel to get to the heart of Hong that the number of people who will Both Chai and the Alliance believe Kong Island. be affected by the cancellation of bus that the Transport Department is not routes in the Southern District is larger looking for the best travel routes for the The Transport Department has put than the number of people the MTR district, but instead is helping the bus forward a proposal to establish several line can serve. companies to maximise their profits. new bus and minibus routes to improve traffic congestion in the Southern Changes to bus and minibus routes Lee criticised the Citybus for giving up district, after consultation and looking serving the Southern District will be some bus routes in the district. “It is at the data from the bus and minibus carried out within three to six months. very irresponsible for the bus company companies. But the Concern Alliance believes to do so,” Lee said. that these changes may not serve the Several new routes will be established community well. Some have also suggested that the bus - for example, minibus 51B that links companies would not stand to benefit Tin Wan Estate with the future Wong Charles Lee Chun-sang, another from the Transport Department’s Chuk Hang MTR station - but other member of the Alliance, said that plans, since it prioritises the South routes will be rerouted or cancelled, the Transport Department should Island Line. Chai disagrees. like Citybus 71 and 75, which serves survey new travelling habits after the Central and Wong Chuk Hang. Line opens, before changing bus and “The bus company has been asking minibus services. for the cancellation of the routes as it Some commuters are skeptical about brings very low profit to them,” Chai the ability of the new MTR line in The Alliance is also skeptical about said.. resolving traffic problems. They the statistics and proposals that the believe that the plan will bring more Transport Department is giving to the “Luckily, we successfully stopped the inconvenience to the Southern District. Southern District Council, as it favours Transport Department from using some transportation service providers, some of the survey data collected by Nine community interest groups - such as the Citybus and New World the bus company,” he said. including Western District Transport, First Bus. SH Concern Group and Imaging Wong Chai criticized the Transport Chuk Hang - have set up a Concern “The bus company conducted the Department for insufficient NEWS • 15

There are traffic jams almost every morning in the Aberdeen tunnel as more than 70 per cent of residences rely on the tunnel to get to other parts of Hong Kong.

consultation and research before would like to get the community more proposing reforms to the bus routes. involved in their actions. “They have only done a consultancy report and collected residents’ opinion “Although we are concerned that we through district councillors. They only have a few helpers, we are going should have done more,” he said. to distribute some leaflets and maybe call for action in the coming weeks, Chai also thinks that the department is so as to give the community a better trying to cover up transport problems transportation system,” Lee said. by delaying discussion in the District Council. by Tiffany Lui “It is already very close to the opening Edited by Jonathan Chan date of the South Island Line and the Transport Department has not yet put the proposals into the District Council’s meeting agenda, giving us very little time to discuss and react. It is definitely an executive hegemony,” Chai criticized.

In the District Council, Chai hoped the government could give the community a reasonable plan for the transportation system in the Southern District.

While District Councilors are doing their part in the meetings, the Alliance 16 •NEWS

HEALTH&SCIENCE Prevention of food allergies at an early age A new remedy for food allergies

