Hongkonger William Chak Kin-man, who last month set a world record when he paid HK$74 million for a porcelain bowl that dates back about 300 years, is a celebrity on the mainland. Wherever he goes, people recognise him and pull out photos of their ceramics on their smartphones for him to appraise on the spot … Continue reading »
Category Archives: Hong Kong
Hong Kong freemasons angered by cash controversy ‘cover-up’ / Assault trial of Freemason in 2012 ‘unusual’
“Hong Kong freemasons angered by cash controversy ‘cover-up’” Published in the South China Morning Post on April 28, 2013. It is an organisation synonymous with secrecy, but one trying hard to change its image. However, confidential documents from the inner sanctum of Hong Kong Freemasonry – seen by the Sunday Morning Post – appear to show the … Continue reading »
How HK$500 million manhunt led to a new Gigi Chao
After her father’s dowry offer became a global sensation, the low-key executive was forced out of the closet – emerging as a powerful activist This was published in the South China Morning Post on April 11, 2013. At HK$500 million, it was an offer that turned heads all around the world: a father’s reward for … Continue reading »
Treatment of torture claimants in breach of laws and treaties
Landmark ruling by top court over way torture claimants are screened when seeking sanctuary could lead to hundreds of cases being re-opened This was published in the Sunday Morning Post on January 27, 2013. The way Hong Kong screens people who arrive seeking sanctuary from oppression in their home countries faces a major overhaul after … Continue reading »
Jordan, home to a battling Nepali community
Once their fathers fought for the British as Gurkhas. Now, members of Hong Kong’s Nepali community are fighting poverty and low expectations This “Neighbourhood Sounds” feature was published in the South China Morning Post on Dec. 7, 2012. Tourists and shoppers throng Nathan Road. But life is very different in the densely populated blocks down … Continue reading »
Refugees at their wits’ end without status in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’ refusal to accede to the UN Refugee Convention is forcing asylum seekers into an existence of suffering and despair, critics say This Focus story was published in the Sunday Morning Post on Dec. 2, 2012. — When security guards pushed him out of the UNHCR office and locked the glass door behind him … Continue reading »
“SlutWalk” march challenges bias about rape victims
This was published in the South China Morning Post on November 26, 2012. Hundreds of conservatively dressed men and women marched yesterday in “SlutWalk”, a protest against social attitudes that blame victims of sexual assault for being attacked. Some wore full-body fluorescent suits and held signs saying, “Oh sorry, does my dress make you feel … Continue reading »
SlutWalk march challenges attitude that blames victims
Published in the South China Morning Post on November 23, 2012. With cases of indecent assault climbing in the city, this Sunday’s “SlutWalk” march will challenge social attitudes that blame the victims for being attacked. The event was sparked by a Canadian police officer’s remark in January of last year that “women should avoid dressing … Continue reading »
Lesbians from mainland China revel in Hong Kong’s freedom
This was published in the Sunday Morning Post on November 11, 2012. When Fanta, 25, from Shenzhen, attended her first Les Péchés party in a Lan Kwai Fong nightclub last year, she was not even sure she was a lesbian. “But the people here are so welcoming, it totally changed my life and I became … Continue reading »
Marchers call for fairer treatment of refugees in Hong Kong
Marchers demanding fairer treatment for refugees under UN convention accuse the government of psychological torture This story was published in the South China Morning Post on October 31, 2012. Protesters accused Hong Kong bureaucrats of inflicting “psychological torture” on refugees seeking protection under a UN convention. In a demonstration organised by the NGO Vision First, … Continue reading »
