Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Supreme has announced a nostalgia-fuelling collab with Japanese toymaker BANDAI to revive the beloved Tamagotchi digital pet toy.
Images unveiled on the latest Mar. 16 droplist on the Supreme community site showed the egg-shaped digital pet with itâs classic curved shape, LCD pixel display, and mini-buttons.
Supreme have added their unique touch through the ever-so-recognizable red box logo and a custom camo pattern available in pink, black, or green and amber colourways. It almost goes without saying, the beaded metal keychain is also included.
Website/Supreme Community
Fans in Japan who have a hold of this collectorâs edition Tamagotchi can also download Tamagotchi Meets onto their smartphone to allow for more interaction with their console pet.
The announcement has been well received so far, with a majority of fans upvoting the item on the Supreme Community page.
More information on the price, waitlist, and date of availability is yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for more updates.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
Hong Kong gyms arenât famous for space or serenity. ONYX Admiralty changes that with a 20,000-square-foot flagship spread across three levels on Queenâs Road East. This new concept from GO24 Fitness blends high-performance training with boutique-style classes like reformer Pilates and Hyrox functional training, and recovery zones that look more like a spa than a sweaty locker room.
We signed up for a trial to see if ONYXâs mix of reformer Pilates and tech-powered recovery lives up to the buzz. Spoiler: itâs not just about sweating but also about how you recover, reset, and rethink what a gym can be.
First Impressions: Gold Doors and Hyrox Turf
Courtesy of ONYXCourtesy of ONYX
The entrance sets the tone: black panels trimmed in gold, more boutique hotel than gym. Inside, the scale hits you â three floors of open space, clean lines, and lighting that feels curated rather than clinical.
Cardio machines line up upstairs against floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. Downstairs in the basement, rows of dumbbells and cable stations sit under mirrored walls etched with reminders like âIf there is no struggle, there is no progress,â setting the mode for what youâre training for.
Courtesy of ONYXCourtesy of ONYX
Then thereâs the Hyrox zone: black and red turf lanes marked for sled pushes, wall balls stacked neatly against polished wood panels. Itâs a nod to the global fitness race trend and a clear sign that ONYX isnât here for typical workouts. Every corner feels deliberate, from Olympic lifting platforms to recovery spaces glowing softly behind frosted glass.
The Reformer Pilates Sweat
Courtesy of ONYX
Pilates sounds serene until youâre strapped into a reformer carriage, wondering why your abs feel like theyâre on fire. The studio at ONYX is tucked away from the main floor â a minimalist space with glossy frames and padded platforms that look deceptively gentle.
The class by Joanne, the Polestar Pilates instructor, starts slow: breathing drills and gentle stretches to wake up your core. Then the tempo shifts. Leg presses against spring-loaded resistance, footwork that demands precision, and arm pulls that make you question your upper-body strength. Squats and lunges on a moving carriage are as intense as they sound. Add planks and spinal mobility drills, and youâve got a workout that hits everything â upper body, lower body, and core â without a single dumbbell in sight.
Resistance here isnât about plates; itâs about springs. Adjusting them changes the challenge, so beginners can keep it light while regular gym-goers can dial up the burn. And burn you will. Even as someone who trains regularly, we were sweating hard halfway through. Pilates works muscles you didnât know existed, especially the deep stabilizers that weightlifting often ignores.
The instructor was calm but commanding, with clear cues and quick corrections if youâre way off. There was no music â it was never about the vibes because syncing breath with movement is the key. Beginners will love the accessibility and posture benefits, while experienced lifters will discover a new level of functional strength. Itâs humbling, sweaty, and strangely addictive.
Recovery Rituals: Watching the Brave Ones
Courtesy of ONYX
If Pilates was humbling, the recovery zone was pure theater. We didnât try contrast therapy, but the infrared sauna gave off a warm, amber glow, its pale wood panels and soft LED strips creating a calm, spa-like corner. Across the frosted glass, the cold plunge pool sat like a minimalist stone basin, water still and deceptively serene until someone decided to take the plunge.
Courtesy of ONYXCourtesy of ONYX
Watching people psych themselves up was half the entertainment. Some paced, others muttered affirmations, and then came the inevitable gasp when icy water hit skin. Itâs dramatic, but thereâs science behind it: alternating heat and cold boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and sharpens mental clarity. Judging by the expressions, the mental clarity part kicks in fast.
Photo by The Beat Asia
Next to this area was the Hyperice Recovery area that was quieter, almost meditative if the cold plunge pool was not in use. Normatec compression boots hummed softly as they squeezed away soreness. Slip into these after a lower-body grind, and it feels like a deep-tissue massage without the awkward small talk. Compression therapy helps flush lactic acid and speeds recovery so you can hit your next session without hobbling.
Verdict & Tips
So, is ONYX Admiralty worth a visit? If youâre looking for more than a treadmill-and-dumbbell routine, yes. This is a full ecosystem for training, recovery, and performance. Beginners will appreciate the structured classes and supportive environment, while experienced lifters and Hyrox athletes will find plenty to challenge them â from sled pushes to reformer lunges.
Tips for first-timers:
Arrive early â Familiarize yourself with the reformer setup; it makes the first few minutes less intimidating.
Hydrate before and after â Pilates and recovery sessions can be surprisingly dehydrating.
Wear grip socks â Theyâre often required for reformer classes and help with stability.
Listen closely to instructions â Pilates moves arenât always intuitive. If you lose track, donât hesitate to ask for help; itâs better than guessing and risking poor form.
Adjust resistance wisely â Springs change everything. Start light and focus on control rather than chasing heavy resistance. Like weightlifting, effectiveness beats ego.
Bring a towel â Youâll sweat more than you think.
Expect soreness â Micro-tears mean progress. Recovery options like Normatec boots help, so use them. And donât quit because of the discomfort â it eases with consistency as your body adapts.
Donât skip the fun stuff â Even if youâre not plunging into icy water, watching friends brave the cold plunge is entertainment in itself.
Courtesy of ONYX
ONYX feels like a rethink of Hong Kong gym culture: train hard, recover smart, and do it all in a space that feels designed, not improvised.
Location: ONYX by GO24 Fitness, Basement, Shop A G/F &1/F, Tung Hey Building, 14/16 & 20 Queenâs Road East, Wan ChaiÂ
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
The stage is set, now itâs time to turn up the volume and wait.
Clockenflap, Hong Kongâs biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, has finally dropped the full lineup for this yearâs event, announcing one of its most stacked rosters. Expect another weekend filled with hard-hitting tunes, genre-blurring tracks, and a cross-culture celebration of sound, dance, and culture. And to celebrate the occasion, The Beat Asia is collaborating with Clockenflap to run an exclusive newsletter giveaway for weekend passes! Continue reading to find out more.
