T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E F O R E I G N C O R R E S P O N D E N T S ’ C L U B
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THE HERITAGE ISSUE
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Members, When I wrote my first president’s letter in June 2023, I laid out six priorities that I aimed to achieve as president. Six months later, halfway through the Board year, I’m writing to share updates on the progress we have made towards achieving these goals.
PHOTO: BEN MARANS
1) Resume issuing press freedom statements We have issued six press freedom statements in the past six months, making our voice heard after a period of prolonged silence. In my policy statement, I made a pledge to lead with pragmatism—to engage in the issues and make our substantial voice count while safeguarding the future of the FCC. With several key verdicts expected in the coming months, we will not deviate from this path. More than 50 civil society organisations have disbanded in the last three years. It’s vital that the FCC remains standing as an independent voice, steadfast in its mission to defend press freedom and support journalists. 2) Appoint a new permanent GM As previously communicated, David Brightling has been appointed as the next General Manager of the FCC. He will be joining the team at the end of January. An experienced GM, David has managed multiple prestigious clubs in Asia across his decades-long career and was most recently GM at the Tanglin Club. I’m confident he will elevate our already high standards and improve the member experience. 3) Build on last year’s training stream for early-career journalists After a successful fundraising event, continued the last few months we have hosted subsidised workshops on digital security and covering China aimed at early-career journalists. The training programme continued in January with a workshop on interview skills. 4) Bring back the FCC’s Journalism Conference The conference will return on April 13 after a five-year absence. With a mission to inform and uplift, we are building the programme to help journalists equip themselves with the knowledge and tools they need. Expect talks and panels on China, climate journalism, mental health, artificial intelligence and more. 5) Develop community outreach initiatives The Board voted to reinstate the club’s long-dormant Charity Committee this autumn, with Correspondent governor Morgan Davis taking the lead as convenor. More than a dozen members have joined the rejuvenated committee to help the club make a positive impact in the community.
As mid-term report cards go, I’m satisfied with the progress we’ve made thus far and confident that we can build on what we have achieved in 2024.
6) Make diversity a priority at FCC speaking events The Professional Committee has started to track gender representation at FCC speaking events. In the last three months of 2023, 43 percent of our speakers were women. We will continue to monitor and strive for parity. As mid-term report cards go, I’m satisfied with the progress we’ve made thus far and confident that we can build on what we have achieved in 2024. I’m tremendously grateful to the Board of Governors and all committee members for their support of these priorities and for the countless hours that have been put in behind the scenes over the last six months. It really does take a village. As always, I welcome all feedback on how we can improve.
Lee Williamson President president@fcchk.org
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The Board of Governors 2023-2024
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2521 1511 Fax: (852) 2868 4092 Email: fcc@fcchk.org Website: www.fcchk.org
President Lee Williamson First Vice President Jennifer Jett Second Vice President Tim Huxley Correspondent Member Governors Karly Cox, Morgan Davis, Danai Howard, Karen Koh, Kari Soo Lindberg, Peter Parks, Kristie Lu Stout, Dean Napolitano Journalist Member Governors Zela Chin, Joe Pan Associate Member Governors Genavieve Alexander, Liu Kin-ming, Lynne Mulholland, Christopher Slaughter Club Treasurer Tim Huxley Club Secretary Liu Kin-ming Professional Committee Conveners: Lee Williamson, Jennifer Jett, Karen Koh, Joe Pan Press Freedom Committee Conveners: Lee Williamson, Danai Howard, Jennifer Jett, Karen Koh Constitutional Committee Conveners: Liu Kin-ming, Peter Parks Membership Committee Conveners: Karly Cox, Jennifer Jett Communications Committee Conveners: Genavieve Alexander, Zela Chin, Morgan Davis Finance Committee Treasurer: Tim Huxley Conveners: Karen Koh, Lynne Mulholland House/Food and Beverage Committee Conveners: Genavieve Alexander, Lynne Mulholland Building – Project and Maintenance Committee Conveners: Liu Kin-ming, Christopher Slaughter Wall Committee Conveners: Peter Parks, Kristie Lu Stout Charity Committee Convener: Morgan Davis Cricket Society Chairman: Neil Western Golf Society Chairman: Russell M Julseth Pool Players Society Chairman: Tony Chan General Manager David Brightling
CONTRIBUTORS Aaron Busch Aaron studied journalism at Curtin University, Western Australia before embarking on a career in radio journalism, print, and finally radio announcing. He currently runs one X account for Hong Kong news @tripperhead with 45k followers, and a nightly Substack newsletter. He is also the X social media manager for the Kowloon Cricket Club.
Hugo Novales Hugo is originally from Chicago and joined the FCC after graduating from HKU's Master of Journalism programme. As the Club’s in-house journalist, he covers events for the website and social media, contributes to The Correspondent, and also helps organise and promote workshops for early/midcareer journalists.
Mark Erder It has been three decades since FCC long-time member Mark Erder set up the video and creative agency Asia Pacific Vision in Hong Kong - but he has now decided to hang up his cameras and move on. “I am now off on new ventures and I couldn’t be happier,” he declares. In this issue, Mark writes the introduction to George Mitchell’s Faces of The FCC exhibition.
Andrew Parker Andrew is originally from the U.K. He studied mathematics for many years and obtained his PhD in Number Theory from King's College in 2007. He subsequently worked in finance for four years then segued into the tech industry. For the past seven years he worked at ExpressVPN in software engineering, specialising in digital privacy and security.
Peter Neville-Hadley Peter Neville-Hadley is the author of several cultural guides to China, and is a frequent contributor to the South China Morning Post and other periodicals in Asia, North America and Europe.
Kate Whitehead Previously on staff at the SCMP and then editor of Discovery magazine, Kate now writes for local and international publications. She is a former FCC Correspondent Governor and a qualified and practicing psychotherapist. Kate is the author of two non-fiction crime books and Pandemic Minds, her book on the pandemic in Hong Kong, will be released by HKU Press in March 2024.
Editor Ann Tsang Email: editor@fcchk.org Publisher Artmazing! Noel de Guzman Email: artmazingcompany@gmail.com Cover image Lindsey McAlister, OBE Printing Elite Printing: Tel: 2558 0119 Advertising Enquiries FCC Front Office: Tel: 2521 1511 The Correspondent ©2024 The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong
The Correspondent ©2024 is published four times a year by The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of The Foreign Correspondents’ Club. All content contained within The Correspondent magazine may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without authorisation.
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CONTENTS 1 From the President 2 Contributors 4 Club News
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6 Taking The Helm The FCC is thrilled to welcome David Brightling as its new General Manager. 8 80 Years of Stories Kate Whitehead looks back over the history of the FCC which has just reached its 80th birthday.
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16 If Walls Could Talk The Repulse Bay Hotel first opened to the public in 1920 and subsequently welcomed a plethora of notable authors, journalists and stars of the screen. 22 Hollywood’s Found Archives Predating paparazzi and tabloid magazines, the private lives of Hollywood’s now veteran stars elite remained mysterious. It was only through a quaint store in Manhattan that the general public could access pictures of their favourite stars. 26 On the Wall
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30 Hong Kong’s Broadcasting Pioneer As night fell each weekday on a bustling Hong Kong in 1967, the city's population would gather around their television sets, eagerly awaiting the start of a show that would define an era of broadcasting. The man behind this show was Robert Chua, Hong Kong's broadcasting pioneer. 32 Speakers’ Corner
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34 Food For Thought 38 In Vino Veritas 42 Feeling Bookish? Peter Neville-Hadley reviews Daoist Master Changchun’s ‘Journey to the West—To the Court of Chinggis Qan and Back’. 43 New On The Block
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48 Meet The Fellows 50 What The Tech? Inspired by a digital security workshop held at Bert’s last November, FCC member Andrew Parker offers his top tips for keeping information safe online. 52 Rewind
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54 Click! 56 Don’t Beat About The Busch
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CLUB NEWS
ENTER THE DRAGON It should therefore come as no surprise that the late Bruce Lee, born on November 27, 1940 was one of the most notable Dragons born in the 20th century. The Club’s Poon Choi Menu, currently being served in the Chinese Restaurant, the Main Lounge and Bert’s is the perfect way to continue the celebrations, and has been extended until February 24.
CREDIT: FCCHK
The FCC invites members to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Wood Dragon with the Club’s traditional lion dance on 12 February 2024. The auspicious ritual will commence at noon at the entrance and continue inside to bring luck, blessings and good fortune to both members and staff alike throughout the year. The Dragon symbolises power, honour and success, and is considered to be the mightiest animal in the Chinese zodiac.
WE LIKE IT HOT!
extensive menu, we take our hats off to Head Indian Chef Ray Pardeep Kumar, his Assistant Chef Tek Babadur Thapa, and Commis Chef Jagmeet Singh. The Delhi-born Punjabi Kumar has now been at the FCC for 24 years, starting in 2000 when there wasn’t even an Indian kitchen, and has since played a major role in building the Club’s renowned reputation for its Indian cuisine. The kitchen now serves up to 200 orders of Indian food every day!
CREDIT: LAKSHMI HARILELA
In case you missed it, the FCC was named as one of FT correspondent Ravi Mattu’s Best Indian Restaurants in Hong Kong in FT Globetrotter’s Guide to Hong Kong in March 2023, placed alongside the New Punjab Club, Bombay Dreams, Woodlands and Chungking Mansions. Whilst we’re not sure about it being “a place that approximates an Indian takeaway in the UK”, it is indisputable that our Indian menu is highly favoured by members. With no less than 12 dishes as part of the Club’s
Head Indian Chef Ray Pardeep Kumar
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FOREVER YOUNG
Allen Youngblood gathered with friends to mark his 70th birthday on December 15, 2023. It wasn’t just a milestone; it was a celebration of a career that has become an integral part of Hong Kong’s live music scene. As the FCC’s Music Director, a jazz pianist, composer, music teacher, and event planner, Youngblood has been a mainstay at the Club since 1997. Youngblood’s arrival in Hong Kong in 1992 marked the beginning of an era that would see him become a major influence within the city’s thriving live music scene. At Bert’s, which Youngblood has been part of since its opening in 1999, he didn’t just create a space to play his own music; he has helped to make it a place that legends have visited - from Grammy winners to music icons including The Beach Boys and Blondie. Under Youngblood’s direction, Bert’s has evolved from an “Oldies but Goodies” venue to an immensely popular live entertainment spot known for its diversity. As a performer, Youngblood has graced stages from the Hong Kong International Arts Festival to Sydney’s Darling Harbour Jazz Festival and many more, showcasing his talent alongside jazz greats and upholding his reputation as
The FCC Journalism Conference in 2019
work, according to data compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists. That is the highest level since 2018, when 89 journalists and media workers were killed during that entire year. At the 2019 Journalism Conference, speakers included representatives from the South China Morning Post, Agence France-Presse, Bloomberg, Reuters, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and Rappler, as well as freelance journalists, photographers, videographers, and university lecturers. We look forward to seeing you on April 13.
a stellar musician and composer with several original CDs and numerous collaborations to his name. Whether at Bert’s or on an international stage, this largerthan-life character continues to play to the beat of a life inspired by music. Happy belated birthday wishes Allen!
CREDIT: LAKSHMI HARILELA
The FCC Journalism Conference returns in 2024 after a fiveyear absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the conference and numerous other events in Hong Kong. Board Member and Staff Editor at The New York Times international edition (Hong Kong) Dean Napolitano will lead the 2024 FCC Journalism Conference in April. Here he offers a summary of what’s in store for attendees. The all-day event is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, and it will include panels and workshops on reporting on Hong Kong and China, climate journalism, and journalists’ mental health while working under challenging conditions. Other topics at the conference will include artificial intelligence, online security, and the rise of personality-led journalism. The full list of panels, workshops and speakers will be announced soon. With the world now entangled in two wars, continuing to recover from the pandemic, and facing global economic uncertainty, the demand for accurate news reporting and analysis is loud and clear. Since the last conference in 2019, journalism positions in Hong Kong and elsewhere have suffered from a decline, following layoffs and the closure of some news publications. At the same time, the dynamics of journalism in Hong Kong -- and much of the world -- have shifted, and the mission of the upcoming conference is to help journalists equip themselves with the knowledge they need to do their work in the current environment. The work of journalists has become increasingly dangerous. Through mid-December 2023, at least 81 journalists and media workers around the world were killed, including at least 67 who met with their deaths in connection with their
PHOTO: SUPPPLIED
THE FCC JOURNALISM CONFERENCE RETURNS
Allen Youngblood
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THE CORRESPONDENT | JANUARY 2024
TAKING THE HELM
The FCC is thrilled to welcome David Brightling as its new General Manager. This is the tenth club that he has managed around the world during his distinguished career.
