Hong Kong Guide: 2022-23 by International Desi

“Let there be LOVE in our hearts HARMONY in our homes, and

PEACE around the world.” Mrs. Purviz R. Shroff, MH and Late Mr. Rusy M. Shroff, BBS, MBE

The Hong Kong Guide 2021–2022 Published by International Desi

Table of Content MESSAGE

Foreword

Guide and Printing information

Traveling to Hong Kong

How Hong Kong Combatted Covid scenario?

Relocating to Hong Kong Relocating

Visa and Residency in Hong Kong

Education

Study Abroad

Extra Curricular Activities

14 16

Process and Paperwork Needed to File Long-Term Visa for Parents in Hong Kong 19 Settling In

List of Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools 33

Music Lessons in Hong Kong

Dance classes in Hong Kong

Art Classes

List of Collage and Universities Business

38 39

How To Launch A Food Business In Hong Kong 39 Basics of business registration in Hong Kong: 44

Registering a business

Licenses and regulations in Hong Kong 45

The Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Schools:

Schools and Colleges

List of International Schools

List of Government schools

Best Banks for a Start-ups in Hong Kong

Accounting and Tax in Hong Kong

Global Investment

Marketing and Promotions in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Guide published by International Desi Website: https://hongkong-desi.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HongKongDesi/ Publication, Editing, Design, and Production by International Desi To order copies, request advertising info, or for other inquiries, please email: hongkong.desi@ gmail.com The data is correct as of 15th May 2022. The publisher (International Desi) cannot accept any responsibility for trouble occurring between customers and any of the shops, services, or businesses listed. The publisher makes no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of this booklet’s contents, and is not liable for any damages or costs arising from its use. Cover photo Credit: Smitha Kumari (1st picture)

Job and career

Housing

Renting an apartment

Home Essentials

Furniture

Grocery

Helpers

FDH Hiring Process: Furniture Disposal:

Car or private vehicle

58 62

ii. Education

101

iii. Business

104

iv. Investment Services

105

v. Best Banks for Start-ups in Hong Kong 105 vi. Business Essentials

106

vii. Marketing and Promotions in Hong Kong 107 viii. Job and career

107

ix. Professional Development

108

x. Housing

108

xi. Movers and Shippers

109

Car rental in Hong Kong

xii. Car Rental

109

Requirements to rent a car

xiii. Home Essentials

110

Driver’s License in Hong Kong

xiv. Repair and Services

116

xv. Handyman, repairs and movers

117

xvi. Helpers’ Training

119

Options for Indians to obtain driving license 68 Buying a car in Hong Kong

xvii. Useful Networking places

119

xviii. Socio-cultural Activities

121

Hong Kong Shopping world

xix. Religious / places and services

122

Women Fashion Trends For 2022

xx. Fashion

123

Medical care

xxi. Jewellery

124

Insurance

XXII. Beauty Treatment

126

Shopping

XXIII. Lifestyle

127

Car / Vehicle Insurance

XXIV. Health

129

Travel Insurance

XXV. Alternate Healing

130

XXVI. Travel Agent

131

Hong Kong Secrets

Indian Restaurants

131

Museums

Indian Palate friendly restaurants

133

Art Galleries

Lifestyle and Recreation

Parks

Picnic Spots

Barbeque Sites

Main Tourist Attractions

Local Food

Directory i. Visa and Residency

100 101

Eating Out Indian and Vegetarian-Friendly Best Hong Kong Nightclubs

134 134 135

Mexican Cuisine in Hong Kong

135

Traveling outside Hong Kong

143

Airlines

143

Trips and Holidays

143

Getting To and From The Hong Kong 5

International Airport

144

Tram

158

Incredible India

145

Buses and Mini Buses

158

Weekend Getaways

146

Taxi

158

150

Car rental

159

Visa for key nations

Essentials

158

Octopus – Lifeline of Hong Kong

158

Transportation (Travel within city)

158

Local Travel (MTR, Star Ferry, Bus, Tram, Light Rail) 158 Mass Transit Rail (MTR):

158

COVID Emergencies

160

Typhoon

160

Emergencies

160

Acknowledgement

163

MESSAGE 31st May 2022 My congratulations to Hong Kong Desi, part of International Desi, for publishing this 3rd edition of the Hong Kong Guide, a comprehensive one-stop resource for Hong Kong residents. An important part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of 75 years of India’s Independence is recognising the contribution of the global Indian diaspora to India’s journey, by serving as a living bridge connecting India to the world. Hong Kong has been home to Indians for nearly two centuries, growing over the years to about 40,000 Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin. It is heartening to see them become both well-integrated into Hong Kong society as well as continuing to maintain deep and abiding connections with our motherland and its rich civilizational heritage, traditions, and culture. Under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government’s outreach to the Indian diaspora has also evolved and we are moving towards the concept of a ‘Global Indian’. Last year was a difficult one. The second Covid wave in April-May 2021 put immense stress on India’s healthcare infrastructure. The reality is that no infrastructure, even of the most advanced economies, was able to withstand a crisis of such enormous proportions. In India, our leadership rose to the challenge, efforts were made on a war-footing to meet all requirements, and the government’s endeavours were supplemented by initiatives of the states, private sector healthcare facilities, civil society, and the individual heroism of every Indian citizen. In this extraordinary mission, our diaspora in Hong Kong also made timely contributions by supplying medical essentials generously. During the pandemic, the strenghts of the Indian pharmaceutical industry have also proved to be an asset for the entire world, with Indian-made vaccines meeting two-thirds of the world’s requirements. In March 2022, India rolled 8

out one more indigenously manufactured anti-Covid vaccine, Corbevax, allowing us to expand vaccination to children aged 12 to 14 years. Broad vaccination coverage has helped to mitigate the impact of future Covid waves in India. Although the pandemic regulations in Hong Kong have led to some restricions in the Consulate’s usual business and cultural events, there were several flagship Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav events organised by the Consulate in the past year, which were energised by enthusiastic participation of the Indian community in Hong Kong. We are committed to continuing the Consulate’s events and activities this year, even if in modified formats to comply with local public health regulations, and I hope that all of you are able to join us to make them a success. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation and admiration for the wonderful Indian community in Hong Kong, which embodies India’s founding spirit of unity in diversity, staying united and strong in these trying times by coming together to provide valuable support to each other and to respective Governments. My best wishes for a peaceful and healthy year ahead. Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Jai Hind. Priyanka Chauhan Consul General of India to Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR

FOREWORD It gives me great pleasure to present Hong Kong Guide for 2022 to you for your day-to-day information needs. I am delighted to inform you that like our previous edition, Hong Kong Guide 2021, was well received and appreciated by the readers. Once again - A Big Thank You! Every business or entity goes through cycles of ups and downs and our adventure is no different from this. After initial excitement in 2019, struggle for survival and managing the expectations and delivery during 2020 and 2021due to COVID-19 pandamic. This experience has made us feel confident in every aspect. Due to the popularity of our previous edition, Hong Kong Guide 2021 was picked up within a week. We have explored direction ideas to present a new version of Hong Kong Guide for 2022 and add more value to people. Sight of relief: After COVID-19 havoc, businesses and educational institutions are c`oming back to their normal self. With relaxed COVID-19 norms along with reduced quarantine time, and permission for tourist visas, the travel and tourism, as well as hospitality industry are hoping for a brighter future. We, at Hong Kong Desi, have continued our support to the community through WhatsApp and Facebook and other social media groups. This support is not limited to quarantine, but also extending the support via Hong Kong Desi’s localised groups for better networking and communication. Every year, we work on a charity project during Diwali. In 2021, Hong Kong Desi has been working with renowned trust and other institutions to support the community. This year, we continued to empower rural women in their small-scale diary business.

Hong Kong Desi was promoting local businesses for FREE on their platforms to support small business to expand through social media and other digital marketing modes and also helping the community to find the best products or services. A win-win-win situation! As we mentioned last year, we have spread our wings beyond Hong Kong to Tokyo, London and New York with our new platform – International Desi. The International Desi website was launched by the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of State for Culture Hon. Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi at her office in New Delhi on 24th May, 2022. https://international-desi.com/mos-extesmt-meenakshi-lekhi-launches-international-desi-website/ Hoping to add more global cities on our platform in near future. Best Wishes Sandhya Jane 9

Guide and Printing information About Hong Kong Desi: Hong Kong Desi brand is owned by International Desi, a registered company in Hong Kong. Support services: Hong Kong Desi uses various channels, such as news, events, media, and digital marketing services through social media, WhatsApp, Telegram, social media, email, YouTube, and more to connect its members.

We tried to refer information from various sources, such as directories, community and business groups, websites, blogs, guides, and other objects linking large amounts of information to people, community, places, businesses, and organizations. All these resources assembled here are mainly related to Hong Kong SAR and can be referenced to by anyone in need.

Digital Marketing Services: In order to support our community service efforts, we have also started offering customized commercial services, such as marketing, branding, and corporate communications to small- and medium-sized businesses. These services can be availed on a longterm or an ad-hoc basis to meet business goals. Please contact us at hongkong. desi@gmail.com

However, the information is limited in scope and coverage for the topics due to space and budget, and we shall try to improve over time.

About Hong Kong Guide: The primary aim of Hong Kong Guide is to support English-speaking people, including immigrants and expats, to settle comfortably in Hong Kong. This guide also extends support and usefulness to English-speaking locals, visitors, and tourists.

Our team has sorted, verified, and structured the data that can be referred to in a useful and meaningful way in part or as a whole. However, if we missed any information in any form and you want us to update, we would appreciate if you could please contact our team at hongkong.desi@gmail. com.

This database is a collection of useful information about Hong Kong in a structured manner and under one umbrella. Some information, such as a list of schools, list of hospitals, list of banks, government offices or policies, etc., will remain unchanged unless there are any updates. However, some parts of the information, such as new career options, new restaurants, new regulations, etc., will change. Why use Hong Kong Guide? This is not purely a directory, but a guide that provides information that we are presenting after extensive research by various sources. 10

Additionally, the information also includes first-hand experiences of information providers. It also includes data on service providers in a directory format in the last section.

Information Structure: There are several parts to Hong Kong Guide, from several perspectives. If analysed and interpreted properly, Hong Kong Guide’s annual publication can provide you (by implication) required information. We have created broad categories relative to relocating to Hong Kong: education, job seeking, and business know-how sections; accounting and taxation, home essentials, socializing and outing options; about Hong Kong, etc. This will guide a reader in a systematic way to a particular section. The details of services provided include business

name, address, telephone, and website, as available. Additionally, we have also added email, how to reach, business hours, etc., as necessary.

select cities in Mainland China. It will also be available online on various platforms, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.

To see what services are currently available, view the table of contents. Begin by selecting a content item of interest. Once you do that, you’ll be able to see the information that is currently available for that section.

We welcome those with expertise, as well as others who are interested, to add value to the Hong Kong Guide in the form of writing, marketing, connecting, or collaborating, etc.

Whenever you use a directory section, however, it is essential to refer to the table of contents or header within the directory section, showing data used in alphabetical order, usually following the name in each entry. Distribution: Hong Kong Guide will be available in print in Hong Kong, Macau, and

For marketing, advertising, and distribution opportunities, please contact us at hongkong.desi@gmail.com Disclaimer: Our team has tried its best to present quality information, and it is valid as per our knowledge. However, if the information changes, you may refer to the source of the information, such as website, email, or telephone to validate, if needed.

Copy of Hong Kong Guide at Indian Consulate in Hong Kong

The International Desi website was launched by the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of State for Culture Hon. Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi at her office in New Delhi on 24th May, 2022.

https://international-desi.com/mosextesmt-meenakshi-lekhi-launchesinternational-desi-website

Amigo events in Hong Kong

TRAVELING TO HONG KONG How Hong Kong Combatted Covid scenario? The Government of Hong Kong introduced a slew of guidelines and measures, for its people to adhere to, in a bid to arrest the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A number of additional guidelines related to travelling to and from Hong Kong is also set, all to restrict the COVID spread within the country. One must take into consideration relevant boarding, quarantine, and testing arrangements. The government demanded negative result proof of COVID tests from all transit and transfer passengers travelling to Hong Kong. The government of Hong Kong has also identified dedicated quarantine centres for travellers to Hong Kong. While inbound travellers are required to submit health declaration form online, before travelling to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government introduced various border-control measures for inbound travellers in order to build an anti-epidemic barrier to prevent the importation of cases. The government of Hong Kong made it mandatory for any passengers travelling to the country to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival at Hong Kong and hold a recognized vaccination record. Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified place(s) during the relevant period, are exceptionally allowed to board. Exemptions are also imposed on citizen with health complexities with relevant proof by a medical practitioner.

COVID-19 test before returning to Hong Kong, for prudence sake, they will still be mandated to undergo testing for COVID-19 at the DH’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre and wait for their test results at a designated location pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. If their test results are negative, they will be allowed to go to the hotel for which they made the reservation to continue the compulsory quarantine until completion. If their results are positive, the travellers will be transferred to hospital for isolation and treatment. Close contacts of positive cases will be quarantined at Government’s quarantine facilities, designated quarantine hotels or other premises as arranged by the on-site Government staff. The DH will issue compulsory quarantine orders to these returnees. The relevant government department will also arrange electronic wristbands for them (except for those who undergo compulsory quarantine in Designated Quarantine Hotels). According to quarantine orders, they shall neither leave their hotel rooms nor move around in the hotel during the entire quarantine period. Leaving designated rooms will be regarded as a breach of the quarantine order and constitutes a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum imprisonment for six months and fine of $25,000 Useful Reference: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/ index.html

Travellers to Hong Kong should note that even though they have conducted a 13

Relocating to Hong Kong Hong Kong is one of the top choices for expats to work and live. It is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and modern city with plenty of opportunity to work and do business. Since it is one of the free-trade city nations, apart from Panama, it becomes a lucrative option for businessmen to do business. It is also one of lowest in tax rates, around 15%, and, thus, makes it equally attractive for working professionals.

businesses) on the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits, and 16.5% for corporations (15% for unincorporated businesses) on the remainder of assessable profits.

The benefits of moving to Hong Kong.

(Source: Delioitte) https://www2.deloitte. com/content/dam/Deloitte/cn/Documents/ tax/ta-2020/deloitte-cn-tax-tap0382020en-200806.pdf

Business opportunities: It is relatively easier to start a business in Hong Kong. Since China is the biggest manufacturing hub, sourcing and export companies, shipping, and insurance-related businesses are doing well. Apart from export-related business, consulting and technology-related businesses are also doing well. Job opportunities: Consulting, banking and shipping professionals and high-skilled professionals get good pay. Some of the roles in demand are portfolio management, general counsel, internal audit/internal audit professionals, marketing, digital marketing, project/program managers, finance and accounting, etc. Taxation and saving: considering the lower personal as well corporate taxes, Hong Kong becomes one of the most attractive places to work or do business. There are three main types of tax levied under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO), including profits tax, salaries tax, and property tax. An 8.25% profit tax rate is applied for corporations (7.5% for unincorporated 14

Individual taxes are based on progressive rates based on their income. The minimal tax rates range from 2% to 17%, with a cap at the standard rate of 15% on assessable income (i.e., taxable income without the deduction of allowances).

This is lower than several countries where tax rates are between 25%-35%. This gives an advantage to the residents and entrepreneurs to save money on their income. Highly skilled professionals tends to be paid quite well, which is another reason why it’s worth working in Hong Kong. The pay you may get here will more than likely be better than you would get in your native country. Hong Kong also tends to offer good career prospects. Hong Kong infrastructure: Hong Kong is a city nation and offers excellent world-class infrastructure in the form of local transportation, sea as well as airports, electricity, internet, etc. The usage rates are competitive. Vibrant Culture: Since Hong Kong offers global business and career options, worldclass infrastructure, it has attracted a large number of expats, who in turn brought global culture and global living, such as international schools, global cuisine, global fashion, etc.

RELOCATING The only disadvantages are a small city with limited land parcel offers with small spaces and high rental costs. Additionally, it may be difficult to build a social circle due to the transitory expat community.

If you like, please visit following link to know how to relocate to Hong Kong? Also, what are the preparations are needed to relocate to Hong Kong.

National Holiday calendar (from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021)

Holiday

Date

Day

Dragon Boat Festival

3 Jun, 2022

Friday

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

1 Jul, 2022

Friday

The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

12 Sept, 2022

Monday

National Day of the People's Republic of China

1 Oct, 2022

Saturday

Double Ninth Festival

4 Oct, 2022

Tuesday

Boxing Day

26 Dec, 2022

Monday

T Christmas Day

26–27 Dec 2022

New Year

1 Jan, 2023

Saturday

Chinese New Year

21 Jan, 2023

Monday

Chinese New Year Second Day

22 Jan, 2023

Tuesday

Chinese New Year Third Day

23 Jan, 2023

Tomb Sweeping Day

5 Apr, 2023

Monday

Good Friday

7 Apr, 2023

Friday

Holy Saturday

8 Apr, 2023

Saturday

Easter Monday

10 Apr, 2023

Monday

Labour Day

1 May, 2023

Monday

Buddha Birthday

26 May, 2023

Friday 15

RELOCATING Pre-arrival checklist The pre-arrival checklist includes items that you need to consider when you are planning to relocate to Hong Kong.

Relocating Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places to reside in the world. The cost of living is quite high, which requires one to devote much consideration before relocating. Thus, there is the need to observe the following aspects when planning a move. Hong Kong is an attractive location in which to invest or work, due to its matured business environment and proximity to key nations, like China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc. Additionally, the internationally vast and diverse atmosphere of Hong Kong makes the process of relocating much easier. The process is well defined, the bureaucracy is minimal, and many people speak and understand English here. However, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places to reside in the world. The cost of living is quite high, which requires one to devote much consideration before relocating. Thus, there is a need to observe the following aspects when planning a move:

Visa While the best time to apply for a visa is pre-arrival, if you have to apply or change after moving into Hong Kong, it should be your priority after you land. Bear in mind that getting a visa can take a minimum of four weeks and can also extend to six to eight weeks. Plus, you are not legally entitled to work or open a bank account until you first possess a valid visa. Therefore, it’s better to start the procedure as fast as you can.

Custom Duties You can ship in your household goods and personal belongings free of any duties or 16

tariffs. However, you would need to make sure that all your paperwork is in order when you go to collect them after clearance from customs. Hong Kong’s restricted and prohibited items list is extensive and especially strict with food items. However, it also puts no limit on how much currency and how much alcohol you can bring with you, provided you declare cash sums larger than HK$120,000 under a new law to combat dirty money.

Pets customs If you are relocating with your pet, you need to consider that Hong Kong has strict pet customs and health requirements. - You can apply for a special import permit for your pet, which is valid for six months. - You need to get your pet’s health certified by a licensed veterinarian as specified by Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department Import and Export Division. Please also refer for additional requirements, such as vaccination requirements for incoming animals, pet customs, quarantine, and micro chipping, depending on where you are moving. - You can also work with a professional pet transport company that can take care of all the stressful stuff.

RELOCATING Health care

Housing

The government provides accessible and affordable healthcare services to the general public. To avail the facility, you must have a Hong Kong ID card and a valid visa.

Finding housing can be challenging in this densely packed country. The high demand and limited supply of living space have resulted in high rents. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, not including utilities, is HK$17,604.00 (US$ 2,260.68), while outside of the city centre is HK$12,220.90, as of Feb. 2020. Although, the choice of selecting a fully furnished apartment with working utilities is completely yours, it can cost you more.

There is more information about healthcare facilities in the medical care sections. It is strongly advised to arrange a copy of all your healthcare documents/certificates (including, but not limited to, vaccination records of your child, history of family members’ health and medication, and list of medication used on a regular basis) to carry with you.

Checklists

Vaccination

Before relocating, you must plan for the following:

Vaccinations recommended for Hong Kong include the following:

1. Things you need to take with you, includes but not limited to documentation, certificates, clothes, medicines, and basic essentials.

– Hepatitis A – Hepatitis B – Typhoid – Rabies Vaccinations required for Hong Kong include the following: – Meningitis – Polio – Measles – Mumps and rubella (MMR) – Tdap (tetanus, pertussis);

Please check the housing section in this book for more details.

diphtheria,

and

– Chicken pox

2. Things you need to send by courier, such as essential furniture, pet, and other essentials. 3. Things you need to keep and how to manage them. This includes your home, renting options, your furniture, etc. 4. List of documents and certificates you need to carry (school certificates; health or vaccine certification; and insurance, if it is valid in Hong Kong; etc.) and arrange a safe custody for other important documents.

– Shingles – Pneumonia

COVID -19 Vaccination HKSAR government expects every inbound traveller to take COVID-19 PCR test and is allowed to travel only when the result is negative.

Research the Area and Pre-Join a Club Research and explore your new residential area. Looking at all the nearby shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes can help prepare you for mealtimes when you are still settling in. Further, if you find a club that piques your interest, and then you can go ahead and preregister yourself. Some 17

RELOCATING clubs offer support and help for their fellow members during or after the move as a means to welcome them. Expat groups, clubs, and associations are quite helpful in this manner. Hong Kong offers a wide range of clubs, groups, organizations, and associations for you to join. You can find gender, niche, religion, social issues, and recreational

need-specific clubs that resonate with your values and standards. Belonging to such groups and being a part of them can make your relocation really smooth. You can get instant connections to all the right people and all the right advice at all the right times. Please refer to the lifestyle and recreation section in this book for more details.

Useful Reference: • Visa Requirement Hong Kong Immigration Department Website: https://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/general/index.htm

• Hong Kong Customs Department Website https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/cargo_clearance/prohibited_articles/in_airtrans/index.html https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/passenger_clearance/instruments/index. html

• AFCD Agriculture, Fisheries, Conservatives Department (AFCD) Import and Export Division Website: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ ipab_idc/qua_ie_ipab_idc.html Tel: (852) 1823 Email: icsenquiry@afcd.gov.hk

• Professional animal importer (Ferndale Kennels & Cattery_ Address: Sai Kung Country Park, Ferndale Kennels, SX-2031, Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sai Kung Tel: (852) 2792 4642

• Pet licenses and vaccination Link: https://www.pets.gov.hk/english/ proper_care_of_pets/dogs/dog_licence.html.

• Housing cost: Link: https://www.numbeo.com/costof-living/country_result.jsp?country=Hong+Kong

VISA AND RESIDENCY IN HONG KONG We covered a detailed article on visa and residency in Hong Kong Guide 2021-22.

Here is the link for the article for your reference: https://www.hongkong-desi.com/visaand-residency-for-hong-kong/

Process and Paperwork Needed to File Long-Term Visa for Parents in Hong Kong Hong Kong visa for parents is part of the dependent visa system applicable for valid visa holders who are residents in the Hong Kong city. This is a relocation visa by which foreign nationals with a valid Hong Kong visa pursue employment, investment, study, or they are permanent residents in Hong Kong are entitled. The duration of an approved dependent visa is linked to the length of the sponsor’s stay in Hong Kong, although the Dependent Visa for parents and others are open for renewal or extension.

Parents as dependents Parents seeking a visa must file the application before the Immigration Department of Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR). The Director of Immigration reserves the right to approve or reject any Dependent Visa application on evaluation. As for eligibility, the parents must be above the age of 60. Each parent has to file an application separately. However, the eligibility criteria may change from time to time.

Processing time is six to eight weeks The Immigration Department may take 6 to 8 weeks as a standard processing time

for a Hong Kong Dependant Visa. There is always a provision for appeal in case an application is unsuccessful.

Separate application needed Each dependent/parent must file a separate application and be sponsored by the principal visa holder.

Documents to be submitted Among the requisite documents are valid proof showing a genuine relation between the applicant (i.e., dependant) and the sponsor, which is crucial. The onus is on the sponsor to show that he can support the parents by all means, including accommodation, during their stay in Hong Kong. However, some of the entry mandates will not apply to the following persons: • Mainland Chinese residents and former mainland Chinese residents now staying in Macau who have taken up residence in Macau through channels beyond the one-way permit scheme.

Documents required The documents have to be in English or Chinese or be translated into English or 19

VISA AND RESIDENCY Chinese by an accredited translation agency. The Immigration authorities are free to seek further documents from an applicant or sponsor at any point in time while processing the application. Completed Dependent Visa Application Form: The application must be accompanied by a copy of the personal particulars page of the passport. If the applicant is staying in Hong Kong, include a copy of the passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/ extension of stay label in Hong Kong. Dependants whose sponsors are also applying for visas for employment as a professional, to set up a business, or for studies, need not fill in a separate dependent Visa Application Form. This is because the application forms for employment visas, investment visas, training visas, and visas for studies have a common section for dependants and have to be completed along with the sponsor’s principal application.