When Kelly Tang Tsz-yu was just two The new approach to treating food Ms Chan said parents can add small years old, she took a spoonful of shrimp allergies is in contrast with the research portions of peanuts and eggs as soon as and shortly after that, her skin was released around a decade ago. At infants are developmentally ready to eat covered with an itchy rash. Her mother the time, the American Academy of solids. Iris Tai Lok-man was terrified when she Pediatrics asked kids to stay away from began to have breathing difficulties. allergens until they were much older. The amount of allergens in babies’ diets vary with the level of tolerance. But the Since then, her mother always makes Researchers concluded that there was a EAT study gave a brief idea that weekly sure that Kelly stays away from seafood, “moderate” certainty that putting food consumption of a small boiled egg and peanuts and other common allergens. allergies in babies’ diets prevents the 1½ teaspoons of peanut butter can allergy from developing. reduce the risk. Like many parents, she holds on to the belief that her child will be fine as long Ms June Chan King Chi, Senior Dietitian In Hong Kong, the percentage of as she stops eating food that triggers an at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and children with a food allergy is similar to allergic reaction. Hospital said that early introduction of those other countries like Australia and allergens to children has been a heated the US. But new findings show that adding topic in the UK and the US recently. peanuts and eggs to babies’ diets – rather Based on a survey done by Queen Mary than keeping them away, can cut the She said between 2008 to 2015, 1,300 Hospital in 2015, about 4.8% of the 7000 rates of allergies. three-month old infants were regularly respondents aged 14 or below, reported fed small portions of milk, peanut, having a food allergy. Among those An article published in the Journal of sesame, fish, eggs and wheat, alongside affected, 15.8% of them had a severe the American Medical Association this continued breastfeeding. The results of allergic reaction. month, found that early introduction the study showed that early consumption of allergenic food to infants, can reduce of allergenic foods, especially peanuts “The proportion of children with a risk. and eggs, can significantly increase the severe reaction is five percent higher chance of preventions. than the global average.” said Dr. Lee The journal shows evidence that feeding Tak-hong, Director at Allergy Centre. peanuts to babies aged between 4 and When asked whether she would start 11 months, can lower their chance of adding allergenic food to her child’s diet Victims of food allergies may suffer from developing a peanut allergy. gradually, Ms Tai was uncertain about an itchy rash, nausea, diarrhea, to severe the results of the research. reactions like a drop in blood pressure Further studies suggest that early and breathing difficulties. introduction of other common allergens “My child is very allergic to seafood and like eggs and fish, was linked to fewer knowing that it brings her more pain to The most common allergies are to amount of allergies later on. eat those foods, I just wouldn’t take any proteins like shellfish, eggs, dairy risks,” she said. products, peanuts and combined fruits. NEWS • 17

Research in Hong Kong has pioneered in food oral immunotherapy (OIT) alongside with anti-IgE therapy for management of patients diagnosed with allergies.

Immunotherapy has been considered dangerous as parents have feared that inadvertent food ingestion can bring about fatal allergic reactions. But prescribing patients with a dose of anti-IgE before they try to add allergens to their diet has proven to be an effective solution.

Ms Chan said food-specific IgE antibiotics act as detectors within human A skin prick test helps patients to identity food that may provoke allergic reactions. bodies. When allergens fall under the

radar of these antibiotics, they may become this treatment is not accessible to everyone. hypersensitive and progress to fatal systemic anaphylaxis. Most victims of food allergies are referred to the Allergy Centre at Hong Kong Sanatorium Anti-IgE, on the contrary, helps to shut and Hospital, one of the very few clinics down food sensitivity and increase the in the city dedicated to this field. Each threshold dose of allergens required to treatment costs around 100,000 dollars. trigger a reaction. “Dietary avoidance is no longer a global “Some of our patients underwent rapid trend as people find it much cheaper to work desensitization under the cover of anti-IgE on allergy prevention rather than spending and they reached the goal dose of 2000 mg thousands of dollars on treatment,” said Ms of peanut protein over the course of 7 to 11 Chan. weeks,” said Ms Chan.

However, the lack of government investment in research of food allergies and the high By Crystal Tai costs in private hospital services mean that Edited by Anna Tang

“When you help someone who once reacted severely to just a dose of allergen to eat nine peanuts at once, you actually save a life,”

Ms June Chan King-chi Dietian Physicians add peanut flour into apple puree to make it easier for food-allergic patients. 18 •NEWS

HEALTH & SCIENCE Healing with rhythm and melody

Music therapy helps children with autism

In a room filled with playful and catchy melodies, Sam Lawrence sits beside an electric piano, moving along the rhythm played by his music therapist. There are no words but his body movements express the joy he finds.

Sam has a chromosome abnormality, which has ose symptoms resembling those of autism spectrum disorder. His journey with music therapy be- gan when his therapist discovered that he reacted positively with music. Once the therapist discovered that he reacted positively to music, his jour- ney with music therapy started. Sam reacts with the music played by Ms Wu, the music therapist.

