HONG KONG
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Members,
Twelve months ago, in my rst message to members as your president, I made a pledge to lead with pragmatism. I vowed to engage in the issues and to make our substantial voice count, while also securing the long-term future of the FCC.
At the time, the club was reeling from the sharp criticism it had received, from both members and non-members, for failing to mark World Press Freedom Day just a few weeks earlier. is year, we marked the occasion with a press freedom statement speaking up for the rights of journalists. We also placed an unmissable popup banner on our website proudly proclaiming a simple yet powerful message: “Journalism is not a crime”. e following day we hosted the FCC’s rst Journalism Conference in ve years. Under the theme “Let’s Get to Work”, we welcomed more than 130 journalists into the club for a day of talks, workshops and networking. To demonstrate our unrelenting commitment to support journalists and facilitate journalism of the highest standard, we made the conference free to attend.
A lot has changed in the 12 months in between, but I believe that this straightforward comparison speaks volumes for the progress that the club has made under the leadership of the 2023-24 board.
In that same message a year ago, I nailed my colours to the mast by laying out six priorities that I aimed to accomplish during the board year, from press freedom and journalist training to diversity at speaking events. At our AGM in late May, I was thrilled to be able to report on the signi cant progress we have achieved on all six fronts.
I want to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the club sta , committee members and to the Board of Governors for their e orts, which have been indispensable in helping us get to this point. It really does take a village. For more details on the progress we have made on the six priorities, read this year’s President’s Report in full by scanning the QR code at the bottom of this page.
If you don’t read the report, here’s the precis: in the last 12 months the FCC has got its groove back. As a result we have seen greater participation in committees and club life across the board. Last year, for the rst time in our 80year history we did not have enough candidates running for Correspondent Governor, resulting in an unprecedented by-election. is time around, we just had our healthiest, most contested hustings for years. I believe this is a clear endorsement of the direction the club has been taking and a re ection of the newfound vibrancy and optimism within our historic walls.
For the coming year, my pledge to you is simple—more of the same. We will build on what we have accomplished and face the challenges ahead with a renewed sense of con dence and clarity.
Let’s not kid ourselves, this coming year will likely bring even greater challenges as Hong Kong’s political landscape continues to shi and the space for independent organisations such as the FCC contracts.
Nevertheless, I remain con dent that together—with unity, grit and determination—we can overcome any challenges that arise and that 12 months from now, when the President’s Report is once again delivered at the AGM, I will be able to report that our club is stronger than ever.
Lee Williamson President president@fcchk.org
I want to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the Club sta , committee members and to the Board of Governors for their e orts, which have been indispensable in helping us get to this point. It really does take a village.
Read the President’s Report
PHOTO: BEN MARANS
The Board of Governors 2024-2025
President Lee Williamson
First Vice President Morgan Davis
Second Vice President Tim Huxley
Correspondent Member Governors Karly Cox, Jennifer Jett, Karen Koh, Kristie Lu Stout, Dean Napolitano, Peter Parks, Laura Westbrook, William Zheng
Journalist Member Governors Zela Chin, Joe Pan
Associate Member Governors Liu Kin-ming, Lynne Mulholland, Christopher Slaughter, Barbara Yu Larsson
Club Treasurer Tim Huxley
Club Secretary Liu Kin-ming
Professional Committee Conveners: Lee Williamson, Jennifer Jett, Karen Koh, Joe Pan, William Zheng
Journalism Conference Sub-Committee Convener: Dean Napolitano
Press Freedom Committee Conveners: Lee Williamson, Morgan Davis, Jennifer Jett, Karen Koh
Constitutional Committee Conveners: Liu Kin-ming, Peter Parks
Membership Committee Conveners: Karly Cox, Jennifer Jett, Zela Chin, Dean Napolitano
Communications Committee Conveners: Zela Chin, Morgan Davis, Dean Napolitano
Finance Committee Treasurer: Tim Huxley Conveners: Karen Koh, Lynne Mulholland
House/Food and Beverage Committee Conveners: Lynne Mulholland, Barbara Yu Larsson
Building – Project and Maintenance Committee Conveners: Liu Kin-ming, Christopher Slaughter
Wall Committee Conveners: Kristie Lu Stout, Peter Parks
Charity Committee Convener: Morgan Davis
Cricket Society Chairman: Neil Western Bridge Society Chairman: Jenny Hsieh
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 adi u nali int and finally adi ann un in
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.
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 e ndent e n and a ualified and practicing psychotherapist. Kate is the author of two n n fi ti n i e and Pandemic Minds, her book on the pandemic in Hong Kong, released by HKU Press in April 2024.
Editor Ann Tsang Email: editor@fcchk.org
Publisher Artmazing! Noel de Guzman Email: artmazingcompany@gmail.com
Cover image Britt Clennett
Printing Elite Printing: Tel: 2558 0119
Advertising Enquiries nt fi e el
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
Britt Clennett
Britt Clennett is a foreign correspondent for U.S. network ABC News. Based in Hong Kong, she has t a elled t d en unt ie n ea in new assignments and longer-form features, reporting for World News Tonight and Good Morning America a well a B t ea in e i e he t recently covered the Israel-Hamas war after many months reporting from Ukraine on the Russian invasion. Britt previously worked for Al Jazeera, VICE News, Sky News Australia and Reuters TV.
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.
The Correspondent ©2024
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong
TheCorrespondent©2024ispublishedfourtimesayearbyTheForeignCorrespondents’Club, HongKong.Allviewsexpressedinallarticlesarethoseoftheauthorsandarenotnecessarily thoseofTheForeignCorrespondents’Club.AllcontentcontainedwithinTheCorrespondent magazinemaynotbereproducedinanymannerwhatsoeverwithoutauthorisation.
On May 15, 2024, the International Photographic Council (IPC) posthumously honoured Douglas Kirkland with its special IPC Lifetime Achievement Award. Ann Tsang looks back at the life of a legendary photographer.
Capturer of Soul Photographer Gérard Rancinan travels the globe, bearing rsthand witness to events of historical importance. His voracious need for self-expression leads him to focus on the world's most important issues and he produces striking images. His photographs of athletes, artists and politicians have become nothing short of iconic.
AGM CONCLUDES BOARD YEAR
is year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 30 concluded the 2023-2024 Board Year. Members who attended heard the Board’s report on the progress and achievements of the Club over the past year. Members also voted on Clubwide matters and were given the opportunity to ask questions about plans for the year ahead.
e AGM was followed by the rst meeting of the new
REPAIRS UNDERWAY
Sca olding was erected over the façade of the Club on May 22 and will remain in place until early October 2024. e repair and maintenance work will focus on restoration of the exterior of the building, including brick replacement, restoration of decorative moulding, repointing of granite, stucco repairs and repainting. It will also include roof repairs and water sealing for the Main Dining Room and Verandah in order to preserve the vintage ceiling tiles.
e Board of Governors is proud to be making this investment in our historic home as a sign of con dence in the future of the FCC.
Board for 2024-2025. Congratulations go to all of our newlyelected Board members and a special thanks to outgoing members for their dedicated contributions to the FCC. e new Board members are as follows:
President Lee Williamson
First Vice President Morgan Davis
Second Vice President Tim Huxley
Correspondent Governors Karly Cox
Jennifer Jett
Karen Koh
Kristie Lu Stout
Dean Napolitano
Peter Parks
Laura Westbrook
William Zheng
Journalist Governors
Zela Chin
Joe Pan
Associate Governors Liu Kin-ming
Lynne Mulholland
Christopher Slaughter
Barbara Yu Larsson
JOURNALISM CONFERENCE
e long-awaited return of the FCC’s Journalism Conference on May 4 drew a fully-booked audience of students and early-career/experienced journalists - all eager to advance their professional skills.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Patricia Evangelista and Alan Soon. Panels on mental health, environmental reporting, and how to be a journalist in Hong Kong featured both local and international journalists. Workshops were held club-wide and provided insights into nancial
reporting, covering Mainland China from Hong Kong, alternative careers in media, how to use generative AI in the newsroom, as well as o ering career advice for budding journalists.
e FCC Hong Kong would like to thank all the speakers for dedicating their time to the Conference; our sta and Conference Sub-Committee who helped plan and organise the day; and all our attendees for their support.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
Our new menus were introduced on June 1 a er more than a year of planning, and multiple reviews and revisions by the House/Food and Beverage Committee, management and sta . A few typos slipped through on the Main Lounge menu, and these have been corrected along with some changes that we have made in response to member suggestions. (More on these below.) We have monitored and recorded member feedback on the new menus and have transparently shared this with the F&B team, the House/Food and Beverage Committee, and the Board. Member comments received up to press time are summarised in the table below.
New menu comment summary
Compliments
Misc. comments on individual items/recipes
My favourite items been eliminated New items more expensive, any excuse to raise prices Restore two portions size for curry dishes Restore chicken
Compliments comprise the largest category of comments received. Second are member comments on individual menu items, some of which are matters of personal taste, and some of which Chef Johnny Ma and the culinary team have reviewed and acted upon. ird are comments that a personal favourite has been discontinued, which is common at private clubs when menus change. But if these items were everyone’s favourites, they’d still be on the menu! Only poor sellers were deleted from the current editions.
Feedback was received via Comment Cards, comments relayed to sta , and from those who attended the new à la carte menu tasting evenings – where one dedicated diner wrote 10 comments and suggestions! We have implemented two changes to the Main Lounge menu in response to member feedback, bringing back smaller portions for our very popular curry dishes and our traditional sh and chips. We will also be sure to feature dishes that didn’t make the current menu as specials – which is where we will “audition” items for future menus. Finally, our menus are not cast in stone. We hope to learn from the long menu development process just completed and be able to streamline this so that we can change menus regularly – twice per year to start.
Meanwhile, please enjoy the new items on our various menus and complete Comment Cards therea er. Comment Cards provide feedback on new dishes and on specials you would like us to add to future menus, as well as telling us what went well and what could be improved upon – on a timely basis, so that we can quickly investigate and take corrective action.
RECIPROCAL CLUB PROFILES
Our global network of 98 reciprocal clubs (and growing) is a valuable bene t to FCC members who travel. Many of these clubs are in wonderful locations and o er guest accommodation – a far more personal experience than staying in a hotel –usually at a much lower room rate. In this issue, we introduce a new feature, Reciprocal Club Pro les, which will be written by members about their experience at a particular club. If you would like to write about your experience, please contact Ann Tsang at editor@fcchk.org.
I look forward to seeing you at the FCC in the weeks and months ahead.
David Brightling, General Manager
BE A HUMAN FIRST
ABC News Foreign Correspondent and FCC Member Britt Clennett has most recently covered the Israel-Hamas war a er many months reporting from Ukraine on the Russian invasion. “In war - just like in life - what matters is how ‘mensch’ you are”, she says as she writes of her experiences on the front line.
Everyone is ghting their own war. You can see it in the reddened faces of Israeli settlers standing resolutely in the middle of a checkpoint on a crisp morning, trying to block Palestinian truck drivers from carrying pallets of Gaza-bound aid out of the West Bank. ese settlers, who have previously set trucks on re, ransacked aid, and even attacked drivers, truly believe these desperately-needed
supplies like our and water will fall into the hands of Hamas, which committed brutal atrocities against the Israeli people on October last year. On this early morning, the settlers’ acts are also seeded with hatred of familiar intensity.
“What about the innocent many who need this aid?” I ask.
“ ere are no innocent people in Gaza,” a settler replies.
“Children?”
“ ey will grow up to become terrorists.” is hatred might be rooted deep in history, but today it exposes itself so blatantly and with such rage as if piercing through the ground. On some days, it feels as though this place is broken beyond repair. It’s a lingering heaviness. en there are people like Mai Albini Peri. e 29-yearold has every right to be enraged, despondent, even hateful. Mai’s grandfather, Chaim Peri, was abducted by Hamas from his home in Nir Oz Kibbutz during the October 7 attacks. Chaim - a peace activist - was later killed along with three other hostages during an IDF operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Israeli military.