Photo from Instagram/BLOC PARTYPhoto from Facebook/MY BLOODY VALENTINE
Among all the new acts, British indie-rock icons BLOC PARTY will be making their much-awaited Hong Kong debut as Saturdayâs headliner, while Irish-English shoegaze legends MY BLOODY VALENTINE are set to play in Hong Kong for the first time as Sundayâs headliners.
Two of J-Popâs hottest rising stars will also make their Hong Kong debut on Saturday, with Japanese singer-songwriter and former member of Youâll Melt More! ANO, and breakout solo star from chart-topping group Sexy Zone, KENTO NAKAJIMA äžćł¶ć„äșș.
For the full lineup and schedule, visit the Clockenflap website here.
Full Lineup of Clockenflap 2025 | Photo from Instagram/Clockenflap
Set against Hong Kongâs iconic harbourfront, Clockenflap will once again feature the full, world-class festival experience that music fans have come to know and love, with multiple stages, an eclectic line-up of artists, art installations, and much more.
Tickets are now available via Ticketflap, Damai, and Maoyan. General admission for all three days is HKD$1,990, with single-day passes at HKD$1,280. Youth tickets are discounted, priced at HKD$1,590 (three-day pass) and HKD$880 (single-day pass). Children under three years can attend the festival for free, while those aged between three and 17 years need their own ticket. For international travelers, Japan Airline is offering exclusive travel packages to make the journey easy and seamless via this website. For a chance to win a pair of three-day passes, sign up to our newsletter to find out more!
With this amazing lineup, Clockenflap 2025 is shaping up to be one massively unforgettable experience to close the year. Follow Clockenflap on Instagram and Facebook for more information.
Clockenflap 2025 Central Harbourfront Event Space Fri, December 5 6:00 PM
onwards
Catch Rich Brian, Jacob Collier, Franz Ferdinand, and more at Clockenflap 2025, returning on Dec. 5-7, 2025, to Central Harbourfront. Grab your Early Bird tickets now!
To submit an entry in our giveaway available exclusively to The Beat Hong Kong subscribers, a form must be filled in by clicking the special link in any of the newsletters sent out. T&Cs apply below:
Giveaway period: Monday, Nov.17 to Tuesday, Nov.25, 2024
No purchase necessary to enter or win
Only open to Hong Kong residents only and participants must be at least 18 years of age or older
Participants must be subscribed to The Beat Asiaâs newsletters and filled out the special form to be eligible to win
Participants will not be able win through engaging with The Beat Asiaâs relevant social media posts
In case of any disputes, The Beat Asia reserves the right of final decision
In a digital world where influencers sell skincare routines and curated aesthetics, @blesiva_, or Belle, a 19-year-old university student, is doing something radically different.
With a fast-growing following of over 30k in just 10 months on Instagram, alongside a presence on YouTube and TikTok, sheâs using her platforms not to promote products, but to feed the elderly, support the overlooked, and quietly rewrite what it means to be âinfluentialâ in Hong Kong, all while choosing to remain anonymous.
We chatted with Belle to hear about her motivations, the emotional weight of her work, and her hopes for a more compassionate Hong Kong.
Instagram/ @blesiva_
Armed with a trolley, a camera, and a heart full of empathy, Belle has built a one-woman movement that supports some of Hong Kongâs most overlooked individuals â elderly cardboard collectors, street vendors, and others living on the margins. Through her Instagram, she documents her journey of distributing meals and monetary aid, using social media not for self-promotion, but as a tool for crowdfunding and awareness.
Her videos are simple: a hand reaching out with a meal, a quiet âthank you,â a smile exchanged on a busy street. But behind each viral clip is a story of courage, compassion, and a deep discomfort with the inequality she sees around her.
âIâve always been aware of my own privilege,â she says. âMy family provides me with a great life, but I know not everyone gets that, and itâs not their fault. Itâs just luck, and that feels unfair to me.â
While her videos may appear effortless, the journey behind them is anything but. Belleâs path to becoming one of Hong Kongâs most quietly impactful creators began with hesitation, self-doubt, and a deep desire to do something meaningful.
Belleâs first Instagram reel was posted in January this year, but her journey began long before that. âI procrastinated for a long time, wondering when or if I should do it,â she admits. âIâm not super extroverted either, and in my usual routine, I never really have to approach strangers.â
Inspired by creators like Josh Liljenquist and Aiden Kim, who used social media to fund acts of kindness, she decided to try. Her first outing was modest â buying bread from a local bakery with her private tutoring income and handing it out in Sham Shui Po. âPeople were really nice and really grateful, and I was glad I finally did it because I procrastinated for ages.â
That small act sparked something bigger. She kept posting, even when no one was watching. âThere were very few likes, no attention. But I just kept doing it.â Then, a video blew up. Donations started coming in. Suddenly, she had the means to keep going â and to scale.
What makes Belleâs work resonate isnât just what she does, but how she does it. âIf Iâm giving out meals and someone walks by and asks for one, Iâm not going to say no,â she says. âEven if they do have a lovely apartment and a great life and theyâre just taking a box of food from me, itâs just one box of food. I donât have the judgment or the power to decide who actually needs help and who doesnât.â
Her approach is rooted in empathy, not bureaucracy. One moment that stayed with her was when a cardboard-picking grandma received her favorite meal, a chicken rice. âShe was so happy, like, literally jumping in her spot,â Belle recalls. âShe said food is so expensive now, and [the meal's price] is basically her whole dayâs work.â
Belleâs reflections go beyond charity â theyâre a quiet manifesto for a more compassionate city.
âI feel like compassion and kindness in practice are really simple,â she says. âJust stopping for a conversation, smiling, or giving a few dollars to the beggars you see on the streets. So many people ignore them, but that kind of kindness can be normalized really easily in urban life.â
But with visibility comes criticism. Backlash for filming charitable interactions is common in today's digital age.
