FA MI LY | DI N I N G AWA R DS | B IG D AY OUT
hongkongliving.com
November 2020
Tin Hau Temple
Caring for a cause
A look back at the home of the goddess
Meet the students behind the Raabta Project
Milestone moment Hong Kong Academy celebrates its 20th anniversary
CONTENT S — 11/ 20
20
COVER STORY Hong Kong Academy’s 20th anniversary
2 CONTRIBUTORS Meet the team
6 PEOPLE
Sai Kungers out and about
8 THE PLANNER
What’s on in November
12 NEWS
What’s going on in your backyard?
15 FIVE MINUTES WITH..
Mary Justice Thomasson, founder of Mary Justice Designs
16 LOCAL
Meet the students behind the Raabta Project
17 POLICE BLOTTER
32 PETS
Senior Inspector Ron Yung talks crime
Dr Pauline on transporting pets
35 IN THE GARDEN
18 BIG DAY OUT
William James Tutcher F.L.S. on what to plant this November
Rory Mackay explores Tung Ping Chau
36 ASK DEBBY
24 DINING
District Councillor Debby Chan answers your questions
Hong Kong Dining Awards the results
26 MUST HAVES THIS MONTH Dinner party essentials
18
29 SAI KUNG SECRETS
Tin Hau Temple turns 104
31 CHUI SUI CENTRAL
Award-winning author Nury Vittachi on summoning spirits
8 24
6
26
21
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” - Aristotle
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editor’s letter It’s beginning to look a lot like…. too soon? Okay I’ll wait another month. While Christmas is almost around the corner, we need to get through November first, with the city back on track there is so much going on this month we almost didn’t have room to fit it in. Firstly, Hong Kong Academy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, starting from humble beginnings on Stubbs Road, the school has come a long way and wants to make the occasion special. Read all about its plans to celebrate in our cover story (page 20). Another month, another awards ceremony (we love celebrating at Hong Kong Living). This month we turned our attention to the restaurant industry, while this year has been a struggle for them, many have adapted their strategies and come out stronger. See the highlights from the awards in our dining section (page 24). November also marks the birthday of Tin Hau Temple, as a staple part of the town, the temple has called Sai Kung home for 104 years. Learn more about its history and the copper bells in our Sai Kung secrets (page 29). Enjoy the cooler months and let the countdown to Christmas begin.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Yankee Tsang, yankee@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip, chrissie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Circulation Manager Prianali Gupta, prianli@hongkongliving.com
Things we love this month... Diving for a cause Sai Kung Scuba will be hosting a Pink Dive this month in support of LGBT+, explore untouched locations, swim with the fish and enjoy drinks and snacks provided by Momentai, all for a good cause. saikungscuba.com
Publisher
Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Festive favourites Glam up for the festive season with a new collection of intimates from Intimissimi and Calzedonia. The collection includes some classic favourites along with Christmas themed items to really get the party going. intimissimi.com/hk
Covid-19 update
As Sai Kung Magazine goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but life under Covid-19 regulations means things tend to change, often from day-to-day. Please check with local businesses for operation hours and services available and remember, stay safe.
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HONG KONG Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living 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. Hong Kong Living Ltd 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 publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
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Photo: Graham Uden
hongkongliving.com
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contributors
Thank you to our contributors
Debby Chan Debby Chan Ka Lam is the new District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands. She embraces the town’s diversity and strives for a more sustainable community. Check out what the Council has been up to this month in our ask Debby column.
Rory Mackay Avid hiker and thrill-seeker, Rory owns adventure company Wild Hong Kong. This month he ventured over to Hong Kong’s most remote island,Tung Ping Chau. Read all about his adventure in our big day out. wildhongkong.com
Ron Yung Senior Inspector Ron Yung joined the Sai Kung Police Force late last year and is happy to be in town. He gives us the lowdown on crime in the area over the past few weeks in our monthly police blotter.
James Hall Forced to return from his university in London to Hong Kong during the Covid-19 outbreak, James Hall and his friends wanted to use their voice’s for good and founded the Raabta project to help support Indian villages impacted by the coronavirus. Read all about it in this month’s local story.
Stephen Dare Steven Dare has been Head of School at Hong Kong Academy since 2009 and has helped the students and staff settle into the Sai Kung campus. As the school gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, Dare shares his most memorable moments at Hong Kong Academy in our cover story.
Mary Justice Thomasson After a two-decade sojourn in Hong Kong as a broadcast journalist, travel writer and PR maven, Mary Justice Thomasson moved to Bali to create heirloom quality furniture that combines her love of decorative arts and her first-hand experience voyaging through Indonesia. Learn more about her in our five minutes with interview.