Chaim’s legacy lives through Mai, who despite the circumstances, told me at a rally outside the government headquarters in Jerusalem that the Palestinians are su ering immensely from this war too. “We are not doomed to live together, we are destined to live together,” Mai said.
A er being so disheartened by the striking de cit of empathy in this con ict, Mai’s profound capacity for compassion oored me.
THE PROBLEM WITH OBJECTIVITY
One of the rst things you learn as a journalist is that, no matter what, you should strive to remain objective. at is to say: to the very best of your ability, you should put all your biases and prejudices aside to present the facts and analysis in the most balanced way possible. You are taught that, over time, bit by bit, your gut instinct for objectivity will grow more reliable and you will develop a ‘best practice’ to suppress the in uence of feelings, fear or favour.
But how do you remain impartial in the face of unthinkable human tragedy? How do you cast emotion aside when lives are being ripped apart in front of your eyes?
One of the biggest tests to my principles of objectivity came when I began covering the Ukraine war in 2022. In my rst few days on the ground, a 15-year-old girl named Dasha described to me how her father was shot in front of her eyes as their car was red upon by Russian soldiers. Dasha was hit in the arm and leg. She survived by playing dead.
A er the interview, as our crew loaded our gear into the car, I went into the kitchen to thank Dasha’s grandma
Recording a segment in Northern Israel.
for having us. She was a stern-faced woman who emanated the kind of strength and resilience that I’d come to know of Ukrainian women in the months that followed. A single parent who had lost her son, she was now in charge of raising her deeply traumatised granddaughter.
Speaking Ukrainian, she gestured to the windows and walls where the Russian troops had damaged her house. At that moment she broke down in tears, her hard exterior melting as I approached her, o ering a hug. We stood embracing in the middle of her kitchen. Despite being unable to communicate in a common language, in that moment we were connected in a kind of pure, human understanding. A er a while, I was also seeing the Russians as the enemy.
My view only changed a er an assignment to the mountainous Russian-Georgian border where thousands of young Russians were eeing by foot to avoid being dra ed into the military and potentially sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.
A 28-year-old, Dimitry, whose eyes were bright red and his face sunburnt from walking along a dusty road for two days, carrying a camping backpack and a blue plastic IKEA
bag stu ed with his belongings. I asked him why he went to such great lengths to escape Russia. “I don’t want to get killed and I don’t want to kill,” he replied.
His words struck me very clearly with a notion that the Russian authoritarian government does not represent these young men.
Dasha, Dasha’s grandmother, Dimitry. ey are all caught up in a war against humanity they did not choose to wage.
You have to care.
I’d been a reporter for more than a decade before I stepped foot in Ukraine, but nothing could prepare me for what I would see and experience, and how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion would become a de ning moment in history and reshape the geopolitical order.
The war changed the world, and the war changed me. I learned so much about the human condition and the nature of the human spirit in the face of adversity and atrocity. I got to know some of the best journalists who have an uncanny ability to approach anyone in their darkest hour and ooze so much empathy that it emanates
Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel.
from the very essence of their being.
One day we were lming at a humanitarian centre in Zaporizhia in southeastern Ukraine, not too far from the exploding frontline, as families from the occupied areas were eeing to safety. Young and old were crammed into cars with all their earthly belongings. ey had driven for hours,
tired and terri ed. Most of them had no idea where they’d got there. Some of them couldn’t even fathom how they had there in the rst place. Surely, I thought, the last thing they felt like doing was recounting their trauma to a stranger, with a camera pointed at their face. But there they were, Dada Jovanovic and Natalya Kushnir, ABC eld producers,
earning the trust of these people. rough their tone of voice, body language and expressions, they were saying: we understand your pain, and we care. is is not something you can fake. You just have to care. is job takes huge doses of hard work and grit, and it comes at a great personal cost. But to make the most of it, and to avoid getting too comfortable in the dark corners of the mind, you must see that there are good people doing good things and you have to mirror that same humanity. As a veteran ABC journalist once said: “However good you are at your job, your true value is in how ‘mensch’ you are. How human you are.” n
Interview with Mayor Vitali Klitschko in Kyiv
A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
On May 15, 2024, the International Photographic Council (IPC) posthumously honoured Douglas Kirkland with its special Lifetime Achievement Award. Ann Tsang looks back at the life of a legendary photographer.
Throughout the course of his life, Douglas Kirkland worked as an assistant to Irving Penn, a photographer for both Life and Look magazines, on the sets of over 150 major motion pictures, and much more, making him one of the most proli c photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition to shooting the stills for such classics including Butch Cassidy and e Sundance Kid, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Out of Africa, Titanic and Moulin Rouge, his portrait subjects have included Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand and countless others.
Born in Toronto, at the age of three, Douglas Kirkland moved with his parents to Fort Erie, a town of 7,000 people, where he led what he described as a “Tom Sawyer type of existence.” Photography was always a fantasy for the young Kirkland, and his biggest dream was to be a photographer for Life magazine. “I would dream about photography and it would manifest,” he said. He took his rst picture at age 10 - a snapshot of his family on Christmas morning with a Brownie Box camera. “At 14 I started doing weddings, sports events and passport photographs...anything.”
Kirkland’s rst camera was his family’s Kodak Brownie which used 116 lm, with a mere eight exposures per roll. For certain shoots he continued to use lm and a Mamiya RZ 6x7 or his treasured old Deardor 8x10 when shooting in larger formats. “I don’t ever want to be at odds with my equipment,” he once said.
Kirkland joined Look magazine at the age of 25, having spent a brief period as assistant to the legendary Irving Penn, whom he took photographs of on his last day of work. He then got a call out of the blue from Look , which at the time hadn’t hired in 15 years. Kirkland became the second youngest photographer that the magazine had ever hired, with Stanley Kubrick being the youngest at 16.
Elizabeth Taylor was the rst celebrity that Kirkland photographed. Taylor had only agreed to do an interview with the magazine, but no pictures, as she had been very sick and had not been photographed for years. Kirkland accompanied the journalist to the interview, and at the end went to shake her hand and say goodbye. He held her hand for a long time and looked deep into her eyes and said, “Goodbye, it was very nice meeting you,” before continuing, “Can you imagine what an opportunity it would be for me, being the new kid on the block, if you gave me a chance to photograph you?’”
Taylor responded by telling Kirkland to meet her the following evening at 8:30pm. e photo session with the actress was the beginning of more than three decades of celebrity shots which were showcased in Kirkland’s book Light Years, published in 1989.
A er taking pictures of Taylor, Kirkland got a call to come to Hollywood to photograph Marilyn Monroe, one of the many seminal moments of the photographer’s career. “She was a kaleidoscope of personalities and you never knew
which one you would meet. I believe she got more pleasure from shooting stills than making movies – it gave her the freedom to create her own character right on the spot,” he said in an interview with me in 2009.
When Look magazine ceased publishing in 1971, Kirkland was devastated. “I couldn’t imagine my life without it and I experienced the shock of realising that maybe my career was over.” However his career was far from over as he then joined Life magazine during the golden age of 1970s photojournalism, but as the decade progressed, he said, “Photojournalism as I had known it seemed to be vanishing.”
Kirkland’s career took a slight change of direction and he went on to shoot the stills for more than 150 motion pictures, and during his lifetime published books including Light Years, Icons, Legends, Body Stories, An Evening With Marilyn, and the best-selling James Cameron’s Titanic, Freeze Frame - a decade by decade look behind the scenes from 50 years of photographing the entertainment industry published in 2007.
In the introduction to his book Freeze Frame, Kirkland
wrote: “In the early days, I remember looking at life as a series of endless and exciting freeze frames. I wanted to record them and show them in my way. Photography for me has always been about interpreting people, places, and events and I understand the world better looking at it through my camera.”
Kirkland’s book Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel/Summer 1962 , is a documentation of the photographs he took whilst spending three weeks with the most important fashion icon of all time. Over the course of this stay, he photographed Coco with her friends, on the runway, and in the privacy of her homes. e book includes typical Chanel poses, as well as some rarely seen moments of charm, including one particular image in which she is seen smiling cheekily from behind a dressing screen.
In recalling his successful celebrity shots of Coco Chanel, Jack Nicholson, Judy Garland, and Charlie Chaplin, to name a few, Kirkland revealed his secret to making the stars look into the camera. “ e problem with celebrities is that they o en try to protect the way they look. ey are aware of their
Sophia Loren and Charlie Chaplin on the set of ‘A Countess from Hong Kong’, 1966
Photographing Marilyn Monroe, 1961
good side, and as you get sidetracked by things like that, it’s hard to concentrate on them. I look them in the eye and connect. I really had a relationship with these people that could be seen through the pictures.”
During his earlier years at Look and Life magazines, Kirkland would sometimes spend three weeks to a month with the person he was photographing; but this process later became unthinkable. “By the ‘80s I did things in a day or two, and I had to work faster and size people up faster,” he told me. “I’m not sure if I had the opportunity to spend a month with a person again, that I would take it. But I feel, in retrospect, it was right for me at the time.”
Among the numerous awards that Kirkland has received include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers, Photographer of the Year from the PMA, a Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Photography from the IPA in 2003,
e Golden Eye of Russia in April 2006, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from CAPIC in his native Toronto in May 2006.
In the last interview I did with Kirkland, he was not only humble, but extremely grateful for the life he was fortunate to live. “I hope I’m not remembered for being egotistical. I have enjoyed helping people and consider myself as a very humane and caring person. Maybe they might remember me for a few of my pictures too. I get tired of this individual called Douglas. Everybody has a value. I’ve been very blessed and I don’t want to misuse that. ere is no way I was entitled to the amount of luck that I’ve had. I know that the world is bigger than Douglas Kirkland.” n
Douglas Kirkland passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on October 2, 2022 at the age of 88 with his beloved wife Francoise by his side.
Kirkland with Elizabeth Taylor
Suzuki, Shinto Priest
“As Shinto priests very rarely leave their temples, it was incredible for me to be able to convince Suzuki to go out in the iddle the y t t a fi t ta e thi h t
CAPTURER OF SOUL
Photographer Gérard Rancinan travels the globe, bearing rst-hand witness to events of historical importance. His voracious need for self-expression leads him to focus on the world’s most important issues and he produces striking images. His photographs of athletes, artists and politicians have become nothing short of iconic.
Gérard Rancinan was born in Talence, southwest France, just a few ocean-sprayed metres away from the picturesque port of Bordeaux. “When I was a child, I remember seeing boats moored at the end of streets, horizons that seemed to stretch on forever. And without realising it at the time, I breathed a mixture of perfumes from all four corners of the world - a calling to travel, you could say.”
A er a short but “pretty unbearable” period of study, Rancinan directly entered the world of photojournalism as an apprentice lab technician in the photographic department of the Bordeaux-based Sud-Ouest newspaper. A er three years of working in the darkroom, Rancinan, at the age of 18, became the youngest photojournalist in France, and was assigned coverage of the local Bordeaux news. “ e best hands-on experience ever. Imagine covering three rugby matches all starting at the same time every Sunday a ernoon, 15 miles apart. ere’s no time for messing about!,” he recalls. Aspiring to climb the echelons quickly, some considered the youngster as just a bit too ambitious, and de nitely overzealous for the somewhat tranquil routine of a picture department of a provincial newspaper.
Aged 21, Rancinan was sent to the local agency of the newspaper in Pau in the Pyrenees region. “I started my career rather spoilt, between two winners of the Albert Londres prize for journalism, Jean-Claude Guillebault and Pierre Veilletet. Our boss, Henri Amouroux, made it quite clear that the best policy was head down and go for it. So of course, when I arrived in Pau, a clean, quiet town and about as boring as they come, I realised I had to prepare myself for a di erent kind of future.”
