In the Almanty of Kazakhstan, the story of Sara Nurmukhamet unfolds like the dawn's gentle light. With outstanding academic achievements as her foundation, she sets forth on a path leading to the bustling streets of Hong Kong, firmly believing that knowledge can change one’s destiny; every dream must be nurtured through hard work to bloom into brilliance. At the age of twenty-four, Sara seizes a scholarship to study for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Hong Kong Polytechnic University, immersing herself in the city’s wisdom and vitality. After two years, she not only earns her degree but also meets her Venezuelan husband, who shares her quest for knowledge. After four years of a loving courtship, they married in Hong Kong, even their wedding photos adorned with the city’s unique charm. Sara understands that dreams are not out of reach; with passion in her heart, hope ignites. Hong Kong becomes not just a second home for her and her husband, but the launchpad for her entrepreneurial journey. She establishes a small online trading company, determined to connect Kazakhstan with the world, while also sharing her experiences as a Kazakh student in Hong Kong through her blog, inviting others to see the city through her eyes. Ultimately, Sara’s journey serves as a poignant reminder: courage and wisdom are the best companions on the path to pursuing dreams. Through her experiences, she proves that with relentless effort, no matter where one is, dreams will eventually blossom.

Over the centuries there have been many different artistic schools, styles, and movements in traditional Japanese painting. By the 19th century the art form revealed the influence and synthesis of native Japanese aesthetics and ideas imported from Chinese and Western art. Pushing the synthesis further, in his different styles contemporary artist Hisashi Tenmyouya says that he wants not only to revive Japanese traditional painting as contemporary art but also to rebel against the authoritative art system. The aim of the Osage Art Foundation’s "South by Southeast" project, initiated in 2015, is to develop and advance perspectives on Southeast Asian art. This exhibition, "Stemflow: South by Southeast" is the third edition. Curated by Patrick Flores and Reuben Keehan, this third edition brings together 19 artists from Asia and the South Pacific to examine not only the interconnectivity but also the cultural subjectivities of the two regions. The third edition of Tai Kwun’s Prison Yard Festival is back this month with a programme that highlights both local and international musicians. One group of musicians featured is the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The string ensemble is showcasing music that fuses Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” with original compositions by Egyptian-born, Sydney-based oud player and composer Joseph Tawadros. He's with us in the studio now, along with several of the orchestra members.

In its third year, Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival will run from mid-November to next January. This year’s theme is “Joy Again, Gather”, with Yim Tin Tsai as the centre and reaching out to Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau and High Island. The public can get together through art.

As a country known for its islands with beautiful beaches, culturally rich temple architecture, abundant historical sites, and world-famous cuisine, Thailand has long been a magnet for holidaymakers from around the globe. Its diverse recreational attractions and budget-friendly offerings make it a popular travel destination among many Hongkongers. Recognising Thailand’s appeal to the residents of our city, and to coincide with Songkran, the Thai New Year, Mr Chaturont Chaiyakam, Consul General of Thailand in Hong Kong and Macau, will participate in a large-scale Water Splashing Festival held in Hong Kong with our presenter Maisy. They will also visit a Thai temple to experience the sacred ritual of Buddha bathing, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Thai festivities. To bring this cultural exchange full circle, Maisy will arrange a soul-cleansing journey for Mr Chaiyakam. Through the leisurely exploration of a Buddhist temple, they will delve into Chinese Buddhist culture and learn to live in the moment. Piak, a Muay Thai master who has worked in various countries, ultimately fell in love with Hong Kong and decided to settle here. He takes us through his daily routine, from shopping at the wet market and meal preparation to enjoying Hong Kong-style pineapple buns. Having lived here for six years, he is determined to integrate into local life while striving to promote Muay Thai in the city.

Hong Kong’s night view is world renowned. For some, the night view they love is the glamourous and dazzling scenes of the ciyt’s bustle and hustle; for others, the atmosphere they yearn for is the unique, tranquil and elegant vibe of streets and lanes. Andrea Björsell, a Korean photographer from Sweden, who has lived in Hong Kong for seven years, is captivated by the images of Hong Kong –fascinating yet unobtrusive and often overlooked snapshots in our daily lives. In the early days of the COVID outbreak, when everyone was idle at home and worried, Andrea took her camera and walked alone on the streets of Central and Sheung Wan late at night. Wandering around and relaxing, she took pictures which capture the essence of Hong Kong's character. A young lady’s waiting at a laundromat as a getaway, an office worker passing by calmly on a rainy and foggy night, a woman alone under a brilliant neon sign … are all the most charming Hong Kong in Andrea's eyes. At the start, Andrea just wanted to express her depressed mood through roaming photography. Later on, she realized that with the daily photo, she had unknowingly documented the ups and downs of her moods, as well as the changes of the city. She then decided to kick-off a 100-day project "100 Days" , and was introduced to a local artist, Sin Sin-man. Sin curated Andrea’s first solo exhibition in Hong Kong and brought her work to a wider audience. The images from the "100 Days" were made into a book, with Andrea’s mood notes. Now, let’s read her love letter to the city…

The Government encourage childbirth, expanding infant care and preschool child care services, as well as increasing the incentives for home-based child carers. The Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, which includes the home-based child carer service, has been running for over a decade. Originally, it aimed to provide temporary child care for dual-income parents through neighbourhood mutual aid while also offering local homemakers or retirees an opportunity to work and earn subsidies, creating a win-win situation. However, does the volunteer-based model of home-based child carers meet the current societal expectations for child care?

This December, legendary stars from Real Madrid and Barcelona will visit Hong Kong for a friendly match at the Hong Kong Stadium.

少女Zoe 和父母一起住在馴馬的農場上。一天，她疼愛的愛馬卻因一時驚嚇，導致Zoe發生嚴重的意外，下半身癱瘓。從此必須坐在輪椅上的Zoe還能成為最好的騎師嗎？