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people
Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
Behind the scenes our cover photoshoot
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planner
NOV 14
Steelcase Dragon Run
An international surfski event taking paddlers from Clearwater Bay Beach to Stanley. Distances range from 6km to 24km. From $500. 10am. Hong Kong Sea School, Stanley. hongkongdragonrun.com.hk
NOV 14 Doggy Adoption Days Support local dog shelter Catherine’s Puppies and meet all the adorable dogs at the bi-weekly adoption days held at Pet Central’s Pet Planet. 1-4pm. Free. 66 Yi Chung Street, Sai Kung. pets-central.com
Perfect’ will explore how the world is responding to issues such as health, inequality and climate change. A mix of free and paid events. festival.org.hk
NOV 7 ImpactHK Donation Day Donate your unneeded items such as clothing, toiletries and appliances to the Impact HK centre in Tai Kok Tsui and enjoy a coffee and live music. Free. 10am-1pm. The Guestroom, 29 Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui. impacthk.org
NOV 7 Women’s Five A journey of fitness, health and inspiration that ends in a 5km or 10km run. For women only. From $390. 9am. Aberdeen Country Park. womensfive.com
NOV 5-15 Hong Kong International Literary Festival Going virtual this year for its 20th anniversary. This year’s theme ‘Present Tense, Future
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NOV 6-7 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference Hosted by Mindful HK, this year’s conference will feature over 45 local and international speakers. 9am-8pm. $715. 1/F, Exchange Square Block 1 and 2, Connaught Place, Central. hkmentalhealthconference.com
NOV 10-14 Shorties Film Festival The third annual celebration of Asia Pacific’s most exciting short films and brightest film entrepreneurs. Enjoy film screenings and an awards ceremony closing party. From $158. Times vary. The Hive, 33-35 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan. thehivesheungwan.com.hk
what’s on renovation at the city’s largest Expo for houseware. Source the trendiest designs and learn from industry professionals. 12-9pm. Free. Hall 1 DE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. exhibitiongroup.com.hk
the LGBT+ community. Dive independently or follow one of Sai Kung Scuba’s experienced divemasters at some of Sai Kung’s finest underwater locations. Food and drink provided. 8am-4pm. From $550. saikungscuba.com
NOV 26 NOV 13 Life Through a Lens An immersive photography and video exhibition by Derry Ainsworth showcasing a wide range of work from over six years in Hong Kong. Free. 7pm. Famaland, Block A, G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. derryography.com
NOV 20-22 Let Go Yoga Retreat Enjoy a weekend filled with yoga, sound, breathwork, nature and ocean breeze with yoga teacher Amelie of Ikigai studio and sound meditation coach Cheryl Rodriguez. From $5,500. The Pier Hotel, Sai Kung. thepierhotel.com.hk
NOV 27-29 HK168
NOV 20-22
In-Home Expo
NOV 28 Pink Diving
Get some inspiration for your next home
A fun day on and under the water in support of
A scenic ultra-endurance race across Hong Kong made up of four categories: 20km, 55km, 84km and 168km. All participants must finish within 48 hours. From $480. 9am. Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po. hk168.com.hk
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planner
Conrad Dy-Liacco, courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
BOOK NOW DEC 16
Future City Summit Annual Meet This year’s annual meet will address multiple pandemic shocks to urban planning, future workforce, designs and environmental sustainability. From $160. 8.30am-5pm. Online with Cyberport as the Giant Studio for global live streaming. futurecitysummit.org
DEC 19-20
Baby Shark Live Expect plenty of singing and dancing as the sharks take part in Reefville’s first annual treasure hunt. Multiple showtimes. From $280. Star Hall, 3/F, KITEC. pinkfong.com
DEC 25
Christmas Day Sit back and enjoy the turkey, Christmas is finally here. Find our full list of activities for the festive season at hongkongliving.com
DEC 26
DEC 17–27
Burn off those Christmas calories and race across various islands including Lamma, Launtau and Hong Kong Island. Travelling time from one island to the other will not be accounted for. 7am-6.30pm. From $400. Central Ferry Pier 4. tgr.run
Hong Kong Ballet have vowed to bring The Nutcracker back to the theatre for its ninth consecutive year. Suitable for ages three and above. From $180. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
Three Islands Green Race
The Nutcracker
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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news
New 60-kilometre cycling track For the two-wheel fanatics out there, there is a new cycling track to explore this autumn as a 60-kilometre bikeway between Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan opened to the public last month. While sections of the New Territories biking route have already been in use, the newly opened 11-kilometre trail connecting Yuen Long with Sheung Shui marks the completion of the
60-kilometre cycling backbone. The new section traverses various scenic spots including Kam Tin River in Yuen Long and Long Valley Wetland in Sheung Shui; as well as cultural attractions like Tai Fu Tai and Man Tin Cheung Park in San Tin. Ancillary facilities – such as rest stations, bicycle rental kiosks, tuck shops, first aid stations and toilets – are also available en route.