Whilst covering a range of events, Rancinan made the most of his spare time producing his rst major assignments in Kuwait and Portugal. Noticed by the newly-formed Sygma agency, he chose to be distributed by the latter in 1973. “Not only did I know about the work done by Sygma’s major photographers, but I was well-versed on LIFE’s and Magnum’s photographers, too. You could ask me anything
you wanted about the photos of Cartier-Bresson, Elliot Erwitt, Larry Burrows, Ian Berry or Co Rentmeester - they held no secrets for me. Not surprising really when you’re in the deepest Pyrenees and you’ve got time to dream away.”
A er ve years of “razor sharp training in the adventure of photography”, Rancinan was appointed sta photographer at Sygma in Paris. He not only covered worldwide events such as earthquakes in Algeria, incidents in Poland, war in Lebanon, riots in England, but also sport - the Olympics, the World Cup and the World Athletics Championships.
Rancinan has photographed film shoots - Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Ran’, Beneix’ ‘Betty Blue’, Bertolucci’s ‘ e Last Emperor’ - he has taken a keen interest in everything. “Variety is the spice of life. Change keeps you on your toes; it’s like light pervading a house,” he says.
Gérard Rancinan rapidly became one of the agency’s
Buddhist Priest, Japan
gureheads. His photographs were published in the most prestigious magazines in the world. He won several major awards, including the rst prize of the World Press four times, as well as the European Set Photographer prize. At that point he decided to withdraw from competitions, and refused any form of distinction bestowed upon him. “Pretension is like blinding light. I fear it will be like a constant reminder of the past, like looking in the rearview mirror. I want to be challenged by the present.”
Concurrently with work in hard and fast current event coverage, Rancinan started composing reportages tuned to worldwide issues, and increasingly involved himself in the stories he had to tell. “I wanted to make use of the world around me, of its people, of the existence that unfolds before my eyes; to portray the world by diving in head rst. I don’t want to be an objective photojournalist, I want to involve
myself completely and utterly, to give a personal view of a moment I capture, and re ect this as a player in the progress of civilisation. I’m only interested in the present. I’m happy to relinquish the past and my future. I take photographs to relay what people or events inspire in me. And more than anything I want my pictures to be shown and understood by as many people as possible.”
Rancinan has photographed “the good and great”, artists and poets, politicians and religious leaders. He says that they have more soul. “I only photograph people I admire,” he says. Some of his most iconic photographs have been his portraits of Fidel Castro, Pope John Paul II and Rev. Desmond Tutu. As a photographer he says, “ I don’t want to shoot a good picture. I don’t want to shoot a nice picture. I want to take a real picture! I want to see the soul of the people I photograph.” n
IMAGE:
RACINAN
Akira Kurosawa, Film Director (1910 – 1998)
SEAS THE DAY: CLIVE MASON
Clive Mason has been a sta sports photographer with Getty Images (formerly Allsport) since 1994.
During this time he has covered the last ve Olympic Sailing regattas, every Winter Olympic Games between Salt Lake City in 2002 and Pyeongchang in 2018, and over 400 Formula 1 World Championship races. He has also attended numerous football, rugby and cricket World Cups, FIS Ski World Cup races, FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, as well as providing day-to-day coverage of the English Premier League, the Rugby Premiership, and all formats of the wonderful game of cricket.
Prior to his lengthy service with Getty Images, Clive operated on a freelance basis and was given his big break by the Northampton Chronicle & Echo. “It was there I learned the skills that in turn gave me the con dence to branch out and expand my client list to include titles such as e Sunday
Express, e Daily Mirror and the sports picture agency, Bob omas Sports Photography.
Among the multiple awards that he has been bestowed with over the years, most recently, Clive was awarded second place in the Sports Portfolio category at the 2021 edition of the prestigious AIPS (International Sports Press Association) for his work at the Tokyo Olympics.
Clive also recently cemented his association with Nikon with the announcement that he has been made a Nikon European Ambassador. “To represent such an iconic brand, is most certainly one of the biggest honours I have been awarded in my lengthy career behind the lens,” he says.
is exhibition showcases Clive’s outstanding images of the sport of sailing, both at the Olympics and other major events. is year, he will once again be in the midst of the action at the Paris Games, beautifully capturing the action as it happens.
Saskia Tidey and Charlotte Dobson of Team Great Britain sail their 49er FX Skiff during a practice race against the backdrop of Mount Fuji ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 21, 2021
e eet unde an in u y du in the y ly i ailin etiti n ay
Nikole Barnes and Lara Dallman-Weiss of Team United States compete in the Women’s 470 class on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Enoshima Yacht Harbour on August 1, 2021 in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
KUMBHA MELA: EDUARDO LEAL
Text extracts from an essay by
Dania Rodrigues
Every twelve years, millions of Hindu devotees begin a massive pilgrimage to the most sacred of Indian festivals: the Kumbha Mela, that takes place in Prayagraj, a place considered particularly auspicious because it is at the con uence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is estimated that in 2019, 120 million people attended the sacred enclosure over the course of a month and a half. ese numbers, equivalent to the total population of Japan, and 40 times the number of pilgrims who visit Mecca in the annual procession, makes Kumbha Mela the largest human concentration in history. To welcome all these people, an impressive 36 km 2 pop-up city rises on the banks of the Ganges River.
e pilgrimage to Prayagraj, at such favourable times as the Kumbha Mela, is considered the perfect occasion to ful l vows and eliminate all accumulated negative karma. e harsher the conditions of the pilgrimage and the greater the dose of sacri ce involved, the greater the merit acquired. is event also o ers an occasion for fraternisation and
conviviality between people from very di erent backgrounds that tends to blur the rigid barrier between castes.
Life starts very early at Kumbha Mela. At around threethirty in the morning, the rst pilgrims begin to head to the river for their morning ablutions. Hindus always start their day with a cleansing bath, and being able to run it in the most sacred of rivers is an invaluable privilege for many.
At the end of the day, the mist takes over once again. In the vast avenues, the gates of the di erent congregations are lined with intermittent neon of all colours, which hypnotises passersby with swirling images of gurus and gods. Occasionally, processions of various decorated cars and tractors pass by, with entourages that throw owers and treats on the faithful, to the beat of philharmonic bands, in their scarlet uniforms.
Around midnight, the hustle and bustle are completely extinguished; silence surrounds the enclosure and tiredness nally a ects the millions of pilgrims, who are le to their dreams until the dawn of the next day.
M<OTHER>: JEE-YUN KIM
Hong Kong is a melting pot of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and countries. “Where are you from?” is a question often asked upon meeting a new person. It’s a conversation starter and an opportunity to learn about the other person’s heritage, identity, and nationality. Jee-Yun Kim’s exhibition entitled ‘m<other>’ is a collection of images of mothers and their children through which the photographer explores how the parents’ different ethnicities influence the identities of their children born through interracial marriages.
This project took its root from Kim’s personal experience of her own inter-racial marriage and mixed race children. Since m<other > focuses on racial awareness and people’s perceptions of the different external appearances of mother and child, as well as the development of selfrepresentation among mixed-race teenagers, inspired by the time that the artist’s own child reached his teen years.
Hong Kong, where Jee-Yun Kim currently resides, is the home of many interracial families and often gives rise to parental concern regarding their children’s identity, which varies depending on the age, level of education and the environment they grow up in. Through her images, the photographer explores the often challenging relationship between external perception and self-identity, as mixedrace teenagers begin to evolve physically and emotionally into young adults amidst the complexity of societal racial stereotyping.
Born in Korea and currently living in Hong Kong, Jee-Yun Kim holds a BFA in Photography from ChungAng University and an MA in Photography & Video Art from New York University. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Dumbo Art Festival in New York, the Total Museum of Contemporary Art and the Seoul Museum of Art in Korea, and others. n
THE DAUGHTER OF THE DRAGON
Long before Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and other Hollywood stars brought attention to underrepresented Asians and Asian-Americans, there was Anna May Wong. By Hugo Novales
Born on January 3, 1905 – a Year of the Dragon - in a laundromat in Los Angeles owned by her father, Anna May Wong’s life story falls into what author Yunte Huang describes as the “Epic Journey of Asian Americans”, one of many such lives he has chronicled throughout his writing career.
In his previous two books, Huang wrote about Charlie Chan and the conjoined Bunker twins ‘Chang and Eng’, and his recently published biography of Anna May Wong - Daughter of the Dragon - completes the trilogy.
Speaking at an FCC Club Lunch alongside New York Times reporter Ti any May, Huang rst admitted that he didn’t initially plan to write a trilogy. “Like many things in life, they came by accident,” he said. e author became intrigued by Anna May Wong and her career, which rst began with her “toehold” opportunity as an extra in the silent lm e Red Lantern (1919) and then her “foothold” opportunity with e Toll of the Sea (1922), which paved the way for her to become the rst ever ChineseAmerican movie star.
She subsequently starred in several more Hollywood silent lms, but a er becoming unsatis ed with being cast in stereotypical Chinese roles, Wong le America for Europe in 1928, and from there she starred in more plays and silent lms until the development of talking lms. Daughter of the Dragon (1931) - where Huang got his book title -and Shanghai Express (1932) were two of her most notable lms from the new sound era.
While her acting skills and Chinese representation were primary contributors to Huang’s desire to write a biography about Wong, her status as a fashion icon also piqued his interest.
“One thing I admire about Anna May Wong is that she was not just a beautiful, talented lm star, she also had the
unique ability to turn working class symbols such as [the] coolie hat and [the] coolie jacket into high-class fashion, and that was really part of her charm.”
Despite a successful start to her career, Wong was denied the lead role in e Good Earth (1937), based on Pearl S. Bucks’ best-selling novel, due to Hollywood rules back then that prohibited white actors from kissing non-white actors.
“ e kiss is the soul of 20th century love in lm,” Huang said when explaining the societal norms of Wong’s generation that negatively impacted her career.
Examining not just a person’s life, but also the world they lived in, is key to Huang’s approach to his biographies. In the case of Anna May Wong, many other historians and journalists have documented her life, but by looking at the bigger picture, Huang was able to di erentiate his work from others. “Of course her story has been told before, but my take was to really look at the large canvas out of which she came.”
As her career gradually dwindled, Wong spent most of her nal days drinking and smoking in the aptly-named Dragon’s Den, a bar in Los Angeles’ old Chinatown. She died of a sudden heart attack on February 3, 1961 at the age of 56.
A year previously, Hollywood had honoured Wong with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the rst Asian-American to receive the distinction. In 2022, the U.S. Mint released commemorative 25 cent quarters with the actress’s face and name on the tail side of the coin.
When the coins came out, Huang made sure he ordered a batch for himself. Despite the coins being released over 60 years a er her death, he didn’t feel that they were “too little, too late” in recognising Anna May Wong’s contributions to the American entertainment industry.
“To speak in a Happy Valley term, I always knew she was on the money,” he concluded. n
MONGOLIA: THE ‘SWITZERLAND OF ASIA’
By Hugo Novales
Mongolia, a landlocked country between authoritarian superpowers Russia and China, doesn’t make international headlines nearly as much as its Asian counterparts. Despite this, journalists like Johan Nylander have set out to learn more about how Mongolia’s democratic e orts impact the region and the rest of the world.
“There are so many fascinating things about this country, it’s such a beautiful place,” Nylander began. “Very friendly people, amazing history, a lot of interesting things happening at the moment.”
Speaking at the FCC with then-First Vice President Jennifer Jett, Nylander outlined his process for writing The Wolf Economy Awakens: Mongolia’s Fight for Democracy, and a Green and Digital Future . The book begins with Nylander’s genuine interest in the country, combined with the realisation that not many people know much about Mongolia.
“A lot of people in the world don’t know almost anything about the country; some people don’t even know it exists,” noted the author.
Nylander spent a year travelling from Hong Kong to Mongolia after the COVID-19 pandemic, interacting with everyone from politicians to average citizens, who were all motivated to tell their stories. For his talk at the FCC, he focused primarily on the country’s diplomatic relations and economy.
