Southside Magazine February 2016

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | MONKEYS

Start-up city

February 2016

Meet Cyberport’s entrepreneurs

Behind the scenes… at Maggie & Rose

Snow patrol

8 of Asia’s best ski resorts

Monkey business

Where to celebrate CNY

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!

2 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

The really useful magazine FEBRUARY 2016

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 10 Happening in February What’s on.

SPECIAL FEATURE 12 Monkey business What to do for Chinese New Year.

NEWS 14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS 18 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

20 Beatrice Biessy Bringing French theatre to Hong Kong.

NEWS FROM THE GREENS 21 Avoidance issues The 2016 Policy Address.

LOCAL 22 New buses in town It’s electrifying.

FEATURE 24 Start-up city Meet Cyberport’s entrepreneurs.

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 24 Vote to win Have your say in our annual southside awards.

EDUCATION 32 In tuition Where to find a tutor on southside.

ARTS & CULTURE 38 One year on ADC Artspace in Wong Chuk Hang.

FAMILY 40 Maggie & Rose Repulse Bay’s new family club.

EATING 44 Interview with a health coach Plus Valentine’s Day nibbles.

BIG DAY OUT

TRAVEL 52 Let it snow Eight of Asia’s best ski resorts.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 56 Hypoxi The targeted weight loss system.

CREATURES 58 The Orange Staff Sergeant The ‘brush-footed’ butterfly.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 64 Carved in stone, literally.

Wong Chuk Hang’s ancient rock carvings.

48 Ferrying around Exploring Tung Lung Chau.

f

Find us on Facebook Southside Magazine

“SLOWLY, SLOWLY CATCHEE MONKEY.”

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 1

contributors

Amanda Sheppard

Steffi Yuen Pui-yan

Rory Mackay

Amanda is a freelance writer and researcher, and former Art & Culture editor at Time Out Magazine in Hong Kong. When she isn’t scoping out the city’s cultural climate, Amanda is on the hunt for hidden curiosities and a good, strong coffee.

Read about her recent visit to Wong Chuk Hang’s ADC Artspace on page 38.

Steffi is currently studying English and Education. She’s worked as a dolphin trainer, a reporter, a translator and a columnist. She has a serious passion for travel and animal rights.

Steffi’s work has been published in the Hong Kong Economic Times and the SCMP. Read her latest creature feature on page 58.

Growing up between Hong Kong and Scotland, Rory is no stranger to adventure. Whether scaling munros in the Scottish Highlands, sailing to the North Pole or cycling solo across Africa, he loves to explore new places. Find out about his latest Hong Kong adventure on page 48.

Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

2 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

people Snaps from southside

4 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

say cheese

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5

people Butchers Club Southside Long Lunch

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

6 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

people Paws by the Sea, Stanley Plaza

New Year Winter Swimming Lifesaving Championships, Repulse Bay

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 7

planner

FEB 14

2016 Bonaqua LIFEPROOF Action Sprint RUN The Sprints are back although this time with no river gullies due to the new AFCD restrictions across Hong Kong.

First in the series is the Repulse Bay run, which this year sees a new prize up for grabs: Best Dressed for Valentine’s Day. Register online at www.actionasiaevents.com (no registration on race morning). 8am, Repulse Bay.

FEB 1 Cantonese Operatic Songs by Guangdong Hong Kong Music Association Fancy sampling Hong Kong’s traditional art form? The Guangdong Hong Kong Music Association is putting on a performance of Cantonese opera at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central.

Tickets $50-$220 (half price for concessions) from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

FEB 4 Piano Opera: Music from Final Fantasy Presented by Sound of Faeries, this piano concert is dedicated to the music of video game series Final Fantasy. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $340-$890 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

8 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

FEB 5-7 Winter Fiesta 2016

UNTIL FEB 7 Kidsfest!

This year-end flea market/art fair aims to help residents in the Southern District start their own businesses and encourage innovation in selfmade products. Noon to 10pm (Feb 5), noon to midnight (Feb 6,7), Aberdeen Promenade. For enquiries call 2814 5702.

Stage productions of The Gruffalo, Little Red Riding Hood, Aliens Love Underpants and more. Catch the final week of this festival of world class theatre for young people. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. Full details can be found at www.kidsfest.com.hk

happening in February FEB 7 Lunar New Year’s Eve

Island Beach. Swimmers can go solo or in teams of two. www.openwaterasia.com

FEB 8-10 Lunar New Year

UNTIL FEB 17 Out to Sea? The Plastic Garbage Project

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

FEB 12-13 Rodgers & Hammerstein on Stage and Screen Got the musical bug? The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing highlights of epic film and stage scores such as The Sound of Music, The King and I, South Pacific, Oklahoma! and Carousel. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tickets $180-$480 (discounts for concessions and groups available) from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

FEB 14 Valentine’s Day FEB 14-15 Cold Half Swim A 15km winter marathon swim on Hong Kong Island from Stanley Main Beach to Middle

With the aim of raising public awareness of plastic waste, this exhibition combines science and art to show us the destructive effects of plastic waste on birds, marine animals and the environment. Tickets: $25, $17.50 (for groups of 20+), $12.5 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays. Check the website for opening hours. Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 2732 3232, www.hk.science.museum

FEB 17-21 Circus in Town: Bianco by NoFit State Circus (UK) This circus performs above, behind and all around a standing audience, immersing them in this dramatic, jaw-dropping promenade performance. Queen Elizabeth Stadium Arena, Wan Chai. Tickets $380 (no audience seating available) at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.

FEB 19-MAR 20 Hong Kong Arts Festival The city’s annual cultural bonanza is just around the corner. Opera, music, theatre, dance and more. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 9

planner life. $400 all day, $250 for 1⁄2 day. All proceeds to be donated to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre.

9am-6pm, Red Doors Studio, 21/F Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2110 0152. Contact info@red-doors.com.

UNTIL FEB 21 AIA Great European Carnival Enjoy the last few weeks of rides, games and prizes at the winter carnival. Central Harbourfront Event Space. Tickets $125 ($90 for children aged three-11 years), www.tgec.asia

UNTIL FEB 21 Udderbelly Festival FEB 19-21 Hong Kong Longines Masters Watch the world’s top 25 elite riders and their horses compete in CSI 5* classes at this prestigious international showjumping event.

Asia World-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $590-$980 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333.

FEB 20 Kundalini Yoga Fest Open to all ages, levels of flexibility and experience. Learn the techniques of KY yoga and leave with a toolkit you can use in everyday

10 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

The Udderbelly Festival continues with dance, music and shows for the family as well as cabaret and comedy acts. Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288, www.udderbelly.asia

FEB 28 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup As part of the Hong Kong Speed Series, both local and international racers will compete for HK$10mil. Get ready for it to be intense. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com/

FEB 28 Social by the Sea Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP) hosts its first annual fundraising dog walk along Seaview Promenade. Enjoy a variety of fun post-walk activities for pets and humans, food, drinks, and free giveaways. LAP is a Hong Kong-based charity dedicated to helping distressed animals find permanent homes. 10am, The Atrium, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. Register online at www.lap.org.hk/socialbythesea

planner

BOOK NOW MAR 5 Stormys Charity Ball In aid of the Hong Kong Sea School. Tickets $1,000 per head. Dresscode: Black tie.

7:30pm to midnight, Hong Kong Sea School, Stanley. To book, email stormys.charity.ball@gmail.com

at Pomegranate Kitchen. Eat and mingle.

10:30am till noon, Pomegranate Kitchen, 4B, 4/F 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Sing Tek Building, Wong Chuk Hang. Tickets $250 per head. RSVP jo@josootang.com

MAR 9-12 Hong Kong French Theater Festival Making its debut, this festival is organised by southside residents Sebastien and Beatrice Biessy. All theatre companies will be performing for free. Profits will go to Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, a charity whose schools educate Cambodian children in need. Four shows over four days: book your tickets online at www.thkftf.com

MAR 8 Mumtrepreneur’s Breakfast Gathering Following a successful first event, the Mumtrepreneur’s Gathering is back, this time

Hong Kong Central Waterfront. Tickets range from $108-$608 per person and available from www.ticketflap.com/tasteofhongkong

APR 8-10 Rugby 7s Three days of beer, singing, dodgy dancing and fancy dress, not to forget the worldclass rugby. Tickets are on sale for the city’s biggest sporting event from $660 and can be purchased at www.viagogo.com. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, hksevens.com.

MAR 10-13 Taste Festival Bringing together some of Hong Kong’s best restaurants, this Festival lets you create your ultimate tasting menu, plus attend interactive workshops from visiting international chefs.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11

special feature

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

How and where to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Monkey.

FEB 6-21

FEB 7

Start the Lunar New Year off with a bang at Ocean Park’s Lunar Fiesta. With a variety of Chinese New Year inspired shows taking place throughout the park, from leaping lions and dragon dances to a tribe of monkeys performing in a drum troupe, what more could you ask for? This year sees the return of the Kaleidoscope Ice Spectacular - a grand circus on the ice with acrobatic aerial acts choreographed by the Winter Olympic Games team.

Help to wake up the lion and announce his arrival at the Tin Hau Temple in Shek O Village.

The dance - performed by members of the local Shek O teenagers sport club - starts at 11pm and continues around the village over the CNY period.

Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta

UNTIL FEB 8

Lunar New Year Flower Markets To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Victoria Park will be transformed into a sea of flowers and plants, all available to buy. Free entrance, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

FEB 10 - LUNAR NEW YEAR Chinese New Year Race Day

Featuring a grand opening show, traditional lion dance, cultural performances and merchandise bazaar, The Hong Kong Jockey Club goes all out for one of Hong Kong’s most popular horse racing events. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

Lunar New Year’s Eve

The three Sichuan golden monkeys at Ocean Park.

FEB 8 - LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB 9 - LUNAR NEW YEAR

Welcoming the year of the monkey, 2016’s night parade features floats, marching bands, acrobats, dragons, lions, firecrackers and more as they march through Kowloon. Roadside viewing free. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com, 2508 1234.

Don’t miss one of the most spectacular firework displays in the world. 8pm, free, Victoria Harbour.

FEB 11-13

FEB 11, 12 & 15

Lunar New Year Night Parade

Anastassia’s Art House Chinese New Year Workshops Here, children can celebrate Chinese New Year with creative paintings and collage. Projects range from “Kung Hei Fat Choi Monkey” and “Cheeky Monkey & Tangerine Tree” to “Cheerful Chinese Dragon with Lanterns” paintings. Branches in Stanley Plaza and Repulse Bay. Book online at www.arthouse-hk.com

Lunar New Year Fireworks

Colour My World Chinese New Year art and drama workshops Children can learn to make their very own monkey drums, Chinese-style maracas or piece of kinetic art. Improvisation workshops will retell the story of the zodiac. Prices start at $1.150 for February 11&12. Optional extension classes take place on February 15 (from $650 extra).

FEB 10-29

FEB 22

UNTIL FEB 23

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre will showcase a stunning Lunar New Year themed light show. Free, 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly. Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com

The Lantern displays take place for a month while the Lantern Carnival is scheduled on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. Many auspicious Chinese symbols which bring good luck and fortune, will be displayed.

Don’t miss out a series of guest performances and events at the Lantern Carnival! The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui, time TBC.

Celebrate this Lunar New Year with Sesame Street. Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster will all be there. Make your own Hui Chun (50 places per day) from 1pm-6pm at weekends until Feb 6. Visit The Arcade on the eve of the Lantern Festival for presents, confectionaries, lion dances and acrobatic shows, traditional New Year stalls and a special appearance by the Money God.

Pulse 3D Light Show

12 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival

Cyberport Arcade x Sesame Street

special feature

How are you celebrating?

Do...

Bridgett Giefing (Repulse Bay)

Ken Kwok (Stanley)

Clean up In the run up to the New Year,

We are going to hang out and watch the fireworks, oh yes - and maybe visit the Lunar New Year flower market. We live here so we will come to the Repulse Bay.

We’ll have dinner together as a family, and I will give our children lucky money in red envelopes.

We’ll stay at home mostly.

sweep dust into the middle of the room and then out the door to symbolise sweeping bad luck away.

Decorate Decorate. Make sure that any decorations inside and outside the house are in auspicious red and gold.

Go floral Flowers that bloom on the first day of New Year are said to bring extra luck. Popular colours are red (‘hong’) which means good fortune and joy, and yellow (‘wong’) which symbolizes royalty.

Get fruity Oranges symbolise abundant

Jonny Haynes (Shek O)

Olivia Morton (Tai Tam)

CNY this year is all about enjoying time off work and catching up with friends. It will include visiting Shek O temple for the first lion dance, eating breakfast at Ming’s Cafe & enjoying a few beers at Ben’s Back Beach bar!

This year we are going to England for the holiday.

Did you know...According to Chinese folklore, the use of the colour red at Lunar New Year originates from the tale of the nian, a mythical beast that terrorised villages on the first day of the New Year by eating livestock, crops and even children. The story goes that an old man passing through a village promised loud noises and bright red displays would frighten the beast away. Ever since, Chinese people have adorned themselves and their homes in the colour red during New Year, hanging red lanterns and decorations and setting off firecrackers.

happiness, while tangerines with the leaves attached represent a secure relationship between giver and receiver, making them popular gifts. Potted kumquat trees symbolise prosperity and good fortune.

Buy a new outfit to signify new beginnings. Wear red to welcome in the new year and bring in a bright and happy future.

Don’t...

Wash or cut your hair It is said to wash away / cut off good luck.

Clean the house during New Year week It is considered to sweep away the good fortune.

Wear black or white These are mourning colours.

Cut your fish The Chinese word for fish (yue) sounds like the word for abundance.

Serving the fish whole is meant to bring good luck from start to finish and avoid any bad luck phases throughout the year.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13

news

in your backyard

Dates set for Stanley dragon boat races

Ap Lei Chau to get a cinema at South Horizons

It’s time to start training, as applications have now opened for the 2016 Stanley Warm-up Races, Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships and Hong Kong Short Course Races. The races will take place on May 14, June 9 and June 19, respectively, at Stanley Main Beach. Dowload the application form at www.dragonboat.org.hk

Cheeky monkey Former longtime Pok Fu Lam resident Sarah Brennan has launched her 10th book in the Chinese Calendar Tale series, The Tale of Ming Kee Monkey. The book follows the story of the mischievous Ming Kee the monkey and her journey through the jungle, while exploring Chinese culture and history. Available at Bookazine. To see more of Brennan’s work, visit her website www.sarah-brennan.com

A mock-up of what the box office will look like.

Quick bites Calimex launches delivery app Customers can order for pick up or delivery, including those based in the southside.

Available on both the android and apple store.

Deliveroo comes to southside The on-demand food delivery service, which brings restaurant cuisine to homes and offices in an average of 32 minutes, has expanded its operations to include Stanley and Repulse Bay. Deliveroo already delivers to Pok Fu Lam. Pizza Express to open in One Island South Aside from the a la carte menu, takeaway will also be available. Due to open in mid-Feb. Shop G03. G/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 3585 8598.

Multiplex Cinema and its stakeholder eSun Holdings are to open two new outlets – the 555-seat MCL South Horizons Cinema in Ap Lei Chau and a 264-seat MCL Green Code Cinema in Fanling. At present, the only other cinema in southside is in Cyberport.

A survey by the Theatres Association revealed the number of cinemas in Hong Kong fell from 112 in 1994 to 47 in 2014. However, general manager of Multiplex Cinema June Wong is confident that, despite the economic downturn, there is still public demand for entertainment. She noted that box-office receipts in Hong Kong rose nearly 20 per cent from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $1.9 billion last year.

Looking to the future, Wong said that cinemas will show not only films, but also live events including concerts and football games.

The move comes shortly after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s Policy Address, in which he pledged for a second year to support the city’s film industry. Leung said the Government is actively considering the option to require developers in some cases to include cinemas in their development projects in the terms and conditions of the land lease.

Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #southsidemag on social media!

14 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 15

news

Above Hong Kong Hong Kong-based photographer Graham Uden is working on a new book of aerial photos featuring the southside, to be released in May. The book, titled Above HK, comes just over five years after the publication of his first book of Hong Kong aerial photos, Above Sai Kung.

In Asia since 1992, Graham has been roughed up by ex-President Clinton’s bodyguards, held up by Khmer Rouge soldiers and holed up in Baghdad. He tells us about his latest project and combining his three great passions: photography, travel and aviation.

What’s the best and worst thing about being a photographer?

The best thing is that each day is so different, plus, you get access to people, areas and situations that you can’t as a member of the general public. The worst is the almost daily harassment photographers get (mainly from security guards and to a lesser extent police) since 9/11. That, plus clients taking longer and longer to pay for your services!

What have you been working on recently?

A new promo video for Heliservices featuring a round-the-island flight with iconic Hong Kong

16 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

sights along the flightpath. It’s actually a sequence of thousands of stills, the idea being that you take the heli tour and bungee jump into the tourist sight for a few seconds before finding yourself back in the helicopter ready for the next sight. We shot it on beautifully clear days showcasing HK at its best. You can watch it on my website, www.grahamuden.com/videos How long did it take to shoot the video?

It took eight months from conception through to production. We shot around 40,000 stills from three hours of flying in two MD902 helicopters

and seven days of land based shoots.

What’s your favourite southside icon from above?

The entire south side is fascinating to shoot as it’s so varied. Topographically you have everything: mountains, beaches, country parks, reservoirs, dams, fishing ports, theme parks, container ships, floating restaurants, high rises, luxury condos and winding roads that hug the coastline. Then there’s the fast changing microclimate that makes it challenging to shoot as the weather can change completely very quickly.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 17

free stuff

win at www.southside.hk

Mothers en Vogue Flatter those growing bumps and postpartum curves with Mothers en Vogue’s nursing and maternity wear. Products are stylish, practical and are made from natural and eco-friendly fabrics. We are giving away three $500 vouchers. www.mothersenvogue.com Deadline: Feb 29

Asia Contemporary Art Show March in Hong Kong is officially the month of art.

At the Asia Contemporary Art Show (March 2427), browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists – from emerging and mid-career artists, to those who have already achieved recognition in private and public collections, and at auction.

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away.

Deadline: March 10

Benefit’s Southside Pretty Party

Grobag Baby Sleeping Bags The adorable Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag is a great solution for babies who kick their covers off in the night, leaving them cold and disturbing their sleep. Keep little ones snug, safe and looking great with these cute 2.5-tog sleeping bags worth $389 each. We have 20 to give away.

Deadline: Feb 23

Get prepped and pretty at Benefit’s Southside Pretty Party on March 11. The two-hour party (6-8pm) includes goodie bags, photo ops, free lip waxing, special shopping privileges, canapés and drinks. Plus professional brow artists and beauty advisors will be on hand to give you a makeover and pass on their tips and tricks. We are giving away six pairs of tickets, valued at $315 each.

