Talking with Gordon Fu, Project Manager of the Chinachem Group, about his career brings to mind a line from Pygmalion, a classic play by Nobel literature laureate George Bernard Shaw, that goes, “Happy is the man who can make a living by his hobby “. And here’s why.

Ants and Chinese Checkers made from used light bulbs, landscape patchwork created with discarded CDs and light tubes – these are among the exhibits produced by Dr Chan Lai-kiu, affectionately known as Q, for the acclaimed “Wish to be – Renaissance of Used Lights” upcycled art exhibition that she curated years ago at Nina Mall. Recently awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Special Award (Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design) for her sustainability efforts, Q shares that her know-how about transforming used items into artworks date from her childhood. “My mum was a new immigrant. She undertook freelance sewing jobs at home to help the family make ends meet. With fabric scraps from her work, I found sheer joy in crafting outfits for my dolls.”

Cultural activities, such as theatre, dance, art, and opera, are often accused of being distant and elitist. Generally hosted in grand institutions or ticketed, high-priced venues, they very often fail to connect with anyone beyond a small group of enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Watching Enjoy Yourself Tonight, a long-running variety show in Hong Kong, with family after dinner was a household phenomenon in the last century. While this undeniably remains one of the most cherished collective memories of the local community, the fun-filled content had brightened the daily lives of many, including Perrie Lai. “As a child, I perceived it as a playground brimming with happiness, and I was inspired to be part of it,” she fondly recounts.

The dining table is where both the body and soul are fed and nourished. Chef Alan, with over 20 years of experience of cooking, has borne witness to a broad spectrum of emotions that unfolds around the table, saying, “Young people tend to order expensive dishes like lobsters, abalone for their parents, thinking that the feast would bring them joy. Yet, the elders may have trouble swallowing such food, and what they truly care about is the company, their loved ones. Unfortunately, they often keep these thoughts to themselves, leading to potential conflicts.”

How far would you go for your family? Sherry Cheung, a soft-spoken and fair-skinned lady who had known nothing about soccer, established the Hong Kong Youth Soccer Academy solely out of her love for her soccer-fan son, Ian. This endeavour gradually evolved into an aspiration to serve the underprivileged, providing children with special needs the opportunities to enjoy themselves on the field.

The dining room of the 124-year-old Kowloon Bowling Green Club was empty and silent as LIFE+ sat down recently to chat with Dr Edward Leung. Picture perfect Gunners, ordered by the doctor, sparkled in their tankards atop the white linen tablecloth, as business cards were exchanged.