AISHK Lion Rock Magazine | Term 4 Issue Vol.42

INSIDE:

AISHK Sport Roundup!

Hong Kong Alumni Gathering

Graduate Highlights!

...and so much more!

Leaping into 2024!

ABOUT THE COVERS

Our recently concluded Welcome Festival and Secondary Athletics Carnival gave inspiration to the theme of the cover, "Leaping into 2024" as we started our school year with a little more than a hop, skip and jump!

Back Cover

Year 3 students explored Wassily Kandinsky's work and learned about his condition called Synesthesia, that meant he could see and hear colours and shapes while listening to music. They studied warm, cool, and monochromatic color families and created their own artwork inspired by the artist.

If you're interested to view this large artwork, you can find it displayed on the 2nd floor corridor.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

It has been a very positive start to Term 1 at AISHK, and I am delighted to share my first message of the year for The Lion Rock magazine. To our new families who have joined our school community, I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and your children over the past months.

Term 1 has been a plethora of opportunities with community connection, sports and the arts. Term 1 saw students flourish in the realm of sports and physical activity in general! From the Secondary Athletics Carnival and two thrilling cross-country events to our interhouse tournaments and an entertaining dodgeball game in primary, the enthusiasm displayed by students and the efforts of our dedicated staff and parents has been heartwarming to see.

Student leadership has also been a highlight of Term 1 displayed during special assemblies which proudly inducted our student leaders, including the Primary Student Representative Council (SRC) and Environmental Committee. Hearing our students reflect on what leadership means to them, I have full confidence in their ability to lead among their peers with integrity and passion.

I am continually inspired by the achievements of our students, both within our school walls and beyond, and this publication is but a snapshot of the dynamic school life at AISHK.

I am already looking forward to another active Term 2, and to embarking on new challenges and successes together.

In the meantime, wishing you all a safe, restorative and enjoyable term break.

With respect,

Mina Dunstan HEAD OF SCHOOL

BOARD CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

On behalf of your Board of Governors, welcome to the first issue of The Lion Rock magazine for 2024.

Our school year started with over 130 new students joining AISHK, and I extend a warm welcome to all new families. My congratulations to the Parent Association for orchestrating a successful Welcome BBQ. The event was very enjoyable, and it was wonderful to witness the heartwarming sight of so many community members coming together on the school field.

The quality of education at AISHK is evident in the outstanding academic results achieved by our Class of 2023. Many students achieved personal bests. Some have chosen onward pathways to various universities around the world, others have chosen to gain valuable work, world, and life experience through travel or employment. We are enormously proud of all our students, and we wish the Class of 2023 every success!

In February, AISHK celebrated an alumni reunion in Hong Kong which was well attended by alumni, staff, and parents. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate two upcoming alumni reunions in Sydney and Melbourne, which will further strengthen our globally diverse alumni network.

Thank you to all AISHK community members for an energetic and active Term 1. I wish each of you a relaxing and enjoyable term break, and I look forward to another fantastic term ahead.

Sincerely,

Professor Richard Petty

AISFL BOARD CHAIR

AISHK in the Community

Australian International School Hong Kong, a non-profit foundation, was incorporated on 26 January 1995, coinciding with the date of Australia Day. We celebrated both occasions

with festivities including a birthday ceremony with parents in the cafeteria and distribution of sweet treats to every single student!

Thank you to everyone who made the day special, and for your support towards our unique school.

Happy 29th Birthday AISHK!

Aheartfelt thank you to the entire AISHK community for joining us at the 2024 Welcome BBQ! To all volunteers, parents, staff, and students who contributed their time and effort to make this event possible - your support is truly appreciated! Your assistance towards BBQ operation, drink service, set-up, and pack-down ensured that our students enjoyed a fun, safe and memorable event.

A huge thank you to our 2024 Welcome BBQ Sponsor Oreana for their generosity towards the event, including the ever-popular instant photo booth! Congratulations to the lucky parent who won the deluxe hamper by Wine Brothers, courtesy of Oreana. We look forward to seeing our sponsors at future events.

