https://www.scmp.com/rss/4718/feed Michelle Chan is vice-president of programs for Friends of the Earth en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Activists of 12 countries conducted rallies in London, Hong Kong and Nairobi last week to protest financing by Bank of China to build the Batang Toru Dam in Indonesia’s North Sumatra, due to its catastrophic impact on communities and biodiversity. If built, scientists say that the dam will doom the Tapanuli orangutan, which was only discovered in 2017, almost to certain extinction. It would also impoverish downstream communities who rely on the natural flow of the river for their... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/2189351/chinas-institutions-and-banks-need-help-worlds-civil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/2189351/chinas-institutions-and-banks-need-help-worlds-civil?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Mar 2019 05:03:37 +0000 This month, thousands of companies, scientists, activists and government officials will descend on California to participate in the Global Climate Action Summit. Initiated by California governor Jerry Brown, it aims to “to prevent dangerous climate change”. But the truth is that climate change is already here, and the world is still scrambling to find long-term solutions. One of the event’s prominent co-chairs is Xie Zhenua, China’s top climate negotiator. Since US President Donald Trump’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/united-states/article/2163160/how-can-china-and-california-tout-clean-energy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/united-states/article/2163160/how-can-china-and-california-tout-clean-energy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Sep 2018 05:00:15 +0000 Since the launch of China's "going out" policy some 15 years ago, Chinese outbound investment has increased over 30-fold, to almost US$103 billion in 2014. As China's overseas footprint has grown, so have the environmental and social controversies linked to Chinese-backed projects. In the past few years alone, Chinese companies and banks have come under fire for a range of deals, such as copper mines in Ecuador that have fuelled social conflict. But unlike US or European governments, which have... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1723020/chinese-banks-must-ensure-companies-investing-abroad-make?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1723020/chinese-banks-must-ensure-companies-investing-abroad-make?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2015 03:59:08 +0000 In 2012, a Chinese-owned mining company, EcuaCorriente, signed a deal with the Ecuadorean government to develop a copper mine in one of the most biodiverse and beautiful places on earth. Located in Ecuador's misty highlands, the Mirador mine has since been the target of protests, lawsuits and resistance from communities and organisations concerned about the mine's impact on water, biodiversity and indigenous peoples. El Mirador is just one example of a foreign direct investment that has... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1433716/chinas-going-out-companies-must-tread-earth-more-lightly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1433716/chinas-going-out-companies-must-tread-earth-more-lightly?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Feb 2014 18:53:06 +0000 James Blunt finally made his debut Hong Kong appearance on Thursday night. He brought the house down with renditions from his two popular albums, appearing vulnerable during the melancholy numbers, and showing his spirited side when he hopped around the front of the stage to shake hands with excited fans. For those who only know the singer and former soldier because of his song You're Beautiful, you may be surprised by Blunt's life story. Serving in the army was more of a family tradition... https://www.scmp.com/article/638106/be-blunt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638106/be-blunt?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Arthur Chan, Photographer It seems like an oil painting, but there's something within the frame that doesn't seem quite right; your eyes seem to be playing tricks, the sky and the land change identities when you turn the photos upside down. This is not illusion, it is exactly the way photographer, Arthur Chan Man, wants you to appreciate his photos - to capture the image beyond your very own eyes. Though he copped some flak when he first showed his creations to friends, the photos taken with... https://www.scmp.com/article/637540/through-different-lens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637540/through-different-lens?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Students' creativity was on display as China Light and Power (CLP) announced the winning entries of its latest green competition, 'Climate and You', on its newly launched education portal, PowerU. The competition, which invited young people to suggest ideas for sensible use of power and a green lifestyle, was very popular among students. It attracted more than 600 entries, and for each entry, CLP has pledged to plant a tree in Hong Kong or on the mainland. The public had the opportunity... https://www.scmp.com/article/637396/green-creativity-wins-recognition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637396/green-creativity-wins-recognition?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The Think Great Snapshot Competition 2008, a contest which combines photographic and English writing skills, is calling for entries. Organised by Wiseman Education and supported by The Education Bureau and Hong Kong Parents Association, the competition encourages secondary school students to explore and discuss issues that concern them. It will give them the chance to voice their opinions on what they consider to be important. Students are invited to submit one photo with a title, caption... https://www.scmp.com/article/636693/picture-tells-thousand-words?