L/G Unit 3, Block 1, 92 Siena Ave, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
Through October 11
HOMEGROWN CABLE CAR
Did you know Ngong Ping 360 has introduced a limited-time DB-themed cable car on the Tung Chung to Ngong Ping line? The cabins are decorated with cartoon illustrations of local landmarks like DB North Clock Tower, the Pavillion and DB Plaza. You can catch a 25-minute
Congratulations Advait Sethi!
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The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.
You can sign up to tour Mil Mill, Hong Kong’s only dedicated beverage carton and assorted paper recycling plant, on August 15 from 1.20pm to 5.30pm. The facility processes over 50 tonnes of difficult-torecycle paper waste daily to produce paper pulp. The tour is free and you get to learn about closed-loop recycling, and attend a workshop to craft your own recycled-paper diffuser stone. To find out more and enrol, call 5469 1748.
Happenings STUFF TO KNOW
OUTSTANDING IB RESULTS AT ESF
ESF is celebrating another year of exceptional IB results: its 2026 cohort achieved an average score of 36.4, a full 5.9 points ahead of the 2025 global average, with 323 students achieving a score of 40 or more. An incredible 27 students, including Advait Sethi of Discovery College, attained the maximum possible score of 45 points; 43 students scored 44 points and 58 students 43 points. Overall, 1,007 ESF students gained their IB Diploma – at a 98.3% achievement rate.
NEW EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AT PFS
Homegrown environmental education charity Plastic Free Seas (PFS) has launched a new animated video about the issue of plastic pollution in Hong Kong, along with five corresponding lesson plans, making it easy and stress-free for educators to teach about this global problem. The video is suitable for primary and secondary school students, and the lesson plans are suitable for primary and lower secondary classes. The materials are free to download and available in both English and Cantonese at plasticfreeseas.org.
DRAGON BOAT GALA SIGN-UP
Early-bird enrolment for the DB Dragon Boat Gala is now open. The races will be held at Tai Pak Wan on October 25 from 8am to 6pm with mixed, open, ladies, U23, A45 and community categories. To book your spot, visit FB @db.community.hk.
& Events!
IN AUGUST!
Dear readers,
Golf buggy, anyone?
DB CHESS CHAMPION
After winning the Hong Kong Under-8 title, DB resident Shayne Meng went on to be the sole Hong Kong representative at the 2026 FIDE World Cup (U8–U12) in Batumi, Georgia, this June. Competing in the Open U8 category, the eight-year-old DB resident finished an outstanding 18th among 118 players, setting a new best-ever result for a Hong Kong player in the event.
Golf buggies are one of our community’s most distinctive features but should there be more of them? The number of licensed private golf buggies is limited to about 500, and demand is extremely high, with buggy-and-licence packages sometimes selling for over HK$2 million.
Increasing the number of licences would make getting around easier for more residents, and it could also make golf buggies more affordable. On the downside, DB’ s low-traffic, pedestrian-friendly environment is one of its greatest strengths and adding more buggies could disrupt that. So where do you stand?
Should there be more golf buggies in DB?
Scan the QR code to cast your vote. We appreciate your feedback, and will share it on our social media channels mid-month.
August 30
Best regards, The Around DB Team
OPEN WATER RACE CHALLENGE
The fourth DB Open Water Race Challenge is scheduled for August 30. Organised by Open Water Swim Series Hong Kong, the challenge is open to swimmers of all ages, and there are a variety of distances to suit different abilities: three solo categories (3.8km, 1.7km and 400m) plus two 400m relays. Races start at Tai Pak Wan, Sam Pak Wan and the Disneyland Resort Pier. To find out more and enrol, visit eventshorizons.com.
GONGFU TEA GATHERING
Local non-profit One World Spirit is now hosting monthly Gongfu tea gatherings in DB, celebrating the rich culture of tea sharing. At each gathering, participants sample the six major categories of Chinese tea, while learning about tea’s history – dating back to 2737 BC – as well as its health benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. To get involved, WhatsApp 6219 3817.
Bravo Shayne Meng!
SMILES IN FOCUS: DR SAFAR AT BAYSIDE DENTAL
You may have already spotted a new face at Bayside Dental. Originally from Ukraine, Dr Safar Baisov joined the practice 10 months ago after spending a decade working in Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery and complex root canal treatment.
For Dr Safar, Hong Kong offered the perfect next step. “It’s more international – and it was a climate choice; I like the warmer weather,” he opens. “Beijing was a great experience, challenging; I learnt a lot there and met some amazing people. But Hong Kong is somewhere to settle long-term, somewhere to plan retirement.”
Although he currently lives in Central, Dr Safar already sees DB as his future home. “DB is a great place to get to know people –you bump into them on the ferry, at the supermarket. In Central, I don’t know my neighbours. In DB, you really live with the community. I will move here after a few years, when I get married and have a family.”
PRECISION, PASSION AND PATIENT CARE
Dr Safar splits his time between Bayside Dental’s DB North and South clinics and its sister practice Smith & Jain Dentists in Central. He has recently installed a surgical microscope for root canal treatments at the DB North clinic, allowing more precise treatment for complex cases in DB.
“I like to do work with my hands and dentistry is all about this,” he explains. “It’s important to be sensitive to detail and I like to do work that’s very, very detailed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and in dentistry that’s actually not a disadvantage, it’s a big advantage.”
Helping patients regain their smile is what motivates Dr Safar most. “Through dentistry, you can create positive change in someone’s life – making them feel more comfortable and more confident. And you do this with your skills, with your hands.”
That patient-centred philosophy was shaped by an early mentor. “The most important lesson I learned was to listen. People need to feel heard. They’re not always looking for perfection or miracles; they want someone who understands what matters to them.”
When it comes to preventing dental problems, however, Dr Safar’s advice couldn’t be simpler. “The biggest issue I see is tooth decay, and it’s a simple thing to prevent if you follow basic hygiene rules,” he says. “Most cavities form in between the teeth not on the surface, which is why you need to floss as well as brush.”
Whether providing a routine check-up or advanced dental work, Dr Safar wants every patient to leave feeling the same way. “I hope they feel they’ve been listened to, understood and cared for.”
SOUNDBITES
Q: What’s the one piece of dental advice everyone should follow?
A: Floss every day.
Q: How often should we visit the dentist?
A: Adults should have a hygiene clean every six months and see a dentist at least once a year. Children should see a dentist every six months.
Q: Manual or electric toothbrush?
A: Whichever you prefer, both are good for the job. Electric brushes are especially helpful for the elderly, as are water flossers.
Q: Hard or soft brush?
A: Soft. I use an Ebisu soft toothbrush.
Q: How do parents encourage good dental habits in young children?
A: Parents need to educate their kids about dental hygiene every day. It’s important to assist children under seven years with brushing, particularly night brushing.
Q: Is teeth whitening safe?
A: Yes. When used correctly and under the advice of your dentist.
Q: Favourite toothpaste?
A: Any fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive. The brand isn’t important but avoid whitening toothpastes.
Q: Mint or salt?
