August 23, 2021

Waste Not: Five Groups That Are Saving Hong Kong’s Surplus Food

by: The Beat Asia

August 23, 2021

by: The Beat Asia

Food waste in Hong Kong is the largest category of municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Department, about 11,057 tonnes of municipal solid waste were disposed of at landfills every single day in 2019, 30% or 3,353 tonnes of which are food waste. More than 1,000 tonnes of this food waste are generated by restaurants, hotels, wet markets, and other commercial and industrial sources.

So, how is Hong Kong solving its food waste problem? While reducing waste at source by avoiding creating waste in the first place is the most important step, there are local organizations in the region who are doing their part to keep food from ending up in the landfills.

Here are five food rescue groups in Hong Kong that are saving the region’s surplus food.

Food Grace

Food Grace, established in 2009, is an organization in Hong Kong that’s committed to food recycling. Its work in waste reduction is rooted in the “Low Waste, Low Carbon Foot, and Local Network” philosophy, making Food Grace a platform that links society’s sectors by recycling food leftovers produced by industries and donating these to minorities and underserved families. Food Grace has three food recycling centers in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Kwai Chung.

Website

Feeding Hong Kong

Feeding Hong Kong rescues quality surplus food from companies and inspects and stores this surplus food before tapping to their charity network to redistribute the food to communities in need. Since 2011, Feeding Hong Kong has rescued 4,000 tonnes of food from landfills, donated surplus food to 420 food companies, redistributed food to 150 charities, and donated over 12 million meals. Those who wish to help can volunteer for Feeding Hong Kong, donate cash or in-kind, or host a food drive.

Website

Foodlink Foundation

Foodlink Foundation, founded in 2001, is a registered charity in Hong Kong that aims to fight hunger and build self-sufficiency by partnering with Hong Kong hotels and food and beverage outlets to reduce food waste. Foodlink has different programs available, such as the Hot Food Program, which involves collecting meals already cooked by food donors; the Bread Program, where they collaborate with local bakeries and convenience stores to save unsold bread; the Banquet Program, where they partner with banqueting houses and hotels to collect surplus food from weddings and events; and the Trimmings Program, where they collect raw trimmings and scraps from hotel kitchens for redistribution.

Website

Food Angel

Bo Charity Foundation established Food Angel in 2011, a food rescue and food assistance program. Food Angel rescues still good and safe to eat surplus food from sectors of the food industry and uses these rescued food items to prepare nutritious hot meals in their central kitchen. These meals are then redistributed to underserved communities around Hong Kong. In a week, Food Angel rescues around 35 tonnes of surplus food and prepares 10,000 meals and 2,000 food packs every single day.

Website

Breadline of HK Food Works

Breadline is a mobile application created by HKFoodWorks. From its name, the application allows volunteers to connect with different bakeries to collect surplus bread and pastries for redistribution. Through Breadline, volunteers are able to claim available runs through the app anytime and anywhere, whereas bakeries can use the app to share their availability in real time so volunteers know where there is pick-up. Breadline has collected over 33,000 loaves of bread from April 2020 to March 2021.

Website

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Hong Kong/ Terra/ Sustainability

October 09, 2025

Dr. Joey Chan on How lululemon is Changing the Way We Experience Fashion

by: The Beat Asia

October 09, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

In fashion, what’s old doesn’t have to mean out. As more people rethink the way they shop, lululemon is stepping up to prove that pre-loved can be just as stylish, high-performing, and meaningful as brand new. Through its circular fashion initiatives, the brand is blending innovation with intention, and giving garments a second life while inspiring customers to make more mindful choices.

Leading this shift in the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan markets is Dr. Joey Chan, Market Director at lululemon. Since joining the brand in 2021, Dr. Joey has brought her extensive luxury retail background and personal passion for sustainability to the forefront, helping shape lululemon’s regional journey toward a more circular future.

We caught up with the director to talk about lululemon’s “Like New” campaign, which recently launched its second phase in Hong Kong. This initiative featured a product take-back activation and a resale pop-up event, which aims to promote circular fashion and combat textile waste. From design strategies that ensure durability to partnerships that make garment renewal possible, she gives us a closer look at how lululemon is changing the way we experience fashion — one thoughtfully worn piece at a time.

Hi Dr. Joey! lululemon products are known to be durable and hold up well, even second-hand. How does the brand ensure long-lasting quality?

At lululemon, product quality is at the core of everything we do. As a premium athletic retailer, we know our guests value longevity and performance in the products they invest in. That’s why we’re committed to designing apparel that not only meets high-performance standards but also stands the test of time, and is better for people and the planet.

