Covering the Community
With the spread of the internet, newspapers around the world are suffering from falling advertising revenues and shrinking circulations. District newspapers, which were once an important source of local news and information in Hong Kong had nearly all disappeared by the end of the 1980s. But a renewed interest in community and neighbourhood in community in the city has led to revival of district papers. Varsity meets the people behind them.
Crowdfunding makes dreams come true
Crowdfunding, already popular overseas, is making inroads in Hong Kong as a way to raise money for charities, artists, filmmakers, programmers, entrepreneurs and others interested in creative projects. But can it really succeed here? Varsity talks to people who have managed to fund their projects through clicks on the internet.
Sound Art – More than Noise
In a noisy city like Hong Kong, it is easy to block out the different sounds that make up our auditory experience. Varsity meets a group of artists who are trying to teach Hong Kongers to listen again, and to find the art in sound.
Flash Mob Takes off in Hong Kong
From a seemingly spontaneous mass performance of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" in Mong Kok, to an apparently aimless pillow fight in Central, to a mass gathering to call for the elimination of violence against women - flash mobs have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Varsity finds out how something that started as a sarcastic commentary on urban hipsters turned into a way to connect people and raise social awareness.
The Unsung Heroes of the Music World
Not all singers perform for fame and fortune. Demo singers are unknown and usually uncredited, yet they are often the first artists to interpret and and record a song. While backing singers provide the harmonies that can complete and elevate an arrangement. Varsity lifts the veil on these unsung heroes of the music industry.
April 2012 – Hong Kong’s Ailing Health System
Hong Kong has one of the better public health systems in the world but the system is groaning under the challenge of an aging...
Barter Hunting
Why buy when you can trade? That's the question asked by some young Hong Kongers who are staging barter events so people can dispose of their unwanted items without creating waste. Varsity discovers that more and more young people in Hong Kong are taking part in these cash-less transactions.
The Feng Shui Hobbyists
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practise with a very contemporary following. And you don't have to be a professional to use feng shui principles to try to turn your life around in a better direction. Varsity meets the feng shui hobbyists.
Rocking On
Age is no barrier to making music for Hong Kong's "Dad Bands".
Read All About Me!
Hear the real-life stories of living 'books' at Hong Kong's Human Library events.