To book an appointment at Bayside Dental, call 2987 0855 (DB North), 2285 8068 (DB South)
A: Flavour is up to you. Salt is good for gum disease but I don’t recommend using it daily.
Q: Best celebrity smile?
A: Julia Roberts.
DR SAFAR BAISOV AT THE DB SOUTH CLINIC
MOVING WITH THE TIMES: DISCOVERY MIND
Discovery Mind is entering the new school year with a clear vision for the future and the leadership of newly appointed Head of Kindergarten, Joyce Fong.
At a time when artificial intelligence and rapid technological change is reshaping the world, DM is focused on preparing children not only for the next stage of education, but for a future that is impossible to predict. Many of today's professions may not exist in 10 or 20 years, making adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration more important than ever for our children.
“Academic skills such as numeracy and literacy are important, but I always think that a school should be about growing a young person in the widest sense,” opens Head of School Chris Jackson. “Whole person development includes the academics, but it also includes helping children develop their sense of self and helping them learn to work and play with others, so that they may become thinkers, creators and collaborators.
“Our website celebrates that we have been nurturing holistic growth since 1996, and Joyce joining DM is the beginning of the next step in this continual journey.”
NEW HEAD OF KINDERGARTEN
Ask Joyce what excites her about becoming the new head of Discovery Mind Kindergarten, overseeing both the Discovery Bay and Tung Chung campuses, and she says, “I am truly inspired by the energy and sincerity of the school founder and senior leadership team. It is exciting to be part of a school where we share such strong alignment in values – especially in nurturing children’s character, preparing them for the future and creating a community where happiness, safety and respect are at the heart of everything we do.”
While DMK is known for its human-centred educational approach and emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration, one of the things that truly differentiates the kindergarten is its future-focused bilingual (English and Mandarin) programme.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, where information is increasingly accessible, children need strong language abilities to understand, interpret and express ideas effectively and ethically,” Joyce says. “Our fully immersive bilingual environment allows children to develop confidence in both languages, connect with different cultures and begin to see the world from a broader, global perspective.
“We also place strong emphasis on core values such as respect, responsibility, resilience, empathy, curiosity, trustworthiness and self-awareness. Our teachers model these values, and gently nurture these everyday habits in our students.”
At the heart of this is DM’s human-centred approach, which is rooted in the school’s distinctive educational DNA: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience (the 3Rs).
1 2 3 4 5
VISIONARY SCHOOL DNA
The DM curriculum balances strong foundations in literacy and mathematics with advanced language development, communication skills and emotional intelligence – capabilities that AI cannot replicate.
DM intentionally cultivates distinctly human competencies such as empathy, collaboration, ethical reasoning and critical thinking, reinforcing Respect for diverse viewpoints and Responsibility in decision-making.
Student wellbeing and a positive mindset underpin learning, including the ‘safety to fail’ approach, where children learn accountability while building the Resilience to adapt and grow.
The curriculum remains agile: it is regularly refined to meet the needs of DM students and stay ahead of technological and societal shifts.
These principles are applied concretely – from kindergarten show-andtell, which builds storytelling skills, confidence and mutual Respect, to the primary entrepreneurship programme, which develops real-world problem-solving, Responsibility and the grit required to innovate.
What's Happening Across HK!
August 2
DOLLISM PLUS
Now in its 19th year, Dollism Plus serves as a platform for doll enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest trends, connect with fellow collectors and celebrate the beauty and artistry of dolls. The magic happens on August 2 at the Grand Ballroom of Hopewell Hotel with exclusive showcases and interactive activities. Exhibiting companies include Doll Nouveau, Nine9Style and Gepetto Friends. Grab tickets at the door.
CANTON BEATS
Through August 30
Water World Ocean Park is extending the fun into the evening this month with Canton Beats, an old-school Cantopop DJ party, held every Saturday and Sunday until August 30 (except August 22). Running from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, the event sees guest DJs from across Asia spinning Cantopop remixes and classic hits. Partygoers can also enjoy an 80s-themed poolside bar, Bing Tenginspired cafés, a glow-in-the-dark art gallery and retro-style photo booths. Find discounted tickets at Klook.
Throughout August
CANDLELIGHT
Candlelight, the internationally acclaimed concert series that stages live music in 100 unique venues across the world, has landed at The Repulse Bay and PMQ. You can take your pick from nine shows in August spanning everything from classical masterpieces to reimagined pop hits. This month’s highlights include orchestral tributes to Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Cold Play, Queen and Abba, plus Vivaldi’s Four Seasons … all by candlelight. Purchase tickets at Fever.
Through October 4
SUMMERFEST
SummerFest is running through October 4 this year, at the Wanchai Harbourfront Event Space. There’s a focus on returning crowd-favourite inflatables – an obstacle course, bowling lanes, mazes and slides –plus brand-new, family-friendly play areas. Eventgoers can also look forward to a rotating series of weekly events spanning culture, music, art and sports – think live bands, mini-markets and BMX competitions. Admission is free.
Through August 16
INTERNATIONAL ARTS CARNIVAL
Staged at venues across the city through August 16, International Arts Carnival attracts world-class performers from across the globe, and it’s designed specifically with families in mind. Standout August shows include Play , a quirky dance production from Spain; The Little Musician (South Korea), a magical musical adventure; and Fantastic Fairy Tales (UK), a live concert combining classical music with animated storytelling. Purchase tickets at Urbtix.
Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!
ENJOYING THE NEXT CHAPTER
This year’s Island Dance showcase, The Next Chapter , was held at the Y-Theatre, Chai Wan on June 13 and 14, playing to two near-full houses! The performance included dances in Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Acro-dance, all inspired by the magic of books and storytelling. Among the troupe were 140 DB-based ‘Island Dancers’ who train at DBRC and Club Siena. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon Photography.]
TEKKERZ AWARDS CEREMONY
AT BAYSIDE DENTAL
Community-based football club Tekkerz celebrated the end of a fantastic season on June 13 by hosting their 2025-26 Awards Ceremony in partnership with Bayside Dental. Over 400 players and parents were treated to a barbecue on the terrace of Bayside Dental’s DB North clinic. [PHOTO COURTESY of Bayside Dental.]
AT A SMOOTHIE-MAKING WORKSHOP
AT SMOKEY JOE’S ON THE FOURTH OF JULY
Smokey Joe’s in DB North was the place to celebrate on July 4, with Chef Joey Daze serving up a sizzling US Independence Day feast. Diners were treated to all-American favourites like Texas Twinkies and chillicheese hot dogs. [PHOTOS COURTESY of Andrew J.C. Spires & Steen Skovfoged.]
Hong Kong food-tech startup Food with Benefits led a Zero Food-Waste Smoothie-Making Workshop on July 18 at DB Office Centre. Participants learnt how surplus produce can be upcycled into healthy and delicious smoothies. [PHOTOS BY Andrew J.C. Spires.]
WorkspaceDiscoverYour I deal
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in our thoughtfully designed hybrid workspace. With adjustable-height tables and ergonomic chairs indoors, combined with a sun terrace and lounge area outdoors, our space promotes flexibility and comfort. Whether you prefer the tranquility of indoor environments or the refreshing open air, we have the perfect spot for you – with views!