Deadline: Feb 25

AwareStore Go green with AwareStore. The e-store sells a range of eco-friendly products including baby care, bamboo toothbrushes and waterproof zip bags. All products are made of raw materials, biodegradable and can be recycled. We are giving away ten $100 e-coupons.

Deadline: Feb 20

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe 18 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 19

five minutes with...

Editorial Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk

encore!

Beatrice Biessy The organiser of Hong Kong’s French Theatre Festival talks to Callum Wiggins about Southside life and living your dream.

Editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Amanda Sheppard Carolynne Dear Evie Burrows-Taylor Hazel Yin Tong Kristy Wong Mawgan Batt Paul Zimmerman Rory Mackay Steffi Yuen

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Photo by: Kei Lee

I’m married with four children.

We’ve lived in Tai Tam for over two years. This is the first time the family has relocated from France. I love the atmosphere of southside and that it is so close to Central.

It is hard to believe that there is such a large French community living in southside. It has the feel of a small village where everybody knows each other. I’ve always dreamed of living in the south of France. Sometimes being so close to Stanley, it feels like I am.

I feel that anything is possible in Hong Kong. If you have a dream, passion and the expertise to it come true, then you can achieve so much living here, including forging a whole new career path.

When I speak to friends and acquaintances in the community I often hear that life in Hong Kong is exciting and I couldn’t agree more.

Our weekends in southside are always full of activities, especially

20 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

sporting ones. By the end of the weekend I feel like I’ve just come back from a holiday. The general pessimistic outlook present in France right now certainly gives me no enthusiasm for returning anytime soon.

It was my dream to become a comedian when I was younger.

It was not until much later in my adult life that I realised not all little girls want to become comedians!

I left a job with L’Oreal to begin a career in coaching and consulting.

The slogan that I often use with new clients is “directing your talents” - I am convinced that everybody is unique and that my job is to help them discover their own talent so that they can draw on this in their professional and personal lives.

The Hong Kong French Theatre Festival is the first time that we have tried to organise something on this scale. We will have four

different shows performed by various theatre companies from France at a number of venues, including the French International School. During the festival I hope that we can show people in Hong Kong the many different genres that are found in French theatre.

The festival will raise money for the charity PSE (Pour un sourire d’enfant). It helps provide education to thousands of children in Cambodia. It is a charity that is particularly close to our hearts after we volunteered with them last year and saw firsthand what fantastic work they accomplish.

The festival starts next month.

All plays will have English subtitles and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy the shows.

For more information about The Hong Kong French Theatre Festival and to purchase tickets visit www.thkftf.com

news from the greens Avoidance issues Paul Zimmerman is more concerned with what wasn’t in the recent 2016 Policy Address.

There will be an increase in the seating capacity of minibuses.

The 2016 Policy Address paper must have been printed before the start of the year. Describing Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world no longer holds true after the disappearance of booksellers. The lack of views on nurturing Hong Kong’s liberties and freedoms was jarring. And not a word on political reform and democratic development.

No explanation either of how the government seeks to enhance and institutionalise “One Country, Two Systems”.

Avoidance of difficult stuff was blatant – not a peep on the Small House Policy, one of the most destructive and insidious types of development, rife with illegal activities.

I’m cautious on the plan to cover Hong Kong with hotspots.

This may backfire: the multitude of hotspots may incentivise low income families to give up their service contracts, restricting rather than liberating kids. What we really need to enable innovation is much improved bandwidth throughout Hong Kong, both mobile and via fixed lines. That would liberate all talent to work from low cost properties anywhere. And this would relieve pressure on our transport network. How will the government make this happen with the commercial service providers?

When it comes to the environment we did score a few wins: the promise of an ivory trade

ban - late but never too late.

In response to the #MissingSeats campaign by Designing Hong Kong, $80m is now earmarked to add to seats at 1,000 bus stops.

Another win is the increase in the seating capacity of minibuses.

And a big step forward to improving walkability is the waiving of land premiums to encourage landowners to construct footbridges or subways between buildings in Kowloon Bay. Exorbitant premiums have also stopped the expansion of secondary pedestrian networks below and above ground in TST, Central and Mong Kok. I’m less impressed with the plan to sell Murray Road Car Park before new parking facilities have been built. It would be better to first complete new facilities near the main roads and create a truly “park ‘n walk” environment. With most parking full during peak hours, the early closure of Murray Road Car Park will simply result in vehicles circling around Central waiting for their pick-ups.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

local

pollution solution?

Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Assistant Egbert Cheung egbert@fastmedia.com.hk Maria Jones maria@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Accounting

Accounting Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Accounting Assistant Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk

Electri-city

Above: buses in Stanley; Inset: a new electric bus.

As new data on pollution paints a gloomy picture, Hong Kong introduces the island’s first locally-designed electric buses. By Shreena Patel.

Printer

Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong www.southside.hk ads@fastmedia.com.hk @southsidemag facebook.com/SouthsideMagazineHK

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication.

The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

22 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Electric buses have been launched in southside. They are being operated as part of a two-year trial to assess vehicular performance and cost effectiveness.

The vehicles are part of a $40 million project which began in August 2013, funded by the Government’s Innovation and Technology Fund. In his 2013 Policy Address, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying committed to promoting the use of electric vehicles and funding the purchase of 36 single-deck electric buses by franchised bus companies.

Electric vehicles have been adopted by many big cities around the world, including Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka and London.

Pollution is a well-known problem in Hong Kong. According to data from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau air quality monitoring database, Hong Kong experienced a bigger rise in poisonous ozone pollution between 2010 and 2014 than the industrial province of Guangdong. The Hedley Index - a measure of the public health risks and costs developed by Hong

Kong University’s School of Public Health - shows that 2,196 people died prematurely in 2015 due to air pollution.

Environmental campaigners say it’s not just the mainland to blame, but also local factors such as the increasing number of vehicles on the road. They have urged the government to do more to reduce air pollutants through transport planning measures.

Buses are the second-most commonly used form of public transport in Hong Kong, behind the MTR. Most use diesel fuel which diminishes air quality. It is hoped that introduction of these electric buses will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They have been launched on five routes on Hong Kong Island, including on bus service 78 from Wong Chuk Hang to Wah Kwai Estate.

However, it’s not been the smoothest of starts. Less than a month after taking to the roads, five of the buses were taken out of service due to problems with the exit doors. A spokesperson for the manufacturer of the buses,

Shenzhen-based BYD, confirmed the software has now been updated and the buses returned to operators New World First Bus and Citybus. The Transport Department advised the vehicles had passed safety tests but said it would keep track of the issue. The glitches follow another incident in December where a prototype electric bus caught fire.

The new buses are not cheap - the aforementioned prototype cost $3.8million to build, twice the cost of a diesel bus. But they can cover 380km on a four-hour charge (Hong Kong Island is 50 km around) and travel at up to 70km/h with 75 passengers.

Designed locally by the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems’ Research and Development Centre, they were built with the city’s rough and winding roads in mind.

Let’s hope it’s smooth sailing from now on.

Got a local story? Let us know at editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23

feature

Start-up city Meet Cyberport’s entrepreneurs.

24 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

feature

C

yberport has been labelled by many as a white elephant, but our recent visit tells a different story.

Over a decade since it launched, the development is now home to a range of tech companies, with offices, a five-star hotel, residential complexes, a retail entertainment arcade and a popular dog park. Over 90 per cent of offices are leased out.

Cyberport’s Entrepreneurship and Collaboration Centres regularly host training and networking events. By March 2014, the Entrepreneurship Centre’s Creative Micro Fund scheme had granted funds to 108 projects; 219 start-ups had been admitted into its Incubation Programme, which provides a range of benefits including subsidies for professional services and 24 months of rent-free office space.

And there are no plans to slow down. In his 2016 Policy Address, Chief Executive CY Leung announced the launch of a $200 million Cyberport fund for investment in ICT start-ups and a $2billion Innovation and Technology Venture Fund for co-investing with private venture capitalists.

Whether the Cyberport project was worth the $13 billion investment is a matter of debate.

Its original intention was to encourage ventures in fast-growing ICT-based fields of innovation, thereby reducing Hong Kong’s dependence on real estate and financial services. Whilst it may not yet have achieved the latter part of this goal, it is certainly nurturing tech talent. Current tenants range from CodexGenetics, a provider of genetic screening services, to Hong Kong Free Press, a non-profit, online English-language news source.

We speak to some of Cyberport’s tenants, incubatees and graduates about their experiences.

Main photo by David Warlick

By Callum Wiggins and Shreena Patel.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

feature CodexGenetics CodexGenetics enrolled in the Cyberport Incubation Programme at the start of 2014. It provides clinical genetic screening services for cancer patients, offering insights into the specific causes of each tumor and enabling more personalized treatment.

CEO and co-founder Aldrin Yim explains, “The differences in genetic makeup between individuals can determine the relative ability to absorb, metabolise and respond to drugs, which ultimately controls their effectiveness and side effects. Our screening platform helps inform treatment options and predict patients’ response to drugs, based on individual genomic information.”

Previously, Yim was a medical researcher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he met co-founders Allen Yu and Marco Li, experts in cancer genomics. “Together we’ve met numerous saddening cases of patients suffering from diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders”, he says.

“We’re convinced that personalized medicine is the best way out for complex diseases. This is the era of precision medicine.”