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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he Board of Governors of the FCC has appointed David Brightling as the new General Manager of the Club after an exhaustive five-month search. Out of more than 200 candidates, David has been selected as the best person to lead the FCC into an exciting new chapter. “I look forward to seeing how he will elevate our already high standards and improve the member experience,” says Club President Lee Williamson. Originally hailing from Canada, Brightling has served as General Manager at a number of clubs in Asia, including Hong Kong’s Ladies’ Recreation Club, the American Club Taipei and, most recently, Singapore’s Tanglin Club, a Platinum Club® of the World, where he managed some 265 employees and met the exacting standards of the club’s international membership of more than 10,000. An avid sailor, Brightling has also run a tight ship at prestigious yacht clubs including The Royal Canadian Yacht Club and Singapore’s One15 Marina Club. His extensive experience encompasses food and beverage, rooms, golf and green, yachting, property management, project management, strategic planning, club governance, membership development, budgeting and control and human resources management, as well as public relations, marketing and communications. “I’ll never forget the brilliant master class in crisis
management that David put on during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stayed on top of all of the developments, government announcements and constantly changing public health guidance. He briefed the Board (of which I was a member) about his decisions and when necessary sought recommendations and approvals from the Board,” recalls William Foreman, former President of AmCham, Taiwan. “Due to his excellent leadership, staff morale remained high, operations ran smoothly and the Club remained a safe and healthy refuge for the membership. David did many other things that elevated the club to a higher level.” Looking ahead to his new role, Brightling says, “The FCC has a well-deserved reputation, not only as the most famous press club in the world, but as a warm and welcoming environment for a diverse international membership.” Brightling reveals that he is also planning to conduct a member survey to find out how well the FCC is meeting its members’ needs and what can be done better. “The data we receive will be valuable for future planning and identifying training needs,” he adds. “I look forward to working with the Club’s dedicated staff to improve every part of the member experience and to enhance the FCC as a chosen destination and a true home away from home.” n
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COVER STORY
EIGHTY YEARS OF STORIES If Hong Kong’s clubs were to gather around a dinner table for a family reunion, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club would be the loveable rogue of an uncle that everyone gravitates towards. The Hong Kong Club might be sat at the head of the table, rather full of himself, but the FCC would unquestionably be holding court, regaling everyone with his fabulous stories. By Kate Whitehead
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IMAGE: MIKE EPSTEIN FOR POMSTRA LIMITED
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However, the club’s popularity soared quickly in Hong Kong. The Kotewall Road house was leased to the FCC on the condition that its members kept the noise down. But that rule was soon out of the window as the membership grew. Previously limited to correspondents, non-media people now wanted to join the club as associates. With the three-room Kotewall Road house bursting at the seams, the club urgently needed a new premises. The brother of the new manager, Peppi Pauzen, got a tip-off for an ideal clubhouse at 41A Conduit Road - an impressive house with Italian fireplaces, an expansive lawn and harbour views. It was the sort of luxury that its former resident, Mok Konsang, the last comprador for Butterfield & Swire, would have expected. Revelling in the expansiveness of the new clubhouse, the FCC became the venue for the diplomatic corps’ monthly luncheons and portions of the lawn were rented out for companies to host their annual dinners. Visiting journalists could even rent rooms. Correspondents and photographers soon found themselves rubbing shoulders with bankers, lawyers, diplomats and office naval intelligence agents at the bar. During the Korean War there was a steady stream of correspondents visiting Hong Kong for some R&R, but the bulk of the membership was by now associates. As is the situation today, the non-media membership was essential to ensure the club’s economic stability. Perhaps the crowning glory of the FCC’s heady Conduit Road days was in 1955, when part of the film Love is a Many-
IMAGE: FCCHK
ur club has never been short of stories. The sharing of audacious tales and narrow escapes is the common currency on which it was established. It was founded during the tumultuous years of World War II, a refuge for weary correspondents and photographers. The first base was opened in 1943, in Chongqing, a city controlled by nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek. As a group, these media people had better leverage to negotiate with Chiang’s government for news about the conduct of the war against the Japanese and the Communist forces. And while together, they could enjoy a drink, exchange stories and lick their wounds. The club moved with the war. After the Japanese surrendered, in 1945, a military struggle for the control of China ensued between the Nationalists and Mao Zedong’s Communists. The club and its correspondents followed the news to Mao’s Nanjing, and onwards to Broadway Mansions, in Shanghai. With the Communist assumption of power, in 1949, the club left Mainland China and moved to Hong Kong. For many of us, the club is our second living room. That home-away-from-home ambiance has been part of the club’s DNA from the get-go, in part due to the loyalty of many long-serving staff who lend it a family feel. When the club was first established in Hong Kong, in a small house at 15 Kotewall Road, staff from the Shanghai club came on board, including the barman Chiao Chin-chen (known as Ronnie Chow) and the cook, Chang. The club now boasts more than 2,000 members, but in those early days in Shanghai there were just 11 full members.
Last assembly of correspondents at the first FCC site in Chungking in 1945
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IMAGE: FCCHK
The Club moved to Conduit Road from Kotewell Road in 1951.
Splendored Thing, starring William Holden and Jennifer Jones, was filmed at the grand mansion. Holden became a regular visitor, always stopping by the club when he came through town. The last time he visited the Conduit Road premises was when he starred in the classic romantic drama The World of Suzie Wong (1960) alongside Nancy Kwan. In 1961, the landlord kicked the club out and the property was put up for sale. With hindsight, it would have been a wildly good idea to buy the place – apparently at one point it could have been bought for HK$125,000 – but that was not to be. From a decadent home in a Mid-Levels mansion, the club fell hard. It had a brief stint at Li Po Chun Chambers, midway between Central and Western districts, but that didn’t last. Many members resigned and the club couldn’t cover its bills,
so it folded for a few months. But the FCC is made of hardy stuff. Hobnobbing with diplomats and dignitaries was fun, but the club’s feisty personality was forged in wartime, and it clawed its way out of the hole. In 1963, it found a new home in a function room on the fourth floor of the Hilton hotel in Central. The Vietnam War was raging, and the club returned to its roots, offering a welcome respite for correspondents covering the conflict. Roughly every three months, journalists and photographers covering the war in Vietnam had a break of a couple of weeks in Hong Kong. Sometimes shell shocked, other times giddy on life, the camaraderie of war-weary correspondents gave the club its buzz. And it was certainly buzzing one afternoon in 1968 when a young local secretary lunched with a BBC friend. She was blown away by the vibe of the place.
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“It was like watching a Clark Gable movie of the East; there were such wonderful characters around the bar, real Casablanca types,” recalls Annie van Es. One of those characters, a tall Dutch photographer, invited Annie to join him for a drink. Love soon blossomed, and the club was the backdrop to their romance. “Before dinner elsewhere we would always meet at the club for drinks. And after dinner always led to the FCC for a ‘yat for the doh’ [one for the road],” recalls Annie, who to this day is still a regular. The couple married the following year and Annie moved to Vietnam with her husband, but they continued to return to Hong Kong for R&R. The club also moved in 1969, from the Hilton to Sutherland House, an office block on the Central waterfront. The iteration was spread over several floors, with casual dining on the 14th floor, formal dining on the 15th, and a workroom-cum-games room on the 18th. RTHK also had its Central newsroom in the building and the Godown, a popular bar and restaurant, was in the basement. For RTHK staff working out of the Central office, getting to the club was as simple as stepping in the lift and pressing the button for the 14th floor. Terry Nealon, who would go on to become the head of English-language news at RTHK, but was then a subeditor, recalls spending a riotous evening
with the well-known and much-loved journalist Kevin Sinclair. With a fair few drinks under his belt, he knocked the bust of the Australian correspondent Richard Hughes off its plinth. “I’d got it into my head that there shouldn’t be a statue of a living journalist, so I pulled it off the plinth. I thought I might get expelled, but the club is pretty forgiving,” says Nealon. The bust of Hughes crashed to the floor and bounced a couple of times, but it remained in one piece. Look out for it the next time you enter the club, it stands in pride of place in the lobby. The Chinese restaurant on the first floor is named the Hughes Room in honour of this larger than life correspondent who died in 1984. If you are new to the FCC, strike up a conversation with one of the old-timers and ask them to tell you their favourite story about the club. Everyone has one. One such tale that did the rounds at Sutherland House was about an associate member, a serving policeman, who arrived at the club seriously inebriated and, thinking that he was actually at home, stripped naked, helped himself to a beer, and sat down to watch television. This actually happened, and on one more than one occasion. Eventually, the copper was so mortified that he resigned from the club. A club that attracts scribes, colourful characters and often riotous behaviour was bound to end up in a novel.
Hugh and Annie van Es, New Year’s Eve sometime in the ‘80s Image: Courtesy of Annie van Es
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IMAGE: FCCHK
The loo with a view. The gentlemen’s toilets in Sutherland House in the 1970s
The English-Irish author John le Carré visited in the 1970s and drew inspiration from some of the regulars around the bar. His 1977 Cold War spy novel The Honourable Schoolboy opens with a scene set at Sutherland House. As a typhoon rages outside, a 27-year-old Vietnam reporter is in the men’s toilet swilling blood out of his mouth after a bar brawl, trying to recall a juicy story that his Chinese landlord had let slip. When he remembers, he charges into the packed bar, jumps on a table, smashing glasses and cracking his head on the ceiling. No one bats an eyelid. Sutherland House famously had an excellent view of Victoria Harbour – from the urinals. Le Carré must have been impressed because the 14th floor toilet even gets a mention in The Honourable Schoolboy. A photograph of that view hangs in the men’s WC today. In 1980, with a massive rent increase looming, the club was again looking for a new home. The then-club President and former war correspondent with the Daily Mirror, Donald Wise, briefly toyed with the idea of building a clubhouse, but the club didn’t have the funds. Members wanted the FCC to be centrally located for easy access from their offices. Looking out the window in search of an answer, John Airey, a banker and club regular, suggested the old Officers’ Mess across the road from the Hilton. That building, later known as Murray House, was dismantled in 1982 to make way for the Bank of China Tower and, in 2001,
moved brick by brick to Stanley, but in those days, it was little used and in poor shape. Wise wrote to the then Governor of Hong Kong, Murray MacLehose, outlining the predicament and requesting that the FCC take over the old Officers’ Mess and keep it in good condition in return for a nominal rent. Six weeks later, MacLehose called him and laughed off the idea of giving the club a building worth HK$600 million. But he did have another idea. In what turned out to be one of MacLehose’s last acts as Governor – his 11-year stint ended in 1982 – he proposed that the club lease the old Dairy Farm building on Lower Albert Road. The premises were being used as a godown for Hongkong Land’s old air conditioners, and as a car park for some of the company executives. The club was offered a five-year lease at the going commercial rate and moved into the old ice house building on Lower Albert Road in 1982. The building was in a desperate state of disrepair - there were pigeons roosting in the rafters, rats in the kitchen and shit everywhere. All the regulars played a part in getting the club into shape. Former United Press International newsman Mike Keats, who was based in Hong Kong from 1978 to 1990, led the FCC’s three-person Building Committee and oversaw the renovation. Hugh van Es, by then based in Hong Kong, scoured Hollywood Road’s antique shops looking for old lamps and lighting. The party to celebrate the new digs took
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IMAGE: HUGH VAN ES
“It was like watching a Clark Gable movie of the East; there were such wonderful characters around the bar, real Casablanca types” ~Annie van Es
Hugh Van Es’ iconic photo of Americans leaving Saigon
over all four floors of the club and went on all night. Through the 1980s, the club continued to serve as a comfortable living room for the legion of foreign correspondents, seizing the opportunity to be among their own kind and take a breather from covering the region. The club’s reputation for big drinking sessions continued and it earned a nickname among some members as “the House of Self Destruction”, others called it the “Club of Shame”. As journalism changed, so did the vibe of the club. With no wars in the region, there were fewer safari suits propping up the bar. Instead there were journalists working for magazines such as Business Week and Asia Week. When those regional publications died or diminished, there was an influx of media types working for Bloomberg, Reuters and other big news agencies that focus on the nitty gritty of financial journalism. And then, after decades of being the ideal base for covering news elsewhere in the region, Hong Kong itself became
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the story. In the years leading up to 1997, journalists began moving to the city to be well positioned to cover the territory’s handover from Britain to China, and in the weeks immediately before the event, a huge influx of reporters arrived. The club continues to evolve and change. Our membership drives have encouraged more women to join and are gradually bringing in a younger and more ethnically diverse crowd. Last year the club turned 80 years old. Its heavy drinking past is now mostly the stuff of legend, but it embraces its colourful past forged in more turbulent times. It is those stories that make the FCC so special. Look out for the images of the 41A Conduit Road mansion on the staircase down to Bert’s Bar; men can check out the view from the Sutherland House urinals in the men’s loo; and don’t miss Hugh van Es’ iconic image of Americans leaving Saigon on one of the last helicopters out of the city that hangs in the Bunker. The club is literally wallpapered in stories. n
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EXCUSE US PLEASE
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his year marks the 42nd that the FCC has been in residence at Number 2, Lower Albert Road. Just one year before moving in, the edifice, originally designed by architects Danby & Leigh in 1892, was listed as a Grade II historic building in 1981. 2009 saw Number 2 reach the coveted Grade I status by the Government’s Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO). Other than its obvious historical interest, notes from the AMO recommending that the former Dairy Farm Building be upgraded to Grade 1, stated the following: “Although constructed over a period of time, the building, which now comprises a North Block and a South Block, is built in the same Eclectic architectural style with strong Neo-Classical and some Arts and Crafts influence. The use of polychromatic so-called “bandaged brickwork” gives the building a very striking appearance. Neo-Classical features include moulded cornices, bull’s eye windows, architraved windows, keystones, pilasters and pediments combined together in eclectic profusion…With its unique shape (due to the difficult corner site), it is a piece of architecture of a style now rare in Hong Kong. It is therefore of considerable built heritage value and externally at least remains fairly authentic in appearance.” Like every self-respecting Grand Old Lady, a little maintenance is required every so often in order to
preserve her appearance, as well as her internal vitals. So ladies and gentlemen, before you roll your eyes at the thought of negotiating the scaffolding that will be a temporary fixture of our exterior as of the second quarter of 2024, we ask that you kindly bear with us whilst surgery is in progress. “All buildings require maintenance, but one as old as this requires careful attention to detail,” notes Christopher Slaughter, Project and Maintenance CoConvenor of the Club’s Building Committee, who himself has been in the building for 30 years. “About eight years ago we brought in a heritage consultant to conduct an infrared survey which essentially assesses the existing condition of a building, which then assists us with future planning in terms of the appropriate maintenance that we need to undertake.” Slaughter further explains that the upcoming building work involves the roof tiling and the brick and stucco on the exterior – tasks that involve safety – thus the requirement for Hong Kong’s beloved bamboo scaffolding. Please try not to get your umbrellas in a twist, as we kindly ask that you bear with us whilst we get redressed, and in the meantime consider the words of Mr. Kin Kee-Wo, a veteran of the construction industry, on the subject of scaffolding: “It can be built in the most unthinkable places, in the most beautiful ways.”