For a full photo album, please click here, or watch the recap video by scanning the QR code

A Wonderful Welcome BBQ

International Womens’ Day

On 8 March, AISHK recognised International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’. Primary and secondary student leaders handed out Mimosa flowers to all female staff across all areas of AISHK life, including teachers, administrative staff, catering colleagues and facilities teams. A type of Wattle, the Mimosa flower has had significance on Women’s Day, originating in Italy and spread globally since 1946. The flower has been known to symbolise respect, elegance, dignity and kindness. It also serves as a reminder of the balance between beauty and strength, as the plant itself is admired for its delicate and soft appearance, but it can also thrive with resilience in the harshest conditions.

All staff members, male and female, also enjoyed some famous AISHK lamingtons, which are hand-crafted by Chartwells. Thanks to everyone who joined in honouring the women of AISHK for their daily impact and contributions.

AISHK Sports Roundup

Primary on theRun!

A Colourful Cross Country

The Pak Shek Kok Promenade was bright with AISHK House colours on Tuesday 5 March, as Year 3-6 students took part in Primary Cross Country, competing over a distance of 2km! AISHK prides itself on providing a balanced education, and encourages all students to "Give it a Go!" Students certainly did this, with many reaching their personal bests.

Classes spent six weeks preparing for this event in PDHPE practical lessons, and were set the success criteria of ‘pacing’ themselves and running the whole distance.

Special thanks to everyone who played a part behind the scenes for this event, including the many family

AISHK Sports Roundup Interschool Cross Country Success in Discovery Bay!

On Saturday 16 March, AISHK finalists of the Interhouse Cross Country took part in the Interschool Cross Country event hosted by Discovery College. With nearly 50 students from our school participating, AISHK performed brilliantly, and were to be commended for their sportsmanship and their loud and proud support of their peers! Our school achieved a fantastic overall 2nd place in the competition, with notable successes from several students, including many with top ten finishes.

A huge thank you to Mr John van Gaalen and his team for the invaluable contributions to the students' achievements in cross country this year. The PDHPE Department's efforts played a significant role in our overall success, as did the many parents in our community who came along to show encouragement. Your support is greatly appreciated!

AISHK Sports Roundup

Dymamic Dodgeball

Tin Primary!

his term, Primary students expertly ducked and darted in an exciting Interhouse Dodgeball tournament! It was wonderful to see our House spirit come alive on the field with impressive skills were on display, and students’ enjoyment clear through their smiling faces! Wattle played Eucalypt in the final and after a very exciting game, Wattle came through as the Year 5/6 2024 House Dodgeball Champion. Eucalypt came through as the Year 3/4 Champions. The student vs teacher game at the end of the tournament was also a highlight. Congratulations to all organisers and participants for a thrilling event!

Secondary Athletics Carnival

Reaches New Heights!

Excitement filled the air at the 2024 Athletics Carnival, with secondary showcasing their prowess in a wide range of events. All students took part in the 100m race in a true example of AISHK students giving it their best shot.

While some students burned up the track, others engaged in an array of other events, such as vortex throws and the much anticipated tug-of-war in year groups; all vying to contribute precious points to their House tally. In a day marked by sheer athleticism and determination, an astonishing 12 school records were shattered across a whopping 56 events!

Congratulations to Jacaranda, which has emerged as the winning house, claiming the coveted title of Athletics Carnival Champions for 2024. All participants and houses should be extremely proud of their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit!

AISHK Sports Roundup Interhouse Soccer Showdown

A thrilling Interhouse Football Finals took place at the end of Week 6, the day after the Athletics Carnival, no less! The matches were filled with intense competition and showcased the remarkable talent and sportsmanship of our students.

Junior Girls Final

In the Junior Girls Final, spectators were treated to an exhilarating match between Jacaranda and Wattle. Ultimately, Jacaranda emerged as the champions with a well-deserved 2-0 win. Pippa Bourne and Lily Pilgrim were the goal-scoring heroes for Jacaranda, displaying their exceptional skills on the field. We also want to acknowledge the outstanding defensive work of Jil Eder from Waratah, whose efforts made the match even more gripping.

Junior Boys Final

The Junior Boys Final was a thrilling showdown between Wattle and Jacaranda. In an intensely contested match, Wattle secured a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to an impressive goal scored by Hunter O’Connor. Hunter’s contribution led his team to success, and both teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork and

Senior Games

The Senior Games showcased the skill and resilience of our senior students. Both the Senior Girls and Senior Boys matches ended in an intense tie, with a score of 0-0. In the Senior Girls match between Jacaranda and Eucalypt, we witnessed notable performances from newcomer Ruby Bates from Jacaranda and Isabelle Lam from Eucalypt in both attack and defence.