We are working towards building a more circular business by designing solutions at key stages of the product life cycle, which include integrating preferred materials, such as recycled or plant-based materials, into our products; designing products for extended use and recyclability; offering resale and repair programs to give our guests opportunities to extend the use of their lululemon products; and advancing the textile-to-textile recycling industry through our investments and partnerships.

How do you integrate lululemon’s sustainability values, like durability and mindful design, into customer experiences?

Our sustainability values come to life through initiatives like “Like New,” which has just been piloted in Hong Kong. It’s a small but meaningful step toward extending the life of our garments and reducing environmental impact. More importantly, 100% of net profits from “Like New” (or 2% of revenue) are reinvested into sustainability initiatives as part of our ongoing effort to support more responsible retail practices.

We also offer an always-on Repairs program across all our Hong Kong stores, which helps guests extend the life of their garments and deepen their connection with the brand.

A Girl shopping — Photo from Facebook/lululemon

Congratulations on launching Phase 2 of the "Like New" campaign in HK! Can you share a little bit more about the experience with us and why such initiatives are important for building a more circular fashion economy?

We’re grateful for the opportunity to launch Phase 2 of our “Like New” pilot as part of our broader commitment to circularity. lululemon products are designed to last, which makes them well-suited for recommerce and extending their lifecycle.

This phase encouraged guests to rethink, revive, and rediscover their lululemon gear, offering meaningful ways to refresh their wardrobes while contributing to a healthier planet. Our partnership with Redress has been instrumental in piloting the program locally, allowing us to better understand guest response and refine our approach. Phase 2 has also given us valuable insights that will help shape what’s next, and we’re excited to keep learning and evolving as we look ahead to Phase 3.

Can you elaborate more on how your partnership with Redress has enabled you to efficiently assess and clean pre-loved activewear?

Redress has been an invaluable partner in our “Like New” pilot. As a trusted and reputable organization with deep experience in circular fashion, their support has enabled us to efficiently assess and clean pre-loved activewear. All items collected during Take-back activations are sorted and professionally cleaned. Garments with minor defects are repaired by local vendors, while those that meet our resale standards are featured in our “Like New” pop-up shop.

Meanwhile, items that don’t meet resale criteria but retain performance integrity are donated to Crossroads, and products from other brands are handled by Redress for resale, donation, or downcycling. Thanks to this system, less than 5% of collected items end up in landfills.

Recycled Fashion — Photo from Website/lululemon

That’s amazing! Is lululemon looking to build its own such garment sorting and processing facilities for the HK, Macau, and Taiwan markets?

We’re continuing to learn from this pilot and explore what’s possible. While we don’t have immediate plans to build our own sorting and processing facilities, we’re committed to growing our capabilities in ways that support our long-term sustainability goals.

In your markets, how are consumers responding to sustainability messaging?

We’ve been encouraged by the positive response to our “Like New” pilot in Hong Kong. In just a few months, we’ve collected over 3,800 garments, which shows that when given a convenient and thoughtful platform, our guests are ready to support more sustainable choices.

The engagement we experienced through this program reinforces the importance of circular initiatives in helping reduce environmental impact and extend the life of our products. It also gives us valuable insights into how we can continue to evolve the program to better meet the needs of our guests and our planet.

Moreover, our collaboration with Redress helps us reach a wider community and promote circular fashion. Combined with our Repairs program, which launched last year in all Hong Kong stores, we’re empowering guests to extend the life of their garments. We’ll continue to explore new ways to share our sustainability efforts and encourage more mindful choices.

Is there a myth about pre-loved or circular fashion you’d like to debunk?

One common misconception is that pre-loved clothing is worn out or outdated. But that is not the case with us. Through our partnership with Redress, we’ve established a rigorous process to inspect, sort, clean, and resell eligible items. Only gently worn lululemon apparel and bags that meet our quality standards, meaning free from damage, pilling, or discoloration, are selected for resale.

Items with minor defects are repaired by local vendors to restore them to wearable condition, while those that don’t meet resale standards but still retain performance integrity are donated to our partner Crossroads. This ensures every item is given a second life in the most responsible way possible.

Guests who visited our “Like New” pop-up were pleasantly surprised to find trendy and classic lululemon pieces in excellent condition. It’s proof that circular fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

lululemon has set global sustainability goals across its three pillars. How are these translated into tangible efforts or campaigns in your markets?

lululemon’s sustainability journey is guided by our Impact Agenda. Locally, we bring these commitments to life through initiatives including “Like New,” our Repairs program, and strategic partnerships with organizations like Redress.

