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“Cardboard Grannies Art” Exhibition: Transforming Trash into Treasure to Support Hong Kong’s Unsung Heroes

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An empowering art and social change initiative supported by The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Services – Hong Kong and YWAM Tuen Mun, featuring artist Go Hung, to raise awareness and funding for Hong Kong’s hardworking elderly recyclers

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Despite Hong Kong’s prosperity, nearly one million of the city’s residents live in poverty, and elderly women are among the most vulnerable. Many toil as “Cardboard Grannies,” collecting recyclables for as little as HK$700 a month—without insurance, labor protection, or societal recognition.

Based on NGOs’ statistics, Hong Kong has 4,000 to 7,000 cardboard collectors, and most are elderly women. These “Cardboard Grannies” collectively recycle approximately 138 to 159 metric tons of materials daily.

They are spending more hours and more days each week collecting cardboard, and more elderly individuals are entering the field, as they have few other options, according to NGOs’ survey.

To spotlight their plight and provide tangible support, The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS – HK) and YWAM Tuen Mun present “Cardboard Grannies Art,” a special one-day exhibition featuring meaningful and symbolic artworks by acclaimed Hong Kong artist Go Hung, who transforms cardboard collected by these women into thought-provoking pieces critiquing inequality and waste.

Details of the Exhibition:
Date: 7 April 2025 (Mon)
Time: 12 PM – 9 PM
Venue: M4 Atrium, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan
Featured Artist: Go Hung

How It Works:
This initiative is built on a sustainable three-part model designed to create immediate and lasting change. First, Fair Pay for Labor: Cardboards used in the artworks were collected directly through the cardboard grannies —ensuring that they are compensated well for their tireless work. Next, Art with Purpose: The collected cardboard is handed over to artist Go Hung, whose socially conscious practice breathes new life into discarded materials. Through his creative vision, the grannies’ cardboard is transformed into 25 powerful artworks that challenge perceptions about value, waste, and inequality. Finally, Impact Through Purchase: Every artwork sold at the exhibition will directly benefit the Cardboard Grannies, with the proceeds funding essential support for them, such as food and insurance, to provide them with long-overdue security. By bridging art and activism, this project doesn’t just raise awareness—it creates a tangible and environmentally-friendly cycle of empowerment for the elderly recyclers.

1kgdp

So.Call Mobility


Appendix – About the Artwork

Name & Description Price (HKD)
“I’m a Collector”
“I’m a Collector” was created in response to the hype surrounding “Art Month,” where the spotlight often highlights the exclusivity and glamour of art collecting at fairs. In contrast, this work turns attention to the city’s elderly “cardboard grannies,” who collect cardboard and tin cans to resell, just to make ends meet.
Often well past retirement age, these individuals work outdoors year-round, exposed to harsh weather as they push heavy metal carts loaded with their “collections” through back alleys, steep streets, and traffic-heavy roads. The works shine a light on their quiet resilience, documenting a raw, overlooked reality while questioning societal values around labor, dignity, and what it truly means to “collect.” 		HKD30,000
The Coin Series: “1kgdp”
“1kgdp” highlights the challenges faced by cardboard grannies during periods of economic instability. Inspired by the drop in street-recycled cardboard prices to HK$0.5 per kilogram in previous years, the design captures the impact of external factors such as China’s ban on importing certain types of waste and disruptions in Hong Kong’s wastepaper export industry. Each 50-cent coin weighs 1 kilogram and features a large-scale design with a diameter of 62 centimetres. Like its predecessor, it is crafted using three types of paper—cardboard, A4 paper, and newspaper. It symbolizes the ongoing struggles of the cardboard grannies and the precarious nature of their livelihoods. 		HKD26,000
The Coin Series: “Spare Charge”
“Spare Change” reflects the struggles of Hong Kong’s cardboard grannies, who collect and sell cardboard as a means of survival. The design draws inspiration from the average price of cardboard in earlier years, when it was sold for HK$0.7 per kilogram. To symbolize this, each edition consists of seven 10-cent coins with a total weight of 1 kilogram. Crafted from materials commonly collected and resold by the grannies—cardboard, A4 paper, and newspaper—the coin serves as both a tribute to their daily efforts and a reflection of how seemingly insignificant contributions play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods. 		HKD10,400
“So.call Mobility”
“So.call Mobility” (a play on “social mobility”) features 180 cardboard pillows suspended in six layers. The number 180 symbolizes the maximum days homeless individuals can stay in temporary shelters in Hong Kong, after which they face immense challenges finding housing due to high rents. The increasing gaps between the layers represent the widening wealth gap and diminishing social mobility. 		HKD500 each pillow
“Shelter”
“Shelter” draws inspiration from the intricate nests of weaver birds to explore the concept of home. In nature, nests symbolize safety and stability—the desire for which is a universal instinct shared across species. Yet for humans, particularly in Hong Kong, the idea of home is often overshadowed by challenges such as skyrocketing property prices and economic struggles.
The nests in this installation are crafted from plastic straps commonly used by cardboard grannies to secure and bundle cardboard. These humble materials, repurposed into intricate forms, highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of those on society’s margins.
The installation features 14 “Shelters,” representing the number of government-recognized temporary shelters available for homeless individuals in Hong Kong. It serves as both a reflection on these physical spaces and a call to confront the city’s growing housing crisis. 		HKD24,000
《同人》
《同人》 is a wordplay based on the Cantonese phrase 同人唔同命. Created for Art Month, this piece mimics paintings sold at auction houses by recreating them directly onto cardboard. Once the painted layer is torn off, it reveals the message “Sold for HK$0.5/kg” to the audience—a powerful commentary on the local and global wealth gap. 		HKD4,550-HKD6,550