Neutral Mongolia has earned the nickname “the Switzerland of Asia” by gathering nations without official ties for formal discussions. This particularly comes into play with the yearly Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, which since the 1980s has become a unique forum where conflicting nations (primarily North and South Korea) can meet.
Mongolia’s economy is unique due to being primarily driven by the coal industry, giving the country another nickname: ‘Mine-golia’. In fact, around five to six percent of Mongolia’s GDP comes from coal, which Nylander explained is both a good and a bad thing. Good in that Mongolia has become quite valuable to its Northeast Asian neighbours, but bad due to more resources leading to more issues in democracy and human rights.
Referencing the 2022 protests against Mongolia’s alleged “coal mafia” which has shaped the country’s economic development while excluding citizens’ social development, Nylander explained how serious the country is about free speech. Mass protests are a common sight in the capital and while non-violent, they are somewhat effective in changing the country for better.
Even when current politicians come into the public crosshairs, including current Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene
Luvsannamsrain, who was once a passionate protester himself, there is a mutual respect and understanding for the mission that protesters are trying to achieve for the country.
“Those are the best people,” Luvsannamsrain said when describing his critics.
Nylander then went on to highlight how the younger generations are using technology to innovate life in Mongolia, which the rest of the world could learn from. He first described e-Mongolia, an all-in-one app through which citizens can access all government services, including new passports, driving licenses, hospital appointments, and more.
“Wouldn’t that be great? Like, everything in one app?” Nylander said, while noting that other nations that are regarded as “more developed” don’t have such an app.
When asked about other initiatives spearheaded by Mongolia’s youth, Nylander also mentioned green startups that aim to offset the environmental damage that such a large coal industry can produce. URECA is one such startup that helps families, particularly in rural areas, transition from coal to solar power through a credit system that makes the infrastructure upgrade more affordable.
Just like the e-Mongolia app, Nylander also finds this type of technology impactful, yet unparalleled in the rest of the world, and believes that more countries could adopt similar projects to combat transnational issues.
“Tech startups are the best when they can solve a local problem that may lead to solving a global problem,” concluded Nylander.
IMAGE: FCCHK
Johan Nylander
PEOPLE AND THE PANDEMIC
By Hugo Novales
Multi-coloured face masks. Only two people at a table before 6:00pm — no one a erwards. Scanning the ‘LeaveHomeSafe’ app before entering restaurants and other public areas. Empty airports and fully booked quarantine hotels. Newborn babies torn from their mothers in the delivery room. Elderly patients dying on stretchers outside over owing hospitals. Penny’s Bay.
ese scenes from the COVID-19 pandemic that stalled daily life in Hong Kong for more than three years may seem as if they’re from a lifetime ago, but as FCC Member and author Kate Whitehead reminds us, it was only last March when Hong Kong residents could go outside without wearing masks for the rst time in 945 days. ough pandemic restrictions have been li ed, the mental health issues they caused have lingered, and in many cases, have worsened.
As a journalist and licensed psychotherapist, Whitehead said she thought it was important to document how the pandemic a ected mental health in Hong Kong, instead of simply forgetting about it now that life has moved on. Last year, she spent six months interviewing people from all walks of life for her new book Pandemic Minds: COVID-19 and Mental Health in Hong Kong (Hong Kong University Press).
At an FCC Club Lunch shortly a er the book’s publication in April, Whitehead told former First Vice President Jennifer Jett about her writing process, as well as coping techniques to promote mental well-being during challenging times.
“Half of the book is made up of rst-person accounts of the pandemic, and I wanted to get all those stories while people still clearly remembered the details,” noted the author.
In the process of interviewing and writing, she met all kinds of people - wealthy, poor, local, expat, young and old - who were willing to share their stories. While many chose to use pseudonyms, Whitehead found all of their anecdotes useful in giving a comprehensive view of mental health in pandemic-era Hong Kong.
“It’s good to share your story. If you identify with an
element in a story, it just makes you feel like, ‘OK, I’m not alone,’ right? And then that might empower you to share your experience with someone else. Talking about it is what breaks down stigma,” she explained.
One of the key takeaways from Whitehead’s interviews and writing process was how people in Hong Kong dealt with the uncertainty that the pandemic brought, which she believes to be crucial in maintaining good mental health.
“ ere is always going to be uncertainty, so you’ve just got to accept [it]. First of all, look at the situation and say, ‘Well, there are certain things that I can’t change and I’m just going to have to accept them as they are out of my control,’” she noted.
Whitehead also includes tips and “grounding exercises” in each chapter to help readers deal with stressful scenarios in their daily lives - pandemic or not.
Pandemic Minds also includes what the author described as “happy chapters” that highlight some of the positive aspects of the pandemic, including how Hong Kong built new communities and how individuals triumphed over di cult circumstances. One such chapter explores the healing power of nature and the local hiking boom that was born out of gym closures and residents’ need to get out of the house.
Another ‘silver lining’ of the pandemic is that it raised awareness about mental health in Hong Kong that is based on shared experience, and has made these issues somewhat easier to talk about. “So many of us, whether it was personally or someone close to us, [were] going through something, so I think it’s a positive thing that we talk about it now,” she explained.
Whitehead stressed that it’s important to have such discussions about mental health, so that Hong Kong can be better prepared for similar situations in the future. “If we’re planning for when there’s going to be another pandemicit’s on the cards, it’s not a matter of if, it’s when - let’s learn from what happened, to make the next one less stressful.”
IMAGES: FCCHK
MODERN MANNERS
When it comes to proper table manners and social cues, there are endless questions. Which fork should I use? How long should I maintain eye contact? When should I end a conversation? What should I do if I forget someone’s name? For Sara Jane Ho, internationally-renowned etiquette expert and host of the Daytime Emmy-nominated Net ix series Mind Your Manners (2022), answering these questions has become her life’s mission. By Hugo Novales
Speaking with President Lee Williamson at a recent FCC dinner talk to promote her new book Mind Your Manners: An Insider’s Guide to Social Fluency, Sara Jane Ho opened by clarifying what is and what is not etiquette. In her eyes, it most certainly has nothing to do with the style of fork someone uses.
“For me, etiquette is really about making other people around you feel at ease, which is what makes you feel comfortable with them. That goes back to what makes us human beings - a sense of belonging and inclusion.”
Ho’s awareness of social norms and our human desire to connect with one another started during her childhood. Her mother, a typical Hong Kong ‘Tiger Mom’, often held lively gatherings for family and friends and set the example for what a good host should be — and made sure her young daughter refilled everyone’s teacup.
From her father, she received somewhat more straightforward advice: “ e world is your playground. Go and explore.”
“My parents really encouraged me to follow my passions and that as long as you have a passion and you work very hard, you can pretty much achieve whatever you want,” she remarked.
with family and friends, in romantic relationships, or the various other ‘microcultures’ that Ho dives into throughout her book? The first step is observation — looking around at what people in varying environments say and do, what they wear, and then slowly adapting to cultivate the “feeling of belonging” she alluded to at the beginning of her talk.
When it comes to making and breaking conversation, Ho also offered some practical tips. Introducing another person to a rather dull speaker serves as a handy way of excusing oneself from the conversation, while asking open-ended questions about a person’s life clearly shows someone that you’re interested in them — even if you actually are not.
Ho went on to study English Literature at Georgetown University, and during her nal year, her mother passed away from cancer, and the spirit of regularly hosting guests at their home had gone with her. “Holidays were particularly painful because it was a stark reminder of what I had lost,” she recalled.
A er graduating from Harvard Business School in 2012, Sara Jane decided to combine her goal of passing on her mother’s legacy with a unique market need in Mainland China: social skills for a society that has modernised rapidly, without necessarily having the knowledge to navigate through a new, prosperous world.
Ho moved to Beijing in 2013 and shortly thereafter opened up China’s first-ever finishing school, Institute Sarita, focusing on teaching not younger, but older women, the basics of everyday etiquette.
So how should people carry themselves at work,
“I like to view each person as a flower bulb and through conversation, you let them blossom,” she said. “When you show interest in somebody, they will think that you like them and then they will like you back.”
Smiling and a sense of humour are also two of Ho’s secret weapons in averting potentially awkward situations. “I don’t like to take things too seriously. I believe you learn the most when you’re having fun,” she said when describing a lewd joke that surprisingly made its way onto the very rst episode of her Net ix series.
The joke, while perhaps risqué, was instantly diffused by the smile she flashed seconds later, a subtle acknowledgment to her audience that she wants them to have fun with her.
Ho then admitted that she uses her signature smile — often coupled with her self-described “superpower” of raising either one of her eyebrows individually — in any situation where she doesn’t know how to immediately respond. Some of these situations include not understanding what someone has said or, quite conversely, being utterly shocked by the words that have been uttered by an individual. “I call [smiling] the Swiss Army Knife of responses — people can interpret it in any way they want.”
Ho also elaborated on the article in The New York Times that highlighted her text message breakup. To the surprise of both Williamson and her audience, she
revealed that the aforementioned ex-boyfriend is an FCC Member!
“It’s a shame he didn’t sign up [for] tonight!” she quipped.
While beginning filming for her series, Ho found herself at odds with a career that brought her joy and a relationship that did not. She decided that a text would be the quickest and easiest way to move on with her life, but cites this act to also highlight the fact that despite being an etiquette expert, she’s still not perfect.
Hosting her talk at the FCC didn’t faze her either, and Ho actually welcomed the idea of potentially running
into her ex, adding that she would still be quite cordial and interested to see what he had been up to since their breakup. “Honestly, I would treat him as though he were a long-lost cousin because that’s how I feel about him — he’s like some distant relative. I’d actually be very happy to see him, and I’d say, ‘It’s great to see you. How are you? I hope you’re well.’”
Learn more about Sara Jane Ho’s life and her social fluency tips by watching the full discussion on the FCC’s YouTube channel: Club Dinner: Mind Your Manners
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
Joe Kahn, Executive Editor of e New York Times, the media institution that is considered by many to be at the forefront of American journalism, recently sat down for an in-depth conversation with FCC President Lee Williamson. His insights provided an overview of the complexities of journalism today, from the shi to digital to the challenges of covering divisive issues, and the continued break-neck speed of the evolution of the global media landscape.
Joe Kahn, who since 2022 has overseen all aspects of e New York Times global newsroom, has had a career that spans almost four decades. A two-time Pulitzer winner, he embarked on his journalism journey at e Dallas Morning News in 1987, subsequently taking on the role of a China correspondent for e Wall Street Journal
Kahn joined e New York Times in 1998 and has held positions as a business reporter in New York, an economics correspondent in Washington, and a foreign correspondent in China. He has led e Times’ coverage of some of the world’s most complex events - wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria; terrorism attacks and political turmoil in Europe, and others too numerous to mention here.
Kahn’s tenure as a Managing Editor from 2016 to 2022 culminated in his appointment as Executive Editor two years ago.
During his recent conversation with FCC President Lee Williamson, Kahn described his current role as both executive and strategic, yet still highly focused on content. “ e word ‘executive’ in the title is actually somewhat misleading,” he noted. “ e tradition at e Times has always been for its top news editor to remain involved in daily content creation. e core product is the news that we’re covering, and its relevance, competitiveness and urgency are my main responsibility.” e importance of a 24/7 digital output has obviously altered the nature of day-to-day operations, and for Kahn, this means his day begins much earlier than it would have done in the print-only era. “In those days, as an editor, you’d be heavily involved in presiding over the process of deciding which of the many stories we were covering would make the front page, and that process would load later in the day as journalists began completing their stories. It’s now very di erent and my day is very front-loaded, as we need to stay competitive, relevant and urgent.”
Williamson touched on the numerous global challenges currently facing newsrooms - continued economic headwinds, war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas con ict and fraying USChina and bilateral relations. Kahn acknowledged the nite resources available. “Even for a newsroom as well-equipped as e New York Times, we have daily, weekly, and monthly debates about what are our top priorities are internationally, and we try to put resources behind all of the big issues; and most of them we will continue to invest in and produce a high level of coverage, even if we’re not getting direct feedback from readers.”