One of our key goals under Be Planet is to ensure that by 2030, 100% of our products are made with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions. These efforts are designed to build a healthier future for our guests, our communities, and the planet.

Garments dropbox — Photo from Website/lululemon

You’re a dedicated sustainability advocate. How do you bring that advocacy into your leadership? And how does it influence the way you engage teams and customers in the region?

Sustainability is more than a professional responsibility; it’s a personal passion. I believe in leading by example and often remind my team of the motto: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” As a leader in the athletic apparel space, we have a unique opportunity to drive change.

At lululemon, we empower our guests to refresh their gear in meaningful ways and embrace mindful movement, not just for personal wellbeing, but for the planet. I encourage our teams to think creatively, act with purpose, and engage our communities in building a circular, community-led future for fashion.

Looking ahead, are there any material innovations or design strategies lululemon is prioritizing to further its sustainability commitments?

We’re currently focused on successfully piloting “Like New” in Hong Kong to inform future scaling across the region. This includes exploring new circular initiatives and expanding our sustainability efforts. These strategies are aligned with our long-term goals under the Impact Agenda.

As for consumer upcoming campaigns, stay tuned! We have exciting initiatives on the horizon that will further engage our guests in meaningful ways and continue to support our sustainability commitments.

You can learn more about the initiative here or follow lululemon Hong Kong on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

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Hong Kong/ Terra/ Sustainability

September 19, 2025

CHOMP Partners with Whiskers N Paws to Reduce Waste on Pet Perishables

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by CHOMP HK

September 19, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

The award-winning food-saving app, CHOMP, is rolling out a new category — this time helping cut down waste on perfectly good pet food and supplies.

This expansion is in collaboration with one of Hong Kong’s largest pet retailers, Whispers N Paws, whose two locations, Ap Lei Chau and Lohas Park, will now be available via the CHOMP app. Users will now be able to access pet food, treats, supplements, and other perishable items that are nearing their Best Before Date at a 50% discounted rate. The aim of the partnership is to help reduce the amount of edible and usable items from ending up in landfill.

“We are delighted to welcome Whiskers N Paws to CHOMP. Like with human food, if pet food remains unsold, it often passes its best before date and ends up in landfill, contributing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere,” shared Carla Martinesi, Founder and CEO of CHOMP. “Through this partnership, we hope to see people embrace sustainable shopping for their pets, try new foods and products for their furry friends, and welcome animal lovers to our community of CHOMPIONS.”

Pet owner — Photo from Facebook/Whiskers N Paws

The Hong Kong app was launched in 2021 and is primarily known as a food-saving app, partnering with over 250 vendors from the Food & beverage sector, which includes cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and stores like The Optimist, The Astor, Levain Bakery, and TreeHouse. Over the past four years, CHOMP expanded its waste-saving mission into homewares and has partnered with other types of businesses that sell perishable goods, such as flowers and skincare. This new partnership with Whiskers N Paws is the company’s foray into pet goods.

“At Whiskers N Paws, we are always striving for ways to innovate, be more sustainable, and reach new customers. We feel that our new partnership with CHOMP helps us meet all three of those goals,” said Sylvana Lee, Head of Marketing at Whiskers N Paws.

“Over the years, we have realized that whilst donated goods are valuable, it’s financial support that makes a real impact for them, which is why we have our Paws For Good program that raises money for local animal charities. This has given us some paws-for-thought on what can be done with products that aren’t always needed by charities, but can bring joy to other pets in Hong Kong. We hope this partnership with CHOMP can bridge that gap.”

The CHOMP app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. You can also follow CHOMP on Facebook and Instagram or visit Whiskers N Paws’ Facebook and Instagram pages to know more about their products.

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style

September 18, 2025

Redress Design Award 2025 Unveils Global Talent in Hong Kong for the Future

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Redress Design Award

September 18, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

If fashion is a mirror of society, then one of the runways at CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong just reflected something bold, urgent, and refreshingly hopeful. The Redress Design Award 2025, the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition, returned this September with a powerful message: creativity can be circular.

CENTRESTAGE 2025 — Instagram/ CENTRESTAGE

Hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the finale brought together ten emerging designers from across the globe, each selected for their innovative approach to reducing fashion waste.

The event was part of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier fashion showcase, where country pavilions like the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia added vibrant cultural context to the international spotlight.

Carla Zhang and Hugo Dumas — Courtesy of Redress Design Award

This year marked a historic first: two joint First Prize winners were crowned.

Hugo Dumas from France impressed judges with a zero-waste collection focused on regeneration and recyclability, while Carla Zhang from Mainland China presented handwoven pieces crafted from surplus cords and yarns sourced from factories. Both winners will receive mentorship from fashion icon Flora Cheong-Leen and present their work at GREENEXT Expo 2025 in Shanghai.

