Ashlyn Chak
Reporter, Culture
A two-time graduate of the University of the Arts London, Ashlyn Chak began her editorial career in New York and has written across the global creative sector from her home city of Hong Kong. Off the clock, she enjoys spicy food, savoury cocktails, walkable cities, and films that pass the Bechdel test.
A two-time graduate of the University of the Arts London, Ashlyn Chak began her editorial career in New York and has written across the global creative sector from her home city of Hong Kong. Off the clock, she enjoys spicy food, savoury cocktails, walkable cities, and films that pass the Bechdel test.
Areas of Expertise:
Art, film, music, cocktails, counterculturesLanguages Spoken:
Cantonese, English
These century-old ‘leung cha’ cooling teas for ailments such as excess internal heat are finding new fans among health-conscious Gen Z.
From a Brisbane pub to America’s Got Talent – Australian vocalist Astrid Jorgensen shares her story ahead of her Hong Kong show.
We look at the Chinese martial artist’s backstory, sexualised design, the actors who played her – and a bizarre Jackie Chan cosplay moment.
These women have inspired countless poems, books, movies and TV shows over the centuries, but what are their stories and why do they endure?
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Floriography’s perfumes are inspired by environments and experiences, from old bookstores to Hong Kong’s chaotic street smells.
Wing Lok Noodle Factory’s second-generation boss shares how the 50-year-old company is thriving by innovating a dying traditional craft.
Chinese-born fashion historian and designer Gong Pan Pan is reimagining the hanfu for the contemporary world.
From the US to Europe, these innovators are taking humble Chinese ingredient dau si leng yu – fried dace with black beans – beyond the tin.
From ‘coffee rave’ to ‘running rave’, the term has been hijacked from its counterculture roots and misappropriated for capitalist gains.
The Polska Traveller founder Yeung Sau-lun talks about turning cherished items and culturally valuable objects into unique jewellery pieces.
Ah Toy rose from new immigrant to madam running a chain of successful brothels, fighting racism, sexism and the authorities on the way.
Celebrity couple Candy Lo and Sammy So talk about hitting rock bottom, taking up running, and how they now do marathons across the globe.
The victory marks the first time a mainland Chinese bar has placed at No 1, ending the two-year reign of Hong Kong’s Bar Leone.
Eva Che draws on her Chinese heritage and luxury experience for her catering brand whose clients have included Saint Laurent and Adidas.
‘Treasured Recipes’ at PMQ Taste Library features food-themed books and magazines spanning decades to show how the city’s food scene evolved.
From the 100-year-old Garden Bakery to TikTok-fave Twemco, these brands tell the story of the city’s evolution into a major metropolis.
Emily Lin’s dating advice – such as saying ‘tell me more’, shutting up and listening – on social media has gone viral with men.
Since finding fame with Twins’ Gillian Chung 25 years ago, “Ah Sa” has navigated scandals and reinvented herself to become a force in showbiz.
A London restaurateur, driven by maternal instinct, created a gluten-free dim sum menu, ensuring coeliac diners can enjoy Chinese cuisine.
A new exhibition at M+ based on the popular Japanese TV series Design Ah! dissects items including umbrellas, flip-flops and cup noodles.
An exhibition at Gold in Wong Chuk Hang dives deep into the dreamcore subgenre given rise to by mainland China’s rapid urbanisation.
Eva Sam, nicknamed A$AP Eva, owns Popular Jewelry in New York’s Chinatown, a goldsmith that has become a hip-hop landmark.
Inspired by her cross-cultural upbringing, Natasha Pickowicz breaks traditional hotpot rules to blend regional Chinese styles with new ingredients.
Hong Kong animators making waves at global festivals talk about growing the city’s niche but resilient industry and the challenges they face.
A Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club member has partnered the club with an NGO in Hong Kong to upcycle discarded sailcloth.
One of ancient China’s ‘Four Beauties’, Yang besotted an emperor, was the target of a rebellion, and in death became a tragic romantic icon.
Creative director Daniella Lopez explains how the June 20 event – the first TEDxHongKong since 2017 – will address globally relevant issues.
Tourists with replicas of the ancient Sword of Goujian, from the Hubei Provincial Museum, were told not to hand-carry them onto planes.
Founder Peter Pang talks about how he is not following any traditional formulas as he pushes his brand beyond its expected target customers.