Hashtag: #CardboardGranniesArt

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About ELCSS – HK:

Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS-HK) is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong, established in 1976. With an innovative, caring, and people-oriented approach, ELCSS-HK provides integrated services to grassroots communities and disadvantaged individuals. Currently, the organization operates more than 60 service units and 50 special projects throughout the territory, serving over two million headcounts annually. ELCSS-HK offers a wide range of services spanning small children, the elderly, families, schools, and the employment sector.

About YWAM Tuen Mun:

YWAM Tuen Mun is a charity dedicated to providing holistic care to the marginalized and neglected in Hong Kong. Their diverse team operates a food bank that supplies food assistance to a large network of charities in the city while also going to the ground to serve the elderly-at-risk, cardboard collectors, and street sleepers. Through interactive programs, the organization promotes social integration, fostering connections and support among vulnerable members of society. Additionally, YWAM Tuen Mun engages local community members through poverty awareness programs and volunteering opportunities, fostering understanding and compassion for those in need and empowering them to serve.

About Go Hung:

Go Hung is a Hong Kong-based artist known for his innovative use of cardboard and other materials collected from the streets. With a background in Digital Arts (BA, MA) from the University of West London and Camberwell College of Arts, he creates thought-provoking sculptures and installations that often return to the streets for public viewing. His works critique consumerist waste while addressing pressing social issues in Hong Kong and beyond. Described as “Hong Kong’s most versatile conceptual artist” and “Hong Kong Warhol,” Go Hung’s art has been exhibited globally, including in Brazil, China, Denmark, Iceland, and the UK.

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Coffex Coffee Malaysia to Host “Coffee, Planet and Us 2025” to Champion Sustainable Living

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17 hours ago

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08/04/2025

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Coffex Coffee Malaysia and MONO Origine are proud to announce its signature event, Coffee, Planet and Us 2025, themed “The Cost of Sustainability vs The Value of Humanity”, to be held on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at UOW Malaysia, Glenmarie from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This one-day event is part of Coffex Coffee and MONO Origine’s ongoing mission to advocate for environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and conscious consumption. The platform brings together thought leaders from agriculture, packaging, wellness, and design to explore the role of sustainability across industries.

Kelvin Ngow, Executive Director of Coffex Coffee Malaysia, will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for a day of meaningful discussion, awareness, and collaboration.

The speaker lineup includes:

  • Felipe Croce (FAF Coffees Brasil) – Regenerative farming as a model for climate resilience
  • Paul Vaughan (Parkside Flexibles Asia) – Reducing packaging waste through sustainable innovation
  • Jaclynnd Wong (Zero Waste Earth Store) – Mindful and intentional waste management
  • Irene Lim (KIAN Furniture) – From Sea to Seat : Transforming waste into sustainable furniture and materials
  • Dr Janira Kumari (Regen Nutracell Wellness) – Toxin-free living and regenerative wellness
  • Dr Leroy Rebello (Biotex Life Inc.) – Insights on integrating biotechnology with wellness and sustainability practices for improved quality of life.

“Coffee, Planet and Us 2025 is more than a gathering—it’s a call to act responsibly for our future, our health, and our planet,” says Kelvin.

Participants will enjoy engaging keynote and speaker sessions, networking opportunities during coffee breaks, and a lunch session designed to spark collaboration among attendees.