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteer for one of the FCC’s committees if you want to get your voice heard To find out more, contact Club President Lee Williamson on president@fcchk.org
www.fcchk.org
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HERITAGE
IF WALLS COULD TALK From its serene Art Deco-inspired exterior, you would never guess that the building that was formerly The Repulse Bay Hotel, had such a colourful and storied history. For more than 80 years, it was a haven that catered to Hong Kong’s elite, as well as being a destination for literary icons, dignitaries, and Hollywood stars. By Ann Tsang
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n January 1, 1920, at a lavish opening ceremony for The Repulse Bay Hotel, then-Hong Kong Governor Sir Edward Stubbs wittily remarked that: “From the point of view of the tourist it was a great advantage to have a place of that kind, but whether, from the point of view of the colony, it was a great advantage to have tourists was a matter on which there was a little difference of opinion.” The hotel was the brainchild of James Harper Taggart, who first arrived in Hong Kong in 1907, at the age of 22, and went on to become Manager of The Hongkong Hotel, which had opened back in 1868. Recognised for his highly successful management of the city’s first luxury hotel, which was commended as the “greatest enterprise of its kind in China and Japan”, Taggart was pinpointed by The Hongkong Hotel Company to commence plans for an entirely new hotel, as rooms in the territory were becoming scarce due to an increased influx of international travellers. Accustomed to long walks and camping holidays along Hong Kong Island’s south side, Taggart became increasingly attracted to the natural beauty of Shallow Water Bay, as Repulse Bay was then known. With a vision that was ahead of its time, Taggart proposed that this would be the perfect location for a resort hotel of a style and setting that would rival anything of its kind in Europe. His idea was to provide an opportunity for sun weary travellers to rest and relax in the calm, clear waters of the Bay and to enjoy the full benefits of a luxurious hotel nearby. And so The Repulse Bay opened, with a spectacular event attended by Hong Kong’s elite, including Governor Stubbs. The Repulse Bay, owned by the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited – also commonly described as part of ‘The Riviera of the Orient’ for its lush seaside surroundings and exquisite world-class hospitality – soon established itself as a haven that catered to Hong Kong’s elite, as well as being a destination for dignitaries, Hollywood stars and literary icons. “Repulse Bay is the seaside resort of the colony, and has
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a hotel with all the surroundings of a beautiful villa. There are gardens of semi-tropical flowers, porches that look out over the sea, and below a fine bathing beach,” wrote Frank George Carpenter in his book China, which was published in 1925. Carpenter was just one of many novelists, playwrights, directors and composers who sought and found inspiration at The Repulse Bay Hotel. William Somerset Maugham was also inspired not only by the hotel’s exotic setting, but also by the culture and upper echelons of society of Hong Kong, which prompted him to write On a Chinese Screen in 1922, and then one of his most iconic works, The Painted Veil, in 1925. The latter was a salacious tale, one that so accurately portrayed well-known Hong Kong residents that they eventually sued the publisher to have their names removed from the manuscript. English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, Noel Coward, whose work was once described by TIME magazine as “a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise”, visited The Repulse Bay Hotel for the first time in 1929. It was there that he wrote the comedic play Private Lives, as well as one of his best-known songs, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, which included the line “in Hong Kong they strike a gong and fire off the Noon Day Gun.” On a visit in 1968, Coward was invited to pull the trigger of the Noon Day Gun, but – arriving characteristically late – caused the gun to miss its otherwise flawlessly prompt firing. As the situation in the Sino-Japanese war grew more perilous from the late 1930s to 1941, The Repulse Bay Hotel became a home away from home for many notable literary figures – including William Empson, Christopher Isherwood, Agnes Smedley, Theodore H. White and Henry Luce – who came to report on and write about the war. The most notable, however, were Ernest Hemingway and his wife and celebrated war correspondent, Martha Gellhorn. Gellhorn was eager to report on the war and see first-hand the conditions throughout Asia, and eventually convinced
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IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE REPULSE BAY, JAIME CARSTAIRS AND HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHINA, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
The original Repulse Bay Hotel
Ernest Hemingway interview notes and his portable typewriter
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with her husband’s many long, late nights at Gripps. In fact, it was after a particularly raucous night, which ended with Hemingway setting off firecrackers in the hotel room, that Gellhorn insisted they move to The Repulse Bay Hotel, where they could enjoy fresh air, long walks, and the company of its well-heeled guests who were well-informed on matters of the war. It was at The Repulse Bay Hotel that Hemingway and Gellhorn met and spent time with journalist and author Emily Hahn and Major Charles Boxer, who was head of British intelligence in Hong Kong. They also enjoyed the company of writer and social reformer Rewi Alley, and the esteemed Soong sisters, Madame Sun Yat-sen (Soong Chinling) and Mrs. H. H. Kung (Soong Ai-ling). It was through these reputable contacts, who provided Hemingway and Gellhorn with letters of introduction, that the couple was able to meet with high-ranking officials upon their arrival in China in March 1941, where they reported on the war from what was then known as the ‘Canton Front’. During the Japanese occupation, The Repulse Bay Hotel served as a headquarters for 46 British troops posted to keep the road open between Stanley and Aberdeen, as well as a refuge for over 150 civilians. Repulse Bay was successfully defended for three days before the Imperial Japanese Army,
IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE REPULSE BAY
Hemingway that a trip to the Far East would be a great adventure. Hemingway went on to describe this 100-day Asia adventure as their “honeymoon”. The couple arrived in Hong Kong on February 22nd, 1941, when they first stayed at The Hongkong Hotel on Pedder Street for its central location. There, Hemingway ensconced himself at the hotel bar – ‘Gripps’ – where the drinks flowed as freely and as often as the rogues and raconteurs who came to meet and talk with him about the war - including the likes of Morris ‘Two-Gun’ Cohen, an adventurer, arms trader and former bodyguard to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. “Morale was high and morals were low,” Hemingway wrote of Hong Kong in a letter to his editor, Ralph Ingersoll of the American tabloid, PM. Gellhorn, while falling in love with the people she met and their spellbinding stories, was actually appalled at the less than adequate sanitation and housing in the heart of the city. “To newcomers, Hong Kong seems like a combination of Times Square on New Year’s Eve, the subway at five-thirty in the afternoon, a three-alarm fire, a public auction and a country fair,” she wrote in her piece titled ‘Time Bomb’ for Collier’s, before drawing attention to the Colony’s extreme polarisation of wealth. It is also safe to say Gellhorn was less than impressed
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IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE REPULSE BAY
Ernest Hemingway
Noel Coward
under the command of General Takashi Sakai, seized the hotel on December 23, 1941. During the occupation, the hotel served as a convalescent hospital for the Japanese. After the war, it continued to be used as a place of recuperation for allied troops in the Colony. The Industrial and Commercial Daily reported in 1946, in an article titled ‘Soldiers Paradise – Convalescence at the Repulse Bay Hotel’ that “the pre-War entertainment centre – the hotel - has been used as a military convalescence home since November last year. Any military personnel entitled to wounded leave can stay here and enjoy the seawater, swimming and all outdoor sports. It is also used as a recovery centre for those injured or suffering from mental stress from Burma and other Far East fronts. There are 18 staff on duty and among them are four nurses. The hotel provides football, badminton, theatre and dancing for those who wish to enjoy them.” Reporting and writing on war and romance, often both, continued long after the Sino-Japanese war. The subjects were vividly captured by Eileen Chang, considered one of the
most influential modern Chinese writers, in her 1943 novel Love in a Fallen City, which was set at The Repulse Bay Hotel. Scenes for the novel’s film adaptation, which starred Chow Yun-fat and Cora Miao, were also filmed on site. The hotel also appeared on the silver screen a number of times. In 1954, William Holden and Jennifer Jones stayed at the hotel while filming the wildly successful film Love is a Many Splendored Thing. Based on the autobiographical novel by Han Suyin, it tells the tale of an American reporter covering the Chinese civil war. Married but separated, he meets and falls in love with a Eurasian doctor (Han) – only to face prejudice from both her family and Hong Kong society. The Oscar-winning 1978 film Coming Home, starring Jane Fonda and Jon Voight, was also partly filmed in the hotel’s Reading Room. As the fog of war began to lift, the talented, rich and famous began to find their way back to The Repulse Bay. During the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, it was a favourite destination for high-rolling jet setters for its superb
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FEATURE
Clark Gable and Tina Leung Kwok-hing (Ti Na)
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IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE REPULSE BAY
André Malraux
service, fine European cuisine, and serene setting, yet easy proximity to the city. Clarke Gable, Tyrone Power, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren and Marlon Brando all came to enjoy ‘The Riviera of the Orient’. Crown Price Don Carlos and Princess Sophie of Spain spent their honeymoon there. Other royal patrons included Prince Axel, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark, as well as Princess Birgitta of Sweden and Hohenzollern. In 1957, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang visited with his new 20 year-old bride, Hathifah. Hong Kong screen siren Tina Leung Kwok-hing, more widely known as Ti Na, was a regular at The Repulse Bay’s famous afternoon tea, moving freely between the entertainment and political circles that were part of the hotel. Often referred to as ‘Hong Kong’s Marilyn Monroe’ for her voluptuous figure, free spirit and risqué on-screen performances, Ti Na later revealed that she had been recruited as a spy by the Chinese government. The Repulse Bay Hotel became known internationally as the place in Hong Kong to see and be seen – a haven where stars and stories were abundant. Naval intelligence officer, journalist and author Ian Fleming was particularly enamoured by the hotel’s
glamorous mix of visitors, describing it in his 1963 nonfiction book Thrilling Cities: “If you are holidaying, the Hong Kong Hotel-Repulse Bay, across the island and fronting a reasonable beach...is set in lovely gardens, and the local beauties, wives and concubines offer a dazzling display at the Sunday afternoon tea dances.” At 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 23, 1982, guests crowded into the ballroom of The Repulse Bay to say a fond farewell to one of Asia’s great hotels after a triumphant 62 years in existence. When the original hotel was demolished, public outcry was so great that it was rebuilt partially in replica. Echoes of the establishment’s storied past still exist in The History Gallery, which features various exhibits throughout the building. In the Reading Room, sepiatoned photographs, a vintage typewriter, books and memos showcase Hemingway and Gellhorn’s stay, while The Arcade displays vintage photos of musicians such as Buck Clayton, who performed at the venerable institution. The legacy of The Repulse Bay Hotel lives on through a charming dose of nostalgia, and like other iconic hotels that catered to the crème de la crème of society, it is as legendary as those who have walked through its doors. n
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HOLLYWOOD’S FOUND ARCHIVES
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n 1938, a German living in New York City by the name of Irving Klaw opened a bookstore in lower Manhattan selling rare books, first editions and magazines. It was when Klaw realised that his teenage customers were tearing pictures of their favourite celebrities out of movie magazines, that he transformed the negative – literally and figuratively – into a highly profitable business. At the time, the major Hollywood studios were producing up to 100 movies a year and, due to such quick turnover and a lack of space, their marketing departments – based in New York back then – had no choice but to destroy any leftover materials, including countless movie stills and studio negatives. Knowing first-hand that there was an insatiable demand and curiosity for Hollywood behind-the-scenes pictures, the entrepreneurial Klaw went directly to the studios’ publicity departments and offered to take the images off their hands once a movie had wrapped. Customers went wild ordering movie stills and photo lobby cards by item number from catalogues of sample photos, and Klaw’s business rapidly evolved from a modest bookstore on 14th Street into Movie Star News, with an outdoor sign that touted “Pin-up photos of your favourite movie stars, latest movie scenes, bathing beauties, popular cowboy stars and vocalists, bandleaders”. Over five decades, Klaw amassed a huge archive of images from the studios and inadvertently did them a favour by not having them pay to destroy them. In effect, he preserved Hollywood history. With over a million original studio negatives, Movie
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Star News became the largest archive of original studio photographs and negatives not just in the United States, but the world. The business rocketed throughout Hollywood’s golden years, and in the 1940s and ‘50s, magazines and newspapers knew to go directly to Klaw if they needed an image of a celebrity. Movie Star News’ archive of photos includes vintage images by the great lensmen of Hollywood’s golden era, including Ernest Bachrach, Elmer Fryer, and an extensive collection of images by the elusive Frank Worth - from Frank Sinatra posing with his T Bird, to James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor lounging on the set of ‘Giant’ to his collection of intimate candid portraits of his then-lover, Marilyn Monroe. While photographing on the set of ‘The Seven Year Itch’, Worth shot the only photo in existence of director Billy Wilder posing in the iconic scene of Monroe with her skirt blowing up over the opening to a subway. The publishing of a special issue of the Hollywood Reporter dedicated to Billy Wilder was the one and only time that Worth ever released the photo. Naturally, Klaw developed his own interest in photography and continued to work until his death in 1966. Klaw’s sister Paula ran the business through the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s with her son Ira Kramer. They closed the store on 14th Street when they bought a building on 18th Street where they lived in a duplex upstairs and Movie Star News operated downstairs. Despite being a New York institution, business went flat in the ‘90s as copyright laws changed, with more rights being given to the actors, and the studios started digitising and amassing their collections.