Documents to be submitted by sponsors: • Part B of the Dependant Visa Application Form • A copy of the sponsor’s Hong Kong identity card (if any) • A copy of the personal particulars page of the sponsor’s passport • If the sponsor is staying in Hong Kong, then a copy of the sponsor’s passport page containing the stamp of latest arrival stamp or entry of extended stay in Hong Kong

Sponsor’s financial capacity and residence details The sponsor’s financial capacity has to be demonstrated in terms of bank statements, savings accounts details, passbooks, salary slips, and tax receipts. Also, proof of sponsor’s accommodation facilities by way of rental receipts will also have to be submitted.

About Author: Ms Bharti Manek is a well-known Solicitor and Notary Public officer since for last 30+ years. She has been active member various social and professional orgnizations where she has contributed and led these orgnizations. Currently, she is chairperson of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, and committee member of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong (HKTDC) and Pro Bono Committee of Law Society of Hong Kong.

VISA AND RESIDENCY Useful Reference: Hong Kong Immigration

GEP Professionals:

Address: Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong services/visas/GEP.html - firstTab Website: www.immd.gov.hk

GEP Entreprenaurs:

Tel: (852) 2824 6111

Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/visas/investment.html

Visa Requirements: Link: https://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/ visarequire/general/index.htm)

List of countries that enjoy Visa Free Entry Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entrypermit.html)

a) Pre-arrival Registration Information https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_ nationals.html

e) Employment under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ useful_information/admission-schemestalents-professionals-entrepreneurs.html - techtas

f) Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/useful_ information/admission-schemes-talentsprofessionals-entrepreneurs.html - iang

g) Employment as Imported Workers

To check the details if you require a visa or Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ are entitled to visa waiver at the website: services/visas/imported_worker.html https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit. h) Employment as Foreign Domestic html#part2 Helpers: Form link: https://eservices.es2.immd.gov. hk/checkclientconfig/checkClientConfig. jsp?applicationId=712&language=en& country=US

b) Working Holiday Scheme https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/working_holiday_scheme.html

c) Travel Pass: file://localhost/Link/ https/::www.immd.gov. hk:eng:services: visas:hksar_travel_pass.html

d) General Employment Policy (GEP) Employment as Professionals or Investment as Entrepreneurs

Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers. html

i) Training Visa Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/visas/training.html

j) Capital Investment Entrant Scheme https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/capital_investment_entrant_scheme. html

k) Student Visa: file://localhost/Link/ https/::www. immd.gov.hk:eng:services:visas:study. html 21

VISA AND RESIDENCY l) Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/quality_migrant_admission_ scheme.html

m) Residence as Dependent (Dependant Visa):

p) Birth and death registration: Tel: (852) 2598 0888. Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/ eng/services/birth-death-marriageregistration.html

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ visas/residence_as_dependant.html

Dead Body Removal

n) Right of Abode

Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/birth-death/Apply_for_a_permit_ to_remove_a_dead_body_from_Hong_ Kong.html

Permanent Residency Registration i) To check eligibility Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/roa/eligible.html ii) Right to Abode Form link: https:// www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/right-ofabode-in-hksar.html

o) Marriage Registration i) Marriage celebrants: https://www.immd.gov.hk/pdf/list_of_civil_celebrant(e).pdf ii) To give the notice to the marriage registry in person, link is: https://www.gov.hk/ en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/marriage/bookgivingmarriage.htm Immigration e-Services Hotline at (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily. You can also make an appointment for giving of notice through the 24-hour telephone booking system (telephone number: 3102 3883) Link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/ services/marriage.html

Visa Agency and other Services Prism Consultancy Co., Ltd | 14/F., Tung Wai Commercial Building, 109-111 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, HK Tel: (852) 3464-5244 | Mob: (852) 97555852 Ms Bonnie) Visa Applications (Employment, Dependant, Domestic Helper, Visit), Address: Flat P, 4/F, Cheong Lok Mansion, 1G Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon Tel: (852) 5412 0541

VISA AND RESIDENCY

Settling In

en or mobile service provider outlets can offer you a prepaid card.

Post-Move Checklist

Mobile service providers in Hong Kong are:

Hong Kong is an ideal place to reside. However, relocating to Hong Kong has several requirements, some of which are mentioned below:

• China Mobile (China Telecom)

Renting a place:

• 3 (Hutchison Whampoa)

We have covered this extensively in the Home Section.

Convenience Store Hong Kong has good options when it comes to convenience stores. 7-Eleven and Japan Home Centre can be a good starting point to buy your essentials. 7-Eleven is your go-to convenience store for food, snacks, hot and cold beverages, pre-paid calling cards, basic toiletries, first aid supplies, and so much more. It also offers convenient services such as Octopus top-up, ticket sales, donations, bill payment services, and self-pick-up services. 7-Eleven has around 900 stores across the cities, which are generally open most of hours during the day.

• CSL (Telstra) • New World Mobility (Telstra) • PCCW Mobile (PCCW) • SmarTone-Vodafone (Vodafone)

Using your foreign handset Please check if your phone works in Hong Kong. If it doesn’t, due to compatibility, you need to buy a new one. If your phone is locked, you can visit a mobile service centre to unlock it. Please refer to the computer repair section for contact details.

Hong Kong ID card JHC, formerly known as Japan Home Centre, is a convenience store that offers low-priced housewares, such as ironing boards, cleaning equipment, and random kitchen appliances, tableware, stationery, bath-ware, and much more. JHC has around 360 stores in Hong Kong.

Mobile Phone Hong Kong mobile service providers offer prepaid and post-paid services. Prepaid are valid for 180 days from the date of last recharge and are more expensive. 7-Elev-

All Hong Kong residents aged 11 years or over are required to register for an identity card. Therefore, if you plan to stay longer, for instance, six months or more, then you need to submit an application for an official Hong Kong ID card within 30 days of landing. To get your ID, you would need to book an appointment online, have your passport, a valid visa, and a duly completed application form. [Please note that if you are on a temporary resident visa, it will be mentioned as “HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD” instead of HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD.] 23

VISA AND RESIDENCY Bank Account

Utility Bills:

The best thing about Hong Kong, apart from the low tax rates, is that there is no limit to choices when it comes to banking options. Most banks offer the general services of savings, current, payroll, and time deposit accounts. Therefore, you would need to look into your personal needs and wants with a banking system to make the decision. The most popular banks in Hong Kong are HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Bank of China, and Hang Seng Bank Limited. It is not surprising that they have the most ATMs and branches all over the city.

Once you complete the renting process, you need to ensure that all the utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.), if applicable, are transferred to your name. The details are mentioned in the Home Section.

The minimum balance requirement may vary from bank to bank and this could be one of the deciding factors for new customers.

Town Gas Town Gas supplies cooking gas facilities in major parts of Hong Kong and the Kowloon area.

Electricity HKelectric has a record of providing a highly reliable electricity supply to Hong Kong and Lamma Islands.

Although the specificity may differ from bank to bank, the general requirements for opening an account remains the same. These are: • A valid visa • Your official ID (your passport can also work) • Proof of address (utility bills can work)

Octopus Card Octopus is extremely useful in daily life in Hong Kong because it is accepted widely in shopping, convenience stores, and all public transportations systems, including MTRs, tram, buses, etc. This also helps you keep your wallet light and coin free. You can buy an Octopus card from any MTR or airport express customer service for paying HK$50 for Octopus and add value through any MTR station customer service centre, automated recharge machine, or in any convenience store. Some credit cards, such as CitiBank, offer cards linked with an Octopus card that is recharged automatically when the stored value reaches the threshold. You register your card online on the Octopus website. This will enable you to accept bonus points offered by stores, such as Wellcome grocery stores. 24

Water Supplies Department public service arranges the water supply across the city. To connect or make an enquiry, please use its hotline.

Mail and Courier Services Postal service in Hong Kong is quite efficient for local and international courier services. Please check the post office in your locality or visit Hong Kong Post Office website for more information.

VISA AND RESIDENCY Join a Club Being a truly vast and diverse international hub, Hong Kong offers a wide range of clubs, groups, organizations, and associations for you to join. You can find gender, niche, religion, social issues, and recreational need specific clubs that resonate with your values

and standards. Belonging to such groups and being a part of them can make your relocation really smooth. You can get instant connections to all the right people and all the right advice at all the right times.

Useful Resources: Hong Kong ID Card

Tel: (852) 3691 2388 / Email: ccu@rthk.hk

To registration: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/contactus/ person-registration.html)

Website: https://www.nowtv.now.com/

For information: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/ hkid/general_info.html

Now TV get-started/? Tel: (852) 183 3888 Email: cs@nowtv.now.com

Newspaper and online News Resources

Octopus:

South China Morning Post

Website: https://www.octopus.com.hk/ en/consumer/index.html Tel: (852) 2266 2222

Website: www.scmp.com

For household towngas connection

Website: www.thestandard.com.hk

Website: https://www.towngas.com/en/ Home Tel: (852) 2880 6988

Hong Kong Post office:

For new Electricity connections: Address: 9/F, Electric Centre, 28 City Garden Road, North Point Hong Kong Website, https://www.hkelectric.com/en Hotline: (852) 2887 3411

Water Supply Department Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2824 5000 Website - https://www.wsd.gov.hk/en/ home/index.html

The Standard

Please check post office in your location and other details. Website: www.hongkongpost.hk

International Couriers DHL Hong Kong Website: https://www.logistics.dhl/hk-en/ home.html Tel: (852) 2400 3388

FedEx

Media

Website: https://www.fedex.com/en-hk/ home.html

Real TV Television Broadcasts Limited

Tel: (852) 2730 3333

Email: Info@realtvbox.com Website: https://realtvbox.com

UPS Hong Kong Website: https://www.ups.com/us/en/

Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK)

global.page

Address: Broadcasting House, 30 Broadcast Drive, Kowloon

Tel: (852) 2735 3535

Education The Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Schools:

dents in DSS institutions, while Hong Kong international schools adhere to international academic norms.

The DSS an initiative of the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong government to improve the education standards in private schools. This scheme was introduced in 1991-1992. The Hong Kong government aims to enhance the quality of education at non-government secondary schools by offering subsidy. Under this scheme, the schools will have freedom to choose their curriculum, fees, and entrance requirements.

The parents must choose a school analytically, which will help them provide their child with the best possible schooling experience. A good choice of school would be the one that supports the parents and learners as much as possible and would be more than comfortable with their circumstances. So, in Hong Kong, as a parent or pupil, take as long as possible– it is easier to make the right decision than immediately!

Apart from DSS, Hong Kong parents have options of international schools, convent schools, and public schools that are primarily meant for schooling and care of students in a strict environment, but are often considered a step toward self-discipline. There are several provisions entitled to stu-

References: For the complete list of schools in Hong Kong, please click the link below:

Schools and Colleges

$178,800 Grade 6-9: $196,200.

Schools form an integral part of learning for kids, and before moving to any country or city this sets in as the main point of consideration for families. In Hong Kong, finding a good budget-friendly school calls for a lot of research. There are topclass International schools, government schools, and semi private schools. We have put a list of schools under each category to make your search smoother. Read on for the options.

Address:Campus: 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3467 4500 Website: www.sais.edu.hk Admissions Office: Unit 1807-1809, L18, 700 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2500 8688

List of International Schools The Stamford American school:

Stamford follows an American based curriculum and is an inquiry based approach for learning. Students graduate with an American or IB diploma, both recognised by top universities. Spanish and Chinese are offered as extra languages. The annual fees range is : Pre Primary -Grade 5: 26

https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/student-parents/ncs-students/useful-school-list/index.html

How to Reach: located in the centre of Kowloon this school is easily accessible via Western Harbour Tunnel. It’s a 5minute taxi ride from the tunnel. Public Buses: 5 minute walk from the bus stop. Bus No: 7B, 9, 18, 41, 45, 113, E21A, 7, 10, 81C, 103, 208, 270A, 270C take directly to school. MTR: Reach Mong Kok MTR via Kwun Tong Line & Tsuen Wan Line Take East Rail Line and reach Mong Kok East MTR Take Kwun Tong Line and reach Ho Man Tin MTR,a 21 minute walk to Stamford

EDUCATION American International School:

This school following International American curriculum is one of the reasonably priced school to pick. Over three decades old AIS is a home for kids of all nationalities aged 3-18. Annual school fees range comes to $145,960 at grade 7 level. Timings: 8.00am -3.00pm Address: 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2336-3812 Website:www.ais.edu.hk How to reach: there is a school bus facility from three main districts of Hong Kong to AIS: Kowloon, New Territories area, and Hong Kong island. Public bus Numbers 3C,7,72x,81C, 81S,87D, 103, 182, 270A, 271 and 281A MTR: Take the East Rail Line ( light blue line) or Kwun Tong Line ( green line) to reach Kowloon Tong station. Take Exit E. It’s a 10 minute walk to school.

Delia School of Canada: yet again a good

priced international school. This school follows the Ontario, Canadian program implemented by the education ministry of Canada. Secondary school graduates receive Ontario secondary school diploma, recognized by all the universities for entrances.Under the International Language Program They offer Japanese,putonghua and French languages. The annual school ranges around $122,248. They have two campuses in Hong Kong. Taikoo Shing Campus: Ages 4 to 18 Address: Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 36580508 Kowloon East Campus: Ages 6 to 15 Address: 19 Yuet Wah Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3605 0300 Admissions Tel: (852) 3658 0400 School Hours: 8.00am -3.00pm Website: www.delia.edu.hk How to reach:opt for school bus service and check the school website for stop details. By MTR: reach central station and take Island Line(Blue Line) to Chai Wan. From the station it’s a four minute walk to the school.

Canadian International School Of Hong Kong: Established in 1991. This

school is one of the esteemed private international schools in Hong Kong. Known as one of the IB schools but they also follow the Canadian(OSSD) as part of their curriculum. From Grades 9-12, students follow academic credit courses leading to the OSSD. Students who have finished at least 110hours of these courses can pass with diploma of OSSD along with IB. School Hours: 8.00am -3.00pm Address: 36 Nam Long Shan Road Aberdeen Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2525 7088 Website: www.cdnis.edu.hk How to reach: located in south side of Hong Kong this school can be reached easily by MTR : Reach Wong Chuk Hang station on South Island Line(light Green). Take Exit A1. It’s a 14 minute to the school campus. Public metered taxis are also an option.

Hong Kong International school: Following American Curriculum this school imparts quality education from pre Primary to twelfth grade. They have two campuses one in Repulse Bay and the other in Tai Tam. The school offers about 25 advanced courses at the high school level which will be helpful to get into universities. Address: 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam. Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3149 7000 How to reach: Take Island Line(blue line) towards Kennedy town. Reach Admiralty and interchange to South Island Line(light green). Get down two stops away Wong Chuk Hang station. Exit from A, it’s a 15 minute walk to the school. Bus No: 14 from Sai Wan Ho Mtr or 16X and 16M from Chai Wan Mtr and get down at Red Hill Plaza on Tai Tam road. Repulse Bay 23 South Bay Close Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2812 5000 By MTR: Reach Ocean Park station via light green line and take bus no. 6A, 6X, 52 (minibus), or 73, 260 (City Bus), stop at Repulse Bay Towers (also, “South Bay Road”) stop. 27

EDUCATION By Bus: Bus Nos. 6 / 6X / 6A / 260 (City Bus) travel between Central/Admiralty/Wan Chai. No. 40 (minibus) from Causeway Bay and No. 63 from North Point. Get down at Repulse Bay Towers (one stop after Repulse Bay beach). Website: www.hkis.edu.hk

Harrow International School: it is a Brit-

ish international school and boasts of being the only boarding school in Hong Kong. The school fees ranges is $196,091 for grades middle school and $203,868 for grades 10 and above. They charge a non refundable annual capital levy$60,000 for students. Address: 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2824 9099 Website: www.harrowschool.hk How to reach: for students the school offers bus service operated by City School Bus Service Limited. It operates on the routes to and from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Discovery Bay, Gold Coast, Siu Lam, Tuen Mun etc. Public Transport: Bus no’s: A33, N962. Take Bus no.From Tuen Mun town centre K51 towards Tai Lam. Get down at Cafeteria Beach at Castle Peak Road. Take a 10 minute walk to school. By Mtr: Take West Rail Line.

English Schools Foundation:

it is one of the largest international school chains in Hong Kong. They have 22schools operating under them from kindergarten till secondary. All the ESF schools follow the IB curriculum. Starting from 2020 all the ESF kindergarteners will have a place assured in their primary schools without sitting for interviews. For admission into one of these schools all applications have to go through one form application system on the ESF website where they take applications zone wise. Few of the know ESF schools are listed below:

Discovery College:

established under ESF this school was started to cater to the needs of the local and expatriate crowds in Hong Kong. Located in Discovery bay this 28

school enjoys excellent after school clubs and extracurricular activities on their campus. The annual school fees for a 12yr old is HK$180,620. They charge a capital levy of $7,530. A two month deposit ranging from $25k to $35k is collected as per grade. Address: 38 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3969 1000 Website: www.discovery.edu.hk How to reach:from airport reach Terminal 2 coach station to catch DB02A, alight at Siena club bus stop. Walk through the park to reach school. Or hop on to DB02R to DB south plaza take T9 bus on the opposite road to reach Siena club bus stop By Ferry: from Central Ferry pier no 3. take a ferry to Discovery Bay ferry pier. It’s a 25 minute ride. Make way to T9 bus stop near DB south plaza. Hop on it and alight at Siena club bus stop.

Renaissance College:

yet another ESF school, it follows the IB curriculum for students from 5-18 years old. School fees: the school imposes a non refundable capital levy of HK$50,000 payable by all new students. The annual fees ranges from$124,000- $167,900 as per grades.The RC has a reputation of dedicated international faculty and top rated facilities. Address: 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan New Territories Tel: (852) 3556 3556 Website: www.rchk.edu.hk

How to reach: By MTR: Take Ma On Shan (brown line). Alight at Heng On station. Take Exit A to the subway link into the school campus. By Bus: city bus nos 43X, 81C, 85K, 89C and 681P pass by the school. Mini buses: No the 801, FoTan to Yiu On. 807A- University MTR Station to Ma On Shan Town Centre. 810 from Sha Tin Central to Ma On Shan. All buses stop at Vista Paradiso, in front of school.

Quarry Bay School:

located in North point this school is one of the oldest ESF Primary schools in Hong Kong. As all ESF

EDUCATION schools it follows the IB curriculum for the Primary Years Program(PYP). SchoolFees: annual tuition fees: $98,500 One time deposit for new entries: HK$10,000 Non-refundable Capital Levy: HK$28,000 Address: 6 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North Point Tel: (852) 2566 4242 Website: www.qbs.edu.hk How to reach: reach Causewaybay station via Island line (blue line). Take 1mimute walk to pearl city bus stop. Hop on to bus no. 25, a thirteen minute ride will of 10 stops will drop you at Braemar Hill bus terminus. 2 minutes will take you to school campus. Bus no 25A also goes to the school. Other buses: 85,85A, 85P, 27, 23B and 108 also go till Braemar hills bus terminus. MTR: Take island line and reach Tin Hau station. Take exit B to reach Tin Hau Bus Terminus. Catch bus no 49M to reach Braemar Hill bus terminus. Walk 200 mts to school.

Kennedy School: founded in 1961 func-

tions under the Chain of ESF and offers IB certificate for its students through Primary Years Program. The school has well planned extra curricular activities as well as a widely recognised and celebrated Performing Arts program. Annual fees: is max $106,500. It has an initial deposit of $10,000 and a Capital levy ranging $28,000 -$38,000 as per Grade. Address: 19 Sha Wan Drive Pokfulam Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2579 5600 Website: www.kennedy.edu.hk How to reach: Bus no: 43M, 59 (south islands) 10,10P green minibus (causeway bay). 58, 58A,971 (Aberdeen ) HR88, 10, 10P, 3A(Central). A10 ( HK international airport)

Malvern College: this school is a British International school following the IB curriculum. It is your far one of the best rated IB schools in Hong Kong which runs classes from Year 1 -year13. School fees: max up to $203,530. Annual capital levy: HK$42,000

Address: 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3898 4688 Website: www.malverncollege.org.hk How to reach: Reach Hung Hom station . Take east rail line towards Sheung Shui. Alight at University station. Walk to University bus terminus. Hop on bus no 272A towards Pak Shek Kok. Get down at Mayfair by the sea stop. A walk of 3minutes takes you to Malvern College.

Discovery Bay International school: one of the major international schools on Lantau island follows British education style for kids aged 3-18. They follow (A Levels) IPCUK and IGCSE/GCSE curriculum. School fees: annual school fees ranges from HK$12,280 per month to $18,550 per month. They charge an annual capital levy of HK$500,000. Website: www.dbis.edu.hk Address: Discovery Bay International School Discovery Bay Lantau Island. Tel: Primary and Secondary (852) 2987 7331 Kindergarten(852) 2914 2142 How to reach: its 25 minute ferry ride from central pier. From Tung Chung Mtr station walk to Tung Chung bus terminal. Take DB01. DBIS is the last stop.

Nord Anglia International School:

This school opened its doors in 2014 and caters to the education of children aged three to sixteen. The school operates on three campuses, the main one however is in Lam Tin with both primary and secondary classes. The other two campuses are located in Sai Kung and Tai Tam and teach early year students. They follow the IB curriculum, English National Curriculum and the IGCSE levels. The annual fees range is from $114,000 - 182,000. They also charge one time annual capital levy of $100,000 at the time of admission. Address: 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, Kowloon Tel: (852) 3958 1488(general Enquiry) 3958 1428 (Admissions) 29

EDUCATION How to reach: By MTR: Located in East Kowloon. This can be reached via Kwun Tong Line(Green). Alight at the Lam Tin station and take Exit -A and walk through Kai Tin shopping mall to reach the school. It takes about 8-10 minutes to reach the school. By Bus: Board Bus No’s E22, 15, 15A, 16M, 38, 88X and 603 and alight at the Lam Tin North Stop. Sai Kung Pre- School Campus: 285, Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung Tai Tam Pre-school Campus: Redhill Plaza, Tai Tam Website: http://www.nordangliaeducation. com/our-schools/hong-kong

Independent schools Foundation Academy: The ISF as it is known was

established in 2000. The school stands on a sprawling campus in Pok Fu Lam. This campus houses Primary and secondary classes, while the pre-primary classes are placed on a separate campus in Kennedy Town. The school follows bi lingual medium of instruction catering to the needs of local students. Address: 1 Kong Sin Wan Road, Pokfulam Tel: (852) 2202 2000 (General), 2202 2028 (Admissions) Website: https://www.isf.edu.hk/ How to reach: By Green Mini Bus: 69X, 69, 69A, 58, 58M, 10 By Bus: 30X,970 (New World First Bus) City Bus: 73, 73P. By KMB: 107P. There are regular taxis available directly to the school. It’s recommended to have the address in Chinese handy.

Christian Alliance International School: This school is a non-profit in-

stitution representing over 25 different nationalities. They offer International Baccalaureate Diploma Program(IBDP) and are also accredited to the International diploma of Alberta Education, Canada. The annual fees from primary till secondary is $113,400 to $180,100. Students need to pay a mandatory annual capital levy of $560,000 at the time of admission. 30

Address: 33 King Lam Street,Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon Tel: (852) 3699 3862 (63), (852) 3699 3899 Website: http://www.caisbv.edu.hk/ How to reach: By MTR: Reach Lai King station via Orange Line(Tung Chung) and hop on to the Tsuen Wan Line(Red). Alight at Lai Chi Kok station and take Exit C to reach school. Alternatively, Take West Rail Line(purple) from Nam Cheong station and alight Mei Foo station. Take Exit-B from the station to reach school. It takes about 18 minutes to walk.

List of Government schools These schools are fully funded by the government as such the education is free. Students in these school graduate with the local Hong Kong certificate HKDSE. If you wish to explore few local options instead of going for the high end international, read on for a list of few best schools.

ST. PAUL’S Co educational College:

Founded in 1851 this is an all boys school. It has a history as old as colonial Hong kong. It offers a range of subjects like English ,Chinese MathemaTics and liberal studies. The students here are prepared for an overall development through field trips outside school programs and the like. They have a primary school as well in pok fu Lam. Address: 69 Bonham Road, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2546 2241 Website: www.spc.edu.hk

Queen Elizabeth School: it’s co educational school funded by the education bureau. (EDB). The medium of instruction is English for all,the core subjects like science,maths,social sciences, information and technology and so on. Chinese instructions are followed only for Chinese subjects such as Chinese history, Chinese language and putonghua. Being one of the oldest funded schools of Hong Kong it provides very good facilities for the students on the campus. Address: 152 Sai Yee Street Mongkok Tel: (852) 23809621 Website: www.qes.edu.hk/

EDUCATION How to reach: MTR: Prince Edward Station; Mongkok East Station.