Our layout encourages integration and interaction among members. Engage with fellow professionals and cultivate relationships in an inspiring setting that encourages creativity.
Our workspace is equipped with everything you need for a productive day, including a printer, scanner and shredder, a full kitchen and outdoor BBQ for social gatherings. We also provide free coffee and snacks to fuel your work!
Join us and become a part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
New Beginnings!
FROM DB TO ANTARCTICA
When a decades-long aviation career took an unexpected turn, Vicky Edwards embraced a new challenge. Her next destination: one of the most remote places on Earth. Edward Szekeres reports
PHOTOS BY Andrew J.C. Spires & courtesy of Vicky Edwards
It all started with a movie. In late 2019, as COVID was silently spreading across the world, Vicky Edwards was on her way home to finish a work project when she walked by Palace ifc. Where’d You Go Bernadette , a comedy-drama starring Cate Blanchett, was showing. Compelled by a strong inner force, Vicky – an ardent Star Wars fan – decided to “ridiculously” watch the Blanchett flick, even pleading with her boss for more time to finish her work later that evening.
It didn’t take long for her to realise why she felt so drawn to this movie about a middle-aged woman who, for various reasons, had lost her mojo and then regained it by escaping to Antarctica. As Vicky puts it, “It made me think, ‘That woman is mirroring my life.’ I was in a position where my career was shifting and I’d lost an air-traffic controller job. I was going through some quite challenging experiences in life.”
While Vicky did not embark on her own Antarctica journey until a few years later, she left the cinema that day with a newfound outlook on the world. “That movie pretty much changed my life,” she says.
British-born Vicky arrived in Hong Kong, and settled in Discovery Bay, in 2019 on an air-traffic controller contract. She came with the highest of accolades, having spent three decades in London as an area radar controller at one of the busiest air-traffic units in the world, often juggling 20 to 30 airplanes at once in large chunks of airspace –all with an exceptional safety and training record.
Aviation was in her blood, with her father and uncle both clocking time in the Royal Air Force. As a teenager, she saw an ad for air-traffic control openings and was immediately hooked. At a mere 18 years old, she passed a gruelling selection process that only about
a fifth of all candidates can complete, and launched what would become an illustrious career.
So 30 years later, when she arrived in Hong Kong and unexpectedly failed her on-the-job training, Vicky’s new chapter shifted course. Her qualifications as an instructor were enough for her boss to offer her a different contract, and she sprang into action, helping set up the Basic Air Traffic Control College for HKIAA, where she trained cadets for the Civil Aviation Department for more than three years.
But something was missing, and Antarctica (that Blanchett flick, remember) was stuck in Vicky’s mind. Things fell into place in January 2025, when she saw an article about the British Antarctic Survey, and how they were recruiting. “I went on the website, found a vacancy for a radio operator in Antarctica, and I literally ticked all the boxes for what they required for the job,” she says.
For the first time in three years, Vicky was genuinely excited. “All of my friends said: ‘Do it!’ They said they could see in my face this was something I really wanted, even if it meant falling off the planet for a six-month deployment.”
Vicky’s children Rohan and Grace, then 17 and 18 and living overseas, were totally on board. “I’m always absolutely there for my kids and support them, but they’re also aware that parents need time-out to be themselves,” says Vicky, who has always been a working mum and raised her kids “free-range style” to be independent.
And so Vicky applied – and got the job. She was one of four selected out of 170 applicants – not least on her first try, a rarity in this field. She aced her interviews despite not having experience working in remote environments, something she attributes, at
ALL OF MY FRIENDS SAID: ‘DO IT!’ THEY SAID THEY COULD SEE IN MY FACE THIS WAS SOMETHING I REALLY WANTED, EVEN IF IT MEANT FALLING OFF THE PLANET FOR A SIX-MONTH DEPLOYMENT - Vicky Edwards
least in part to her experience as an expat. “I knew what it took to live a long way away from family and friends due to my move to Hong Kong,” she says.
After a rigorous medical check, she jetted off to the British Antarctic Survey’s headquarters in Cambridge, UK, for a month of training before hitting the ‘far south’ in October 2025. She deployed as one of five radio operators at the airfield of Rothera Research Station, a British Antarctic Survey base about a thousand miles from the southern tip of Chile – the nearest hub of civilisation.
The job itself was exactly what she’d trained for –eight- to 10-hour shifts managing communications and providing flight information to incoming planes and ships, many of them bound for Antarctica’s vast, frozen interior. Her team was also the only connection to the world for remote units building stations further out. Her contact with these field guides and scientists involved everything from relaying their needs (including much-needed beer supplies) to singing Christmas carols to them on the phone, at designated – and very sporadic – call times.
“When they finally came back from their monthslong remote tour and we heard one another’s familiar voices in real life, it was like meeting longtime friends. One of them followed me around like a puppy for their first day back as they slowly reintegrated into society,” Vicky chuckles.
Vicky’s stint in Antarctica spanned the summer season, which somewhat counterintuitively runs from October to early March. “I pretty much loved every minute of it,” she says. “I knew there were going to be challenges, but being a little bit older, more mature, with plenty of life experiences, I was ready to face them.
“I think the hardest thing was getting used to sharing a room with a stranger,” Vicky adds, as she describes her compact room resembling student
accommodation. But the views of icebergs, the ocean and the occasional penguin or seal hobbling across the runway made up for any discomfort. “I never got bored of it. The scenery around us literally moved with the icebergs,” she explains, pointing out that while 98% of Antarctica is covered in snow, the patch she worked on is not – at least in the summertime.
Vicky immersed herself in everything – the vista, her work, the people around her. Strangers became friends, colleagues turned into soulmates. “You make friends fast because of the environment you’re in, more so than you would naturally. You’re working and living together at close quarters and around the clock. When you’re such a small team, 130 that summer, the onus is on you to take care of the social aspects. If you want something to happen, you have to make it happen. So you have to be prepared to be a social coordinator as well.”
For Vicky this meant arranging weekend trips, including a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough , and organising quiz nights back at base that kept spirits high (with alcohol consumption capped at two glasses per night). “I’m always the one who will make the effort to keep the connections going,” she says.
That applies to her family and friends in DB, too. Back home now, having wrapped up her deployment, Vicky’s focusing on a life far from the icebergs. She’s completing a master’s degree in psychology and spending time with her children and her local dragon boating ‘family’, the Sea Cucumbers. Vicky’s also one of the organisers of Piece of Mind, the new DB-based jigsaw-puzzle swap group – an activity that keeps her curious mind busy.
“At the end of the day, my job is my passion, but it is not larger than my life. There are other things that matter just as much, if not more,” Vicky concludes with a smile.
VICKY AT HER DESK AT ROTHERA RESEARCH STATION
⾹港聖公會弘道堂 ⾹港聖公會弘道堂
Sundays 10am Wei Lun School Hall
Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Community Service
Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Community Service
逢星期⽇ 上午⼗時半
聖公會偉倫⼩學
第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜 第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學
第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜 第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學
At the Movies! 20 QUESTIONS
How much do you know about
Julia Roberts and her films?