When asked what he has learned two years into the role that he didn’t know on day one, Kahn was emphatic in pointing to the sensitivity surrounding the subject of Israel, especially in the U.S. “I guess I’ve never witnessed a global
issue that has divided Americans as much as this particular one has. e tensions are evident even with our own sta ; it’s just an incredibly divisive con ict and the ethnic issues around it are extremely polarising.”
e topic of the ongoing Israel-Hamas con ict led to a discussion about the use of speci c words when reporting, namely the word ‘genocide’ in this case. “We don’t embrace that term; we can quote people as saying it, but we don’t, in our own words, label something. ‘Genocide’ is a legal term that has to be judged by international courts and even in the event that a particular situation is perceived to equate to that word, we wouldn’t necessarily use it ourselves.”
Kahn cited another case of word use in relation to former President Donald Trump’s “misstatements” being termed as “lies”. “ at’s also a very high bar,” stated Kahn. “We use that term only in certain circumstances where he continuously repeated a known falsehood, like his allegation that former President Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States. I think setting a high bar is the essence of the standards process.”
Kahn also stated that there is what he termed a “curious centre” among readers who are still hungry for good quality, well-rounded, fair journalism on the issues that they care about. “I think that’s why we’ve been able to continue to grow. ere’s actually a base of educated, curious people who are not fully decided on the major issues of the day who are open to real reporting, and an exploration of a range of views and perspectives on these issues.”
Williamson also asked Kahn about his observations of a changing Hong Kong, and what he had surmised during his recent meetings with people across the spectrum of Hong Kong society. “I’m somewhat encouraged by the tone of the discussions that we have had with some close China watchers who are trying to understand what’s happening across the border, and I think the essence of Hong Kong is still very much present.”
With the increased risks and uncertainties for both local and international journalists operating in the region, Kahn acknowledged the challenges faced by media outlets, citing legal advice that has prompted e Times to reduce its presence and relocate sta to Seoul. Despite these challenges, there remains a small, yet dedicated number of journalists who continue to report on critical issues both within Hong Kong and across the border in Mainland China. “ e safety and protection of our journalists is my number one responsibility,” emphasised Kahn. “We have journalists in many places around the world that are signi cantly more dangerous. e types of issues that we’re facing here tend to be more longterm legal and bureaucratic and less about physical safety, but it is something we watch very closely.” n
FROM REALITY TO FANTASY
In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary knowledge, the seemingly in nite global population of food bloggers has resulted in a signi cant departure from the wonderful era that was dominated by traditional food authors, whose meticulously researched and informative books have served as culinary bibles for generations. By Tony Smith
The contrast between today’s food bloggers and the revered food authors of the past is not just about the medium in which they work, but also the depth of content, the length of time of audience engagement, and the motivations that inform their work.
Our perception of food has also been rather unfortunately in uenced by the fast marketing of produce and products by their manufacturers, retailers, endless amateurly-produced TV cooking shows, and of course TikTok and Instagram.
Traditional food authors, like Julia Child, James Beard and Elizabeth David, were pioneers and informed writers who fundamentally shaped many people’s understanding of cooking and eating. eir books are the result of years of research, extensive travel, and the old adage of “practice makes perfect”.
Penning a ‘real’ cookbook was a laborious process, not to mention the creation of the images required to appeal to the reader and likely increase the chances of them actually venturing forth to create the dishes portrayed. ese authors were and continue to be, not just writers, but also educators and historians, whose books o er comprehensive insights into techniques, regional cuisines, and the cultural signi cance of food.
Julia Child’s classic tome Mastering the Art of French Cooking was not merely a collection of recipes; it was an educational book than demysti ed French cuisine and made it less complex than it appeared at rst glance. By the end of 1964, the book was selling an average of 4,000 copies per month, and by 1969, more than 600,000 copies had own o the shelves. As of 2011, the cookbook had sold more than 1.5 million copies, making it one of the most successful of its genre in history.
Another excellent author, Dorothy Hartley (18931985), wrote an extensive and seminal book on the history of culinary practices in Britain. First published in 1954, Food In England was the bible of English cooks and had a deep in uence on many chefs and food writers. Still in print 70 years later, the tome is a light-hearted, yet practical guide packed with recipes, revealing many insights written in Hartley’s demure, often witty journalistic prose. e historical narrative of the preparation and cooking methods, which took 20
years to research and write, still makes this a wonderful accompaniment in any modern kitchen.
Similarly, James Beard’s cookbooks went beyond recipes to explore the essence of American cuisine, emphasising the importance of fresh, local ingredients, long before it became a mainstream movement. Beard also pioneered the concept of television cooking shows with I Love to Eat, a live series that was broadcast on NBC between 1946 and 1947.
ese authors and others, provided a sense of authority and their books were trusted resources meant to be referenced and cherished over time.
Frankly, rather than catching a eeting glimpse of an oyster desperately drowning in a sea of some strange coloured foam made from obscure ingredients using unfathomable preparation techniques, I would rather feast, for example, on the history of something like the oyster. Who knew that eating oysters was once the preserve of the working class, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Once a delicacy in Roman Britain, the popularity of oysters and the means of transporting them waned once the Roman Empire started to crumble. With the advent of industrialisation, transport and a new working class looked to cheap produce that had a high nutritional value. Oysters, which are high in protein, were a perfect alternative to meat and could be delivered anywhere in the country live in their own preservative – seawater – or pickled for keeping. Tell me what Instagram post will impart such knowledge…
e digital age has taken the art out of culinary writing, allowing anyone with an Internet connection and a passion for food to share their often uninformed “foodie” adventures with the world by creating content that is fast and super cially beautiful.
is approach aims to create a sense of intimacy and community, whereby the consumer feels like they have a relationship with the blogger and the immediacy of feedback fosters a rapid exchange of ideas. But in truth, is a more interactive experience more ful lling than the solitary act of reading a book?
For purists, the works of traditional food authors remain invaluable resources that continue to age gracefully. For non-purists, the world is now their personal oyster.
A CULINARY ODYSSEY
BEYOND THE BURGER
July is traditionally American month at the FCC, and Chef Johnny and his team have ventured beyond burgers, hot dogs, and Bu alo wings, to bring Members a variety of dishes inspired by regional cooking styles, such as gumbo from southern Louisiana; roasted cat sh, a staple of Creole soul food; marine burger sliders featuring crabcake, lobster and cod, a nod to Maine and its fresh seafood, and more. Traditionalists can breathe a sigh of relief, as there’s also a juicy roasted U.S Angus beef striploin on the menu, and good old fashioned apple pie with caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream.
OLYMPIC BITES
For the duration of the Olympic Games in Paris, July 26 – August 11, we’re bringing you a French-in uenced Snack Combo served in the Main Lounge and Bert’s from 3:00pm – 10:30pm, while you watch the athletes battle it out for the medals. e tempting combo includes Smoked Salmon Caviar, Goat Cheese with Honey Nuts and Fig on Toast, Baked Escargot on Mashed Potato with Herb Butter, Mushroom Vol au Vent, and Mini Scones with Clotted Cream & Strawberry Marmalade. Priced at HK$128 per person.
A CULINARY HOMAGE TO SPAIN
e FCC pays homage to the culinary delights of sunny Spain this summer under the expert guidance of guest chef Edgard Sanuy, who originally hails from Catalonian region in northeastern Spain. Having worked in Hong Kong for more than a decade, Sanuy fully believes in the power of Spanish cuisine in bringing people together to fully enjoy a meal around the table.
Formerly with Maximal Concepts in Hong Kong from 2013 to 2016, Sanuy joined the Epicurean Group’s leading collection of restaurants and bars in 2017. He curates the menu and oversees the guest experience at Hong Kong tapas restaurants Pica Pica and Bàrbar. e Spanish feasting commences on August 5 and runs through August 25.
ALOHA POKE!
Poke bowls, the vibrant, colourful dishes originating from Hawaii, take their place on the dining tables of the FCC this summer, o ering a choice of ingredients to suit your taste. e original poke bowl was simple – bite-sized chunks of fresh sh simply seasoned with a pinch of sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts. Today’s version is basically whatever you want it to be, with the only limitation really being the size of your bowl…Choose from Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Chicken Teriyaki, Marinated Shrimp or Summer Vegetables, and a sauce selection including Sriracha Mayo, Ginger & Garlic Soy, Roasted Sesame, Honey & Lime Vinegar or Citron Mayo. Serving throughout the month of August.
BE ‘GIN-SPIRED’
With its storied past and versatile nature, although once relegated to the dusty corners of drinks cabinets, gin has taken its rightful place as a firm favourite with both bartenders and consumers, particularly at the FCC.
Originating in the Middle Ages, gin’s original avour came from juniper berries, but today’s impressive array of the spirit has deviated from the traditional to incorporate a wide array of botanicals - from exotic spices to cucumber, lavender, almond and dozens more.
One of the most signi cant trends in the world of gin is the rise of cra distilleries, small-batch producers dedicated to experimenting with locally-sourced ingredients and traditional distillation methods. is artisanal approach has resulted in a cornucopia of distinctive gins, each with its own character and story.
By popular demand, the FCC’s extremely well-received ‘Be ‘GIN-spired: Build Your Own Gin & Tonic’ promotion has been extended until the end of July.
Members can cra their own unique take on this classic beverage in three easy steps:
- Select one of 12 European or Asian gins as your base
- Pick your tonic or mixer from ve avourful options
- Select up to three garnishes for the nal touch
Fun Fact: With these options, there are exactly 21,840 possible drink combinations!
Step 1: Select Your Gin
Monkey 47 (Germany), Roku (Japan), Two Moon Signature
Dry (Hong Kong), NIP Rare Dry Gin (Hong Kong) Hendrick’s (Scotland), e Botanist (Scotland), Citadelle (France), Ninth Wave (Ireland), Bulldog (U.S.A.), Sipsmith London Dry (England), Sipsmith Sloe (England), Tanqueray 10 (England)
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Fever-Tree Mixer
Indian tonic water, Mediterranean, Elderflower, Pink Grapefruit Soda Water, Soda Water
Step 3: Select Up To 3 Garnishes
Fruit & Vegetables: Strawberry, blueberry, lychee, cucumber
Citrus: Lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange
Herbs & Spices: Basil, star anise, mint, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary
Come and drink creatively at the Main Bar & Lounge, the Dining Room, the Verandah, Bert’s, and the Burton and Hughes Rooms.
CALIFORNIA WINE MONTH
Throughout July, the FCC pays homage to the wines of California, focusing particularly on the wines of Frei Brothers, which grows its grapes in three specific regions in California’s Sonoma County: the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. The winemakers at Frei Brothers skilfully showcase the true varietal character of each grape, bringing the heart of Sonoma County to each glass.
J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay 2021
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County
“ e 2021 Riverstone displays enticing aromas of ripe orange, white peach, nectarine, cocoa, and baking spices. e rich texture and balance on the palate from barrel aging sur lie o ers avours of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, and a hint of oak on the long nish.” — Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker, white wine, J. Lohr Estates
Glass $55 / Bottle $275
Frei Brothers Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is a classic expression of the Russian River Valley. With sprightly acidity and minerality driven by the region’s cool climate, this wine opens with tropical aromas of lime ower and passion fruit. Crisp notes of sliced green apple and juicy honeydew melon balance with touches of split guava and vanilla-infused cream.
Glass $93 / Bottle $465
Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
A classic expression of a de ly balanced Cabernet from this acclaimed region. Aromas of blackberries and dark cherry open in the glass. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with silky tannins and great structure. Brimming with layers of Mission plum and cassis, it reveals touches of caramel and cocoa that complement a long, detailed nish.