IMAGE: COURTESY OF G.E.M.
Predating paparazzi and tabloid magazines, the private lives of Hollywood’s now veteran stars elite remained mostly a mystery to the masses. It was only through Movie Star News, a quaint photography store in Manhattan, that once upon a time, was the only way that the general public was able to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars off screen. By Ann Tsang
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Paula and Irving Klaw
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Sophia Loren
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IMAGE: COURTESY OF G.E.M.
Most of these negatives had not seen the light of day in over half a century and were found perfectly preserved, including iconic large format negatives, many by famous photographers like George Hurrell of cinemas biggest stars - Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and a virtual who’s who from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
With business slowing down, and as West 18th Street became Chelsea, bumping the building they had bought for US$23,000 to a whopping $10 million, all signs suggested it was time for Movie Star News to hang up its cleats. Being a family business for over two generations, it was the only thing Ira Kramer ever knew, and he wanted to make sure it all went to a good home after he eventually closed the store in 2012. In 2015, Movie Star News was purchased by Capital Art Inc., and renamed Globe Photos, but the company went into bankruptcy during the first months of Covid-19. A group led by Los Angeles-based Klaus Moeller and Trey Watson then purchased all of the assets in the subsequent bankruptcy auction late in 2020, which were then transferred into a new company called Globe Entertainment & Media Corp (G.E.M.). Moeller was appointed CEO of G.E.M., with a remit to verse the transfer of the assets into one central facility and to start archiving and digitising the main images. “One of the assets we discovered were 10,000 original, vintage large format studio negatives of major movies, mainly by Paramount and RKO Studios,” says Moeller. G.E.M. subsequently donated these incredibly rare negatives to the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. G.E.M. took delivery of hundreds of vintage filing cabinets that hadn’t been opened for the best part of half a century. In early 2021, master archivist Christopher Belport started a 15-month project which involved carefully going through every large format camera negative, archiving them
and creating an inventory by both movie and movie star. Amazingly, of the over 20,000 negatives, nearly half were the original studio camera negatives, still showing the graphite pencil marking on the back. “As we re-assembled the negatives in the original studio production code sequence, it became clear that Movie Star News was THE intact studio archive itself, original and well-preserved,” notes Moeller. “The fact that near complete sequences of production negatives remained intact is evidence that Movie Star News was compiled with relentless perseverance and is in fact the core of what were originally the master files from RKO Pictures, Paramount, and several other studio sources, representing the largest independent archive of film culture.” Most of these negatives had not seen the light of day in over half a century and were found perfectly preserved, including iconic large format negatives, many by famous photographers like George Hurrell, of cinemas biggest stars Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and a virtual who’s who from the Golden Age of Hollywood. “We’ve got some negatives that we know are very special. People collect original Picassos or Renoirs, and with these negatives it’s a similar thing. There’s one, it’s signed by the studio, and we offer a series of these so collectors can buy the original negative and one print - the only one ever made; a sort of ‘master series’ as it were,” says Moeller. “These are small pieces of history; the United States is young, and in the last 100 years or so, what we’ve tangibly given to the world is Hollywood.” n
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ON THE WALL: JANUARY 2024
FACES OF THE CLUB: GEORGE MITCHELL
CREDIT: GEORGE MITCHELL
George Mitchell’s ‘Faces of the Club’ is a collection of black-and-white portraits of FCC members, taken in response to the Club losing quite a few members during the pandemic - some moving on, and others sadly passing away.
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eorge’s taste for travel started in the early ‘70s when he left his home in Denver, Colorado to travel overland across Europe to Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and finally Nepal, returning back to the U.S. eight months later. Back home in Denver, ever restless, he decided to visit some friends in Japan. He liked it so much he decided to pack up his belongings and move there, spending the next two years studying and travelling throughout the country. He began shooting photos for small Japanese publications and gradually work picked up. He then began travelling to South Korea, eventually moving there in 1979. Korea was in the midst of major change - from the military rule following the Korean War to a push for democracy and
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a great expansion of the Korean economy. The highlight of all this was South Korea hosting the 1988 Seoul Olympics at which George worked as a photographer. Looking for his next big adventure, George moved to Hong Kong and this opened the door to many projects across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He ultimately settled here, where he has remained mostly until today. The project Faces of the Club was a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and the new rules that followed. George realised that the Club was losing quite a few members, some of them moving on and others passing away, so he wanted to capture a few images using a small digital camera and a little flash gun which he held off camera, giving a unique aspect to the photographs.
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CREDIT: GEORGE MITCHELL
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ON THE WALL: FEBRUARY 2024
TWO WEEKS IN MYANMAR: BA CHO February 2024 marks the third anniversary of the most recent military coup in Myanmar. The Club showcases a collection of images that records the two weeks after the coup in Yangon, prior to the Tatmadaw’s response.
Vigil on a blockaded road prior to the 10:00pm curfew
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CREDIT: BA CHO
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yanmar’s history has been marked by prolonged periods of military rule, beginning with the 1962 coup by General Ne Win and the establishment of his 27-year dictatorship. But after years of international isolation and sanctions, a reform process launched in 2011 culminated in the establishment of a democratic government under the National League for Democracy and its leader, Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. While the civilian government had to uneasily coexist with the powerful military, the Tatmadaw, hopes were high that Myanmar was finally transitioning towards a more democratic and transparent society. However, that optimism was shattered on February 1, 2021, when the military staged a coup, arresting senior politicians and journalists, and plunging the country into turmoil. The coup triggered an immediate outpouring of popular opposition. Hundreds of thousands of civil servants joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in defiance of the military takeover. Workers staged widespread strikes, and the streets reverberated with the noisy clanging of pots and pans, a traditional practice meant to repel evil, now used as a massive show of popular resistance to military rule. Having tasted democracy, the entire nation seemed united against the return of an oppressive regime, and people would no longer be cowed. This collection of photographs records the two weeks immediately after the coup in Yangon, and the popular resistance before the Tatmadaw’s brutal crackdown.
Citizens take to the streets in unity against the oppressive regime
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ON THE WALL: MARCH 2024
RETROSPECTIVE: ROBIN MOYER
CREDIT: ROBIN MOYER
Robin Moyer has been a professional photographer for nearly 50 years and was a contract photographer for TIME magazine for 16 years in Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. An exhibition of his work, simply entitled ‘Retrospective’, will grace The Wall in March.
Sultan Kudarat, Soccsargen is wedged between Maguindanao and South Cotabato on the western side of the Soccsksargen region in Southern Mindanao (1992). For TIME magazine
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fter receiving a BA from the University of North Carolina in Communications (Motion Pictures), Robin began his career working as a cameraman for UPITN/ ITV in Vietnam covering the Cambodian Invasion in 1970. Between 1982 and 1998, Robin carried out a wide range of assignments for TIME, including special coverage in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation; leading teams of photographers during the Philippine Revolt in 1986; the Seoul Olympics in 1988; and covering the visit of Gorbachev to Beijing in 1989. Over the years he has taken notable portraits of the political and business leaders of Southeast Asia, producing nearly 20 covers for TIME, among them: Lee Kwan Yew, Mahathir Mohamed, Aung San Suu Kyi, Fidel Ramos, Li Kashing, Kim Dae Jung, Kim Young Sam and Deng Xiao Ping. When asked once in an interview who his favourite subject was among these, Robin pinpointed Fidel Ramos. “We spent so much time together, both in the field and on the golf course. After he retired, we would hang out in his office drinking Café Royals. He had a great sense of humour.” While working for TIME, Robin received multiple awards for his work in Asia and the Middle East, among them the World Press Photo Premier Award and the Robert Capa Gold Medal Citation from the Overseas Press Club. Robin has also worked on assignments for many other publications, including Life, Fortune, Newsweek, The Far Eastern Economic Review, Paris Match, the Sunday Times Magazine, New York magazine and countless others.
In Jalabad near Amritsar, Punjab, India and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan (1981) From: “A Terrible Thirst” for Science 81 Magazine
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HONG KONG’S BROADCASTING PIONEER
IMAGE: TVB
As night fell each weekday on a bustling Hong Kong in 1967, the city’s population would gather around their television sets, eagerly awaiting the start of a show that would define an era of broadcasting. This show was ‘Enjoy Yourself Tonight’, which became popularly known simply as ‘EYT’, and the man behind this revolutionary concept was none other than Robert Chua, Hong Kong’s broadcasting pioneer.