Rona Grecia has been Sam’s nurse- maid for almost 11 years. After ac- Jockey Club Sarah Roe School offers choices and playing instruments in companying him in the music ther- in-house music therapy to children the way they like, their needs of au- apy sessions for three years, she has with special needs. tonomy and self-expression are ful- seen observed that how music thera- filled, which help relieve their pent- py has given Sam a chance to express “Children with autism always live in up emotion emotions,” she said. himself. their own world. Music serves like a cue, which can bring their attention Chung King-man, the founder of In- Sam has a chromosome abnormality. back into reality and make them feel ternational Music Therapy Centre, His Ose symptoms resemble those of connected to the real world,” said said there are different approaches to autism spectrum disorders. Joanne Wu, a music therapist at JC- music therapy. “It can be presented SRS. in active, passive or receptive ways “He used to react slowly to (his) ther- to satisfy patients’ needs at different apist’s music or instructions, but now “For example, we always play ‘Hello stages of recovery,” he said. I am impressed to see his improve- Song’ when a session starts, which ment in interactions. He can even ex- serves as a signal and converge Mr Chung also said patients could al- press what instruments and music he (grabs) the children’s attention,” she leviate their worries and sadness by likes. Sam is calm and happy when he said. playing musical instruments, com- is with music,” she said. posing songs or simply listening to Ms Wu added that music is a kind of music. According to the American Music non-verbal communication, which Therapy Association, music therapy helps children to express themselves. “Music could not only provide psy- designed for children with Autism chological support to patients, but Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is effective “During music therapy sessions, they also reduce the physical pain they in improving their interpersonal and could choose what instruments and experience during the treatment,” he communication skills. music they want. Through making said. NEWS • 19

responsive and willing to communi- proved if more relevant researches cate with others during the session. and courses are conducted. He hopes “Music is their shared interest which music departments in Hong Kong facilitates their interactions,” she universities could put more resourc- said. es in music therapy research.

She believed that students could feel “It would be helpful if the universi- a sense of achievement as they meet ties can launch a concentration in teachers’ requirements easily with music therapy, so that students can Rona, the helper of Sam. music. be educated and trained properly by psychiatrists and clinical psycholo- Rhythms and melodies can also inte- “Students have become more cooper- gists.”,” Dr Lo said. grate with other therapies in order to ative even when they are not accom- maximize the outcomes. Miss X, who panied by music,” she said. “When declined to be named, is a speech they could follow the instructions therapist who has been working in a with music, they realized that they special needs school for more than 15 can follow instructions in other les- years and has witnessed how music sons.” assists speech therapy. Most patients in Hong Kong engage “Music is the only thing that can in music therapy through non-gov- keep their concentrations,” she said. ernment organizations or pay for Joanna Wu, the music therapist. “I felt so amazed when I saw a group private services, as most public hos- of children being so concentrated pitals do not provide music therapy. and obedient at the same time.” By Daisy Lee Clinical psychologist Dr Alexander Edited by Alvin Kor & Lindsy Long Miss X added that children are more Lo suggested the situation can be im- 20 • NEWS

BUSINESS Graffitis: The New Bankable Design Trend

The story of an entrepreneur and his eco-friendly businesses

Graffiti is often associated with vandalism businesses as design solutions. The “What kind of art could make a and rebellion, but with the growing company launched in Hong Kong in 2014 statement and create the vibrancy that popularity of street cultures, graffiti is because they saw growing potentials my restaurant needs?” said Lam. “Then now becoming a booming commercial from emerging popularity of graffitis. came the idea of having graffiti as my design element, especially for interior Since then, they have hired six local major design element here.” design. artists and over 100 international artists. He said the cost of putting up graffitis “Couldn’t say Hong Kong is a place The company’s business has 2-3 per is at least 20 per cent less compared to that embraces graffiti as much as in the cent of steady growth every year. They other design decorations like brass pipes UK, Brazil, or Germany,” said Hannah are planning to do pop up exhibitions and lamps that relate to his restaurant’s Smith, director of creative company for their artists in the future, hoping to industrial, New York style theme. They Graffiti4hire. “But I think more people showcase their work and attract more help to market his business. are changing this by subtly putting graffiti opportunities. up in interiors, commercial spaces, or on “I think they have their advertising objects meant for marketing use. They “Clients range from restaurants and our function. Customers will tell me how want people to see them as aesthetic commercial spaces to hotels and gyms,” much they like the wall and will be pieces of arts.” Smith said. interested to know the concept behind,” said Lam. “The graffiti has kind of Graffiti4hire is a UK creative company Rocky Lam, owner of New York Diner in become my restaurant’s icon and two that contacts graffiti artists for customers North Point, put graffiti on three walls in conversation pieces here.” who plan to have graffitis for their the restaurant. “The business benefits artists to get to work on commercial projects with interesting companies,” said Smith. “These give not just monetary but experiential opportunities.”

