On Wednesday’s Backchat, we looked into a study revealing that the consumption of artificial sweeteners is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline. The researcher behind the study presented her findings.

We then discussed the traditions behind the Hungry Ghost Festival, which was observed in early September in 2025. This year’s was especially significant, as the Wah Fu Estate hosted the first such festival in five years.

And lastly, we heard from one of the panelists at a Hong Kong Productivity Council conference on smart plastic utilisation.


9:05am-9:30am: Artificial sweeteners and cognitive decline 

Speakers: 
Dr Claudia Suemoto, study author and Associate Professor of Geriatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo
Winsy Leung, dietitian
9:32am-9:40: Hungry Ghost Festival

Speaker: 
Wu Yim-chung, Chairman of the Yu Lan Festival Preservation Committee of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community 

9:41am-10:00am:  HKPC plastics conference

Speaker: 
Dr Chris DeArmitt, President of Phantom Plastics