At the control panel during a live broadcast
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t the tender age of 21, Robert Chua, fresh from a brief stint at Australia’s Channel 7, was appointed as an executive producer at Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong’s first terrestrial TV station. “They gave me this incredible opportunity because I had learned a great deal working in Australia,” says Chua. “I did everything – I swept the floor, I was a floor manager, and a cameraman, all in the space of seven months.” This was just the beginning of what would become a storied career in shaping Hong Kong’s television industry. Chua’s EYT was a trailblazer, airing live every weekday at 9:30 pm and rapidly racking up unprecedented viewer ratings, which in turn brought massive advertising dollars to TVB. It wasn’t just a show; it was a nightly ritual that brought families together after a hard day’s work, creating a shared experience filled with comedic skits that resonated with every member of the household. The characters portrayed
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were relatable — fathers, mothers, sisters, and uncles — each reflecting a facet of the Hong Kong family dynamic. The stars who played them became household names. At a time marked by civil unrest, the 1967 riots in Hong Kong cast a shadow over the city. EYT emerged as a beacon of happiness, a family show designed to bring humour into people’s lives and unite families after dinner. It was a show in which laughter was the main ingredient, and the recipe was Western-inspired slapstick comedy — think ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’, but with a local twist that struck a chord with Hong Kongers. The show’s theme song, composed by the talented Joseph Koo (who died last year at the age of 92), became an iconic melody that, to this day, rings familiar to many in Hong Kong. It signalled the end of a day of toil and the beginning of a time to relax and laugh. The show’s skits, often based on current news, made the characters even more endearing as
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today that we made a lot of people happy in the early days. I often chat to taxi drivers and they are almost in tears when they recall their youth,” notes Chua. “They simply loved those times that brought them immense joy and laughter.” Sadly, the physical tapes of his early work were mistakenly erased, a loss of history that Chua laments, but his brave and overwhelmingly successful move into the food and beverage industry continues to reflect his enduring passion for creating joy. Drawing parallels between crafting a dish and producing a television programme, Chua sees both as mediums to deliver immediate happiness. Now in his later years, Chua has taken on the role of a cultural preserver. Born in Singapore and a resident of Hong Kong for 55 years, he holds his Chinese heritage in high esteem. He has brought not just entertainment, but also a celebration of Chinese culture to the screens, fostering a connection with the past that remains valuable in a rapidly changing world. Robert Chua’s story isn’t just about a man who brought television to life in Hong Kong; it’s about a visionary who understood that at the heart of broadcasting was the power to unite, to entertain, and to create a shared cultural memory that would last for generations. As Hong Kong continues to evolve, the echoes of Chua’s influence will continue to be felt, a reminder of a time when television was more than just a pastime—it was a communal experience. n
IMAGE: TVB
they mirrored the lives of the viewers. Chua’s innovative spirit didn’t stop at EYT. As a Production Manager and eventually Special Assistant to the Managing Director at TVB, he continued to push the envelope. In 1977, he produced a grand multiscreen stadium event to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in Hong Kong, earning accolades from the highest levels of government. He was also the first media professional allowed to visit China in 1979, leading to the groundbreaking achievement of being the first company to sell foreign TV advertising directly into the Chinese Mainland market. In the ‘80s, Chua introduced Guess Who’s Coming to Yum Cha, Hong Kong’s first English-language sitcom, further diversifying the city’s television offerings. March 11, 1995 marked another milestone when Chua launched China Entertainment Television Broadcast Ltd (CETV). Chua’s legacy isn’t just a collection of shows and accolades; he made a lasting impact on the lives of people. The taxi drivers who still refuse his fare out of gratitude for the happiness he brought them; the stars he discovered and nurtured, including singer Teresa Teng who became a massive star; and the cultural moments he orchestrated, like Bruce Lee’s surprise appearance jumping out of a birthday cake at a TVB anniversary, are testament to a man whose work transcended the screen. “People still remember
Chua with Bruce Lee
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SPEAKERS’ CORNER: TONY PARSONS
A LIFE LESS ORDINARY
IMAGE: FCCHK
After a combined four years of planning and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, best-selling author Tony Parsons was finally able to sit down and talk about his life with Tim Huxley at a Club Dinner last November. By Hugo Novales
Tony Parsons and Tim Huxley
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y dad wanted me to be like him - a tough guy - so he bought me a boxing training thing which when you punched it, it would hit you back in the face,” recalled Tony Parsons when asked by Tim Huxley about his childhood.“So I quickly decided that I preferred sitting on my mum’s lap listening to her read me Rupert the Bear stories – I just loved the magic of storytelling.” From his humble beginnings as the only child of workingclass parents to covering the rise of punk rock and writing George Michael’s official biography — and so much more — Parsons’ career trajectory was virtually unheard of in his heyday. Disillusioned whilst working in a gin factory in a rough area of London, and not good enough to become a soccer player, he began to think about storytelling. “I wrote to about a hundred people asking for advice, and only one person wrote back to me - Keith Waterhouse (novelist and playwright renowned for Billy Liar and Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, and later for his columns in the British tabloids The Mirror and the Daily Mail. “He just wrote:‘Dear Tony, get an agent. Love Keith,” recalled Parsons. Without an agent, Parsons took up fiction writing and finally published his first novel The Kids in 1976 at the age of 21, which he used to land his first real journalism gig at New Musical Express (NME), then Britain’s best-selling and highly influential music newspaper which was selling an unprecedented 300,000 copies per issue. Punk rock was on the rise, and it was Parsons’job to cover up-and-coming bands like The Sex Pistols. Occasionally he’d also write stories about The Rolling Stones, who were then still in their early 30s, veterans when compared to the likes of The Pistols, The Clash and The Jam, young bands that Parsons accompanied to insignificant gigs, often helping to carry their equipment. Ironically, Parsons left NME at age 25 and began
freelancing, which gave him the opportunity to travel. It was during these days that Parsons made his first trip to Hong Kong, and he has been coming back ever since. The lights, action, beauty — and most importantly — his friends here, resulted in the writer booking his 40th stay at The Mandarin Oriental on his recent visit. In spite of the fact that on one trip he blew his entire year’s salary in a Wanchai bar, he still considers Hong Kong as a city that offers a welcome that for him is unmatched in other places. Whether it’s a novel or his weekly column in The Sun, or if he’s on the road or at home, Parsons is continuously writing. While it may seem that being a journalist and an author with two opposing writing styles may be difficult, he finds that they actually complement each other.“I always felt that I couldn’t rely on just one,” he noted, further adding that he wished he could see other talented journalists take a stab at writing their own novels. When asked about advice for the new generation of journalists, the veteran offered a surprising answer. “I would actually avoid journalism,” he said. “Being a journalist these days is like saying ‘I want to work for the British Empire, you’re a hundred years too late!’” However, on a more positive note, Parsons added that “journalism teaches you brevity, clarity and discipline.” But his advice comes with the warning that times have changed and there’s no way that the rock ‘n’ roll debauchery that dominated the early days of his reporting career could ever be cloned. “You have to find a way to make it [journalism] work for yourself and in your own time. Good writing will always be valued. If you want to do it, great, but you’re not going to be taking drugs with Debbie Harry, ok?” n An alternative version of this article can be read on the FCC website under General News. The full discussion can be watched on the FCC’s YouTube channel.
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SPEAKERS’ CORNER: WILLIAM LINDESAY
CRACKING A WALL-NUT
After a successful year of hosting speaker events on a variety of topics — including AI, Hong Kong’s National Security Law, and even Formula One — the FCC squeezed in one final Club Lunch in late November 2023, featuring Great Wall expert William Lindesay. By Hugo Novales
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a career in journalism to living and working on the Great Wall full-time. After buying a farmhouse near the Jiankou section of the Wall and finally being able to host visitors, Lindesay quit working as a journalist in order to fully share his knowledge about this Wonder of the World. “I was 42 and fed up [of] going into an office and being told what to do, so I decided it was high time that I spent every day doing what I am most passionate about.” He made his official career switch in 2000, which involved leading tours and hiring rangers to clean up trash, while also developing a countryside code to teach visitors to “take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints” during their Great Wall visits. Lindesay’s conservation efforts eventually resulted in recognition from the World Monuments Fund (WMF), a New York-based NGO that brings awareness to cultural heritage sites across the globe. Later, the WMF listed the Great Wall landscape on their list of 100 endangered sites, which helped put the conservation of the Great Wall higher on China’s national agenda. “I believe the future of the Great Wall depends on people experiencing it and knowing its story. It’s only then that you appreciate how labour intensive the building of it was and how the core of the Wall story is a tale of survival.” n An alternative version of this article can be read on the FCC’s website under General News. The full discussion can be watched on the FCC’s YouTube channel.
IMAGE: FCCHK
recipient of China’s Friendship Award and an OBE, William Lindesay has dedicated his life to the education and preservation of the Great Wall. Sitting alongside FCC Governor Joe Pan, he discussed his life’s work by first explaining how he initially became interested in the Wall. As a schoolboy, Lindesay’s headmaster said that all students should have a Bible, a prayer book, and an atlas next to their bedside. The youngster became passionate about his copy of the Oxford Atlas, and when he first saw the Great Wall, he somehow knew that was it was his destiny to discover it for himself. Lindesay ended up studying Geography at the University of Liverpool and subsequently made his first trip to China in 1986, aged 28. His plan was to become the first foreigner to journey across the Great Wall on foot, which resulted in him being stopped nine times by the police for trespassing, and eventually being deported. Undeterred, he obtained a new passport, re-entered the Chinese Mainland and continued his mission. Lindesay travelled over 2,500 kilometres across the Great Wall, a challenge that would be daunting for most, but not for this experienced marathon runner. It was during his journey that he first met his wife Wu Qi, to whom he has now been married for 35 years. Their two sons, Jimmy and Tommy, have unsurprisingly inherited their father’s fascination. “We’re a family of wall-nuts,” the adventurer said with a chuckle. The original ‘wall-nut’ also discussed transitioning from
William Lindesay and Joe Pan
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FOOD FOR PROSPERITY
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fish and vegetable dish. According to tradition, the host of the table adds the condiments in order and then everyone at the table takes their chopsticks and tosses the salad, together shouting “Lo Hei!”, which literally means “to mix it up”, but also sounds like “prosper more!”. Legend has it that the higher you toss, the more prosperous you will be. The Club’s Executive Chef Johnny Ma also recommends the Winter Casserole Menu, which has been extended until February 24. Perfect for the season, just some of the favourites include lamb stewed with bamboo shoots, mushrooms and bean curd sticks; sautéed oysters with scallion and ginger; claypot rice with chicken, preserved Chinese pork sausage and mushroom; and everyone’s winter vegetable of choice – pea shoots (stir-fried or in soup).
IMAGE: FCCHK
s the Year of the Dragon approaches, members can enjoy traditional Lunar New Year speciality, Poon Choi, at the Club. Symbolising hope for abundance in the year ahead, Poon Choi is a bountiful combination of ingredients including abalone, fish maw, dried scallops, dried oysters, sliced meats and vegetables, often served in a clay pot which usually takes centre stage during Chinese New Year reunion dinners when families gather around the dining table. Another popular Lunar New Year dish is Lo Hei, a dish revered for the fact that it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who partake of it. The origins of Lo Hei date back more than 750 years to the days of the Song Dynasty, when fishermen along the coast of China would celebrate the seventh day of the Chinese New Year, also known as ‘everyone’s birthday’, with this fresh
Above: Lo Hei. Opposite: Poon Choi
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THE CORRESPONDENT | JANUARY 2024
17/1/2024 3:44 PM
IN VINO VERITAS
THE BEST OF CHILE
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ith a diverse landscape blessed with different types of soils and distinct climates, Chile produces a surprisingly varied selection of high-quality wines, as its terroirs are influenced both by the coast and the mighty Andes. The country’s sun exposure and soil gives rise to grapes that are sweet and flavourful, often with the subtle aromas of nearby crops, including berries, jalapeños, rosemary and laurel. Below is the winning list of wines from our competition to taste and grade more than 20 Chilean wines, held in December, which are now on our Wine List. Salut!
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Aquitania Chardonnay Maipo Valley 2022 A fresh and elegant Chardonnay with a soft and bright yellow colour, which has a high aromatic intensity, intertwining minerality with notes of citrus fruits. On the palate, its freshness and good acidity stand out, followed by a long and silky finish. Glass $58 / Bottle $290
De Martino Ungrafted Old Vines Cinsault Itata 2022 Showing a bright ruby red colour of moderate intensity, this Cinsault has a perfumed character and boasts fresh aromas of red and dark cherries with a violet note and a hint of spice. The palate is fresh and intense with ripe red berries, crisp acidity, fine grained tannins and it has a tantalising finish. Glass $60 / Bottle $300
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Chardonnay Reserva Central Valley 2020 This Chardonnay has a subtle and delicate yellow colour with greenish hints. It stands out in ripe and tropical fruits, with mango, apricot, and fresh citrus notes. On the palate it presents a great balance between mouthfeel and acidity, presenting a long, fresh and delicate finish. Glass $58 / Bottle $290
Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Maipo Valley 2019 An intense red colour with violaceous highlights. The nose offers notes of mint and chocolate with spicy aromas of laurel. The palate is both concentrated and smooth, with silky and persistent tannins. Glass $58 / Bottle $290
Ungrafted Gravel Soils Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Maipo Valley 2022 Complex aromatics of lime, peach, green apples and beeswax lead to a dry palate with a crisp acidity. Medium bodied with a round and soft texture, intense fruit core and a lingering finish. Glass $60 / Bottle $300
La Joya Single Vineyard Merlot Colchagua Valley 2020 Bright, clean ruby red colour with violet shades. A fruitscented nose of ripe black fruit and black berries, notes of tea leaves, tobacco, leather and smoke from barrel aging. Ample mouthfeel, balanced acidity and ripe, silky tannins, finishing elegantly and persistently. Glass $64 / Bottle $320
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IMAGE: LAKSHMI HARILELA
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ZERO PROOF
In the wake of a significant cultural shift, the beverage industry is witnessing a trend towards the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks, altering the social landscape of drinking. Based on feedback from a considerable number of our younger members, the FCC’s Food & Beverage Manager, Michael Chan, has taken the initiative to add a selection of beverages for those seeking zero proof.
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their alcohol intake, paying attention to their “gut health” and trying to comprehend new terms such as “heavy metal toxicity”. This has opened the door for non-alcoholic options to gain a foothold, not only for those who choose to abstain from alcohol entirely, but also for those who occasionally want to forgo it. The success of non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ brands like Lyre’s, recently introduced at the FCC, underscores the economic potential of the non-alcoholic sector. In January 2022, Lyre’s reported a 300% sales increase over the same month in 2021, boosted particularly by its gin and whisky alternatives. Lyre’s is the ‘official spirit’ of Alcohol Change UK’s monthlong alcohol-free initiative, Dry January, and the three-year strategic partnership helped the brand to launch in 700 bars and restaurants in the U.K. in January 2022 alone. Despite lower sales in the overall alcohol market, the figures don’t lie: there is a booming interest in non-alcoholic beverages, evidenced by the staggering number of views for #mocktails on TikTok and the substantial sales revenue reported by Nielsen. The non-alcoholic trend is more than a mere fad; it’s a reflection of a shifting societal approach to consumption. The industry is responding with innovative offerings that cater to a demographic seeking quality, flavour and variety, without the alcohol content. With the sector projected to grow exponentially, it’s clear that non-alcoholic beverages are carving out a permanent place in the market and society at large.