âThere are definitely a lot of very cynical people on the internet,â she shares, âAnd I donât understand this obsession with deciding who âdeservesâ help.â Her philosophy is simple: âLetâs say Iâm giving out meals and someone walks by and asks for one, Iâm not going to say no. Ok, maybe they dress well, maybe theyâre not that old. But how do you know theyâre not sleeping under a bridge?â
She adds, âThereâs no way Iâm going to ask people to prove they need help, like, âShow me your bank account.â Thatâs not how it works.â
Instagram/ @blesiva_Instagram/ @blesiva_
Sheâs learned to tune out the noise. âIf you know what youâre doing comes from goodwill, and most people support you, then you donât need to let criticism or backlash get to you. I post on social media so I can continue doing what I do. If I didnât post, Iâd only be able to do it a few times.â
Belleâs work also challenges the traditional definition of an influencer. In a digital landscape dominated by curated lifestyles and consumerism, she offers a different kind of influence â one rooted in empathy, action, and social responsibility. âI used to follow all these influencers who influenced me to buy the newest clothes, the newest lipsticks,â she says. âBut I started wondering: why arenât there influencers who inspire you to be a better person?â
Now, sheâs become that kind of influencer herself â without ever showing her face. âThereâs a group of high schoolers who started an account doing exactly what I do, buying and distributing food, and thatâs honestly so cool,â she says. âThatâs exactly what I hoped would happen: to inspire others to do the same.â
Why do you choose to give directly rather than through organizations?
Instagram/ @blesiva_
Giving directly allows me to film what I do and hopefully inspire some people and gain support. Thatâs my own reason for giving directly and I think it just works better with my schedule. I can go out whenever I have time.
With organizations, you have to register and follow their schedule. But for what I do, if I have free time, Iâll go out and give out food. That works well for me because Iâm a uni student, so my scheduleâs all over the place.
Have you faced any personal doubts or fears along the way, and what have you learned about yourself through this journey?
I think at the start, like when my first video blew up, I was obviously super excited. Nothing had ever gone viral for me before, and I was getting so much support. But I think with anything on social media, when you gain a lot of attention, thereâs always criticism that comes with it.
At first, I was checking all the comments and DMs constantly. I used to respond to the negative ones too, but I realized that most people who criticize me are very set in their ways. They donât really want to hear my reasoning or explanation. And that made me feel bad, because I knew I was just trying to help people but I was still getting criticized. So eventually, I stopped looking at comments for the most part.
Sometimes I do translate them, but I just ignore it. I know what Iâm doing, and I stand behind it. Iâm proud of it. I donât think Iâm doing anything bad. Everyone has their own perception of the world, shaped by their own reality. If someoneâs living a miserable life, theyâre probably going to have a miserable perception of things, and I canât really change that.
What is something people might not know about poverty in Hong Kong?
We have an aging population, and a lot of them donât have a support system like a family to look after them. Itâs really sad that so many of them still have to work. Cardboard picking is a lot of work, especially when youâre pushing a heavy trolley, and most of them have some kind of health issue. Some do get government benefits, but itâs very little and not enough to sustain themselves.
One thing that really shocked me is how common cardboard picking is among the elderly in Hong Kong. Itâs actually quite necessary â if you didnât have these elderly people picking up cardboard, youâd have stores overflowing with boxes. But the government is really strict about how they store their carts. They even confiscate their trolleys if theyâre parked in the wrong place or left overnight. And once itâs confiscated, they canât get it back. That feels like picking on the weak, which I really donât like.
Another thing about poverty in Hong Kong is how easy it is to ignore. You see the impoverished and the homeless, but you donât actually know where they live. Only when you see the subdivided flats, cage homes, coffin homes, do you really understand the magnitude of poverty here. People think of Hong Kong as the beautiful skyline, but they donât really see how poverty affects the people living in these areas.
What changes would you like to see in how the city supports the elderly and marginalized communities?
I think just from the perspective of everyday people, it starts with being a little kinder.
Even if you donât buy them anything, you can stop for a conversation. A lot of these elderly people live alone, and when you live alone, you donât really have anyone to talk to. Just talking with me makes some of them really happy because they feel listened to.
Even with beggars on the street, I hear people say, âOh, you shouldnât give money to beggars because theyâre not doing anything.â But donât you think they would be doing something if they could? The job market is terrible, and itâs really hard for some of them to find work, especially if theyâre disadvantaged or disabled.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to use social media for good while staying ethical and respectful?
Instagram/ @blesiva_
Figure out what you want to do and how you want to impact people. For me, I really want to help people, and the way I do that is by giving out food. I want people to feel inspired by my videos on social media, so thatâs how I decide what kind of content to make, how I edit, and how I post.
If you know what youâre doing comes from goodwill, and most people support you, then you donât need to let criticism or backlash get to you. Not that you shouldnât listen at all, you can take it into account, but a lot of people are just hating to hate. That really shouldnât affect you.
There are so many reels about âbecoming the best version of yourself,â studying hard, going to the gym, eating healthy. And thatâs great, but itâs all about improving your own life. I feel like being the best version of yourself should also include how you affect the people around you.
What do âcompassionâ or âkindnessâ mean to you in practice, and how do you think these can be normalized in urban life?
Instagram/ @blesiva_
Being kind doesnât mean you have to be a ray of sunshine every day or have a perfect temper. Itâs just about small things â supporting elderly people selling goods on the street, tipping them a little more, or even getting involved in volunteering events or supporting social enterprises and organizations.
Are there new formats, collaborations, or directions you're looking forward to exploring in the future?
I do have some other content creators whoâve reached out to collaborate, which Iâm quite excited about, though nothingâs confirmed yet. The content will still be around distributing food, but itâll be a different type of format from what I usually do.
I hope that by collaborating with people others look up to, itâll make an impact, like, âOh, I can do this too.â Iâll be able to reach more people.
What would you say to those who feel powerless in making an impact?
Instagram/ @blesiva_
If youâre feeling powerless, I get it. When I procrastinated, it was because I was scared. It took me six months from having the idea to actually doing something, and I wish I could get that time back.
How you spend your days is how you spend your life. If you want to help people, or even if itâs not about helping, but just pursuing something youâre passionate about, you should go for it. Nothingâs going to happen overnight. You have to put in the effort and actually try.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To see Belleâs meaningful work in action, check out her videos and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Her quiet acts of compassion are changing lives, and her feed is a reminder that kindness doesnât need a spotlight to make an impact.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
Forget skyscrapers and vehicle noise â this November, the rhythm of Hong Kong shifts to the sway of palm trees and crashing waves. CT Music Fest Vol. 3 is back, and itâs turning Cheung Chau Island into a sanctuary of sound, art, and open skies. If your soulâs been craving a creative reset, this is your cue.
Hosted at the Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park, CT Music Fest Vol. 3 runs from November 21 to November 23, 2025, offering a curated lineup of live performances, indie film screenings, and immersive art installations. The festival kicks off Friday, Nov. 21 in the evening with an intimate opening set, followed by full-day programs on Saturday and Sunday.
Instagram/ CT Music Festival
Organized by the creative collective Chez Trente, the festival is known for spotlighting emerging talent and alternative voices in Hong Kongâs arts scene.