Yim says the biggest change has been the translation of bench work into clinical

application and dealing with the business jargon when talking to investors. It’s been hard but rewarding work. “During the R&D phase, we moved mountains to persuade Medical Doctors and Professors to join our scientific advisory board”, he says. “And before launching our product, we performed internal screening for over 200 cancer samples in less than a month to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of our technology.” The company received funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission in 2014 and 2015.

“We chose to apply for the Incubation Programme because of Cyberport’s computing facility and its connection with Microsoft, which helped us to develop our own cloud computing platform”, says Yim. “There’s also a great network of business expertise, consultants and investors. One issue is the limited variety of food. We thought of opening a Thai or seafood restaurant to satisfy our own appetites!”

As for the future, CodexGenetics is expanding its screening platform to cover more diseases. It also plans to extend the business to more hospitals and diagnostic laboratories in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Hong Kong Free Press Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) is a non-profit, online English-language news source covering local and national affairs. Launched in 2015, HKFP turned to crowdfunding platform FringeBacker, successfully securing the largest donation campaign in the platform’s history.

It wasn’t established purely as a response to the 2014 Occupy protests, but co-Director and Editor-in-chief Tom Grundy says that HKFP couldn’t have arrived at a more crucial time.

“There was a growing sense of need for a new independent English-language news source in Hong Kong”, says Grundy. “It is important to bridge the gap between Chinese and English reporting in Hong Kong while remaining independent to ensure our editorial freedom.”

Occupying a small office in a space full

Aldrin Yim, centre, and the team at Codex Genetics.

Snapask Snapask is a mobile app that provides ondemand learning support to secondary school students. Online all day every day, with a team of over 1,200 tutors at the ready, the team at Snapask claims that it takes on average just 17 seconds for questions to be picked up by tutors. While Hong Kong and Taiwan are the current major markets, its presence in Singapore and China is growing.

The company graduated from the Cyberport Incubation Programme in 2015.

“Cyberport was a very supportive environment to create Snapask”, says co-founder Bradley Chiang. “The programme allowed us to

26 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

connect with experienced professionals and gain legal, financial, business, and technology advice from Cyberport”.

Although a final year student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Chiang has no plans to take a step back from Snapask.

“Our goal is to become one of the leading tuition companies in Hong Kong and achieve more than 500,000 downloads worldwide”, he says. “The next milestone is to open a physical colearning space in Hong Kong to connect our business both online and offline”.

The Snapask team.

feature Spottly Created in 2013, Spottly has just graduated from Cyberport’s two-year Incubation Programme. It’s a travel app that allows users to share pictures of their favourite travel destinations, with the aim of making travel research easier and less “boring”. CEO and “Chief Everything Officer” Edwyn Chan likens the company to “a TripAdvisor for the social media era”.

The Spottly community’s travel experiences now cover an impressive 40,000 places in over 3,000 cities worldwide. Chan has enjoyed the journey to date. “Running a start-up is challenging, daunting and rewarding at the same time”, he remarks. “It’s a very humbling experience because there is so much to learn and many problems to overcome. Getting recognition from Apple and being featured prominently around the world on the App Store

has been a particular high so far.”

Despite having worked for a number of organisations including the NBA, Chan was always keen to return to his first love - startups. “I sold my first start-up when I was still in college and have always wanted to get back in”, he says. “Cyberport has been very supportive. The subsidy involves a lot of paperwork but it’s a great help, especially for most start-ups that are strapped for cash.

Cyberport also invites guest speakers and organise tours to international tech events. The view from the office is pretty nice too!”

Although just a small team of four, the Spottly team looks forward to growing its worldwide online community and launching a major iPhone release later in the year.

of unrelated companies, Grundy admits that HKFP is based in Cyberport largely because of a generous deal which secured the growing company free office space. “Getting here can be problematic at times and we are closer to Lamma than Legco”, he says. “But the facilities here are good and the number of businesses basing themselves here is growing. While we don’t consider ourselves a start-up similar to most of the other companies here, it seems that the Hong Kong Government is keen to usher in an era of innovation in Cyberport”.

Aiming to establish a sustainable business model and continue its expansion into 2016 with more original reporting and more readers, HKFP looks to continue the vital work of ensuring press freedom in Hong Kong.

Inside the Enterprise: SmartSpace 3F, one of the co-working spaces at Cyberport.

Dragon Law Dragon Law, named after the powerful symbolic reverence of the dragon in Asia, is a legal firm which helps businesses with a range of services including business contracts, legal advice, intellectual property and visas. At the heart of the business is the determination to bring technology and law together.

“By leveraging technology and working handin-hand with several of the most reputable local and international law firms, Dragon Law is able to provide end-to-end solutions for clients’ legal needs that are safer, quicker and cheaper”, says Chris Sykes, Head of Legal.

A Hong Kong-based company, Dragon Law is setting its sights further than just the SAR.

“Following the success and demand of Dragon Law in Hong Kong we have expanded to Singapore”, says Sykes. “Expanding into another a country can be difficult but the sacrifices are starting to pay off”.

Similar to many founders of start-ups around the world, Sykes and co-founder, Daniel Walker, come from a more traditional corporate background, “Being a solicitor in a law firm, my working hours were monitored and I wore a suit and tie”, says Sykes. “Working in a start-up, I perform a number of roles and do a huge variety of work. I wanted to build a successful business with a great team of people. The strength of the team and working with them has been the highlight of the journey so far”.

Being surrounded by a large number of new businesses who are in need of legal advice is an

obvious advantage to a company such as Dragon Law. “Cyberport is the perfect location for us. We get to mix with lots of different start-ups, some of whom are now our clients”.

With over 30 staff and numerous relocations to bigger offices in Cyberport as the business has expanded, Dragon Law is now much larger than many of the other start-ups in the area, something Sykes and the team are looking to maintain. “The plan for 2016 is to keep on growing and to continue expanding our team. It’s been such an an exciting process so far and I will certainly never go back to a traditional legal practice!”.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

feature NexChange NexChange is a professional social network for the financial services industry, targeting financial professionals around the world to connect and communicate with their peers, discover and share relevant content.

In no mood to hang around, the team at NexChange has delivered rapid growth.

“Within a year and a half we have established three offices, launched an app, developed 50 partnerships and created an events business in three different continents”, says Juwan Lee, Founder and CEO. Having spent over 30 years in financial services, managing portfolios on behalf of hedge funds, proprietary trading and asset managers, Lee felt the time was right for a change. “Managing money nearly all my career, I was motivated to build something much more tangible. Since being chosen for the Cyberport Incubation Programme last year, we have gained access to a lot of resources and learnt a lot along the way. Working in Cyberport doesn’t feel like you’re working in Hong Kong. Its casual supportive environment provides a lot of scope for productive creativity.”

While Cyberport’s location is an issue that many of the start-ups have to take into consideration, Lee points out that it is a unique community. “Within the start-up community there is truly a mentality to help each other”, he says. “While we would like to see more support for later stage start-ups, Cyberport has been helpful for NexChange.”

Techpacker

Sayam and Saral Kochar and Josie Tam, co-founders of Techpacker. ,

A “tech pack” is a standard industrial document sent by a designer to the manufacturer to communicate the exact design specifications and requirements of a product.

Techpacker is a web application for fashion designers and factories to enable designers to get their ideas made quickly and accurately at factories around the world. Using quick and collaborative tech packs on one easy-to-use platform, its tool allows designers to make their sketches ready for manufacturing in minutes, work with factories and monitor developments.

The company’s core value of creating a collaborative work environment doesn’t stop with its web application. “Techpacker stands for bringing an open and sharing culture to the fashion industry, however, when we first

moved to the Cyberport incubation centre, the doors of each start-up office used to be closed”, says CEO and co-founder Saral Kochar. “We decided to change that and keep our doors open. Gradually, we noticed that our neighbours also believed in the same approach. Now we walk into each other’s offices whenever we struggle for an answer and to learn from our peers.”

Over the next eight months, Techpacker hopes to get 10,000 growing fashion brands using its application. A participant in last month’s Hong Kong Fashion Week, the company is on course to make big strides in the fashion and design industries over the coming years.

VenueHub VenueHub might be best described as the “Airbnb for venues”. Bringing together over 600 venue options, it allows users to find venues for a range of events, from weddings and parties to meetings and pop up events.

“I am a firm believer that the best start-ups evolve because they are solving a genuine business problem”, says co-founder and Managing Director Adam Whiting. “We started VenueHub because it was so difficult to find suitable event venues in Hong Kong.

We help people find something to suit their needs within seconds”.

As with any start-up, the highs of business have not come without their lows.

“It’s been a crazy journey”, says Whiting.

“From starting the site from scratch with a tiny budget, we now have a platform with over 50,000 users a month and we work

28 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

with some of the world’s biggest corporate companies. We were perhaps a bit ambitious in the beginning, but we learned that it’s vital to focus on your core market first.”

Delighted to be chosen for the Cyberport Incubation Programme, VenueHub has secured extra funding and free office space for two years. “More and more companies are moving to Cyberport and it is beginning to feel like a proper tech and start-up hub now”, says Whiting. “There are 30 other start-ups on our floor alone and the friendly and helpful culture here makes it really easy to engage and share ideas with other companies”.

With fast internet, sea views from the office and few crowds to contend with, life is almost bliss for Whiting and the VenueHub team. “It’s a lovely place to work, but it needs some better food options…”

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

30 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

education

extra lessons

In tuition Where to find a tutor on southside.

