Multimedia

The future of the government's plans to build a multi-billion dollar waste incinerator off Shek Kwu Chau has been thrown into uncertainty after legislators opposed the proposal. Opposition to the plan has been most vocal from green groups and residents on nearby Cheung Chau. But little has been heard from actual inhabitants of Shek Kwu Chau, who would live on the doorstep of the facility.

As rental prices continue to soar in Hong Kong, more and more people are struggling to find a place to call home. With long waiting lists for public housing, some low-income families and individuals are resorting to renting sub-divided units in industrial buildings. These are cheaper than sub-divided units in residential buildings but they are also illegal and tenants face the constant threat of eviction.

The rising cost of food in Hong Kong has hit its poorest the hardest. Increasingly, people on low incomes are turning to food banks to help fulfill their basic needs. But these food banks face operational restrictions, particularly those who that are subsidized by the government.

It started in the 1960's as gatherings where the young and cool went to dance, listen to the latest bands and just be seen, but the tea-dance is alive and well in 21st century Hong Kong. The world of the tea-dance is a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban Hong Kong. In dance-halls above street-level in commercial buildings, couples spend their afternoons practising their waltzes and striking poses for Latin dances.

Smartphone cameras are no longer being used to just take snaps of kids and pets. They are being used by professional photographers and photojournalists to create news pictures and even art. Meet the Iphoneographers, the professionals and hobbyists who love the convenience, intimacy and immediacy of smartphone photos.

Varsity's May 2012 multimedia edition is out now. Highlights include stories about transsexual marriage in Hong Kong and "snake kings", who catch the territory's snakes with their bare hand. In the meantime, check out our trailer.

Taiwan's cafes and bookstores host to a vibrant salon culture that played an important part in the island's democracy and as Varsity discovers, continues to provide a platform for debate today.

There is greater awareness of animal welfare and rights as groups push for a bill against cruelty to animals in China. But Varsity finds some animals still being kept in cramped conditions and made to perform at a leading Guangdong safari park.

Hong Kong's remaining walled villages are an important part of the territory's heritage and history. But should the desire for preservation trump villagers' wishes to redevelop their homes?

Hong Kong protesters dig in at "Occupy Central" - the local answer to the world-wide "Occupy" movement that began in Wall Street last year.