Mara San Pedro and her collection — Courtesy of Redress Design Award

Nathan Moy and his collection — Courtesy of Redress Design Award

Other standout awards included the People’s Choice, won by Mara San Pedro from the Philippines, and the Hong Kong Best Prize, awarded to Nathan Moy. The full roster of finalists featured talents from South Korea, South Africa, Germany, Canada, the USA, and more — each pushing boundaries in sustainable design.

Founded by Hong Kong-based NGO Redress, the award is more a competition and a movement. With over 330 alumni and 23,000 designers educated globally, Redress continues to challenge the fashion industry’s reliance on virgin materials and landfill-bound textiles. Even the collections were shipped using DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, reducing carbon emissions.

As fashion grapples with its environmental footprint, these designers are proving that style and sustainability can, and must, coexist.

Explore the finalists and their collections at Redress’ website, and witness how the next generation is stitching a new narrative for fashion by staying tuned with Redress’s Instagram and Facebook.

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Hong Kong/ Terra/ Sustainability

September 12, 2025

Nicole Tung Wins Carmignac Award: Exposing Southeast Asia’s Hidden Crisis

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Nicole Tung for Fondation Carmignac

September 12, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

What happens when one of the world’s most fearless photojournalists turns her lens toward the sea? You get a story that’s as haunting as it is urgent. Hong Kong-born photographer Nicole Tung has been named the laureate of the 15th Carmignac Photojournalism Award for her nine-month investigation into illegal fishing and labor abuse across Southeast Asia.

Born and raised in Hong Kong and now based in Istanbul, the New York University graduate is known for documenting war zones and refugee camps from Syria to Ukraine.

Tung’s latest work dives into a different kind of battlefield beneath the waves, with her reporting spanning Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where she uncovered a shadowy industry marked by environmental devastation and human rights violations. From debt bondage aboard foreign-owned vessels to the rollback of labor reforms in Thailand, her images reveal the human cost of industrial overfishing.

Nicole Tung's nine-month investigation into illegal fishing and labor abuse across Southeast Asia. — Courtesy of Nicole Tung for Fondation Carmignac

It’s more about people rather than politics. Tung’s portraits of dock workers, fishers, and families offer a rare glimpse into lives hidden from view. In Palawan, she captured how Chinese maritime dominance has pushed local fishers out of ancestral waters, slashing incomes and forcing many to abandon their trade. In Indonesia, she documented the shark trade, where meat is sold locally while fins and bones are exported to Hong Kong and China for cosmetics and traditional medicine.

Her work also touches on the global seafood supply chain, tracing fish from small coastal canneries to sushi counters in Tokyo. It’s a wake-up call: the choices we make at the dinner table ripple across oceans and communities.

Founded in 2009 by financier and philanthropist Édouard Carmignac, the Carmignac Photojournalism Award was created in response to a crisis in global media and in support of investigative storytelling. Each year, the award funds a long-form photo reportage focused on human rights or geopolitical issues, offering full production support from the Fondation Carmignac. Laureates are selected by an international jury of editors, curators, and regional experts who ensure the chosen project reflects both artistic merit and journalistic urgency.

Past winners have exposed everything from migrant slavery in Libya to gender-based violence in Afghanistan. With exhibitions held at major institutions across Europe, the award has become one of the most respected platforms for socially engaged photojournalism today.

Nicole Tung’s award-winning series debuted at the Visa pour l’Image festival in France and will be exhibited globally. It’s a powerful reminder that storytelling isn’t just about what we see, it’s about what we choose to see.

For more information about the series and related exhibitions, check out the Carmignac Photojournalism Award’s website, and follow the Instagram of Nicole Tung, Carmignac Photojournalism Award, and Visa pour l'Image.

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Hong Kong/ The List/ What's On

September 05, 2025

lululemon's ‘Like New' Pilot Hosts Pop-Up Resale, Workshops, and a Party

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by lululemon/Website

September 05, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

lululemon is redefining the future of fashion with pre-loved garments. From Sept. 17 to 21, 2025, the brand will host its "Like New" Pop-Up Event at PMQ, Central, inviting the public to shop curated pre-loved activewear, join hands-on workshops, and celebrate mindful movement through a run & coffee party.

'Like New Pop-Up' will be hosted at PMQ this September — Photo from Website/lululemon

The pop-up marks Phase 2 of lululemon’s "Like New" pilot in Hong Kong, following a successful Phase 1 product take-back initiative held from April to August. During that phase, over 3,800 gently worn items were collected across select stores, sorted by Redress, a Hong Kong-based nonprofit championing circular fashion, and prepared for resale or repair.