BY Elena M. Zepeda
01. Julia Roberts was born in which US state?
A. Texas
B. Georgia
C. Washington
02. Who plays Roberts’ mentee in After the Hunt?
A. Ayo Edebiri
B. Chloë Sevigny
C. Florence Pugh
03. In which movie does Roberts star alongside Maryl Streep?
A. Closer
B. Ticket to Paradise
C. August: Osage County
04. In which thriller does Roberts play a lawyer who investigates a series of murders?
A. The Client
B. The Pelican Brief
C. Duplicity
05. Who is Roberts married to?
A. Lyle Lovett
B. Daniel Moder
C. George Clooney
06. Roberts’ first leading role was in which movie?
A. Satisfaction
B. Mystic Pizza
C. Baja Oklahoma
07. In which film does Roberts play the mother of a boy born with a craniofacial difference?
A. Stepmom
B. Ben is Back
C. Wonder
08. In Hook, which iconic character does Roberts play?
A. Tinker Bell
B. Wendy Darling
C. Tiger Lily
09. What Academy Award nomination did Roberts receive for Steel Magnolias?
A. Best Supporting Actress
B. Best Actress
C. Best Screenplay
10. In Pretty Woman, which song plays during the shopping montage?
A. Material Girl by Madonna
B. Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison
C. z Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
11. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for which movie?
A. Charlie Wilson’s War
B. Erin Brockovich
C. Secret in Their Eyes
12. Who stars opposite Roberts in Notting Hill ?
A. Richard Gere
B. Pierce Brosnan
C. Hugh Grant
13. Roberts plays Tess Ocean in which movies?
A. Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve
B. Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen
C. Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Thirteen
14. In Runaway Bride , how many times does Roberts’ character leave a man at the altar?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
15. In which movie does Roberts play an evil queen?
A. Maleficent
B. Mirror, Mirror
C. Snow White and the Huntsman
16. In which animated movie does Roberts voice a character?
A. Hotel Transylvania
B. Stuart Little
C. Charlotte’s Web
17. In Sleeping with the Enemy, why does Roberts’ character change her identity?
A. She wants to start a new career
B. She is fleeing her abusive husband
C. She is seeking revenge
18. Who plays Roberts’ character’s best friend in My Best Friend’s Wedding?
A. Rupert Everett
B. Dermot Mulroney
C. Ewan McGregor
19. Whose bestselling memoir is Eat Pray Love based on?
A. Tina Fey
B. Cheryl Strayed
C. Elizabeth Gilbert
20. In which movie does Roberts play a medical student?
A. Flatliners
B. Bood Red
C. Mona Lisa Smile
You can check your score at www.arounddb.com>post>at-themovies-julia-roberts-quiz
CARIBBEAN CITIZENSHIP WITH GLOBAL ADVANTAGES
HARVEY LAW GROUP EXAMINES ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA'S CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM, HIGHLIGHTING ITS FAR-REACHING APPEAL TO INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
In a world of growing uncertainty, many high-networth individuals are turning to the Caribbean for stability, security and opportunity. Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become one of the most attractive routes to a second passport.
Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation made up of two major inhabited islands – Antigua and Barbuda – along with several smaller surrounding islands. It’s famously nicknamed the ‘Land of 365 Beaches’ due to its numerous pristine shorelines – one for every day of the year.
Beyond its white- and pink-sand beaches, coral reefs and rugged coastal formations, Antigua and Barbuda boasts historic harbours, a lush rainforest, wildlife-rich lagoons and spectacular birdwatching opportunities – it’s a destination that is small in size, but truly large in natural wonders.
TWO WAYS TO INVEST
Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program allows applicants to choose between a donation option and a real-estate investment option. Either way, the investment is only payable after pre-approval,
which gives applicants certainty before making a large financial commitment.
HARVEY LAW GROUP (HLG)
The donation option appeals to applicants who favour a lower financial mobilisation and simpler process. Donations start at US$230,000 for a family of up to four persons making a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, and at US$260,000 for a family of up to six persons making a contribution to the University of the West Indies Development Fund.
The real-estate investment option, meanwhile, is favoured by applicants keen to invest in something tangible: a property that can appreciate in value, generate rental income and serve as a family retreat. With a minimum qualifying investment of US$300,000 and a five-year holding period, investors gain both citizenship and a foothold in one of the Caribbean’s most desirable property markets.
Only government-approved real-estate projects qualify under the program, ensuring high standards and investor confidence. Current approved projects include Moongate Resort (Half Moon Bay): boutique luxury suites starting at US$350,000, with professional rental management; The Gardens (Jolly Harbour): villas with private pools, fractional ownership from US$300,000 and strong rental demand from yacht owners; and Verandah Estates (Long Bay): a 25acre, gated community offering two- and threebedroom villas starting at US$400,000, ideal for families and long-term residents.
even dependent grandchildren. Few Caribbean programs match this breadth, making it ideal for family planning and legacy building.
Uniquely, Antigua and Barbuda has embraced digital assets, positioning itself as the Caribbean’s most crypto-friendly jurisdiction. For modern investors, this forward-looking regulatory environment is a major draw. Add to that zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, and the appeal becomes clear.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be submitted through authorised representatives such as Harvey Law Group (HLG). The process typically takes six to nine months. New citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda find professional legal within the first five years and take an oath of allegiance.
F o u n de d i n 1 9 9 2 , Ha r v e y L a w G rou p i s a p re m ie r m ultinatio n a l la w fi r m , s pecial i z i n g i n
R e s idenc y b y I n v e s t m en t ( R B I ) a n d Citiz e n b y I n v e s tm e n t (C B I ) fo r o v e r 3 0 y ea r s . W i t h
o v e r 2 0 o ffic e s worl d w id e re p re s e n ti n g ove r 3 0 d i ff e re n t co u n trie s a n d t h ei r re s pect i v e
Note that the ‘Caribbean Five’ (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia) are exploring a harmonised future approach to physical residency or in-person verification. The exact impact remains speculative, though early indications suggest that any future requirement will likely be highly manageable, such as a rumoured 30-day aggregate stay over a course of five years. While this remains a high-level concept which could take months or years to be implemented, HLG recommends applicants intending to move forward to apply without delay.
I n v e s t m e n t I m m igrati o n p rog r a m s , Ha r v e y L a w G rou p h a s p ro v ide d i t s s e r v ice s t o o v e r
1 0 , 0 0 0 familie s f ro m al l a ro u n d t h e w orld . A s th e d e m a n d fo r I n v e s t m e n t I m m ig r atio n
p ro g r a m s g ro w s , v a r iou s e m e rg i n g c o m p a n ie s h a v e lat c h e d o n t o th
Resale opportunities also exist in sold-out developments like Nonsuch Bay Resort (Nonsuch Bay), provided the five-year holding requirement is met.