Glass $108 / Bottle $540
Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot 2019
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Harvested from exceptional Merlot vineyards, this wine is re ned and structured. Ripe avours of cherry, red currant, and plum blend seamlessly with hints of dried herbs and cinnamon spice. Pair this versatile Merlot with roasted chicken or seasonal grilled vegetables.
92 POINTS V21, James Suckling Award; 91 POINTS V19, James Suckling Award;88 POINTS V18, Wine Spectator; 86 POINTS V18, Wine Enthusiast
Glass $95 / Bottle $475
Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2020
Livermore Valley, Alameda County
e 2020 Riva Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir opens with youthful aromas of ripe Rainier cherries, raspberries, smoked nuts, and toasted brioche, with a delicate layer of sweet vanilla oak. Supple and round tannins combined with a vibrant acidity balance this wine through the nish. Pairs well with lamb stew, Indian samosas, and smoked cheddar.
Glass $86 / Bottle $430
De Loach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2020
Russian River Valley, California
An elegant, well-balanced wine o ering avours of Bing cherry and strawberry, accented with just a touch of spice and hints of forest oor. e wine is light in body, with a medium nish and pairs perfectly with a variety of lighter dishes. Well balanced with good acidity and an elegantly smooth nish.
Glass $74 / Bottle $370
THE FRONTLINE CLUB, LONDON
Psst! Are you getting the most out of your membership? Access to private members’ clubs around the world are one of the o en-overlooked perks of being part of the FCC family. By Kate Whitehead
While Soho House makes a big fuss and charges a premium for its “Every House” membership, our club is more understated about the 98 clubs your FCC membership gives you access to. e arrangement is reciprocal: each month the FCC warmly welcomes about 30 overseas guests. Frequent visitors include members from the British Club in Bangkok and the Singapore Cricket Club.
To explore the full list of clubs – from Shanghai to Sydney – that you can access, visit the FCC website. Once you’ve chosen a club to visit, simply approach Ivan Kwan, the supere cient and personable sta member at the front desk. He’ll prepare a letter of introduction for you, usually via email, allowing you to connect directly with your reciprocal counterparts.
With 98 clubs now at your disposal (soon to reach the milestone of 100), you could spend the next 20 years exploring them all.
Alternatively, consider checking which clubs are near your upcoming destination and arrange a meal, or even a stay if they o er rooms.
As someone who visits the U.K. a couple of times a year, I appreciate that three out of the ve London reciprocals provide rooms. e Oriental Club (located at 11 Stratford Place, near Oxford Street and Bond Street) boasts an excellent location and perhaps the most luxurious ambiance, but it’s also the priciest (around £206 for a single room or £251 for a double). e RAF Club (at 128 Piccadilly) and the Frontline Club (13 Norfolk Place, Paddington) o er similarly priced
accommodations (Frontline charges £109 - £129, depending on room size).
As I y in and out of Heathrow Airport, e Frontline Club has been a godsend. Conveniently located a threeminute walk from Paddington Station and the Heathrow Express, it’s a great choice for those early morning ights.
e ‘Frontline Club Annex’, as the guestroom set-up is known, is situated across the road from the main club and operates much like Airbnb. Before your stay, you’ll receive an access code to let yourself into the building and retrieve your key. Trust me – it’s worth paying a little extra for a spacious room.
e décor is a delightful blend of traditional British architectural elements – think large sash windows, wooden shutters, and weathered oorboards – paired with Moroccan light shades and striking black-and-white images. These images, captured by Frontline Club members, depict pivotal moments in recent history. e en-suite bathroom boasts a decent water pressure shower, and the daily housekeeping service ensures a comfortable stay. Plus, there’s a kettle, mugs and a selection of complimentary teas to help you settle in. In a nutshell, expect clean, contemporary, and cozy accommodations at a reasonable price, right in the heart of central London. What’s not to love?
Once you’ve settled in and enjoyed a brew, consider heading across the road for a sundowner. e Frontline Club was founded in 2003 – the Annex came along 12 years later – by veteran war photographer Vaughan Smith (he was shot twice covering the Balkan Wars). e club’s diverse
membership includes war correspondents, photographers, writers, documentary lmmakers, industry leaders, artists, and activists.
e Frontline Club’s vibe is reminiscent of our Main Dining Room, but on a slightly smaller scale. Upstairs, you’ll nd the bar – accessible exclusively to members (including reciprocal members). Downstairs, the Frontline Restaurant welcomes all guests. Smith also owns a farm in Norfolk which breeds Norfolk Horn lamb, a rare breed that historically grazed in East Anglia. e farm’s seasonal produce – and the lamb – feature on the restaurant menu.
e Club hosts lm screenings, book talks and panel discussions in a small auditorium upstairs, the Frontline Forum. Notably, FCC Members have been among the guest speakers. Former FCC President Florence de Changy delved into the mystery of missing Malaysian airliner MH370 in 2022. More recently, journalist and broadcaster Steve Vines, another former FCC President, led a panel discussion on press freedom in Hong Kong.
Before your visit, I recommend checking the Club’s website to see if any events align with your schedule. It’s a chance to immerse yourself fully in the Frontline experience.
e Frontline Club 13 Norfolk Place, London, W2 1QJ United Kingdom www.frontlineclub.com
PENELOPE BYNE (1950 – 2024)
Former FCC Vice-President and Honorary Secretary
Georgina Haynes and Jill Trew both met Penny Byne in Hong Kong in the early 1980s. ey remained her close friends through almost half a century, being involved in and a part of her life both in Hong Kong and the U.K.
When Penny Byne got a job as editorial assistant at Asia Travel Trade magazine in 1980, it turned out to be a career-changing, and indeed life-changing, move. What could have been better for someone who enjoyed grammatical niceties and travel in equal measure and who had fallen in love with Hong Kong? Soon she was elevated to be Murray Bailey’s Deputy Editor, having acquired a comprehensive grasp of the inner workings of the travel industry, as well as an extensive knowledge of the media.
Hong Kong at the time was very much Asia’s publishing hub, and Penny played an active part in a group that called itself the ‘Hong Kong Magazine Editors’ Group’ that met monthly at the FCC or whichever hotel cared to invite them, which was most of them.
Although Penny returned to Australia for a short period as PR Director of Hilton Australia, the allure of Hong Kong was too much, and she soon came back, this time as PR Manager for the Hong Kong Tourist Association. Here her people skills were put to full use dealing with tricky press and a stream of in uential international visitors. But, ever organised, and determined to see as much of Asia and the sub-Continent as possible, she also found time to travel extensively. Bhutan, China and Burma were relatively o the beaten track in the early 1980s and a Christmas trip to India was memorable, staying in wonderful, dilapidated Palace hotels, being entertained by their former owners, riding into the desert on camels and bumping into Rudolph Nureyev at a deserted Fatehpur Sikri.
Back in Hong Kong she shared a boat with FCC member and former President Philip Bowring and would sail regularly, go on hikes in the New Territories, and even take tap dancing lessons. Her packed social life centred on the FCC, where she became Vice-President. All this changed when an English journalist and author Tim Heald arrived in Hong Kong to write about Chris Patten’s time as
Governor. is was eventually published as Beating Retreat: Hong Kong and the Last Governor. Within months, she had packed up and joined him in Cornwall, where they married in July 1999. eir house on e Esplanade, with its magni cent views over Fowey’s harbour entrance, quickly became a mecca for locals and friends from around the world. Anyone lucky enough to have been at their annual Fowey Regatta lunches will con rm the massive e ort she was always prepared to put in for her friends - Penny was a great cook and hostess.
But there was no retreat into reclusive English country life; she kept up her editorial skills with freelance work for various travel and tourism publications, became an avid theatre and exhibition goer, took courses on gardening and watercolours, and much more. Travel still played a crucial part in her life, accompanying Tim on numerous trips - everything from a QE2 crossing to New York, a cruise through the South Paci c, a Clipper sailboat round the Mediterranean, to a gourmet hike through northern Italian vineyards - she was the organisational mastermind behind their itineraries, the ticketing and the packing. ey were quite a team.
A er they moved to Somerset and sadly Tim became ill, Penny bravely took on a very tough caring role. She visited him faithfully each day in his care home, making sure he had lunch, and his favourite music was on the radio. A er he died, she carried on travelling solo, always setting o with folders of careful research about the sights, museums, exhibitions and restaurants on her bucket list. In the last few years, she visited Uzbekistan, Southern India, Romania, Croatia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Italy. When the COVID-19 lockdown kept her shut indoors, she was content to use her time to do the National Gallery’s online art history courses and join a local Pilates group. But as soon as possible, she was on the road again - the
ere was no retreat into reclusive English country life; she kept up her editorial skills with freelance work for various travel and tourism publications, became an avid theatre and exhibition goer, took courses on gardening and watercolours and much more.
three of us had an art-intensive trip to Paris, kicking o with eight hours in e Louvre. Her last trip was to Cyprus in December 2022, and it was on her return that she felt something was wrong.
Nothing de ned Penny more than her last year in the U.K. She faced her diagnosis, treatment and prognosis with so much courage. Her attitude was part ostrich - “You ask the questions - I don’t want to know”, and part calm acceptance. She loved her English life and had hoped she would have 10 more years to explore Europe, but there was never any cry of “Why Me?”. Her bravery shone through her illness, as she methodically put her house in order, and then
put her beloved Roselands on the market in preparation to return full circle to Adelaide, despite knowing that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy her home city for very long.
We found it so hard to say goodbye, as did our husbands and our children, who she had seen grow up from birth and have their own children. ey loved her dearly, as she did them.
Strong-minded, determined, funny, sharp, intelligent, a force of nature - and behind all that a hugely organised, principled, generous and a ectionate woman.
Penny, you were such a very special friend to us both and we will miss you terribly. n
Penny Byne with Paul Bayfield
AUGUST EVENTS
• Sweet Bonding Summer Bu et • Spanish Promotion starts • Spanish Dinner •On e Wall Cocktail Reception ‘Kumbha Mela’ by Eduardo Leal
•Summer Poke Bowl starts
•On e Wall ‘Kumbha Mela’ by Eduardo Leal starts
•Family Bliss A ernoon Tea •Paris 2024 Summer Olympic & Snack Combo ends
• Summer Fiesta
• Sweet Bonding Summer Bu et •Formula 1 (Netherlands) •Formula 1 (Netherlands)
•Formula 1 (Netherlands)
•Family Bliss A ernoon Tea
• Spanish Promotion ends • Paralympic Games starts •Premier League Starts
Night
1 (Italy) •Summer Poke Bowl ends •On e Wall ‘Kumbha Mela’ ends
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
•Formula 1 (Italy)
•Pizza & Beer Special starts
•On e Wall“m<other>” by Jee-Yun Kim starts
• Champagne Set Menu & Pairing starts
• Paralympic Games ends •Italian Wine Social
1 (Azerbaijan)
• Mid-Autumn Promotion starts
•Formula 1 (Azerbaijan)
•Formula 1 (Azerbaijan) •Pinot Noir Blind Tasting Dinner •Formula 1 (Singapore) •Formula 1 (Singapore)
•Formula 1 (Singapore)
• Champagne Set Menu & Pairing ends
• Mid-Autumn Promotion ends
NEW ON THE BLOCK
e 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.
CORRESPONDENT
NICHOLAS ROSS ISON GORDON
Editor (Asia)
Fortune Media
I’m the Asia editor for Fortune magazine, where I help to drive our English-language reporting on Asian business and economics, in addition to helping with things like events, lists, and commentary. I switched careers to journalism in 2021 a er a ve-year stint as a researcher at an economic development think-tank. I’m Hong Kong born and raised and have been attending the FCC for years – as a guest of other members. But I’m now excited to join as a bona de member of the press! You can follow my woefully-underused social media accounts, or check out my side project, a weekly audio interview series with book authors writing in or about Asia.