Sir Ellis Kadoorie secondary school:

located in the district of Yau Tsim Mong this school is government funded co education institution. A very well known school in Hong Kong, this school follows English as a medium of instruction to facilitate the NCS( non Chinese speaking) students. It follows a holistic approach to studies and other than core subjects they follow the cross curricular education program. Through a range of extracurricular activities they aim at developing harmonious cross cultural behaviour. Address: 22 Hoi Fan Road, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2576 1871 Website: http://seksswk.edu.hk/ How to reach: By MTR: from Nam Cheong Station Take Exit C, from Olympic Station take Exit A. Minibus No.: 46, 70, 78, 10M, 10A take directly to school.

St Stephen’s Church College: located

in the central and western districts of Hong Kong this is a coeducational school funded by the Anglican secondary schools council of Hong Kong. They aim at providing an all round education to the students with a holistic approach for nurturing their social, intellectual ethical and spiritual development. English is the medium of instruction at the primary level, for secondary classes they follow a bi lingual form of instruction depending on the class. Address: 62 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2546 6111 Website: http://www.sscc.edu.hk How to reach: By MTR: Reach HKU station and Take Exit A1. Public Bus: 40, 40M, 23, 4, 7, 71, 91, 103, 970 Public Light Bus: 28, 8, 22, 13, 31, 10

St Mary’s Canossian College: this is an

aided girls only school sponsored by the canossian daughters of charity. Their mission to develop students to their full potential by providing positive learning environment

grounded in strong Christian values. They follow English as the medium of instruction and provide a tailor made curriculum for the non Chinese speaking students to help them develop according to their needs. Address: 162 Austin Road, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2724 2771 Website: http://www.smcc.hk How to reach:By MTR: from Jordan take Exit D or take East Rail Hung Hom Station; Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel: Kowloon Side Entrance to reach school. P.S: please verify via google maps.

True Light Girls college:

This is an all girls Christian school since 1973. English is the medium of instruction for the students here. Apart from nurturing intellectual and independent side of the students they also inspire students to be the light for the needy and develop their character with a wider perspective to life. Address: 54A Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2385-1491 Website: www.tlgc.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 7, 8, 10, 81C, 208, 270A, 271 pass by school. MTR: Reach Yau Ma Tei MTR Station Take Exit A2 or D to reach school.

St Stephen’s Church College:

As a Christian school it follows a holistic approach to education and emphasizes on life and life values. English is the medium of instruction for all core subjects viz, English, Maths, science,liberal studies, information and communication technology. Located in the central and western districts of Hong Kong this is co educational school aided by Anglican secondary schools council. Address: 62 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2546 6111 Website: www.sscc.edu.hk How to reach: Public Bus: 40, 40M, 23, 4, 7, 71, 91, 103, 970 Public Light Bus: 28, 8, 22, 13, 31, 10 MTR: Reach HKU Station and take Exit A1to school. 31

EDUCATION Mary Mount Primary School:

This is a whole day girls school aided by HKCLC Edu Institute. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects other than the Chinese language and Chinese history. They support the non Chinese speaking students by arranging after school Chinese learning with their intensive learning programs taught by additional teachers appointed specially for this. Address: LG 1/F, G/F, 1/F, 2/F, 3/F & 4/F, 336 Tai Hang Road, Wahchai, HK Tel: (852) 2572 8728 Website: www.mps.edu.hk How to reach: Bus numbers: 1- Kennedy Town – Broom Road 19- North Point Ferry Pier – Tai Hang Road 41A- North Point Ferry Pier – Wah Fu 63- North Point Ferry Pier – Stanley Mini bus: 5- Cannon Street, Causeway Bay – Aberdeen 6-Star Ferry Pier – Ocean Park By MTR: reach Admiralty station and take minibus no 24M

Caritas Ma On Shan Secondary School: It is established in 1998, this is a coeducational school aided by the Caritas of Hong Kong. They follow bi lingual medium of instruction for studies. They provide boarding facilities to their students on top of the other facilities. Their major concern is to develop diligence in students and an eagerness to learn. They emphasize more on cultivating strong catholic values in children. Address: 2 Kam Ying Road Ma On Shan Shatin Tel: (852) 26419733 Website: www.cmos.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 87K, 87S, 87D, 85M, 89D, 40X, 86K, 680; Minibus: 803, 808.

Tel: (852) 2745 0010 Website: www.kcmc.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 46, 45, 30, 265M; Mini-bus: 90M, 46M, 91, 91A, 411.

Jockey Club Government Secondary School: they help students grow to their

full potential by providing balanced quality education feasible for their all round development. This is a coeducational school fully funded by the government.

Address: 2B Oxford Road Kowloon Tong Tel: (852) 2336 6761 Website: www.jcgss.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 2D 3C 7 7B 10 81C 87D 182 72X 103 113 270A 271 12A 1A 6D 42 281A; MTR: Kowloon Tong station.

Concordia Lutheran School:

l It is ocated in sham Shui PO this school is a coeducational school aided by the Lutheran church of Hong Kong. Instilling strong Christian values in their students, they use English as the main medium of instruction for all main subjects. They may opt for bilingual medium depending on the ratio of Chinese students in class. Address: 12 Tai Hang Tung Road, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2380 8837 Website: www.cls.edu.hk/tc How to reach: Bus: 2D, 6D, 104, 203C, 702; MTR: Shek Kip Mei (Exit B2); Minibus: Castle Peak Road--Kwun Tong, Kowloon City--Wong Tai Sin--Castle Peak Road, Green Minibus: Route 41M (Festival Walk -Shek Kip Mei Market), Route 2 (Festival Walk--Whampoa), Route 12 (Pak Tin Estate--Mong Kok East Station).

A coeducational school aided by the Methodist Church, Hong Kong uses Chinese as the main medium of instruction, English is used only for teaching only English language.

New Asia Middle School: Their mission is to impart quality education, instill good Chinese values to promote Chinese culture through these values. It’s a co education school funded by New Asia Educational Cultural Association, uses Chinese as the main medium of instruction.

Address: Estate Secondary School Lai Yiu Estate NT

Address: 6 Farm Road To Kwa Wan Phone: 27112206

Kwai Chung Methodist College:

EDUCATION Website: www.nams.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 5, 5A, 11, 11X, 14, 15, 17, 26, 28, 75X, 85, 85B, 93K, 101, 107, 108, 111, 116, 297, 796X, A22, E23; Minibus: 2, 2A, 13, 27M, 28M, 105. Jockey Club Government Secondary School: This is a coeducational school funded by the government. Located in Kowloon this school uses Chinese as a medium of their instruction but also assist the NCS students to pick up the language. Address: 2B Oxford Road Kowloon Tong Phone: 23366761 Website: www.jcgss.edu.hk How to reach: Bus: 2D 3C 7 7B 10 81C 87D 182 72X 103 113 270A 271 12A 1A 6D 42 281A; MTR: Kowloon Tong station.

S.K.H.Li Ping Secondary School: This

government funded school founded in 1984 follows staunch Protestant values and aims at promoting Christian faith among students along with quality education. The school uses Chinese as the main medium of instruction for all subjects other than English. As a funded school the education here is free for all age groups. A Tong Fai of $300 is levied on students from S4-S6. Address: 450 Wo Yi Hop Road Tsuen Wan Phone: 24238806 Website: http://liping.edu.hk/ How to reach: Take Bus No’s 248P, 273C, 273P, 278P, 278X, 32, 40P, 40X, 46P, 46S, 46X, 47X, 48X, 73X and Mini Bus No’s :278X, 32, 40P, 40X, 46P, 46X, 47X, 48X, 73X to school.

List of Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools United Christian College (Kowloon East): it’s a DSS run coeducational school

which aims in building a strong foundation to the students for their future education. They firmly believe in inculcating social responsibility in their students and live life according to Christian values. They use English as the medium of instruction for all major subjects, Chinese is used only for teaching putonghua.

Annual fees per student ranges from $27,000- $28,000. Address:2 Lee On Lane, Kwun Tong Phone: 23436677 Website: www.uccke.edu.hk How to reach: KMB: 14D, 23, 23M, 26, 26M, 27, 29M, N216, 42, 91, 91M, 92, 95, 96R, 213D, 214, 290A; Citybus: 619, 619P, N26; Mini-bus: 12, 49, 54S; School provides bus services for students living in Central and Western District, Tsuen Wan Region.

China Holiness College:

it’s a DSS co educational school which uses Chinese as its main medium of instruction. The school follows its own curriculum catering to all round education. The annual fees ranges to a maximum of $98000. Address:18 Wai Wai Road Sham Shui Po Kowloon Phone: 23864734 Website: www.chc.edu.hk How to reach: MTR: Exit A3, Cheung Sha Wan Station; Bus: 2A, 2B, 2F, 6C, 6D, 36A, 72, 86, 86A, 86C, 86X, 118, 702,702A, 796C, 970.

HKMA David Li Kwok Po College:

A co education school funded by the Hong Kong Management Association. They use English as the medium of instruction. The annual school fees is $34,000-$37,000. Address:8 Hoi Wang Road Mongkok (West) Phone: 26269100 Website: www.hkmadavidli.edu.hk How to reach: Buses: 2E, 10, 12, 16, 20, 33A, 52X, 68X, 72X, 265B, 914; MTR: Olympic Station (Exit D); Minibus: 43M (Yau Ma Tei MTR Station), or 79K (Mongkok East MTR Station).

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College: This DSS school located in Lantau

island is the most sorted one by families in the city. It is a co-education institution which uses English as the medium of instruction for all subjects other than chinese and have students from above forty 33

EDUCATION different nationalities as such the school sees a lot of unity in this diversity. The school offers both HKDSE curriculum,UKIGCSE and GCE-A level at different grade levels. Students study HKDSE till Form3 and may continue the same in Form4 or choose to apply for IGCSE and later on apply for GCE-A level while in Form5 and 6. The school is funded by the Young Men’lloChristian Association and does not charge any capital levy. Their annual fees range is from $36,000 - $59,000 as per the levels chosen.

have options to commute either through public buses or MTR. By MTR: Take either Tung Chung Line(Orange) or West Rail Line (Purple) and reach Nam Cheong station. Take Exit-A. The other optional route is to take the Tsuen Wan Line(Red) alight at Cheung Sha Wan station and take Exit -B or A1. By Bus: 18 , 118 , 12A , 36A , 118P , 286C , 296C biz cheung Sha Wan and Bus No’s via Sham Mong Road and 2, 2A, 6F, 32, 42 via Lai chi Kok.

Address: 2 Chung Yat Street Tung Chung, N.T., Hong Kong Phone: 29888123 Website: http://www.yhkcc.edu.hk/ How to reach: There is a school bus facility available to the school from a few designated areas. Please check with the school authorities for details. By MTR: From any station reach Tung Chung station(Orange Line) and then By Bus: Take bus No 37 or bus No. 39M, B6 till Mun Tung Estate and walk to the school. Alternatively you can take bus No:3M, 11, 23, 34 or A35 till Tung Chung Road, a few metres away from school.

This is a co-education school established in 1956. The school has a holistic approach to education and is a believer of Protestant values. They use English as the medium of instruction for all mainstream subjects from S1 till S3. From S4 till S6 the medium of instruction can be both English and Chinese depending on the requirements of the students. The school is partly sponsored by Seventh-Day Adventist Sch. Org. Ltd. The annual fees is $8,260 for all classes.

St. Margaret’s Co-Educational English Secondary And Primary School:

This school known for its quality education and overall development of students was established in 1965 and is funded by St Margaret’s Educational Organization. The school has good facilities for students and arranges for flexible activities for the students to participate. English is the main medium of instruction for all main subjects except Chinese. They provide special assistance to the Non Chinese speaking students by arranging extra coaching classes to the students in need. Their annual tuition fees range from $42,721 - $44,800 as per the grades. Address:33 Sham Mong Road, West Kowloon Phone: 23966675 Website: http://www.smcesps.edu.hk/ How to reach: The school avails bus facility until primary level. The secondary students 34

Tai Po Sam Yuk Secondary School:

Address:2 Tai Po Tau Drive Tai Po Phone:26653459 Website: http://www.tpsy.edu.hk/ How to reach: There is direct public transportation available to the school. By MTR: Reach Tai Wo station via Light Blue Line. By Bus: Take Bus No’s 64K, 65K, 71K, 72, 73, 73A, 74A, E41 to school. Or Mini-Bus No’s 21A, 21K, 25A, 25B, 25K, 502 are also an option.

W F Joseph Lee Primary School: This

DSS institution founded in 2002 is a relatively newer school compared to the other ones in the city. It’s a full day Co-Ed school funded by the Wofoo Foundation Ltd. The annual school charge is $16,000 for all the classes. They charge an amount of $400 as registration fees and application charge is $50 for the admission. The school follows bilingual as the medium of instruction for all the classes and students are placed in groups according to their abilities. They have extra teachers assigned to work with the Non Chinese Speaking students and assist them as per their levels of under-

EDUCATION standing the language. Overall the school aims at promoting positive attitude and values in the students and works towards developing generic skills like communication, collaboration, problem solving skills and the like other than studies. Address:9 Tin Fai Road, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long Phone:3401 4995 Website: https://www.wfjlps.edu.hk/ How to reach: The school avails bus facility from certain designated areas. Please check with school for details. By MTR: Reach Nam Cheong station either through Tung Chung Line(Orange ) or West Rail Line (Purple) and take a train to Tin Shui Wai Station. Come out and take Exit-C. By Bus: Walkabout 1minute and take Bus No 706. Ride 5 stops and alight at Tin Fu stop, walk about 400 meters to reach school. Alternatively Bus No’s E34A, E34B, 265B also take you to school.

Stewards

Pooi Kei College: Located in the New Territories this school, established in 2004 believes in building staunch Christian faith in their students and aims at their holistic development by imparting positive education and values. The school offers a balanced curriculum and uses English as the main medium of instruction. Students’ language skills are enhanced by arranging dramas, debates and speeches in both putonghua and English. The annual chargeable fees is $22,000 for all the classes. Address:No. 56 Siu Lek Yuen Road Shatin Phone:23454567 Website: http://www.spkc.edu.hk/ How to reach: Take the MTR to reach Kowloon station through any line and take bus no 281A to Kwang Yuen. Or take Bus No’s:82K, 82X,83K, 83S,83X,85A,86,89S,49X from different stops. Or hop on to the few Mini buses available: 65A from Shatin town centre, 65K-Fo Tan MTR, 65S- Mong Kok MTR, 808 and 804.

PLK Laws Foundation College:

Located in the Sai Kung district this Co education DSS was established in the year of

2004. The school uses English as the main medium of instruction for all core subjects except chinese. The school boasts of well equipped laboratories and good quality facilities for engaging the students. Their annual chargeable fees range is from $19,000 - $23,000. Address: 8 To Lok Road Tseung Kwan O Phone:27018778 Website: http://www.plklfc.edu.hk/ How to reach: By MTR: Reach PoLam Station and take Exit By Bus: Bus No’s 98D, 290, 297, 690, 694, 798 pass by the school.

Delia (Man Kiu) English Primary School: This Co-educational DSS was

established in 2006. The school sees students from different cultures and uses English as a common language for instruction. The school encourages learning languages as such encourages students to speak in Chinese during recesses and students are made to watch educational videos and make students participate in debates and speeches to enhance their language abilities. Address: Estate Primary School No. 2, Cheung On Estate Phase II, Tsing Yi, N.T. Phone: 24325123 Website:http://www.deliamk.edu.hk/ How to reach: The school has bus facilities for students in different areas. Please contact the school for details. By MTR: Reach Lai King station via orange line(Tung Chung Line) and take Exit A By Bus: Take E11, E23A or S56 from Tung Chung to reach school.

Study Abroad Most of the schools in Hong Kong offer counselling sessions about study abroad to their students as well as parents. Most of the schools also offer preparation sessions for their students. However, there are few organizations who offer specialized and personalized services. 35

EDUCATION Education USA Advising Center

Address: U.S. Consulate General, 26 Garden Road Central, Public Affairs Section, Hong Kong SAR China Phone: 2841 2402

Study in UK

British Concil Website: https://www.britishcouncil.hk/ study-uk/want

Yocket

It is platform that brings people together through their forum to discover and discuss study abroad related topics. The website offers multiple forums and they can be shortlisted by selecting country, university, degree etc. Website: https://yocket.com/

Extra Curricular Activities Hong Kong is a vibrant international city where residents are always busy with their work or some other activities. People coming from all over the world bring their culture, competencies, and creativity, which directly reflect on various classes and extra-curricular activities offered throughout the city for children starting from toddler age as well as adults until nineties plus. These activities include, art classes, dance classes, music classes, cultural activities, brain teasers, sports, martial arts, cooking, baking, exhibitions, fashions, etc.

Litz USA Student Service

Tel. (852) 2391 9713 Address: Room 1601-03, 655 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong (MTR Exit E1; next to HSBC)

Ivy League Admissions Experts

Email: info@applyivy.com Tel: +852 397-5741/+852 3703 5160 Address: Central27/F, Wing On Centre111 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Website: https://www.applyivy.com/ top-college/admissions

IDP – International Education Specialists

Tel: (852) 2179 3600 Email: info.hongkong@idp.com Address: Room 2807 - 09, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan chai, Hong Kong

Quantum Prep - Hong Kong Admissions Consultants

Tel: (852) 2778 2118 Address: Beautiful Group Tower, 702 7/F and 2202 22/F, 74-77 Connaught Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong Website: quantumprep.com.hk

Learning/Educational programs: Beyond Schooling: As part of community service, Beyond Schooling (non-profit venture launched by International Desi) offers a variety of classes, such as Vedic math, competitive math, creative writing, debating and influencing, critical thinking, problem solving, mind-mapping and clear thinking, independence, yoga, meditation, healthy eating, etc. Character building classes through vedic values, Sanskar Shibir, Dinacharya classes are conducted online on a regular basis thorugh out the year. If you want to improve your children’s confidence, communication, and critical thinking and overall mental thinking pattern, this will

EDUCATION be your one-stop-shop. The children will be given the opportunity to finesse their public and persuasive speaking as well as develop core math and life skills to help them succeed both now and in the future. Beyond Schooling’s programs (for ages 6 to 14+ years) are available online. These skills are offered to kids at a tender age to adopt these skills at a tender age and prepare themselves for the future. Needy children can opt for scholarships. Big-hearted people can donate the classes to needy children or gift the classes to the relative’s kid anywhere in the world. Email: hongkong.desi@gmail.com

Chinmaya Mission: This is part of Glob-

al Chinmaya Mission.

The goal of the Bala Vihar (Exploration program for children) is to “wake up the sleeping giant” within and inspire them to reach their maximum potential. This is achieved by imparting a value-based education through a specially designed, age-appropriate curriculum that has been carefully developed by expert Chinmaya Acharyas (teachers) delivered across Hong Kong and Kowloon in English. Address: 11/F, Ocean View Court, 43 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui Tel: (852) 2367 3390

Coding: As technology is catching up faster with kids these days, you may want to keep your kids up to the mark and make them go with the pace around. That’s when coding classes come in, if your kids are more technology inclined. First Code Academy:

Coding is like a language; it takes commitment and practise to master this concept. The First Code Academy offers a curriculum carefully tailored to suit students at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Through their core programs and project-based learning, students build a strong coding, design thinking, and computational thinking. For the ones looking for crash cours-

es, it offers three-day camps during major holidays. The academy operates in three branches: Sheung Wan: 5/F, Gee Tuck Building,16-20 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 27722108 Yau Ma Tei: Unit 404, 4/F, Kowloon Building, 555 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: (852) 27722161 Fortress Hill: Unit 11B, 11/F, KP Tower, 93-95 King’s Road, North Point Tel: (852) 27723077. Email: hello@firstcodeacademy.com Website: www.hk.firstcodeacademy.com

Cobo Academy: It offers classes to kids between the ages of 4-15. It also provides a quality; project-based learning system to kids of all levels and offers autumn camps and winter camps for kids, with good discounts. Address: Yam Tze Commercial Building, 6/F, 23 Thomson Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3905 1111 Email: hi@coboacademy.com Website: www.coboacademy.com For coding, you can look at few more institutes: Coding 101, Koding Kingdom, Tiny Code, and Creative Coding

Children classes by Metropolis Museum: These are interesting story telling sessions, art exploration, and other interesting classes for children 2 years and up.

Story telling sessions are offered in English as well as in Mandarin. They also offer varieties of social interaction classes to develop a child’s inquisitive mind, critical thinking, and high EQ. To register for any of these online activities, download and sign into the Metropolis Museum app and you may be able to get some discount that is announced time to time by the Museum. Khan Academy: Khan Academy is one of the popular online academies based out of the US. It offers many academic as well as non-academic courses for every age group child. They use various teaching methods, such as 37

EDUCATION recommended apps, podcasts, and educational material, etc. You can hire a tutor or select a course.

Think Like a Scientist, the centre also has partner classes for Sports, Dance and Chinese writing recognition.

Metropolis Museum Address:33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 9161 2105, Email: info@hk-mm.com, Website: www.metropolismuseum.com

Address: Amazed, G02-03, G15 &L02, Leighton Center, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 9228 2617 Email: hello@amazed.com.hk website: www.amazed.com.hk

Growing IQ

Helping your kids to build a strong mathematical foundation, critical thinking skills and a growth mindset for kids from 2.5 to 12 years thorugh hand-on experiential learning. Address: Growing IQ, 4/F, China Hong Kong Tower, 8-12 Hennessy Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2323 9899 Email: info@growingiq.com.hk, Website: www.growingiq.com.hk

Active Kids: The activities at Active Kids

are educational but fun at the same time. It has programs ranging widely for science, cooking, chess, coding and robotics, arts and crafts, design and show, language, and culture for kids aged from 3-17. Address: Unit A, 1/F, Nan Sang Building, 86 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3480 4199, 8143 0070 Email: info@activekidshk.com Website: www.activekidshk.com

Qurio Education

Lifelong Labs: This is the place for all budding architects, artists, visionaries, photographers, and directors, to name a few. The school believes in nurturing talent very young and it goes by the motto “you are never too young to be world class.” Address:m1-3 wing Lok street,m14th floor Cheung’s Building, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 66903044,25402484. Email: info@lifelonglabs.org Website: www.lifelonglabs.org

Music Lessons in Hong Kong https://international-desi.com/music-lessons-in-hong-kong/

Dance classes in Hong Kong Please visit following link for more details: https://international-desi.com/danceclasses-in-hong-kong/

Art Classes

Offers classes to help children build a solid foundation in Chinese, English and Mathematics.

Please visit following link for more details:

6/F, The Eastmark, 21 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Tel: 2667 9370 Email: quiri@qurioed.com, Website: www.qurioed.com

Performing Arts

Amazed

List of Collage and Universities

It is a one-stop learning hub for kids and parents. The interactive learning space features a Maker Space, Messy Play Room, Multi-Purpose Sports Area, a cafe for parents, Kidpreneur Club and How to 38

https://international-desi.com/art-classesin-hong-kong/ https://international-desi.com/performingart-classes-in-hong-kong/

https://international-desi.com/list-of-collage-and-universities-in-hongkong/

BUSINESS The purpose of this section is to provide comprehensive details required for starting a new business. The purpose of this section is to provide comprehensive details required for starting a new business. Hong Kong is a famous city for its rustic charm, sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle, shopping, and extremely delicious food. But there’s one other thing for which Hong Kong is Additionally, this section will also cover the entire process of starting any business in general. The process will cover how to start a business, some of the best banks for start-ups, accounting and tax information for business, licenses, and regulations required for business. Additionally, it also covers marketing and promotion options available for business. Even though it offers a good starting point for the first step, we recommend you to refer to additional information if you are launching a new business in Hong Kong.

How To Launch A Food Business In Hong Kong Do you live in Hong Kong and are thinking of launching your food business right there? Well, if your answer is positive, then you are reading the ideal article that will help you turn your dream into a reality. Before we begin, it is imperative to note that residents of Hong Kong are commonly known for the passion they have for food. This should not be shocking to you as Hong Kong is popularly known as the melting pot of lots of cultures with many diverse and unique food scenes. While lots of businesses had no choice but to close as a result of the COVID-9 pandemic, licenses for food businesses have heightened in their number. In other news,

it means that there is a constant market and demand that is very high. Starting off: While starting a food business may look like a difficult task, understand that having a complete view of the procedures and requirements in the food industry will make everything quite manageable. The starting point for an official restaurant license is to have a well-defined concept of the restaurant with all its details. The license issuing authority is the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). A “General Restaurant License” is the first one to get. A plethora of supplementary licenses is required to run a successful restaurant in Hong Kong, where licenses are a must for just about everything.

