Spirit of Hong Kong Awards finalists aim to remove death's stigma

Joseph Lau Yui-yip, an educator who researches funeral customs and Hakka animal dance, and undertaker Chen Pui-hing, who focuses on life and death education, are among the finalists for this year's Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. Lau, who heads the student affairs department at Polytechnic University’s college of professional and continuing education, takes students to cemeteries and funeral parlors to understand Hong Kong culture outside the classroom.

Chen, through his NGO HOBBYHK, organizes workshops, including mock funerals, to help participants cope with mortality and the meaning of life. He aims to bring a sense of humanity to the deceased and comfort to grieving families, inspired by the Japanese film 'Departures'. Chen also facilitates discussions on sensitive topics like death notes, encouraging participants to explore their feelings and what truly matters to them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought life and death issues to the forefront, highlighting the need for life and death education in Hong Kong. Despite cultural constraints that often make death a taboo subject in Chinese culture, initiatives like those by Lau and Chen seek to gently facilitate open discussions and provide spiritual guidance, helping people find peace and purpose.