H a r v e y L a w G ro u p re m a i n s t h e o n l y legac y l a w fi r m tha t s pecial i z e s in
MOBILITY, INCLUSIVITY AND TAX BENEFITS
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For investors seeking more than just a passport, Antigua and Barbuda offers a rare combination: luxury real estate, family inclusivity, cryptofriendly policies and global mobility. Whether it’s a villa overlooking turquoise waters or a suite in a boutique resort, the investment is more than property – it’s a gateway to opportunity, security and a Caribbean lifestyle.
Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific
Individuals interested in gaining CBI in Antigua and Barbuda find professional legal advice invaluable. HLG brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally. Our specialisation extends to the Caribbean, and we offer clients clear, professional guidance with each step of their journey. Reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com.
Turn It Up! ENCORE, PLEASE
Residents still reminisce about Hemingway’s and The BIG Picnic but a new generation of musicians is helping DB get its groove back. Sam Agars reports
PHOTOS
If you talk to anyone with any knowledge of the music scene in Discovery Bay, it’s not long before Hemingway’s or The BIG Picnic enters the conversation. Staples of the DB community for so long, it’s only natural people remember the live-music venue and the annual festival so fondly.
But while The BIG Picnic, which grew from Picnic in the Park, hasn’t been held since 2019 and Hemingway’s was a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom when it comes to live music in DB. While things ground virtually to a halt during Covid, the music scene has bounced back and there is optimism around what lies ahead.
Though the closure of Hemingway’s meant the loss of a dedicated music venue that DBers could rely on, Jay Javier Apungan’s weekly Sunday afternoon gig at Three Sheets is filling part of the gap, giving residents a regular dose of live music once again.
A DB resident since 2009, Jay is a full-time musician who has developed a dedicated following in the community through his lively acoustic shows. “Live music is a must-have in every community and every venue as long as they can do it properly. People love to hear music,” he opens.
“DB is still recovering and it’s still not the same. Hong Kong generally is still coming back,” Jay adds. “But I’m hopeful that the music scene here will continue to become more busy. People need music. I love the community in Discovery Bay. I have regular people who come every Sunday and I think I can give them some happiness through music.”
Another name familiar with DB music fans is Andrew Osborne, a member of Hong Kong band
Powerful Moss who has been playing gigs at venues throughout DB for more than a decade. These days, you’re most likely to find him playing acoustic sets out on the terrace at Ona.
“I’m pretty lucky as I have a group of friends who enjoy live music and they’ll come around and bring their mates so there’s normally a small crowd. It’s a nice atmosphere,” he says. “Live music in DB is definitely not as supported as it was before Covid but the scene is still alive, people are still passionate about playing and the quality of music hasn’t faded.
“Some of the venues are still supportive of live music but overall, I don’t think it’s very well advertised,” adds Andrew. “You have to be following the specific musicians to know when they’re playing and there’s no central point in terms of marketing to find out everything that’s happening in DB. That’s probably something that is missing.”
One band who puts a lot of work into ‘getting the word out’ is The Cashed-Up Johnnies, a group of DB residents who have built something of a cult following with their rockabilly style, inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. The trio can regularly be found at DBrasserie, which is well kitted out for full bands.
“If you want a crowd, you have to spread the word. It’s much more fun for us to play in front of a crowd. We rely more on family and friends from DB, but if you do it too often it’s difficult to play to a full house. It’s a balance,” says frontman Gil de Clercq.
Someone who has seen it all in DB across the past two decades is professional saxophonist Blaine Whittaker, who has played at just about every local venue you care to name.
COURTESY OF Andrew J.C. Spires, Baljit Gidwani & Sam Agars
“
LIVE MUSIC IN DB IS DEFINITELY NOT AS SUPPORTED AS IT WAS BEFORE COVID BUT THE SCENE IS STILL ALIVE, PEOPLE ARE STILL PASSIONATE ABOUT PLAYING AND THE QUALITY OF MUSIC HASN’T FADED
- Andrew Osborne
ANDREW OSBORNE
JAY JAVIER APUNGAN
THE CASHED-UP JOHNNIES
BLAINE WHITTAKER
“The clientele has changed and that’s a big deal, but they’re slowly coming back. It may take another couple of years,” says Blaine, whose sons Saxon and Jarvis cut their teeth at Hemingway’s and are now building a following on the Australian music scene with their band Whitt’s End.
“When Hemingway’s left this place was a ghost town for music for a long time,” Blaine adds. “But people are trying, which I love because there was a point when no one was doing anything. It takes time to get it in people’s heads that there is something on.
“If venues want to try music for two months and think it’s not working, it’s because they didn’t try it for long enough. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a long arc for venues that are successful with music. If people know it’s on from consistency, you’ll more often than not have good nights after a certain period of time. That’s why Hemingway’s was good – because it was always on and it had a long track record.”
While something like Hemingway’s cannot simply be recreated overnight, a common theme among those with skin in the game is a yearning for the return of The BIG Picnic, however difficult commercial pressures might make that.
Last held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, The BIG Picnic took over Tai Pak Beach, DB Plaza and D'Deck with four stages of live music and dance, a children’s
zone, food stalls and the Handmade Hong Kong market. Thousands turned out for what had become DB’s signature community festival, and it’s easy to see why.
It was free, family-friendly and genuinely had something for everyone. From the first guitar riff in the morning to the final encore well after sunset, The BIG Picnic was the kind of event where you arrived for an hour and somehow ended up staying all day. Children disappeared into craft workshops and game booths, while adults drifted between stages, discovered new bands and caught up with friends. The pop-up restaurant vendors were legendary; a lot of beer was drunk and the timing also helped. Everyone’s best memory of The BIG Picnic happened on a warm day under a cloudless sky.
What made The BIG Picnic so special, at least for residents, was the strong community feel. Class local bands, like Helium3, The Naggin Eejits, The 852’s, Grounded, BenZine, Bus Uncle and Rockstars Anonymous shared the bill with well-known acts from across Hong Kong. Kids from local schools, clubs and dance groups also got to take part, gaining invaluable experience performing in front of big crowds.
“I miss it. I wish it could happen again. It was just such a great event. All the bands playing and all the kids playing and dancing. I just wish there was another one coming,” says Jay. Encore, please.
THE BIG PICNIC’S LAST WALTZ NOVEMBER 9, 2019
CONNECT WITH STEEN SKOVFOGED TO REACH AN ENGAGED AND AFFLUENT AUDIENCE IN DISCOVERY BAY!
Discovery Bayʼs original community magazine, Around DB is the trusted provider of local information for DB residents. The magazine is delivered to every village in DB, plus key local businesses and we now also have a very active online presence. Our website receives over 45,000 visitors per month, and the Around DB Facebook and Instagram pages have more than 25,000 followers. We are currently offering special advertising packages (both print and digital) for 2026.
For tailor-made advertising packages to reach our unique readership, email our business development manager Steen Skovfoged at steen@arounddb.com.
DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF HONG KONG
Hong Kong has so much more to offer than just the usual tourist hotspots. Once you step off the beaten path, you’ll discover it’s a city brimming with hidden gems and unique adventures. Ashwin Hotchandani reports
Living in Hong Kong means having world-class attractions on our doorstep, from the iconic Peak Tram and Star Ferry to the lively buzz of Temple Street Night Market. Sometimes, though, we all crave an escape from the city’s crowds, queues and concrete. If you’re looking for a change of pace this summer, it’s time to look beyond the tourist trail.