Local graffiti artist, Pantone C has been doing commercial graffiti work for several years. commercial graffiti stacks up 30-40 per cent of his income.

Apart from discerning what clients want, Pantone C thinks the other key to commercial graffiti is that artists or companies need to understand local urban cultures, so they could blend personal style, client’s’ wants, and local vibes in their works.

“I had one client who wanted to infuse the Hong Kong style in his restaurant’s graffiti. The owner was directed toa foreign artist before coming to me,” Graffiti artist Pantone C says localization is important in doing commercial graffiti. Pantone C said. “He eventually gave up NEWS • 21

on the foreign artist because he did not graffiti is indeed one of the big design “The benefit of having graffiti is not just understand and could not execute what solution trends, especially in bars and about decorating in an affordable way,” he wanted. Localization is an important restaurants. It is a flexible and authentic said Fu. “People can also use graffiti aspect that is easily neglected in doing design option. He said construction sites to express their own style, showing commercial graffiti.” and schools nowadays hire local artists customers what their restaurant to decorate their advertisement boards characters and brand values are.” Interior designer, Fu Kuk-ying said and exteriors too. “Potentially, interior design firms could work with graffiti artists and provide graffiti design services to maximize business opportunities,” Fu added.

By Nicole Kwok Edited by Flavia Wong 22 • NEWS

BUSINESS Social Enterprise: Gift to the Community? The government’s plan to help social enterprises is not effective enoughing

The problem of an ageing population is retirement from a teacher’s position at The Home Affairs Department has nothing new in Hong Kong. In his 2016 a secondary school. not to respond to questions on the Policy Address, the Chief Executive effectiveness of their programme. predicted that the proportion of people However, pet sitting services are not aged 65 or above is estimated to increase well known in Hong Kong. As a pet “At this moment we do not have a from 15 percent in 2014, to 36 percent in owner himself, Leung pointed out that very clear definition of what social 2064, that is, by over 1.5 million. the popularity of a pet sitting service in enterprise is in Hong Kong,” said Dr Hong Kong is much lesser than that of Yanto Chandra, an assistant professor “Hong Kongers have some of the Western countries. “Many pet owners, at the Department of Public Policy highest life expectancy in the world. even myself, have never heard of it at the City University of Hong Kong. Many people have a long time to live before.” Mr. Leung added. “Having a universal definition will after retirement,” said Mr. Derek Pang, create a lot of burdens because the one of the founders of Senior CID. “It is important to get support from the rules and requirements will discourage “People need to be concerned about government for new social enterprises people from trying to set up SEs.” what they have to do to make a living like Senior CID”, said Mr. Derek Chandra added. for the rest of their lives. That inspired Pang. Pang believed that young adults us to start our company,” said Pang. generate a lot of creative ideas, but While the scholar advised new social they do not have the experiences and enterprises to be creative and find Senior CID was established in early financial support to fulfill their plans. strategies to get started through, “the 2016 after Pang and two other partners difficulties are not for social enterprises participated in the Hong Kong Social Home Affairs Department provides per se, anyone starting a new venture, Enterprise Challenge 2015 (HKSEC). the ‘Enhancing Self-Reliance Through even if it is a full profit venture, will face It is a social enterprise that provides District Partnership Programme’ to a critical period,” said Chandra. training in pet care for the elderly. Once encourage the development of social trained, participants can then offer enterprises in Hong Kong. Applicants “Social enterprises are lacking a their services to pet owners. must have non-profit-making transparency to have clear reporting,” undertakings for at least one year. They said Dr Chandra. He suggested Pang said the difference between also need experience in running social that the government should help a social enterprise and a business enterprises for at least one year. social enterprises build up their company is that they have a vision to do transparencies. People of the social something for the society instead of just Pang said that there is a loophole in enterprise sphere should form a make money. the programme, because it fails to help council where transparent reporting is newly established social enterprises. At encouraged, so that the general public “We want to give values to those in the start-up stage, the majority of the would know more about SE. need.” Pang added. capital used for running the company relies on the funding from HKSEC. “That is exactly the spirit of social “Providing a pet sitting service is a enterprise,” Chandra added. This could much better way for the elderly to “A social enterprise is not a charity, be a bottom-up process, where people make a living compared with collecting the government cannot expect us to are required to work together and face papers on the street,” said Mr. Keith be non-profit making and still be able the challenges. Leung, one of the pet sitters in Senior to work in here full-time for the entire CID, which he became after his year,” said Pang. By Richelia Yeung & Cecilia Wong Edited by Phoebe Chau NEWS • 23

