Paradigm Shifts

Hundreds of thousands of humble workers keep the wheels of Hong Kong turning. They deserve to be acknowledged, writes

Cynthia Cheng Chung-hsing

Hong Kong Shifts is a social enterprise and storytelling platform that I and Maxime Vanhollebeke – who like myself is a lawyer – launched in July 2019.

e project has taken us to all corners of the city to source stories of more than 100 shift workers – be they street cleaners, security guards, sampan coxswains, shermen, bamboo sca olders, seafarers, taxi drivers or whatever. e three-part bilingual stories and portraits capture individuals in their place of work, and o er an insight into their day-to-day lives, unique experiences and gems of wisdom.

At the core of the project is our aim to promote kindness, empathy and inclusiveness in our living and working environments through storytelling. e stories spotlight individuals who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our city ticking. rough these stories, Hong Kong Shifts hopes to break down stereotypes and build bridges between diverse communities in the city. We nd our interviewees by picking a neighbourhood and striking up conversations with complete strangers. We publish stories from all our encounters – the idea being that every person has something to share: it only takes a small dose of curiosity and openness to nd it.

Beyond the community project, Hong Kong Shifts also works with NGOs, social enterprises, schools and other partners on human-centred visual storytelling campaigns, events, pop-up exhibitions and workshops. We plan to continue to use storytelling as a tool to connect, engage and inspire positive impact. To nd out more, browse hongkongshifts.com n

At the core of the project is our aim to promoe kindness, empathy and inclusiveness in our living and working environments through storytelling.

1 Fai, Star Ferry sailor. “My family were boat people and we lived in the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter for many years. I love being by the sea every day.”

2 Ho, Sham Shui Po cardboard collector. “I have a secret: I hose down all the cardboard with water before I resell it. If it’s heavier, it sells for a few cents more.”

3 Tak, Cheung Chau village vehicle driver. “Over the years, I’ve dabbled in different lines of work. It’s not always about the money. It’s really important to follow your interests and passion.”

4 Molly, Fenwick Pier receptionist for 42 years. “The sailors were rowdy and would always joke with me: ‘Do you want a Green Card, Molly? I have one, maybe you can come home with me.’”

5 Ling, Aberdeen sampan coxwain “Even though I am not educated, I understand how important it is to be open-minded and keep learning –especially from young people.”

6 Kwun, taxi seat upholsterer, Tai Hang. “When there is work to do, I will do it. I’m pretty much here seven days a week, except when I am ill. I have never travelled abroad or taken an aeroplane.”