The Senior Boys match was an anticipated showdown between Wattle and Eucalypt. The game exhibited the exceptional skills of the goalkeepers, Lachlan Cheung

from Wattle and Jason Tsoi from Eucalypt, who made a number of remarkable saves between them. Their outstanding performances added to the intensity and competitiveness of the match.

Looking Ahead

Due to the tie in both senior matches, we are planning to organise penalty shoot-outs sometime after activity week. This will provide an opportunity for these talented teams to break the deadlock and determine the ultimate winners.

Thank you to our referees for the finals – Cai McGunnigle, Marcus Chan and Mr Daniel Man. Also a special shout-out to our commentators for the day, Mr Bailey and Mr Tait.

AISHK Shines Bright at Interschool Gymnastics!

On Sunday 17 March, a group of talented students triumphed in the All Hong Kong InterArea Primary School Gymnastics Competition, held at Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre.

Gymnasts Cassandra Tang, Keira Lam, Tess Hui and Elise Wong clinched the championship title in Grade C, showcasing their unparalleled skills and dedication to the sport. A tremendous achievement, the title of course earned these students a well-deserved, glowing trophy which was shared with the Primary Office and made a fitting appearance at assembly!

The competition saw an AISHK gymnastics contingent of a total of 7 talented individuals, with Milaney Cheung Dopson, Chloe Ng and Jade Minchin also displaying exceptional skills. All participants left a lasting impression with both their Floor and Vault routines.

Adding further pride to the AISHK representation, several individual accolades also stood out as Cassandra secured 3rd place and Keira took 6th place in the individual Floor routine category.

These stellar performances are a testament to the hard work and commitment put in by these students and their families, who devote countless hours to training - be it through ECAs, evening sessions, or weekend practices under the guidance of Coach May and the Sportscene team.

Congratulations to our remarkable gymnasts for their outstanding results and unwavering determination on the competition floor.

AISHK stands proud of these shining stars, who embody the spirit of AISHK's commitment to excellence in sports.

2023 Graduate Snapshots

Our Many Measures of SUCCESS

AISHK Alumni are accepted into the world’s best universities including those in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and across Asia, UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.

58% of AISHK HSC entries achieved Band 5 or 6 results

47% of AISHK IB students achieved an ATAR of 90+ (equivalent of 34 points or higher)

89% of AISHK IB Students surpassed the global average diploma score

40%

of AISHK HSC students were listed on the NSW Distinguished Achievers List , recognised as being the best performing student in NSW.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 which indicates a student's position relative to all Year 12 students nationally.

ATAR highlights

98.8

AISHK Highest ATAR

88

AISHK Median ATAR

81% of AISHK students achieved an ATAR score above 80

We speak with some of our most recent graduates about their next steps and their perspectives on AISHK life.

Aaron O’Connor

NSW HSC | R to Y5; Y12 (2010 - 2016; 2023)

Course Accepted

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), University of Auckland

close to home, so I can see my family and have the best of both worlds, whilst studying there.

What differences have you found in New Zealand, having just moved back from Hong Kong? Everything is so much slower paced in New Zealand, compared to Hong Kong! I was used to the hustle and bustle of the streets in Mong Kok, whilst in Auckland, you need to get used to seeing less people and having access to more space. Culturally, I have to get used to being able to speak in English, to everyone I meet on the streets, and not to hear people conversing in Cantonese. It’s very different for me, but I see it as a challenge, and one that I’m quite ready to take on!

he made good friends with people in the Mathematics department. I left in 2016, but last year when I came back to live in Hong Kong and study at AISHK, I still saw many of the same faces that my mum and dad were friends with. This was pretty cool, and it made it easier to settle back into life. In addition, the students at AISHK all have a passion and hunger for learning, and are all really good people to be around. I guess, if you could bottle AISHK, the culture is the main standout that gives it its very own superpower!

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

What was the main reason for applying to study in this course in Auckland?