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/636693/picture-tells-thousand-words?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A performance that combines ballet and circus is set to thrill Hong Kong's theatregoers next month. Rain/Bow, organised by Le French May, is the result of years of juggling practice. The artists use movements and manipulation of objects to stage a magical show. Originally written for a jugglers' troupe to improve their movements, the show is divided into two parts - Rain and Bow - which explore two different ways of creation. Rain is sustained by the surprising and emotional music of... https://www.scmp.com/article/636607/artists-juggle-ballet-and-circus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/636607/artists-juggle-ballet-and-circus?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Have you yelled 'Boo!' at someone and then felt foolish when they weren't frightened? Scaring people is a complicated business. Rico Patel became a scare master when he started working at a tourist attraction in London, scaring visitors every day. He was so successful at his first job that he now travels around the world, recruiting actors for different attractions, teaching them how to scare people. 'Scaring people is not about haunted houses, or pretending that we are Casper the... https://www.scmp.com/article/636368/prepare-be-scared?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/636368/prepare-be-scared?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Two Form Three students from Maryknoll Fathers' School won the international group championship in the Young Scientists (Unge Forskere) competition held in Denmark. Steven Lau Tak-shing and Ivan Lau Tak-kin beat their competitors with the anti-bumping lock they invented during a summer programme at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) in 2006. During the programme, the boys studied how bump keys, a device used by locksmiths to open pin tumbler locks, worked, and developed their ... https://www.scmp.com/article/635853/students-unlock-secret-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635853/students-unlock-secret-success?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Jim Alling, president of Starbucks Despite being president of Starbucks, Jim Alling spends as much time as he can with his three sons Zach, Brett and Nick. 'I used to teach my boys [at home] until I took up this position. I used to coach them soccer and basketball,' Mr Alling says. 'To me, words are important, but ... physically spending your time [supporting your words] says so much more.' Knowing the advantages of spending time teaching and playing with his own children, Mr Alling has... https://www.scmp.com/article/635856/discover-perfect-blend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635856/discover-perfect-blend?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Singer Keren Ann will stage her debut Hong Kong concert, Keren Ann 2008 HK - Painting In Sound, on May 12-13, at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Ann, whose concert is sponsored by Le French May, engineers her songs and writes choral and musical arrangements. Based in New York and Paris, she has won accolades for her original compositions that give a fresh perspective on the art of songwriting. In the studio, the Israeli-born artist looks beyond the chords and the cadences to produce a... https://www.scmp.com/article/635717/beyond-notes-artist-inspired-engineering?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635717/beyond-notes-artist-inspired-engineering?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 It's never easy to leave your home country when you are only 17, but Amy Pearson was ready to go anywhere to fulfil her dream of being a singer. Pearson grew up in Birmingham and never had a doubt as to what she wanted to do with her life. She began to sing when she was three years old, wrote her first song at six and made her first demo at 13. 'When I was young, I would work for five days and be in the studio for two. During those times, I would travel to London and do shows, hoping to get... https://www.scmp.com/article/635585/living-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635585/living-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 More than 400 students channelled their knowledge and creativity into building model bridges at an engineering competition held on April 12. The Fifth Bridge Building Competition for Secondary Schools 2008 aimed to raise student's interest in civil engineering, to strengthen team spirit and to let students gain an appreciation of building work. Eighty-eight teams participated in the event, made up of 430 students from 47 secondary schools. Each of their model bridges was subjected to tests to... https://www.scmp.com/article/635596/building-better-bridges-between-hks-schools?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635596/building-better-bridges-between-hks-schools?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Jordan Chan Siu-chun has released his latest album, Exclusive Memory, after a four- year absence from the Mandarin music scene. The singer-actor reveals that he fell in love with music production while he was producing his albums in Taiwan. 'I've always loved Mandarin songs. The lyrics go so well with the melody in the storytelling,' he says. 