Miles International Academy

ITS Education Asia Provides educational support for children and adults across a range of subjects as well as exam preparation services for SATs, iGCSEs, A-levels, IB and more. Take a tutorial programme at one of ITS’ Hong Kong schools or use the online learning service. ITS also offers university admissions advice and an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. Locations in Central and Mong Kok. www.tuition.com.hk.

32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Sylvan Learning Center Offers tuition in Maths, Science, Mandarin, English reading and writing and homework help, plus school entrance exams (UK, US and Hong Kong) and exam-preparation classes for the IGCSE, IB, SAT and ACT. A child’s strengths and weaknesses are first assessed, then a tailor-made programme is designed accordingly. Lessons are available for children aged five-18 and taught in groups of three.

Holiday camps during the summer, winter and spring breaks include science, robotics and coding and writing. Sylvan has two locations on the southside: 2/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Aberdeen; G209 The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2873 0662, www.sylvanlearning.com.

Miles International Academy This beachside preschool offers a range of after-school programs, including Mandarin classes at all levels for children aged two to six. Lessons are interactive and include role play and storytelling. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm. The Creative Learning Enrichment class (ages two to four) aims to reinforce what children learn in school through experience-based activities. Classes take place Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm.

RockAbaby Music Academy provides private and group music and musical instrument classes. Group lessons are for infants under six; private classes have no age limit. B102 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. Call 3586 3071 or visit www.miacademy.com.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 33

education are USD$60 per session; fees for essay help and writing support are between USD$60USD$150 (for USD$150 essay supervisors provide four rounds of feedback/comments on a student’s work). Suite 3203 Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2500 6078, www. teachers-to-go.com

Sylvan Learning Center

Southside Mandarin As well as Mandarin lessons, this learning centre has playgroups and immersion programmes for children aged six months to 12 years. Babies up to 24 months old can join the Mandarin playgroup whilst older children can attend art, music and drama classes taught in Mandarin. A special fun club combines language and cultural learning with play-based activities for children aged three to seven. All classes are taught by professionally qualified native speakers with experience in early childhood and primary education. Shop 106-107, 1/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 3427 9619, www.southsidemandarin.com.

The Graduate An online tutor/student matching service for students of all ages. A matching program is used to create a shortlist of tutors who have successfully helped with similar goals and would work best with you. Pick whom you want to work with from the shortlist and start learning. Tutoring can take place through faceto-face lessons, video conferences on Appear. in or through Skype. The matching service is free; rates for tutors start at around $200 per hour. www.thegraduate.com.hk

Mentorhood Learning Center

Kumon Originally developed in Japan, Kumon has since spread throughout the world and is now used in over 40 countries and regions.

Subjects are limited to English, Chinese and Mathematics. The Kumon method is based on individual instruction and the completion of daily worksheets to develop basic building blocks. Students work at their own pace through the worksheets provided. Available across Hong Kong. For details of your nearest centre, call 2890 6533 or visit www.kumon.com.cn/KHK. Mentorhood Learning Center Specialising in Maths tuition, Mentorhood Learning Centre teaches students to solve problems using the Thinking Block Model from Singapore, a systematic way of representing word problems and number relationships in a visual way. English lessons and playgroup

34 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

for ages three-12, as well as tutoring for public exam courses in the IB, British and American curricula for students aged 13-18 and consultations for university preparation are also on offer. It has centres throughout Hong Kong, including one at Marina Square, West Commercial Centre, Shop 209A, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau. Details at 5160 1828, www.mentorhood.com.hk.

PGEM PGEM offers online tuition in a range of subjects, as well as essay help, online SAT/ ACT test preparation and university counseling.

It also covers IB MYP, IB DP, AP, A-Levels, IGCSE and HKDSE, including languages.

Learners can book slots with tutors through the website for a one-on-one session using interactive video calling, live chat and whiteboard facilities.

Online fees for live one-on-one tutoring

Snapask by Appedu Used by over 20,000 students across Asia, Appedu’s Snapask is a mobile app that provides instant on-demand learning support to secondary school students. With tutors from universities across Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and China, 17 seconds is the average time it takes for a tutor to pick up your question. Buy credits online or at 7-Eleven stores. The Starter Pack costs $150 and comes with 150 credits (each in-app question costs 10 credits). www.snapask.co

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 35

sponsored column

Inside Scoop: The Changes to The British National Curriculum ITS explains changes affecting primary and secondary school students.

Primary Changes to key stages 1, 2 and 3 have been in place since 2014 and in September 2015.

Maths has increased in difficulty, with more secondary maths topics covered, including long-division, more fractions and decimals, and more multistep problem solving tasks.

Mental Arithmetic is no longer tested and has been replaced with an Arithmetic paper.

Calculators have been banned in the Key Stage 2 SAT. English has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary, handwriting, spoken English and spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Science is now more focused on facts than methodology. Evolution will also be added as a topic of study.

The first SATs based on the new curriculum will be taken in May 2016 by those who started Year 2 or Year 6 in September 2015. Key Stage 1 tests will now be set externally, but still marked by teachers. A new Key Stage 1 grammar, punctuation and spelling test will be introduced.

36 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

GCSEs Perhaps some of the biggest changes to the National Curriculum are with GCSEs. The distinction between Foundation and Higher tier has been removed for many subjects, so all students will be sitting the same exam.

Maths will now include harder subject material, including more formulae to learn, set theory, iteration and functions.

English foundation course has been removed. In fact, English is now split into English Language and English Literature. English Language will no longer assess spoken language; speaking and listening will not count towards the overall grade.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be given more weight, contributing 20% of the overall marks instead of 5%. Students studying English Literature will be required to read a wider range of texts but there will be no set texts.

Grading System is changing from letters (A*-F) to numbers (9-1). 9 will be the highest grade possible and is considered harder to achieve than an A*; only 20% of current A/A* student would be awarded a Grade 9.

A Levels Changes are being rolled out by subject: the first were put in place last September. Students who started Year 13 in September 2015 continue with the old curriculum, except for those who started relevant subjects in Year 12.

AS levels will no longer count towards the overall A Level. Instead, exams will be taken at the end of the course based on two years worth of material. If a student wants to study at AS level only, they may take an exam at the end of Year 12 for a standalone qualification.

If they then decide to pursue a full A Level, they will be re-examined on the material they learned in Year 12 and Year 13 at the end of the course.

ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

arts & culture

ADC. Easy as one, two, three Amanda Sheppard takes a closer look at the artspace allowing local emerging artists to thrive.

Above and below: Yu’s work; Inset: the ADC Artspace.

The art movement in Hong Kong has recently found itself new places to call home. Hollywood Road – once the city’s designated arts hub – now sees a competitor on its doorstep: the nearby Soho 189 Arts Lane. The reason is obvious: larger gallery spaces and lower rents.

It has long been a trend for creatives to take up residence in areas prior to their gentrification. Take, for example, New York’s meatpacking district, London’s Soho, and now, Hong Kong’s Wong Chuk Hang. Accessible and (relatively) affordable, Wong Chuk Hang is now firmly established as an arts hub - the South Island Cultural District is proof of this.

Both established galleries and new, innovative projects have set up shop here.

The ADC Artspace in Wong Chuk Hang opened in December 2014, an attempt by Hong Kong’s Arts Development Council to nurture Hong Kong’s local talent. It is neither the first, nor is it likely to be the last of its kind. In Wan Chai, Foo Tak Building is home to several artist studios and The Coming Society, a second hand bookshop-come-art space. Further afield,

The gentrification of Wong Chuk Hang is the next challenge its arts community must face the Cattle Depot Artist Village in To Kwa Wan hosts several studios and artist residencies.

What makes the ADC Artspace unique is its support system – it is one of few places in which artists’ costs are assuredly limited, with a multitude of schemes and grants on offer.

Aimed at recent graduates, the Emerging Artists Rental Subsidy Scheme provides those enrolled a 50 percent rental subsidy for up to two years.

Now entering its third year, the ADC Artspace has a name that carries a certain clout and an expectation of serving as a springboard. It was involved in last year’s South Island Art Night which coincided with Art Basel, bringing the foot traffic from the world’s largest international arts fair. It’s therefore no surprise that the space has been consistently occupied since opening. Inside, there are 17 studios.

The tenants are a mix of emerging artists and creative collectives, one of whom is Solomon Yu. Yu is an artist as well as the cofounder of Soundpocket, an online curatorial READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2016

38 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

project exploring common sounds and the way in which we listen. His research lab is situated at the ADC Artspace.

According to Yu, the ADC Artspace is “low profile, with minimum management”, allowing artists to explore their work without interference.

He alludes to the sense of community that has grown among the residents. “There are artistcurators, teachers, independent filmmakers, sound and media artists, photographers, and designers,” he says. “Though we don’t see each other daily, we sometimes hang out in each other’s studios, visit shows around Aberdeen together, share our work and attend screening gatherings once in a while.”

The ADC has recently applied to locate its offices in the old Aberdeen Fire Station building.

However, times are changing. Yu points out that the arrival of the MTR to the southside, while increasing the area’s accessibility, is already resulting in higher rents. Although the Artspace and its residents may be immune from this, the surrounding arts community may not be.

As with New York’s meatpacking district and London’s Soho, the gentrification of Wong Chuk Hang is the next challenge its arts community must face.

The ADC grants don’t help everyone, but the Artspace has offered a refuge for budding artists like Yu. That makes it a welcome establishment and one which we hope will continue to allow the young arts community to flourish.

Got a favourite art gallery? Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at www.southside.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

family

play time

Join the club London-based family members club Maggie & Rose has opened the doors to new branch in Repulse Bay. Shreena Patel takes a look inside.

