In brief
As new materials start to replace bamboo, Daisy Pak, a rare female bamboo scaffolding master, embraces the challenge to uphold this traditional craft she passionately learned amidst personal struggles.
As a truckload of bamboo poles rolled into a narrow street, Daisy Pak dismissed a cigarette break, donned her safety harness, and pumped up the volume of Prince on her Bluetooth speaker. Maneuvering a loaded cart into a tiny elevator, she opened a window on the ninth floor and skillfully traversed a narrow pipe, zip ties trailing behind her like a playful tail. At 31 years old, Daisy Pak stands out as one of the few women in Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding industry, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Chinese tradition and emblematic of the city's identity, even as its prevalence diminishes across mainland China. In 2021, seeking a fresh start from a tumultuous past, which included struggles with drug addiction and financial difficulties, she found renewed purpose within this craft, recognized for its demand in the construction sector. “It’s so special, to build something completely all out of bamboo,” she expressed, reflecting on her passion for the art form.Typically, workers learn bamboo scaffolding through an apprenticeship model, absorbing knowledge from master craftsmen over generations. However, Pak's journey was distinct; seeking diverse experiences, she worked with various employers to cultivate her skills, continuously overcoming skepticism about her novice abilities and petite stature. One incident even saw a colleague throw poles her way instead of passing them, and she recounted instances of being underpaid. Despite the bruises and hardships, her determination remained unyielded. “I was born with the will to prove people wrong, to do things that they say cannot be done,” she stated, embodying the spirit of perseverance that has propelled her forward in a challenging vocation.