'I have really enjoyed the process of composing and arranging songs with my producer Preston Lee. We communicated well and great ideas kept popping... https://www.scmp.com/article/635178/bittersweet-return-jordan-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/635178/bittersweet-return-jordan-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Born in Hong Kong Graduated from Caritas Bianchi College of Careers with a major in advertising design in 1989 Became a designer and one of the three directors of Brothersfree in 2000 Became a member of the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators Founded Kennyswork (www.kennyswork.com) in 2006, and created action figures Copperhead-18 and Molly the Painter His famous character, Molly the Painter, is featured in a mobile game created by Marcera technology in 2007 Collaborated with Levi's, Medicom,... https://www.scmp.com/article/634870/profile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/634870/profile?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 On April 5, 1,000 Hong Kong teenagers graduated from Cathay Pacific's 'I Can Fly' programme and are on the road to making their aviation dreams come true. 'I Can Fly' was set up by Cathay Pacific in 2003 to help young Hong Kong people learn more about aviation and, at the same time, develop a spirit of community involvement. For the past four months, participants of the 2007 - 2008 programme, who are all aged 15 to 18, have been tutored in all aspects of aviation, under the guidance of Cathay... https://www.scmp.com/article/634053/1000-high-flyers-reach-sky?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/634053/1000-high-flyers-reach-sky?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Michael Tse Tin-wah, actor After more than 20 years in the business, Michael Tse Tin-wah finally feels like a star. Over the last two decades, Tse has done everything from backing dancing and recording two albums as a member of boy band Wind Fire Sea to participating in local musicals and bagging the championship in a dance competition. He has surprised many with his range of talents and commitment to his dream. The performer says he can easily identify the roles and productions which ... https://www.scmp.com/article/633962/take-chance-me?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633962/take-chance-me?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Insomnia does not only affect adults - a study showed that Hong Kong adolescents suffer from poor sleep, too. People who suffer from insomnia have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Professor Chung Ka-fai of the department of psychiatry at University of Hong Kong recently looked at the sleeping patterns of 1,629 adolescents aged between 12 and 19. Results showed that stress was the most significant factor contributing to sleeping problems. Students who performed poorly... https://www.scmp.com/article/633830/all-night-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633830/all-night-long?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The Chinese International School's fashion show had a daring theme this year. On April 5, 'Virtuosity 2008 - Spring Gone Wild' was presented at the Aberdeen Marina Club. The catwalk show included an exhibit of student designs, an auction and a variety of other performances. Thirty models - 20 from the secondary school, six from primary classes and four fashionable members of the teaching staff - paraded clothes provided by designer labels, including Tommy Hilfiger, Esprit, Bread n Butter,... https://www.scmp.com/article/633723/chinese-international-school-raises-hk130000-charity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633723/chinese-international-school-raises-hk130000-charity?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 It's time to sign up for the Junior Entrepreneur 2008 courses which will be held over the summer holidays. The courses are organised by Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Management & Executive Development Centre. This year's 10-day programme, aimed at Form Three to Form Seven students, will be centered on liberal studies and enhance students' awareness of social issues. During the course, students will be introduced to different aspects of modern entrepreneurship, learning financial management... https://www.scmp.com/article/633330/your-chance-meet-movers-and-shakers-local-business-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633330/your-chance-meet-movers-and-shakers-local-business-world?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 It's not uncommon to see teenagers or even adults fighting in public - on their handheld electronic games and on the internet. But even in the electronic age, we see some old toys making a comeback. Wyman Chan Man-fai and Benjamin Chan Chun-man are both yo-yo addicts. Wyman has been playing for 10 years, while Benjamin started seven years ago. They are both members of the Hong Kong Yo Yo Fan Club. 'There are about 30 yo-yo tricks, 10 in each of the difficult, medium and easy level,' Wyman said.... https://www.scmp.com/article/633334/pastime-pleasures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633334/pastime-pleasures?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 '7+2' milestones Denali (6,194 metres) Continent: North America Route: West Buttress Summit day: June 25, 1982 Kilimanjaro (5,895m) Continent: Africa Route: Umbwe Summit day: November 30, 1984 Elbrus (5,642m) Continent: Europe Route: Southeast (Normal) Summit day: July 24, 1997 Vinson Massif (4,897m) Continent: Antarctica Route: Branscomb glacier Summit day: December 10, 1997 Aconcagua (6,962m) Continent: South America Route: Normal Summit day: December 17, 1998 Carstensz Pyramid... https://www.scmp.com/article/633079/profile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633079/profile?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Rock climbing is an arduous and risky sport in most people's eyes but it's a passion for Chung Kin-man - mountains are his motivation. Before Chung achieved the feat, only five people had climbed the highest mountains on each of the world's seven continents, and reached both the North and South Poles, and none were Chinese. The accomplished mountaineer has spent more than 30 years scaling Alpine peaks and has faced death on more than one occasion. Chung nearly fell into a crevasse on his trek... https://www.scmp.com/article/633080/motivated-mountains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633080/motivated-mountains?