CORRESPONDENT
VIVIAN LI
Reporter
Asian Venture Capital Journal
I am a research analyst turned reporter, writing about everything related to private equity and venture capital. Before moving to Hong Kong in 2018, I lived in Beijing, Qingdao, and Fuzhou. I enjoy hiking and playing tennis. linkedin.com/in/vivianliqingqing
CORRESPONDENT
KATHLEEN MAGRAMO
Breaking News Writer
CNN
I’m a Breaking News Writer for CNN, tracking the latest developments across the region spanning climate, international con icts and everything in between. I started my career with the SCMP in 2019 with the city desk, covering some of the most pivotal moments that have changed Hong Kong, the city I’ve called home for my whole life. When I’m not chasing stories, I’m training for a Pilates certi cation, or probably out for a run. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-magramo/
CORRESPONDENT
TY McCORMICK
Editor
Agence France-Presse
Jill and I arrived in Hong Kong in November, by way of New York, Washington, and Nairobi. We met on a press junket in Malawi, and have had the good fortune of bouncing around more or less continuously since then: at last count, we’d lived in 11 di erent homes in 10 years. Jill is a columnist for CNN, Slate, and e New Statesman, and is the author of books on feminism and inter-generational con ict. She also runs a yoga and writing retreat business that takes her to many Instagram-worthy locations while I stay home with the cats. I work at Agence France-Presse, having previously been a senior editor at Foreign A airs and the Africa editor of Foreign Policy. I am also the author of a book about a family of Somali refugees and their 30-year odyssey to reach the U.S. As new arrivals in Asia, we are eager to meet you, and would be most grateful for your travel and holiday tips.
CORRESPONDENT
GAO MINGYUE
Associate Social Newsgathering Reporter
NBC News
I started my career at NBC News last June as its very rst Asia Desk Fellow, and recently took a new role as Associate Reporter for the social newsgathering team. My days are full of investigating open-source intelligence by verifying videos from the busiest cities to the most remote villages. is enables me to infuse digital stories and TV packages with vibrant colour and authenticity. It’s great knowing that what I do forms the backbone of reporting.
Originally from China, I moved to Hong Kong in 2022 to pursue my Master’s Degree in Journalism. In my personal time, I enjoy learning Korean as I am also a devoted K-pop enthusiast. I also like roller skating or hitting the squash court to stay active and energised.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingyuegao// https://larissagao.com/
CORRESPONDENT
DANNY VINCENT
Correspondent
BBC News
I work as a correspondent for the BBC. In 2008 I moved to Beijing where I stayed for close to a decade before moving to Hong Kong in 2017. I feel my experience in the Mainland has helped me to better understand some of the changes in Hong Kong. I grew up in East London and lived in France and Japan before moving to China. Please feel free to say hello if you see me on a laptop in a corner of the FCC. https://x.com/dannydvincent
JOURNALIST
HA PUI KI
Freelance
My name is Car Ha and I am a diversi ed media person - YouTube, Instagram, radio and magazines. Recently I am proud to have gained 10 million views of the content on my Instagram. I have spent two years travelling solo in Europe, and what I enjoy most is walking my dog. http://linkedin.com/in/car-ha-3321b4100 www.instagram.com/car.ha
JOURNALIST
CAROL MUSGRAVE
Freelance News Journalist (Presenter, New Reader)
Radio Television Hong Kong is is now my third “tour” of Hong Kong a er rst moving here from South Africa in 1995. My husband James is a civil engineer and had taken up a job o er here. Having worked as a radio journalist in South Africa, I joined RTHK as a sub-editor, producing radio news bulletins. Hong Kong was an eye-opener for someone from Durban who’d only ever travelled to the U.K. and Europe. I quickly grew to love living here and we ended up staying for 10 years, with both our children being born here during that time. Since then we’ve lived in South Africa and the U.K., but the pull of Hong Kong remains strong! I’m a news addict and an avid radio listener, and each time we’ve moved back I’ve rejoined RTHK as a freelance radio news presenter. But what’s di erent this time around is that we are empty nesters, returning without our two adult daughters in tow. So, with more time and opportunity on our hands, I nally decided to join the FCC. We’re doing our best to make the most of what it has to o er, especially the Main Bar, which has got to be the best in town!
ASSOCIATE DAVID BENZIE Teacher
Glenealy School, English Schools Foundation
I moved to Hong Kong in 2003 and have worked as the Head of Performing Arts at Glenealy School (an ESF School) in Mid-Levels since arriving. I am also the Wellbeing and H&S lead teacher. Additionally, I am the immediate past Chair of the Hong Kong Singers and have participated in numerous community theatre and choral productions. I recently started my Doctorate in Education, with my research focusing on the intersection of Neuroaesthetics and Well-Being in curriculum planning. Composing is another passion, the picture here was taken at the recent ESF Primary Choral Concert, for which I wrote the title song ‘Together Again’. I have made many amazing and talented friends during my past 21 years in Hong Kong, many of whom are members of the FCC, so it is a great privilege to now be a member myself.
ASSOCIATE
CHLOE BIGGS
PR & Communications Consultant
Ludus Concepts
Born and raised in Hong Kong, I nished school and university in the U.K., and then spent a few years working in London until Asia lured me back again. A er a stint in Singapore, my husband and I returned to Hong Kong seven years ago, and settled on Lantau with our daughter. We are now eagerly awaiting our newest family member! roughout my career, I’ve held in various roles in the sports marketing industry. Nowadays, thanks to the pandemic, I work as a freelance PR, marketing and comms consultant. e FCC has become my go-to spot in town for a productive work environment and to connect with like-minded individuals.
ASSOCIATE
CHAN CHE CHUNG, CONRAD
Partner, Solicitor
Kwok Yih & Chan (Founding Partner)
This year is special for me – I have joined the FCC, been practising law for 30 years and have co-founded Kwok Yih & Chan, a corporate law firm, 10 years ago. Law aside, I have dedicated myself to giving back to the community, including serving as a board member of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, a member of the SFC’s Takeovers Panel and Takeovers Appeal Committee, and the Stock Exchange’s Listing Review Committee.
My leisure hours are usually spent meeting friends, playing tennis, going to the gym, and swimming. I am also a music fan of a variety of genres and a serious bookworm.
ASSOCIATE
CHENG CHARN WAH
Head of Cost Control
Wah Sing Toy Co. Ltd
My name is Je and I grew up in Hong Kong. I play a pivotal role overseeing the nancial e ciency and cost management of several factories in Guangdong, Guangxi and Vietnam. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, I am responsible for implementing costsaving measures while ensuring that production processes remain seamless and e ective. My expertise in nancial planning and analysis is instrumental in driving my company’s pro tability and sustainability.
ASSOCIATE MIKE CONVEY
I am originally from the U.K., but I have been living in Hong Kong for over 24 years now. My background is in nancial markets technology and I have worked for a number of rms in the time that I have been in Hong Kong. During the Financial Crisis I took some time o to get my MBA: the ‘Wine MBA’ was taught at wine producing and consuming areas around the world and really deepened my appreciation of the wine business, as well as of course, wine. e wonderful wine selection at the FCC is just one of the things I love about the club - it’s a shame I didn’t join 24 years ago!
ASSOCIATE
GENJI HOSONO
Senior Partner
Ucap Hong Kong Asset Management Limited
When my wife and I rst arrived in Hong Kong, there was a pandemic; not COVID-19 but SARS! Time ies, and a er 20+ years of living here, Hong Kong has become my home now, and is the perfect place away from my home country of Japan.
I am a banker at Ucap Asset Management Ltd., with nearly 30 years of experience in the banking industry. A er completing my education in Japan, I started my career as an equity trader at UBS in Tokyo. I went on to work in the wealth management division at Credit Suisse in Japan, Switzerland and Hong Kong, as well as working for Pictet & Cie Hong Kong.
As a keen amateur photographer, I especially enjoy and look forward to the Wall Exhibition every visit. e FCC has always caught my eye in Central and I am happy to have nally become a part of this family.
ASSOCIATE
IU KWAN YUEN
Barrister-at-Law
Self-employed
Hi there! I’m Kwan, a barrister based in Hong Kong and a former pupil of FCC Member John Brewer. I am also interested in AI and law research, and I have published academic papers related to this topic. My dream is to leverage my academic research and legal knowledge to contribute to building a better world.
Beyond my professional life, I’m also beginning my journey as a marathon runner (inspired by Mr. Brewer), and am aiming to complete my rst full marathon within the next ve years. Starting from zero, I’m excited about this personal challenge and the journey ahead. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com/in/kwaniu
ASSOCIATE
LEE KAM WING, VICTOR
Asset Management / Private Equity
Franklin Templeton Investment (Asia) Limited
I am a private equity investor, now working at Franklin Templeton in Hong Kong as Managing Director, specialising in alternative investments. Over the last 28 years, I have been doing private equity / special sit deals in global emerging markets. Korea, Mainland China, Turkey and Kazakhstan are some of markets which I have spent considerable time on. I was born in Hong Kong and have a Korean wife. I enjoy travelling around seeing companies and listening to di erent stories. Wine, food and music are my hobbies, and I hope to make more friends at the jazz bar at the FCC.
ASSOCIATE
THERESE LESAFFRE
Retired
With a university education in Geography and Political Science, I worked in France in Urban and Regional Planning before coming to Hong Kong 40 years ago with my husband and children. A er spending most of my life here, I am still excited to discover and explore the city in terms of its greater area, its unique history, and its future context. It is a fascinating place to meet and communicate with people from all walks of life.
My other interests include sports, particularly racket sports, such as tennis, badminton, pickleball, and the arts. As an art lover, I regularly join events, seminars, and trips of international organisations. In Hong Kong, I particularly support the Friends of the Art Museum of the Chinese University. Travelling is of course one of my favorite hobbies, as it allows me to move my ‘cursor’ to adapt to di erent situations.
ASSOCIATE
ROBERT LILWALL
Motivational Speaker/Writer
Rob Lilwall Limited
I grew up in the U.K., and had a rst career as an embattled secondary school geography teacher in Oxfordshire. Aged 27, I le teaching and ew to Magadan in Siberia and spent three years cycling home. One year into that journey, in Hong Kong, I met Christine at a party and a er I had eventually reached England, we got married.
We moved to Hong Kong and I began a very unexpected career as an adventurer and speaker. I did two NatGeo shows, wrote two books, and did more journeys, including a walk from Mongolia to Hong Kong.
During the pandemic, we moved to Singapore, but a er two years, we missed Hong Kong, and especially Mui Wo, too much, so we recently moved back. I’m currently working on a third book and giving about 50 motivational speeches a year to corporates around the world. www.linkedin.com/in/roblilwall www.roblilwall.com
ASSOCIATE LIU LIANGPING
Director
Genius Development Workshop Company Limited
Hi, I’m Jasmine, an EMBA graduate from CUHK, currently pursuing a DBA programme at CUHK and Fudan University.
I founded the Genius Development Group, focusing on STEM education to nurture future scientists and innovators. Additionally, I co-founded the Genius Development Science Education Foundation, aiming to remove nancial barriers to STEM education for underprivileged children.
As a licensed investment consultant with over 20 years of experience in equities, I manage investments at Constellation Prestige Family O ce, serving high-net-worth individuals and families. My role at AIA (Hong Kong) as a senior regional manager and wealth management director allows me to help clients achieve their nancial goals. I am highly committed to making a positive impact on those around me and within education.
ASSOCIATE JESSE LUSSIER
Global Market Analyst
Hong Kong Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC
I’m originally from a small military town called Petawawa in Ontario. In typical Canadian fashion, I grew up playing ice hockey and was fortunate enough to play at the Collegiate and semi-professional levels. Post college graduation in 2020, my plan was to pursue professional hockey, however that was railroaded when the pandemic hit and shut down the hockey world globally. During my playing career I was lucky enough to play with some of the world’s biggest stars, which was an incredible experience, but also a harsh reality, in that one day I’d likely need to nd a second career.