Event Details:
Date: 30 April 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: UOW Malaysia, Glenmarie
RSVP Contact: Masrini Elias | masrini.elias@coffexcoffee.com | +60 16-328 2697
Hashtag: #MONOOrigine #CoffexCoffee #Ethicalsourcing #sustainability #ESG




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Coffex Coffee Malaysia

Coffex Coffee Malaysia is a leading provider of premium coffee beans and machines, dedicated to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices in the coffee industry. Through events like C.P.U., Coffex Coffee continues its mission to inspire a better, greener tomorrow.

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Coliwoo Strengthens Community Engagement Through Exclusive Upskilling Workshops for Members

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18 hours ago

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08/04/2025

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  • Coliwoo is a leading co-living space provider in Singapore, offering flexible rental solutions with fully furnished units, communal facilities, and a community-focused living experience for professionals, students, and short- or long-term residents.
  • Coliwoo organises exclusive upskilling events focused on skill-building, wellness, and networking. It also engages in CSR initiatives, including a three-year partnership with Food from the Heart (FFTH), where members participate in food packing events to support underprivileged individuals.
  • Coliwoo is expanding with three new properties at Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, adding over 130 keys. These include a hotel, residence, and serviced apartment, providing more short- and long-term stay options in conservation, heritage, and city-centre locations.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Coliwoo, a co-living subsidiary brand under real estate management services group, LHN Limited (“LHN, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), has introduced a series of exclusive upskilling events to support personal and professional development of its residents, referred to as members. Aligned with Coliwoo’s focus on community engagement and lifestyle enhancement, these events provide members with opportunities to acquire new skills, expand their networks, and participate in structured learning experiences.

Coliwoo Strengthens Community Engagement Through Exclusive Upskilling Workshops for Members

Enhancing the Co-Living Experience Through Learning and Engagement

Coliwoo supports self-enrichment through exclusive upskilling events, skill-building sessions, cultural activities, and wellness programmes. These initiatives provide members with opportunities to enhance their personal and professional growth, catering to a diverse demographic, including students, working professionals, and expatriates.

By hosting these events at various Coliwoo locations, members can develop new skills and stay updated with industry trends. This approach aligns with Coliwoo’s commitment to integrating lifestyle experiences with flexible accommodation options, including studio apartment rentals, to support continuous learning and development.

“Coliwoo’s upcoming workshops provide our members with practical learning experiences led by industry experts. These events reflect our commitment to fostering a connected and engaging co-living environment,” shared Darren Loh, Chief Strategy Officer at Coliwoo.

Community Engagement and Future Initiatives

Coliwoo provides outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, allowing members to explore new interests while complementing their living experience.

Coliwoo also engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, including a three-year partnership with Food from the Heart (FFTH), where members participate in food packing events to support underprivileged individuals. Looking ahead, Coliwoo plans to expand its efforts by introducing new themes and strengthening partnerships with external facilitators. These initiatives will evolve based on member feedback, aligning with Coliwoo’s commitment to continuous learning and engagement.

Coliwoo’s Expansion and Upcoming Properties

Coliwoo continues to expand its co-living portfolio, introducing new properties to accommodate a growing demand for flexible and community-driven living solutions. In the coming months, Coliwoo will launch three new properties at Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, adding over 130 keys to its operations. These projects will include a hotel, a residence, and a serviced apartment, catering to various lifestyle needs.

Located in conservation, heritage, and city-centre areas, these properties will provide fully furnished units with modern amenities, offering both short- and long-term stay options. As Coliwoo expands, it remains committed to enhancing the co-living experience by integrating convenience, community engagement, and lifestyle-focused living across its properties.

For more information, visit Coliwoo’s website or follow its official social media channels below:

Facebook: @Coliwoo

Instagram: @coliwoosg

LinkedIn: @coliwoo-singapore

YouTube: @Coliwoo Singapore

Hashtag: #Coliwoo

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About Coliwoo

Coliwoo is a subsidiary brand under the real estate management services group LHN Limited, offering flexible living solutions through thoughtfully designed and retrofitted spaces. As Singapore’s largest co-living operator, Coliwoo provides a range of accommodations, including co-living spaces, hotels, and , catering to professionals, students, and both short- and long-term members.

Strategically located near business hubs, educational institutions, and transport links, Coliwoo’s properties feature fully furnished units with communal amenities such as kitchenettes, lounges, and gyms. High-speed internet and dedicated workstations support remote work and study needs, while transparent pricing with no agent fees ensures a seamless rental experience. Coliwoo also welcomes short-term guests, including concertgoers, holiday travellers, and staycationers. With upcoming properties in Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, Coliwoo continues to expand its well-connected and practical co-living offerings.