The first wave of the lineup includes local and international acts, spanning genres from indie rock and funk to jazz fusion and experimental pop.
Featured performers include YELLOW!, Le Groupe ElectrogĂšne Fanfare Club, Jonas & Friends, Teenage Riot, Murphy & The Lawyers, Funkee Tung, Swing Pockets, Mr. Koo, Cantomania, Indigo Town, Ivan Sit, and Frankie Lam. With such a diverse roster, expect everything from brass-heavy street grooves to soulful singer-songwriter sets and genre-defying collaborations.
Instagram/ Saiyuen Camping Adventure ParkInstagram/ Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park
Saiyuenâs unique setting adds a layer of adventure to the experience. Attendees can book glamping tents or traditional camping spots to stay on-site, turning the festival into a full weekend retreat. With Cheung Chauâs beaches, hiking trails, and seafood stalls just a short walk away, itâs a rare chance to unplug without leaving the city far behind.
Tickets are available in several tiers via Eventbrite:
Opening Night (Fri): HK$250
Full Festival Pass (FriâSun):
Adult: HK$1,360
Young (12â17): HK$1,110
VIP: HK$2,360 (includes free-flow drinks and lounge access)
Single-Day Passes:
Saturday: Adult HK$780 / Young HK$630 / VIP HK$1,280
Sunday: Adult HK$630 / Young HK$530 / VIP HK$1,130
Kids under 12 get in free with an adult
For music lover or those craving a creative escape, CT Music Fest Vol. 3 promises a soulful, sun-soaked weekend thatâs chill and electric. Visit CT Music Festivalâs official website and Instagram for updates. Meanwhile, follow Chez Trenteâs Instagram and Facebook for more events and happenings.
Location: Saiyuen, Cheung Chau, DD CCÂ Lot 12
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
This October, Hong Kong welcomes a new kind of Halloween celebration with the launch of SPOOKY Halloween, the cityâs first-ever outdoor music carnival dedicated to the season of thrills.
Held at the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space from October 24 to November 2, 2025, the event spans over 130,000 square feet of immersive entertainment, combining live music, themed attractions, and family-friendly activities in one dynamic waterfront venue.
Courtesy of Klook
Organized by Live Nation Electronic Asia and divided into three distinct zones, SPOOKY Halloween is designed to appeal to both partygoers and casual visitors.
Zones A and B will be open daily throughout the ten-day celebration, featuring a witch-themed carnival, glowing pumpkin fields, illusion mazes, bonfire stages, and interactive games. These areas are ideal for families and casual visitors looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere without the intensity of the concert crowds.
Instagram/ Steve AokiInstagram/ Zedd
Meanwhile, Zone C hosts the main stage performances, with a lineup of international and local artists performing across two weekends: October 24â26 and October 31âNovember 2.
The lineup is a genre-blending mix of international and local talent, including global headliners Zedd, Steve Aoki, R3HAB and Rae Sremmurd. Â
Instagram/ MC CheungInstagram/ Novel Fergus
Local stars such as Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, JW, and Novel Fergus will bring a homegrown pulse to the stage. A special Halloween night performance by Japanâs XG adds extra excitement to the October 31 festivities.
Instagram/ Zedd
Over the last weekend, the SPOOKY Halloween festival arrived with impressive debut performances, proving that Halloween here is about more than just costumes â it's about a total vibe shift. The Wan Chai Harbourfront welcomed a high-energy, nostalgic set from DJ Zedd, creating the ultimate party mood. The crowd got an extra thrill with the appearance from rappers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi in their duo, Rae Sremmurd, solidifying the festival's cool credentials and marking a truly exciting moment for the cityâs nightlife.
Tickets are available at Klook in multiple tiers to suit different preferences. Admission to both the main stage and carnival zones is priced at HK$680 per day. Visitors who prefer the carnival experience without the concerts can opt for a more affordable ticket: HK$100 for adults, HK$50 for youth aged 6 to 17, and free entry for children under 6. Game tokens are sold separately at HK$20 per play.
For more details of the event, follow their Instagram and Facebook. Meanwhile, you can check out Live Nation Electronic Asiaâs website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more happenings around Asia.
Location: Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space, 3 Hung Hing Road, Wan Chai
SPOOKY Halloween Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space Fri, October 24 5:00 PM
- 10:30 PM
Celebrate Halloween at SPOOKY Halloween, Hong Kongâs first-ever music carnival from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2, 2025, at Wan Chai Harbourfront.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
If fake blood and plastic fangs arenât cutting it this Halloween, how about something permanent? Trick or Ink 2025 is bringing Hong Kong its first-ever tattoo festival inside a shopping mall, and itâs set to leave a lasting impression. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2025, the 3rd and 4th floors of Airside in Kai Tak will transform into a buzzing hub of ink, artistry, and Halloween flair.
Photo from Instagram/ Trick or Ink 2025
With nearly 80 local tattoo artistson-site, the event offers a rare opportunity to get tattooed right there and then, whether youâre booking ahead or walking in for a spontaneous flash piece. Styles range from fine-line minimalism to bold neo-traditional, anime-inspired designs, and dark illustrative work that channels the spooky season. Each artist brings a distinct voice and technique, turning the venue into a living gallery of skin and story.
Beyond the ink, Trick or Ink delivers a full sensory experience. Expect interactive games, prize giveaways, and immersive Halloween decor that turns Airside into a spooky-chic playground for families, friends, and curious passersby. Pop-up booths will showcase merch, artist portfolios, and possibly themed food and drink from local vendors.
Photo from Instagram/Trick or Ink 2025Photo from Instagram/Trick or Ink 2025
Admission is free, making it one of the most accessible art festivals in town. This is a perfect event for tattoo enthusiasts or those curious about Hong Kongâs evolving creative scene to explore body art as both personal expression and cultural celebration.
Organized to spotlight the cityâs vibrant tattoo community, Trick or Ink reframes ink from subculture to spotlight, placing it in the heart of a mainstream retail space and aligning it with the playful, transformative spirit of Halloween.
Head to Airside this Halloween and celebrate creativity that lasts far beyond the weekend. For full tattoo artist lineups, follow the Instagram of the event and the organizer.
Location: Airside, 3/F & 4/F, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, KowloonÂ
Dates: Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2025Â
Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM (Oct. 31), 10 AM to 10 PM (Nov. 1 and 2)
Admission: Free entranceÂ
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
In the heart of Hong Kongâs fast-paced urban sprawl, where skyscrapers crowd the skyline and ambition pulses through every street, a quiet revolution has been unfolding â one in the squared circle. Professional wrestling has found a home in the city thanks to a handful of passionate pioneers. At the center of this movement stands Bitman: wrestler, mentor, and president of the Hong Kong Pro-Wrestling Federation (HKWF).