Quarantine-free travel bubble It’s been more than eight months since most of us have been able to travel. If you’ve been longing to get out of town, now is your chance. The government has announced that Hong Kong and Singapore agreed in principle to establish an air travel bubble between the two cities. This means that visitors will not be required to undergo quarantine or at-home
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isolation when travelling between these two destinations.Before boarding the flight, visitors will be required to get tested for the coronavirus in a facility recognised by both governments. The test results must come back as negative before visitors are allowed to travel. As of time of print no confirmed dates have been mentioned for when the travel bubble will be launched.
Kellett appoints new Head of School After a rigorous selection process, British international school Kellett School has appointed Samantha Steed as the new Head of School for the Kowloon Bay Prep School starting the end of this academic year. Steed holds a Master’s Degree in Education and has over 20 years of Primary and Early Years education experience, including three headships in international and UK schools. She began her teaching career at Holy Trinity School in London and was appointed the Deputy Head at Prospect School in Putney, Head of Haresfoot Preparatory School in Hertfordshire and Head of Berkhamsted Pre-Prep, where her husband Mark Steed was Principal.
in your backyard
Sea safety With lock down measures relaxing and borders still closed, Sai Kung has seen an influx of visitors over the last month, especially on beaches and at sea. This has led to a series of watersporting accidents and rescue missions for the Marine Police East Division. In order to promote more sea safety, the division has called on their Guarding Angels, a team of young and keen officers, to help promote sea safety awareness in the
waters of Sai Kung by hosting open days at the Marine East Operational Base, handing out leaflets and conducting sea safety patrols where necessary. The Relations Bureau will also prepare a series of sea safety videos to promote sea safety via different social media platforms including the police website, Facebook page and YouTube channel, as a means to reach out to different sea activitygoers from a variety of approaches.
Donate-a-meal
Out of this world
This month restaurants across the city will be adding a voluntary $15 donation to each bill from November 1 to 30. The donation goes towards the Donate-a-Meal campaign to raise much-needed funds for Feeding Hong Kong, Impact HK and Christian Action, who are providing emergency food for vulnerable families in Hong Kong. 26 restaurants will take part including local favourites such as Momentai, The Picture House, Singaling, The Conservatory, 2085 and Jo San. For the full list of restaurants visit donate-a-weal.org
A two metre long piece of metal washed up on the shores of Pak Lap Wan beach last month. Police believe the fragment belonged to the Chinese Long March 5 rocket, identifiable by the Chinese characters, serial number and blue logo printed on the sheet. It is believed that the rocket fell into the Pacific Ocean earlier this year and the parts gradually drifted to Hong Kong waters. Many space enthusiasts and local residents gathered at the beach to see the unique fragment. The rocket fragment has since been taken to Marine Police East Division.
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five minutes with
Five minutes with Mary Justice Thomasson Apple Lee speaks to the founder of Mary Justice Designs You could say Mary Justice Thomasson is as multi-faceted and entertaining as her newly released range of luxury home decor and fine art furniture. Thomasson moved to Bali
in 2003 after a two-decade sojourn in Hong Kong as a broadcast journalist, travel writer and PR maven. Having lived a vivacious life traversing the world, she is well-prepared to
unleash her talents as a designer with her new adventure Mary Justice Designs. In her Bali studio, Thomasson creates heirloom quality furniture that combines her love of decorative arts and her first-hand experience voyaging through Indonesia. Her recipe of using furniture as the canvas for expressive storytelling goes back to the days when she studied European and Fine Decorative Arts at Christie’s London. “It has always been my dream to create beautiful hand-painted furniture that tells a story. I’ve always harboured a deep fascination for storytelling, which my travel writing and journalistic career offered me. But I also carry a lifelong desire to design and create art, having been surrounded by it since my childhood,” she says. Thomasson’s father was a geologist and her mother and grandmother both specialised in antique furniture and accessories from around the world. Growing up in London, her family home in Chelsea was always filled with lusterware jugs, masons ironstone, bible boxes, Windsor chairs and cricket tables, instilling in her a keen eye for aesthetics from a young age. Mary Justice Designs focuses on handhoned furniture pieces that are built to last. Made with sustainable FSC-certified teak and mahogany, the collections feature an assortment of paintings depicting birds, butterflies and jungle scenes inhabited by cloud leopards and underwater seascapes. These paintings are executed by an in-house illustrator, then painstakingly drawn onto gessoed wood by a master artist using a 16th century technique that requires nine to 12 brushstrokes to produce the equivalent of one brushstroke on canvas. Each piece takes up to four weeks to complete and is given a hard wearing finish to make it water-resistant and spill-proof. As everything is done by hand, each piece is unique and the designs come in a limited edition of 15. Each work of art can be customised with the future collector’s name and are signed by the artists. What makes Thomasson’s designs stand out is their craftsmanship and multifunctionality. There are tilt-top tables that display like a work of art when not in use; butler tables with removable nesting trays; and rotating trays for dining tables. “I’ve designed my creations to be useful everyday pieces that are beautiful to the touch and visually vibrant. Their meaningful stories not only spark conversations, but inject personality into any interior,” she says. Mary Jane Designs will release a new home accessories range for the Christmas gift season. maryjusticedesigns.com
