Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focusing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
Good morning Hong Kong! On this first Sunday of 2026, I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with hope, and all things bright and beautiful.
When we speak of the arts, what comes to mind? Performances? Exhibitions?
Perhaps your child’s dance showcase? For many professionals, the arts might be something in the back of their mind. But there’s actually a deeper, quieter power in the arts that can transform lives from within.
Let me share a story. Mr. Lee, an educator, once told us after a workshop: “Life has always been full of responsibilities. My daily routine was dull, just rushing to finish one task after another. The workshop made me realise that the arts lit up a dark cavern within me. I hope they become a set of keys for the rest of my life!” What moved him so deeply? It was more than a break from routine. The arts offered an interactive platform that engaged his emotions, sparked his imagination, and giving him a creative voice.
At the Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection or AFTEC, we focus on reigniting creativity. While our shows and exhibitions represent the more visible aspect of the arts, we also explore their deeper, transformative powers to create lasting social impact.
AFTEC's programs are built on strong partnerships that typically last one to three years, allowing the true magic of the arts to unfold over time. Consider the impact: so far, more than a quarter of a million students have participated in our theatre productions and various other initiatives.
A student struggling with behavior issues finds stability through the Sm-ART Youth program, which spans three years. Teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds have won Bravo! theatre awards—one of the students has become a rising film star, while the other is now a professional dancer.
In addition, at HKU’s Medical School, future doctors develop their skills in human connection through our arts-based workshops. Why? To nuture the interpersonal abilities that no machine can replicate.
Here’s our insight: when executed effectively, arts education transforms perspectives. It opens windows and reveals new landscapes. In an age where knowledge is just a click away, creative mindsets are essential for helping both children and adults thrive.
As you know, economic poverty is devastating; however, the poverty of imagination can be just as harmful to our future. Underdeveloped imaginations confine many to a monotonous daily routine, leaving little room for inspiration. Despite advances in technology making repetitive tasks easier, valuable capacities and human potential remain untapped.
This untapped potential is our city's greatest asset because people are our most valuable resources. So, how do we cultivate it? Not by adding more tasks to the grind, but by fundamentally changing the environment in which our minds develop. This requires a shift in perspective.
First, we must prioritize the depth of creative learning over its speed. Our educational and enrichment programs should embrace a slower pace. This isn't about dismissing achievement, but about finding the right balance. Over the past five years, our Jockey Club Creative Futures program has exemplified this approach. The true reward is not just a year-end showcase but a community of practitioners dedicated to nurturing talent through critical thinking, empathy, and creative confidence.
Second, we need to reimagine the arts as the primary means of fostering human connection in an age dominated by algorithms. Beyond performances, the arts cultivate curiosity, aesthetic awareness, and critical thinking, enabling meaningful conversations. When medical students at HKU participate in our drama and movement workshops, they're not just learning to act; they’re honing their abilities to read non-verbal cues, understand patient narratives, and build the empathetic resilience necessary for leadership.
Finally, the future belongs to connectors. We must transition from subject-based training to interdisciplinary thinking. Since 2017, AFTEC has trained teachers and artists to co-design and co-teach, fostering creative partnership in classrooms. This integration of disciplines is essential for developing the broader, interconnected thinking that unlocks new solutions.
Imagine expanding this ecosystem: if parents had tools for fostering creative conversations at home and corporations embraced these workshops for their teams, artistic intelligence would complement artificial intelligence, unlocking a collective potential unmatched by technology.
This New Year, let’s recognise the arts as vital as the air we breathe, nurturing the creative and resilient minds that are Hong Kong’s greatest asset. Thank you, may your 2026 be filled with imagination.
Hello, everyone!
Did you sleep well last night? In our busy city, many of us face challenges when it comes to sleep. Have you ever found it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up early in the morning? If so, you’re not alone. Recent surveys conducted by the department of Psychiatry CUHK indicated that around 30% of people in Hong Kong experience insomnia. This is a significant issue that can affect our daily lives in many ways.
Sleep is crucial for maintaining our overall health. It plays a vital role in helping us recover from fatigue, manage stress, enhance our mood, and even improve our memory. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a host of physical and mental health problems such as increased risk of anxiety, depression, and also chronic illnesses.
Despite the importance of sleep, there are many misconceptions surrounding it. Some people believe they can make up for lost sleep during the week by sleeping in on the weekends. Others find themselves scrolling through their phones in bed, thinking it will help them feel tired enough to sleep. Unfortunately, these habits often do more harm than good. They can interfere with our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it even harder to get the rest we need.
When it comes to treating insomnia, there are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches available. The first-line treatment recommended by experts is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This therapy focuses on addressing both the behavioral and cognitive factors that contribute to chronic insomnia. Research shows that CBT-I is just as effective as medication, but its effects last longer and help reduce the use of sleep drugs.
However, access to CBT-I is limit. Unfortunately, fewer than 5% of insomnia patients have ever received this type of therapy. A recent survey of healthcare workers conducted by our group revealed that only 2% of them had received formal training in CBT-I. This lack of resources and trained professionals can make it challenging for people to get the help they need.
To address this pressing issue, the Department of Psychiatry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has teamed up with five local NGO to launch the Jockey Club Sleep Well Project, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Our mission is to raise awareness about sleep health and provide much-needed support for those experiencing sleep issues, including access to CBT-I and comprehensive sleep assessments.
The Jockey Club Sleep Well Project is Hong Kong's first community program specifically focused on sleep issues. This project developed an online platform and offer evidence-based strategies and tools designed to assist individuals in managing their sleep challenges. Additionally, we host in-person lectures, workshops, and community events to promote sleep health education and foster a better understanding of the importance of sleep.
One of the unique features of our project is the stepped care model we offer. This model provides different levels of support tailored to individual needs. Participants can begin by assessing their sleep and mental health through our online platform or mobile app. This initial assessment helps identify the specific issues they may be facing.
For those starting out, we can provide self-help resources and guided online courses. If someone has moderate insomnia symptoms, they will be paired with a sleep coach— a trained healthcare professional who will guide them through the online course and provide support along the way.
For individuals with more severe sleep issues, we can arrange interventions with a clinical psychologist to provide more personalized treatment.
To everyone listening, it’s important to remember that sleep problems cannot simply be resolved by catching up on sleep during the weekends or through occasional naps. The reasons for the sleep disturbances can vary widely from person to person, and medication isn’t the only solution. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep issues or has questions about sleep disorders, you can try to explore the Jockey Club Sleep Well Project. You can either visit our website or download the app in the apple store or google play.
Sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a vital component of our health and well-being. By prioritizing sleep health, we can enhance our quality of life, boost our productivity, and maintain better physical and mental health.
So, as you go about your day, take a moment to think about your sleep habits. Are there changes you could make to improve your sleep? Remember, a good night’s sleep is within your reach.