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 After making sure the rope is tightly attached to her harness, Lisa Cheng performs stunts as she makes her way up the wall. At one point, she holds on to a big boulder with one hand, and swings her body in the air, soaking up the experience. 'Many people say climbing is risky. Actually this is not the case. We focus more on safety rather than technique. It also gives you great satisfaction when you make it to the top,' says Cheng, a professional climber. Sports climbing has caught on in... https://www.scmp.com/article/632752/top-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/632752/top-world?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Eight business students from City University volunteered their services to revamp a charity shop in Canterbury, Britain, to help it raise more funds for the needy. The students were taking part in a six-week English course organised with the University of Kent in Canterbury, and were each required to do 50 hours community service. A small shop run by British charity The Scrine Foundation was the focus for the Hong Kong group, who were given the task of helping to manage it. The shop sells... https://www.scmp.com/article/632285/study-trip-offers-students-insight-uks-social-problems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/632285/study-trip-offers-students-insight-uks-social-problems?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Charles Szeto Shui-ki, swimmer While we anxiously wait for the Beijing Olympics to start in August, swimmer Charles Szeto Shui-ki is hoping for some Olympics action of his own - as a host for TVB. In the 20 years he has been a professional swimmer, Szeto, has raced against numerous top swimmers, taken part in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and the 2002 Busan Asian Games, broken a few Hong Kong records, bagged enough medals to cover his entire body, but, he has never taken part in the... https://www.scmp.com/article/632270/eyeing-olympic-splash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/632270/eyeing-olympic-splash?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Most people can only dream of carrying the Olympic torch, but for Lam Tak-kwan, 21, the dream will come true in a few weeks. Mr Lam is one of the lucky 120 torchbearers who will be running the most unusual 200 metres on May 2. He was one of the three people chosen from among 400 public contestants in a campaign organised by Coca-Cola. 'The feeling is still so unreal. I won't believe it until it actually happens,' says the business student from City University. Mr Lam won the hearts of the public... https://www.scmp.com/article/631604/shining-example?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/631604/shining-example?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 More than 1,000 students exercised their talent and creativity in the recent National Geographic Channel - Think Again Awards. Organised by National Geographic Channel and Wiseman Education, the award invites secondary school students to make a documentary on the way they see the modern world. This year, Diocesan Girls' School and St Rose of Lima's College each bagged three awards in the junior section, while St Paul's Convent School, Immanuel Lutheran College, St Mark's School and Canadian... https://www.scmp.com/article/631602/and-years-awards-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/631602/and-years-awards-go?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 With a little bit of creativity, you can turn the most ordinary things into artistic masterpieces. Japanese sculptor Hideki Kawabata - who has been a dedicated artist for 36 years - specialises in creating aluminium objects from everyday utensils, including kitchen appliances. Born in Nagasaki, Kawabata, 59, has been fond of drawing and assembling from a young age. He graduated from Nambo Designer Institute in 1971 and worked as an illustrator for a record company for 15 years. Later he... https://www.scmp.com/article/630850/sculptor-sets-shining-example?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/630850/sculptor-sets-shining-example?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Twelve years after they first visited Hong Kong, Backstreet Boys finally managed to return last month to perform. Although they have sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, most people assumed that they, like many of their contemporaries, had disbanded. 'A lot of people between Black and Blue and Never Gone thought we'd broken up,' says AJ McLean. 'We never really broke up - we just took a well-needed break. We'd been touring for almost nine years straight, and had we not taken a... https://www.scmp.com/article/630422/never-gone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/630422/never-gone?