SPCA’s vets teach Senior CID’s pet-sitters, including Mr Keith Leung (Left), how to observe pets’ condition.

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(Bottom left) Senior CID cooperates with SPCA, offering a training section to its pet-sitter about pets’ health. (Bottom right) Senior CID invites dog trainers to share experiences of dog-walking with pet-sitters in a Yuen Long dog shelter. 24 • NEWS

Art & Culture Modern paper offerings are breaking traditional stereotypes Breaking the traditions: Paper offerings as art ?

In every traditional Chinese festival, paper and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist Autumn period. offerings for celebration or the worship of University. spirits can be seen everywhere. For example, people in Tianjin use joss “In the ‘Book of Rites’ by Confucius, the paper cows as offerings, those in Chaozhou “Paper offerings are not only about funeral master once said that we should respect present joss paper water buckets and affairs. We do paper offerings for the Mid- spiritual beings with containers,” said Tam. streamers to the spirits, while people in Autumn Festival, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon “As Confucius starts to distinguish human Fujian make joss paper lamps for their Dance, and even for Chinese New Year,” beings and the spirits as two different spirits. said Mr Ha Chung-kin, the traditional existences. The containers for spirits must paper craftsman. be different from those we used,” “There are over a hundred types of paper offerings due to cultural diversity. We He said there were two factions in the Before that, most Chinese tended to use the create different paper offerings for different paper offering industry in the past - paper same offerings, for example, meat, fruit, or places and occasions,” Ha said. offerings for celebrations and those for even humans - which they were presenting funeral purpose. to a higher hierarchy - the spirits. Paper offerings are designed for the spirits. Family and friends of the deceased would “We cannot make paper offerings for both Although Confucius did not state order customized offerings for their occasions [at the same time] as people specifically that we should use paper to beloved ones. think it is ominous,” he said. “But now, we make offerings, the plant and common reed do everything together, people don’t mind.” that he mentioned is believed to be an early According to Tam, the Chinese believe sample of paper offerings. the world of spirits is the reflection of The culture of paper offerings is believed to the human world. Therefore, people have started with a concept brought along Until modern age, paper offerings have would make paper offerings similar to the by Confucianism, introduced in the Spring experienced a striking development in materials they have in daily life. and Autumn period, according to Dr Tam different parts of China, with great diversity yik-fai, from the Department of Religion since their introduction in the Spring and The most common paper offering, joss

(left) Mr Ha Chun-kin has been working in the paper offering industry for over 30 years. (right) Paper craft is common during celebration of some traditional Chinese events. NEWS • 25

Modern paper offerings are breaking traditional stereotypes Breaking the traditions: Paper offerings as art ?

One of the paper offerings in the exhibition “Unfold Taiwan”.