When launching a food business in Hong Kong, the steps to follow are: 1. Get your certificate of incorporation For your business to be registered in Hong Kong, you will need to obtain a certificate of incorporation. And, the department that issues this certificate is the Hong Kong Companies Registry. Use the Cyber Search Centre. To get this certificate, the criteria you need to follow include: • Select a name for your business It is vital that whatever name you pick is available. And, you can carry out a free search of all existing company names via the Companies Registry’s cyber search center. • Have your company’s Articles of Association ready, and you can get a sample here. • Ensure you have a bank account open for your business 39

BUSINESS • Then, register the food business with the Companies Registry by filling out its incorporation form. When all of these are done, you can proceed to the next step

2. Selecting a Premises Once the certificate of incorporation is secure, you will have to choose a good location for the premises of the business. Note that you have to do this before applying for the general restaurant license. As you search for a location, the factors you can put into consideration are: • The rent A place like Hong Kong is famously known for being a costly market, especially when it comes to rent. However, make sure you can discover a location that is worth your rent price. • The location Avoid choosing a location that is difficult for prospective customers to find. With so many food businesses available in Hong Kong, customers get easily frustrated if they are unable to find your restaurant. • The Parking When your food business’ location is accessible to clients, it can assist in boosting your chances of success. • The Size Make sure you have more than enough space not just for the front of the house alone, but for the equipment, an adequate kitchen, storage areas, and much more. • The safety You are to make sure the premises you choose has safety regulations they adhere to such as the Fire Safety Requirements of the fire services department, the Health Requirements of the food and environmental hygiene department, and the Building Safety Requirements of the building department. 40

3. Have a sturdy business plan Your business plan will assist you greatly as it will act as the financial roadmap for the food business. Understand that, when you lay out the goals of your business, explore its feasibility and compile everything in a digestible business plan; it will be critical for the success of your business. Moreso, this business plan of yours should have risk factors and the plans you will use in mitigating them. For those who will need funding to launch the food business, it will give loan officers and investors the vital data needed to believe in this vision of yours and assist in raising capital.

4. Decide on the business structure When you are selecting a business structure, you first will most likely have to choose the type of food you want to sell. To do this, you must carry out market research, use a target market, and make plans according to your research. It does not matter if it will be a home-based food business that exists online or a brickand-mortar fine dining restaurant. There are so many food business structures on which you can decide and some of the prominent ones you will find in Hong Kong are: • Bars and pubs • Food trucks • Mom and pop cha chaan tengs • Buffets Not to forget Cafes, and so much more.

5. Begin application for your general restaurant license You must apply for all the necessary licenses and permits before you can launch your food business in Hong Kong, irre-

BUSINESS spective of the type of structure you are seeking. Understand that the most fundamental license for whicht you will need to apply is the general restaurant license that is obtainable in the Food and Environment department. It does not matter if you are running a bar, catering business, or anything in between, there are special business permit requirements. The step to follow to get your license is to: • Ensure you submit the vital documents In a bid to obtain the General Restaurant License successfully, you will need to submit some documentation, such as: Your filled-in General Restaurant License application form. An authentic certified copy of your record of ownership or a stamped tenancy agreement of your business premises One copy of the board resolution that confirms the validity of an entitled person to represent your business during the license application procedure One certified authentic copy of the most recent Annual return of your company An original accredited copy of the Notice of Situation of the registered office The certified original copy of the Articles of Association of the business The certified original copy of the Business Registration certificate of the business The certified original copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the business, and Three authentic certified copies of the calculated metric layout plan of the

premises. It should display the layout of the toilets, refreshment area, stores, preparation area, the kitchen, and much more. Your layout plan will need to comply with the minimum lawful conditions that are being set out by the FEHD. Note that immediately after the documentation is received by the FEHD, copies will be sent to the Buildings Department and Fire Services Department for approval. For issues on permits and licenses, you can check it out here. License for storing liquor

6. Outdoor Seating Accommodation License To let customers dine outside, the Permission for Outdoor Seating Accommodation License is mandatory. The license is issued by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene.

7. Composite food shop license If vending machines are used within premises for selling food, a composite food shop license is necessary. The application procedure is the same as other license applications.

8. Hire the ideal people A basic aspect of running a food business lies in hiring the ideal people. This is vital because the food business demands amazing customer service and very low wait times. Always have it in mind that you must hire people who have an understanding of how to hustle. In the food industry, note that you are not merely selling food but providing an experience. For those without a kitchen crew at their disposal, the first step in getting the ideal employees is to create a job posting or ask through word of mouth. 41

BUSINESS 9. Market all your foods well Since the food industry is a saturated and competitive market, you must market the foods well enough to differentiate your brand from all others. You can do this by making special packaging, making use of social media platforms, blogging, or even working with famous lifestyle magazines for their paid advertorials. Note that some of the prominent magazines for foodies are Foodie Magazine, Sassy Hong Kong, and even Hong Kong Desi platforms. Moreover, you can work with grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food expos.

As in a fast moving city, technology is a part of its restaurant experience, so you can incorporate technology in your new food business. Some of the technology you can use in implementing this range from; • POS • PhotoMenu • Queue Ticket Kiosk • Kitchen Display System • Online Delivery, and much more.

Conclusion In all honesty, launching a food business is quite lengthy and demands lots of hard work. However, with the right information and team, you can get it right. In this article, we have outlined some steps you can follow before you begin the launch. Let’s dive in!

Topping out ceremony of new building at Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, Wan Chai

BUSINESS

The International Desi website was launched by the Minister of State for External Affairs and the Minister of State for Culture Hon. Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi at her office in New Delhi on 24th May, 2022. https://international-desi.com/mos-extesmt-meenakshi-lekhi-launches-international-desi-website/

BUSINESS

Basics of business registration in Hong Kong: There are several kinds of business that can be started in Hong Kong.

1. Limited Company A limited company is the most popular business in Hong Kong. Limited companies benefit from: i. Free trade contracts with China. ii. Similar tax benefits are enjoyed, just like the local entrepreneurs.

2. Branch Office A branch office of another company that is registered elsewhere can be opened in Hong Kong. However, it comes with a specific set of instructions, and it is dependent on the parent business.

3. Representative Office There is a limitation on establishing a representative office in Hong Kong. The business is not allowed to participate in activities that generate profit within the scope of taxation, hence is appropriate to non-sales firms like marketing and support staff. A word caution is a Representative Office does not have independent legal standing in Hong Kong. Therefore, the foreign parent company remains fully responsible for its debts and liabilities.

4. Sole proprietorship Appropriate for small businesses with a single owner. It is a low-risk business, but owner is liable for its assets and businesses.

5. Partnership Operated with at least two persons. It is the least favourite because each partner is liable for the firm. Procedure i. The selection of a name is the first step to start a limited business. The name must be legally available in Hong Kong and found at https://www.cr.gov.hk/ en/electronic/csc/general.htm 44

ii. Download and complete form NNCI or incorporation form from https://www. cr.gov.hk/en/services/register-company.htm iii. Download and fill form IRBR1, which is the notice to the Office of Business Registration. iv. Submit the filled forms electronically alongside a copy of the business Articles of Association to the Companies Registry at https://www.eregistry.gov.hk/

Registering a business Business registration is done at the same time as when applying for incorporation at the Inland Revenue Department. a. The Inland Revenue Department requires payment of HK2000 dollars per year or HK5200 dollars for three years as a business registration fee, as indicated on its website. b. The Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund requires a business owner to pay HK250 dollars per year or HK750 dollars for three years as a levy. c. Collection of business registration certificates It takes just an hour to register a business online if all the documents are approved, but it takes up to four days when the documents are mailed.

Useful Resources: Revenue Office: Address: 4th Floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Website: www.ird.gov.hk Tel: (852) 2824 1482 General enquiry: (852) 2519 9316

Website for business registration Website: www.cr.gov.hk

Company of Registry: Website: www.eregistry.gov.hk

BUSINESS

Licenses and regulations in Hong Kong A business license is required to run a business in Hong Kong. The agencies or departments of Hong Kong are the ones that issue licenses. However, the Companies Registry first requires the registration of a business before applying for a business license. This article will explain the most common licenses and regulations in Hong Kong and, where necessary, links are provided for detailed information. Generally, it takes two to eight weeks to get a business license in Hong Kong. The license requirements and regulations for operating various businesses are as described below.

a. Trading Company The need to obtain any export or import license depends on the type of goods involved. Controlled goods need the pertinent export or import license associated with the goods.

b. Event Management Business Regulations and licenses for event management depend on the type of events. For example, the Liquor Licensing Board issues liquor licenses to sell liquor for consumption during an event.

the education sector. The education business is perceived as a lucrative business. A Certificate of Registration must be acquired from the Education Bureau.

f. Travel Agencies A Travel Agents License is required to operate a travel agency. The license authorizes the arranging and selling of transportation tickets and organizing package tours or group tours.

g. Employment Agencies The Labour Department issues an Employment Agency license to operate a business that offers placement and recruitment services in Hong Kong.

h. Restaurant Business The Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene issues a license for a General Restaurant to sell drinks and food. The inspection of the premise is done before the issuance of the license. The license is not sufficient condition to operate other businesses, like selling liquor. Additional licenses, such as a Liquor License, are required. The licensing procedure and regulations in Hong Kong are straightforward. However, you need to comply with all criteria and documentation requirements and follow the licensing procedure. All said and done, there will be no reason for license rejection.

c. Financial Services Firm An entrepreneur is required to obtain relevant licenses depending on the kind of financial services to be provided. The Hong Kong Police issues a Money Lenders License to carry out a money-lending enterprise.

d. Retail Shop Requirements depend on the type of services and goods sold. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation issues licenses on Animal Boarding Establishments to operate retail pet shop.

e. Education Business The Hong Kong agencies have recommended specific entry requirements to streamline

Useful Resource: https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/ howtoseries/forms/new/A_ Guide_to_Restaurant.PDF

Best Banks for a Start-ups in Hong Kong Although Hong Kong offers a business-friendly environment, it is very difficult to open a bank account, especially if you have a start-up business in Hong Kong. 45

BUSINESS Unlike the USA, India, or European countries, where you can open a bank account easily within a week, Hong Kong takes 6-8 weeks. This is extremely discouraging process to new businesses. We compiled a partial list of local banks in Hong Kong that are start-up friendly. In addition to the regular documentation process, these banks may have their own pre-conditions, such as the owner having a saving account, maintaining a minimum deposit, or any other condition that a bank may think suitable as well as can be applicable to start-ups owners. Although, Hong Kong offers a business-friendly environment, however it is very difficult to open a bank account, especially when you are launching a new business in Hong Kong. Unlike USA, India or Europe, where you can open a bank account easily within a week, Hong Kong takes about six-eight weeks (and sometimes up to three months) to open business account. To facilitate the entrepreneurs, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority established a dedicated task force. Documentation Requirements to Open Bank Accounts a. Identity documents and notarized proof of residence of all directors b. Corporate documents that are certified c. Notarized proofs of business address d. Past three months’ statement copy of Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (UBO) personal bank information e. Latest financial statements that are audited Types of bank accounts a. Savings account offers interest not provided on the current account b. Current account allows payments using cheques, but does not pay interest c. Time/Fixed deposit account; a sum of money is left for a specified period 46

d. Non-HK Dollar deposit account gives the client a wide range of options to hold finances in foreign currencies e. Integrated account consolidates different bank accounts into a single account f. Investment account It helps to sell or buy bonds, trade stocks, and unit trusts. For more details on types of accounts and the requirements, access the website: www.ifec.org.hk More banks are listed in the directory section.

Useful Resources Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Account opening tips: Link: https://www.hkma. gov.hk/eng/smart-consumers/ account-opening/mr-opensblog/tips-for-start-ups-toopen-bank-accounts-offeredby-an-entrepreneur/ To appeal against bank application rejection case: email accountopening@hkma.gov.hk

Bank Bank of China (Hong Kong) Minimum balance requirement: you need to maintain HK$ 50,000 to avoid monthly fee of HK$ 120. Website: www.bochk.com Address: 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2826 6888 Customer Service Hotline +852 3988 2288

HSBC Minimum balance requirement: you need to maintain HK$

BUSINESS 50,000 to avoid monthly fee of HK$ 100 per month. Website: https://www.business. hsbc.com.hk/en-gb Address: 1 Queens Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2748 8288

Indian Overseas Bank Website: http://www.iobhongkong.com 3F, Ruttonjee House 11 Duddell Street, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2522 7157

The Bank of East Asia Limited You to maintain minimum HK$ 10,000 balance to avoid bank fees HK$ 100 per month. Website: www.hkbea.com Address: 10 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3609 2928 General banking services 24 hrs. : (852) 2211 1333 More banks are listed in the directory section.

Accounting and Tax in Hong Kong Accounting and tax in Hong Kong rely on British standards. For example, all businesses are required to file an annual tax return with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue for their profits. Independent certified public accountants perform yearly audits for the business accounts. Hong Kong is cautious about tax fraud and accounting. Offenders are subjected to strict sanctions from banks and the local government. Fundamentally, all accounts are filed attentively and professionally to mitigate issues that are likely to arise from the audited annual accounts.

Individuals who have resided in Hong Kong for about two months are expected to pay salary tax. The salary is taxed either based on standard rate of 15 % or between 2% and 17%, depending on the level of income. You are required to pay a stamp duty of 15 % when you buy property in Hong Kong. Returns are filed before the second day of June, whereas sole proprietors for unincorporated organizations have until the second day of August.

Net Chargeable Income (in HK$ currency)

Rate

0 – 50,000 HK$

50,001 – 100,000 HK$

100,001 – 150,000 HK$

10%

150,001 – 200,000 HK$

14%

Above 200,001 HK$

17%

Net total income (no allowances)

Standard rate 15% 47

BUSINESS Hong Kong is a country with one of the lowest tax rates in the world for both corporations and personal income. Corporations have a flat tax rate; however, the salary tax rates are progressive, with five tax brackets: 2%, 6%, 10%, 14%, and 17%. Thus, making it an attractive destination for expats to live. The financial year in Hong Kong runs from the first day of April to the thirty-first day of March of the subsequent year. Companies incorporated in Hong Kong should make the audited financial statements as required by law. Firms are required to keep proper accounts and records of business transactions. The compliance reports for certified public accountants could have extensive impact on businesses, including the ability to obtain business loans. Auditors should be expert enough to understand a business. Business owners or professionals can engage tax consultants who are skilled in offering tax and accounting services in Hong Kong. It is essential to identify appropriate consultants who can manage auditors and ensure timely completion of the annual returns and financial statements of firms. Thus, making it an attractive destination for expats to live. The financial year in Hong Kong runs from the first day of April to the thirty-first day of March of the subsequent year. Companies incorporated in Hong Kong should make the audited financial statements as required by law. Firms are required to keep proper accounts and records of business transactions. The compliance reports for certified public accountants could have extensive impact on businesses, including the ability to obtain business loans. Auditors should be expert enough to understand a business. Business owners or professionals can engage tax consultants who are skilled in offering tax and accounting services in Hong Kong. It is essential to identify appropriate consultants who can manage auditors and ensure timely completion of the annual returns and financial statements of firms. 48

Global Investment Hong Kong as one of the top three leading global financial centres that offer capitalization, asset management and banking services and plenty of opportunities for residents to invest in Hong Kong or out of Hong Kong. Hong Kong financial market is highly sophisticated backed up by innovation and technology, professional services, highly skilled professionals and liberal government policies. This makes it an attractive location for investments for both service providers and seekers. Most of the leading (international as well as domestic) banks and highly specialized asset management firms offer competitive investment services. Some investment service providers offer country-specific investment options, such as investment options in UK, Australia, USA, India, etc., or their home country. Hong Kong residents can also check the investment options available in neighbouring countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, or in another continent, such as Australia, and UK, Canada, etc. We highly recommend you refer to the latest financial news and other reliable sources before you plan your investments.

Useful Resources: Tax Inland Revenue Department Website: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/ tax/ind.htm

Revenue Department: For businesses, please check the link: Address: Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai Website: https://www.ird.gov.hk/ eng/ Tel: (852) 187 8088

BUSINESS For eTax https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/etax/index.htm Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (To find CPA) Website: https://www.hkicpa. org.hk/en/Membership/Finda-CPA Address: Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan chai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2287-7228 Email: ms@hkicpa.org.hk

Buttar Group of Companies: Buttar Group of Companies: Offers accounting and tax services to small and medium business. Most consulting firms often have a responsive team that addresses concerns of tax and accounting. They have been very efficient and charges are very reasonable. Maintaining a compliant account is important to the immi-

nent success of businesses in Hong Kong. Non-compliance is likely to impact business reputation with banks and government. Website: http://buttar.hk Address: Mau Lam Commercial Building, 16-18 Mau Lam St, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Email: info@buttar.hk Tel: (852) 2312 0148

Skybestcpa Skybestcpa is another firm that specializes in tax and accounting services in Hong Kong. Entrepreneurs get the opportunity for a no-strings and preliminary consultation about business goals. Website: https://www.skybestcpa.com Address: Unit 2307, 23/F Enterprise Square Three, 39, Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong Email: ravi@skybestcpa.com Tel: (852) 3904 2460

Marketing and Promotions in Hong Kong Please refer our previous article in the last edition about marketing and promotions in a traditional way.

https://international-desi.com/expertadvice-the-best-retro-chic-fashion-forall-ages/

Useful Resources: International Desi International Desi offers onestop-marketing solution for all content and marketing (both digital as well as print media) needs.

Google.com Search engine optimization and search engine marketing Create a google adword account to launch a campagain. Website: google.com

Website: https://internationaldesi.com Email: hongkong.desi@gmail.com 49

JOB AND CAREER Complete Steps to Hunt for Your Dream Job in Hong Kong Hong Kong is slowly but steadily recovering its job market that was hit by political issues and global pandemic.

(https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/ so30.jsp)

JOBS AND CAREER IN THE IT INDUSTRY Here are the 10 most in-demand tech jobs in Hong Kong

Application developers topped the list. Hong Kong is a dynamic as well as technologically advanced place. The IT job scenarios in the IT field keep changing depending on the business dynamics and demands. IT professionals, especially, business analysts, project managers, Data Scientists, IT security auditors, Application developers, Mobile application developers, cloud specialists, and Cyber security experts have high demand in the Hong Kong Job market. Project Manager/Business analyst: Ever changing business environment in Hong Kong needs project managers as well as business analysts to keep the operations updated through the technological solutions and stakeholder management. Certified professionals are in demand as the high level governance and project management office standards are becoming the norms in most organizations. Data Scientist and Analysts: Data scientists are needed to manage vast databases and predict the future trend for businesses to make decisions. Application developers: A competitive Business environment needs highly skilled 50

developers to build new solutions or update the existing solutions. Mobile Application Developers: With the growing number of business apps (mobile applications), businesses need App developers to build and maintain their business applications. Cloud Specialists: All sizes of business prefer to move into cloud and IoT to reduce the stress related to managing databases and related infrastructures. They need cloud engineers to migrate and manage their database over the cloud servers. Cyber security experts: Financial and banking sectors need highly skilled cyber security experts to run their operations smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Scrum masters: When the projects take exploratory approach as delivery faces high risk, urgency and uncertainties, scum masters become saviors as they can create a flexible approach for developing the sprints. There are many other roles within IT field and they can be explored thorugh various job sites or recruiters’ office. Please refer the list of recruiters in directory section of this booklet.

Housing Renting an apartment Even though Hong Kong is steadily making its way to become one of the most expensive cities in which to live, it is not entirely impossible to find your dream home to rent. The only thing you need to rent a home in Hong Kong is your intelligence and a good knowledge of the few important points To know more, please use the following link: https://international-desi.com/rentingapartment-in-hong-kong/

Type of Rental If you are single person or a couple, there are plenty of options for you. These options can vary based on your budget and location. Share an apartment: you can find a few websites or Facebook groups where the apartment owners/tenants lists their place to share. Sub-divided studio: This is specific to Hong Kong-style living. The subdivided ministudio is converted from a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment. An apartment is divided into a hotel style, self-contained mini-studio. Depending on your budget (HK$ 4000 onward) you can opt for location and size of the studio with or without cooking facilities, washing machine, microwave, maid service, etc. Various companies, such as Dash Living or City Loft offers you such options. There are few private apartment owners in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Central, and TST area have also started offering these studio options. Service Apartment: The hotels or top real estate companies may offer these options. These service apartments are used by corporations and are mostly more expensive than the sub-divided apartment. 52

These can be on a month-to-month lease basis. Studio apartment: These are spacious, independent apartments ranging from a 200-square-foot area. These are like regular apartments in terms of facilities and lease policies. Family apartments: Hong Kong is a vertical city and offers plenty of options for renting

HOUSING

an apartment. The details are mentioned in the next section in this article.

Accessibility and Public Transportation

Stand-alone single-family housing: There is wide range in this section, depending on the area and location of the house. Luxury housing is available in the Pok Fu Lam area, Kennedy Town, Repulse Bay, Stanley, etc. Most top corporate executives and government officials and diplomats prefer (or are offered) such housing.

Just like its high-quality safety, Hong Kong has a pretty decent public transportation system available for the general public. However, if you are moving in because of work or any other reason that requires shorter and safer commutes, then the accessibility of the shortlisted homes is worth checking. Try to get a home that’s near a subway station. Measure how much time your commute will cost you.

Cheaper options can be village homes that are available in the new territory, Sai Kung, Lantau Island.

Choosing a Neighbourhood Hong Kong, in general, is considered a very safe place to live; so whichever neighbourhood you pick, rest assured you have nothing to worry about in regard to your safety. What you do need to take into consideration is each neighbourhood’s personality. Do you want to live in a neighbourhood that exhibits more local vibes, a more urban environment, or a more distinct far-away tranquil environment?

Cost of Renting The price of renting a house in each neighbourhood of Hong Kong varies; some areas are more expensive than the others. This is why it is an absolute necessity to factor in the cost of living when deciding upon the house. To give you an idea, Hong Kong has an average minimum monthly rent of HK$5,000, “minimum” being the keyword here. The rent of a decent shared flat or room starts from HK$5,000, and can go up to HK$60,000 per month for a onebedroom. The ideal living conditions of 53

HOUSING the country are just making the prices go higher and higher.

Leasing Details As a general rule, Hong Kong’s renting lease is valid for two years, during which time either the tenant or you can break the lease only after the completion of the first year. In that term, you would need to issue a 1-3 months written notice. Be careful when reading the fine print of the lease. It is usually where the maintenance expenses or subletting policies are hidden. A sub-divided studio at Dash Living and City Loft or service apartment can offer a month-to-month lease. If you are unsure of your stay, please check these options. If you have a plan to move out early, you can negotiate with the landlord about lease and minimum stay.

Bottom line It is always a good idea to look for the above-mentioned details by yourself. How-

ever, if you are running short of time or find that you lack the availability to carry out the task with full dedication, we strongly recommend hiring a local real estate agent to guide you in your search. The local real estate agent may charge one month (standard fees) or two months, depending on the agency or agent.

Review Listings When you have an ideal neighbourhood in mind, it’s better to check the local rent listing of that area. You can do that online as well as offline on many listing platforms. Listing sites like these provide so much more than rental listings. There are Facebook groups if you have not made up your mind about the neighbourhood; platforms like these can also provide you with insights that just might become a deal changer for you. You can place your requirement for any of these areas and you will get a response.

Useful Reference: Renting Options in Hong kong: https://international-desi.com/renting-apartment-in-hong-kong/

City Loft

Useful website to check out rental options. Website: sqarefoot.com.hk

Website: http://www.cityloft.com.hk Address: Lin Wai Building, 13-15 Hillier St, Sheung Wan Tel: (852) 2881 7979

Hong Kong Home

Dash Living

Facebook Group:

Website: https://www.dash.co/en/? Address: Lin Wai Building, 13-15 Hillier St, Sheung Wan Tel: (852) 2881 7979

Midland Reality This is one of the leading real estate agencies in Hong Kong that offers services across the city. Website: https://en.midland.com.hk 54

Square Foot

This is a useful place to search your luxury dream home options. Website: hongkonghomes.com

Hong Kong Rent Apartment Link: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/641131289324938/ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/834480980283746 Rent a flat, apartment, rooms or house in Hong Kong (Expats) Link: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/219523561811865/

HOME ESSENTIALS Furniture Hong Kong has limited options in terms of furniture. The retailers such as IKEA or Price Rite are widely popular among people who have a relatively lower budget for their home furniture. There are some department stores and independent furniture shops that also offer quality furniture with wide price ranges.

The most important part is to remember to keep the details of the size of the apartment/room and match with the potential piece of the furniture. It is difficult to return the furniture if it doesn’t fit by few centimetres.