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Award-winning Hungarian violinist Antal Szalai will be in town this month to conclude Hong Kong Sinfonietta's Great Violin Concertos series with Tchaikovsky's masterpiece: Violin Concerto in D, Op 35. The concerto will open with the Asian premiere of foremost British composer Robin Holloway's Fourth Idyll which is a light, playful, lyrical work. The piece is co- commissioned by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, City of London Sinfonia and Vasteras Sinfonietta. Under the baton of music director Yip... https://www.scmp.com/article/629888/szalai-treat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/629888/szalai-treat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Jin Yao, Ballerina Having been a ballerina for almost 20 years, Jin Yao knows what it takes to be a successful dancer. Jin, whose parents are also dancers, was introduced to the performing art at a very young age. She took up formal lessons with her mother at the age of nine. It was a coincidence that Jin ended up in ballet. At first, she wanted to be a Chinese dancer with the Beijing Dance Academy. But the examiner advised her to take up ballet. Although Jin passed both her ballet and... https://www.scmp.com/article/629632/steps-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/629632/steps-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 I t's not just adults who hold decision-making powers. Jonathan Liu Chor-kiu, 11, was one of 13 children elected onto the British Airways Kids' Council (BA Council) to give suggestions on how to improve the airline's services. Jonathan, who has a lot of family living overseas, says: 'As a frequent flyer, I've often thought about how airlines can enhance their products to make flying more enjoyable. 'I'm really glad that BA has given me and other children the opportunity to do this. I'm very... https://www.scmp.com/article/629503/sights-set-skies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/629503/sights-set-skies?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Students of St Paul's College were happy that they were able to learn English and contribute to charity at the same time. The school's English Society organised an English Fun Day last month to allow junior form students enhance their English skills in an enjoyable and pressure-free environment. There were game booths, designed and manned by members of the society, to encourage students to take part in various language activities. The school raised nearly HK$10,000 to help victims of the... https://www.scmp.com/article/629499/pitching-charity-while-brushing-english-skills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/629499/pitching-charity-while-brushing-english-skills?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Illustrator Law Wai-kit says although there's still some way to go before his special needs students can communicate in full capacity, he will continue to do his best to help them. 'I get more satisfaction out of teaching and helping these kids, than earning money from teaching other children,' Law says. The illustrator has recently opened his personal art studio at Prince Edward. Apart from teaching children how to do water and crayon painting, there are also courses which focus on the art... https://www.scmp.com/article/628985/brush-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/628985/brush-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A local production will explore a variety of Tchaikovsky's compositions and pay tribute to the depth and beauty of his music through dance. All Tchaikovsky, presented by Hong Kong Ballet, features five spectacular works - Grand Pas de Deux from The Sleeping Beauty by Marius Petipa, Theme and Variations and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux by George Balanchine, Pas de Quatre from Swan Lake Act I by Hong Kong Ballet's artistic director John Meehan, and The Way Alone, a newly commissioned piece by... https://www.scmp.com/article/628983/spectacular-dance-show-honoursrussian-composer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/628983/spectacular-dance-show-honoursrussian-composer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A pair of Latin dancers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) came second in each of the three categories they entered at the fourth Hong Kong Interschool Dancesport Championships held in January. Yu Dick-kwan and Holly Yau Sin-ting, who took part in the cha cha cha, rumba and jive, said they were excited about the results. 'We are thrilled. However, we were both out of breath after our dance,' Yau, 20, recalled. The girls performed their three dance routines - cha cha cha, followed... https://www.scmp.com/article/628795/hkbu-duo-finds-perfect-rhythm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/628795/hkbu-duo-finds-perfect-rhythm?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Zing, Makeup artist If he had to do it all over again, acclaimed makeup artist Zing says he would still pursue the same career. Zing, who launched his career in 1989, has gone from a makeup artist for celebrities to a star himself. Models, singers and actresses invite him to be their makeup artist in fashion shows, concerts and movies. Over the past two decades, he has worked with famous entertainers, including Faye Wong, Sammi Cheng, Carina Lau, Shu Qi, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi and Michelle... https://www.scmp.com/article/628703/perfect-choice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/628703/perfect-choice?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 How long does it take to travel around the globe? If you're going to the Inter School Cultural Evening organised by West Island School (WIS), the trip will take about two hours. WIS has a tradition of annual cultural evenings, but this is the first year that other schools are involved and that proceeds are going to charity. The theme is 'Journey Around The World', and the seven schools - WIS, South Island School, Island School, King George V School, German Swiss International School, Sha... https://www.scmp.com/article/628268/cultural-wonders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/628268/cultural-wonders?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Yip Pik-yung is grateful that she is able to take drawing lessons to make her dream come true. 'I have always wanted to learn drawing. However, my mother rejected my request because our family is too poor,' the 13-year-old said. Pik-yung and her family moved from the mainland to Hong Kong in 2002. The family did not have much spare money for the children to take up leisure activities. Under the Revive My Dreams project, which is organised by The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong,... https://www.scmp.com/article/627952/thanks-all-my-art?