V Cycle supported reverse logistics, ensuring all items were responsibly consolidated and delivered for sorting. Unsellable or unsold pieces will be donated to Crossroads or redirected to local communities in need.

'Like New' circulation process — Photo from Website/lululemon

Now, lululemon is unveiling the results with a professionally cleaned and restored collection of high-quality gear, available for purchase at the pop-up. The event is powered by a meaningful collaboration with Redress, with lululemon pledging to donate either 100% of net profits or 2% of revenue (whichever is higher) to support sustainable fashion initiatives.

In the initiative’s series of events, guests can also participate in upcycling workshops, crafting accessories like scrunchies and keychains from repurposed materials. Each session costs HK$100 and is redeemable as credit toward same-day purchases.

Another highlight of the week is the "Like New Run x Coffee Rave" on Sept. 20, 2025, where guests will jog through Central with lululemon ambassadors Calvin Au Yeung and Stephanie Cuvelier before dancing into the morning at PMQ’s coffee rave with Bad Time Disco’s co-founder, Ani Phoebe, on the deck.

While the "Like New Pop-Up" is a walk-in only event, guests can register via Eventbrite for the workshops here and the Run x Coffee Rave here.

For more information, check out the website of ‘Like New’ and follow lululemon Hong Kong’s Instagram and Facebook.

Location: HG11–12, PMQ, Central

Date: Sept. 17 to 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM

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Hong Kong/ Nomads/ Explore

September 03, 2025

8 Hong Kong Places to Visit in Hungry Ghost Month (If You Dare… or Don’t)

by: The Beat Asia

September 03, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Every seventh lunar month, Hong Kong enters a spiritually charged season known as Hungry Ghost Month — a time when the gates of the underworld are believed to open, allowing spirits to roam freely among the living. In 2025, Ghost Month runs from August 23 to September 21, with the Hungry Ghost Festival falling on September 6 — the 15th day of the lunar month.

Rooted in Taoist and Buddhist traditions dating back over 2,000 years, the festival is a moment of deep cultural reflection. Families honor their ancestors and appease wandering souls with offerings of incense, food, and elaborate paper effigies like money, luxury handbags, smartphones, and even mansions — all burned to send comfort to the afterlife.

In Hong Kong, the Chiu Chow (潮州) community has played a vital role in preserving these rituals, especially through Yu Lan Festivals held across the city, turning the festival into a vibrant affair. These events feature traditional opera, towering paper effigies, and street-side offerings.

Meanwhile, the Hungry Ghost Month comes with a long list of taboos, and here’s a few:

- Don’t swim in open waters — water spirits are said to lurk.

- Don’t whistle or sing at night — it’s believed to attract ghosts.

- Don’t hang clothes outside overnight — spirits may “try them on.”

- Don’t step on joss paper or offerings — it’s deeply disrespectful.

- Don’t wear red or black — these colors are said to draw spirits in.

Despite the caution, some thrill-seekers and curious wanderers use Ghost Month as an excuse to explore Hong Kong’s haunted history. From abandoned villages to wartime mansions, the city is full of places with uncanny reputations and ghostly stories. If you’re not afraid of a little chill down your spine, and you’re respectful of the cultural weight this month carries, here are eight places to visit for an adventure.

But let’s be clear: we strongly advise against visiting most of these sites at night, alone, or without permission because Ghost Month is not just spooky, it’s sacred.

Dragon Lodge, The Peak

Once a grand mansion built in the 1920s, Dragon Lodge has long stood empty despite its prime location. Rumors swirl of wartime atrocities, including the alleged decapitation of Catholic nuns by Japanese soldiers during WWII, and ghostly cries of children echoing through its halls. A construction crew reportedly abandoned renovations after experiencing unexplained phenomena. But it's worth noting It’s private property.

Location: Dragon Lodge 32 Lugard Road, The Peak

Tat Tak School, Yuen Long

This abandoned primary school since 1998 is infamous for sightings of a woman in red — said to be the ghost of a headmistress who died tragically on-site.

Tat Tak School in Yuen Long is surrounded by graves and rumored to be built on a mass burial site from the 1899 Six-Day War and WWII. In July 2025, the site made headlines when a man was found dead after committing suicide on the premises, adding unexplained phenomena and a heavy, oppressive energy to it.

Location: Tat Tak School, Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long

Nam Koo Terrace, Wan Chai

Built in the early 1900s by a Shanghainese merchant, this red-brick mansion was allegedly used as a “comfort house” by Japanese troops during the occupation. Tales of abuse and torture linger, and urban explorers have reported ghostly flames and women's voices echoing through the halls. In 2003, a group of teens claimed one of them was possessed after sneaking in.