Founded in 2007 by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor, two mothers uninspired by the venues and children’s activities on offer at the time, Maggie & Rose aims to be a home away from home for the whole family.

It’s new 9000 sq. ft. Hong Kong beach club is located on the third floor of the pulse with views over Repulse Bay and the South China Sea. Themed play booths - including a Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng - line the walkway to a brasserie serving gourmet family grub. There is also a movie room, art studio and kitchen for cooking classes, with daily workshops available for children aged six months to five years. A large soft play area at the far end of the club features a ball pond, rope bridges and walkways, while the 7,000 sq. ft. roof terrace - due to open at the end of this month - will include alfresco dining, outdoor play and a mini race-track.

Membership at the club covers the entire immediate family: up to four children, plus parents, carers, and grandparents. Since its opening, 150 families have signed up.

Yenn Wong, one of the four founders of Maggie & Rose Hong Kong and mastermind of JIA Group, whose restaurants include Chachawan and 208 Duecento Otto, is confident that the concept will work here. “Since becoming a mother myself, I have become increasingly conscious of what is on offer for families in Hong Kong,” she says. “For example, Hong Kong parents are always looking for places for their children’s parties. Many of them go to hotels or restaurants, but our facilities are more personal, with a dedicated events team to take care of the whole shebang - from food and drink to themes, party bags, invitations, thank you cards, entertainers and photographers.

We already have parties booked well into the year.”

However, Wong admits it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “When we first opened it was a bit of a challenge to fully understand the needs of the Hong Kong members which are slightly different to those of the London members,” she says. “For example, the menu here is slightly different. Also, as our outdoor rooftop has not yet opened, the demand of the facilities on weekends can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but this is soon to be resolved.”

As for the future, Wong confirms that there are plans to open a city club and country club, but not for a while yet.

40 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

family

The basics Joining fee: $42,000 Monthly fee: from $1,800 (includes four workshops per month) to $8,000 (unlimited workshops) Membership capacity: 400 families Open: Monday-Sunday, 9am-7pm Membership includes 10 guest passes per year and an access package to Maggie & Rose’s Kensington and Chiswick clubs in the UK. Prospective members must be proposed by an existing member.

301 the pulse, 28 Beach road, Repulse Bay, 2638 7191, www.maggieandrose.com.hk Valerie MacDermott, her husband Joe and their four children - Remy (12), Stella (8), Arthur (5) and Leo (2) - have been members at Maggie & Rose since the club opened. Valerie tells us about their experience so far.

Tell me a little about your family.

We are a British-French family. We have lived on the southside for the past five years.

What made you decide to become members and Maggie & Rose?

I’d been told about Maggie & Rose in the UK and how great it is, so I was excited when I heard that the club was opening in Hong Kong. It seemed ideal for our family in terms of location and concept.

42 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

How do you like it so far?

I’ve been going there with the kids every few days. I like having somewhere that both my kids and I can enjoy. It’s a great place to hang out after school or on weekends. The kids absolutely love the soft play area as well as the activity booths. The art and cooking workshops are brilliant too. I love that the environment feels very safe and keeps the kids entertained whilst I can relax on the sofa or have a coffee. It’s big enough that they can move around but not so big that I lose sight of them. We are very much looking forward to the opening of the roof area the plans look amazing.

What’s your favourite room?

The kids (big and small) absolutely love the soft play area. The Lego and train corners are big hits too.

What did you do before Maggie & Rose?

We used to go to the playgrounds in front of the pulse but I never found it very relaxing and the activities are a bit limited for the younger ones.

What are you hoping will open next at the pulse?

A yummy bakery would be nice. Failing that, an offshoot of Marks & Spencer would be great.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

eating

in the mood for food

Nutrition mission

Shreena Patel speaks to Corinne De Castro, television lawyer turned health coach, about food, life on the southside and more...

Corinne decided to study nutrition after receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Do you enjoy living in southside?

I have lived in Repulse Bay for eight years with my husband and our three children. I love the relative tranquility of southside, the cleaner air, the beaches, the great hikes on my doorstep, the feeling of community - warm and friendly but not crammed. I like the fact that so many French people live here: it’s brought great French influences like Stan Cafe.

How big a role does food play in your life?

Food rules my life! I’m eternally curious to try different things and forever pottering in our tiny kitchen, testing new recipes. I read cookery books instead of magazines.

Having grown up in Spain and Australia,

44 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

I turned to nutrition to gain back some control over my own health

farmers’ markets are what I miss most in Hong Kong. Sadly, half of my fruit and vegetables (mainly organic) are from overseas.

Where did your interest in nutrition start?

Nearly five years ago I was diagnosed with

breast cancer. Luckily it was caught early and I avoided chemotherapy, but I take Tamoxifen on a regular basis. The diagnosis came as a shock.

I turned to nutrition to gain back some control over my own health. Good nutrition was one thing I could do myself, while everything else was being handled by medics.

What led you to develop this into a business?

I worked as a television lawyer for 18 years for companies such as Walt Disney Television and Shine Australia (producer of MasterChef Australia), but after my breast cancer treatment I decided to take a break from legal work and study nutrition. I qualified as a Health Coach via the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New

York and created MOXO Living as a platform to share my experience and knowledge, although the world of nutrition is forever changing so I’m doing further studies in nutrition at HKU. Through my health coaching services, workshops, blog and recipes and products I hope to inspire others to live their lives with vitality, irrespective of age or gender.

What do you do as a Health Coach?

I help my clients to develop healthier habits by making step-by-step changes to their lifestyles. I do not take the place of a medical practitioner. We discuss diet as well as other factors affecting health and happiness, such as relationships, physical activity, career, sleep, stress and spirituality.

For example, a past client of mine wanted help to improve her diet and lose weight. During the course of our meetings, she touched on issues at work that were causing her real grief.

From my own experience in the corporate world and as a full-time working mother, I helped her to put in place steps to address both her work and diet issues. She gained the clarity, energy and focus to improve her work situation and the weight loss followed much more naturally.

What happens in your workshops?

Living in Hong Kong, many of us eat out often or have helpers to whom we delegate cooking responsibilities. This often results in us losing touch of what we are eating or feeding our children. I run Healthy Cooking workshops to show people how easy it is to make healthy

food staples at home.

I also run four-week detox programmes for small groups (I find people are more willing to stick to it if they are part of a group). These are not about starvation, but replacing certain high-allergenic foods with healthier options in controlled portion sizes.

As a health coach, what do you get asked most often?

“What diet works best for weight loss?” The answer is that everyone is different and will respond differently to different diets. This is the principle of bio-individuality. A health coach can help to find what works best for you, but there are some general nutrition principles which apply to everyone.

Do you have any eating advice for readers?

Plan, plan, plan. This way, you won’t wonder, “what shall I eat now?” and binge on the wrong foods. Draw up an eating plan for the week and prepare the ingredients to speed up cooking.

Get two meals out of one cooking session: Monday’s dinner is also Tuesday’s lunch.

Keep pre-prepared healthy snacks in the fridge.

Eat protein at every meal, but remember, our daily recommended allowance of protein is only 0.8g per kilogram of body weight, which is a lot less than what the average person eats.

Eat your carbs. These should make up 45-65% of your daily diet. Grains are a great source, but it’s best to eat these for breakfast or lunch and avoid at dinner.

Corinne’s general nutrition principles: • Eat more vegetables (especially the dark leafy ones) and fruits. Eat a variety of whole foods and different coloured foods to get a range of nutrients.

• Do not consume wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar, red meat and alcohol in excess.

• Drink plenty of water, around 1.5-2 litres per day.

• Cook more whole foods and rely less on processed foods.

• Buy organic where possible (there exists a list of foods best bought organic).

• Exercise every day, even if it’s just a gentle stroll. Calm the mind incorporate a form of meditation into your daily routine, even if only for 15 minutes.

• Get plenty of sleep.

Mung Bean Salad With Orange Miso Dressing Sprouted mung beans are a powerhouse of protein, fibre and vitamins.

INGREDIENTS (serves 2) 2 packed cups of baby spinach leaves 2 red tomatoes, diced Handful of yellow or orange tomatoes (to add colour), diced or sliced in half 1 Red pepper (capsicum), diced 1 cucumber, diced Handful of mung beans

ORANGE MISO DRESSING 3 tablespoons white miso paste (better to use a light miso which is sweeter in taste) 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon tahini Juice and zest of 1/2 orange 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup To make the dressing, put all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake.

Arrange spinach leaves on the plate and top with remaining salad ingredients, sprinkling the mung beans on last.

Drizzle with Orange Miso Dressing and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene In love with Limewood Limewood’s Valentine’s Day menu is priced at $680 per person and includes charred baby octopus tostada, agave slow roasted pork belly and grilled Boston lobster tail, finishing on a sweet note with dark chocolate coconut cake and cream cheese frosting. Available February 14. 103-104 The pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866 8668, www.limewood.hk February with Dine Art Serving parties of up to 24, Wong Chuk Hang’s unique art and dining space, Dine Art, has new plates on its menu this month.

The set menu ($880 per person) starts with Amberjack carpaccio, and a mixed seafood broth, followed by a pasta dish, main course and dessert. 16/F, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2805 8555.