IMAGE: LAKSHMI HARILELA
he non-alcoholic beverage sector, long overshadowed by a booze-driven social culture, is now enjoying a surge in popularity, accompanied by a decline in alcohol consumption among younger demographics. The apparent uptick in the appearance of “mocktails” on drinks lists is not in fact not one of those recent “phenomena” that are all too easily attributed to the millennial generation. According an article on the website punchdrink.com, “As long as there have been cocktails, there have been mocktails. Of course, nobody called them that in the 1800s (though the term “mocktail,” like “mixologist,” is much older than you might think, dating back to 1916, according to Merriam-Webster). “Temperance drinks” was the original nomenclature.” The Bar-Tender’s Guide, created by Jerry Thomas’ in 1862, contains a short chapter on such “Temperance Drinks” alcohol-free refreshments. Punchdrink.com states that: “The 15-recipe chapter begins with a fruit-studded lemonade and ends with ginger wine, and, along the way, elucidates unusual numbers like the ‘Drink for Dog Days’, in which a bottle of soda water is poured over lemon ice, and the ‘Soda Nectar’, comprising lemon, water and sugar, finished with a small amount of carbonate of soda, which caused it to foam up. Bartender and author Harry Johnson later called the latter “an excellent morning drink to regulate the bowels”. Well before the curse of the pandemic, wellness culture had already engulfed society, with people being encouraged to make healthier lifestyle choices, including reducing
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ON THE WAGON?
IMAGE: LAKSHMI HARILELA
IMAGES: COURTESY OF ON THE WAGON
In a pandemic success story, Hong Kong based artist Alvin Lam and Cathay pilot Ash Clark took their passion for making home-brewed kombucha to a new level by creating their own locally produced brand, aptly named ‘On The Wagon’, now available by the bottle at the FCC.
Ash Clark
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Alvin Lam
’ll wage a bet that many of you who have just read the stand-first above have already turned the page, having read the word “kombucha” and probably made an attempted accompanying sound resembling that of vomiting. But for those who have stayed with us, you may be in for an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. “We wanted to challenge the norm that kombucha is nothing more than a health drink — in fact, it can be a sophisticated non-alcoholic craft beverage suitable even for finer occasions,” asserts Ash Clark, Co-Founder of ‘On The Wagon’, a proudly local brand that has introduced Hong Kong to quality, small batch, raw and completely handcrafted kombucha, made in a dedicated microbrewery in Kennedy Town. “Kombucha is almost always branded as a health drink, but we market it as a refreshing, complex drink instead,” adds Clark. “It’s a classy, non-alcoholic drink for adults you might say.” Lam and Clark’s journey began by frequently taking home-made kombucha to friends’ dinner parties, where the reaction was such that they began to seriously consider the potential for positioning the beverage as a non-alcoholic bubbly, suitable for all occasions. Come January 2021, mid-pandemic, the pair set to work, setting up a microbrewery in Kennedy Town and started fermenting more and more kombucha. “To this day, every single bottle we’ve sold has been brewed and bottled by us, working tirelessly on our craft and passion, to provide you with the best possible product,” says Clark with a hint of pride. “Not all kombuchas are made equal,” emphasises Lam. “With ours, you won’t ever find artificial sweeteners,
Kombucha blends
carbonated water or lab-made probiotics in there. It’s exactly the same product that we brewed in small batches at home for ourselves five years ago…no processing, no pasteurising, no additives; just straight up raw, quality kombucha.” ‘On The Wagon’ takes a craft approach to its kombucha, using only tea and botanicals, for a more complex and aromatic experience. “It has a flavour profile which is natural, refreshing, not too sweet, and will leave you wanting more, day in, day out,” enthuses Clark. “If you just want it as your daily hit of probiotics and beneficial bacteria, we’ve got you! It’s fun, it’s healthy, has a touch of class, but all in all, it’s just a delicious drink to brighten up every day and leave you feeling great!” n
On The List at The FCC On The Wagon Blend N°1 Assam & Darjeeling Kombucha Exceptionally fruit forward with juicy notes of red apple. $56 per bottle (330ml) On The Wagon Blend N°3 Jasmine Kombucha Floral with tropical notes of pineapple and passionfruit. Delightfully refreshing. $56 per bottle (330ml) On The Wagon Blend N°4 Earl Grey Kombucha Zesty bergamot with juicy notes of peach and apricot. Elegant, with a creamy, long finish. $56 per bottle (330ml)
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FEELING BOOKISH?
A POETIC ACCOUNT Peter Neville-Hadley reviews Daoist Master Changchun’s ‘Journey to the West—To the Court of Chinggis Qan and Back’, compiled by Li Zhichang, translated by Ruth W Donnell, Stephen H West and Shao-yun Yang. Published by Oxford University Press.
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ocket your Polo and instead pick up Daoist Master Changchun’s Journey to the West, compiled by his disciple Li Zhichang—a historically corroborated account of an expedition to the court of Chinggis Qan (Genghis Khan). First published in 1228, the book is just one of several classic Chinese titles appearing in fresh translation as part of Oxford University Press’s new bi-lingual Hsu-Tang Library of Classical Chinese Literature. Earlier English versions of Changchun omitted the book’s poetry, but the verses are as integral to the story as Japanese poet Bashō’s haiku are to his more familiar Narrow Road to the Deep North, published more than 400 years later. The approach is operatic. The prose, a compilation of the notes of various accompanying acolytes, is the recitative, pushing forward the story. The poems are the arias, developing the emotions. Chinggis was still on the move, busy extinguishing cities in Central Asia, when in early 1220 he sent a message to Daoist adept Qiu Chuji (1148–1227), or Master Changchun the Perfected, resident in a Shandong monastery, requesting his presence at the Mongol court. Qiu, in his 70s, had rejected several invitations to visit the emperor of the decaying Jin dynasty, who had already been driven south by the Mongols. But the new messenger’s eloquent description of his long journey solely to invite Qiu won the master over. Or perhaps Qiu recognised that the Qan was making him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Setting off with 18 disciples, Qiu dithered in what is now Beijing, before travelling through Mongolia across the top of the Gobi Desert, along the north side of the Tian Shan, and into modern-day Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The book has both grand descriptions of the arduous journey, and more petty domestic details of the cities visited. But Qiu is the subject of constant praise, and to his followers even superficial events surrounding him are supernatural: the weather alters to suit the master, cranes fly by meaningfully
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at significant moments, and bandits withdraw. There’s no detailed portrait of the Qan, who questions Qiu on the secrets of longevity, but he treats the Daoist with a humility that may be merely the compiler’s invention. Qiu’s reluctance to perform obeisance is a preview of British emissary Lord Macartney’s supposed refusal to kowtow to the Qianlong emperor in 1793. “When followers of the Way have an audience with an emperor, they do not kneel or bow. When we enter the tent, we will bend at the waist and salute with clasped hands, but no more.” The master may not have dared to refuse the invitation, but he is willing to admonish the Qan, albeit in an obsequious way. “I have heard that of the three thousand crimes, none is greater than a lack of filial piety,” he tells Chinggis. “It is known that Mongol customs by and large do not enjoin showing reverence to parents. Your Majesty can take advantage of your daunting charisma to admonish Your multitude.” En route, Qiu objects to one emissary’s plan to collect virgins for the Qan, citing Confucius’s disapproval: “I may be a common rustic, but how can I travel with young virgins?” But he does not upbraid Chinggis about his ruthlessness, despite having crossed the sites of recent battles and seen the dead left to rot, as he records in one poem: “People covered their noses because of corpses strewn about the narrow path, / But it was the long-eared asses drowned in the stream that sickened my heart”. The Daoists are opportunists, and the Qan’s support strengthens Qiu’s Quanzhen’s [Complete Perfection] sect within Daoism and assists Daoism in its competition with Buddhism. As the aged Qiu spent nearly four years on his journey, Chinggis gives him and his sect control of what is now Beijing’s White Cloud Monastery, which still holds a ceremony every year in anticipation of another journey by Qiu—his return to earth. n
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW ON THE BLOCK
The FCC is delighted to welcome its new Members who come from a range of sectors, further adding to the diversity of our Club. Here’s a summary of who they are and what they do.
DIPLOMATIC
MR. OSVALDO PATRICIO ÁLVAREZ PÉREZ
Consul General of Chile Government of Chile With a distinguished career in environmental governance, I have been deeply involved in national, regional, and international policymaking since 2006. My journey began when I was entrusted with the role of Officer-in-Charge of Chemicals and Waste Conventions by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This position allowed me to gain extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the environmental landscape, both locally and globally. From 2007 to 2009, my responsibilities expanded as I took on the role of Co-Chair of the ad hoc working group on cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions. This was a pivotal period that furthered my understanding of the intricate dynamics of environmental governance on an international scale. My leadership capabilities were recognised, and I had the honour of serving as President for several high-profile conventions. I currently serve as the President of the 6th COP to the Minamata Convention. I am also President of the Rotterdam Convention Compliance for the 2023-2024 term, following which, I am set to become the President of the Montreal Protocol Implementation and Compliance Committees in 2024. I continue to contribute to the creation and implementation of environmentally conscious policies on a global scale. linkedin.com/in/osvaldo-alvarez-07588231/
JOURNALIST
MS. TSO HUNG, SCARLET
Dean and Professor, School of Communication The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong I was born and raised in Hong Kong. After graduating from college, I worked as a reporter and TV anchor for a number of years before going to the U.K. on a Rotary International Scholarship to pursue my graduate degree. I am now a Professor and the Founding Dean of the School of Communication at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. I have found my mission in education - training future journalists and communication professionals. I enjoy travelling and am an active member of the Rotary Club. facebook.com/scarlet.tso.31/friends
ASSOCIATE
MR. CHAN KIM MING, SIMON
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Banker DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited I was born and raised in Hong Kong and was educated in the U.K. from the age of 14. I spent 11 years there before moving back to Hong Kong. I am a banker with over 30 years’ experience working with Hong Kong corporates, providing financing solutions in terms of funding requirements or working capital. In my spare time I enjoy golfing, cycling and travelling (mostly London and Japan). I have also developed a keen interest in DIY and home improvements. facebook.com/chansimonhk
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NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE
MR. SIMON CONSTANTINIDES
CEO & President Atrellus Business Services Ltd Born in Yorkshire, England, I moved to the U.S. at the age of 18, and for 20 years I was an international banker in New York, before coming to Hong Kong in 2009. After leaving banking and dabbling in other financial services endeavours, I discovered that the average company employee spends 50% of their working week struggling with clumsy, error-prone Excel spreadsheets. Eliminating daily frustrations by developing customised, super dynamic, and easy-to-use Excel applications motivated me to start Atrellus. Apart from my passion for developing amazing Excel Apps, I take every opportunity to ride my Harley-Davidson to enjoy Hong Kong’s unique beauty. linkedin.com/in/simonconstantinides
ASSOCIATE
MR. OLIVIER GALLIMIDI
Chief Information Officer Pierre Fabre I am an Industrial Engineer who moved to Hong Kong eight years ago after living in Spain and France. I now work as an Information Technology Director for a French pharmaceutical and dermo cosmetic company, which gives me the opportunity to travel all over Asia and meet people of different cultures. In my spare time, I like to play music (I was a drummer and a bassist in a rock band), read books, or ride my motorcycle around Hong Kong. linkedin.com/in/olivier-gallimidi
ASSOCIATE
MR. DANIEL GLASS
Architect Greater Group Limited I am originally from London, and having lived and worked there for the majority of my life, I decided to take career break and travel the globe in the early 2000s, which first brought me to Asia, where I fell in love with this part of the world, and specifically Hong Kong. Returning to the U.K. to pick up my career as an architect, my projects took me to the Middle East and eventually back to Hong Kong, where I am currently leading the design and construction team at Greater Group. When not working, my family and I spend time in Shanghai (where my wife is from) or enjoying the abundance of nature that Hong Kong has to offer. linkedin.com/in/daniel-glass-68411247/
ASSOCIATE
linkedin.com/in/matthew-graham-90788732
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MR. MATTHEW GRAHAM
Head of Business Development, APAC region Cooneen Group I grew up in New Zealand, playing rugby and surfing until my early twenties, before moving to Australia where I lived for over 30 years. I have worked in the apparel industry for over three decades operating in markets around the world. In 2019 I moved to Montreal to marry my beautiful wife and had a rough awakening to “real” winter! It finally got the better of me and I moved to Hong Kong in 2022. I enjoy the camaraderie of the FCC and as my father was a photojournalist, I have an admiration for the journalistic profession.