Useful References: IKEA (budget) It has four stores in the city and they are located at: - Causeway Bay Store (Upper Basement, Parklane Hotel, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay) - Kowloon Bay Store (L4, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay) - Also check out their Shatin and Tsuen Wan Store Website: https://www.ikea.com. hk/en/

Pricerite They have chain of affordable furniture stores across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon side. Causeway bay Store: Basement, Hong Kong Mansion, 1 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2923-7010

Decor8 Modern Furniture Hong Kong Address: Shun Pont Commercial Building, 5-11 Thomson Rd, Wan Chai Tel: (852) 5981 1636

Horizon Plaza (mid-range to high-end) This 25-storied outlet mall in South Horizon is home to niche décor stores who sell unique, international home furnishing brands along with discount designers fashion brands. Website: horizonplazahk.com Address: 2 Lee Wing St, South Horizons Tel: (852) 2554 9089

EMOH Furniture Store Address: Room 1001, Century Centre 44-46, 10/F Hung To Rd, Kwun Tong Tel: (852) 3621 0751

HOME ESSENTIALS

Grocery Hong Kong offers a wide range of grocery options for locals, expats, and immigrants. There are international grocery stores such as Marketplace, City Super, Park N Shop, and International that offer popular international food products. Welcome Stores offers groceries, including vet market products such as meat, vegetables etc. for low-budget buyers. Indians have almost 25+ grocery shops (listed at the end of this section) in Hong Kong, offering wide varieties of imported Indian groceries and vegetables. Additionally, there are specialized grocery stores such as Indonesian grocery, Philippine grocery, and Thai grocery stories, etc., also offering their specialty food across the city.

Three Sixty Located in the West Kowloon, Three Sixty is a grocery and shopping store. The store features a spacious luxury mall element, offering premium-imported goods on display. It has a pretty wide range of vegan, organic, and gluten-free ingredients. The store also caters to the needs of people willing to spend as little time in the kitchen as they can by offering prepped food items like chopped veggies, marinated meat, and even cleaned seafood. Opening and closing timing: 8 am to 11 pm daily.

ParknShop This list wouldn’t be complete without the mini-empire of ParknShop. You can find almost everything in ParknShop’s outlets, from bakeries and deli counters to fresh meat and fish counters. You can also get pre-prepped 56

meals from any of the outlets on any day of the week. Opening and closing timing: 8 am to 10 pm daily.

Marks & Spencer Mark & Spencer is located in central Hong Kong, with branches all over Tsuen Wan and Kowloon. You can find really high-quality fresh, frozen, pre-prepped, and gluten-free food, including vegetables, meat, fish, sandwiches, baked products, ready meals, sweets, and collocates. The grocery store also displays its own products that are all imported from the UK. The prices are a bit on the expensive side, but the genuine UK authenticity is intact. Opening and closing timing: 11 am to 10 pm daily

Su-Pa Du-Pa Located in East Kowloon, this place is a combination of a department store and a supermarket. You probably have guessed that already with the name “Su-Pa” and “Du-Pa.” Here, you will find all the produce, food, and raw ingredients that you can find in a ParknShop grocery store. However, Su-Pa Du-Pa also offers a wide range of electronics and home furnishings along with the grocery items. Opening and closing timing: 11 am to 10 pm daily.

Sheekha Trading Sheekha Trading offers quality Indian grocery items on wholesale and retail bases. It is conveniently located in Miradoor Mansion in TST next to exit N2. It’s likely to be your regular shop for over hundreds of Indian products, including reliable groceries such as rice, lentils, spices, imported Indian vegetables, fruits, snacks, confectionery and more! They do home deliveries, too. Opening and closing timing: 10 am to 8 pm daily.

HOME ESSENTIALS Graham Street

Fusion Located in Sheung Wan, Fusion is a gourmet grocery store branched from the ParknShop Empire. You can find baked goods, pre-made meals, and all sorts of imported products. The best thing about Fusion is that it features a wide and affordable range of liquor and other booze. Opening and closing timing: 8 am to 10 pm daily.

SOGO Freshmart Located at the Hennessey road on Causeway Bay, Sogo Freshmart is known for its wide variety of fresh grocery selection. The regular customers of SOGO praise the excellent customer service and the Japanese department stores on top of the grocery stores. This place offers high-end brands, as well as a variety of discount offers for the advantage of the general public. Opening and closing timing: 10 am to 10 pm daily.

Wellcome Wellcome is a popular grocery store in Hong Kong for budget grocery buyers and has city presence.

It is located between Hollywood Road and Queen’s Road in the central district. Graham Street is more of a street market than a grocery store, but you can get fresh groceries from here nonetheless. The price range offered here for imported and organic fresh food is remarkably reasonable. Local housewives and even chefs highly recommend Graham Store for grocery shopping. Opening and closing timings: 8 am to 6 pm, daily Market Place by Jason: This is a chain of upmarket grocery stores catering to international as well as affluent residents of Hong Kong. You will find signature stores at select locations and mini-stores across Hong Kong City. Although some of the stores open at 7 am, most of the stores are open by 9 am. City Super: This is another chain of upmarket grocery stores that offer a good selection of high-quality imported groceries, somewhat more expensive than your average supermarket; it is supposed to be more upmarket, in select locations. One store is IFC and another one is Harbour city in Tsim Sha Tsui. Since eating out is restricted drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthy meal planning and delivery business has taken off. Many restaurants are also offering discounts to patrons who pick up the meals from their restaurants or offer delivery to either door-to-door or nearest MTR station. This is a win-win situation as it is economical and convenient since the service can be set up for one time or on a regular basis without struggling to manage the pantry and cook food for the family. Most of the time, one meal is good enough for two portions.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Helpers Hong Kongers are quite fortunate to have the luxury of hiring domestic helpers from varied locations to suit their needs. This is a boon for most of us. However, selecting the correct helper and managing him or her can be a daunting task.

FDH Hiring Process: Live-In Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDH) In Hong Kong, many families employ fulltime live-in domestic helpers. In 1969, some Foreign Domestic Helpers (helpers) were allowed by Immigration Director (Director) to come for work in Hong Kong with their employers, depending on individual case. However, since the 1970s, the Government has come out with Foreign Domestic Helpers Scheme for the employment of full-time foreign domestic helpers. However Chinese domestic helpers from the Mainland, Macau, or Taiwan and Foreign Domestic helpers from Afghanistan, Albania, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, or Vietnam are not allowed to be employed in Hong Kong under the current scheme.

Hong Kong FDH Laws: In order to employ helpers, Parties need to observe Immigration Ordinance Cap 115 (IO), the Employment Ordinance Cap 57EO), the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance Cap 282 (ECO), and Standard Employment Contract (SEC) ID 407 for employing the helpers.

FDH Hiring Procedure: Employers can employ helpers directly or with the help of employment agencies. If they employ directly, they can submit the necessary documents and fees directly to the Immigration Department (Immigration). For details, you may see the Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad ID(E969) published by Immigration, which can be downloaded from https://www. immd.gov.hk/eng/forms/forms/id-e-969.html 58

Steps: Contract : i)

The contract needs to be collected from the Information and Liaison Section of the Immigration Department on the 2nd Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

ii) Both the employer and helper should sign and complete 4 copies of the Standard Employment Contract (contract) (ID 407). iii) Check with the consulate about the nationality of the helpers and, if necessary, get the contract attested by them. Immigration Forms: iv) The helper should file the “Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad” (ID 988A) togewith helper’s photo affixed on the application form. v) The employer should file the “Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad” (ID 988B) Submission: vi) The application can be submitted to Immigration by post or in person with necessary documents. vii) Immigration will send letter acknowledging the receipt of the application. Other: viii) Even if the employer submits all the documents, he may be asked to go for an interview or other documents may be required by the Immigration, depending upon the case. ix) If the application is approved, Immigration will require the employer by letter or by phone to collect the visa. Documents to be submitted: i)

ID Forms 988A and 988B duly completed.

ii) Original contract duly attested.

HOME ESSENTIALS iii) Copy of the helper’s travel document showing her personal particulars, date of expiry; iv) Copy of the helper’s Hong Kong ID Card if she held it previously. v) Copy of the employer’s Hong Kong ID Card. vi) If an employer is not a permanent resident, copy of his passport pages showing his personal particulars, Hong Kong visa, and date of entering Hong Kong. vii) Proof, eg., Employment letter, Bank statement, Tax assessment, etc., to prove the employer’s financial capacity. Currently, the requirement is that employer must have a household income of not less than HK$15,000 per month or assets of an equal amount, i.e., HK$ 350,000, to support the employment of the helper for the whole contract period of 24 months. viii) Proof of employer’s residence in Hong Kong; example: latest demand for rates, rent receipts, and utility bills showing his name. ix) Letter of helper’s work experience for at least 2 yearsh showing the name and address of the certificate writer if the Immigration officer wishes to check.

Application for renewal of Helper Visa: Employers who want to renew contracts of their helpers who have finished a twoyear contract need to again submit the fresh application within eight weeks prior to the completion of their existing contract, with all the above documents except experience letter by post, drop-in box, or by online submission. If employment is not with the same employer and if the helper has completed two years of contracts, she can submit in person the application for a change of employer in Hong Kong 4 weeks before completion of the contract. In addition to the above documents, the helper needs to submit a release letter

containing the date of termination or release. Details on the required procedures can be found in the , published by Immigration.

Requirements: Employers must satisfy the Immigration Department that: He is financially able to pay the helper; He has entered into an employment contract in standard Form (ID407) with the helper; He will ask the helper to perform domestic duties only that as household chores: cooking, looking after aged people, babysitting, and looking after children as per the “Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties” attachment to the “Standard Employment Contract” (ID 407).; He will not allow or ask the helper to take up work with any other person during the contract period. He will pay the helper at least minimum salary of the minimum allowable wage as announced by the HKSAR Government at the time of signing of employment contract for contracts signed on or after 28 September 2019; the salary is $4,630 per month and for the contracts signed between 29 September 2018 to 27 September 2019, the salary payable was $4,520. The current salary rate can be found in the FDH Portal of the Labour Department (www.fdh. labour.gov.hk). The helper will work only at the address given in the contract; The employer will allow the helper to live at the address written on the contract only unless he is given permission in advance to allow her to stay at any other address. Employers who were given permission by the Immigration to allow their helpers to live out before 1 April 2003 can to do so if they continue to employ helpers without a break of more than 6 months. Since April 2003, the Immigration does not normally give such permission for the helpers to live outside of the employer’s residence. 59

HOME ESSENTIALS He will give the helper suitable accommodation with some privacy; for example, if the helper has to sleep on made-do beds in the corridor or share a room with another adult/ teenager of the opposite sex, such accommodation will not be accepted by Immigration. He is a bona-fide resident of Hong Kong and the bona fides of his and helper employment are not in doubt, which means the employer needs to satisfy that helper is genuinely required to work at his home for domestic work. The employer and the helper have no bad record of any previous breaches regarding the employment of the helper. According to part 3B of the “Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties,” the employer must give basic requirements to the helpers free of charge, such as electricity, water, toilet and bathing facilities, bed, blankets, or quilt, pillows, wardrobe, etc.

Changes in Accommodation and Duties If there are material changes to the employer’s residence, e.g., his address or number of persons , facilities to be provided, or domestic duties, the employer should submit a copy of the amended Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties (ID 407G) signed by both helper and employer to the Immigration.

Duties of Employer: Payment of salary: Employers should pay the salary to the helper at least once every month and not later than seven days after the end of the month. If an employer fails to pay wages to the helper on time, he is required to pay interest on the unpaid wages to the helper.

Methods of salary payment Employers can pay the salary to the helper by cheque, bank transfer, or cash. However, payment by cheque or bank transfer is better to secure payment records as proof of payment. Irrespective of the payment 60

method, employers should keep a record of salary payments and also ask the helpers to acknowledge receipt in writing to avoid future disputes because, in case of disputes, it would be mainly the obligation of the employer to prove the payment. Samples of payment receipts in different languages can be downloaded from the FDH Portal of LD (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk) for employers’ reference.

Food: Employers are required to provide helpers free food daily or should pay the food allowance at the prevailing rate. According to the current rate of the food, allowance is not less than $1,173 per month for all contracts signed on or after (October 1), see HKSAR government press release “Minimum Allowable Wage and food allowance for foreign domestic helpers,” last revised on 30 September 2021,

Windows Cleaning: From 1 January 2017, if the employer requires a helper to clean the outside window which is not on the ground floor or near the balcony common corridor, this must be done only under the following two circumstanses: a. The window should be fitted with a grille that can be locked or secured from being opened. b. helper’s body should not be required to go across the window ledge except the arms.

Insurance: According to Section 40 of the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, Chapter 282 of the Laws of Hong Kong, employers have to take insurance to cover their liabilities both under the ECO and at common law for injuries at work, and, if requested by his employee, he should show the insurance policy and any related documents for the inspection of the helper.

Medical expenses: Employers should arrange free medical treatment, including medical consultation,

HOME ESSENTIALS hospital treatment, and emergency dental treatment to the helper during the contract period if sick or suffers an injury. Therefore, it’s best that employers should take out comprehensive insurance policies for the helper to cover both medical insurance and employees’ compensation insurance.

Leave and Rest Days: Rest days: Under the EO, helpers are entitled to rest days (one rest day in every period of seven days), statutory holidays, and paid annual leave. Under no circumstances helpers can be required to work during such leave, such as to clean the household before he/she leaves home or wash the dishes after he/

she returns home, Besides, employers should keep records of helper’s leave and leave payment to avoid future disputes.

Statutory holidays Irrespective of the period of service, helper is entitled to statutory holidays. The statutory holidays announced for 2022 are13 and details can be found at Referance section of this article:

Annual leave: Employers should give helpers paid annual leave for every 12 months that the helpers have been employed. The paid annual leave will depend on the years of service from seven days to a maximum of 14 days, according to the helper’s length of service:

Number of Years

Leave Days

Maternity leave : A female helper is entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave if she has given the employer notice of pregnancy and if is employed for not less than 40 weeks before such maternity leave and has produced a medical certificate specifying the expected date of confinement if so required by the employer.

Driving Duty: If the helper is needed to do driving duties, employer must apply to the Director of Immigration for special permission. Such permission will not be given unless it is for domestic reasons; example: driving the children to school or activity classes or any aged or household person for buying vegetables or household items or going to the hospital. The employers asking the helpers to drive them to the office, transport goods, etc., is not allowed.

Contract period: Please note that the expiry date of the standard Employment Contract (ID 407) is not the last date of the helper’s stay in Hong Kong or the last day written in the Contract. The actual last date is the Visa

on the helper’s passport. So please read and pay attention to visa given by the Immigration on the helper’s Passport.

Termination: According to Clause 10 of the Contract, either party can terminate the contract before its expiry by giving one month’s notice in writing or by paying one month’s wages in place of notice. Only under special circumstances can the contract can be terminated without notice or payment in place of notice. Employer can terminate without notice or pay if, for example, if the helper willfully disobeys a lawful and reasonable order of the employer, misconducts, commits fraud or dishonesty,or habitually neglects duties. The helper can terminate without any notice or one month pay if she reasonably worries about physical harm or disease or is subjected to ill-treatment by the employer, etc. Upon termination by either party, employer must pay all the applicable dues of the helper, including unpaid wages, notice pay, air ticket, non consumed leave pay, long service or severance pay, etc. 61

HOME ESSENTIALS Useful Reference: These links provide all the details you need to know about helpers, salary, terms and condition, and salary certificate. Practical Guide For Employment Of Foreign Domestic Helpers – What foreign domestic helpers and their employers should know Link: https://www.fdh.labour. gov.hk/res/pdf/FDHguide English.pdf

Sample Salary receipt for FHD: Link to download a Sample receipt (https://hongkong-desi.com/wp-content/ uploads/2018/10/Wage-Receipt-for-Foreign-Domestic-Helper.pdf)

Food Allowance https://www.info.gov.hk/ gia/general/202109/30/ P2021093000329.htm, or the FDH Portal of LD (www.fdh. labour.gov.hk)

Statuary Holiday for helper for 2022 Link: https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/ news/latest_holidays2022.htm.

Window Cleaning https://www.info.gov.hk/ gia/general/201611/14/ P2016111400643.htm.

Furniture Disposal: We have to dispose of the furniture as we decide to move into a new apartment with different dimensions or decide to change the furniture or if the furniture is broken. Additionally, many of us wish to de-clutter our home on a regular basis due to small homes and limited storage facilities in Hong Kong, Disposing of furniture responsibly is a big part of environmentally friendly city living. 62

Insurance https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/ public/ecd/geci.pdf

Hire Helpers Facebook Groups to find a helper

- Hong Kong domestic helper jobs (OFW, FDH) h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / groups/HKDomesticHelperJobs/

- Hong Kong Domestic Helper https://www.facebook.com/ groups/631340693687969/

Helper visa Agency Melinda Wong Tel: (852) 9830 8458

Helper Training Superhelper For home management and cooking workshops for domestic workers. Website: superhelper.org Address: 36A Island Rd., Deep Water Bay, Tel: (852) 2812-0446

Towngas Cooking Local cooking: Classes are conducted in English and Cantonese. Website: towngascooking.com Address: Shop 9A, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival St., Causeway Bay, Tel: (852) 2576-1535, There are some organizations that help you de-clutter your home by removing your furniture. They sell the furniture in second-hand furniture shops and donate part of the money to charity organizations. They will charge you a fee for disposing of unusable furniture. This can save you the headache of waste disposal and help make a move easier. If you have time, you can sell your reusable furniture at various sites mentioned under Useful Referances.

HOME ESSENTIALS Donate your used household items When you donate, you recycle and you help in reducing the pollution and space taken by landfills, and ultimately contribute

toward improving the environment. Following is the partial list of places where you can donate old books, wearable clothes, food, toys, etc.

Useful Reference: Sell your used household items - Facebook Market place: Website: https://www.facebook. com/marketplace/hongkong/

Email: info@booksmarthk.com Tel: (852) 2620 5035/ (852) 3005 4631 WhatsApp: (852) 96712490

- carousell hong kong

- Caritas Community Centre

This is a platform to meet buyer and sellers for buying or selling usable items including furniture, electronics items, books etc. They also have a user-friendly mobile app. Website: https://hk.carousell.com

Caritas Community Centre is an official social service agency of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong. It emphasises the needs of the “3 Ls” – the last, the least, and the lost. You can drop off your items at its door.

- Clutter to cash

Items to donate: All wearable clothing. Caritas Community Centre, 2/F, Caritas House, 2-8 Caine Road, Midlevels, Hong Kong, Website: www.caritas.org.hk Tel: (852) 2843 4652,

Website: http://cluttertocash.hk Whatsup – (852) 9753 0087 Tel: – (852) 8191 6698

- Green Dot Home Website: green-dot-home.com.hk Tel: (852) 2328-3901.

- Chu Kong Plan Whatsup App: (852) 9521-1192 (WhatsApp only) Website: https://www.chukongplan.org.hk

Second Hand Shops - Proper Furniture Tel: (852) 5442-3000. Email: tel54423000@yahoo.com.hk

- Happy Shop Tel: (852) 6387-1255. Website: www.happyshop.hk

Donate your used household items - Book Mart Items to donate: Books Address: Unit F2, 12/F, Block B, Marvel Industrial Building 17-23 Kwai Fung Crescent, Kwai Fong Hong Kong Website: www.booksmarthk.com

- Castaways Charity Shop This is convenient place to drop off your items at the shop on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Castaways Charity Shop sells items received via donations and raises money for the poor and needy. Donation are accepted Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Items to donate: Clothing, shoes, handbags, books and household linens (only on Wednesday and Saturday mornings) Address: Castaways Charity Shop, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 4157 Website: www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk

HOME ESSENTIALS Home designing done right! When Bhansalis bought their 2bed, 1 bath flat in Laguna Verde, they knew it straight away that it needed careful space-planning, designing and renovation to make it work at ‘Top-speed’ to fulfil all their requirements. The immediate family’s needs were of course most important, but there was also a desire for this home to be comfortable for grandparents who visited the family annually from overseas. Furthermore, the couple enjoys entertaining friends, which also made them wish for a beautiful and welcoming home for weekend house parties. We spoke to their designers and contractors, Sonal Bhandari and Heena Ahuja from SARA Interior Design, who transformed their apartment from ‘basic’ to ‘Wow’. Small but cleverly designed, all spaces are diligently built to be highly multi-functional. Every inch of space is efficiently used to provide maximum storage with minimal bulk. We couldn’t help but notice the beautiful calm colours of custom-built furniture used all throughout the apartment. Sonal shared that they custom created these colours and finishes for this project in their furniture factory in China. “These were specifically chosen to achieve pared- down, clutter-free modern aesthetics that the family aspired for. Cool tones of blues and greys balanced the warmth of the original wood flooring, while touches of white marble were added to bring freshness. Stunning Terrazzo tiles in the restroom with complementing coral-coloured cabinets and black-coloured hardware added just the right dose of drama.” Having understood the aesthetic concepts of this renovation, we now wanted to understand the space-planning efforts too. To help with that, Heena shared 3D floor plan of the flat. She said, “Multiuse of child’s room as a

guest room was high priority for the family. However, in the original layout, only a single bed could fit in the child’s room which wasn’t going to be enough for extended family. Lot of clever designing efforts were put in to ensure that the room fulfilled all requirements of the child as well as visiting grandparents. We structurally enlarged this room by moving the master room wall, to accommodate queensized bed. This was in addition to a full wall of floor to ceiling wardrobe while also leaving sufficient open floor-space required for their child’s daily free-play. Sliding door was cleverly tucked behind the wardrobe to replace regular swivel door which further opened the room and brought in more sunshine to the home.” We were equally intrigued about the transformation of one bath to two and requested the designers to share her thoughts. They shared that the newly renovated bathrooms of this home are the highest performing bathrooms they’ve ever built for a client. “Bathroom renovation was one of the most challenging parts of the entire renovation as the space was tight and there was no room for even smallest of error. Every fitting, fixture and hardware was measured to the last centimetre to ensure precision in space planning. Folding doors were custom-built to fit in the small space instead of regular swivel doors. Additional functionality was provided through large laundry basket drawer cleverly hidden under the washbasin and not to miss the additional storage above the washbasins.”, elaborated Heena. “Designing someone’s home is a huge responsibility as it entails being careful about respecting the homeowner’s personal tastes, unique needs and translating their vision into reality. This home renovation is definitely an example of designing done right”, said Sonal, concluding our conversation. SARA Interior Design

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Car or private vehicle Car rental in Hong Kong

The process of renting a car

Hong Kong is a compact city with an extensive public transport system. The MTR metro system is exciting. The MTR is safe, air-conditioned, clean, and new. Therefore, the need to hire a car is relatively low. More than 80 % of all journeys are through public transport in Hong Kong. Interestingly, residents who own vehicles prefer to use the metro system.

a. Have a minimum age of 21 years

Some highlights of driving conditions in Hong Kong

d. Local firms do not permit vehicles across the boundary to China. However, international firms provide cars with drivers who are able to cross borders

a. Less space in the city b. Narrow roads, but well maintained c. Heavy traffic because of small road space d. Hong Kong has greatly limited space for cars e. Parking is expensive f. The British style of driving that involves using cars with left-handed drive

Requirements to rent a car Renting a car follows a similar process, as in other parts of the world. Drivers are expected to be at least twenty-one years of age. It is preferable to be above 24 years. Some car rental firms rent specific make of cars to clients below the age of 25. The rates vary according to the type of companies, where small firms provide the most affordable rates. Large firms offer promotions and deals with attractive rates. Most companies provide chauffeur services, while others allow self-drives. Prices are calculated on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. 66

b. Hold a valid Hong Kong license or foreign driver’s license. There is the option of renting a car with a driver c. Pay a deposit when picking up a car, and it is refundable when returning it. The amount varies with the type of company, but can be similar to the price for car rental

e. You pay the price depending on the period, time of the week (slightly higher on weekends), type of cars (expensive for high-end vehicles), and location (cheaper within Hong Kong but expensive for crossing the border) f. You can extend the time for renting a car where necessary; otherwise you are supposed to return the vehicle before the set deadline and obtain a refund of the deposit when the vehicle is in good condition

Useful Resources: Hong Kong Automobile Association are accessed at Website: www.hkaa.com.hk/ Tel: 3583-3615/3469 Email: membership@hkaa.com.hk

Regent Limousine Service: Website: www.regentlimo.com.hk Email: marketing@regentlimo. com.hk Tel: (852) 2314 7946

CAR OR PRIVATE VEHICLE Avis: Website: www.avis.com.hk Tel: (852) 2890 6988 / 28822927 Website: rentacar@avis.com.hk Email: rentacar@avis.com.hk

Jubilee International Tour Company Address: 2/F Amtel Bldg, Des Voeux 144-148, Central HK Website: www.jubilee.hk Email: sales.jbl@jubilee.hk Tel: (852) 3555 5555 More taxies and drivers details are listed in directory section

Driver’s License in Hong Kong The Department of Transport in Hong Kong issues driving licenses. A driving license is compulsory when operating vehicles and the full level is valid for ten years, unless the bearer is approaching seventy years old. The Hong Kong driving license contains less information because it is used together with an identity document. The license does not have the driver’s photo. The current version mainly includes the date of issue, driving entitlements, identity number, and the holder’s name.