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local
Caring during Covid
Nicole Slater talks to the students behind the Raabta Project
From left to right: James Hall, Ariane Morales and Emily Brenker
When university campuses closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year, Sai Kung residents James Hall, Emily Brenker and Ariane Morales found themselves back home and wanting to help. At the time, a fourth member of the team Divyansh Rungta, who was based in India, informed the trio about the worrying situation taking place in rural villages surrounding his home. The students knew they could use their voices to help. Together they started the Raabta Project, a charity dedicated to donating medical supplies to those in need. “Raabta is not an abbreviation, but rather a term in Hindi that means bonding of the soul. We believe this term aligns with our mission to provide support for those affected and to spread awareness,” says Hall. While the Hong Kong Academy alumni had previous experience organising fundraising events, doing so during a pandemic was a little trickier. “Getting donations from people was difficult, everyone is struggling financially and we couldn’t organise a fundraising event due to legal restrictions,” says Hall. Through a strong network of friends and family, along with Hong Kong Academy’s tight-knit community, the team is currently
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on track to raise their goal of $39,900. The money raised will be used to purchase and donate 100,000 surgical masks to support two rural Indian villages, Dhaura Tanda Nagar and Thiriya Nizawat Khan, through the pandemic. By partnering with organisations including Rotary club Bareilly and Shree Industries, the Raabta team has been able to negotiate manufacturing costs for each mask and get the support they need to send and distribute them around the villages. With restrictions lifting, the team has also
joined hands with local pizza shop Paisanos to sell cookies and is on the lookout to partner with more local businesses to help raise awareness and funds for the project. “The Sai Kung community can help by donating and spreading information about our charity. Sharing our link through social media platforms will help spread the word to people within our community and across the world,” says Hall. For more information about the Raabta Project or to donate please visit raabtaproject.wixsite.com/mysite
Mask factory
on patrol
Senior Inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases in Sai Kung Snakes in the grass On the evening of October 3 a 48-year-old woman and her teenage son were walking through a campsite in Long Keng when the woman was bitten by a snake. She contacted the police and was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state.
Got milk?
A quick dip On the morning of October 12 a 62-year-old man was driving from the Sinopec petrol station on Hiram’s Highway when his car suddening went forward, crashed through a metal railing and fell into the river below. The man left the car and went home. When police found him later that day he admitted to the incident stating that he didn’t know what to do. The case has been handed to the kowloon east traffic division.
Chain reaction On October 6, two apartments in Mau Ping New Village were burgled in what police call a chain burglary. It is believed that the culprits gained access to the balconies via bamboo scaffolding and pried open the windows. Both victims’ safes were robbed. The case is still under investigation.
Dangerous ground A group of friends were cycling on the Maclehose Trail Section 1 at midnight on October 11 when one of the group members lost his balance and fell. The 24-year-old man sustained injuries to his hands and left eye and was transported to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in a conscious state.
Not so safe During the night of October 9 a woman heard a noise coming from the second floor bedroom of a house in Shan Lin Lower Village. The woman called the police and upon investigation the balcony door was open and their safe was found discarded in the neighbours back garden. Jewellery and items made of gold were reported missing. The case is still under investigation.
Ket..again While conducting routine patrols around Sai Kung on September 30, police officers noticed a man acting suspiciously. Upon further inspection, they found multiple grams of suspected Ketamine with a market value of around $1,925, concealed in a tissue packet and plastic bag. The man stated it was for self consumption and was arrested at the scene.
Burglary prevention: • • •
Secure doors and windows Activate anti-burglary measures Call 99 if you encounter a suspicious person
A woman posted a request for baby milk formula via a Facebook forum on October 3. Another person offered to sell her eight cans for a negotiated price of $680, but after transferring the money the woman never received her purchase. She contacted the police and the case is under investigation.
What’s happening at sea Based in Tui Min Hoi, Marine East Division is the local base of the Marine Police. Girl overboard At midnight on October 19 a 28-year-old woman fell from her vessel at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. The marine police located the vessel and found the woman floating in the water 100 metres away. The woman was rescued in a conscious state and was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. Mind your step On October 28, a 53-year-old male slipped while climbing down the ladder and fainted. When Marine police arrived at the scene the man was conscious but sustained inquiries to his head. He was taken to the Marine East Division Operational Base where an ambulance was waiting to escort him to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for treatment.
