"Sit still for me. You'll feel a sharp pinch." He Ming touches the lobe of his left ear a few times, feeling out the best part to pierce, before swiping it with an alcohol wipe.

The piercing needle goes through Ilima's ear with one firm push. Just as swiftly, He Ming replaces the needle with the tag, putting the backing on the back of his ear lobe.

Number seven. He Ming taps the tag gently to make sure it's secure and steps away to get rid of the used needle.