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627952/thanks-all-my-art?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Backstreet Boys are back after three years in the musical wilderness. And the first thing fans will notice is that the five-piece that were one of the biggest names in pop are now a quartet. This comes across from the opening track of their sixth studio album - Unbreakable - a sweet a capella that was the hallmark of the Florida-based outfit during their multi-platinum peak in the mid-1990s. When founding member Kevin Richardson opted to step away from the limelight so he could start a family,... https://www.scmp.com/article/627884/then-there-were-four?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627884/then-there-were-four?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Lai Ming-yiu, 29, Athletics Coach Young Post: Which track and field events do you teach? Lai: When I was a student, I specialised in high jump and triple jump. As an athletics coach, I mainly teach high jump and occasionally long jump. YP: Why did you decide to teach long jump after you specialised in the triple jump? L: The skills needed for both long jump and triple jump are very similar. So if you can master the triple jump, long jump shouldn't be too much of a problem. YP: How many years'... https://www.scmp.com/article/627824/right-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627824/right-track?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The Industrial Revolution brought unprecedented wealth to many in the 19th century and created a middle class in Europe. This new and wealthy class, who valued the quality of life, became the new patrons of the art market. Now, more than 150 oil paintings by some of the 19th century's most famous and influential European artists will be on view in Hong Kong at the '19th-century European Genre and Salon Oil Painting' exhibition. A good example of these artworks is Fishermen at Work by the... https://www.scmp.com/article/627186/art-industrial-revolution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627186/art-industrial-revolution?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Li Wan-ching, 23 Top tunes: Modern musicals While it is true that abortion does affect young girls, youngsters are entitled to their own choice. The most effective way to solve the problem is to prevent teenage pregnancy through better sex education. The current system of requiring two doctors' certificates is balanced between personal freedom and the government efforts to curb mindless abortion arising from casual sex. Peter So, 22 Top tunes: New age music Teenagers nowadays are more open... https://www.scmp.com/article/627051/whats-your-view-teenage-abortion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627051/whats-your-view-teenage-abortion?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 In response to the recently reported cases of teenage pregnancy, and the number of youngsters choosing to have abortions, Caritas Youth and Community Service carried out a survey to investigate the problem. Between November last year and January this year, 51 women under the age of 24 who had had at least one abortion were interviewed. Results showed that one girl had her abortion when she was 13 or younger. Ten girls aged 14 or 15 fell pregnant and nine had abortions. Out of 23 pregnant girls... https://www.scmp.com/article/627056/teenagers-trouble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/627056/teenagers-trouble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 At the tender age of 24, Pius Cheung has already established himself as one of the most promising marimba artists and composers in the world. He entered the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the US aged 17, where he won first prize in the Philadelphia Orchestra's Albert Greenfield Concerto Competition. And he made history as the first marimba player ever to record Bach's monumental Goldberg Variations. Like many other musicians, Cheung began his musical journey on the piano, tickling... https://www.scmp.com/article/626578/all-about-music?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/626578/all-about-music?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 What could be sweeter than telling someone you love them? It may be hard to tell people how you feel, yet they may never know unless they can read your mind. Thanks to Valentine's Day we have many ways to let people know we care for them. If you want to do something special, you could write your message on a postcard designed by European artist Peter Smith, or even record it on a DVD and post it to them. Pop down to Harbour City and mail your love through the 'Love Post Office'. The post office... https://www.scmp.com/article/626189/make-valentines-special-use-art-speak-your-heart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/626189/make-valentines-special-use-art-speak-your-heart?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The best way to learn about a profession is to get on-the-job experience. A total of 114 students - 32 primary and 82 secondary pupils - took part in the inaugural Marathon 101 Little Reporters. The competition is organised by the Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association and am730. The training lasted from October to January this year. Over the four months, the students had their hands full, from researching for articles to interviewing people and taking... https://www.scmp.com/article/626109/reporters-get-scoop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/626109/reporters-get-scoop?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000