Your Voice: Paralympics deserves more attention, Hong Kong’s music scene (long letters)

On the day of Vivian Kong’s success in the Olympics, I woke up to a flood of notifications from local media outlets, reposts from friends and trending YouTube videos. Her victory was celebrated by Hongkongers across every platform imaginable, and rightly so.

Yet, why don’t we see the same coverage for the city’s Paralympians?

The stark contrast in recognition between the Olympics and Paralympics is not just noticeable, it’s unjust. The triumphs of Paralympians, often overlooked, are achieved with the same, if not more, dedication, skill and national pride. Yet, their victories are seldom given the spotlight they rightfully deserve.

Television coverage is minimal at best, and mainstream media outlets seem to sideline the Paralympics. During the Olympics, TVB, ViuTV, HOY TV and RTHK all broadcast events live, even cutting news airtime for the Olympics.

However, during the Paralympics, only RTHK broadcast recorded events. Even on social media, it is rare to see the same level of excitement and engagement surrounding their victories.

This disparity isn’t just about recognition – it reflects a troubling erasure of our Paralympic history. When asked about Hong Kong’s first gold medal, most will say 1996. Our first gold was won at the 1984 Paralympic Games, and our Paralympians have not stopped making history for Hong Kong.

Your Voice: Impact of waste and fast fashion on the environment (long letters)

Although Wikipedia has a page for Hong Kong at the Paralympics, many everyday people are unaware of these achievements: 43 gold medals, 43 silver medals, and 53 bronze medals.

The Paralympics are not just sports events. They are also a powerful testament to the human spirit and resilience. Paralympians remind us that adversity can be a stepping stone in a world that often feels overwhelming. The perseverance it takes to rise above challenges can inspire Hong Kong’s younger generation. Paralympians inspire in ways that extend beyond their respective sports, teaching students that with enough dedication, they can also achieve their goals, no matter what obstacles they face.

Yet, the lack of media attention and celebration of their successes sends a message that these athletes are somehow less important.

It’s time for a change. Media outlets should provide equal coverage of the Olympics and the Paralympics. Schools should educate students about the Paralympics as an event of equal importance. Social media influencers and content creators in Hong Kong should actively support and highlight Paralympians, giving them the recognition they deserve. We all have a role to play in this change.

Hong Kong’s Paralympians work just as hard and represent our city on the world stage with the same determination as their Olympic counterparts. It’s high time we give them the recognition and celebration they deserve – on TV, in the news and on social media. Their victories are not just theirs, but Hong Kong’s too.

Jessie Kwok Tsz-yau, St Paul’s School (Lam Tin)

To learn about Hong Kong’s music learning environment, I spoke to Ison Cheung, a pianist and former student. He shared his views on the city’s exam-oriented music education. He believes that the city fails to provide students with opportunities to explore the diverse possibilities within music.

Cheung highlights that most schools primarily teach recorder-playing and singing in music lessons, neglecting activities that would enable students to delve into other aspects of music. This standardised approach to music education limits students’ exposure to the breadth of musical expression.

In terms of piano instruction, Cheung observes that the prevailing trend in Hong Kong places excessive emphasis on sight-reading piano scores rather than fostering improvisational skills. Many piano learners are deprived of the chance to grasp the underlying principles of piano playing, including essential concepts such as chords and harmonies. Such foundational knowledge is fundamental and indispensable for effective piano learning.

Nevertheless, Cheung reveals that he acquired these essential skills during his university years despite having already undergone numerous ABRSM exams, illustrating the inadequacy of Hong Kong’s music education. “I never treat music as my career. I treat it as a hobby,” Cheung said.

He described his secondary school years as a turning point, where his attitude towards music evolved from apathy driven by parental expectations to genuine passion. Inspired by a friend who played the guitar, Cheung’s musical horizons expanded when he was introduced to the music of a Hong Kong band, Beyond, which opened up a new world.

After graduation, Cheung harbours ambitions to reshape Hong Kong’s music scene. Identifying the deficiencies in music education and development within the region, Cheung has taken the initiative to provide educational programmes and host salon concerts at his Muse Gallery.

Cantopop songs from the past 4 years that every teen should listen to

The masterclasses conducted at Muse Gallery deviate from traditional school music lessons.

“The first lesson I impart to my students is the primary course, which covers fundamental theory and can be grasped in just one hour,” Cheung explained. “Once acquired, this knowledge enables one to play various songs.”

He endeavours to replicate the transformative experience he underwent with his friends for contemporary students in Hong Kong.

He aims to revolutionise the music scene by empowering students to explore diverse genres instead of being limited to recorder playing in primary school.

Cheung encourages the younger generation to sustain their passion and keep exploring, eventually cultivating a new learning environment of music education in Hong Kong.