Types of licenses There are three major levels of driving licenses in Hong Kong: i. Full license A driver applies for this license after completing the probation period. It is valid for ten years lest you approach seventy-years old. A driver applies for the license, after passing a driving test, to be allowed to drive commercial vehicles. ii. Probationary license An individual applies for a provisional license after passing a driving test for a motor tricycle or motorcycle. The process applies to light-good cars and private vehicles. The bearer is supposed to undergo a one-year probation. The period is extended to another half year if the driver is charged with a minor traffic offence, but cancelled in case of a grave traffic offence.

Conditions for using probationary license; • Prohibited to carry a passenger using motor-bicycle • Restricted to 70 km/hr. even when the speed limit allows it • Having P-plate at the back and front of the car • Not allowed to use right lane in a three-lane motorway iii. Learner’s license Applicable to new drivers to drive only class 22 or 3 motorcycles, class 2 light goods car, and class 1 private car. An individual is permitted to apply for learner’s license before doing the written test.

Conditions for using learner’s license • Permitted to carry the driving instructor only • Driver under the guidance of a skilled driving instructor

(Source: Department of Transport)

• Have L-plate at the back and front of the car 67

CAR OR PRIVATE VEHICLE Procedure to apply for a driving license a. Complete all the necessary application forms that could be obtained from the Internet. The forms are also available in Licensing Offices and available Post Office, Public Enquiry Service Centres, Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Transport. b. Forward the completed forms along with other supporting documents by post or in person to licensing offices, after paying the required fee.

International Driving License means a translated copy of the original driver’s Licence issued by the State licensing authority in India. All Indian states issue International Driving License via the local RTO office or Motor Vehicle Department. Hong Kong driving license and procedures In Hong Kong, the procedures are different from that of Japan in the matter of new Driving Permits or converting a Driving Permit into the Hong Kong pattern.

Tel: (852) 2804 2600 / (852) 1823

Visitors not planning to stay in Hong Kong for more than one year are allowed to drive using foreign driving licenses. If the stay exceeds that period, they must exchange their overseas driving licence for a Hong Kong version provided the licence has been issued by one of the approved countries.

How to Apply or renew driving license in Hong Kong (step by step process, no word limit)

In case the driving licence is not from an approved country, a temporary driving licence will be issued, until the Hong Kong driving test is cleared.

Relocation to a new country also entails securing important documents including a driving license that can also double up as an ID proof to access local services and other facilities. It is important to know the procedures and rules involved in obtaining driving license in Tokyo or Hong Kong.

Citizens holding overseas driving licenses in Hong Kong can apply for a full-fledged Hong Kong driving license without the driving test if the driving license was issued by an approved country.

The licensing services in Hong Kong can be accessed at the following link: https:// www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/driving_licences/index. html

Hong Kong attracts lots of people for tourism and professional purposes and many also relocate. For them an established government ID proof like Driving License will be useful for a hassle-free life style.

Options for Indians to obtain driving license Get an International Driving License An Indian citizen who wants to drive a car or motorbike in a foreign country must obtain an International driving license or International Driving Permit from the local RTO office. An international driver’s license will come in handy for an Indian to rent vehicles or drive in foreign lands, like Japan and Hong Kong, during their visit. 68

However, the overseas driving licence must be valid and not expired and obtained after passing a driving test at the issuing place. For issuing a Hong Kong driving licence of the same class/category as the existing licence, an applicant must satisfy one of the following conditions: • The applicant must have lived at least six months in the place where the licence was issued. • He must possess the licence for at least five years before applying for the exchange. • He must possess passport of the country where the licence was issued If the above requirements are not met, a test will be compulsory. The Transport Department has all the information and the licence exchange application form (TD63A) can be downloaded.

CAR OR PRIVATE VEHICLE The following documents are required: • The original and photocopy of the overseas driving licence with a certified translation if the language is other than English or Chinese.

• The Transport Department website has the temporary license application form (TD181) available for download. • Documents for a temporary license

• Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance with the above criteria

• The application should be submitted in person to the Hong Kong Licensing Office with the following documents:

• Applicants above the age of 70 must have a medical certificate under form TD256

• Original passport

• Address proof issued in the last three months • Required fee as specified

• Overseas driving licence and an officially certified translation if the language is other than English or Chinese

• Passport

• Hong Kong Identity Card

• All supporting documents both in original and photocopy.

• Proof of address issued within the last three months

Temporary Driving Licences • A temporary driving licence will be issued if the applicant’s overseas driving licence was issued by a country not on the approved list. • A temporary driving licence will be valid for 12 months before taking a driving test.

When to apply for driving test For the Hong Kong driving test, the application should be submitted within three months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong. If the applicant fails in any part of the driving test, the temporary license will be withdrawn and no fresh license will be issued.

Norms for temporary driving license in Hong Kong To receive a temporary licence, one of these requirements are compulsory: Must have lived for at least six months in the place where the license was issued • Or, there was a license for at least five years before applying for the temporary license • Or, a passport of the country where the license was issued

• Any other documentary proof of compliance with the above criteria • A medical certificate for those applicants aged 70 or above • Those not satisfying the above criteria will have to take a driving test in Hong Kong. Even though the procedures may appear hard and time-consuming, it is ideal to follow the guidelines while applying for fresh driving permits or converting to the format of the country into where you have moved.

Buying a car in Hong Kong Owning a vehicle is not a priority in Hong Kong. The city is well-connected and small, making car ownership an unnecessary luxury. Hong Kong has an environment-friendly, economical, and efficient public transport system. Therefore, it is easy to get by without owning a car. However, purchasing a car appears attractive when an individual decides to live away from the city or as families grow. Some precautions need to be taken before deciding on buying a car. 69

CAR OR PRIVATE VEHICLE a. You have to be a resident to purchase a new or used car in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Automobile Association is accessed at

b. You need a local driving license and Hong Kong identity card

Website: www.hkaa.com.hk/ Tel: (852) 3583-3615/3469

c. You need to take an extra precaution while checking the mileage and history of vehicles

Practical steps when purchasing a car

d. Conduct search on the internet about the car mileage, condition, age, and model before initiating the purchase process e. Ask for a drive-in showroom or garage to check and test drive the vehicle to ensure it is in good condition f. Pay for a trusted mechanic or get one from the Hong Kong Automobile Association, who does the following: i. Organize road test ii. Check suspension, brakes, tires, and wheels iii. Inspects steering system, transmission, and air conditioning iv. Checks the cooling system, fuel system, and engine ignition v. Inspects electrical equipment, and the structure and body of the car

1. Decide on affordability Consider whether you have enough finances, especially when intending to take out a loan. 2. Select the car of your choice A proper car needs to be fuel efficient and in good condition, particularly for second-hand vehicles 3. Source for funds to purchase the car There are two options: The first is to get a loan through in-house financing. The second option is to get a loan from a bank, which can either be a secured vehicle loan or personal loan. It is good to read and understand the terms and conditions. 4. Obtain insurance coverage It is mandatory to have insurance before driving off. Hong Kong requires all motor vehicles to have insurance covers for third-party risks. Select insurance that satisfies your driving style. For further details, explore the insurance section in this book.

SHOPPING Hong Kong Shopping world Even though the retail market in Hong Kong has been hit hard due to the pandemic, the supermarkets, grocery, and food stores remain rather unaffected. The reason behind this is that during lockdown, people had developed a habit of stocking large quantities of essential items at home. Also, with the restaurants and other food joints being shut, cooking different items at home became a national hobby. Due to these factors, the grocery stores and supermarkets got a boost.

Shifting toward online shopping: Although some people still prefer shopping for essentials like food grains, dairy, vegetables, fruits, etc., by visiting the stores personally, with increasing COVID cases, changes in shopping behaviour of people are seen and many are shifting from bulk buying to online shopping. According to a few surveys on online shopping behaviour, during COVID, most-purchased items online were food, groceries, personal hygiene products, and masks in Hong Kong. In food items, dry food items were in demand the most. Some of the best websites for buying groceries, greens, medicines, and other essentials in Hong Kong. To know more details about shopping essential online, please visit following link: https://international-desi.com/shopping-after-covid-times/

Women Fashion Trends For 2022 Since the lockdown is over, we can do well to be set for some of the latest fashion trends for women in 2022. We can now socialize again and get ready

for clothes that are not the tracksuit-clad uniform. And, if you are ready then we will be bringing to you a carefree wardrobe and looks that are not only nostalgic but celebratory. If you are ready for the women’s fashion trends For 2022, then keep reading.

Fashion Trends For Women Some of the women fashion trends for 2022 are: 1. The saturated shirts Now, you can go really big with solid shirts that come in bold hues. While they were originally spotted at Valentino in Kelly Green, you can have shades of tangerine, deep violet, and even chartreuse. With these saturated shirts, you will be making a loud statement with your transition back to the office. You can always make use of it as a chic beach cover-up too. 2. Baggy Jeans If there is one thing Gen Z is trying to bring back, it has to be the super baggy jeans. Aside from baggy jeans, Gen Z is also trying to get us to tweeze our eyebrows like the length of the 90s, and though we will not, baggy jeans are quite acceptable. Your oversized denim will match perfectly with some going-out tops even though they are a great natural choice when you are running errands around town since they are very comfortable. 3. The Y2K It does not matter if you support this fashion trend or not, but it must be noted that in 2022, Y2k is back, and it is back with a vengeance. Leading the pack of designers is Blumarine’s Nicola Brognano reviving this early aught. 71

SHOPPING However, when it comes to the Y2k the fashion trends people are going for have to do with placing butterflies on all things, candy-colored sunglasses, and even asymmetric hemlines. 4. The matching swim cover-ups Since the summer is fast approaching, get prepared with your beach day attire that has a new crop of matching cover-ups. Both IG swimwear brands and designers are releasing diverse options. These options range from the normal sarongs, and now include cardigans, skirts, and even printed shrugs to match bikinis. 5. Maxi Knits Since it gets warm, the first thing that gets to your mind will not be knitwear but we have designers such as Chloe cutting them for the summer. The crochet maxis will give you the ideal amount of airflow. So, you will need to decide on a level of opacity and wear one during the pool days and even wear some for casual weddings. 6. Pleated skirts A wearable trend for women’s fashion to come out on the runway has to do with pleated skirts. Even though you will find a light scattering of mini incarnation that is reminiscent of your favorite tennis skirt for both summer and spring, you will find out that it is all about the pleated midi. Aside from that, there are no rules as you can wear colorful, printed, monochrome, or plain ones with Knits or a bralette. The only thing important is that it is pleated. 7. Low slung waists While high-rise jeans have filled our wardrobes for more than a decade, the spring fashion trend for women this year is having so much ‘00s with the low-slung waist making its way back. Since it is all about bearing the midriff, there is no trend value in going for a low rise and hiding beneath a long knit. Now, you can go for cropped tops. 72

8. Super sheer If you are looking for ways to have fun with your fashion sense after spending two years in lockdown wearing tracksuits, you can have a good moment with super sheer fabrics this spring. Do not forget that they are layered brilliantly to protect modesty thus making this trend one of the most flexible in 2022. 9. Liquid metal Now, you can do the metallic spangle without using sequins, even though they are sometimes damaging to our environment. However, you can get the shine or glow you need by using liquid metal sheens in gold and silver colours. They are more gentle, grown-up, and have a contemporary take on shimmer. They will give you a molten feel that is luxurious as shimmering fabrics fall around your body. 10. White Suiting Although suiting may be off the sartorial radar for months now since people began working from the comfort of their home wearing loungewear, now, this old staple is coming back with a vengeance. While returning to the office you can dress stark white and entirely with show-stopping accents from your waist ties to the contrast black hardware plus bold shoulders. 11. The ultra mini minis While pleated skirts may be considered to be midi for the season, all others are definitely raising the hemlines to a minuscule length. They are minis that supermodels of the 1990s would have worn proudly with half their thighs exposed. You can go for super statement shades, fabrics, or prints to make sure that though the skirt might be small, it can always pack a real punch. 12. Strap it all up In recent times, Strapped accent shave has been gathering popularity. However, it is taking a huge hold in the women fashion trends for 2022.

SHOPPING Irrespective of it being a top with multi straps across your shoulders and décolletage, trousers with strapped waistband crisscrossing the stomach, or both, you will need to forgo all worries of tan lines and get your strap on. 13. Accessorised legs Though thighs are going to stay in our winter wardrobes, summertime will have us forgetting to dress our legs. As long as they are fully covered in SPF and not getting overheated, we do not mind. However, all of these will change in 2022 as thigh-high boots that have feathered trims, embroidered hosiery, and lace leggings are taking the stage. 14. Bulky bags It is formally time to stop our affair with small bags as the women fashion trends for 2022 comes with the biggest and bulkiest totes that are taking the world of handbags by storm. If you are among those with an endless array of essentials and struggling to get them inside your tiny bag, you have nothing to worry about now. Conclusion As it stands, the women fashion trends for 2022 have lots of old styles coming back into fashion since the lockdown did not allow us to access our fashion sense. However, if you need to get back into the fashion game, you can read through this article to begin.

High end Shopping Malls Landmark: located in the heart

of Central this high end shopping mall is home to over 200 top tier luxury brands and flagship fashion outlets with fine dining options such as Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, a world class Italian restaurant with three Michelin stars. This is a proud host to Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Harvey Nicholas, Tiffany and Co. Prada, TOD’s and the like. Address: 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2500 0555 Website: www.landmark.hk How to reach: By MTR: reach central station and take Exit-G

The International Finance Centre (IFC): This skyscraper Located at the wa-

terfront of centraL Hong Kong is a world class business and leisure centre and forms a prominent landmark in the city. This arcade has several shopping brands spread out on different floors but the main highlight of the mall is the flagship Apple store and Lane Crawford, the city’s best known departmental store and also a host to the world’s only Agnes b store. The fourth floor of the building has an open terrace which gives a good view of Victoria harbour. Address: 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2295 3308 How to reach: By MTR reach Hong Kong Station take Exit F. Website: www.ifc.com.hk

Pacific Place: Nestled in the heart of admiralty this place is one of the oldest shopping malls in HongKong. This huge building has three five star hotels in the premises the Conrad, Shangri La, and JW Marriott. Starting from optical shops to top fashion brands and flowers to antiques all are available in the high end mall. It is a mixture of most of the high priced brands and also a few moderate priced stores. The main highlight of this mall is the big Nicholas Harvey outlet. Address: 88 Queensway, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2844 8988 How to reach: there are many buses stopping opposite to pacific place: 1, 5B, 6, 6X, 10, 23, 23A, 25, 111, 113, 115, 260, 681, 690, 960, 961, 962, 968, 969, A11 and E11. By MTR: reach admiralty station and walk towards Exit -F. Website: www.pacificplace.com.hk

Harbour City:

located in the centre of Tsim Sha Tsui, a flourishing recreational and shopping area in Hong Kong. Known as one of the largest shopping malls in the city. This big shopping complex is three malls in one Gateway Arcade, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Centre and is home to more than 450 shops and more 73

SHOPPING than 50 restaurants. Don’t forget to pick a map once you are inside the mall to avoid confusion. Address: 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui ,Hong Kong Tel:2118 8666 Website: www.harbourcity.com.hk How to reach: Reach TsimSha Tsui Mtr and Take Exit L6

The Elements, International Commercial Centre (ICC): this is situated

to all kinds of cosmetics like Shiseido, Lancôme and the like is the home to mid range and decent enough shops to pick from. Address: 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island Tel:D2, D3, or D4 Website:www.sogo.com.hk How to reach: By MTR reach Causeway baY station take Exit no D2, D3, or D4 To reach the mall.

in the budding business centre but its location and a famous Ritz Carlton above the shopping place makes it one of the sought after luxurious places. This is home to famous designer luxury fashion brands, electronics,watches and jewelry outlets.

Langham Place: Located in the centre of Mongkok is this fifteen storey building which is the fashionable landmark of Kowloon. This mall has a labyrinth of shops to choose from which include good international brands and food outlets and so on.

Address: 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Service Hotline: 2735 5234 Website: www.elementshk.com How to reach: By Bus: 8,11,215X,203E,259B ,270P,281A,296D. All these buses reach to Kowloon Mtr bus terminus. By Mtr: Reach Kowloon station walk out of the station and follow the mall directions displayed on the info board.

Address: L1 & L4 Customer Service Centre, Langham Place Shopping Mall, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon Tel: 852 3520 2888, 852 3520 2800 (24hour) Website: www.langhamplace.com.hk

Festival Walk: This mall started in 1998

was the biggest mall in Hong Kong when it started until other bigger ones came up. This mall is seven storeyed building with all international brands and very less of local brands. Address:Level 3, Festival Walk Tower, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Tel:28442200 Website: www.festivalwalk.com.hk How to reach: Take either Kwun Tong Line or East Rail Line to reach Kowloon Tong Mtr and take Exit C to reach the mall.

Mid Range shopping Malls SOGO: situated in the vibrant city of cause-

way bay, this outlet is the largest Japanese style departmental store which is home 74

Times Square(Central):

this is the vibrant place in Hong Kong for shopping. This place has a variety of middle range shopping outlets. The open piazza of the square has become the most sought after venue for exhibition. Spread over 16 floors it boasts of over 230 brands and electrical outlets. This beautiful place lights up at night bustling with people. Address: 1 Matheson Street | Causeway Bay, Hongkong tel: 852 2118 8900 Website: www.timessquare.com.hk

The Olympian City: located in the heart of west kowloon is this premium shopping mall which has all trusted brands like H & M ,Zara, UNIQLo and the like. Placed just outside the Olympic station this is easy to find. If you are anywhere in line. It’s worth a visit. Address: 18 Hoi Ting Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: 27404108 Website: www.olympiancity.com.hk

SHOPPING How to reach: By Mtr reach Olympic station and exit via ExitA.

City gate Outlets: This shopping arcade

is the main attraction of Tung Chung. This is located just above the Tung Chung station and just beside the tung chung bus terminus. It is directly connected to the Novotel citygate. This makes a good shopping place for people staying in the hotel and to the passengers transiting through Hong Kong airport.

Address: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Tel:(852) 2109 2933 Website: www.citygateoutlets.com.hk How to reach: Take mtr to Tung Chung station and take ExitC, at the entrance is the citygate outlet.

List of Street Markets These markets are the heart of the traditional Hong Kong life. Walking around the street markets gives you a local feel with all the open shops selling clothes antique pieces watches shoes electronics you name it. You can bargain at these shops as such shopping here does not come heavier on your pocket. Take a look at a few famous street markets listed below.

Ladies Market: This is one of the most famous street markets in Hong Kong flocked by the tourists and residents alike. This is a best bargain shopping place mostly for clothes. As the name says the market has goods mainly for women but there are clothes available for men and children. Other than clothes accessories, hand bags, household items and souvenirs are also available. Open Hours: these stalls are open from noon until midnight. To get a real feel of the hustle and bustle of a local market visit after 7pm. How to reach: take MTR reach Mongkok subway station. Take Exit E2. Walk two crossings to reach the market. Or take Bus no 6 to reach Nathan Road and stride along the road to reach market.

Temple Street Night Market: placed in Jordan this iconic street markets in Hong Kong is the best place to go at the end

of the day. This is the best place to enjoy the feel of shopping unlike the other open markets. Spread across the small street are small stalls selling a variety of items ranging from T-shirts, tea sets, embroidered purses, antiques and fake copies of Branded items are available at a cheaper price. This is Open from afternoon 4pm till midnight but the best time to visit is around 8pm to enjoy the feel of crowds. How to reach: reach Jordan subway station and take Exit A. Walk three streets away to reach the market. Or reach Yau Ma Tei station and take Exit C. Walk on Man Ming street to reach the market.

Stanley Market: Located very near to the beautiful Stanley beach this market is the best place to buy authentic Chinese souvenirs for friends and family. This a place to buy traditional Chinese dresses, Chinese art and crafts, silk garments and the like. After all the shopping walk along the beach and enjoy the best food in the stalls on the beach. How to reach: Reach Causeway Bay station from ExitB take bus no 40 to the beach or take bus numbers 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 (from Exit D of Bus Terminal in Exchange Square, Chung Wan.

Jardine’s crescent:

Among the big buildings in the microcosm called causeway bay nestled is this small street market. Here you can find goods common to all open markets, shoes, bags, household items and accessories. Shops here are Open from noon till midnight. How to reach:

Ap Liu Street Market or the Electronics market: located in Sham Shui

Po this market is famous for selling a variety of old and used electronic products. One may be fooled by this to be a normal market like other open ones but the sellers here are mostly technology experts. Good electronic products are sold here for much cheaper prices but ones needs to watch out for tricksters. Available in the shops inside the street are some toys, gifts , coins and watches for children. 75

SHOPPING Open from Noon till midnight. How to reach: Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po station. Reach temple street. Either

walk till the Apliu street or take a taxi to the market. It’s a three kilometer walk from temple street.

Useful References: Online Shopping Aanya For Indian Fashion Website: www.aanya.com.hk

Mango Fashion for women Website: www.shop.mango.com/HK

Marks & Spencer Fashion for family and imported Food items Website: www.marksandspencer.com

Guru Nanak Hockey Tournament

U Buy: For Electronics shopping Website: https://www.ubuy.hk

Zalora Fashion for men and women Website: https://www.zalora.com.hk More Hong Kong Designers and Custom Tailors are listed in directory section of this book.

MEDICAL CARE

The health care system in Hong Kong falls under two heads, public and private. Any resident having a Hong Kong Identification Card can access public health facilities without any hassle. Insurance is not necessary for patients coming under the eligibility criteria. In brief, private hospitals are institutions operating on their own and are on the higher end when it comes to charges. Those persons with insurance cover can opt for private medical services. There are pros and cons to each. While private hospitals and clinics have options from which to choose for doctors and appointment timing, public hospitals don’t.

Patients have to go through the grind of procedures and wait for long hours if the case is not deemed critical. Private services are a better option for minor issues to escape long waiting hours. There are 13 private hospitals registered under the hospital authority and 41 public hospitals (operating under seven clusters, based on districts). Read on to find a list of a few public and private hospitals from which to pick.

Useful References:

Ruttonjee Hospital:

This comes under Hong Kong East cluster of hospitals and has a 24-hour accident and emergency service. 77

MEDICAL CARE Admission: patients should have an appointment slip for scheduled appointment or they should register at the hospital’s admission office. Patients need to provide their HKID or a valid travel document at the time of admission to be able to use the government subsidy or they will end up paying full charges. Address: 266 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, HK Tel: (852) 2291 2000 E-mail: rtskh_enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.ha.org.hk/rtskh

Queen Mary Hospital: located in Hong Kong west cluster started in 1937. It is a teaching hospital to Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong. Address: 102 Pokfulam Road, HK Tel: (852) 2255 3838 E-mail: qmh_enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.qmh.org.hk

Tung wah Hospital: Established in 1870 this is the first public hospital, which got a subvention from the Hospital Authority to provide an outpatient service on Chinese Medicine. Address: 12 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, HK Tel: (852) 2589 8111 E-mail: twh_enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www3.ha.org.hk/twh

Kowloon Hospital: Located in central Kowloon this hospital provides multi speciality services. It has one of the country’s largest chest centres which provides support base to Queen Elizabeth and United Christian Hospital. Address: 147A Argyle Street, KLN Tel: (852) 3129 7111 E-mail: kh_enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.ha.org.hk/kh

Queen Elizabeth Hospital: This is one of the biggest public hospitals opened 78

in 1963. It has 15 clinical departments, three specialist clinics and six outpatient clinics. It is also. Teaching hospital to undergraduates training for nurses and doctors. Address: 30 Gascoigne Road, KLN Tel: (852) 3506 8888 E-mail: qeh_webmaster@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.ha.org.hk/qeh

Tseung Kwan O:

It was opened in 1999 has a Chinese Medicine outpatient service. This has opened a day surgery centre of its own started in 2007. Address: No. 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O Tel: (852) 2208 0111 Email: tkoh.enquiry@ha.org.hk

Kwai Chung Hospital: Located in

the western side of Kowloon this Hospital started in 1981. It runs five psychiatric outpatient clinics and aims at building a reintegrating community to the mentally ill. Address: 3-15 Kwai Chung Hospital Road, NT Tel: (852) 2959 8111 E-mail: kch.enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.ha.org.hk/kch/start.html

Princess Margaret Hospital:

coming under the kowloon west cluster of HA(hospital authority) is known as a special trauma centre for the HA. It has two major laboratories operating which work all the hospitals of HA. Address: 2-10 Princess Margaret Hospital Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2990 1111 E-mail: pmh.enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: www.ha.org.hk/pmh

Prince of Wales Hospital: located in the eastern part of New Territories this hospital opened its doors to the public in 1984. It has two major cancer treatment centres for children and boasts of top quality paediatric surgical wards. Moreover it is

MEDICAL CARE

MEDICAL CARE a teaching hospital to the medical faculty of Chinese University of Hong Kong. Address: 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, NT Tel: (852) 3505 2211 E-mail: pwh_enquiry@ha.org.hk Website: http://www3.ha.org.hk/pwh/index.htm

ShaTin Hospital: yet another east-

ern cluster new territory hospital opened in 1991. This hospital has a sleep assessment unit and emphasizes on surgery and adult psychiatry. Address: 33 A Kung Kok Street, Ma On Shan, Shatin, NT Tel: (852) 3919 7500 E-mail: sh_enquiry@ha.org.hk

Tai Po Hospital:

This Hospital was purposefully built to provide extended medical care and rehabilitation to the elderly, chronically ill patients and patients with acute psychiatric problems. This hospital is also home to one of the three designated Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation centres. Address: 9 Chuen On Road, Tai Po, NT Tel: (852) 2607 6111 E-mail: tph_gr@ha.org.hk Website: http://www3.ha.org.hk/tph

Tuen Mun Hospital: coming under the west cluster of New Territory hospitals this started in 1990. It aims at providing a varied range of acute and ambulatory services for the new territories. Address: 23 Tsing Chung Koon Road, Tuen Mun, NT Tel:(852) 2468 5111 E-mail: ntwc.pa@ha.org.hk Website: http://www.ha.org.hk/tmh

Castle Peak Hospital:

this western new territory hospital opened in 1961. Known as the oldest psychiatric hospitals in Hong Kong treats patients from new territories and manages a network of psychiatric day hospitals and clinics.