The Beat Asia had a conversation with Bitman ahead of HKWFâs upcoming event on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, stepping into his world: a high-impact arena of sweat-soaked storytelling, cinematic grit, and grassroots resilience.
Known for his hybrid wrestling style and community-first ethos, Bitman is both a community builder and a ring warrior, shaping Hong Kongâs wrestling identity.
Courtesy of Bitman
As a kid growing up in Hong Kong, Bitman was captivated by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and icons like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
âThose larger-than-life characters and the high-stakes drama felt like a live-action comic book,â he recalls. âIt was the perfect escape in a city that never slows down like ours.â
That childhood fascination evolved into a calling. In 2009, Bitman stepped into the ring through the newly formed HKWF, training in a modest gym in Fo Tan. Their early shows were humbly held in warehouse venues with just a small group of fans, but the vision was bold.
âWhat keeps me going is the family weâve built, the energy of the crowd, mentoring new talent, and showing the world that Hong Kong belongs in the global wrestling conversation. Wrestling isnât just a job and itâs how I tell stories, with sweat and heart.â
Bitman describes his community as âtighter than a figure-four leglock. Since day one in 2009, we trained together in cramped gyms, shared meals after shows, and supported each other through tough tours.â
Courtesy of HKWFCourtesy of HKWF
The federation's creative approach reflects the cityâs cinematic legacy. âHKWF promotes culture by blending athletic spectacle with Hong Kongâs storytelling flair like high-flying moves inspired by our action cinema roots,â Bitman adds. âBeyond the ring, we run workshops, youth programs, and collaborations that help demystify wrestling and turn skeptics into superfans. In a city where space and funding are always tight, HKWF plays a crucial role as the bridge, making wrestling accessible, inclusive, and unmistakably Hong Kong.â
Wrestling in Hong Kong isnât just about the spectacle, itâs about survival. The cityâs high rents and limited space make venues and rings a luxury, forcing collectives like HKWF to get creative. âSpace and visibility are the biggest challenges,â Bitman explains. âWith Hong Kongâs sky-high rent, rings and venues are expensive, so we often make use of warehouses or shared spaces.â
Courtesy of BitmanCourtesy of Bitman
But itâs not just logistics â itâs perception. âSome locals still see wrestling as âfakeâ American entertainment, not the athletic art form it really is,â he says. âBuilding a fanbase takes serious grassroots hustle.â
Without the backing of major TV deals, HKWF relies on ticket sales, sponsors, and sheer passion. âFundingâs tough too because weâre indie at heart,â Bitman adds. âAnd post-COVID, travel restrictions hit our international tours hard. But these challenges push us to innovate â weâre leaning into online content and pop-up events, turning limitations into the kind of underdog energy that makes HK wrestling raw and real.â
Managing to organize regular events in recent years, this underdog energy was set to shine even brighter this year at âRing of Harbourâ on September 25, HKWFâs first-ever outdoor wrestling showcase at Central Harbourfrontâs AIA Vitality Park. The event was designed as a cultural collision of athleticism and international flair, featuring over 20 wrestlers from Mexico, Ireland, India, and Hong Kong. It was also the opening act for âThe Latin Kaleidoscope,â a festival hosted by MexCham HK to celebrate Latin American culture in Hong Kong. But nature had other plans â a typhoon forced its postponement, leaving fans and fighters disappointed but undeterred.
Courtesy of HKWF
Now, HKWF is channeling that momentum into its next major event: âShin Squared Circle: Lucha Libre VS Puroresu,â set for October 24 at Chai Wanâs Youth Square.
âGet ready for fireworks â this clash of titans pits Mexicoâs aerial wizards against Japanâs stiff-shot samurai in a dream feud,â Bitman teases. âExpect a stacked card: Opening high-fly tag with Hong Kongâs Outer Space stable against lucha imports for flip-fest frenzy; mid-card grudge where Mikey Man defends his AWGC strap in a puroresu-style ironman bout, building to brutal submissions.â
The storyline is classic invasion of arc gold. âLuchas âraidingâ our turf, sparking betrayals and alliances, culminating in a main-event mask-vs.-title war thatâs equal parts drama and destruction,â Bitman says. âAnd yes, thereâs a twist: a surprise HK-Japan pact to fend off the invaders. Itâs pure adrenaline, with narrative hooks thatâll keep fans buzzing long after the final bell.â
Bitmanâs story isnât just about building a wrestling promotion â itâs about carving out a space for Hong Kong identity in a global sport. Through HKWF, heâs helped transform wrestling from a niche curiosity into a vibrant subculture that blends athleticism, storytelling, and local flavor. From cramped gyms to international partnerships, from typhoon cancellations to packed venues, the journey has been anything but predictable.
Courtesy of HKWF
Yet through it all, Bitman remains grounded in the belief that wrestling is more than entertainment â itâs a mirror of life. The ring becomes a stage for grit, redemption, and community. And as Hong Kong continues to evolve, so too does its wrestling scene, with Bitman leading the charge not just as a performer, but as a mentor, promoter, and cultural architect.
Now, in his own words, Bitman shares more about the people who inspire him, the philosophy behind his craft, and what fans, new and old, can expect from the roar of the ring.
Are there any local wrestlers you particularly admire?
Courtesy of HKWF
Definitely â Jason Lee stands out. Heâs a homegrown beast from our early HKWF days, and heâs gone on to hold the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, wrestling across Japan and beyond. His technical skill and resilience inspire me. He took all the doubt and turned it into gold.
Weâre part of a generation that blends grit with charisma, and weâve helped put Hong Kong on the map. Guys like Jason arenât just peers â theyâre the reason our scene feels solid and unshakable.
If a young person wanted to become a wrestler in Hong Kong, what advice would you give them?
First, commit to the grind.
Start with the basics like push-ups, squats, running. Build your body before you even step into a ring. Find a local gym and get trained the right way; donât try to wing it or youâll risk injury.
Study the craft: watch everything from New Japanâs âStrong Style Evolvedâ to WWEâs storytelling, but adapt it to your own.
Network relentlessly and if you can, train overseas in places in Japan and Taiwan.
Most of all, be patient. We started with 50 fans; now we sell out. Stay humble, respect the ring, and remember â itâs 10% athleticism, 90% heart. Hong Kong needs more dreamers. You could be one of them.
Are there any collaborations or international exchanges that have helped elevate Hong Kong wrestling?
Courtesy of HKWF
Definitely â those partnerships have been game-changers.
