In brief
Daisy Pak, a rare female bamboo scaffolding expert in Hong Kong, embodies the spirit of an ancient craft at risk of fading. Despite challenges, she continues to work passionately, preserving and celebrating the unique skills of bamboo scaffolding amidst changing construction practices.
In a narrow street of Hong Kong, Daisy Pak, a 31-year-old bamboo scaffolding master, prepares to showcase her skills as she receives a truckload of bamboo poles. With music blasting from her Bluetooth speaker, she dons a safety harness and sets to work, skillfully tying mid-length bamboo into a structure on the ninth floor of a building. Despite the emergence of metal scaffolding which has begun to dominate the skyline, bamboo scaffolding remains a significant aspect of the city's identity, and Pak is a beacon of hope within this ancient industry.As one of the few women in the male-dominated bamboo scaffolding trade, Pak's journey to become a master craftsman has not been easy. After a turbulent upbringing that led to addiction and financial struggles, she found her calling in this traditional craft in 2021. With a strong desire to prove herself, she learned through various apprenticeships, acquiring techniques from multiple bosses to expand her skills. Pak's work is not just about building structures but also about preserving a cultural practice that is integral to Hong Kong's architectural landscape. The physical toll is evident, with constant bruises a testament to her determination in a challenging profession where women are often marginalized. "I was born with the will to prove people wrong, to do things that they say cannot be done," she proudly asserts. As the city shifts towards modern construction methods, Pak stands firm, committed to maintaining the legacy of bamboo scaffolding, ensuring that this unique aspect of Hong Kong's heritage continues to thrive.
