Tingo is a Hongkonger in his 30s, who quit his job in April and started his own business. Find out why, despite having earned enough to have more free time whilst being self-employed, he chose to spend his time and energy as a frontliner.
Read MoreThe crux of the problem is that Hongkongers see no future. They are terrified of what will happen in 2047. We have been protesting since the handover in 1997. We have given the government many chances to implement changes. Yet, time and again, they have failed us. What more can we do? What more should we do?
Read MoreDuring the Sunflower Movement* in Taiwan, we didn’t agree with the illegal tactics the student protestors used, until we somewhat understood what civil disobedience is. Since then, we have found their persistence in protesting at all costs really admirable.
Read MoreSince I became aware of social movements, I have only been a participant, and have never stepped up to the frontline of the movement, because I am afraid of trouble and easily discouraged. One might even say I lack the courage to make a difference. My newly acquainted ‘schoolmates’ changed me. They are really helpful and truly tireless, and taught me how to be free from fear via action, letting me know that breakthroughs lie only in persistence.
Read MoreHongkongers are doing whatever they can, regardless of where and who they are, with the same goal in mind. They’ve got it all covered. There’s even a group that collects recyclables at every protest, and another that cleans up the site after protests. It never ceases to amaze me how they can bond together so quickly and efficiently, fuelled by the anger towards injustice and the love for freedom.
Read MoreI realised a lot of people around me are really angry. There’s a guy who sits next to me at work who gets really upset, but that’s all... There’s no point in being angry by yourself. You’re not helping anyone; you’re just making yourself unhappy. When I realised that, I started becoming more active.
Read MoreA lot of people in mainland China hold the opinion that Hongkongers are spoiled. But I would say that Hongkongers have tasted freedom, and to take that away from us is just ruthless.
Read MoreGrowing up under the English-medium education in Hong Kong where freedom of speech and independent thinking are celebrated, I have come to realise my generation (post-90s) is very different from my parents’ (60s). We are literally 'two kinds' of people – to me, the sense of belonging becomes a burden.
Read MoreAt that time, I constantly reminded myself that if I can choose my own personality, I wanted my personality to resemble theirs. If Hong Kong is a place that encourages this form of personalities and attitudes, one day I would want to stay and live in Hong Kong.
Read MoreI’ve never thought a driver from mainland China, an ordinary citizen, would have such an in-depth view of what’s happening in society. He was very bold to talk about this, which surprised me. His thoughts and mentality are far more thorough than some Hong Kong people and high-ranking government officials. Or perhaps everyone knows, but they kneel before power and fortune, thus refuse to speak up.
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