Media OutReach
“Cardboard Grannies Art” Exhibition: Transforming Trash into Treasure to Support Hong Kong’s Unsung Heroes
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.
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
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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.
Media OutReach
Asian Smart Medical Online Exhibition 2026: Connecting Smart Medical Suppliers with Global Buyers
Organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), Medical Asia has been successfully facilitating international medical trade since its launch in 2024 , earning a strong reputation for high-quality participation and tangible business outcomes. In 2026, Medical Asia extends its exhibition period to strategically align with major global healthcare and medical industry events, including Medical Design & Manufacturing West, Arab Health, HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, MEDICAL JAPAN [Osaka], and Hospitalar Sao Paulo. This extended timeline enables international buyers to engage with multiple key events simultaneously, creating a more efficient and streamlined sourcing experience.
By participating in Medical Asia 2026, exhibitors can expect enhanced global exposure, broader networking opportunities, and increased potential for sustainable business growth, all while reaching a larger and more diverse international buyer base through a flexible and cost-effective hybrid exhibition model.
Medical Asia 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Perfect Medical and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest smart medical industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
The event will feature an extensive selection from top manufacturers, covering categories such as Medical Devices & Clinical Equipment, Medical Supplies & Nursing Consumables, Healthcare Facility Furniture & Logistics Equipment, Emergency & Clinical Patient Monitoring Equipment, Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Equipment / Consumables, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Packaging & Inspection Machinery, Medical-grade Wearables & Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Devices, Clinical Laboratory & IVD Analyzers, Medical-grade Materials & Components (Plastics / Rubber / Silicone, etc.), and Home Health Care Products. With thousands of the latest products, accessories, and equipment on display, the exhibition promises to be both comprehensive and highly professional. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest innovations and developments across the smart medical industry.
Visit the Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/42/Asian-Smart-Medical-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, online platforms play a crucial role in breaking geographical barriers and extending marketing reach. In response to this growing demand, Medical Asia 2026 offers a comprehensive suite of innovative digital exhibition solutions, including dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls. These digital tools are seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia, enabling international buyers worldwide to effortlessly discover exhibitors and explore products in depth. Through the platform, buyers can visit individual manufacturer pages, review detailed product information, submit inquiries, and communicate with exhibitors via real-time messaging. This highly interactive and user-friendly experience facilitates smooth communication, enhances buyer engagement, and fosters meaningful business connections between exhibitors and global buyers, ultimately creating valuable commercial opportunities.
TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) has been providing comprehensive B2B international trade services for buyers and sellers worldwide since 1997. With nearly three decades of industry experience, TradeAsia is recognized as one of the most established and professional global trade platforms. Today, the platform serves millions of members worldwide, featuring more than 600,000 verified suppliers and millions of up-to-date product listings across diverse industries. Every day, thousands of professional buyers from around the world use TradeAsia to source products, connect with suppliers, and explore new business opportunities. As a leading trade promotion channel in Asia, TradeAsia continues to facilitate efficient cross border trade and foster long term partnerships between global buyers and suppliers.
TradeAsia also collaborates with hundreds of trading organizations around the world to exchange marketing and promotional opportunities. As a result, suppliers who showcase their products on TradeAsia gain the chance to be featured across the publicity channels of multiple trade platforms and exhibition organizers worldwide, greatly enhancing their international visibility and marketing reach. In addition, during the period of Medical Asia 2026, promotional messages will be broadcast globally, further amplifying exposure for participating suppliers and connecting them with a wider international audience.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore Publish Study Revealing the Gender Gap Between Personal Training and Home Gyms
The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.
A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys
The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.
According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.
“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”
The Male Home Gym Boom
The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.
Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”
However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.
| Dwelling Type | National Share (SingStat) | Carbyne Customer Share | Index (Representation) |
| HDB (Public Housing) | 72.0% | 58.5% | 0.81 (Under-indexed) |
| Condominiums | 23.3% | 25.6% | 1.10 (Over-indexed) |
| Landed Properties | 4.7% | 15.9% | 3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed) |
“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”
Why Women Seek Trainers
In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.
| Category | Male % | Female % | Dominant Characteristic |
| Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne) | 80% | 20% | High Autonomy |
| PT Seekers (IFPA) | 37% | 63% | Guidance Seeking |
| Population (DOS 2025) | 49.3% | 50.7% | Balanced |
“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”
Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.
“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”
Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry
The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.
Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.
This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.
“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”
As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.
The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.
Volunteering for the Silver Generation
Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.
The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.
“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength.
About the Study
The gender distribution insights were derived from:
- Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
- IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.
While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.
The full research can be accessed on https://carbyne.sg/blogs/articles/revealing-the-gender-gap-between-personal-training-and-home-gyms.
Hashtag: #CarbyneFitness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carbyne Fitness
Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.
Learn more at: https://carbyne.sg
About IFPA Singapore
IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.
Learn more at: https://getcertifiedpt.com
Media OutReach
Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange
As part of the program, Luyuan Group co-launched the “Ride with Panda, Toward the Future Together” China–Thailand Youth Friendship Ride. Young participants from both countries rode Luyuan motorbike featuring the panda mascot “A Pu” through iconic Bangkok landmarks, symbolizing the vitality and enduring friendship between China and Thailand.
As an invited corporate representative, Luyuan Group donated a panda-themed motorbike to Dhurakij Pundit University, encouraging youth to document cultural and exchange stories through action. This appearance highlighted Luyuan’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural influence, while also showcasing the Group’s progress in accelerating global expansion through its brand LYVA. Currently, Luyuan’s business footprint spans over 80 countries and regions.
Looking ahead, Luyuan Group will continue to collaborate with global partners to explore new paths in green mobility and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
In addition, the event also featured the “Gifts from China” exhibition, themed around the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand friendship. Organized with the support of the China National Arts and Crafts Society’s Pattern R&D Center, the Pattern Museum, and Qilin Co-creation, the exhibition brought together numerous Chinese heritage brands, attracting significant interest from young attendees from both countries.
Among the highlights was the debut of the “The Eight Horses of Contemporary Prosperitye” — a horse-themed pattern co-created by the Pattern Museum and artist ZHENG CHONG in celebration of the Year of the Horse — adding rich cultural depth to the event. Contemporary artworks by Xu Shanxun from Mogu Gallery, along with leading Chinese brands such as GELASIGE, Beyond Home Textiles, and Youji Jewelry, further embodied the vibrant reach of Chinese culture abroad.
Hashtag: #LuyuanGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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