I’ve always known I wanted to be an engineer. I’ve got a knack for problem-solving, my dad’s a Mathematics teacher, so I guess I get that from him! Auckland was a great fit for me as it’s a great engineering school. It’s relatively

Alison Or

IBDP | R to Y12 (2010 - 2023)

You spent a good part of your primary school years at AISHK, before moving to New Zealand and then returning to Hong Kong to graduate. What would you say is a standout aspect/memory about your time at the school?

I think the community of teachers and students at AISHK was pretty special. I remember my early days of school, especially with my dad as

In five years’ time I could see myself in many places. I could see myself working as an engineer already; I could see myself studying for a PhD; I could see myself changing track completely and becoming a teacher. I guess the main thing is that I’ll always be looking for something new to learn, and I don’t think that will stop after I finish my engineering degree!

Courses Offered

• Bachelor of Law and Commerce, Monash University

• Bachelor of Commerce, The University of Melbourne

Scholarship Offered

• Newman College, Residential College, The University of Melbourne

Courses Accepted

• Bachelor of Commerce, The University of Melbourne

What was the main reason you decided to accept this course?

The main reason for choosing

The University of Melbourne was due to location, location and location! Monash University is further from Melbourne CBD, and I prefer the convenience of Melbourne University, as I am keen to experience more of the city life. I wasn’t super set on doing Law and didn’t want to be locked into a five-year degree straight away at Monash University. However, if I do change my mind and decide that I want to pursue a career

in Law, I will be able to take the Postgraduate Law degree at The University of Melbourne, after completing my bachelor’s degree.

You spent your whole school life at AISHK. That’s a lot of AISHK memories in the bank! If you had to choose one, what aspect of school life comes to mind?

The most memorable aspect is by far the camps and overseas

sports trips such as the Australian International Schools Association (AISA) competitions, and our Year 8 Chiang Mai trip. Looking back, it was the best part of school; being able to travel to different countries with my friends and experience all the opportunities AISHK offers. To this day, it may still be one of the most brought up topics among friends when reminiscing about our earlier schooling years.

happy at the moment with how everything is going and hope it can only go up from here!

Charlie Walsh

NSW HSC | Y8 to Y12 (2019 - 2023)

Courses Offered

• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary), Macquarie University

• Bachelor of Primary Education, Griffith University

• Bachelor of Primary Education, Charles Sturt University

Course Accepted

• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary), Macquarie University

What was the main reason you decided to accept this course?

I chose this course based on a few reasons. I have always considered Macquarie University as it has amazing opportunities for people looking to pursue a career in education. I also have many friends studying in Sydney, so it’s an added bonus that I will have people already in the area who I can spend time with.

You spent the majority of your secondary years at AISHK. What would you say is a ‘stand-out’ memory about your time at the school?

AISHK was a place that I thrived in. I enjoyed having a wide range of activities I could take part in and the school’s multi-faceted approach to learning. AISHK encouraged me to take up opportunities in many different sports and supported me in my cricketing career. I had the privilege to represent Hong Kong in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup qualifiers in Oman, in 2023. The fact that the school actively facilitates ways for its students to excel in different areas, and not solely focus on performance in the classroom, is a key aspect for me!

Now that you have some more time on your hands, what are some of the things you have been doing for fun? Right now, I am still trying to settle into my university life in a new country and with the new workload on top of college activities, I haven’t had much spare time on my hands. Whilst all of this is very overwhelming, I’m quite

You are currently on a Gap year in England. What made you take the plunge for this exciting adventure? I plumped for a Gap year in England mainly because it is an incredible opportunity to travel in Europe. This is a luxury I wouldn’t really have in Australia, because of how cheap it is to travel from England to different places around Europe.

Where are you currently working?

I’m currently working at St John’s Beaumont School in Windsor as a Boarding Assistant and Sport Teaching Assistant. It’s an amazing part of the world, and I am having a unique experience here. I’ve had to pinch myself when I’ve encountered a superstar footballer like Gareth Bale dropping his children off at the school gate in the morning, and I even got to timekeep Prince George at a recent swimming gala competition!

What differences have you found between life in Australia, Hong Kong and England?

Australia - The perfect place to spend my childhood. Having space to run around was exactly what I needed as a kid who lived and breathed sport.

Hong Kong - An excellent place

to spend my teenage years. All of the international school kids are so interconnected and I was able to engage in cultures I wouldn’t have been able to access anywhere else in the world.