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ASSOCIATE
MR. BRUCE INGRAM
Managing Director Sheffield Haworth I was born in London and brought up in the Sussex countryside in Southern England. I attended Harrow School where I was fortunate enough be part of a trip to China and Hong Kong as a 15-year-old in 1988 when I became fascinated by this part of the world. After graduating from Exeter University in 1994, I joined Barings as a graduate trainee on the APAC equity desk. One of the high points of my career in finance was getting to know the creators of the ‘Alex’ comic strip in the Daily Telegraph and in 2011, I became the character ‘Brian McGure’ who has now made 23 appearances. I joined the FCC in September and I can say it boasts the best bar in Hong Kong and fantastic staff. Thank you for having me! linkedin.com/in/bruce-ingram-9ab43236
ASSOCIATE
MR. BRADLEY JONES
CEO, PayMe HSBC I am delighted to have joined the FCC after relocating to Hong Kong with my wife Natalie six months ago, leaving our adult daughters in Australia. My first visit here was 33 years ago as a young Australian Army paratrooper officer on exchange with the Ghurkas. I am pleased to have joined HSBC as the Head of PayMe, which is the culmination of a 23year financial services career that has taken us from Australia to Cambodia, Singapore, Dubai and most recently Myanmar, where we spent eight and a half years in Yangon so have seen both the advent of democracy, followed by the slide back to authoritarianism, all the while admiring the stoicism and hope of the Myanmar people. Socially, you are likely to see Natalie and I in the FCC Bar on a Friday evening, and we very much look forward to meeting many of you during our time here. linkedin.com/in/bradjonesfintech
ASSOCIATE
MR. LO SHIU WING, BRIAN
Managing Director, Marketing Communications Alliance Bernstein Hong Kong Limited Born and raised in Hong Kong, I have also spent time in Canada and the U.S. An engineer by training, I am now a Marketing Communications professional. I enjoy a good meal, reading books, travelling and exercising, and I’m also an amateur photographer. I am particularly interested in the policy sessions and photo exhibitions hosted by the FCC.
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MR. CHARLES SANG YOUL JO
CEO Olympus Partners Asia LTD I am the CEO and Founder of Olympus Partners Asia Limited, a Hong Kong-based investment advisory and asset management company mainly providing services to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients in Asia. I have more than 30 years of experience in the global finance industry covering a range of financial products, working at companies including CA Indosuez Hong Kong, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, and UBS. linkedin.com/in/charles-sangyoul-jo-1a8b641b5
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NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE
MS. WONG YING YUET, TATIANNA
Senior Legal Counsel and Director Haitong UT Leasing HK Limited I am a Senior Legal Counsel and Director at Haitong UT Leasing HK Limited, an aviation leasing company based in Hong Kong. While the pandemic brought challenges to the aviation industry, I am confident that it will go upwards and forwards, with Hong Kong playing a crucial role connecting industry stakeholders between China and the world. I enjoy sports, particularly kickboxing and skiing, and I also love travelling, having set foot in places like South Africa, Estonia, Armenia, Tibet and Kashmir. linkedin.com/in/tatianna-wong-66039324
ASSOCIATE
MS. EUNICE XU
Trader Credit Suisse When I’m not staring at numbers, I stare at words. Outside of a career in finance, and more specifically, electronic trading, I live a reading, writing, and active life. While indulging in the magnificence of human languages (I speak four) has been my long-term passion, I have also come to appreciate the beauty of those spoken by computers. I’m on a mission to tell the great untold stories of our generation at the intersection of technology, finance, and humanities. Join me for the ride? linkedin.com/in/eunicexu/
ASSOCIATE
MS. IVY YIM
Founder Manig Company I am a working mom and a Cantopop fan - I share my daily choice from Anita Mui’s song list with my two-year-old and my dog. After seven happy years at Ogilvy PR, I decided to set up my own company. As a music fan and a food lover, I rate Bert’s as my top place for business lunches and dinners and having a pint of FCC Byline Brew beer in the Main Bar / Lounge makes my day. I am thrilled to be able to join the FCC. instagram.com/ifiyim/
ASSOCIATE
MR. YIP KAM LUNG
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Deputy Managing Director Wah Shing Toys Co. Ltd. I am General Manager of Wah Shing Toys Co. Ltd. and have over 30 years of experience in this field. I make toys for kids and for people who love toys. I have had the opportunity to explore different markets and cultures particularly in China, Vietnam, and the United States. My experiences there have provided me with invaluable insights into local trends, manufacturing practices, and consumer preferences. Outside of work, I lead an active lifestyle and cycling and hiking are two activities that I thoroughly enjoy. It’s great to join the FCC!
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JOURNALIST Mr. David Garrett, Principal Sub Editor (Pearl), Journalist, TVB
ASSOCIATES Mr. Luca Avanzini, General Manager, Diacron Business Consulting Hong Kong Limited Ms. Sally Victoria Benson, Editorial Director, Macau Lifestyle Mr. Cheung Him Shing Wallace, Barrister, Sir Oswald Cheung’s Chambers Mr. Fok Tse Hang Allan, Retired Mr. Jean Gillard, Managing Director, Intrafor Hong Kong Ltd. Mr. Nikhil Jitesh Gokal, Senior Partner Support Manager, St. James’s Place Mr. Philipp Hanusch, Partner, Baker & McKenzie Mr. Kuan Kok Wai, Chairman, QBE General Insurance (HK) Ltd. Mr. Law Hiu Fung Mark, Solicitor, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Ms. Li Wan Shan, Paralegal, H.Y. Leung & Co. LLP Mr. Peter Albert Thomas, Registered Foreign Lawyer, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
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THE CORRESPONDENT | JANUARY 2024
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HOLLINGWORTH FELLOWS
MEET THE FELLOWS
The FCC has chosen Mithil Aggarwal, Eudora Wang and Aruzhan Zeinulla as the recipients of the fifth annual Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named after the pre-eminent and groundbreaking journalist.
C
in Hong Kong. This year’s panel of judges noted that the winners show strong potential as future leaders both within the FCC and in the wider journalism community in Hong Kong. The open competition drew significant interest from a diverse range of applicants. The adjudicators noted the high standard across the board, and encouraged all to apply again next year. Now meet this year’s winners… n
IMAGE: ROBIN MOYER
lare Hollingworth had a remarkable career as a foreign correspondent with the scoop of the century as a 27-year-old when she reported on Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. She was also a treasured member of the FCC for more than 40 years, during which time she made significant contributions to both the intellectual and professional life of the Club. The FCC’s Hollingworth Fellowship honours early career journalists and current journalism school students
Clare Hollingworth, OBE, a celebrated war correspondent whose reporting on the German invasion of Poland in 1939 was described as “the scoop of the century”, is one of the FCC’s most storied members. She came to the FCC almost daily after moving to Hong Kong in 1981, shortly after which she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to journalism.
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MITHIL AGGARWAL
Mithil Aggarwal is a producer / reporter for NBC News, covering global breaking news and human interest stories. An engineering graduate from The University of Hong Kong, he stumbled into journalism by accident, producing an award-winning podcast.
EUDORA WANG
Eudora Wang is the Deputy Editor, Greater China, at DealStreetAsia, where she covers alternative investments. She was previously the Chief Reporter at China Money Network and interned at Phoenix Television, Bloomberg Businessweek (Chinese edition), and Hunan Television during her student years. Eudora holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism Studies from Hong Kong Baptist University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio and Television Studies from Xi’an International Studies University.
ARUZHAN ZEINULLA
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Hailing from Kazakhstan, Aruzhan Zeinulla is a senior-year international journalism student at Hong Kong Baptist University. After completing her summer internship, primarily covering the Russia-Ukraine war, she joined CNN as a freelance news desk researcher.
“The past months have been among the most challenging periods for both individuals and businesses in Hong Kong… What is the road ahead? Where are the bright spots in which Hong Kong can continue to shine? What government incentives could help the city revive its role as an international financial centre and reclaim the upper hand in the region’s perceived rivalry against Singapore, in areas ranging from talent acquisition to tech advancements? I see a growing number of business leaders, investors, legal professionals, and communication agencies in the financial and tech sectors seeking strategies to either diversify geographically or hold their ground in the face of
market turbulence. On the other end of the spectrum are elevated government efforts, including incentives, pledges, and ground-breaking regimes to solidify the city’s reputation as a leading hub of everything from fintech, biotech, and virtual assets to talents, family offices, and public listings by global specialist tech companies. Many of these new, rising trends are worth reporting on with detailed analysis as now more than ever, people treasure expert insights to help make informed decisions in times of uncertainty.” ~ Eudora Wang
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WHAT THE TECH?
PRIVACY PLEASE...
Inspired by a digital security workshop held at Bert’s last November, FCC member Andrew Parker, who has spent the last seven years working “on the tech side” at Express VPN, offers his top tips for keeping information safe online.
T
he major challenge I see when people look for advice on digital privacy and security is that the experts will inevitably say things like “anything is possible”, a prime example being “it’s possible for a hacker to turn on your camera and microphone.” It’s true, anything is possible. However, if we worry about the worst possible scenarios then we might as well simply give up, hide in a bunker and never venture back out. When you think about your digital privacy and security, it’s worth thinking about probabilities. For example, we all know that if we get in a car, there’s a chance it might crash. However, we know that the odds are low and so we do it anyway. We also take suitable precautions to reduce the odds of a crash: we fasten our seat beats, don’t drink and drive, and motor at a sensible speed. None of these precautions are fool proof, but we are aware that they help to reduce the risks. You should think of digital privacy and security in the same way: take the recommended precautions and get on with life. One particular challenge in this field is that the risks to each of us are not equally the same. For example, a senior ranking government official or a high profile journalist is probably more at risk of a targeted attack than a general member of the public. You must assess your own potential level of risk, then take the appropriate precautions in terms of your digital hygiene. Here I am offering you a list of reasonable steps that you can take to protect yourself in the digital world. These are just my opinions; there is no perfect set of steps to take to protect yourself, and there will always be people out there with different views. You won’t need to follow every step; some are more extreme and only for those who consider themselves at high risk. Use your best judgement to decide which steps to implement. Some caveats to the advice: You might follow all of these steps and still get hacked. In my opinion however, these actions will help protect you, but
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you must make your own informed decisions and take risks on your own shoulders. I wish I could explain to you why you should do each thing, but if I did, this article would be 10 times longer!
USER ACCOUNT HYGIENE
• NEVER REUSE PASSWORDS! • Use long passwords - a minimum of 14 characters these days. • Use a random combination of letters, numbers and symbols for passwords. • Be cautious of having a “formula”. If someone really wants to target you, then that formula isn’t necessarily as clever as you think it is. • Make sure you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts that support it. • If possible, don’t use SMS as one of your 2FA methods. Even better, actively disable your phone number as a method of account recovery. • Consider buying a hardware token for use as your 2FA. • Use a password manager. Choose a reputable company and make sure you pay for the service. • Migrate passwords to Passkeys wherever they are supported. • Don’t use the same username across accounts. This is easy if you use a password manager. • Use multiple email addresses. Have a “good” email address for the important things. Have a “dirty” email address for low quality sites/apps. • Audit your security regularly. For example, check what devices are currently active on your Google or Apple accounts, check your details are correct, and monitor for unexpected logins. • Check out the website ‘Have I Been Pwned’ occasionally.
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DEVICE HYGIENE
• ALWAYS lock your phone/computer. Make it a reflex habit. Learn the shortcut keys! • Don’t leave your personal devices unattended. • Always update your software - especially your operating systems. • Enable biometrics and use them on all devices where you can. • Find a good “how to” guide on how to check your device settings to make sure it’s configured to maximise your security posture. • Consider using anti-virus software and make sure it’s from a reputable brand. Don’t use free software unless it’s from the likes of big companies like Microsoft. • Don’t plug random USB devices into your device. • Buy trusted brands from authorised retailers with good supply chains. • Use a camera cover, and avoid having cameras pointing at you. • Use a privacy screen on your laptop or phone. Be mindful of who is looking over your shoulder when you are in public areas. • Microphones are harder to deal with these days. If you are having a sensitive conversation then remove microphones from the room you’re in. If you are extremely paranoid, find a way to physically damage the microphone so it doesn’t work.
SOCIAL MEDIA HYGIENE
• Make sure your WhatsApp (and other chat) profiles don’t have your name or other identifiable details in them. If you can live with it, don’t have a photo of yourself on your profile either. • Make your social media accounts private - all of them, including things like Strava. Delete all unnecessary information from your accounts.
AVOID SOCIAL ENGINEERING
• Never click on spam links from anywhere, particularly messenger apps. • Avoid clicking links from emails - even if they’re from your bank. Instead, go directly to the bank’s website. • Don’t answer calls from unknown callers; if it’s important, they will leave a message. • Never ever share a password, a 2FA code, or any other personal details that it doesn’t make sense to share. Pause for a moment if asked. If you’re not comfortable then stop, go away and think about it. • If your bank calls you saying you have been the victim of fraud, then ask for a way to call them back on a number which can be verified through their website. • Be mindful about scams involving voice emulation as they are becoming more common.
PROTECT YOUR DATA
• Don’t send sensitive information via email. If someone really needs such information, ask them for a secure file upload service or give them a link to a private drive/folder. • Don’t save your credit card details on websites if possible. • Generally avoid signing up to websites if you can. If shopping, shop as a guest. Don’t join random rewards schemes. • Use private/incognito browsing. Consider using something like Firefox Multi-Account Containers.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Be careful when signing into public WiFi networks. Don’t, if you can avoid it. Make sure you’re on the correct one and not a fake one with a similar name. Better to have a slow connection than a hacked one. • When visiting a site where you intend to perform sensitive actions, such as paying for something, double check the URL and make sure that the domain name is what you expect. • Switch to using a secure messenger like Signal if you can. Persuade your friends to do so as well. You might need to use WhatsApp in addition, but the more chats you have on Signal, the better. • Use a VPN. Pick a reputable company. Don’t use a free service. • Don’t use pirated software or websites that are clearly doing illegal things. • When downloading apps, do a safety check: Who is the publisher? How many downloads has it had? What is its star rating? Do the review comments look real or generated by bots? Do a quick search for the app name and see if it has been flagged as a dangerous app.