Once I decided to “hang ‘em up” (retire), I wasn’t sure what or who I wanted to be. Luckily, there’s a programme here in Hong Kong that targets freshly retired college/pro hockey players and brings them to Asia. e programme helps you nd an internship, gives you a place to live – and in return you help develop the local hockey community through coaching and teaching youth players.
Coming from a military family and a life spent in hockey, I know the importance of community, which is why I’m so excited to be a member of the FCC and meet its members! If you see me around, likely during happy hours at the Main Bar, I would love to meet you and hear your story!
https://hk.linkedin.com/in/jesse-lussier-bb44b16b
ASSOCIATE WONG HOK HIM, CHARLES
Consultant
Heritage & Archives Management Consultancy Limited
I have been managing and curating historical records and heritage assets for various museums, the government, public bodies and commercial enterprises for the past decade. As a museum and archives professional, I recently founded a one-stop consultancy service specialising in heritage assets management which, I believe, may be the rst of its kind based in the city.
I help businesses, organisations and individuals to organise historical records and build archives systematically, preserve artefacts and maintain repositories, and train sta to create commercial value from their heritage assets.
I received my BA in History and International Relations from UW-Madison (U.S.) and MA in Medieval History from King’s College London. I also hold two Postgraduate Diplomas: Archives and Records Management, as well as English and Hong Kong Law.
I enjoy watching movies, travelling, visiting museums, cooking and sailing. https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-wong-ba2862176/ https://hkhamc.com/
ASSOCIATE
YIJUN LI
Senior Portfolio Manager
L&R Capital Limited
I was born and raised in Shanghai. A er nishing my undergrad at a liberal arts college in the U.S., a job o er in nance brought me to Hong Kong. What I initially thought would be a twoyear stint before eventually going back for graduate studies turned out to be 19 and counting. I started my career trading both cash bonds and derivatives for various international banks. I am now the Senior Portfolio Manager for a leading credit hedge fund in the region.
In my spare time, I am an avid traveller, as I truly enjoy exploring culture, history, nature and food! My trips in the last 12 months alone have taken me as far north as Svalbard and the Arctic Circle, and as tropical as Sri Lanka. I speak uent Mandarin, Shanghainese, English and German and my Spanish and Cantonese are probably on par now (whereby I can watch movies with the subtitles on). One of my favourite things to do on weekends is to take my camera and wander around photographing wall art. I’m fascinated by the bursts of colour and creativity where you least expect it.
OTHER NEW MEMBERS
Wang Xiao Qing
William James Langley
Kaushik Sandeep Vaidya
James Michael Dwyer
Catherine Wang Zhaoxi
Caixin Media Company Limited
Financial Times
Bloomberg L.P.
Velocity Technology
Forbes Asia
Kong Yuk Foon DoreenLegislative Council
Wong Yuk Kuen
NEC HK LTD
Senior Reporter Correspondent
South China Correspondent Correspondent
Asia TV Breaking News Editor Correspondent
COO Associate
Reporter Correspondent
Legislative Councillor Associate
Managing Director Associate
Yung Yuen Hung Clara Self-employed Barrister Barrister Associate
Connor Lea Phillips Mycro
Lin Yiu Wah
MEMBER MOVEMENTS
South China Morning Post Reporter Correspondent
BBC World Service HK Ltd
News Editior Correspondent
ABSENT
Kelly Jo Hutchison Gap International Sourcing Ltd. Vice President, Head of HR Associate
Ho Chee Wan Susan Brunswick Group Ltd Partner, Head of Hong Kong Associate
Paul eil
Morgan Stanley Asia Ltd Senior Advisor Associate
Daniel James Bland SCMP Graphics Coordinator Correspondent
Eric Charrington - Retired Associate
Catherine Yu C. Yu & Co. Solicitors Solicitor Associate
Christopher D. Appleton Faye Holdings Ltd Managing Director Associate
Wayne John Hallas Colliers Internationa Senior Director Associate
Gavin John Walker Singer Asia Limited President & CEO Associate
Gayatri Pathak Bery International Finance Corporation Nominee Director Associate
Pawanya Trakulmechokchai Aura International Limited Jewelry Designer Associate
Doron Grossman Crawford (Hong Kong) Ltd Managing Director Associate
Vivien Pong Drs. Nicolson & Associates O ce Manager Associate
Law Pik Lin, Jessica Vantage Asia Publishin Consultant Associate
Wong Shu Ting Lily DoctorsDirect Ltd Family Physician Associate
Fong Chun Fai
Orient Finance Hldgs (HK) Ltd Executive Director Associate
Justin Carlton Niessner Acuris Sta Writer Correspondent
Marguerite Anne Walker - Retired Associate
Wijnandus Adrianus van Hoeven Self employed HR Professional Associate
Wong Cheuk Fung CSOP Asset Management Ltd Senior Executive Director Head of Sales Associate
Monemia Frances Anne Kirwan - Freelance Associate
Dr Chow Kam To, Richard Securities and Futures Commission Director of Enforcement Associate
Dagmar Claudia Jurick Pentland Ltd Director Associate
Tina Tucker Vantage Asia Publishing Ltd Director Associate
REACTIVATED
Miranda Jane Houng - Retired Associate
Rodney Gerard Lloyd XY Capital Limited Compliance O cer Associate
Pak Man Yee Doris
UBS AG Group Operating O cer, Hong Kong Associate
Christopher Lind JohnsonJohnson Lind Consulting Director Associate
Polly Yu Ting Wa
David Matthew Fox
Hong Kong Women in Membership Secretary Associate Publishing Society (WiPS)
Agence France-Presse Correspondent Correspondent
Stephen James Layton e Layton Group Founder Associate
CHANGE OF CATEGORY - ACTIVE MEMBER
Hui Pak Wo Matthew
Julian Peter Walsh
Shun Hing Electronic Trading Co Ltd Director Associate
J P Walsh & Co Limited Director Associate
PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
CARSTENSCHAEL.COM – Award-winning Photographer. People - Corporate - Stills - Food - Architecture - Transport. Tel: (852) 9468 1404 Email: info@carstenschael.com
JAYNE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY – EditorialPeople - Food. 18 years Fleet St, London experience. Tel: (852) 9757 8607 Email: jaynerussell@me.com Website: jaynerussellphotography.com
SOOTHE YOUR SOUL, LIGHTEN YOUR SPIRIT,
AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING
On May 6, the FCC was delighted to host staff from over 30 Consulate Generals in Hong Kong. The Club’s Board, Journalist and Correspondent members enjoyed drinks and conversation with international diplomats and
LA
DOLCE VITA
On April 15, Italian celebrity chef Loris Pistillo teamed up with the FCC to present a White Asparagus Gala Dinner. Guests indulged in an exceptional 4-course tasting menu, showcasing the nest seasonal ingredients and avours and Chef Pistillo’s unique culinary air.
Chef Loris was born and raised in Milan and has accumulated years of experience from working in various locations around the globe, specialising in Italian cuisine. Following an eight-year journey in Europe, he embarked
Consuls General, upholding our commitment to being a place where people gather and ideas are exchanged. We would like to extend our appreciation to all the Consular staff who attended.
on a gastronomic adventure through Asia, with stints in Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bali. He played a key role in the opening of the Four Seasons Seoul and later joined e Mandarin Oriental in Taipei.
e unquestionably talented chef excels in utilising seasonal ingredients in his dishes, and his experience working in Asia has evolved his vision towards creating contemporary fusion European dining.
EXPRESSING LOVE FOR MOTHERS
May 12 marked the annual celebration of Mother’s Day and the Club was packed to the ra ers with families and their beloved Mums coming together to feast on our o erings in the Main Bar & Lounge, the Verandah, and the Burton and Hughes Rooms, lovingly prepared and presented by our culinary team.
Kids of all ages enjoyed a workshop to create their own handcra ed owers as gi s for their Mothers, and the day also featured balloon sculpting. All Mums were also gi ed with a carnation as a sign of appreciation.
SANTÉ TO FRENCH GOURMAY
On May 28, we paid homage to French cuisine and of course, wine, at the FCC’s French Gourmay Wine Dinner, to coincide with Hong Kong’s annual celebration of French culture in its many forms through the French May Arts Festival, which over the past three decades has evolved to become one of the
largest cultural events in Asia.
Featuring the wines of M. Chapoutier and a guest speaker appearance by Romeo Shen, the winery’s Greater China Export Manager, the menu for the sold-out evening was specially created by the FCC’s Young Chefs. n
ARTIFICIAL “INTELLIGENCE”
Arti
cial Intelligence. AI. e new buzz word. At least one news outlet in Hong Kong (I shan’t name names…) is using AI to write stories.
Me, I barely use it. ChatGPT, Google Bard or whatever it’s called now, Microso AI (which constantly nags me to use it) – not my thing. At best it feels like an overly wordy Google search.
I do use Adobe AI for podcasts, and I don’t know how it all works, but it makes me sound less like a middle-aged bogan and more like a podcaster. Fantastic upgrade. Anyway, AI is looming large over journalism, so I thought I’d get an answer straight from the horse’s mouth. In this case, a horse named ChatGPT.
My question to Chat GPT was thus: “In 400 words, explain why Chat GPT isn’t the death of journalism, but is just an excuse for lazy university students not to study.”
ChatGPT: “ e emergence of advanced arti cial intelligence tools like ChatGPT has sparked debates about their impact on various elds, including journalism and education. However, the notion that ChatGPT signals the death of journalism is a misunderstanding of both the role of AI in news production and the enduring value of human journalists.”
Blimey, bit defensive there Chat GPT. Nice to know we have “enduring value” though. Go on.
ChatGPT: “Firstly, ChatGPT and similar AI models function primarily as tools that can assist in the automation of routine tasks, such as data collection, preliminary research, and even the dra ing of straightforward reports. is does not supplant the core competencies of journalism, which include investigative skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to engage with complex socio-political contexts. ese skills are irreplaceable by AI because they require human empathy, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of human experiences and motivations.”
fostering a symbiotic relationship where technology enhances human capability without overshadowing it.”
It’s becoming less of an answer and more of a sales pitch, ngl. Chat GPT: “On the other hand, the notion that ChatGPT is an “excuse” for university students to avoid studying re ects a di erent issue. While it is true that some students might use AI to cut corners, this behaviour is not a new phenomenon brought about by technology. Students have always found ways to ease their workload, whether through collaboration, purchasing essays, or using various forms of technology. e key issue here is not the tool itself but how it is used. Educators and academic institutions are increasingly aware of this and are adapting their assessment methods to ensure that students engage critically with course material and demonstrate their understanding in ways that cannot be easily replicated by AI.”
Chat GPT says students always cheat, so it’s ne.
ChatGPT: “Moreover, educational tools like ChatGPT can actually foster learning when used appropriately. ey can provide explanations, assist with the understanding of complex topics, and o er practice in critical thinking and writing skills. e responsibility lies with both students to use these tools ethically and educators to guide their use constructively.”
Not my fault says Chat GPT.
ChatGPT: “In conclusion, rather than signalling the death of journalism or promoting academic laziness, AI like ChatGPT should be viewed as a powerful adjunct that, when used responsibly, can enhance journalistic quality and educational outcomes. e challenge lies in harnessing this technology e ectively and ethically, ensuring it serves to support and amplify human e ort rather than replace it.”
Well, that word salad would make you a good press o cer in the government. Continue.
ChatGPT: “Journalists leverage these tools to streamline their work ows, enabling them to focus more on in-depth reporting and less on mundane tasks. By doing so, they can enhance their storytelling capabilities and delve deeper into investigative journalism, ultimately enriching the quality of news and information disseminated to the public. In this view, AI acts as a complement rather than a replacement,
ere it is. Chat GPT says it’s not going to replace journalism. And if you can’t trust a random AI unit, then honestly, who can you trust?
For the record, it was a 424 word answer, even though I speci ed 400 words. Can’t even get that right.
Where’s my Encyclopedia Britannica…? n
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