From hidden waterfalls and historic Hakka settlements to floating waterparks and scenic reservoir viewpoints, here’s a guide to some of Hong Kong’s most rewarding, lesser-known destinations.
CORE AQUA PARK, LAKE EGRET NATURE PARK
If you’re after fun in the sun (and water), why limit yourself to a day at the beach? Core Aqua Park –Hong Kong’s largest inflatable water park – is the
perfect summer playground. Situated at Lake Egret Nature Park, Tai Po Kau, it features 43 floating obstacles, plus a six-metre-high slide, trampolines, rafts and climbing towers. Pedal boats, water bikes and wakeboards are also available for hire. Lifejackets are mandatory and provided onsite, ensuring your safety while maximising your fun.
Tickets cost around HK$108 per hour for advance online bookings (instagram.com/corehk), or HK$138 per hour for walk-ins. You’ll need at least two sessions to try out all the parkour obstacles, and you can easily make a day of it, as there are barbecue pits to rent, plus two onsite restaurants, one Cantonese and one European.
To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay then hop on the MTR to Tai Po Market. Journey time: one hour and 20 minutes. From Tai Po Market, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to Lake Egret Nature Park.
HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM, TAI PO MARKET
Fascinated by heritage transit? Hong Kong Railway Museum in Tai Po Market is a fantastic spot to dive into our city’s past. An open-air museum constructed on the historic grounds of the former (1913) Tai Po Market Railway Station, this declared monument details the history and evolution of the Kowloon-Canton Railway. You can wander past early colonial-era signal cabins, steam locomotives and vintage passenger coaches.
Entrance to the museum is completely free. While eating and drinking (even water) is prohibited on
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock & Ashwin Hotchandani
site, the museum is right in the centre of Tai Po Market, so after your visit, you can head to Tai Po Complex, where the hawker centre on the second floor dishes up amazingly cheap dim sum, noodles and seafood.
To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, then hop on the MTR to Tai Wo. Journey time: one hour and 35 minutes. On arrival head to Exit B, from there it’s an easy 10-minute stroll across the river to the museum entrance on On Fu Road.
LYCHEE VALLEY, PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK
Lychee Valley (Lai Chi Wo) is home to one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-preserved Hakka walled villages. Nestled within Plover Cove Country Park in the far northeastern New Territories, it dates back over 400 years providing an incredible window into rural, pre-colonial Hong Kong history. The village features rows of traditional tiled-roof houses, ancestral halls and an active community working to revitalise eco-farming in the area. Be sure to explore the sacred ‘fung shui woodland’ surrounding the village – a biodiversity hotspot holding over 100 native plant species, all viewable from an elevated wooden boardwalk.
Entrance to the village grounds, fung shui woodland and nature-trail boardwalk is free. There are a few local restaurants and stores onsite, however they are usually only open on weekends and public holidays. If you visit on a weekday, be sure to pack your own food and water, as everything in the village will be locked up.
To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, and the MTR to Fanling. Then catch the 56K minibus to Luk Keng. Journey time: two hours and 10 minutes. From Luk Keng, it’s a scenic two-anda-half-hour hike to Lai Chi Wo.
SHUENG LUK STREAM, SAI KUNG EAST COUNTRY PARK
Deep in the eastern New Territories, Shueng Luk Stream in Sai Kung East Country Park, is a spectacular, crowd-free oasis featuring some of the cleanest, freshwater rockpools in the city, plus waterfalls and cliff-jumping spots.
This is a fantastic spot for stream hiking, just be a little cautious, as the rocks can be very slippery and the pools are deep. There are a few Cantonese restaurants at nearby Sai Wan Beach, so all you really need to carry is water, snacks and sunscreen.
To get there from DB: take the DB03R bus to Sunny Bay, the MTR to Ma On Shan, and then a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Journey time: two hours. From the
LYCHEE VALLEY
pavilion, you hike roughly 40 minutes to Sai Wan Beach – the rockpools are an easy 10- to 15-minute walk inland from the north end of the beach.
THOUSAND ISLANDS LAKE, TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK
Stretching across a vast mountainous area in the western New Territories, Tai Lam Country Park spans 5,412 hectares, making it the second-largest country park in the region. It’s perfect for nature lovers, offering 12 designated hiking trails, plenty of space for camping and barbecues, and one of Hong Kong’s most unique hidden gems: the spectacular Thousand Islands Lake (Tai Lam Chung Reservoir). What’s interesting, as well as picturesque, is that the ‘atolls’ scattered across the lake are in fact hills that were all but submerged when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir in the 1950s.
To best see the illusion of these ‘thousand islands’, hike to the Reservoir Islands Viewpoint. The final stretch is a steep staircase climb but the panoramic views are some of the most photogenic in the city. There are no shops or restaurants on the trail, so be sure to pack water, snacks and a bag for your litter.
To get there from DB: take the DB01R bus to Tung Chung Bus Terminus. From there, transfer to the E33 bus and get off at Tuen Mun Central. Finally, hop on a 43 minibus to So Kwun Wat Village terminus which is right by the Reservoir Islands Viewpoint trailhead. Journey time: one hour and 45 minutes. Allow yourself around an hour of steady walking to reach the top.
WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE, WONG TAI SIN
For culture vultures, Wong Tai Sin Temple –established in 1921 – is a must-visit, managed by Taoist charitable organisation Sik Sik Yuen. Focused on ancient Chinese customs and Taoist traditions, the temple is famous for kau chim (fortune-telling via shaking bamboo sticks) and the local belief that ‘what you pray for is what you get’.
While wandering the temple grounds is completely free, ‘incense prayer packs’ are typically priced from HK$10 to HK$50. You can also visit the dedicated Taisui Yuenchen Hall for an entry fee of HK$100. Once ‘templed out,’ you can head into Wong Tai Sin, where the streets are packed with dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and traditional noodle houses.
To get there from DB: hop on the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, then take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin. Journey time: one hour and 30 minutes. On arrival, follow the signs for Exit B2, which brings you right to the temple entrance.
THOUSAND ISLANDS LAKE
Off the Map!
ELSEWHERE BOUND
Six books about exploration, discovery and unexpected journeys
INTO THE WILD: JON KRAKAUER (1996)
Christopher rejects materialism and social norms to seek a more authentic life alone in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Jon Krakauer’s bestselling work of nonfiction celebrates wanderlust, courage and the desire for freedom but it’s also a cautionary tale about isolation, idealism and the limits of self-reliance.
SHANTARAM: GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS (2003)
Lin arrives in Bombay seeking a fresh start and quickly finds himself immersed in the city’s underground, where he befriends a colourful cast of outcasts, criminals and kindred spirits. Gregory David Roberts celebrates the rewards of stepping beyond the familiar and discovering the authentic heart of a place through the people who live there.