Go down with your ship At 3.30am on October 16, the marine police received reports of a sunken vessel with a 74-year-old fisherman onboard near Town Island. Marine police arrived to sweep the area along with a sanpan driven by the fisherman’s friend. At 4am the fisherman was found near Long Ke and was transported to the Marine East Division Operational Base without injury.
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TK, wiki commons.
big day out
TUNG PING CHAU
Rory Mackay explores Hong Kong’s most remote island Rugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Ping Chau possesses something for everyone. From family-friendly walks and pristine white sandy beaches to rock formation adventures and historical rekeys. No matter how you wish to play things, this will be a full day outing at the very least. There are only two ways to reach Tung Ping Chau, either by private/chartered boat or by taking the public ferry (weekends and public holidays only) from Ma Liu Shui in Sha Tin.
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The ferry journey from Ma Liu Shui takes one and a half hours to complete, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Tolo Harbour. A landscape of tranquil channels lined with red rocks (unique to this part of Hong Kong), before emerging upon the open waters of Mirs Bay. Located in the heart of the Tung Ping Chau close to the pier, lies the only major settlement of note on the isle and definitely deserves a pit spot upon arrival. After a refreshing drink and bite to eat, one could easily spend the best part of a couple of hours strolling
the adjacent Northeastern beaches, interspersed by crumbling Hakka houses and shade yielding Banyans.
TK, wiki commons.
island hopping
Rock formations
The unique geology of Tung Ping Chau on the other hand is a much more enduring attraction to spend your time exploring. The best way to discover the island is by circumnavigating the Ping Chau Country Trail, which at 5km typically takes around two hours to walk in one go without any long breaks. However, stopping along the way to explore all the incredible sedimentary rock formations on show, or delving into the interior of Tung Ping Chau is what this Island is all about. Possessing the youngest rocks in Hong Kong, there are numerous laminated coastal shelfs and sea cliffs to witness. Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island to Sha Tin at 5pm, unless taking your own boat back or camping overnight is more
Sandy shores
your thing. Camping in Hong Kong can be an awesome experience and Tung Ping Chau is a superb illustration of this. Beware that there is a lot of ambient light coming from China at night, so try to orientate your camp towards Mirs Bay and get more breeze in the process. Among the list of Hong Kong’s many outlying places, the castaway isle of Tung Ping Chau is worth the trip at least once. The adventure to and from it, is as much an attraction as the being there is.
Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For more details visit wildhongkong.com
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cover story
Hong Kong Academy turns 20 Nicole Slater meets Head of School Stephen Dare ahead of the celebrations
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HKA From humble beginnings in Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Academy (HKA) has grown beyond imagination into what is now one of Hong Kong’s most respected international schools. Founded 20 years ago by two parents with the vision of creating an inclusive environment for students across Hong Kong, HKA promotes seven core values; rigorous international education, pathways to individual excellence, engaging in responsible action, captivating learning environment, dynamic learning community, sustainable future and educational leadership. Since relocating to Sai Kung Town in 2013, the non-profit co-educational day school has bonded with the local community, becoming a firm fixture as a place to promote good causes and host events. Stephen Dare has been Head of School for 11 years and oversaw the move to Sai Kung. “While the new campus was exciting, many of our students and their families moved with us or had to increase their travel time significantly in order to stay. But it was all worth it when we got to witness students and parents walking onto the new campus and looking around in wonder on the first day,” says Dare. After a unique year of online learning and social distancing restrictions, Dare is happy to see students and teachers back on campus, “as beautiful as buildings can be, they are pretty souless without teachers and students filling the hallways,” says Dare. Now that everyone is back at school, HKA is excited to kick off its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Mission and values With over 500 students, HKA is a close-knit school with an excellent student-teacher ratio, meaning that every student gets the differentiated learning opportunities they need to flourish. The school has a strong diverse community both culturally and integrated within its teaching methods, “we want to set our students up for success in the working world by empowering learners to pursue pathways to individual excellence,” says Dare. HKA also believes in strong parent engagement and works closely with families to make sure the school programme and educational outcomes are understood and supported at home.
Anniversary celebrations While the academy has had to reimagine celebration plans in light of Covid, there is still plenty going on. A virtual event featuring parent and faculty stories and a choir performance kicked off the celebrations last month while an art exhibition by the school’s alumni will also be featured around campus along with community events and fairs, depending on government restrictions. The school entrance has also been given a facelift with the doors painted bright red to reflect the red doors of the school’s very first location on Stubbs Road. Dare looks back fondly at his time with HKA, “one of my
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cover story
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HKA
favourite memories at the Sai Kung campus was being able to give my two daughters their certificates when they graduated, it was such an honour,” he smiles.