Location: Nam Koo Terrace, 55 Ship Street, Wan Chai

Bride’s Pool, Tai Po

This scenic waterfall hides a tragic legend: a bride en route to her wedding fell into the pool when her sedan chair bearers slipped. Her body was never found, and her spirit is said to haunt the waters. Hikers have reported seeing a woman in red brushing her hair by the pool’s edge — only to vanish into mist.

Location: Bride’s Pool, Plover Cove Country Park, near Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po

Sai Ying Pun Community Complex (Old Mental Hospital, High Street Ghost House)

Originally Hong Kong’s largest mental hospital, this colonial building was later rumored to be used by Japanese forces as an execution site during WWII. Locals believe the spirits of tortured patients and wartime victims still linger. The building sat abandoned for decades before being converted into a community center.

Location: Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun

So Lo Pun Village, New Territories

This abandoned Hakka village is known for eerie silence and zero mobile signal. So Lo Pun means “locked compass,” stemming from tales that hikers’ compasses stop working upon entry. Legends speak of villagers vanishing after a boat accident, and some visitors report ghost sightings and sudden illness.

Location: So Lo Pun Village, Plover Cove Country Park, northeast New Territories

Campsites Across Hong Kong

Camping sites are open as usual despite the Hungry Ghost Month

Ghost Month superstition keeps most campers away — meaning you’ll have nature all to yourself.

But here’s the catch: many locals avoid forests and mountains at night during this time, believing they’re hotspots for wandering spirits. If you do go, stick to daylight hours and avoid solo trips. Some of the most popular campsites are Pui O Campsite (Lantau), Pak Tam Chung (Sai Kung), and Nam Shan Campsite (Lantau).

Local Yu Lan Festivals (盂蘭勝會) in Your Area

Bamboo Theatre — Courtesy of Intangible Cultural Heritage Office

Happening across the city, Yu Lan Festivals are community-led rituals held across Hong Kong during Hungry Ghost Month, especially by the Chiu Chow population. These events have been passed down for generations, dating back to 1897 when the first was held by the Chiu Chow Kung Wo Tong in Causeway Bay.

The festival honors ancestors and appeases wandering spirits through offerings, prayers, and performances. One origin story comes from the Buddhist tale of Maudgalyayana, a monk who saved his mother’s soul from hell.

The most iconic part of Yu Lan Festivals is the bamboo opera stages. These temporary structures host traditional Chiu Chow opera performances, often dramatizing mythological tales or moral parables. But here’s the twist: the front row is left empty — intentionally reserved for the spirits. Sitting there is considered disrespectful, even dangerous, as it’s believed to invite unwanted spiritual attention.

Beyond opera, you’ll find towering paper effigies of the Ghost King — a fierce, four-meter-tall figure with green skin and fangs, meant to keep order among the spirits. On the final night, the effigy is burned in a dramatic send-off ceremony, symbolically closing the gates of the underworld.

This part of Hungry Ghost Month is less about fear and more about reverence, storytelling, and community. If you’re curious about Hong Kong’s intangible heritage, Yu Lan Festivals are a rare chance to witness living tradition in action — just don’t sit where the spirits sit.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Commercial

August 29, 2025

Hongkong Land Unveils Hong Kong’s First AI-Powered Building Platform

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Hongkong Land

August 29, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Hongkong Land is making office life in the city a little more seamless with the launch of Hong Kong's first artificial intelligence (AI) powered facility management system called the Integrated Facility Management Control Tower (IFMCT), the platform brings together more than 20 standalone building systems — from Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) and Building Management System (BMS) to soft services such as cleaning and vendor management — into one intelligent command center.

"This pioneering initiative stands as a testament to Hongkong Land's leadership in delivering forward-thinking sustainable solutions, highlighting the Group's long-standing culture of innovation and our commitment to creating lasting value for all our stakeholders. We're proud of the platform's success in Hong Kong and look forward to extending its impact across our regional portfolio," Hongkong Land Chief Executive Michael Smith said.

The IFMCT helps enhance building operations by automating workflows, shifting maintenance from reactive to predictive, and using AI health analytics to spot issues early and reduce service interruptions.

Already tested at Alexandra House, Charter House, and Exchange Square, this smarter approach has cut air-handling unit maintenance by 16%, automated 66% of work orders, and slashed document retrieval time by 80%. It also helped Hongkong Land and its tenants streamline communication by reducing alarm calls and supporting decarbonization efforts through intelligent energy management, which balances demand and adjusts cooling or heating in line with weather forecasts.