Le Comptoir celebrates Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day at The Ocean is a seafoodinspired affair. Dishes include red snapper

46 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

ceviche, winter clam chowder, grilled sea bass and king salmon. $588 for lunch, or $1,088 with caviar; $1,288 for dinner. Shop 303-304, 3/F, The pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2889 5939, www.theocean.hk Over at TRi, the five-course Valentine’s Day menu is $600 per person and includes traditional Balinese dishes, like fish sate lilit (a minced red snapper satay) and beef kare (char grilled wagyu beef bavette with curried beef cheeks and wing beans). Shop 302, 3/F, Lobby C, The pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2515 0577, www.tri.hk Ovolo Southside Ovolo’s Valentine’s Day package is available from February 13-14 (from $2,020) and includes an overnight stay, a four-course dinner at CIRQLE, a bottle of bubbly on arrival and complimentary breakfast. On the dinner menu, you’ll find prawns, ceviche, oysters, prime fillet mignon, bouillabaisse and a classic French chocolate fondue. 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Southside, 3460 8100, www.ovolohotels.com

Ocean Park does Valentine’s Day Neptune’s Restaurant’s six-course candlelit themed dinner ($1,628) starts with a flowershaped salmon tartare on toast. Write a personalised message to your partner and it can be served with ‘The Love Message’, a raspberry and chocolate mousse cake. A special ‘Love after dark’ aquarium tour can be organised at an extra cost of $300. Available February 14.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

big day out

A rocking day out Rory Mackay heads to Tung Lung Chau.

R

ugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Lung Chau has a little bit of something for everyone. From familyfriendly outings and historical reccies, to rock climbing and zip lining sessions, this craggy outcrop has all the tricks to keep you more than entertained for the day. Easily accessible, it makes for a convenient full or half-day trip away from the city.

To reach the island, take the ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Yau Tong (a five-minute walk from Yau Tong MTR Station). Several sailings make their way to Tung Lung Chau each day until 4:30pm. Make sure to check out climatic conditions the day before venturing onto the water. If the weather is wild, it may not make for the most pleasurable of experiences, but on a fair day the island and its surroundings are simply stunning. Departing adjacent to the picturesque Lei Yue Mun Village, the ferry embarks across the open waters of eastern Victoria Harbour. There are brilliant views across the Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the north and to Shek O Peninsula to the south.

After half an hour on board, Nam Tong

48 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

ferry pier soon comes into view. Once ashore, you’re greeted by a selection of route options.

For those who fancy either a relaxing day out or want to cut out the faff and be thrust straight into the action, hang a left at Nam Tong, following signs for Tung Lung Fort. A twentyminute stroll will take you to the eastern side of the island. For the more intrepid traveler, a longer walk around the island may suit. There is an 8.5km route circumnavigating Tung Lung Chau that takes around four hours to complete and is best experienced in an anticlockwise direction. This trail is a great way to pack in all the sights of the island, including a climb to its 232-metre pinnacle.

No matter which of the two routes you choose, you will arrive at Tung Lung Chau’s northeastern promontory. Close to the campsite lie the remains of Tung Lung Chau Fort, which was built between 1662 and 1722 by order of Yang Lin, Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi.

It used to defend the island from pirates attempting to enter Victoria Harbour from the South China Sea. Climbers, don’t forget your chalk bag!

big day out

Regarded as one of the best places in Hong Kong for rock climbing, the eastern escarpments of Tung Lung Chau offer bountiful climbing lines in a spectacular setting. Several operators provide climbing and zip lining sessions here, visit hongkongclimbing.com for more information.

Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for a 5pm return to the mainland, unless you fancy an overnight stay. Camping in HK can be an awesome experience and Tung Lung READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2016

Chau is a superb destination to experience it at its best. The campsite beside Tung Lung Fort has adequate facilities and a rugged waterfront setting to die for. Weekends and public holidays can be busy here so time it wisely: try not to visit on a public holiday. If you have time to kill before the next ferry departure, make a detour to see Hong Kong’s oldest and largest rock carving. The dragon depiction dates back over 5000 years. Alternatively, relax at one of the island’s several dai pai dongs.

All in all, this is a cracking little spot. Among the list of Hong Kong’s many islands, Tung Lung Chau flies under the radar and punches well above its weight.

Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com

Got a favourite hike? Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at www.southside.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

50 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

travel

Let it snow

Wishing you had a white Christmas? Remember, the mountain never came to Muhammad. Here are eight of Asia’s best ski resorts. By Shreena Patel.

JAPAN Niseko Village Hokkaido The Niseko United ski area was named Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the 2015 World Ski Awards.

Characterised by ancient caldera lakes, the protected area comprises a number of interlinked ski resorts with a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Niseko Village, at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, has accommodation, two hot springs (with indoor and outdoor onsen) and an art gallery. Winter activities include reindeer sledding and horseback riding.

Where to stay Kasara’s three-bedroom townhouses come with priority privileges and a private concierge service. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Hilten and Green Leaf onsen. Alternatively, the Hilton sits next to the Niseko Gondola that takes you to the top of Mount Niseko Annupuri. It has restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, onsen and a children’s playground. Finally, The Green Leaf offers ski-in ski-out accommodation, a spa and onsen. Get 10% off when you book 60 days in advance.

Appi Kogen Resort Tohoku Known for its well-groomed slopes and Aspirin snow (light and fine), Appi Kogen Resort has over 45 kilometres of runs (some are for skiing only). Lessons are available in English. There is a family park for beginners, snow play area, child care and a small petting zoo. Tours available in February include ice fishing, sake tasting and a trip to Iwate Snow Festival.

Kiroro Resort Hokkaido Situated in the mountains west of Sapporo, known for accumulating ample amounts of powder snow, Kiroro is further from the city and less well-known than some of its neighbouring resorts, but also less crowded. Fun extras include snow segway, snow banana boat and snow rafting. To relax, visit the hot springs, the resort pool, or get a massage at the spa.

Where to stay The Hotel Appi Grand has direct access to the slopes, a heated pool, squash court, games room, massage therapists, and an all-you-can-eat crab and steak restaurant.

Alternatively, the Appi Grand Annex is a 5-minute walk (or a free shuttle bus ride) from the lifts and has newer facilities and direct access to hot springs. Rooms at the Appi Grand Villa can accommodate up to seven people - ideal for groups. For cheaper accommodation, check out the pension village about one kilometre from the resort.

Where to stay The Sheraton Hotel offers ski-todoor accommodation and is directly connected to the Mountain Centre where you’ll find rental shops, lockers, children’s facilities and a public bath. Alternatively, The Kiroro, is a three-minute bus ride from the ski lift and has more capacity.

Season Mid-December to early May. Season December to March Getting there Direct flights available to Sapporo Chitose Airport. From there, it’s take the Hokkaido Resort Liner to Niseko Village - book in advance. Alternatively, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Kutchan or Niseko. A free shuttle service runs from Kutchan station to Niseko Village; taxis available from both.

Getting there Direct flights available to Narita Airport. From there, take the JR Narita Express to Tokyo, then the Shinkansen “Hayabusa” train to Morioka. From Morioka Station, get a bus to the resort or take the JR Hanawa Line to Appi Kogen, from which there is free shuttle bus to the resort. Beware: shuttle buses do not run for early morning and late night trains.

www.niseko-village.com

www.appi.co.jp

52 WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK |

Season December to the first week of May Getting there Direct flights available to Sapporo Chitose Airport. From there, take the Hokkaido Resort Liner (adults, ¥3,980; children, ¥1,990) to Kiroro. Alternatively, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Otaru Chikko and hop on a shuttle bus (seats are free but it’s first-come, first-served). www.kiroro.co.jp/en

ski season

KOREA The Intercontinental at Alpensia Resort, Korea.

YongPyong Ski Resort Pyeongchang-gun The largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea.

Yongpyong will host the technical alpine skiing events of slalom and giant slalom for the 2018 Winter Olympics and 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang. Nearby attractions include Sam Yang Ranch and Mt. Oh-Dae National Park.

Where to stay There is accommodation to suit a range of budgets, including the five-star Dragon Valley Hotel, three condominiums and cheaper youth hostel accomodation.

Alpensia Resort Pyeongchang The filming location for “Take Off” (2009), a movie about Korea’s first national ski jumping team, Alpensia Resort is the main venue for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. It has a ski jump tower, cross-country routes, bobsled facilities and an indoor water park that is open all winter. Nearby attractions include Odaesan National Park and Korea Botanic Gardens.

Where to stay The main providers in the resort village are Intercontinental Hotel (Korea’s first five-star resort hotel), Holiday Inn Hotel, and Holiday Inn Suites (a village condominium).

Season Mid-November to early April.

Season Late-November to March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, the easiest option is to take the three-hour nonstop Purple Ski Bus to Yongpyong resort. Buses run five times a day. Book in advance. Adults: W35,000; children: W25,000 (one way).

Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, take the Purple Ski Bus to Yongpyong resort. Buses run five times a day. Book in advance. Adults: W35,000; children: W25,000 (one way).

www.yongpyong.co.kr

alpensiaresort.co.kr

TOP TIPS There is often a big variance in price between off-peak and peak season. Consider going offpeak: there are great deals to be had and the larger the group the cheaper the price.

If you’re unable to book directly with the resort, there are other options. Ski Korea offers bespoke ski packages and transportation from anywhere in Korea. This season it has partnered with Yongpyong Ski and Board school to offer discounted rates. It can book large groups, arrange tours of the area and maintains a presence on the resort. www.ski-korea.com

High 1 Resort Gangwon The highest altitude of all the Korean ski resorts, High 1 is 1,345m above sea level, making it one of the best resorts in Asia to find natural, fluffy powder snow. It has 18 runs for all levels of skiers, all starting at the summit (so you get a longer run). The resort also has a revolving restaurant and a casino for those who like to get their thrills off the slopes. Also home to Korea’s first ski school for those with disabilities.