paper doll, is an implication of a servant “Paper offerings can be in any format and for Patricio introduced paper offerings as one of in the traditional Chinese society; and the different uses. It is art and we can think out of the focusing exhibitions in this D’Days design trendy joss paper iPhone, is a reflection of the the box!” he said. festival, which has been held since 2000 to luxurious enjoyment in the digital age. celebrate design and creation all over Paris Recently, Ha has been offering classes to pass on an international level. On one of his trip to Nowadays, paper offerings are not limited on the skills of making these paper offerings. Taiwan, he witnessed the burning of paper to Chinese festivals and the spirits. We can He has had a positive response from the offerings and he felt the art value inside. also see them during Western festivals like public as all his classes are full. Christmas and Halloween. “Chinese paper offering is an art, a history, Mr Patricio Sarmiento agrees. He is a curator a tradition and a practice of contemporary In 2015, artist Fong Tong-shing of the online for the exhibition “Unfold Taiwan” held in design use in paper,” Patricio said. “This video platform TVMost even ordered a joss Decorative Arts Museum of Paris, also sees shows a very deep relationship between paper doll of himself for the promotion in the paper offering as an art. paper and human beings on a spiritual level.” book fair. His related post on Facebook didn’t scare people, but gained around 2500 likes, Patricio is not afraid of the Asian taboos that The paper offerings are regarded as a bridge which was much higher than his other posts. paper offerings may bring people bad luck, between human beings death. By burning even though the Taiwanese Embassy had the paper offerings, the Chinese believe that Ha had once created a large-scale paper once gave him a warning when he showed we can transfer the materials to the afterlife Frankenstein and a mummy for a Halloween interested in exhibiting the paper offerings. world. party, and a giant Santa Claus placed outside the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking “Bad luck is very cultural, we don’t share the Corporation headquarters in Central. same history and belief, so I think it is okay,” By Emily Cheung Patricio said. Edited by Janet Sun & Candice Tang (left) Mr Ha Chun-kin has been working in the paper offering industry for over 30 years. (right) Paper craft is common during celebration of some traditional Chinese events. 26 •NEWS26 • NEWS

ART AND CULTURE Young artists painting their paths Can art and business go hand in hand?

“What Used to Be”, one of Rainbow Tse’s watercolor paintings.

Hong Kong has witnessed a boom in Chiu. She has 25 exhibitions under her But Chiu believes that Hong Kong’s the art industry in recent years, thanks belt. “[The Hong Kong art industry] is emphasis on commercialising art is a to international fairs like Art Basel, Art very international and very rarely would blow to local artists. Central, and the development of the Hong Kong organise its own art fairs. West Kowloon Culture district, while I’m not sure if this is a good trend for Compared with her experience in this may provides opportunities for local artists as we have to appeal to the the UK where she sees art as “more business. international market to be successful.” public”, the 20-year-old feels that Hong Kong’s art atmosphere “isn’t as strong.” Young artists are not benefiting, says Just this year, Chiu has had her artworks She pointed out that it is difficult to University of Hong Kong student, Elaine exhibited in France, Italy and Bulgaria. make her artworks seen in the local NEWS • 27

(Left) Rainbow Tse (Middle) Elaine Chiu (Right) Nicky Chan

community because of the lack of new art venues like PMQ, Para Site Art Chan, highlighted the introduction of funding, opportunities and connections. Space and the Jockey Club Creative a new senior high school arts learning Arts Centre, says the Chairman and experience for senior high school “Without a gallery representation, you CEO of Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East students. cannot get into the art scene here in Holdings Lawrence Chia. Hong Kong. It’s always about money, Chiu is delighted to hear the news, as relationship and connections,” she All of these have made Hong Kong the she sees her experience in studying added. world’s third largest art market. visual arts during secondary school as “too exam-oriented”. Preconceived beliefs that ‘art can’t “For a profit-driven commercial city like feed you’ has been one of the reasons Hong Kong, art is valuable because it Meanwhile, new funding has been why the art scene in Hong Kong is can bring money,” he said. allocated to the Academy for Performing underdeveloped, according to Nicky Arts to provide professional training Chan, the founder of tgt Gallery. Rainbow Tse, a young local artist who from a post-secondary diploma up to a also has various exhibitions held both in master’s degree. Assistance also is being “When we were young, teachers always the city and overseas, believes that there given to ramp up professional artists and said ‘Art is a good way to express your are two sides of the art scene and one art bodies through increased funding for emotion’. Yet what they were really cannot function without the other. nine major performing companies. All implying was ‘Don’t do art when you these measures are hoped to encourage grow up’, he said. “Without the business aspect, it would local artists to pursue their dreams be difficult for artists to have a career while still being able to make a living. “What Used to Be”, one of Rainbow Tse’s watercolor paintings. Chan’s tgt gallery aims to provide an with it as opposed to a side job or a interactive platform for young local hobby. But when there is too large of an Despite a bittersweet and conflicting artists to share their creativity and emphasis on business, sometimes it’s relationship of the art and business in talent. The gallery promotes local arts easy to lose the purpose of creating art— Hong Kong, Chiu, Tse and Chan are by having a solo artist exhibition every was the art created just to be sold or was still hopeful of the art development month, and collaborates with companies it created as a means of expression?” she in the city. Seeing Hong Kong people (how?) instead of commercialising art. wondered. appreciate art and understand the value of each piece of artwork someday is the The emerging art market benefits the In a speech at Goucher College in dream that they will continue to paint in business and finance sector, because Baltimore, United States, the Director their paths. there are more opportunities for events of Hong Kong Economic and Trade management and establishment of Office, New York (HKETONY), Anita By Jianne Soriano Edited by Choco Chan 28 •NEWS

