Your Voice: Learning to live with typhoons and exploring ancient games (long letters)

When you grow up as a teenager in Hong Kong, typhoons are inevitable. Between May and November every year, severe tropical cyclones bring wind and rain to the city. In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced two of the most powerful typhoons in 90 years – Typhoon Hato and Typhoon Mangkhut.

When there is a typhoon signal, I first check the official website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest information. The website displays the actual track and projected intensity of the storm that might be approaching us.

In Hong Kong, a T8 signal means schools will be closed, public transport will be seriously disrupted, and businesses will often shut shop. I listen to local news channels and radio stations alongside official weather updates. These stations broadcast nonstop information, particularly right before the typhoon’s arrival.

Due to the severely strong winds, outdoor objects must be brought inside the apartment or tied down. If not secured, they could become hazardous flying objects. This means that light furniture, potted plants, and anything else that isn’t secured must be moved to a safe place.

Preparing everything takes a lot of time and energy, but preventing damage is necessary.

We also buy extra supplies in case we end up indoors for three or four days without power. This means more drinking water, food items that do not need refrigeration, flashlights and batteries. I make sure my smartphone battery is full. Having all these checked off makes me feel more at ease when the typhoon comes.

When the typhoon makes landfall, we hide indoors. I do my best to resist the urge to panic. With all exterior doors and windows sealed tight and locked, we head to a room clear of windows and await the typhoon. If the winds are strong enough, the windows can burst from the pressure.

I play board games with my family or read a book while staying inside. Candles are a fire hazard, so we use flashlights and phones as torches. We also unplug everything electric or plugged in to avoid electrical hazards should water levels rise.

Authorities advise where it is unsafe to travel because of water or roadblocks. I listen carefully to ensure I don’t put myself in danger. My parents also take pictures and videos of damaged property to make insurance claims. Cost recovery over repairs is time-consuming, and documented evidence would help explain the extent of damage.

Typhoons are natural events that I learned to live with growing up in Hong Kong.

We stock up, barricade our homes, wait it out indoors, and help each other clean up afterwards.

How climate change affects typhoons in Southeast Asia

Chiu Tin-long, Buddhist Sin Tak College

In a small gallery nestled in the heart of Hong Kong, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, an exhibition sheds light on the enduring legacy of ancient games. “Ancient Games: Timeless Treasure” is the brainchild of Ingrid Wong, a private collector with a deep passion for preserving and sharing the wisdom of the past.

“My goal is to promote history and educate people about the incredible ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors,” said Wong, the exhibition curator. “Through these ancient games, we can glimpse into the lives and minds of people who lived thousands of years ago.”

This is the seventh exhibition organised by Wong, who has previously captivated audiences with her collections exploring the history of space exploration and the Titanic. However, this exhibit holds a special place in her heart, as it allows her to showcase her extensive knowledge of cultural relics and restoration.

The exhibition features diverse artefacts, each with its own unique historical significance. The oldest game, dating back an astounding 9,000 to 10,000 years from Africa, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these ancient pastimes.

Wong’s selection process is guided by both the price and the appearance of the items. When original artefacts are scarce, she hires professionals to create the most realistic replicas.

“Nowadays, people are often not interested in history and the wisdom of the past,” Wong lamented. “But the visitors who have come to this exhibition have all been deeply impressed by the ingenuity and craftsmanship of these ancient games.”

Despite the challenges of limited financial support as a private collector, Wong’s dedication and perseverance have led her to secure two national treasures for the exhibition. “The cost is a constant struggle, as there aren’t many visitors,” she admitted. “But the search for meaningful artefacts is worth every penny.”

The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to not just admire, but also engage with the artefacts. Visitors can play the ancient games on display, experiencing first-hand the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancestors. Guided tours provide deeper insights into each piece’s history and cultural significance, making the exhibition a truly immersive experience.

“Many visitors have told me that this exhibition has opened up a whole new world for them,” Wong shared. “They’ve learned so much about the past and how games have evolved.”

Indeed, the relationship between ancient games and history is fascinating. Wong explained that while modern games often focus on convenience and technology, the ancient games showcased in her exhibition demonstrate a greater emphasis on brain training and craftsmanship.

“The materials used, such as wood and stone, required a level of skill that is often lacking in today’s mass-produced plastic games,” she noted.

Moreover, Wong pointed out that many modern games are actually evolved versions of their ancient counterparts, with rules and materials changing over time. “You can see the shadows of ancient games in the games we play today, like tic-tac-toe and aeroplane chess,” she said.