Our 2012â2015 collaboration with Japanâs Pro Wrestling ZERO1 brought in technical masters and gave our talent global exposure. Jason Lee, for example, went on to win NWA titles abroad. Weâve also worked with Taiwanâs Impact Wrestling Love, where I defended belts and picked up new high-spot techniques.
More recently, our 2023 alliance with mainland Chinaâs King of Pro Wrestling (KOPW) and INFIN Pro Wrestling opened cross-border talent swaps, blending styles and packing shows with diverse rosters. And our WWE Tryout in 2016 put Hong Kong on the global radar, inspiring a wave of hopefuls. These exchanges arenât just travel as they evolved our style, infusing puroresu stiffness, lucha flair, and everything in between into our unique HK hybrid.
Wrestling blends athleticism and storytelling â how do you personally navigate that balance?
Courtesy of Bitman
It's like directing your own action movie â half athleticism, half storytelling, but the story always drives the stunts.
Physically, I drill every move to perfection. High-flying spots need to land clean to keep the drama alive without breaking the moment. But the real magic is in the emotional arc.
A grudge match isnât just about chops but betrayal, redemption, and giving the crowd that cathartic release. I build those beats into promos that reflect real emotions like channeling Hong Kongâs hustle into underdog fire. If the story doesnât land, the athleticism feels empty. If the moves donât pop, the story drags. So I listen to my opponent in the ring and the crowdâs energy. Thatâs the balance. Thatâs why wrestling grabs you â itâs life, amplified in the ring.
Do you think Hong Kongâs wrestling culture leans more toward performance or real combat? How does it compare to places like Mexico, Japan, or the U.S.?
Courtesy of Bitman
Hong Kong leans heavily into performance, almost like a martial arts opera. Youâll see flashy flips and character-driven brawls that echo our kung fu film heritage, but the combat is choreographed and designed for spectacle, not pain.
Compared to Mexicoâs lucha libre, weâre like cousins: both love aerial moves and masked personas, but lucha is rooted in family-feud folklore, with clear lines between heroes and villains. Japanâs puroresu is our stiff uncle â brutal and strong style, heavy psychology, and strikes that feel like thunder. Then thereâs the U.S. WWE scene, which is all about big promos, pyros, and soap-opera drama.
Hong Kongâs style is our own remix with performance at the core but borrowing Japanâs intensity and Mexicoâs flair to create a unique East-meets-West pulse.
How do you prepare yourself for each match, both mentally and physically?
Physically, itâs all about ritual. I start my mornings with cardio, usually runs along Victoria Harbour to clear my head, then hit afternoon weights, focusing on core strength and explosiveness. After that, itâs ring drills with partners to fine-tune timing and flow.
My diet stays clean with high-protein dim sum twists like steamed fish and greens, and absolutely no junk before a show.
Mentally, I visualize the match like a story as I replay the arc in my head, use affirmations like âOwn the narrative,â and listen to a quiet playlist of old-school WWE and New Japan themes to lock in. Right before the bell, I take deep breaths, chat with my opponent to build chemistry, and soak in the crowdâs energy. Itâs a full-body, full-mind prep.
Win or lose, I step into that ring feeling unbreakable.
What do you think is the most important quality for a wrestler?
Courtesy of BitmanCourtesy of Bitman
Adaptability, hands down. The ring is unpredictable with slippery mats, off-night crowds, last-minute changes to the card. Youâve got to pivot fast without losing the story. Thatâs what separates the survivors from the stars.
Look at Ho Ho Lun, who went from indie basements to WWE spotlights, or Jason Lee, who switches styles seamlessly across borders. Physiques fade, moves evolve, but that chameleon instinct keeps you safe, sharp, and relevant. In Hong Kongâs ever-shifting scene, adaptability is useful and essential.
How has the local audience evolved over the years? Are you seeing more engagement or new types of fans?
Itâs been a complete transformation.Â
Back in 2009, we had maybe 50 curious skeptics. Now weâre drawing 500+ passionate fans who chant, cheer, and know the storylines. Social mediaâs played a huge role â Instagram clips of our high spots go viral and pull in Gen Z gamers and pop culture fans who love the drama.
Families show up now too â kids in masks, parents reliving their â80s WWF memories. Since the WWE buzz hit Hong Kong, weâve seen more expats and tourists, plus fans crossing over from mainland China thanks to our partnerships with KOPW and INFIN.
Engagement is through the roof: Cantonese chants, fan art, even merch collabs. Itâs a diverse crowd now with office workers, students and creatives â and that evolution feels like victory.
What aspects in a wrestling event do you think audiences in Hong Kong enjoy the most?
Courtesy of HKWF
Itâs the spectacle with heart. Our fans love high-flying chaos like moonsaults off cages and wild dives, but what really hooks them are the stories behind the action. Rivalries that echo Hong Kongâs hustle and grit make it personal.
Our crowds love the interactive vibe: Singalongs to entrance themes, âThis is awesomeâ pops for near-falls, and post-show meets where we sign merch over bubble tea. Cultural touches like dim sum jokes or neon-lit entrances give it that local flavor. At the end of the day, itâs the escape in a high-pressure city, that communal roar turns strangers into a roaring family.
What can first-time attendees expect from your next event? Any surprises or standout matches?
Courtesy of HKWF
Energy overload â like a live HK action flick, but youâre ringside! Expect vibrant chaos: Colorful masks, thunderous chops, and dives that defy gravity, all in a packed venue pulsing with Cantonese cheers.
First-timers? Grab seats early for the full immersion â that electric pre-bell hush and the hype on the next second.
Standouts: The main lucha-puro hybrid tag, flair meets fury in a 20-minute epic, blending technical locks with quebradas. Itâs welcoming, wild, and unforgettable. Come hungry for the roar!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Secure your ticket for "Shin Squared Circle: Lucha Libre VS Puroresu" via POPTICKET while they're still available.
Follow Bitman on Instagram for personal updates on wrestling, and HKWF's Instagram and Facebook for event updates. Meanwhile, event highlights can be viewed on HKWF's YouTube channel.
Shin Squared Circle: Lucha Libre VS Puroresu
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Entrance: 7PM
Location: Chai Wanâs Youth Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
Itâs not every day you get inked between bites of grilled skewers and sips â but in Hong Kong, subculture knows no boundaries. On October 26, 2025 one of the cityâs most stylish culinary-art crossovers returns: the Golden Gip x CENSU Crew Flash Tattoo Pop-Up, now in its third edition.
Hosted at Golden Gip, a modern Korean-inspired dai pai dong on Wellington Street, this one-day-only event fuses gourmet bites, body art, and subcultural energy into a multi-sensory experience.