England - Though I’ve only been here for a couple of months, I love not only the place I’m in, but the people I work with. My only small complaint is the

Tiffany Chan

NEW HSC | Y11 to Y12 (2022-2023)

Previous Schools

• Methodist Ladies College (MLC) in Perth, Western Australia;

• Good Hope School Hong Kong

Courses Offered

• Bachelor of Science, UNSW

• Bachelor of Marine Science, University of Wollongong

• Bachelor of Science, The Australian National University

• Bachelor of Science, The University of Melbourne

• Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland

• Bachelor and Doctorate of Veterinary Science; Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, The University of Adelaide

• Bachelor of Marine Science, The University of Western Australia

weather, but I’ve been promised that it does get better!

Aside from your work and playing cricket in England, do you have any countries or events you would like to tick off your bucket list, whilst you are in Europe? I would really love to travel to different areas in this part of the world, such as Spain, Portugal,

Ireland, Scotland and Germany. If I get the chance, then I will definitely be looking to go to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as I think that would be an incredible experience. Overall, making new friends and creating memories by travelling are my main goals for the year!

• Bachelor of Marine Science, University of Tasmania

Course accepted

• University of Sydney, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (animal and veterinary bioscience)

What would you say is a standout memory about your time at the school?

I loved the time we spent at the retreat where we were able to work on our skills in golf, tennis, dodgeball and swimming. The accommodation was huge! We also had some free time to spend time with our friends and do whatever we wanted.

What was your favourite subject at school and why?

Maths is my favourite subject! I find it a lot of fun to solve math problems. Although sometimes it is very challenging, the process exploring, investigating and finding a right way out is very rewarding.

You joined AISHK in Year 11 and adapted very well to a new school environment! Which school did you attend previously and why did you choose AISHK for your senior high school years?

Yes, I joined AISHK in Year 11 in 2022. I previously went to Methodist Ladies College (MLC) in Perth, Western Australia, and Good Hope School Hong Kong. I chose AISHK because this is the only school that offers an Australian Curriculum, which in this case is the NSW HSC.

I'm really grateful for every bit of support and love that our teachers gave us! Our classmates at AISHK and all students are really nice. So, I'm really grateful for them.

What are your plans and hopes career wise, based on your University Course?

I am hoping that my university pathway will lead me to be a marine biologist or scientist. I am studying a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary bioscience) at The University of Sydney.

A REUNION WITH A VIEW:

Hong Kong Alumni Gathering

AISHK held a well-attended Alumni Reunion in Causeway Bay on Saturday 3 February, 2024.

With parents, staff and students from a wide spectrum of AISHK’s history in the room, we took much pleasure in bringing this group of diverse alumni together. The connections and re-connections made on the evening are testament to the unique AISHK bonds shared by so many.

Please enjoy the recap visuals which share a snapshot of the event.

SAVE-THE-DATES!

AISHK Alumni Reunions in Sydney & Melbourne

Watch the event recap video by clicking here or by scanning the QR code:

AISHK Q& A with Oreana

Isaac lived in Hong Kong from 2014 through 2020. He currently lives in Tasmania and now spends several months a year in HK seeing investors, clients, and his team at Oreana.

While in HK, Isaac and his wife Tia adopted James, who was shortly followed by their second son Hugh. When in town you can usually find them up at the Hong Kong Cricket Club where Isaac captained the Premier League team and Tia was a Director. Now in Tasmania, Isaac is an adjunct academic at the University of Tasmania and sits on the Board of various education and arts groups, as well as regularly appearing on global investment networks including Bloomberg, CNBC and BBC.

Navigating the complexities of financial planning, particularly when it involves children's education, requires careful consideration and strategic thinking. For local and expatriate families, especially those living in bustling cities like Hong Kong, balancing current living expenses with long-term savings goals can be a daunting task. To shed light on this matter, we had the opportunity to speak with Isaac, an expert in Wealth Management and an active member of both the Hong Kong and Australian communities. Drawing from his extensive experience, Isaac provides valuable insights and practical advice on how families can effectively plan for their children's education while ensuring financial security for the future.

AISHK is known for its unique community spirit! As a sponsor of a number of AISHK school community events, can you share with us some of the other activities or charities Oreana has supported in Hong Kong?