Where to stay A standard room at the High 1 Hotel starts from ￦160,000/night. More expensive options include the Kangwonland Hotel (home to the only casino in Korea where Korean nationals are permitted to gamble) and the Convention Hotel. Three condominiums offer standard rooms up to family suites.

Off-resort, the nearby village of Sabuk has pensions, hotels and apartments.

Season Late-November to March Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, only one Ski Bus per day operates to the resort.

Book in advance. Adults: W33,000; children: W30,000 (one way). Alternatively, take the intercity bus to Taebaek. Get off at Gohan or Sabuk Bus Terminal and catch a metered taxi (around W5,000 from Gohan) or shuttle bus to the resort. high1.com

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

CHINA

Nanshan Ski Village Miyun County, Beijing Just a half-hour drive from Beijing (confirmed host of the 2022 Winter Olympics), this resort boasts 25 trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, a snowpark with a half-pipe and jumping trail, an advanced mogul trail and a children’s playground.

You’ll also find sledding, a 1,318 metre toboggan run, a children’s snowmobile route, and cable hang-gliding.

Where to stay Within the resort, the Shirton Inn - an Alps-style log cabin - overlooks the nearby Rimbaud Pond and has 30 double rooms, each equipped with a fireplace. Rooms from RMB580 per night, RMB680 during holiday periods.

Groups may prefer one of the two six-bedroom Norwegian Villas. Prices start at RMB4,880 per building per night (rental also available by floor).

Yabuli Ski Resort Shangzhi Host of the 1996 Winter Asian Games and the training ground of China’s national team, Yabuli is China’s largest ski resort. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was a hunting ground for feudal lords. Nearby attractions include the world’s longest toboggan run and the controversial Siberian Tiger Park. The Harbin Ice Festival in the neighbouring snow town of Harbin runs until February 25.

Where to stay For those seeking R&R, Club Med Yabuli is home to a L’Occitane spa with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steamroom, and sauna. It also offers a number of bookable excursions.

Alternatively, try the resort’s two three-star hotels, the Windmill Village and the Tinyihu, whose facilities include indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, restaurants and a bowling alley.

Season December to late February.

Season Mid-November to late March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Beijing. Once in the city, hop on the 980 bus from Dongzhimen bus station to West Bridge (Xidaqiao), then take a taxi to the resort (around RMB20 per car). Alternatively, book a place on the shuttle buses, which depart daily at 8.30am from Sanyuan Bridge and Wudaokou subway stations (book at least one day in advance).

Getting there Direct flights available to Harbin.

A special tourist train leaves Harbin Station every morning to Yabuli South, a short taxi ride (RMB20) or 10-minute walk from the resort.

Book in advance. Alternatively, take a threehour bus or train to Yabuli Town, approximately 20km from the resort, and from there a minibus.

nanshanski.com

www.yabuliski.com, www.clubmed.com.hk

54 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

travel Been a while since you last hit the slopes?

Sessions here may be useful for improving skills and technique.

321 Play Features three Maxxtracks dry slopes for skiing and snowboarding, with adjustable slope inclines, allowing you to reach speeds of over 20km per hour. There are also stationary slopes for beginners and tobogganing. Professional instructors provide training for all levels.

1&2/F KRAS Asia Industrial Building, 79 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, 2797 9323, 321play.com.hk Slope Infinity Home to the world’s largest revolving carpet ski and snowboard training deck. A full-length mirror spanning the width of the deck lets you watch while you learn. From $575 for a private 30-minute lesson. Group lessons (up to three students) cost $1350 for 55 minutes. The Winter Package - 6 hours of lessons - costs $6,300. Prices include the instructor’s fee, ski/snowboard, boots and other equipment.

1/F, 148 Electric Road, North Point, 2107 4567, www.slopeinfinity.com

HONG KONG Practice makes perfect.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

health & beauty

Trimming the fat Tom Hilditch tries Hypoxi, a system for targeted weight loss.

The vacuum suit has hundreds of small suction pads to target specific areas.

“I would do anything for a good body”, runs the old joke, “anything at all...except go to the gym.”

If that sounds like you, I have good news: Hypoxi is worth trying.

But I have bad news too: you still have to work up a sweat and skimp on calories.

Here’s how it worked for me.

I’m a middle aged man with a weakness for Pringles, hammocks and shared puddings. I was always busy and skinny, until one day recently, I saw myself in the mirror and realised I wasn’t. I joined a gym, wandered uneasily around the cardio room, dawdled at the back of a spin class, lifted a few weights and set them down again.

I felt disconnected, out of step with the gym bunnies. Then someone suggested I try Hypoxi.

The studio in Central is tucked away down a side street. It’s like a tiny gym, except the staff are not

56 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

wrapped in lycra and are chosen more for their listening skills than sporting DNA. “We create personalized programs for every member,” says says Christine Fong, Hypoxi Studio Manager in Central.

“We have people who are new to fitness and people who have been members of a gym for many years.”

Each member gets a personalized session, interview and nutrition recommendations. If you are still on your journey to fitness, it’s a friendly, safe and engaging place to be.

Futuristic machines and oddlooking vacuum suits lie at the heart of Hypoxi’s special magic. After an interview and measuring session, I am zipped into a vacuum suit that I will wear while jogging on a running machine. I mention that I want to target my bulging love handles so this particular suit has hundreds of small suction pads which create a

health & beauty

Hypoxi was created in Austria.

vacuum on my hips as I run. “If you do what it takes to lose the weight, we will make sure it comes off in the right places,” says Christine, adding that the process works best for people prepared to follow nutritional guidelines and visit three times a week.

Hypoxi was created in Austria 18 years ago and slowly, “with each happy client” it has spread to 45 countries. Over the years, the technology has improved, but the basic aim of the treatment has not changed. “Hypoxi is targeted weight loss,” says Daniel Ridder, Managing Director for Hypoxi Hong Kong. “If you just want to lose weight and don’t care where the weight comes off then Hypoxi is not for you. If you want to target a problem area or change your body shape then Hypoxi is your answer.”

I do three sessions a week for a month. I also carry on exercising at the gym and follow Christine’s nutrition program as best as I can.

I lose almost three kilograms and -

crucially - four centimeters around my waist, which is my target.

Cynics might argue I would have lost the weight in any case, but I am not so sure. It was nice coming in to see the team at Hypoxi. They are friendly and expert and, since Hypoxi is a smaller and more personalised operation than your average Hong Kong gym, I felt going there kept me focused on my training. It also helped me pass on those shared puddings.

So Hypoxi works if you work it.

Of course, it is not cheap. But it’s not expensive either. At an average of $600 to $650 per session, Hypoxi costs much less than a designer shirt. Plus, should you happen to take off that designer shirt, it’s going to feel a lot better. But you still have to sweat and skimp on the calories.

Hypoxi has studios across Hong Kong, including Central and TST. For more info see hypoxi.hk

Got a favourite workout or gym? Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at www.southside.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

hong kong creatures The Orange Staff Sergeant aka Athyma cama. By Steffi Yuen.

58 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

their body temperature. They like to drink the water that gathers in mud puddles.

They are also known as “brush-footed” butterflies. The name comes from the two curledup forelegs which have a brush-like set of hairs called setae. These forelegs are greatly reduced so the butterflies look like they stand on only four legs rather than six.

The setae are said to be used to amplify the butterfly’s sense of smell and to improve signaling and communication between the species, making them vital for reproduction and survival.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: Ngau Ngak Shan.

Photo by Peellden

The orange staff sergeant is not an army officer, but a nymphalid butterfly. It’s a member of the largest and most common family of butterflies. They are commonly known as “true” sergeants to distinguish them from the “false” sergeants of the genus Pseudathyma, a close relative.

The orange staff sergeant has wingspan between 55 and 65mm. The upperside of the wings of the male are dark brown with a white band across them.

Those of the female are also dark brown, but with orange-yellow stripes. The underwings are a yellowish brown, with the same markings as on the upper side, but in a pinkish or blueish white.

These butterflies are found in tropical and

subtropical Asia, including China and IndoChina. They live in low and mid evergreen forests, along streams. Like other members of the Nymphalidae family, they open their wings to capture sunlight and use the heat to raise

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

marketplace

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772.

60 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kong’s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 smillie.cynthia@gmail.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

marketplace

62 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

southside secrets

shhhh

The carvings are believed to represent animal motifs.

Wong Chuk Hang rocks Callum Wiggins visits some of Hong Kong’s ancient assets.

While Hong Kong may not be renowned for its outlook on preserving buildings or areas with historical significance, a number of rock carvings dotted around the territory have withstood the test of time.

Of the total eight rock carvings listed as declared monuments by the Antiquities Advisory Board, two are located in southside: at Wong Chuk Hang and Big Wave Bay.

64 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Unlike the other rock carvings in Hong Kong, those at Wong Chuk Hang are located at least one kilometre away from the sea. They are located beside a stream course and accessible to the public, albeit behind a metal railing.

Experts have suggested that three main groups of carved patterns can be recognised, consisting of meandering and spiral designs believed to represent animal eyes. The patterns

are similar to those on the Bronze Age pottery found in Hong Kong.

It is hard to establish exactly when, why, and by whom the carvings were made, although there is some evidence to suggest that the early inhabitants who created them depended on the sea for their livelihood. The carvings might have been made to appease the powers of the sea and protect the local seafaring population.