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Rallying the World to Keep Up: Announcing New Advisors and Creators for the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse, Propelling Homegrown Startups Towards Global Success

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07/04/2025

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New global thought leadership series spotlighting the HKSTP I&T powerhouse, uniting its soft power of visionaries to rally the world to keep up with Hong Kong’s innovation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – HKSTP’s Keep Up global brand campaign has taken the world by storm, reaching over 19 million people across 240+ destinations worldwide since its launch in July 2024—a testament to its vision of going global.

Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, and Amb. George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners, have been appointed as Advisors of the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse. From left: Lester Chan, CEO, Aura Labs Limited; Kiki Zhang, CFO, FJ Dynamics; Hilton Law, CEO, Integrated Solutions; Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP; Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman, Lan Kwai Fong Group; Albert Wong, CEO, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation; Jasmine Wong, Bachelor of Biomedical Science Student, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Tom Edwards, Head of Radio, Monocle.

The momentum continued with the launch of the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse at the Dawn of Visionaries event last Friday, signifying new hope and a new chapter. 150 visionaries gathered to celebrate success, reinforcing the soft power of HKSTP’s exceptional network of Advisors, Advocates, Alumni, Mentors, Partners, and Creators—the true essence that defines HKSTP. The HKSTP I&T Powerhouse will unite the visionaries to propel success, providing startups and entrepreneurs direct access to over 500 corporate partners and 1,000 investors worldwide.

Uniting Visionaries to Drive Global Innovation

At the event, Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, and Amb. George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners, have been appointed as Advisors of the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse. Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed photographer and artist Wing Shya has joined the network as Creator, further enriching HKSTP’s vibrant ecosystem.

Dr. Allan Zeman is a renowned entrepreneur with a global presence in hospitality and entertainment across Asia and beyond, he will bring invaluable expertise to HKSTP’s brand positioning and international expansion. Meanwhile, Amb. George Hara, a global leader in venture capital and entrepreneurship, will spearhead HKSTP’s investment strategies, which will be instrumental in driving startups towards global success.

Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said “Innovation thrives when visionaries unite. The HKSTP I&T Powerhouse is more than a network—it’s a force of creativity, resilience, and collaboration, lighting the way to a future of limitless possibilities. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into impact. Success is all about commitment and persistence—keep up with us, and together, we will make Kong Kong’s innovations shine on the global stage.”

Igniting Global Momentum: Hong Kong’s Innovation Story Told Across Borders

The Keep Up global brand campaign is on a mission to call on like-minded visionaries to stay ahead with HKSTP’s innovations and global impact. Spotlighting the global influence of the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse, HKSTP has launched a new global thought leadership series featuring its visionaries who are pioneering breakthroughs, challenging conventions, and pushing the boundaries of technology.

Hilda Chan, CMO of HKSTP, said, “We are rallying the world to keep up with our I&T Powerhouse. The latest global series brings together influential leaders in high-impact discussions that spark fresh perspectives and foster collaboration. We’re also fusing technology, art, and culture, using bold visual content to reimagine technology through an artistic lens and ignite cultural conversations that will shape the future.”

With the new Creators joining the network, HKSTP collaborates with Wing Shya and Hypebeast to reinterpret technology as artwork through a collection of emotional and abstract photographs. The vision is to inspire the global audience to view technology through a new lens —one that goes beyond just science and innovation.

Doubling down on global thought leadership, HKSTP partnered with The Economist to host a high-profile panel at the 5th Annual Technology for Change, highlighting Hong Kong’s commitment to talent, R&D expansion, and investment growth. Additionally, HKSTP joined forces with Monocle to host the HKSTP I&T Powerhouse Breakfast Club, bringing together 10 esteemed industry leaders. It also featured HKSTP Advisor on The Entrepreneurs, a bespoke radio programme hosted by Tom Edwards, Head of Radio, discussing how innovation and technology shapes Hong Kong’s modern identity.

HKSTP also rolled out the Keep Up with global platforms including Cathay Pacific, South China Morning Post Fortune, Bloomberg and BBC, reaching over 19 million global audience across 240+ destinations.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 as a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 14 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,200 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing Life and Health tech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

The growing engine offers comprehensive support including R&D infrastructure, investment expertise, industry connections and more, in attracting and nurturing talent, accelerating ideation, and commercialising innovation for technology ventures, all with the I&T journey built around key locations across Hong Kong and branched towards Shenzhen to continuously contribute to the development of I&T making a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

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