Isaac: Oreana has always been very proud to sponsor AISHK and we enjoy our interactions with the amazing community at the school. We also sponsor the Hong Kong Dragons AFL and The Australian Association of Hong Kong, where

we have two of our team members sitting on the committee. We seek to be actively involved with each community and to build strong relationships with everyone.

Oreana is a very active company, and your regular appearances on Bloomberg and CNN must keep you busy! From a more personal perspective, how do you balance your professional commitments with your involvement in community initiatives and family life? What advice would you give

Isaac Poole, of school event sponsor Oreana, shares his wealth management insights and his thoughts on family life in Hong Kong.

to parents and professionals seeking this balance in a busy city like Hong Kong?

Balance is important in life as it is in investing. But it is not always easy when you’re in the thick of markets, media, and the fast-paced HK lifestyle. I try to manage work loads, find time for a run or some exercise most days, and make sure to see my wife and children on the days I’m not traveling. It doesn’t always work, and it's important not to beat yourself up on days where not everything runs like clockwork.

Have you noticed any trends in the international or Australian communities moving to or from Hong Kong, and how do you think these trends influence the cultural diversity and community dynamics in the city?

Hong Kong is showing its resilience once again in the face of challenges it has faced over the past few

years. This is such a feature of the city - and the diversity of the population is something that helps build that resilience.

As a family who lived in Hong Kong, how did you find the transition? Can you share any experiences or insights that you or your Oreana team members believe would resonate with other families in similar situations?

I think Hong Kong is my spiritual home - from the moment I moved here in early 2014 I felt very much at ease in the city. One thing my wife and I found useful when we moved here was to learn some cantonese, both reading and speaking. I can get by without it, but it did enhance our experience of the local culture!

In your opinion, what opportunities does Hong Kong offer for children in terms of

lifestyle, education, and cultural enrichment? How does your company contribute to creating a positive environment for families in the community?

Hong Kong is such a great city for children. We adopted our first son in 2018 and our second son was born shortly after. There are so many opportunities for even very young children to be involved in sport, music or other cultural pursuits. One area we are passionate about at Oreana is financial literacy for children and families, and this is something we promote and work with our clients to grow.

Can you share any “stand-out” moments or anecdotes that have made a lasting impression on you during your time in Hong Kong?

The thing that really stands out about Hong Kong for me is the sense of family that builds between friends - I’ve been lucky to meet people at the Hong Kong Cricket Club, the AFL Dragons, and through work that are like family to me. It’s a feature of the country that stands out compared with other major cities where I’ve lived. Everyone seems to cherish the opportunities they have here and it brings people close together.

How can parents effectively plan for their children's education, considering the high costs associated with

international schooling? Can you suggest some strategies for parents to secure their financial future while prioritising their children's education?

Parents often face the challenge of balancing saving for their children's education and saving for their own retirement. Putting all your savings into a retirement account might be tax efficient but may not align with the timeline for their children's educational needs. On the other hand, education savings plans may not be ideal for long term retirement savings. A financial advisor can help figure out the right balance between the two goals. In Hong Kong though, investments don't always have to be locked away until retirement age, and education savings plans don’t need to be complex insurancebased structures. That's why many parents choose to open accounts with Oreana that can one day be used for both their children's education expenses and their long-term retirement funds. This approach allows

them to avoid making a fixed decision right now on how much to allocate to each goal. The funds can grow effectively and giving them complete flexibility how to use the funds in the future, as and when it is needed without lock ins or contractual periods.

What financial advice would you give to expatriate families living in Hong Kong for managing currency risk and exchange rates?

Currency management is difficult. It is easy to get it wrong. And mistakes can be costly. I’d suggest speaking early to an advisor if you are thinking about transactions that could involve currency riskthe sooner you think about it, the better you will be able to plan and manage for those risks.

In your view, what are the most important financial literacy concepts that should be taught in schools to prepare students for their future?

Financial literacy for children is so important, but is something that

has been traditionally absent in most educational settings. Instead children are often left to learn about it themselves, which can come with mistakes and risk. Starting early is important. That said, some key areas to think about are:

How money is earned.

The importance of saving. How interest rates compound savings through time.

The implications of borrowing money and going into debt. Spending on needs versus wants.

How has the financial landscape changed in Hong Kong in recent years, and what impact might this have on families saving for education?