SOVIETISTAN: ERIKA FATLAND (2014)
Erika Fatland journeys alone through Central Asia, visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a region largely overlooked by modern travellers. Part travelogue and part hard-hitting journalism, Sovietistan details how a complex Soviet legacy continues to shape daily life across these unique nations.
THE BEACH: ALEX GARLAND (1996)
Richard arrives in Thailand searching for somewhere untouched by mass tourism. When he discovers a hidden island ‘paradise’, he soon learns that his dream destination hides a dark reality. Alex Garland captures both the excitement and danger of getting off the tourist track, while exploring the allure of finding something few others know about.
THE PLACES IN BETWEEN: RORY STEWART (2004)
Shortly after the fall of the Taliban, Rory Stewart undertakes an extraordinary solo walk across Afghanistan, travelling hundreds of miles through snowcovered mountains, remote villages and regions rarely visited by outsiders. Thoughtful and deeply engaging, The Places in Between demonstrates how the most memorable journeys often lie far off the beaten track.
THE SONGLINES: BRUCE CHATWIN (1987)
Fascinated by the Aboriginal ‘songlines’ that crisscross the Australian Outback, Bruce Chatwin embarks on a journey through some of the continent’s most remote landscapes. Drawing on myth, geography and lived experience, The Songlines celebrates the spirit of exploration and the idea that every journey reveals a deeper connection to place and culture.
Vacation Time! WEIRD BEACHES
7 of the most beautiful, in no particular order
FAMOUS FOR ITS JET-BLACK
volcanic sand, dramatic basalt cliffs and roaring Atlantic waves, Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s southern coast is straight out of a gothic fairytale. The towering, geometric sea stacks that rise from the ocean look man-made but have in fact been sculpted over millions of years by relentless wave erosion.
LOCATED IN FORT BRAGG,
Northern California, Glass Beach is covered in millions of colourful sea-glass fragments. From 1949 to 1967, the beach served as an official dumpsite, where rubbish was discarded into the ocean. Following cleanup operations, decades of wave erosion has tumbled the remaining (glass) refuse into the smooth, glittering expanse seen today.
A BIZARRE INLAND BEACH, Playa
De Gulpiyuri in Asturias, on Spain’s northern coast, is located in the middle of a meadow. Although it looks like a small lagoon, seawater reaches the beach through underground tunnels connected to the Cantabrian Sea. Known for its golden sand and crystal-clear water, it sits more than 100 metres from the actual coastline.
THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS PINK SAND
beaches are found in Indonesia. The most iconic stretch, known locally as Pantai Merah , sits on Komodo Island and is celebrated for its vibrant, pastel-pink shoreline contrasting against crystal-clear turquoise water. Tiny red coral fragments broken apart by the waves and mixed with the sand, make the beach glow pink.
SARAKINIKO ON THE GREEK
ISLAND OF MILOS is one of the world’s most dramatic coastal geological formations, widely nicknamed Moon Beach. Instead of sand, palm trees and conventional cliffs, Sarakiniko is a brilliant, bonewhite expanse of undulating, chalky stone that plunges directly into the electric-blue Aegean Sea.
KOEKOHE BEACH ON NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND homes the Moeraki Boulders – a collection of massive spherical stones resembling dinosaur eggs. They are, in fact, cement-hard calcite concretions that formed within the mudstone cliffs 60 million years ago. When the land uplifted and the soft mudstone eroded, these durable spheres were exposed and deposited directly onto the beach.
SHELL BEACH AT SHARK BAY,
Western Australia, covers over 110 kilometres and contains no sand at all. It is composed of billions of tiny coquina clam shells packed so tightly together that they resemble snow or crushed coral. Because the bay’s high-saline water supports few predators, the shells have accumulated over time, creating deposits several metres deep in places.
Success Stories! NURTURING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Four Discovery College students reveal how the school’s Academic Scholarship Programme has empowered them to pursue their passions, achieve their goals and prepare for bright futures
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Discovery College
Discovery College (DC) continues to set a gold standard for international education in Hong Kong. While the school is widely celebrated for its state-of-the-art campus and holistic approach to the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, it is the individuals within its walls who truly define its spirit.
Central to this thriving educational ecosystem is the Discovery College Academic Scholarship Programme – an initiative designed to recognise exceptional student talent, foster intellectual curiosity and provide tailor-made mentorship. Let’s hear from four remarkable, homegrown student scholars – Tasha Batchelor, Lucia Gimenez-Reyna Castillo, Alexander NolensLiu and Mahirr Uppaal – who reveal how the programme is shaping their journeys and helping them turn big ambitions into reality.
THE POWER OF PERSONALISED MENTORSHIP
Balancing high-level academics with extracurricular passions can be a daunting feat for any teenager.
For Alexander, a dedicated athlete who represents DC in four sports – football, badminton, volleyball and swimming – the scholarship programme has been an essential anchor.
“Being involved in sports, extracurriculars and academics may sometimes seem impossible, hence, my mentor helps me manage my schedule, establish priorities and ensure a high academic performance,” Alexander says.
This sentiment is echoed across the cohort. Mahirr, who is drawn to the real-world applications of Economics, credits the scholarship’s structural guidance for giving students the confidence to step outside their comfort zones.
“The guiding presence of mentors to help steer us in the right direction and resolve any queries is a huge help," Mahirr notes, adding that this support offers “increased flexibility and reassurance to pursue other streams of interest”.
For Design enthusiast Tasha, the programme ensures that students never have to navigate their challenges alone: she greatly values the structure provided by regular progress meetings with her advisor. “The scholarship programme has supported my journey at DC through offering any support in subjects where I may want it. The regular meeting with my mentor, where we set goals and my progress toward these goals helps me to stay on track.”
COLLABORATION AND RISK-TAKING
When asked what makes DC unique, the scholars don’t just point to the facilities; they point to the culture.
For Lucia, a student passionate about Physics, DC is a rare sanctuary where academic risk-taking is celebrated. “Something that makes DC special to me is its community,” Lucia says. “I would say that the school community and environment is a place in which you don’t have to be afraid to be yourself, explore, or take risks, because there will always be people there to support you along the way.”
The scholarship programme actively channels this supportive environment into collaborative, realworld experiences. Lucia recently partnered with a group of fellow scholars to take part in a STEM competition, an opportunity she notes helped the team “grow and develop passions for engineering and enterprise”.
Mahirr, a golfer with a low single-figure handicap, who was part of the same STEM competition agrees with Lucia, describing DC as a “very strongly tight-knit community that encourages students to engage with one another both inside and outside of school”. Tasha adds that DC’s vibrant atmosphere makes it “a great place to make new friends and have new experiences”.
BIG DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE
As these scholars look toward life after graduation, their diverse aspirations reflect the rich, multidisciplinary foundation fostered by DC.
Alexander plans to take his analytical skills to a top university to pursue higher education in law or a law-related field. Mahirr aims to stay local to Hong Kong's world-class institutions, targeting HKU and HKUST to study Business or Economics.
Lucia is looking to merge her love for logical and creative thinking by studying biomedical engineering, where she will learn about the application of physics and mathematical concepts
to the healthcare industry. Tasha, meanwhile, is keeping her options open: she plans to keep up with the subjects she enjoys, while taking some time out to travel and play rugby.
