In a recent feature by the South China Morning Post, the spotlight shines on the often-overlooked shift workers of Hong Kong, highlighting their vital contributions to the city's daily operations. This coverage aligns with the release of a new book titled "Hong Kong Shifts" by Maxime Vanhollebeke and Cynthia Cheng, which documents the diverse experiences of these workers through intimate portraits and personal stories [7178166c].
Among those featured in both the article and the book is Fai, a sailor who has dedicated 16 years to the iconic Star Ferry, a service integral to Hong Kong's maritime history for over 120 years. Other notable individuals include Man, a convenience store cashier, and Sing, a clementine farmer, showcasing the variety of roles that shift workers play in the economy [7178166c].
The initiative aims to humanize these workers and raise awareness about their challenges, emphasizing the essential roles they fulfill in keeping the city running smoothly. The Instagram account associated with "Hong Kong Shifts" further amplifies their stories, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for their hard work [7178166c].
In addition to the focus on shift workers, the article also touches on other cultural insights, such as the rising popularity of romance novels in China and globally, explored by Jo Lusby, and a profile of Grace Wu, a leading collector of Ming-dynasty furniture who believes her collection was destined for greatness [7178166c]. As Hong Kong navigates its post-pandemic recovery, understanding the experiences of its shift workers becomes increasingly crucial in addressing broader labor issues and advocating for workers' rights [7178166c].