FIGURE OUT YOUR BACKUP STRATEGY
• What happens if you lose all of your devices? How will you recover? • What happens if you lose access to your mobile phone number? • What happens if you forget some important passwords? • Figure out your blast radius. If you lose access to your email account or a specific device, how bad would the damage be? Try to find ways to minimise that damage.
CONSIDER USING MULTIPLE PHONES
• At a minimum, I would recommend one phone for daily use and a second one for things like banking. For the banking phone, don’t install anything other than necessary apps. Don’t browse the Internet. Don’t connect to unknown WiFi. Keep that device clean. • For extreme cases - potentially applicable to journalists use a third phone for talking with sensitive contacts. Even consider burner phones for one-off assignments. n
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REWIND
THE FOURTH ESTATE digital news, social media, and diminishing profit margins, these newspapers often struggle as they continue to serve their communities,” notes Araz. “These images are both an ode and an elegy, a collective portrait of my home state and a representation of community newspapers across the United States. As our personal, social and political lives are marked by increasing division, I seek to honour these local institutions, and their stewards, as beacons of democracy.”
CREDIT: JEREMIAH ARAZ
Jeremiah Araz’ The Fourth Estate Wall exhibit in October featured small-town newspaper offices across Kansas in a project undertaken between 2020 and 2022. “The publications they produce play a critical role in our shared democracy. My photographs celebrate the civic function, labour, and technology at the heart of local newspapers’ production, while also documenting an industry in freefall. Faced with the gutting of local journalism facilitated by
Office, Cowley Courier Traveler, Arkansas City, Kansas (2022)
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TO THE LIMIT - AND BEYOND French Embassy in Japan, IFRJ-MFJ, the Joe Honda Archive, and Shashin Kosha. Correspondent Board Member Kristie Lu Stout gave the opening remarks and introduced Honda’s daughter, Emiko Jozuka.
CREDIT: JOE HONDA
The FCC’s November Wall Exhibition 24 Heures Du Mans: To the Limit - and Beyond: 100th Anniversary showed work by Joe Honda, the iconic photographer who spent his life capturing scenes of France’s legendary 24-hour Le Mans endurance race. The exhibition was a collaboration with The
ON THE STEPPES OF DREAMS dreams and reality. At the Cocktail Reception, Pao spoke about this body of work alongside FCC Board Members & Wall Committee Co-Convenors Kristie Lu Stout and Peter Parks.
CREDIT: FCCHK
The FCC’s December 2023 Wall Exhibition On the Steppes of Dreams featured a collection of photomontages by Basil Pao. Inspired by Surrealist painter René Magritte, Pao’s photographic reinterpretations blur the lines between
L to R: Cammy Liu, Peter Parks, Basil Pao, Kristie Lu Stout
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REWIND
MUSIC TO OUR EARS about many challenges on the Philharmonic’s journey to becoming one of the top orchestras in Asia. He also discussed the matter of why many local parents enrol their children in music classes, but then discourage them from pursuing a professional career in music. Moderating the discussion was FCC Correspondent Board Member Karen Koh.
CREDIT: FCCHK
As the Hong Kong Philharmonic began its 2023-2024 season, in October, the FCC had the pleasure of sitting down with Benedikt Fohr, the Philharmonic’s Chief Executive to discuss the orchestra’s recent success. From managing practice during the pandemic’s social distancing requirements to winning the 2019 Orchestra of the Year award from the U.K. magazine Gramophone, Fohr talked
Hong Kong Philharmonic Chief Executive Benedikt Fohr and FCC Correspondent Board Member Karen Koh
For the first time in its 40-year history, the quadrennial Gay Games were held in Hong Kong in November 2023 — a first not just for the city, but also for Asia. The FCC sat down with Joanie Evans, Co-President of the Federation of Gay Games; Emery Fung, Football Lead and Diversity & Inclusion Director of GGHK; and David Ko, Director of Marketing and Communications of GGHK during the diversity-themed sporting event to discuss the challenges they faced while preparing for their Asia debut. They talked about breaking negative stereotypes, building connections, and the impact the Gay Games has on the LGBTQ+ athletic community. “For what people say about bringing the Gay Games to anywhere, it’s like they think that there’s an ulterior motive to it, and there isn’t. It’s about what we can bring to the community and trying to bring the world together,” commented Evans during the discussion.
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CREDIT: FCCHK
AND THE GAMES BEGAN
L-R: David Ko, Director of Marketing and Communications of GGHK; Emery Fung, Football Lead and Diversity & Inclusion Director of GGHK; Joanie Evans, Co-President of the Federation of Gay Games; Jennifer Jett, FCC First Vice President
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Opioid overdose has become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recording over 645,000 deaths from opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2021. Over 107,000 of those deaths occurred in 2021 alone, highlighting the exponential threat that opioids pose to American society. Cammie Wolf Rice is a mother who tragically lost her adult son, Christopher Brett Wolf, to the opioid epidemic. Since then, she has published her memoir The Flight, My Opioid Story and has become an activist, raising awareness and a deeper understanding of the harmful risks of opioid addiction. She has also founded the Christopher Wolf Crusade, which provides education and resources on preventing opioid addiction. Wolf Rice spoke candidly at an FCC Lunch on November 8 about her story, the opioid situation in the U.S., and what measures people can take to prevent their loved ones from falling into addiction.
CREDIT: FCCHK
OPIOIDS: A MOTHER’S STORY
Author and activist Cammie Wolf Rice
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE? of any organisation being cognitively diverse, then people stop questioning the diversity and start thinking about the value of the organisation itself,” he noted. “I’m very pleased to see that we have now got an end to all single-gender boards in 2024,” commented Tan. “But honestly, in my view, it’s too little too late, because an end to single-gender boards will mean one woman… one woman is not enough to change the tone in the boardroom.” According to The Women’s Foundation, companies that prioritise gender equality experience a 60% increase in profitability, productivity, and their ability to attract and retain talent. Also, solving the gender gap across the world would contribute US$12 trillion to global GDP. “Gender equality and the advancement of women is an imperative that benefits everyone,” asserted the Foundation’s Nott. “It benefits society, business, and the economy.” n
CREDIT: FCCHK
While companies across the world are introducing new measures to increase diversity through progressive hiring practices, in the boardroom, Hong Kong still lags behind, with only 19.1% of the city’s board seats being held by women as of July 2023. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has introduced new regulations that require all listed companies to have at least one female board member by the end of 2024, but some critics argue that these new rules aren’t enough to create meaningful change. To discuss possible solutions to Hong Kong’s board diversity issue, the FCC held a panel discussion in early October with three experts: Fiona Nott, CEO of the Women’s Foundation, Brunswick’s Tim Payne, and May Tan – the former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank HK. According to Payne, a target of 30% in Hong Kong is more likely to bring about change. “Once you get to about a third
L-R: May Tan, former CEO Standard Chartered Bank HK; Fiona Nott, CEO, The Women’s Foundation;Tim Payne, Senior Partner, Brunswick
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CLICK!
A DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR
On November 2, the FCC held a Diplomatic Cocktail that hosted staff from over 58 Consulate Generals in Hong Kong. Journalist and Correspondent members exchanged thoughts on current affairs and expanding their networks - upholding the FCC’s purpose as a place where people
and ideas can connect. Also in attendance were Legislative Council Member Doreen Kong and Convenor of the Executive Council Regina Ip. In his opening speech, FCC President Lee Williamson thanked Ip for her support of the 2023 Gay Games held in the city.
FCC President Lee Williamson addresses guests at the Diplomatic Cocktail
Luis F. Orozco, Consul General of Colombia, Hong Kong and Macau (left) and Baher Sheweikhi, Consul General of Egypt, Hong Kong and Macau
ONE FOR THE KIDS
December 10 FCC parents and their children were treated to a fun-filled pre-Christmas Kids’ Day on December 10 featuring face painting, balloon twisting, and a handicraft workshop. The chocolate fondue was a big hit, as was the “claw” machine which gave everyone the opportunity to try and pick up some extra goodies. Naturally, Santa also popped in to hand out Christmas gifts and gingerbread. A big thanks to everyone who came along to enjoy the festivities.
CHRISTMAS WINE SOCIAL
An open competition to taste and grade more than 20 Chilean wines was held at the Club on December 19. The highest rated varietals have now made their way onto the FCC Wine List. For details and tasting notes, please see page 36.
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CREDIT: FCCHK
FINELY TUNED
Members of the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir were in their usual fine form as they set the mood for the festive season on December 20 by treating members to a repertoire of traditional Christmas carols. Founded in 1978, the Choir remains purely amateur and many of their performances are for charity fund-raising purposes. hkwmvc.com
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EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!
As always, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day saw the Club packed to the rafters as our mighty kitchen wizards served up magnificent festive fare for members to feast on. The Christmas Day buffet featured dishes from all around the
world – including all the traditional favourites. A spectacular time was had by all, and we raise a glass to the hard-working staff who pull out the stops to make this the most wonderful time of the year!
AND JUST LIKE THAT, IT WAS 2024!
countdown to 2024. The bubbles flowed freely and members dined decadently before hitting the dance floor until the wee hours. A memorable night was had by all! n
CREDIT: FCCHK
New Year’s Eve at the Club was a Music Extravaganza featuring pop, punk and Phantom of The Opera, with revellers dressed to the nines for the much-anticipated
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DON’T BEAT ABOUT THE BUSCH Junks. The quintessential Hong Kong weekend activity. A cruise to the islands of Lamma and Cheung Chau. A cruise to Tai Long Wan - the beach named ‘Big Wave Bay’ in Cantonese, but called Tai Long Wan in English so it doesn’t confuse the expats with the other one on Hong Kong Island’s South side called Big Wave Bay. People eagerly anticipate junk season. Magazines and online blogs rave about them. A “must do thing in Hong Kong!” they proclaim. Never really understood it myself.
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es, I know, quite the controversial hot take. Junk trips are beloved by Hong Kongers, tut I’ve never been on one. Here’s why: “Hot take” is the first problem. It’s stinking hot when people go on these things. Yes I’m blessed with 5th generational Australian skin, so I don’t burn easily (but I may well die from skin cancer anyway). However, the older you get, the harder it is to sit outside all day in the blistering heat of summer in Hong Kong. Does this junk have airconditioning? Perhaps you’ll find out after you’re trapped on-board for an entire day. If not, well… I’m nearing 50 and no-one wants to see my dad-bod in a pair of tacky boardshorts because I’m too cheap to buy brand name ones. And heaven forbid I might think that budgie smugglers (underpants-like swimmers, named for their outline) are a good thing. They are absolutely NOT a good thing, unless you are competing in the Olympics. If you fancy yourself as Mark Spitz, then Speedos are for you, but If not, it’s really better wear shorts for the sake of all around you. Again, perhaps controversial, and I might be straying into body-shaming territory here, but given that I’m actually shaming my own body, I think it’s allowed. You can’t escape! You get on the boat and then eight hours later you are allowed to disembark, at exactly the point where you started from. Now cruises to nowhere became a big thing during the pandemic (both as an idea, and a mass-spreading event), but I still like the concept of my boat going somewhere and me getting off said vessel. It’s not the journey for me, it’s the destination. And that should involve solid ground. And speaking of not escaping, what happens if you get on and there’s that one annoying person who everyone hates? Worse still, what happens if that person is me? That’s a very
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long time to be stuck on a boat with someone who talks incessantly about cricket and complains about how much they hate junk trips. If I get bored, tired, or irritated with my companions on a hike, I can simply turn around and go home. However, this is not possible on a junk. I once took a harbour cruise and asked the captain if I could just get off and leave, and he was none too impressed. I pointed to the foreshore and said, “but it’s just over there”. Much to my chagrin, there was no recourse. I could easily work through the alphabet on reasons why I don’t like junks, but you’re already probably foaming at the mouth in anger at me, and I’m only allowed 700 words. So you can add “hatred of junk trips” to my list of grumbles. Yes, I’m rapidly becoming the stereotypical grumpy old man. And yes, it says at the top I’ve never been on one, so how can I make such an outlandish assumption? I have been on boats, I know how it works. And to answer the question of “if you don’t like the summer heat, just go when it’s cooler!”; then it’s too cold, with many of the same arguments. I’m nothing if not fickle. I’d much rather spend an afternoon at the FCC bar enjoying a cold beverage, viewing the latest offerings of wall art, and occasionally staring out the window and laughing at people drenched in sweat who thought walking up Ice House Street to get to Lan Kwai Fong was a smart idea. You can hate me now, but one day you might become as grumpy as me, and this will all make sense. I’ll be back with more ramblings in the next issue! n Aaron can be found online on Twitter/Threads/Instagram at @tripperhead, and the free nightly Hong Kong news Substack at tripperhead.substack.com
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