Hong Kong continues to evolve and its role in global capital markets, global trade and global tourism evolves with it. This will bring opportunities but also challenges for some jobs and some sectors and highlights the importance of sound financial advice - thinking about this early can make a big difference when it comes to preparing for future education costs.

For teachers, what are some smart investment or saving strategies to consider while working internationally?

The key is to determine if it's best to keep sending money back to your default onshore pension system. There might be some tax benefits from doing this, up to a point. When living in Hong Kong though, your investments can grow tax-free and without being locked until retirement age.

So depending on your plans for the future, this may provide better results than sending money back home. For most there is a ratio of

offshore and onshore investments that makes the most sense, and even some structures in Hong Kong that can reduce your tax even further. Working with an Oreana adviser can help you calculate that ideal ratio for you and make the most of the tax breaks available in both places.

What are the common financial pitfalls that expat families encounter, and how can they avoid them?

Hong Kong is such a great place to live as an expat, however, we often encounter families that have spent a long time in Hong Kong, but have not maximised the opportunity to build wealth. Some simple ways to help build wealth are to budget, not forget taxes, prioritise saving, and, importantly, consider using a strategic financial planner who can make a very big difference to your outcomes over time!

Could you provide insights into how families can balance the costs of current living expenses with long-term savings goals?

Trying to juggle a lot of different priorities for the family is difficult at the best of times. Which comes first? Is it paying down the mortgage, saving for the children’s education or starting to set aside funds for retirement? Here are some tips that may help you: Understand your cash in cash out situation. If you haven’t already, I suggest you try to save for a month, track very closely where your money goes. From rent to incidental things like the children’s pocket money. The more accurate the better. You’ll be surprised how even a small amount of expenses can build up! This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation and start to think in terms of priorities.

Create a Budget

This is in every parents’ to do list I suspect. But if you’ve done the first exercise of understanding your cashflow, you’re in a good position to identify where you can make savings, and where your excess income can be used more effectively. Tip: if you’re struggling on where to start, you can try the 70/20/10 rule. So, 70% goes to living expenses, 20% is for savings and debt, while 10% is for any discretionary spend. This is not a one size fits all approach though, as you probably have different priorities you’d want to attend to, which brings to my last point.

One would say this is the most difficult one, as something’s got to give right? Not necessarily. If you have a good grasp of your finances and are starting to work on a budget, the last step is to identify what you would like to achieve as a family, and what timeline is involved. How long do you have until your child goes to university for example, when would you like to retire? Do you need to pay off your home as soon as possible, or is it better to maximise your retirement savings? And it’s not about abandoning one goal for another. Through time, priorities will change and managing a good budget means you have the capacity to make the necessary changes.

Emergency Funds

A good rule of thumb is to have at least one month’s combined pay in cash as an emergency fund. This will buy you a bit of time if you need to claim for insurance, or if required, sell some liquid assets if absolutely needed.

Finally, what resources or services does Oreana Private Wealth offer that could assist families in their financial planning for education?

Here at Oreana, we are well placed to assist you in saving for your children’s education. Our Advisors are fully qualified and experienced in having the right conversation with you as well as providing you with suitable investments to meet your goals. Our Advice Process involves an in-depth look at your current position and financial goals. Our analysis will then give you a Financial Plan which contains our recommendations and how it will put you in a better position, within the agreed scope of advice. An equally important side of our offering is our investment capabilities, where we can access different asset classes and tailor make the portfolio to align with your risk profile.

Whether you're a parent seeking to secure your child's educational future or an expatriate family navigating the financial landscape in Hong Kong, Oreana Private Wealth offers comprehensive financial planning services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start planning for a brighter tomorrow. | Oreanaprivatewealth.com

Prioritise Savings

Call for Contributions!

Do you like to write stories? Do you take photos? Draw? Or maybe you just want to say SOMETHING.

Here’s your chance.

The Lion Rock magazine is looking to publish your work.

If you are interested in being part of the magazine through essays and articles that you’ve written or a venue to showcase your art (photography, scuplture, graphic art, painting, etc) send us an email.

Do you want to learn how to publish a magazine?

Do you want to be part of a media team?

Or have strong feelings suggestions and/or objections, or other interesting things that you think can be part of the magazine?

Write them down and send them our way as well. We look forward to hearing from you.

development@aishk.edu.hk.

See you in the next issue!