PEOPLE Beating all odds with positivity

Bouncing back from ordeals to live a positive life

At the age of 67, Stephen Char Shik- ent Commission Against Corruption go find some other wealthy men for ngor is still wearing different hats: (ICAC), where he had worked for 28 help. If not, I could launch a territo- a barrister at law, a mediator, a col- years. He negotiated with an HA of- ry-wide fund campaign. They were umnist. Straddling different fields, ficial who wanted to close down the shocked.” he is renowned for being an activist liver transplant centre in Prince of in the frontier of health protection. Wales Hospital due to a fiscal deficit Unfortunately, HA brushed aside his after SARS. suggestion and shut down the trans- Having an abscess on his bottom plant centre. He expected a justifia- lip because of sweltering, the grey- “Meanwhile there was a gener- ble explanation but met no reply. The haired man laughed about his hectic ous businessman offering HKD$40 temporary failure didn’t hinder him but happy life. million to continue the transplant from helping more people. In 2004, a centre. Yet, HA asked me about the journalist inspired him to run for the “I can take a break when I am taking kidney or heart patients. They were LegCo election. “She asked me if I the train,” Mr Char said with a smile testing my EQ,” he said. was doing this for the election. I said creasing his face. no but I thought deeply about it,” he Brimming with confidence, this vet- said. The wrinkles marked his ups and eran barrister said, “out of their ex- downs. Nicknamed the “expert of pectations, I promised them I could Instead of shouting at the shut door, ordeals”, he had experienced family loss, cancer and two divorces. How- ever the misery in his life has never beaten him. “Life is a combination of sorrow and happiness. One has to ac- cept the fact of life,” he said.

Liver cancer became a watershed in his life. In sight of no helping hand to turn to while he was suffering from the disease, the survivor set up the first organization for liver can- cer sufferers in Hong Kong, during the year of 1994. Besides providing medical and spiritual support, the organization was running for liver transplants. He was crowned one of the top ten fighters of regeneration, for his contribution in 1998.

For the sake of patients’ rights, the cancer fighter even confronted the Hospital Authority (HA) himself, in 2003. To fight for the rights while minimising the adverse effects, Mr Stephen Char embraces failure as a fact of life. “But you have to know why you succeed and why you fail.” Char resigned from the Independ- NEWS • 29

Mr Char tried to initiate the Asking whether we should not expect an- radical, since they relay the voices of Legco councilors into the health ything from ICAC and police amid their the people of Hong Kong. “Like what issues. He took part as an inde- declining reputation, Mr Char said this Voltaire said ‘I disapprove of what pendent candidate in New Ter- was a negative attitude. “Never premise you say, but I will defend to the death ritory West. The whole election anything. We should always encourage your right to say it’,” he quoted. campaign cost him more than a the government to take action,” he said. million dollars. Yet, he failed to “We are different individuals. We enter the council. are unique. Voice out what we think not what we hear,” he said. Apart “I will never forget the number “We are different from being judgmental, Mr Char said - 9116 votes! With less than two- individuals. Hong Kong people do not spend time months of exposure! It was im- thinking, but rather echoing others’ pressive,” he said. We are unique,” opinions.

