“While plastic bags nowadays are widely seen as ecologically unfriendly, do you know that they were initially created as sustainable products meant to be reused?” asks Patrick Lam, affectionately called Patrick Sir. Raising thought-provoking questions is a communication strategy often employed by him in hosting TV programmes and school talks, as he believes it encourages audiences to dig more deeply in search of answers. “A Swedish engineer invented plastic bags in 1959 with the intention of offering a reusable alternative to brittle paper bags,” explains Patrick Sir, before raising another intriguing question, “Have you ever heard of ‘the resurrection of batteries’? Just rubbing a dead battery may extend its life!”

“Dad, I know, this isn’t trash, but a hidden treasure!” Nigel Lo’s youngest son once said to him. With nearly 20 years of experience in the recycling industry, Nigel co-founded Mil Mill, the city’s first pulp mill in 2019. Now, even his six-year-old son has a rough idea of what circular economy is about – waste can be turned into resources.

“Pu-da-da, pu-da-da...” A punchy and upbeat rhythm reverberates through the phone. Pa Erhati Yasen, a Xinjiang dab percussionist, beats out the enchanting tempo as he demonstrates the musical passion that has fascinated him for decades. Despite Pa Erhati’s homeland being over 3,000 miles away, his efforts transcend physical boundaries and charm us here in Hong Kong.

Talking Mental founder, Aaron Stadlin-Robbie sat down with LIFE+ to share his story of why in his early 30’s he made an unexpected, but intensely personal change in career, starting a business focusing on a major gap in mental health resources in Hong Kong.

Think of your parents when you were a teenager, and the impression you probably had of them, was that they were quite old.  However, the lives which 40, 50, and 60 year olds lead today are very different from those of a generation ago. 

Our city’s changing demographic, the fact that by 2040 almost one in three of our population will be 65 or over, means our community is facing significant challenges.  But with challenge comes opportunity, and socially inspired entrepreneur Queenie Man is embracing this change, believing she can positively shape the future of ageing in Hong Kong.

When he sees the beauty of flowers, Raymond Chow, an amateur home gardener for over 20 years, believes he can see them smile. “The joy of growing flowers is seeing them bloom, as if they’re beaming at me,” he says.

Indulging in the sea of fresh blooms at the Flower Market near his old home used to be Raymond’s favourite pastime. Through conversations with seasoned florists and learning from a horticulture master, he acquired comprehensive gardening know-how, enriched by the scientific mindset he gained from his previous job as a laboratory assistant. For him, gardening is more than a hobby. It’s a source of pride, as his green thumb has earned him awards at Flower Show competitions, and even helped his niece win a school contest.

As the sun rises over Tsuen Wan, the streets come alive with the energetic footsteps of primary and secondary students rushing to school. In the afternoon, they gather in groups and walk along the skybridges and shopping centres, reflecting the boundless energy and growth of the Tsuen Wan district.