Address: 15 Tsing Chung Koon Road, Tuen Mun, NT Tel: (852) 2456 7111 E-mail: cph_enquiry@ha.org.hk

List of Private Hospitals

Canossa Hospital (Caritas): Their

mission is to provide quality holistic medical facilities to the community. This catholic hospital is committed to promoting wellness among the patients by working in harmony with patient groups and their families. Appointment: Place a call on the number provided and check the availability of the doctor(s) needed. Admission: for getting admitted it is mandatory for the patient to: - Produce an admission letter duly signed by the doctor attending - Reserve a bed through the attending doctor. - Take an infection assessment by nurses at the infection triage. Patients with serious psychiatric illnesses, contagious diseases and police cases will not be admitted for safety and operational reasons . Address: 1 Old Peak Road, Hong Kong. Email: enquiry@canossahospital.org.hk Tel: (852) 2522 2181

Hong Kong Baptist Hospital: This

is a developed high scale private hospital that delivers quality medical care since years. For Appointment: call on the number provided and make an appointment with the specialist needed and remember that first time visit requires basic registration at the reception. Passport or Hong Kong ID is mandatory for registration. Admission: If advised patients can be admitted upon producing: - The admission letter, duly signed by the doctor who has examined and assessed the patient’s condition.

MEDICAL CARE - Patient’s HKID or passport. - HKID of the person-accompanying patient.

mission make sure to get HKID, birth certificate if it’s a child or a valid travel document

- Medical insurance details or medical if any.

Address: Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital 2 Village Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2572 0211 Email: hospital@hksh-hospital.com

Address: 222 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2339 8888 Email: info@hkbh.org.hk

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital:

Matilda International Hospital: A world famous hospital for out-

standing patient care and modern equipment has been serving patients for 110 years now. They cater to all medical problems but are specialized in orthopaedics and spine, maternal care and ENT. For appointment: Call on the hospital number or there is an option for online booking on their website. Fill the form for booking. The staff will get back to you.

It’s a top quality private hospital they operate in two branches in main locations of Hong Kong. It works towards providing quality medical care to the expat community. Address: 199 Tsuen King Circuit, Tsuen Wan, N.T., Hong Kong Tel: (852) 6018 2809 / 2275 6888 Email: info@twah.org.hk

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road 40 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3651 8888 Email: hkahinfo@hkah.org.hk

Admission: patients can do an online check in prior to the admission to ensure and easier admission. No card or bank details will be collected. It is Mandatory to furnish HKID before admission even for children. No surgery or medicine will be administered until then.

Appointment: online booking is available for few medical services prior to two days.

Address: 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Email: info@matilda.org Tel: (852) 2849 0111

Gleneagles Hospital: This is one of the newest private hospitals. It has a specialized critical care unit and uniquely equipped operation theatres for complex surgeries. Gleneagles is also a private teaching hospital with accreditation and provides training to health care professionals.

Outpatient Department, Matilda International Hospital Address: 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Email: opd@matilda.org Tel: (852) 2849 1500

Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital:

Established in 1922, it is one of the leading private hospitals in Hong Kong, which has over thirty Centres offering diagnosis and therapeutic care. For appointment and ad-

For outpatient services place a separate call on the numbers provided. Admission: patients can be admitted upon producing the admission letter and HKID or a valid travel document.

Address: 1 Nam Fung Path,Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2122 1333 / Mainline: (852) 3153 9000 Appointment: fill the online form provided or call on the hospital number for appointments. Admission: the requirements are the same for all the hospitals - a referral letter, HKID and a letter from the insurance company if you have insurance. Email: enquiry@gleneagles.hk 81

MEDICAL CARE

St. Paul’s Hospital:

Located in causeway bay this private hospital is serving people since 1898. It deep rooted in strong religious beliefs and provides quality health services to the sick.

Union Hospital: Located in New territories this hospital is a dedicated health care provider and aims at becoming a model sustainable hospital. Providing affordable services, this hospital has a lot of awards and accreditations to its name.

Address: 2 Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2830 8888, (852) 2890 6008 Email: enquiry@mail.stpaul.org.hk

Address: 18 Fu Kin Street, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, New Territories Tel: (852) 2608 3388 Email: union@union.org

For appointment and admission call the numbers provided.

Evangel Hospital:

St Teresa’ Hospital: Founded in 1940 this Hospital aims at providing cost effective facilities to its patients. Address: 327 Prince Edward Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2200 3434 Email: sth@sth.org.hk P.s call on the numbers to check availability of appointments.

It’s a non-profit community hospital established in 1950 providing high quality and personalized health care to its patients. Address: 222 Argyle Street, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2711 5222 Email: info@evanhosp.org.hk Appointment: refer to the hospital contact info for booking appointment.

INSURANCE What is life insurance? What is life insurance? Life Insurance – A Life Decision In legal terms, life insurance is a contract between a policyholder and insurer, where the insurer pays a specified sum to the insured’s family upon his/her death. The life insurance sum is paid in exchange for a specific amount of premium that has been paid in advance, over time. More practically, life insurance is designed to minimize the impact of the economic loss your family may face upon your demise. It provides replacement income and security for your loved ones after you are gone. For breadwinners, one of the biggest assets they provide their family is income, so continuation of this very income is important.

In short, life insurance Moreover, you can live assured that wealth preservation is already taken care of for the next generation. Life is beautiful, but also uncertain. The only certainty in life is death, and it pays well to insure it in advance.

Types of life insurance There are so many options available like Traditional, Universal, Investment Linked, Jumbo Life, but I prefer two main types of life insurance. 1. Term Life Insurance offers protection for short-term only, i.e., it is a temporary insurance for a period usually between 1 and 30 years. If you stop paying premiums, the insurance stops. These policies pay out if you die during the term of the policy. The premiums payable are more reasonable, and the policy does not build cash value over time.

2. Whole Life Insurance offer protection for your whole life. They intend to protect your loved ones permanently, as long as you continue to pay your premiums. There are many different payment options, such as paying yearly with a limited pay period of 10-20 years. Many of these policies accumulate cash values and dividends over time.

How much life insurance do you need? The answer to this question depends on your income and the protection your family needs. The goal is to develop an insurance plan that compensates for the loss of your economic contribution. It is always better to cover on the higher side. You should work with a reputable insurance intermediary who can help determine the amount of life insurance you need, by considering: • Is it a back-up plan for life, i.e., being prepared financially under any and every circumstance. It ensures that your family receives financial support in case you are not able to bring in the income yourself. • Replacement income need, i.e., the financial contribution you expect to make toward your family from now until retirement. It broadly should take into account salary, company benefits (if any, such as medical insurance), retirement savings, etc. • Survivor needs analysis, i.e., the amount of income needed for your family to maintain a desired level of income and lifestyle. • Inflation, i.e., protection value should be adjusted for inflation. It’s never too early to start thinking about life insurance and get the financial security you and your family need and deserve. It is better buy insurance while you are young and don’t need it because when you do need it, it’s too late and you cannot get it. 83

INSURANCE Buying and claiming life insurance in Hong Kong Hong Kong has over 150 authorised insurers, out of which over 70 companies are licensed to provide longterm insurance, such as life insurance. Hong Kong is the insurance hub of Asia!

Mr. Lal Hardasani Lal’s Insurance Brokers Ltd. T: +852 2850 5666 | F: +852 2851 7061 E: lal@lals-insurance.com | www.lals-insurance.com 5/F, Wah Yuen Building,149 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong 香港中環皇后大道中 149 號華源大廈 5 樓

Life insurance should be purchased via a trustworthy insurance intermediary, either a broker or agent, who can help you determine what type and amount of protection is needed. Above all, choosing a reputable insurer that provides a good product and excellent service is of utmost importance. In the event of a claim, life insurance is one of the most liquid assets to which your beneficiaries will have access, especially if there are any outstanding debts in your name. Most insurers are able to pay within 30 days for straightforward claims. While other fixed assets may take significantly more time to liquidate, life insurance liquidity ensures additional peace of mind.

Lal & Insurance I have been in the insurance industry for four decades and have witnessed it’s exponential growth in Hong Kong over this time. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) has bestowed upon me their life membership, one of the highest accolades one can receive in insurance. The industry continues to develop and change, and we continue to grow with these developments. I believe my brand is my name and I stand behind it with values of: • Expertise – to provide customised quality insurance solutions based on client needs. • Integrity – commitment to serve clients in a highly professional and ethical manner. • Care – understanding clients’ concerns and supporting them in times of need.

Useful References HSBC via AXA Website: https://www.hsbc. com.hk/insurance/products/ home/helper/ Tel: (852) 2233 3000

AIA Website: https://ishop.aia.com. hk/en/general-insurance/ domestic-worker-protector. html? Tel: (852) 2232-8888

AIG Website: https://www.aig.com. hk/personal/domestic-workerprotection? Tel: (852) 3555 0000

Cigna: Tel: (852) 8100 3975 Website: www.cigna.com.hk/

INSURANCE

Car / Vehicle Insurance Motor vehicle users must insure liability for bodily injury or death of third parties. The Special Administrative Region (SAR) government in Hong Kong is mandated to the issuance of Third-Party Risks concerning the Motor Vehicle Insurance. Under Hong Kong law, it is mandatory for every vehicle to be insured against liability for bodily injury or death to third parties. The minimum coverage required by law on a Third-Party Policy is HK$100,000,000 for any one event resulting in death or bodily injury. The insurance covers several things, such as personal accident coverage of the driver or owner, damage or loss of the insured car, and/or third -party liability for death or bodily image. Most insurance firms in Hong Kong provide a comprehensive package. The policy helps to protect the car, passengers, and the driver or owner from risks while on the road.

Types of Car Insurance There are three major types of car insurance in Hong Kong. 1. Comprehensive Motor Insurance It covers car damage or accidental loss and all losses to third parties. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance It covers property damage for third parties, including the minimum legal requirements for death or bodily injury of third parties. 3. Act only Insurance It covers only the death and bodily injury of third parties. It is the minimum requirement for the car to be permitted to operate on the road.

Partial list of car insurance providers in Hong Kong Hong Kong has attracted the majority of the leading insurance firms in the world. Therefore, the city has one of the most advanced insurance markets. a. Life Insurance It includes China Life, AIA International, Prudential, and HSBC Life

b. Non-life insurance It includes Bupa, Zurich Insurance, Local CTPI Hong Kong, and AXA General. Further details on insurance forms and motor insurance can be accessed at www.hkfi.org.hk

Benefits of car insurance Car insurance helps in protecting against the likely damages to a car, despite being a requirement in regulatory laws. Additional benefits are a. Protects against legal liability involving third-party car accidents b. Covers damage or loss of car with sometimes free depreciation for repairs of new vehicles c. Replace an old car that has suffered complete loss because of accidents or theft. Replacement can either be for the same model or make of car. d. Protection with No Claims Discount (NCD) e. People enjoy safe driving in the knowledge that a third party is covered using comprehensive insurance covers.

Useful Reference: AXA

Website: https://car.axa.com.hk/ Tel: (852) 2867 8688 Email: axa.direct.gi@axa.com.hk

HSBC via AXA (Third party)

Tel: (852) 2233 3000 Website: https://www.hsbc.com. hk/insurance/products/car/

Zurich

Website: https://www.zurich.com. hk/en/individuals/motor-insurance Tel: (852) 2903 9391

AIG

Website: https://www.aig.com.hk/ personal/auto Tel: (852) 3666 7033

Blue Cross

Website: https://www.bluecross. com.hk/en/motor-insurance/ Information Tel: (852) 3608 2988 85

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Travel Insurance Buying travel insurance becomes necessary in order to travel without worrying about health, personal injury, lost baggage, delays, etc.

Useful Reference: Manulife

Blue Cross

Link: https://www.manulife. com.hk/en/individual/products/ others/general-insurance/travelinsurance-and-others.html Tel: (852) 2510 3941

Link: https://www.bluecross. com.hk/en/Annual-TravelInsurance/Information Tel: (852) 3608 2988

Citibank Link: https://www.citibank.com. hk/english/insurance/travelinsurance/index.htm Tel: (852) 2860 0111

AIG Tel: (852) 3666 7022 / 3555 0000 Link: ttps://www.aig.com.hk/ personal/travel-insurance?

If you have time, you can compare the travel insurance plan at various websites such as Moneysmart here: Link: https://www.moneysmart. hk/en/travel-insurance/ insurance-plans?

Lifestyle and Recreation Best Networking Options In Hong Kong And How To Start With It must be understood that making new friends and meeting up with people of like minds with you is quite simpler than you thought. However, it is only easier thanks to networking and some networking events that take place in the great city. Before we delve into all the juicy details, you must have it in mind that networking can be a difficult task for some people. Plus, the thought of having no idea where to begin can be overwhelming. As a thriving city, it is best to integrate networking into your private and professional lives. This can be done through attending art exhibitions, taking up creative courses in Hong Kong, or even joining diverse running races. Are you new to Hong Kong? If you are up to the task of asking new friends that will share the same passions as you, then you should check out some of the best networking options or events in this great city.

Building Networks In Hong Kong It does not matter whether you seek new friends or trying to build up a business network in Hong Kong, we have some of the best ways you can meet friends and expand that business of yours.

Some of which are through: 1. GSN; Global Science Networking The first thing to note about GSN is that it was established in 2012 and has successfully brought together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in Hong Kong. It has managed to do this by continuously organizing diverse events, dining gatherings, outdoor activities, and of course theme parties. Understand that, GSN offers a secure platform for those who are pre-

pared to connect and share their life experiences and business acumen in the city. If you are interested, then you can join the Global Social Networking group to stay updated about the latest events and cool things to check out in town. 2. Meetup https://www.meetup.com/cities/hk/hong_ kong/ If you want to meet people at heavily business-related events, then the best way is to join the Meetup platform. For those unaware, it is a platform that has plenty of activities and events with the host being the local community. Are you ready to expand your business and social circle? This platform is known to organize plenty of business and career-related events. You can take advantage of this by participating in these events whenever you are free. 3. Your Colleague One of the vital channels you can use in expanding your business network is none other than through your co-workers. It is very much OK to talk to those that work in the same office as you. You should not be scared to invite them over for lunch or drinks after the day’s work. Through such hangouts, you may be shocked to know that your colleague has great expertise and competence in areas where you are slacking behind. More so, they can freely share business insiders with you and some may end up being your mentors for your career, if not even becoming your best friends. 4. Volunteer in NGOs If you have causes that you are passionate about such as poverty, environmental conservation, and even women empower87

INSURANCE ment, then you can join an NGO in the city. Through these NGOs, you will be able to create new friendships and of course, expand that business network.

develop new skills. It does not matter the class you sign up for, you will meet people who share the same creativity and mindset as you.

You will find intriguing NGOs in Hong Kong such as World Vision, Food angel, Plan International and so much more. It is advisable that you are not scared of taking the first step in expanding your business network and social circle. It will be worth your time.

It could be a cooking class or even a painting class, irrespective of the class, you can start building your business network with these people. Understand that, the city of Hong Kong is diverse and anything you want to learn or do will be found in it.

5. PHP Consultant A very simple way to make friends and simultaneously grow your business network in Hong Kong is by talking to PHP consultants.

9. Bars and nightclubs Do you love to party? An interesting place for you to meet cool-headed people in Hong Kong is LFK; Lan Kwai Fong. You can go to any bar or nightclub at LFK and begin talking with people.

As you work with lots of people, PHP consultants do have an extensive network of expatriates in Hong Kong for foreigners who find themselves in the big city. With PHP you can get connected with people that share the same passions as you. 6. Engaging in sporting activities When you pick up a sport or join any sports team, it will help you meet some new people and expand your business network. If you never knew, Hong Kong residents are into Western sports such as: • • • •

Swimming Badminton Football, and even; Basketball

It is best to know that sport is a huge deal in the city. And, if you have no idea where to begin, some amazing choices are YWCA and YMCA. 7. Connect with the friends of your friends If you already have friends in Hong Kong, you should connect with them. And in no time, these friends can invite you to hang out with their friends. They will do this especially when they know you all have some things in common. 8. Partake in joining a class For those that are not big on sporting activities, you may partake in joining a class to 88

From here, you can make new friendships and expand your business network with easy conversations over cocktails. If LFK is not for you, then Wan Chai is another home to some British-styled bars to meet new people. 10. Hanging out with those that share same hobby as you An amazing way to network your business and make friends can be done through that hobby of yours. If you enjoy outdoor games or hiking, you can team up with others that share same passion. And, in no time you will find yourself hanging out with a team of people who not only share same hobbies, but help out with business ideas and career growth. Conclusion On a general note, Hong Kong is practically a metropolis city that is filled with foreign talents from all over the world. Some people refer to this city as a home far from home. We advise that you do not be overcome by shyness and use any of the networking mediums we have outlined above to broaden your business and make new friends.

INSURANCE Useful References Dos and Don’ts when Travelling to Hong Kong Please use the link below to read the article published in 2020 https://international-desi.com/ dos-and-donts-when-travellingto-hong-kong/

The India Club Mr. Nanu P. Lachman, President 24, Gascoigne Road, King’s Park, Kowloon Email: plachman@lachman.com.hk

Indian Recreation Club Amigos – The Young Millionaires Group Mr. Rajkumar Sabnani President 901 Lippo Sun Plaza, 28 Canton Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong Email: thehkamigos@gmail.com, raj@netvigator.com

Online Groups: Hong Kong Moms: This is widely popular among women and men, as well as where residents write their queries and seek a reply. HK Indian Mom for Indian moms in Hong Kong. If you wish to join, please send the request here https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1513865288927648/

GeoExpats Hong Kong community forum for jobs, business, networking, classifies and more… Website: https://geoexpat.com

More associations and their details are listed in directory section in this book. Hong Kong Desi If you are looking to promote your business, or buy items on discounted rate, you will find

The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong Ms. Bharti Manek, Chairperson 2/F., Hoseinee House, 69 Wyndham St., C., Hong Kong Email – chairman@icchk.org.hk

Hong Kong Desi Community support services via website, and social networking medium. To join the whatsapp and telegram groups, please email at hongkong.desi@gmail.com

For Ladies: Kowloon Indian Ladies Group Mrs. Deepa Gidwani President C/o Sigma Electronic (HK) Ltd. 16/Fl. Unit 527, Block “A”, 34-36 Au Pul Wan Street, N.T. Hong Kong Email: deepa@sigmaltd.com

The Hong Kong Indian Women’s Club Mrs. Indra Banga, President HKIWC, GPO BOX 3167 Email - indra.banga@gmail.com many small business owners including event managers and restaurant owners are advertising their products and services here. Hong Kong Desi also provides WhatsApp group and telegram group services to support their members for their daily needs/ queries. If you wish to join the group, please contact admin at – hongkong.desi@gmail.com To join the group, please send the request here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hongkongdesi/

AMIGO “AMIGOS THE YOUNG MILLIONAIRES GROUP, has successfully completed 9 years and has proudly entered into its 10th year in 2022. The Group takes pride that in a very short span of time Amigos has become a well89

INSURANCE known name among the Indian Community in Hong Kong and has established itself as a strong community group with the whole hearted participation & support of all group members, leading to large number of new members being added to the group bringing variety & diversity to the group. Currently, Amigos consists of 150 members and the Amigos Family continues to grow in size with 12 members on committee board. It was in year 2012, Mr Rajkumar Sabnani, who is a well-known personality in the Indian community of Hong Kong, came up with the idea for creating a group different from the other social groups in Hong Kong and took it upon himself to be the permanent President and Founder of the group. AMIGOS, is a non-profit, social organization with an object to promote social, religious and cultural integration of its members, mainly the persons of Indian origin. Besides organizing highly entertaining socio-cultural events, the group is also dedicated to charitable causes and continues to work towards the upliftment of the society. The group is just like a big family with just one motive: Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment for Amigos family members throughout the year.”

Hindu Temples Kowloon Hindus Temple as popularly known in Hong Kong caters to religious and spiritual needs of the residents of Hong Kong. The temple organizes various festivals and functions throughout the year as per Hindu calendar. Mr Notan Tolani Ji is president of Hindu temple committee in Hong Kong. Regular Activities / Functions of Hindu Mandir Kowloon

Hindu Mandir Kowloon Timings: Daily 8 am to 1.30 and 4.30 to 7.30 pm 90

Monday: full day open for shiva Abhishek Tuesday: Mata’s chowki 6.30 to 8.00 pm Sunday: 9.00am to 10.30 Guru Nanik’s Asadivar satsang Sunday: 11.am to 12.30 pm Nirankari satsang Monthly first Friday Sukhmani Sahib reciting 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm Sunder Kand: First Saturday sunder kand reciting 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm Celebrations: All other festival are celebrated as per Hindu calendar every year.

Happy Valley Temple Happy Valley Temple offers ritual as well as religious services to Hindus living in Hong kong island. Followings are the list of annual programs celebrated at the Hindu Temple, Happy Valley during the year

Festivals a. MAHA SHIVARATRI b.HOLI c. NAVARATRI d.RAM NAVAMI e. CHETI CHAND f. HANUMAN JAYANTI g. SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI h. SHREE GANESH CHATURTHI i. RAKSHABANDHAN j. RADHA ASHTAMI k. KARVA CHAUTH l. NAVARATRI m. DASSEHRA n. DIWALI (DEEPAVALI)

Hong Kong Secrets One of the biggest hidden secrets of Hong Kong is that the territory houses the biggest chain of hexagonal volcano rocks in the world. Hundreds of millions of years old and formed by the contraction of lava, rock debris and volcanic ash, these startling features now stand amid the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

INSURANCE Useful References: 18 Grams Address: 15-27 Hoi To Court, Cannon St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2893 8988

Elephant Grounds Address: 8 Wing Fung St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2778 2700

NOC Address: 34 Graham Street, Central Tel: N/A

Craft Coffee Roaster Address: 29 Tai Kok Tsui Rd, Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 5109 6770

Omotesando Koffee Address: Shop 24 - 25, 200 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai Tel: (852) 2601 3323

Libraries and Book Clubs Available in Hong Kong at Bookazine (https://bookazine.com.hk/ products/9781444946345).

The Kowloon Public Library at Ho Man Tin Address: 5 Pui Ching Rd, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong

The Sha Tin Public library Address: 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2694 3788

The Hong Kong Girly Book Club This is biggest book club that has over 2000 members. Link: https://www.meetup.com/ The-Hong-Kong-Girly-Book-Club/

Museums List of best museums in Hong Kong

Useful Reference: Hong Kong Museum of History Address: 100 Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2724 9042

Hong Kong Heritage Museum Address: 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2180 8188

Hong Kong Space Museum

Useful references: Hong Kong Central Library

Address: 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2721 0226

Address: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Rd, Causeway Bay Tel: (852) 2921 0503

Tai Kwen Centre for the Art

City Hall Public Library

Hong Kong Science Museum

Address: City Hall, Edinburgh Pl, 5, Central, Hong Kong

Chi Lin Buddhist Library Address: 5th Floor, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2354 1740

Address: 10 Hollywood Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3559 2600

Rd,

Address: 2 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2732 3232

Hong Kong Maritime Museum Address: 11 Man Kwong St, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3713 2500 91

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Art Galleries Hong Kong offers arrays of options and opportunities to artists as well as art lovers. These options include art exhibitions, art jamming, and art galleries and art competitions for budding artists.