Whether it is Tasha bringing her 3D models to life on Fusion 360, Alexander competing in local HKSSF and ISSFHK sports tournaments, Mahirr interpreting government policies through economic theory, or Lucia applying her passion for engineering to real-world challenges, these scholars are demonstrating how talent, when paired with the right support and opportunities, can flourish into meaningful achievement.
The Discovery College Academic Scholarship Programme is doing exactly what it set out to do. It isn't just funding education; it is actively fuelling the passions, resilience and future successes of Hong Kong's brightest young minds.
You can find out more at Discovery College’s next Open Day on August 29, or by visiting discovery.esf.edu.hk/en/admissions/ scholarship_programme
TASHA BATCHELOR (LEFT)
ALEXANDER NOLENS-LIU
MAHIRR UPPAAL (SECOND LEFT)
LUCIA GIMENEZ-REYNA CASTILLO (RIGHT)
A D B DISCOVERERS
Play Think Create in Discovery Bay!
Draw your Dream Teacher!
Superhero teachers, robot teachers, teachers with rainbow hair or magical classrooms – the sillier, the better!
• Use paints, crayons, pencils, or anything you like. Any size, any style – just have fun!
• We can't wait to see your colourful creations! YOUR CHALLENGE
Ask a grown-up to email your picture to rachel@arounddb.com by August 20. You might see it in the next issue or on our Instagram and Facebook pages!
In our July issue, we asked you to draw a picture of the ‘world's craziest summer holiday’ and share it with us. Our ed’s pick was this fantastic drawing by
The Day the School Rules Disappeared
On the first day back after the summer holidays, something strange happened at Wing Yan’s school. The teacher walked in, looked at the whiteboard… and blinked.
The words were gone. No rules. No timetable. No instructions. Just a blank board and a tiny note that said: ‘Good luck’.
At first, everyone was quiet. Then Wing Yan raised her hand. “Do we… do anything?” she asked.
“Apparently we decide,” said the teacher.
So they did. Maths became a game show where every correct answer earned points and applause. Storytime happened under the desks with torches. Lunch was moved to ‘whenever-you’re-hungry o’clock’. Every lesson included five minutes of dancing. And there was no Mandarin class. School was strangely fun. But a bit too strange for Wing Yan and her friends. By the end of the day, the teacher picked up a marker and wrote one rule on the whiteboard: ‘We probably need a few rules.’ Everyone agreed.
This month, let’s make FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS!
What to do:
Cut 5 pieces of thread about the length of your arm
Tie a knot at one end
Tape the knot to a table or ask an adult to hold it
Braid or twist the threads together, add beads if you like
Tie another knot at the end
Tie the bracelet around a new friend’s wrist!
Recipe of the Month! SUMMER POPS
WATERMELON LOLLIES
Serves 7
Halve the watermelon and scoop the flesh of one half into a bowl. Pick out the black seeds. Purée the flesh using a hand blender. Fill icelolly moulds three-quarters full with the purée, push the sticks in, and freeze for at least three hours, or overnight.
Peel the kiwis and cut the green flesh away from the white core. Purée the flesh. Add a 4-5mm layer to the top of each watermelon lolly and refreeze for one hour. Add some green food colouring to the rest of the purée to darken it to the same colour as the watermelon rind. Pour a very thin layer over each lolly and freeze until you want to eat them.
Solve the riddle, take a photo, email us!
Answer the riddle, head to the DB destination we’re hinting at, take a hi-res photo and email it to admin@arounddb.com
GIVE US YOUR INSTAGRAM HANDLE: We’ll tag you when we announce the winner online!
WHAT YOU GET: Four complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar
EMAIL US BY: August 15
Anna Wong
SOLVED LAST MONTH’S RIDDLE and emailed us this photo of THE AUBERGE STABLES.
We hope you enjoy your complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar!
DISCOVERY BAY
Co-working Space@DB
Hybrid workspace encouraging interaction between members. The hi-tech, ergonomic interior is boosted by a spacious outdoor lounge area Located at DB North. Call 2426 8828
Island Dance
Freestyle, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acrodance & Ballet are offered by Island Dance at DBRC and Club Siena. ISTD exams & performance opportunities for ages 3 to 18 years. Call 9159 0663
International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services, including investment residency programmes. Meeting facilities in DB North. Call 2416 8618
Guidepost Montessori
Authentic Montessori programme designed to develop agency, confidence, critical thinking & a deep love of learning in children aged 1.5 to 6 years. WhatsApp 9126 6211 (DB North campus)
HK Dragons Football Club
Professional coaching for girls & boys aged 3 to 18 years at DBIS & DB North pitches. More than 24 years’ experience in DB alone! Call or WhatsApp 6585 8327 (Bowie)
Harry Wright
Hong Kong's premier swim school with 50+ years of excellence. Lowratio lessons at Club Siena with intl. accredited coaches. Ages 4 months to 18 years. Members & non-members welcome. Call 2575 6279
Little Learning Tree Playgroup
Montessori-inspired playgroup with English & Mandarin immersion, & sensory exploration. For children aged 6 months to 3 years+. At DB South. Call 9665 8740
Phonics & literacy programmes designed to nurture kids’ reading, writing, spelling & language skills through personalised instruction. Located in DB South. Call 9665 8740
Bayside Dental
With state-of-the-art facilities & a friendly team, Bayside Dental provides family dental care for both routine check-ups & advanced treatments. Call 2987 0855 (DB North), 2285 8068 (DB South)
DB
& Renovations
PLACES OF WORSHIP
DB Alliance Church
DB Anglican Church
DB International Community Church
Trinity Chapel
REALTORS
Centaline Property Agency
Century 21 Newcourt Realty
Headland Homes
Homes R Us
Kingsland
Land Master Property················································
2987 8136
2987 4210
8017
8484
9729
2987 2088
2662 1878
2987
DB
Dough Bros
Ebeneezer’s
Quality Cuts
Feather & Bone
Figos Seaside Café
il Bel Paese
JOO Korean Grill & Bar
Koh Tomyums Thai
Levain Bakery
Liang She Han Buy Good
McDonald’s
MOOJOO Lifestyle Café
ÓNA
Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant
Pachanga
Pasha
Peony
Pho Bay
PizzaExpress
0036
6111
1831
2987 2995
2987 0202
6118
0767
2726 4922
3618 7827
2987 1033
5122 5928
3619 0937
5401 8350
2626 3008
6340 0903
2215 0833
3619 0932
Global Supply Hub! INSIDE HONG KONG'S IMPORTS
DID YOU KNOW?
1/4-page print ad (classifieds)
Digital banner
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
HKD3,000
Full-page print ad (extra HK$500 for main section)
Digital banner
eDM advertorial
2 social media posts (IG + FB)
Editorial coverage
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
Online directory listing (HK-wide businesses)
1/2 page print ad (extra HK$500 for main section)
Digital banner eDM advertorial
1 social media post (IG + FB)
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
