As society progresses at breakneck speeds, should its culture leave behind the past as well? With the rapid modernisation and technological advancement of Hong Kong, what about the age-old industries that don’t quite seem to be catching up? Built on years of research, Lindsay Varty’s talk is an enlightening delve into the ‘sunset industries’ of Hong Kong — one that prompts contemplation about what makes, and has made, Hong Kong into what it is today.

Photography by Gary Jones @gazjonesphoto Lindsay Varty is an award-winning Hong Kong-based writer, journalist and former professional rugby player. She is the author of Sunset Survivors, a book about the fading traditional trades of Hong Kong and the people that continue to run them. She spent three years interviewing traditional craftsmen and women to find out about their jobs, lives, and struggles in a rapidly modernising society. She now gives talks to present her findings, spreading the importance of recognising and respecting Hong Kong’s culture and identity before it slips away. Her work has been featured on CNN, The Guardian, CCTV, SCMP, the 2019 International Literature Festival, and more. As a child of British and Macanese parents, who also grew up in Hong Kong, Lindsay is a proud ‘third culture kid’ who is fascinated by the little things that make us feel at home. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx