PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Hundreds of millions of Asians migrate to other countries or within their own countries for work. HKU scholars have been studying the impact on families and the workers themselves when they leave their homes and all that is familiar behind; assessing the economic and wider societal impact of migrant labour on Hong Kong and China; and seeking to mitigate some of the more negative efects through a project to empower domestic workers in Hong Kong with knowledge.

THE FAMILY EFFECTS OF MIGRATION

People typically migrate to provide better lives for themselves and their loved ones. This has complex effects on the children and caregivers left behind, as Dr Lucy Jordan has found.

A CITY FUELLED BY MIGRANTS

Hong Kong’s economic success has crested on three waves of immigrants who injected fresh ideas, skills and labour into the city. That story must continue if Hong Kong is to sustain its economy in the coming years, says Professor YC Richard Wong.

TWO TAKES ON CHINA’S MIGRANT WORKERS

Government museums dedicated to China’s migrant workers glorify their ‘sacrifices’ for the country’s economic development, while a museum operated by workers focusses on their struggles. Geographer Dr Qian Junxi has been exploring the odd phenomenon of migrant worker museums and what they reveal about this group’s place in Chinese society.

SPYCAMS AND SNAPSHOTS CAPTURE WORKERS’ LIVES

Professor Maggy Lee Shuk-yi has been investigating the experiences of Filipina domestic workers, from the surveillance they are subjected to before and after they leave their country to the objects that bring meaning to their lives.

EMPOWERING DOMESTIC WORKERS WITH KNOWLEDGE

HKU staff and students are spending their weekends at EmpowerU, an initiative to teach domestic workers about health, legal, financial, career and other matters and inform them of their rights.

CHROMOSOME STABILITY IN THE BALANCE

Errors in chromosome separation can result in an abnormal number of chromosomes and lead to diseases such as cancer. Biologists have now discovered that non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a vital role in maintaining chromosome stability.

THE ART OF BENDING THE LAW

Protest movements are often associated with civil disobedience. But some protesters pursue ‘uncivil obedience’ – adhering to the rules in such an exaggerated and literal way that it becomes subversive. Art historian Dr Monica Lee Steinberg has been exploring this phenomenon and other ways that artists interact with the law.

STREET-LEVEL STUDIES TAKE THE PULSE OF HONG KONG

The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine’s cohort studies, involving tens of thousands of subjects, help scientists understand health and well-being in people’s daily lives. The work also recently flagged the harmful impact on mental health from social movements, such as the recent anti-extradition bill protests.

HONG KONG’S ROLE IN WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING EXPOSED

A new study reveals that Hong Kong has unwittingly become a strategic hub for the illegal wildlife trade and is contributing to the extinction of many threatened species. Its authors are calling on the government to introduce much stricter legislation – and fast.

EUROPE’S DIRTY MONEY PROBLEM

The European Union (EU) likes to present itself as a paragon when it comes to regulating banks and keeping corruption at bay. But recent high-profile cases suggest otherwise. Dr Roland Vogt has been investigating the EU’s problems with money laundering, organised crime and terrorism.

OF MICE, MEN AND PIGS

HKU researchers have developed a new type of stem cell that has great potential for advancing research into embryonic development, regenerative medicine, biotechnology and agriculture.

CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS

Opportunities arising from climate change, plus a growing sense of its own global importance, are spurring China to become more active in the Arctic.

DIGITAL DENTISTRY

Eventually robots will replace dentists to do operative work such as drilling and filling teeth. While that day is still far off, the application of digital technology in dentistry is already advanced, aiding a wide variety of commonly performed dental procedures.

TERMITES’ ROLE IN SORTING OUT DROUGHTS

Termites have had bad press! Often regarded as pests, they have recently been found to be mini champions who help lessen the effects of droughts in tropical rainforests. In a world that is getting warmer and drier, this role could be vital.

CATHOLICS IN CHINA: A SURVIVAL STORY

Despite violent attacks on their faith, Catholics in China continue to transmit their belief down the generations. Historian Dr Li Ji has been tracking their story.