Future of HKA Online learning has been an unexpected learning opportunity for HKA, while the school believes face-to-face learning is crucial for the development of students, the use of technology has also proved beneficial. Looking ahead Dare says “we will continue to be adaptive and use the things we’ve learnt about technology over the past few months to
incorporate into our classes.” Dare is aware that the way people work is changing and he wants to make sure that HKA students are fully prepared for the unpredictable future that lies ahead. It is wonderful to see such a communityoriented school celebrate this milestone. After seven years in Sai Kung, it is clear to see that a school like HKA can provide a unique education for students both near and far. Hong Kong Academy offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes for students from PreKindergarten through twelfth grade. They also offer a playgroup for 2-3 year olds. For more information, visit hkacademy.edu.hk
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dining Restaurant of the Year
Zuma
Known for its contemporary izakaya dishes, free-flow brunches and atmospheric setting, Zuma is crowned Restaurant of the Year in this year’s Hong Kong Dining Awards. The two-storey Japanese restaurant, located inside the Landmark Building, beckons a diverse crowd from white-collars and partygoers to couples and families. Opened more than a decade ago, the restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes, especially being in such a fast-paced city where restaurants come and go. “Being strong in the Hong Kong scene after 14 years is not easy. We strive for perfection on a daily basis. We never stop thinking about innovation, progress, quality, product and guest experience,” says Alex Bellafronte, Zuma’s Operations Director Asia. zumarestaurant.com
Amber
HONG KONG DINING AWARDS
The city’s top restaurants, chefs and food delivery services as voted by you. By Apple Lee This month Sai Kung’s sister magazine Hong Kong Living celebrated Hong Kong’s dining industry and those who pushed on during these
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challenging times. Here are some highlights from the second annual Hong Kong Dining Awards. Full rundown of winners at hongkongliving.com
Aside from its undisputed status as one of Hong Kong’s best fine dining restaurants, Amber is widely recognised as a pioneer of sustainability and plant-based cuisine. Last year, the restaurant eliminated dairy, gluten and refined sugar from its menu and replaced the French culinary staples with healthier alternatives. At the new Amber, guests are encouraged to opt for the vegetarian or vegan tasting menu, where fresh produce is given a leading role in the degustation rather than just a garnish. Led by executive chef Ricahrd Ekkebus, the two Michelin-starred restaurant continues to pave the way for sustainable eating in 2020. The restaurant has already launched plastic-free and sustainable seafood policies and uses only cage-free eggs in its dishes. “Sustainability efforts never stop. The climate crisis is becoming more and more urgent and many of our peers are following suit to make positive changes to the environment,” Ekkebus says. mandarinoriental.com
dining awards Chef of the Year
Louise
Vicky Lau
As the chef-owner of Tate Dining Room, Vicky Lau is the only female Asian chef with a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong. After graduating from New York University with a degree in graphic communications, Lau left the design field to embark on her culinary career and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu. Her cutting-edge culinary creations and intricate plating earned Tate Dining Room a prestigious Michelin star in 2013, only one year after its conceptualisation, and in 2015, Lau won the title of Best Female Chef in Asia voted by World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Today, Lau is one of the first people who comes to mind when we think of French-Chinese cuisine. In the city’s highly competitive dining scene, she has managed to find innovation in her culinary craft with seasonal menus centred around native ingredients. tate.com.hk
John Nguyen
Bold and conventional are how John Nguyen would describe his culinary style. “I don’t hold back and the result is dishes that boast plentiful strong flavours,” he says. “You’ll either love us – or love us. There is no in between.”As the head chef of Xuan, a newly-opened modern Vietnamese restaurant, Nguyen challenges the perceptions of traditional Vietnamese cuisine being just pho or banh mi. With daring dishes that often come with a trace of spiciness and umami, the chef is known for combining French techniques and a hefty dose of American-style cooking to concoct flavoursome creations.