Instagram/ Golden Gip
This yearâs lineup features six renowned tattoo artists from Hong Kong and Japan, including Yeeki Lo, Shigeo Kimura, New School Art, Whoâs nosey, Gentaro, and Megumu.
Instagram/ Shigeo Kimura & New School Art
Each artist will offer pre-designed flash tattoos, available on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests can walk away with fresh ink and a story to tell. Expect styles ranging from delicate linework to bold neo-traditional pieces.
Tickets are priced at HK$300 per person, which includes a drink, food, and a special gift for all attendees. The event runs from 12PM to 9PM. While walk-ins may be accepted, advance booking is highly recommended.
This is your chance to experience one of Hong Kongâs most expressive pop-ups, where ink meets local food culture, and every detail is designed to leave a mark.
Consuming alcohol before can thin your blood, increase sensitivity, and even affect healing. If youâre planning to get tattooed at the pop-up, itâs strongly recommended to hold off on alcohol before and after your session.
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Location: Golden GIP, 41 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
Itâs been seven years since Hong Kong last hosted Asiaâs most electrifying music event, and now, the wait is over. The 2025 MAMA Awards, the regionâs premier K-pop celebration, is making its grand return to the city with a two-night celebration on November 28 and 29 at the newly opened 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium.
Courtesy of VISA
Presented by CJ ENM and sponsored by Visa, this yearâs MAMA Awards promise a full-scale sensory experience that includes jaw-dropping performances, dazzling visuals, and appearances from some of the biggest names in K-pop.
The awards span a wide range of categories, from Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year, to genre-specific honors like Best Dance Performance, Best Vocal Performance, and Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance.
Instagram/ MAMA AwardsInstagram/ MAMA Awards
This yearâs nominations reflect both global dominance and fresh talent. Superstars like aespa, BABYMONSTER, and ZEROBASEONE are up for awards, while rising acts such as Hearts2Hearts, CORTIS, and BabyDONTCry are making their MAMA debut with nods in the Best New Artist category. The awards also include fan-voted categories, giving international audiences a direct voice in the celebration.
The ticketing rollout is choreographed. Fans can choose from a wide range of seating options, with prices starting at HK$899 and climbing to HK$2,599 for premium seats with dedicated entry lanes. A limited Blind Ticket Sale opened on September 30, offering early access to front-row seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visa cardholders enjoy exclusive presale access via Cityline:
Visa Infinite Presale: October 17, 10 AMâ2 PM
Visa Presale: October 17, 6PM â October 18, 2 PM
General Sale: October 20, 10AM HKT
With Hong Kongâs skyline as the backdrop and Kai Tak Stadium as the stage, this event marks a new chapter in the cityâs relationship with global pop culture. Itâs a celebration of music, fandom, and the power of performance to unite across borders.
Location: Kai Tak Stadium, 38-39 Shing Kai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong KongÂ
2025 MAMA AWARDS (ë§ë§ ìŽììŠ) in Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium Fri, November 28 4:00 PM
onwards
Celebrate the best in K-pop at the 2025 MAMA Awards on Nov. 28-29, 2025, at Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!âŻClick here to subscribe.
In a quiet corner of Hong Kong, Allex Chan began crafting songs in a space so small it could barely contain the weight of his emotions. That space, Room307, was both literal and symbolic: a bedroom, a cocoon, and eventually, a name that would carry his music far beyond its walls.
The indie artist started releasing music under the name Room307 in 2017, uploading lo-fi sketches made on GarageBand to platforms like SoundCloud. His debut eponymous EP, Room307, arrived in 2021 via Wildstyle Records, a Hong Kong-based indie label known for spotlighting experimental and emotionally raw voices. Though his sound leaned more toward dream pop and ambient textures than the labelâs usual rap roster, the creative exchange helped shape his early identity, one that blurred genre, language, and emotional tone.
The Beat Asia sat down with Room307 before his performance for "M+ at Night: Good Times" in September, stepping into his world: a lo-fi dreamscape of whispered narratives, retro and psychedelic visuals, and emotional honesty. Known for his layered songwriting and nostalgic aesthetic, Room307 is both a visual and a sonic storyteller.
Through a conversation that drifted from chrysanthemum tea metaphors to punk alter ego in N.Y.P.D., and the emotional weight of healing, he opened up about his dual life as a musician and Chinese medicine practitioner, the making of his 2025 debut album Memory Boy, and the quiet rebellion of choosing softness. What unfolded was a meditation on self-expression, growth, and the art of listening with intention.
Instagram/ Room307
âIâm deeply honored to bring my music from the room to different countries and museums,â Room307 reflects on his journey. âI hope I can continue to reach more people down the road, from one big room to the world.â
By day, Allex works in a Chinese medicine clinic. By night, he crafts songs that soothe emotional wounds. To him, these roles arenât opposites because theyâre reflections of the same impulse: to feel deeply and help others do the same.
Instagram/ Room307
âEverything I do, including being a Chinese medicine practitioner, is part of who I am,â he answers on whether there's a version of him that only exists when he's making music.
âI'm always diagnosing peopleâs symptoms and sickness, which requires a deep sensitivity to what people need. So, I think this ability translates into my music because music is also about evoking emotion and connecting with people on a sensitive level.â
Whether heâs diagnosing physical ailments or layering ambient synths beneath vocals, Room307 is always listening, to the body, to the mood, and to the silence between sounds, proving that the sensitivity does run through all his work.
Instagram/ N.Y.P.D.
And yet, thereâs another side to him. As the guitarist and synthwave artist of post-punk band N.Y.P.D., Allex channels a completely different energy thatâs much louder, rawer, more chaotic. But this shift isnât a contradiction but itâs a duality.
 âItâs also me because I listen to lots of different genres like ambient, rock, and punk,â he says. âBased on my hardware, I canât really sing loud or hardcore, so I put this personality into N.Y.P.D., which is the expression of my energy. Punk music is just so straightforward, but my own music is more like talking to my inner self. People can have two faces, right? So thatâs how I can satisfy both of my faces â the introverted one and the angry one.â
Instagram/ N.Y.P.D.
That duality plays out not just in sound, but in performance. With N.Y.P.D., he has recently taken the stage at Boiler Room Hong Kong, channeling punkâs visceral immediacy. In contrast, his solo work invites listeners into a quieter space, one where emotions unfold slowly, like a whispered confession.
This ability to inhabit multiple emotional landscapes is part of what makes Room307 so compelling. Instead of choosing between softness and rage, he honors both and give them a voice.