Reviewing this years LegCo Over the last few years, the happiness election, in which a controver- Stephen Char Shik-ngor index of Hongkongers has dropped sial disqualification and death Former Chief to the 75th place, out of 135 countries. threats were involved, the bar- Investigator, ICAC Giving a hint on how to stay positive, rister urged ICAC and the police the happiness expert suggested us to to initiate a proactive parameter “be critical”. “It frees us from being in the protection of law enforce- controlled, as one can make his own ment. “Blackmail is a serious Hong Kong saw the highest turnout rate in judgement and decision so as to live offence. People who commit this LegCo election with the participation his own life,” he added. of more than 2.2 million voters. Mr Char Stephen Char embraces failure as a fact of life. “But you have to know why you succeed and crimes should be brought to jus- hoped people could respect the counsel- why you fail.” tice,” he stated. By Celia Lai lors, whether they are conservative or Edited by Ann Li 30 • NEWS

PEOPLE A rise of local prosthetic makeup artists

Special effect makeup artist Gary Chan seeks ways to support artists in Hong Kong

A sweaty-stocky meat deliveryman Chan implores production companies makeup, Mr Chan said. He said he dismembers the corpse of a 16-year- to hire locally - and to respect local would always use the best quality old female prostitute, tearing the skin artists by giving them a budget to products for clients, and if they did from her face. work with. “Don’t think that we’re not have enough budget, he would beggars,” he told The Young Reporter. pay on his own. The signature bloody scene appeared in the award-winning local crime Although many skilled artists have “It’s not that I do it cheaply,” he said, movie “Port of Call”. 26-year-old Gary emerged in Hong Kong, the major “it’s because this was the only budget Chan Ka-wai was in charge of special problem in the prosthetic makeup they had, and this was the only chance makeup effects. industry is still a shortage of talent, he we got. I wanted to show off my skills, added. so I would take it anyway.” Dubbed “the little king” in the field, Chan says he wants to be more than It takes at least a year to train a Special effects makeup cannot just a makeup artist. He hopes to qualified special makeup artist, earn enough money for his living, improve the art industry and society but many people do not have that said Mr Chan. He also works in a through his work. patience, he said. After a couple of company selling professional makeup weeks or months, when they find it products, in which he has developed “I was lucky that I got lots of cannot bring them good money, they relationships with customers and opportunities,” said Chan. He wants will stop practicing and quit. in turn will benefit his prosthetic to create more opportunities for makeup career. others. Another reason is the gap between their expectations and reality, he “When they need special effects As Chan participated in many local said. People may think doing special makeup, they will come and find me, art competitions, he found out that effects makeup will take hours, which because they trust me,” said Mr Chan. many of the rules and judges in those is already a long time but the truth is competitions were not professional or it can take months. Financial difficulties never stopped qualified. him from chasing his dream. At first Chan said his most recent project is he did not have much money, so he So, he decided to organise one himself. making an adult-size corpse in the signed a contract with a company At the moment, Chan is organising a fetal position. This unusual posture supporting him to study abroad, face-painting competition for local poses great difficulties, taking twelve promising to work for it after artists. people almost a month to complete. graduating from Cinema Makeup School in Hollywood. Chan said its aim is to support local Mr Chan said this is his most satisfying artists, since filmmakers nowadays piece yet. “I cannot show you now, “I’m just lucky,” he said, “but luck is usually prefer hiring foreigners. “The but when you see it, you must be like what happens when preparations moon seems fuller in foreign lands,” “Wow. That’s amazing!” meet opportunities.” he said. Mr Chan said he always did lots Mr Chan has been a prosthetic of preparations. When he was not Many production companies either makeup artist for three years. Despite at work, he would be practicing, simply edit the script and stories to so many difficulties, he said he never teaching himself online, or consulting eliminate the need for special makeup thought of quitting. experienced artists. or find foreign makeup artists if they have enough budgets. Most production companies only Other than Port of Call, he works for have low budgets for special effects other film production, commercial, FEATURE• 31 NEWS • 31

A rise of local prosthetic makeup artists

advertising, fashion institutions and as successful at all. “Special effects Chan with his back straight, “I hope even pre-wedding shootings. He makeup is only one of my tools to I can influence people in a good way, has also organized many training do something else,”he said, “I will not only (people) in this field, but programs in Hong Kong and never be successful until I realize my also the public.” Mainland China. dream.”

By Connie Fong & Susan Gao But he does not consider himself “I want to be a politician,” said Mr Edited by Michelle Chan

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Gary Chan Ka-wai, 26, a local special makeup artists known as “the little king” E M A I L [email protected]

F A C E B O O K The Young Reporter

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