John Nguyen
Best Al Fresco Restaurant
Limewood
Located on the shores of Repulse Bay, Limewood is a beachside stronghold for both Southsiders and those travelling from afar. With bright interiors and breathtaking views, this Cali-inspired restaurant will make you feel miles away, without even stepping on a plane, perfect with the current travel restrictions in place.“We wanted to create somewhere that really embodied beachside living and bring the best dishes from the most beautiful beaches in the world together with flavours of Hawaii, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam all feature strongly,” says Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts, the hospitality group behind Limewood. Both family and pet-friendly, this beachside hangout is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy Hong Kong’s cooler months. “We hope to continue to offer the feeling of having ‘holiday at home’ when the sun shines, the rosé is cold and the BBQ is fired up and buzzing,” says Reid. limewood.hk
Nestled inside a heritage house in PMQ, Louise doles out elevated French classics with heart-warming flavours that pay homage to home-cooked delights. Helmed by internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Julien Royer, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star this year after opening last summer. Designwise, homegrown architect André Fu has transformed the two-storey building into a chic and elegant restaurant while retaining the essence of colonial style architecture. On the ground floor by the restaurant entrance, there is a cosy al fresco terrace surrounded by luscious greens. Beyond its relaxing outdoor area, Louise features an upstairs dining room and a high-ceilinged bar and lounge serving up specialty charcuterie and handpicked wines by its sommelier. louise.hk
Best Delivery Service
Foodpanda
Foodpanda has evolved significantly since its beginnings in 2014 as a food delivery service. Not only can you have your favourite meals delivered straight to your door, nowadays, Foodpanda also operates a number of virtual kitchens and offers a 24/7 online shopping experience with Foodpanda Mall and Pandamart. Most recently, with Hong Kong’s dine-in restrictions and gathering bans during the coronavirus outbreak, Foodpanda has seen a surge in restaurant partners on its platform. The delivery platform now works with over 11,000 restaurants across the city, giving customers an even broader selection. Looking forward, Foodpanda is expecting to achieve an even greater coverage across Hong Kong, the opening of more Pandamart locations and a delivery time as fast as fifteen minutes. foodpanda.hk
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must haves this month
May Coupe champagne glass set $2,050 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk
Marshall emberton speaker $1,299 from Lane Crawford and TechLife by Fortress lanecrawford.com.hk, fortress.com.hk
Solo wine holder $1,250 from Tree tree.com.hk
Be our guest Entertain in style with these dinner party essentials. By Nicole Slater
Stanton 42 piece cutlery set $2,620 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
After work glass top bar $21,980 from Tequila Kola tequilakola.com
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dining in Kennedy cross leg dining table $15,900 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Dessert bowl $89 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Deep ocean wine bucket $3,836 from Mary Justice Designs maryjusitcedesigns.com
r Rory acrylic bar cart $7,990 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Cael round coasters $799 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Six-layered etagere paradise $12,980 from Tequila Kola tequilakola.com
The LAIBA gift set $559 from LAIBA Beverages hk.shop.laibabeverages.com
Christmas felt placemats $259 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
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chui sui central
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sai kung secrets
Tin Hau Temple turns 104 Nicole Slater tells the tale of the goddess of the sea
While strolling from Tai Hau Temple to Sai Kung Waterfront, you may have noticed five copper bells, along your journey. Designed by former senior government architect Raymond Fung Wing Kee, the bells act as a corridor to guide the goddess from the water to the temple. Tin Hau, whose name translates to heavenly queen, was a woman from the Song dynasty named Lin Mo. She was said to be able to predict the weather and protect fishermen caught in storms. After dying in a rescue attempt at the age of 28, Lin Mo became a goddess, protecting fishermen and sailors across the ocean.
Sai Kung’s Tai Hau Temple began its life in 1916 after a group of merchants from Sai Kung came together to fund and build a new temple. At the time, two temples existed in the town, one which housed the Goddess of the Sea and the other, which housed the God of war, Kwan Tai. The temples were a distance away from each other making it inconvenient for people wishing to pray to both deities. They decided to move the Kwan Tai Temple to the same location as Tin Hau. A new bigger temple was built to accommodate both deities and gave us the iconic landmark that sits in the town today.
The temple originally sat on Sai Kung’s waterfront, giving the Goddess a clear view over the ocean, but over the years the land was reclaimed, pushing the temple further into the town thus a corridor was created to guide the Goddess to and from the ocean. As the temple gears up to celebrate it’s 104th birthday this month, why not pay a visit to the Goddess, she may give you some luck on your next junk trip. Know of a Sai Kung secret? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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chui sui central