Instagram/ Room307
This is echoed in his debut full-length album, Memory Boy. The title comes from the first guitar effects pedal he ever bought: a delay pedal that repeats sound in soft, echoing loops. Itâs a fitting metaphor for the way his music lingers: subtle at first, then emotionally resonant on repeat, emphasizing how heâs both a bedroom producer and an emotional architect.
âI would describe it as chrysanthemum tea because it helps you relax,â he says when asked to describe the new album with a type of herbal tea. âIt soothes and eases the tension of your liver, allowing your mind and senses to stretch out.â
While Room307 handled most of his songs' lyrics, composition, and production himself, the album marked a rare moment of collaboration. Co-produced by Kok Kok (æŸććź) of Sunset Rollercoaster and mixed by James Fouren, the album added polish to his signature lo-fi textures without compromising their intimacy.
The Beat Asia
Another meaningful creative relationship behind the album is with Akira Mimasu, drummer of Hong Kongâs groove-jazz band R.I.D.D.E.M. Their connection began years ago, when Room307 first uploaded his music to SoundCloud.
âOriginally, you know, itâs Room307 in his bedroom,â Akira recalls. âAnd then when he released his first cassette, it [had] quite a good reception. And when I saw that, I thought âWow! This guyâs making great music,â so I just hit him up and I said, âYo, if you need a drummer, hit me up.ââ
That casual offer evolved into a long-standing creative exchange. Akira contributed drums and flute to his tracks, and Room307 welcomed collaborators into his process, though he still prefers to work solo.
âI handle almost everything by myself because I donât want to burden others,â he admits. âEspecially since I canât always compensate financially.â
Courtesy of M+Courtesy of M+
Even so, the spirit of collaboration helped shape Memory Boy into something more expansive. Itâs a shared emotional language built with trust and mutual respect.
âThe story I wrote based on the lyrics is fictional; most of it is imagination,â Room307 explains. âHowever, I infuse genuine emotions into the imagined story. When performing, Iâm immersed in the soul of that character.â
That blend of fiction and feeling is what gives Memory Boy and his earlier releases their emotional weight, telling something that isnât confessional but feels true, relatable, and emotional honest. And that honesty extends to how he hopes listeners engage with his music.
âYou can enjoy it as a background music,â he says. âYou can also do nothing and try to explore the details within each track. My music contains many layers but sometimes it takes careful attention to uncover.â
âFor the second time beyond, you can try to concentrate more deeply, discovering new textures like a different version and for a different sensation.â
Courtesy of M+The Beat Asia
In Room307âs world, music isnât just something you hear but also something you return to, again and again, each time uncovering a new musical and emotional layer.
Thatâs why his recent performance at M+, alongside mainstream artists, felt like a meaningful moment because it was a bridge between underground intimacy and public visibility.
âI think itâs really important for us to play in occasions like this because, in the indie music scene, we often donât have budget for marketing and promotion,â he says. âOpportunities like this are rare, but sometimes, I mean the best marketing is simply putting your work out there, letting people experience your music to connect and surprise them, especially for those who might not have heard it before.â
Your different works speak to very different emotional landscapes, and youâve also performed across cultural textures. Has moving between these identities and places ever shifted how you create?
Instagram/ Room307
When we are touring, itâs valuable to meet a lot of artists and musicians. We have a lot of discussions, and we share how we each create and exchange ideas. I think this process is really important for an artist because it provides perspectives. When you play different genres in different locations and meet a variety of people, you naturally encounter new influences. And if youâre open to these experiences, they can have a positive impact on your growth.
How important is it for someoneâs thoughts or memories to have an outlet for expression? How would you suggest people express themselves?
The Beat Asia
Itâs definitely important for everyone to have some kind of outlet. When I was making this album, I didnât think too much and simply focused on doing things that I could really feel and enjoy.
Iâm not mature enough to be a mentor or to teach someone exactly how to express themselves. Iâm still a young person figuring things out, like discovering the best way to express emotions and understand how things work. But Iâd say music is one of the ways and activities like sports or other hobbies can also help.
What role does nostalgia play in shaping your aesthetic choices?
Iâm not really trying to be too retro, but since I was born in the â90s, the movies I watched and music I listened to definitely shaped my aesthetic. Iâm creating something to blend the aesthetic from that time with some modern music too.
Thereâs a band called Yellow Magic Orchestra, which is Ryuichi Sakamotoâs work, that really inspired me. The way they make music is kind of similar to the way I create to an extent.
Whatâs the most unexpected reaction a listener has ever shared with you?
People seldom comment on my music because my audience tends to be too introverted and they donât talk to me.
But one of the most frequent responses I hear is, âYour music really heals my schizophrenia or my mental health problems.â
I feel genuinely happy knowing that my music can soothe peopleâs emotions. Sometimes, I enjoy working in music more than my work as a Chinese medicine practitioner, because in the music industry, I can be more helpful.
Your past music videos are visually striking, creative, and occasionally psychedelic. How do you and your team come up with those concepts?
The Beat Asia
I've always been inspired by psychedelic music as well as glam rock.
The aesthetics in these genres are often linked to subcultures and altered states of perception influenced by drugs. Itâs the aesthetic they bring out that have had a strong influence of my creative approach.
These subcultural elements shaped my perspective and made me want to bring them into the Hong Kong scene, allowing audiences to experience that sense of the unexpected.
Will there be any music videos released for Memory Boy and what can we expect?
Instagram/ Room307
We did shoot in Japan, but Iâm still finalizing the editing and the color grading. I donât have very high expectation of the video, but putting out something that I love is in itself enough. The storyline and set design turned out really cool.
We filmed in a grassy field somewhere near Mount Fuji, where we dug a large hole and built something inside it. Thatâs about all I can share for now.
Courtesy of Room307
Following the release of the album, Allex isnât chasing the next big moment but building something slower â something that lasts.
âIt wonât be anything extremely surprising,â he says. âBut the plan is to slowly release new music. I hope to have a long music career, so Iâm just trying not to shock anyone and just keep a gradual workflow.â
That philosophy extends to touring, too. Heâs already begun writing his next album and hopes to take it on the road.
âWeâve been wanting to tour in Taiwan and China. Weâre trying to figure things out because you need a long set, at least half an hour,â he explains. âSo we keep working on that until weâre feeling ready and confident. Hopefully, it will happen soon.â
Meanwhile, his punk project N.Y.P.D. is gearing up for their Southeast Asia Tour in Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangkok from Oct 30 to Nov 5. Follow them on Instagram for more updates.
Room307âs journey, from a bedroom in Hong Kong to museum stages and beyond, isnât about spectacle. Itâs about staying true to feeling, to softness, and to the kind of art that whispers and shouts at the same time.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.