By 2026, the IFMCT is set to cover all of Hongkong Land’s Central properties before being scaled to regional projects such as Shanghai’s Westbund Central, a development with high-quality retail spaces, hotels, office towers, arts and cultural venues, and residences.

For updates, follow Nintendo on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Hong Kong/ Terra/ Sustainability

August 09, 2025

Extreme Weather in Hong Kong: Typhoon and Record Rainfall Raise Alarm

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by The Hong Kong Observatory/Instagram

August 09, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

One day it was a T10 typhoon, then in the next few days, it was one black rainstorm followed by another. The last couple of weeks might have felt like a disaster movie on loop, and experts say it’s not just bad luck, it’s a sign of deeper climate instability that’s possibly only getting worse.

Thunderstorm photographed on July 26 — Photo from Instagram/The Hong Kong Observatory

The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 355.7 millimetres of rainfall at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters on Aug. 5, 2025, marking the highest daily rainfall in August since records began in 1884. Some streets were flooded, MTR exits closed, and flights delayed as the city battled the weather.

Just days earlier, Typhoon Wipha skirted Hong Kong, prompting the Observatory to hoist the T10 Hurricane Signal, which remained in force until 3 PM on July 20, 2025. The T10 signal warns of sustained winds exceeding 118 km/h and is rarely issued; its presence underscores the severity of the storm’s impact.

In an interview, Leung Wing-mo, former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, emphasized the link between climate change and the surge in extreme weather. “By nature, the weather fluctuates,” he said. “Climate change exacerbates these fluctuations, causing weather to be more unstable and more extreme”.

The Observatory’s rainstorm warning system, which includes Amber, Red, and Black signals, is designed to alert the public and mobilize emergency services. The Black Rainstorm Warning indicates extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm per hour, often leading to serious flooding and landslides.

Flow of model training and weather forecasting of AI models. — Courtesy of The Hong Kong Observatory

In response, the Observatory is accelerating its use of AI forecasting models, which successfully predicted the rainband responsible for this week’s deluge. “Our use of artificial intelligence in predicting the weather is still at a preliminary stage,” said He Yuheng, Acting Senior Scientific Officer. “But it has already shown promise in narrowing cyclone path predictions and anticipating heavy rainfall.”

Government departments are being urged to improve coordination, especially in slope maintenance and drainage systems.

As Hong Kong braces for more unsettled weather, experts warn that the frequency and intensity of such events may continue to rise. The city’s infrastructure, forecasting systems, and public awareness will be critical in adapting to this new climate reality.

For updates on and other information about Hong Kong's weather, check out Hong Kong Observatory's website here or follow their Instagram here.

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Hong Kong/ Delish/ Happenings

June 09, 2025

Food Waste to Good Taste Launches First-Ever Cookbook

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Food Waste to Good Taste

June 09, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

What do cucumber peels, onion skins, and leftover pasta have in common? They’re the stars of Conscious Cooking – Asian Delights, the brand-new cookbook launched by HKU’s School of Biological Sciences in partnership with GREEN Hospitality and the award-winning food-saving app CHOMP!

With Asia producing 50% of the world’s food waste (and Hong Kong alone tossing 3,437 tons daily!), this initiative aims to reduce food waste and promote sustainable cooking.

This cookbook isn’t just eye-opening; it’s packed with mouthwatering recipes that turn "trash," such as lemon peels, leek tops, potato skins, and other leftovers, into "treasure."

Featuring twenty exclusive recipes from nine of Hong Kong’s leading local chefs and rising talents, all proceeds from the cookbook will go towards the Foodlink Foundation.

Cookbook Team — Courtesy of Food Waste to Good Taste

Top chefs like May Chow (Little Bao), Barry Quek (Whey), Krzysztof Czerwinski (Soho House Hong Kong), and Zinc Leung (Sushi Zinc) are whipping up kitchen wizardry for this cookbook, alongside creative twists from CHOMP’s founder Carla Martinesi and HKU students.

To celebrate the launch, foodies and sustainability champions gathered at Soho House Hong Kong for a deliciously eye-opening celebration that featured live cooking demos, mouth-watering samples, a lively panel, and an exclusive sneak peek at this game-changing cookbook.

chicken bistek — Courtesy of Food Waste to Good Taste

Get ready to try recipes such as Dragon Well Tea Shrimp, a recipe by Chef May Chow, fragrant Dry Assam Lemon Noodles by Chef Barry Quek, and deliciously meaty Filipino Chicken Bistek, crafted by Chef Jen Balisi.