Art Exhibitions Art Basel is a for-profit, privately owned and managed, international art fair staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. Art Basel works in collaboration with the host city’s local institutions to help grow and develop art programs.

Art Parties and Art Jamming: Choco L’ART Studio hosts art parties and art jamming, painting course and class Chocolart Hong Kong Address: 2B, Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Artjamming, Address: 4D Yally Industrial Building 6 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2541 8816; artjamming.com Aura Art, Address: 1/F, 16 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2886 3359; auraart.hk Oscary Art, Address: S511 Block A PMQ No. 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9588 1514; oscaryart.com

art, handmade jewellery, and home ware, home décor, etc. It is also place for exploring delicious food options. Address: No.35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong The Mills It is former cotton mill located in Tsuen Wan, and is must visit place for textile and fashion lovers. Many heritage items and facilities have been preserved to their original shape. You can book a free guide on its website in advance before you plan your trek there. Address: 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong Asia Society Hong Kong Centre It is a popular venue in the centre of the city that offers interesting architecture, permanent art pieces, sculpture, and a café. It also offers a venue for short-term exhibitions in the Chantal Miller gallery throughout the year. Address: 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Parks Hong Kong is filled with lush gardens and beautiful parks. There are many spaces where you are able to relax and look at all the amazing plants and trees. Even though there are so many skyscrapers, there are just as many parks. One park you should visit is Hong Kong Park – sort of the Central Park of Hong Kong. It’s nestled in the centre of the city and surrounded by tall skyscrapers.

Art Galleries:

Kowloon Park. An army fortress turned into a park, has beautiful mazes, Chinese gardens, and even a swimming pool. With over 13 hectares of park, this one is definitely worth a visit.

Please visit their websites before you plan your trip to these galleries as their operations may change due to the COVID-19.

Victoria Park is the biggest park on Hong Kong Island, featuring just over 19 hectares of park and a statue of Queen Victoria.

PMQ PMQ is a historical building that is converted into a creative centre for art and design genius. This place offers a unique blend of tasteful design as you come across over 100 independent fashion, modern

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoological and botanical parks in the world; the perfect park for every nature lover. Sung Wong Toi Park is a small, often-forgotten patch in Hong Kong.

Canova Art Address:

INSURANCE And last, but not least, Tsing Yi Park – featuring a waterfall, tennis courts, a soccer pitch, an amphitheatre, and more, this park is beautiful and a must-have on your list. These parks are just the tip of the iceberg and Hong Kong is a city meant to be explored. You will find many more beautiful and amazing parks; we suggest you stop for a while and enjoy nature.

Picnic Spots Come nice weather and people in Hong Kong are seen flocking outdoors either taking a run, trailing on the hiking routes or the best, chilling with family on the open green stretches ubiquitous to Hong Kong. So readers if you are up for a picnic time with family or friends all you need to do is fill your picnic baskets with your favourite wine, cheese and kid friendly foods and head on to one of the picnic spots listed below for you. Don’t forget to pack your mats or rugs to sit on.

Inspiration Lake: This place is our fam-

ily favourite spot to relax. Located in the Penny’s Bay of Lantau Island this lake is a relaxing recreation centre very near to the iconic Disneyland.The entry here is free and it’s easily accessible by taxi. It’s a big park with a beautiful lake and a big fountain in the centre, though artificial. It takes about an hour to walk around the whole stretch. There is a facility to hire bikes or you can go paddle boating to cover the whole lap of water. The park also has vast green stretches to sit on and picnic or just relax

on a beautiful sunny day. There is a beautiful kid’s play area for the children to have fun. There are enough shaded sit outs if the weather turns unfavourable and what more you have a seven-eleven convenience store and few other shops to grab a quick snack if you haven’t packed any.

Tamar Park:

Located in the Admiralty, this park with its elegant green spacious lawns is a busy spot where most of the Hong Kongers end up. It’s a common place for organising public events, free sports activities and many such leisure activities. The vast stretches of grassy spaces make it the most sought place for picnicking. Fill your bags with your favourite food grab a comfortable rug and enjoy your day with your family in this lovely place with the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour. There are accessible toilets for everyone and a lift to facilitate people with wheelchairs.

Lion Rock Country Park: Located in Shatin this scenic place is a all time favourite for tourists and local people be it hikers or picnickers. Head on to this beautiful park with all your picnic stuff in place early in the day. You can go trekking on the trails of the beautiful hills or jog around the two long jogging trails near the reservoir which is a common spot for all morning walkers and fitness lovers or just walk around the park and enjoy its scenic backdrops. And finally choose a cosy spot to curl with your people and dig into your food basket to enjoy a happy picnic.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park: This a waterfront park located in Sai ying Pun. It is a lovely place for family fun with its wonderful big green lawns spread out against the backdrop of lovely harbour view. This place has a lot to keep every member of your family amused from kids to oldies. Kids can take along their skateboards and scooters as they have paths specially for these. If the weather turns unfavourable families can head into the indoor areas for shade. Kids can enjoy some indoor sports in the indoor sports centre. Head on next time to this lively place whenever you think of picnicking. 93

INSURANCE Victoria Park: This park is located in the

heart of Causeway Bay. Even though it’s nestled in such a bustling place this park still scores as one of the best places to chill as a family. The sprawling stretch of green grass makes it a serene place to lie down and gaze at the blue sky or snooze below the shade of trees with your favourite novel sipping on a drink. Kids can take turns to play in one of the many parks with swings and other playing facilities. This has become one of the common picnic spots in the city.

Wetland Park: Located in Tin Shui Wai

this park is more of an ecological site but still can be a good family outing and an interesting way of spending a day together. Entry is priced at a reasonable $30 per person. You can buy a family pass at the ticketing counter which gives you access to all the zones which you can enjoy as a family like parent child activities based on themes and seasonal activities and a kids corner for the little ones and can wind up at their cafe where you will get kid friendly meals to relish as a family. You may have to follow certain rules like no littering or dining in the open areas but still it’s worth a visit for its varied attractions.

Cyberport Waterfront Park: It’s a peaceful green space which makes way for cyclists, Morning walkers and joggers. Pack up your picnic baskets with your favourite food and tread to this beautiful spot. If you want to spare yourself the pain of packing then good news for you is there is a Recharge cafe at the park’s podium which offers a package with assorted cookies and a picnic rug for a price. Turtle Cove: This is a small 70 meter long

beach located near Sai Wan Ho MTR. It is considered as one of the grade1 beaches under the LCSD. Though small the beach has all facilities like well equipped washrooms, changing rooms, kids play areas,clean shower spaces, small food kiosks and even a few barbecue pits . It is a good place for one day of family fun. Remember to pack your swimwear, frisbees and balls to play on the sand. 94

Lok Fu Park: Also known as the Lok Fu

Reservoir Rest Garden this park where people can go as a family for outing. Here people can do sports, kids can scooter around and biking. As it’s a huge park you can rest your picnic paraphernalia under the shade and take a walk around the beautiful grassy land to explore. There is a huge meadow and can be a comfortable place to nestle under. People picnicking and camping in the cosy corners of the park is a common sight. Enjoy this beautiful place with your dear ones and do remember to stuff in some mosquito repellent in your pocket to keep the swarming mosquitoes.

Grass Island: Located to the north of Sai Kung this place is a beautiful island which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the society and teems with the lush grassy lands and clear water. If you are up for some hiking you can head on to it’s breathtaking trail starting from the Tap Mun pier. On your way up you can see the ancient Tin Hau temple and settle your bags midway near the hilltop pavilion which is by far the best meadows seen. Most of the picnickers will be seen unpacking their stuff and snoozing under the sky at this spot. Pick a spot you like to sit and enjoy your snack with the picturesque water view. Shek O, Dragon’s Back:

Located in Shek O this place gets its name from the way it’s shaped. It is known as one of the best trekking trails and a superb picnic spot. Rest at the sightseeing platform to enjoy your food and soak yourself in the beautiful views of southern Hong Kong and its lovely shore line. Get along your swimwear for you might get tempted to dip in the Big wave Bay beach which looks inviting with its lovely waves.

Barbeque Sites When the weather is beautiful lighting up the grill, feasting with your family and friends is the perfect thing to do with all the roasting on the hot hot barbecue pit. There are a few barbecue spots in Hong Kong that can’t go

INSURANCE amiss with their lovely backdrops. Read on to zero on the one you like.

Pass Road. From the Pass Road you either walk or take a taxi to the park.

Tai Tam Country Park: This park boasts

Butterfly Beach Park: Located in Tuen Mun this beach is breathtakingly beautiful as its name with picturesque views. Though beautiful and nice to retreat this is not a very crowded beach. People come here mostly for camping so it’s common to find a lot of campsites with pitted tents in summer. There are about 80 barbecue pits to choose from. If you are up for some overnight fun. You can pack your camping stuff to bring along with your barbecue necessities for a night out with your family. Worry not if you missed out on packing some of your stuff as there is a Wellcome supermarket very nearby in the Butterfly Plaza . There are jogging tracks,volleyball and basketball courts for game lovers with accessible toilets and few fitness corners for the elderly as well. So this beach is an all in one and can definitely be the best place for outing. Only thing missing is a place to shade under when sunny or rainy.

being the largest in the city and is home to four big water reservoirs. Best known for its scenic trails to trek on this place also has large jogging tracks, children’s play area, a garden specially for the morning walkers. This is where picnickers flock for its beauty and what more it abounds 4 barbecue sites with 55 pits to use. There is one rain shade to rush under in case it starts to rain untimely. Bring along your barbecue paraphernalia as it gets convenient to light up your pit right away. There is one Fusion supermarket near the Parkview entrance though in case you forgot to pack something, this depends again on which pit you choose. But it is always recommended to come all loaded just so that you don’t miss on the fun of roasting by taking trips to the shops.

How to Reach:

Reach Central Station. Take Exit A to emerge on Connaught Road. Take Bus No 6 from the Exchange Square bus terminal to alight at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop and walk to the barbecue spots. You can also take a taxi to the area if you have a lot of stuff to carry.

Lion Rock Country Park: Located in Shatin this place is a beautiful place to enjoy the smoky smell from your barbecue with its sprawling gardens, and line of trees to rest under. The park is now the most sought barbecue location after its recent renovation. It has 26 barbecue pits right under the landmark Lion Rock with a set of big tables and benches fixed near each pit. There are accessible toilets nearby and a children’s play area for the kids to keep the kids engaged while you are busy with roasting. There are pavilions for shade in case it gets rainy or too sunny. They don’t supply charcoal like any other open barbecue spots. You need to bring along your necessities and pack your supplies beforehand as there are no convenience stores near to hunt. How to reach: Reach Wong Tai Sin sta-

tion via MTR. Take Exit B3 and walk towards the right to reach Minibus terminal. From the terminal take left to reach Shatin

How to Reach: By MTR, reach Teun Mun station and take Exit C2 to reach Bus terminal. From there take Bus No:K52 and get down at Butterfly Beach Park Bus stop.By Bus: bus numbers KMB 59X, 59M or 59A pass by the Butterfly Beach Park stop. Silvermine Bay Beach: Located in Mui Wo, a place in south Lantau this beach scores as one of the top five places for barbecue with its huge charcoal pits and long marble seats. Pack your stuff and leave for the beach in the day to make the most of the sunshine. Soak yourself in the sun while taking turns at the barbecue or even better you can light up your charcoal in the evening after sunset, when the beach comes to life. People here crowd the beach mostly in the evenings. Roasting your snack on this beach is perhaps one of the best ideas as Mui wo is a barbecue havens it spares you the pain of packing all the stuff. There is a line of shops near the pier selling a large range of marinated meats and vegetables good to go in the grill. 95

INSURANCE How to Reach:

Take a ferry from the central ferry terminal at pier 6 to Mui Wo. Alight at the Pier and turn right and walk straight to find Ngan Shek Street. It’s a long stretch leading to Tung Wan Tau Road near the beach.

Stanley Main Beach: This is one of the

busiest beaches in Hong Kong and also the best spot to fire up your grill. Its scenic beauty is unmissable. If you choose this beach for barbecue make sure you reach a little earlier before the crowd builds up. There are around fifteen Charcoal pits and can get really crowded. There are supermarkets and a few shops in case you run out of your supplies. There are no shaded places to retreat so make sure to check the weather before you make plans.

How to Reach: Reach Central station via MTR. Take Exit D to reach Exchange Square Bus Terminal and take Bus No’s: 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 and ride for about an hour to reach Stanley Village Bus Stop and walk about 5 minutes to reach the beach.

Another option to taxi from but it’s not recommended as it can get expensive. Moreover there’s only one road leading to the beach which can make your ride inconvenient.

Deep Water Bay: Located in the south side of the Hong Kong Island this beach is one of the cleanest in the city. The beach can be sparsely crowded on weekdays but during the weekends it gets difficult to find yourself a barbecue pit if you don’t reach before people start flocking. There are about 33 barbecue pits around the beach with a beautiful backdrop of the Lamma channel. It’s recommended to come all prepared with all the barbecue necessary stuff as there are not many stores nearby. How to Reach: By MTR, reach Admiral-

ty station. Take the South Island Line(Light Green) and alight at Ocean Park station. Take Exit C and walk about 20 minutes to reach Deep Water Bay Beach. By Bus: You can hop on Bus Numbers 260,40,6X,973. All of these pass by the Deep Water Bay Beach stop. 96

Upper Cheung Sha Beach:

Huddled somewhere in the Lantau Island is this beautiful beach. Even though it has just seven pits to barbecue on this still is a good place to be as per us. This long beach is definitely a treat to eyes with a relatively cleaner coastline. There are washrooms and small refreshment shops near the beach. Come prepared with your basic barbecue necessities like charcoal and the like as there is no charcoal supply on the beach but you do not need to drag all the stuff along, there is provision to buy from the stores nearby. If you are looking for a calm and serene barbecue experience this is the place to be.

How to reach:

By MTR reach Tung Chung Station(Orange Line) and Take Bus No 11 or 23 from the bus terminal opposite to the station. Get down at Lower Cheung Sha village and walk down for about 5 minutes to the beach.

By Ferry: From the Central Ferry pier take

the Mui Wo ferry at pier no 6. Alight at the Mui Wo Pier and hop on to bus numbers 1,2 or 4 to reach Lower Cheung Sha Village and walk about 5minutes to reach the beach.

Tai Mei Tuk Barbecue Area:

located next to Plover Cove Reservoir this area has as many as 72 barbecue pits. There are recently built modern marble pits along with the traditional rustic pits. You can choose the ones you prefer. There is an option to buy the barbecue supplies at the Tai Po market very near to the barbecue spots. Stop at the market to get your necessary stuff before you reach or get them all packed from home is all according to your convenience.

How to reach: By MTR reach Tai Po Market station and jump on to 20C minibus to reach the spot. You can also take a taxi from the MTR to the spot.

Shek O Beach: Located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island this beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful one and also the busiest. There are 39 barbecue pits on the beach and even though it’s flocking with people all the time this still scores as one of the favourite barbecue spots. There are a few privately run barbecue areas as well.

INSURANCE They come for a price but you get charcoal included in the price and there’s no time limit to the pit usage. It’s advisable to come all prepared with the necessary supplies as there are not many shops nearby.

How to reach: Reach Shau Kei Wan station via MTR. From there take red minibus or Bus Number 9 to the beach.

Taxis are also available to the beach. Choose as per your convenience.

Lo So Shing Beach: This gorgeous beach

is located on the beautiful Lamma Island. This island being very near to the central is a perfect location to wind with family or friends. It’s amazing beaches and picturesque backdrops make it an apt place for a wholesome barbecue. Though there are just seven barbecue pits available on the beach but still won’t be a tussle to get a spot as these beaches are not very crowded. It’s a good idea to get all your stuff ready from home to avoid any fringes. Bring along your swimwear if you are heading to this island. You can’t miss taking a dip in its meandering waters.

hours of your day is good enough to explore the place. Walk adjacent to the cable car terminal and explore your way through the Ngong Ping village, which has a wide array of restaurants and souvenir shops and leads to the beautiful Ngong Ping Piazza, a path with twelve stone statues and lotus-shaped lanterns, and we enter the Bodhi path. The end of this path is the entrance to the Big Buddha, where a flight of 268 stairs takes us to the holy altar of Big Buddha. Just beside the Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a beautiful tranquil sanctum. If you still have energy left, instead of the cable take a bus down to TaiO fishing village to get a feel of old Hong Kong and traditional stilted homes.

How to reach: From Central Ferry pier take

a ferry to Yung Shue Wan at pier number 4. Walk along the Family Walk path to reach the spot. It takes roughly 15minutes to reach.

Main Tourist Attractions Hong Kong is a beautiful place to be, with diverse places to explore from street markets, theme parks, historic landmarks, temples, and the never-ending trekking trails leading to breathlessly beautiful views. With such endless options from which to pick, it can be a dicey task to figure out what to do and how to plan. Read on to find the top sightseeing highlights and explore your way into this vibrant city.

Big Buddha (Ngong Ping Cable Car Ride): this beautiful attraction is located in

the beautiful remote village of Ngong Ping. Lurking under the luscious green mountains, this spot is home to a number of flocking tourists in Hong Kong. What to see: This wonder is open to people from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sparing four to five

Website DisneyLand: If traveling with kids, this theme park is a must, a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s din. Spread across the park are seven themed lands: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Main Street USA, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land. What to See: the park has more than thirty attractions to explore. Your walking tour begins at the Main Street USA. Spread across this street are an array of photo shops inspired by olden-day America. Walk past the majestic castle to reach Fantasyland. It is full of slow rides even smaller kids can enjoy. Jump on to Jungle River cruise next to get a real jungle feel. The enthusiastic ones can head to some high thrill rides in the Toy Story Land and the super-fast roller coaster in Tomorrowland. It’s worth staying a little longer to cover the three featured parades: Flights of Fantasy at 4 p.m., We Love Mickey show at 7 p.m., and the most 97

INSURANCE beautiful show, my favourite I would say, Paint the Night Parade at 8 p.m.

Victoria Peak: one of the vantage points

of Hong Kong, which offers a panoramic view of the city with all its skyscrapers and the nearby islands. Otherwise known as the Peak, it is easily accessible by the Peak Tram, which takes tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong. Known to be one of the oldest funicular railways, it is the most convenient way to reach the top. This engineering marvel took three years to finish in the 18th century, a time when there was no mechanical support and all the heavy machinery was hauled manually. Ticket Prices: to-and-fro charges per adult: HK$52, child and senior citizen: HK$23

Star ferry Victoria Harbour Tour: An hour-long sailing tour around Victoria Harbour showcasing the iconic Hong Kong skyline. This is a must-do when in Hong Kong. There is a day tour and a night tour. You can choose according to your schedule. But one can catch the colourful vibrancy of Hong Kong in the evening ride. In the evening, buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour have a laser light show (Symphony of Lights) timed to music and the impeccable Hong Kong skyline is worth a watch. This is probably one of the best-valued night cruises in the world, aboard the century-old iconic star ferry. So, for either the day or night tour, this ride is not to be missed.

in cement and laid along the sidewalk. The newly renovated balustrade has more garden plants and water fountains than before; it is a real visual delight at night, with the many LED lights.

Ocean Park: located on the south side of Hong Kong Ocean Park is a huge water-themed park where one can enjoy a funfilled family day with a variety of rides and animal exhibits. This beautiful water park is home to dolphins, sea lions, alligators, colourful birds like toucans and penguins, and not-to-be-missed giant pandas. You have eight zones to explore: Whiskers Harbour, Aqua city, Thrill Mountain, Polar Adventure, Rainforest, Marine World, and Adventureland.

Take time to travel to two main areas of the park: Waterfront to the summit either by the Ocean Express, it gives a scintillating feel of an underwater ride, or take a long cable car ride and you can enjoy the beautiful views of sea, sky and the islands nearby. This ride takes you to the thrill rides and is covered in the admission ticket.

Highlight: Gala of Lights show is a mustsee new attraction, a remarkable show when evening comes to life with never-ending multimedia shows (Soul of the Ocean and Visions of Hong Kong). The enthusiastic ones should not miss the high-speed water rides, carousels to roller coasters.

Ticket Prices: Day tour: HK$110; Evening tour: HK$200. How to reach: get to Tsim Sha Tsui station via MTR and take Exit E. Turn right and walk straight to the waterfront. Or, from East TsimSha Tsui station, Take Exit L6 Website: www.starferry.com.hk

Avenue of Stars: To promote tourism and its influential film industry, the Hong Kong tourism board built this 457-meter long promenade in 2004. Extended a little into Victoria Harbour, this walkway is spread out in front of the Space Museum and the Museum of Art, two more leisure places to cover if you have spare time. Handprints of famous singers, actors, and directors are imprinted 98

Ticket Prices: one-day general admission ticket is HK$498 - adult and HK$249 child. The park also offers pass options, viz: premium, gold, and silver. This is a wise option for residents, not for visitors. Senior citizens and disabled persons with registration cards are entitled to free entry. Hong Kong ID card holders visiting on birthdays are allowed free entry.

INSURANCE Address: Local Cooking Experience Edith Address: Lei Tung MTR Station Exit A1 Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong (852) 9275 9715

Home’s cooking school & wet market tour Ceci Email: homescooking@gmail.com Website: http://www.homescookings tudio.com

Cook like a chef Meenu Chugani Tel: (852) 60830430 Website: https://www.cook-likeachef. com/

Feliz Yau Cooking Class Experience Felicity

Local Food Eating out was restricted in Hong Kong due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this restrictions are relaxed to large extend,it’s time to explore your interest in exploring local cuisine that is distinguished from international flavours. Traditional local cuisine is mostly Cantonese, which has its roots in the Canton region. Primarily it consists of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and other part of Southern China. In this issue, we are helping you to invest your time in enhancing your culinary skills by learning the art of cooking authentic local food to impress your family and friends. Local cooking experience in Hong Kong is unique as it offers more than cooking skills when it begins with a wet-market walking tour to introduce local vegetables and the art of selecting them. These culinary classes also explain the unique history behind the cooking of each dish, its ingredients, eating as well as Hong Kong or Cantonese culture Listed below are a few of those remarkable and the popular places to find the best examples.

Tel: (852) 9862 5882 Website: http://www.felizyau.com

Fine Dining: Yan Toh Heen (REGENT HONG KONG) Tel: (852) 2313 2243 Address: 18 Salisbury Road,

Tsim Sha Tsui

(ACCESSIBLE VIA K11 MUSEA, GROUND FLOOR),

Hong Kong China Website: https://hongkong. regenthotels.com/zh-hans/yantoh-heen/

Mid Range Dinning option Din Tai Fung (MIRAMAR) Tel: (852) 2898 2499 Address: Shop F, 4/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, No.132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong China

One Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant Tel: (852) 2677 7888 Address: G/F 209A-209B Tung Choi Street Prince Edward, Hong Kong China 99

DIRECTORY i. Visa and Residency ii. Education iii. Business iv. Investment Services v. Best Banks for Start-ups in Hong Kong vi. Business Essentials vii. Marketing and Promotions in Hong Kong viii. Job and career ix. Professional Development x. Housing xi. Movers and Shippers xii. Car Rental xiii. Home Essentials a. Décor b. Food i Grocery Ii Food and catering services Iii Quarantine Meals Supply Iv Bakers c. Party organisers d. Gift e. Give Away xiv. Repair and Services xv. Handyman, repairs and movers xvi. Helpers’ Training xvii. Useful Networking places a. Indian Association b. Ladies club/group xviii. Socio-cultural Activities xix. Religious / places and services xx. Fashion xxi. Jewellery xxii. Beauty Treatment xxiii. Lifestyle xxiv. Health xxv. Alternate Healing a. Transportation xxvi. Travel Agent Indian Restaurants

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Hong Kong Guide: 2022-23

Articles inside

Directory

Eating Out

Acknowledgement

Essentials

Lifestyle and Recreation

Car or private vehicle

Medical care

Shopping

Home Essentials

Housing

Insurance

Job and career

Global Investment

Extra Curricular Activities

Relocating to Hong Kong

MESSAGE

List of Collage and Universities

Guide and Printing information

Traveling to Hong Kong

Business

Foreword