“Food waste is one of the most pressing issues of our time. This cookbook serves as an invitation to rethink how we view food waste. We’ve been determined to find ways in which these overlooked ingredients can be repurposed — not just to reduce waste, but to create something meaningful and beneficial for human health,” Professor Jetty Chung-Yung Lee, holding an MPhil, PhD, SFHEA specializing in Food & Nutritional Science, shared.

"Conscious Cooking – Asian Delights" is available now as an eBook, priced at just HK$100. Or you can pre-order a hard cover copy (priced at HK$300) from the Foodlink Foundation website here.

To stay in the loop, visit Food Waste to Good Taste on their Instagram. Visit Green Hospitality on their website, Instagram and Facebook, CHOMP on their website and Instagram, and Knowledge Exchange at The University of Hong Kong on their website.

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Hong Kong/ Terra/ Sustainability

May 16, 2025

Hongkong Land Makes Big Moves in Sustainability Toward Year 2030

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Hongkong Land

May 16, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

The major property investment, management, and development company Hongkong Land (HKL) is making remarkable progress toward its 2030Sustainability Framework goals, surpassing several targets thanks to its focus on reducing carbon emissions.

Efforts such as upgrading key buildings like LANDMARK in “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL,” and building strong partnerships with tenants are also helping to shape the future of luxury real estate in Hong Kong and beyond, all while driving tangible value.

A significant achievement has been a 33.3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions compared to 2019, placing the company ahead of its target timeline for reducing its environmental impact.

In addition, 96% of its leasing portfolio has green building certifications that rank at the second-highest level or higher, exceeding its 2030 goal of 90%.

Furthermore, 81% of the leasing portfolio has earned the top certifications available globally, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable building practices.

The company has also made impressive headway in waste management, with a commercial waste diversion rate of 48% and aiming to reach the 50% target by 2030.

By fine-tuning its carbon measurement tools and improving emissions data, HKL is enhancing its sustainability efforts throughout the entire supply chain. On top of this, the company’s upgrades to energy efficiency and building enhancements are expected to save around US$1 million annually, while also boosting the overall value of its assets.

These efforts have caught the attention of major ESG rating agencies, with HKL being recognized by prestigious organizations like the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, and the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025.

Another key milestone was HKL achieving “Triple Platinum” status across its entire Hong Kong commercial portfolio — the first developer in the city to do so. With 96% of its leasing portfolio certified at top green standards and 70% WELL certified, the company is raising the bar for sustainability in the real estate industry.

The company is committed to maintaining the highest efficiency of its existing buildings, continuously reducing its existing portfolio’s carbon footprint, and steadily progressing towards the goal of 100% certification for existing leasing portfolios by 2030.

Beyond buildings, HKL is fostering collaboration through the Tenant Sustainability Partnership Program (TSPP) more positive environmental impact. which launched in 2023.

By the end of its first year, 23% of its total lettable office space in Central — consisting of over 840,000 square feet — had joined the program. This initiative is now expanding to properties in mainland China.

As the CEO of HKL, Michael Smith, highlights, “Meeting a number of our 2030 sustainability targets ahead of schedule reflects our commitment to a sustainable future as we think in generations and create lasting value for all our stakeholders. ESG leadership is fundamental to our operations, and these milestones demonstrate our ability to align business excellence with sustainable values.”

For more information, visit HKL on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Waste Not: Five Groups That Are Saving Hong Kong’s Surplus Food

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This Week's Event In Hong Kong View more

This Week's Event In Hong Kong

Dr. Joey Chan on How lululemon is Changing the Way We Experience Fashion

Hi Dr. Joey! lululemon products are known to be durable and hold up well, even second-hand. How does the brand ensure long-lasting quality?

How do you integrate lululemon’s sustainability values, like durability and mindful design, into customer experiences?

Congratulations on launching Phase 2 of the "Like New" campaign in HK! Can you share a little bit more about the experience with us and why such initiatives are important for building a more circular fashion economy?

Can you elaborate more on how your partnership with Redress has enabled you to efficiently assess and clean pre-loved activewear?

That’s amazing! Is lululemon looking to build its own such garment sorting and processing facilities for the HK, Macau, and Taiwan markets?

In your markets, how are consumers responding to sustainability messaging?

Is there a myth about pre-loved or circular fashion you’d like to debunk?

lululemon has set global sustainability goals across its three pillars. How are these translated into tangible efforts or campaigns in your markets?

You’re a dedicated sustainability advocate. How do you bring that advocacy into your leadership? And how does it influence the way you engage teams and customers in the region?

Looking ahead, are there any material innovations or design strategies lululemon is prioritizing to further its sustainability commitments?

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