Dead serious Nury Vitatti on why sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl isn’t such a bad thing In Hong Kong, some of our best friends are ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosts. I prefer the theory that “dumb” objects, such as haunted houses, “possessed” TV sets, rocks, trains, politicians, etc, may occasionally manifest signs of sentience, but never develop actual conscious intelligence. Well, some of the rocks might. My friend Ah-Lum believes in ghosts and likes to explain Hong Kong occult traditions to visitors’ children: “Never put your chopsticks upright in your rice. The ghosts see them as funeral incense sticks and take it as an invitation to join the meal.” I was about to shut him up when I noticed his young female audience looked delighted. “Cool,” said one. Their parents told me that children these days play with Ouija boards, which consist of a flat surface bearing letters and words and a pointer that moves randomly, allegedly guided by creatures who are simultaneously alive and dead, such as ghosts, zombies, spirits, Rolling Stones, members of the Chinese politburo, etc. Top seller in recent years was the Hasbro toy company’s Ouija For Girls, issued in bright pink. It made me think. Pretty much every country has some sort of tradition of people contacting the dead, but in the past, the activity involved adults asking questions which made sense to ghosts, such as: “Are you there, Auntie? Can you tell me where you buried the money, you miserable cow?” These days, Hasbro is empowering massive numbers of pre-teens in Hong Kong and elsewhere to use these channels to deal with pre-teen issues. I find this frightening. I mean, you gotta feel sorry for the ghosts. Imagine the scene. In Hades, a group of ghosts will be sitting around quietly being dead or whatever ghosts do, when a screen comes to life with a question from the land of the living. Whoever is on duty will read it out loud. “It’s from Lingling, aged nine, in Hong Kong,” he says. “I had a pink flower bag but Sheungyee got one so I wasn’t her friend anymore but she gave a Justin bracelet to Mandy’s
sister’s friend who told the teacher. Shall I invite Tsz-lam to my party?” The ghosts look baffled. “What does it mean?” The chief ghost shakes his head. “I think it must be some kind of code.” Along comes another question: “Can you tell Romeo Beckham to wait eight years till I’m old enough to marry him? If you don’t, I’ll scream and scream until I’m sick.” Then another: “I want a pony RIGHT NOW.” And another: “If you don’t materialise a pack of Barbie Glitter Stickers in my room in ten minutes I will kill my baby brother.” I looked up some of the toy review sites on the internet to see what buyers had said about Ouija For Girls. Here’s a comment from a mother in Chicago (I didn’t make this up): “I bought this for my daughter, thinking she could talk with Grandma and Grandpa now that they've passed over... We will be in the middle of a conversation with someone, and some demon will take over and start spouting out filthy stuff. Needs more R and D.” On behalf of all parents, I have a request for ghosts reading this. Please respond to all questions with: “You will get a pony AND Barbie Glitter Stickers AND marriage to Romeo Beckham if you do two hours’ homework a night, eat your greens and do everything mum and dad say from now on. Deal?” Some people will prefer it if we keep this world and the next separate. But this is Hong Kong, which means we have Hungry Ghost Month every year, so even squeamish or skeptical people can’t keep away from the world of the occult. If you can’t beat them, join them—and make everyone laugh. Stick your chopsticks upright in your children’s rice bowl and shout: “Now the ghost is sitting next to you.”
Nury Vittachi is an award-winning author and journalist based in Hong Kong. He is best known for his comedy-crime novel series, The Feng Shui Detective. Contact him via nury@vittachi.com or through his public Facebook page.
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pets
Ask a vet..
Dr Pauline Taylor shares her tips for relocating with your pet When planning your pets relocation it's important to be organised, here are nine tips on making the process easier for both you and your furry companion: 1. Start at least six months in advance. Every country has its own laws regarding pet imports. If not done correctly, your pet may not be allowed to enter. In extreme cases, a pet arriving without the proper paperwork can be seized and euthanized. Contact the correct Government departments for the current laws. 2. Contact the airline you hope to use. Flight schedules and available air cargo space may have changed due to Covid. Some airlines will not transport certain breeds that may pose a risk of dying on the flight. Avoid your pet laying over anywhere. We’ve all read about stories of animals being “left on the tarmac” and through no fault of the owner or transporter the pet dies. 3. Use a reliable pet relocation company. Look for a track record of moving pets and a professional/friendly response to your inquiries. Look into what the pet transporter can do to assist should things not go according to plan. 4. Consider what you get for your buck. I understand the stigma put on pet parents about leaving them behind, but if your bank balance doesn’t allow an airfare for your pet, in some cases they may be better rehomed. Personally I do not agree with excuses, I have heard many during my career. 5. If you are going to oversee a pet relocation yourself, do not expect your vet to know everything. Locally registered vets are required to check your pet and issue a health certificate for export purposes out of Hong Kong. This must be presented at check in. The declaration must also be co-approved/signed by a local Government veterinary surgeon and takes time. Don’t expect to get this on the day of the flight. 6. Book your pet on a flight before you, especially if they have to quarantine at the destination. Most pets travel well, they may be scared but their stress control systems take over, some will sleep or pretend to and don’t forget they may arrive jet lagged. I don’t generally recommend a pet gets sedation for the flight. I think it’s important they are tuned in to what is happening around them. 7. Check the requirements for airline
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approved travel crates. Check the shape and size before you buy the product. Allow your pet access to the crate before the journey and reward them for going in and out. Teach them how to access a water bottle. Airline staff will not open cages during the flight, but water containers may be topped up. Finally send them away with a favorite soft small toy or one of your old shirts that has your smell on it. 8. Keep up to date with the latest requirements in both the origin and destination countries. As spaces can change or get cancelled, your pet may be left behind as you go ahead. Pet boarding facilities at the destination may be under quarantine controls and at present many of these facilities are booked out. Other countries like the UAE demand a declaration that cats do not carry Covid-19 and have been in pre-flight quarantine for 14 days. 9. Your pet will be so happy to see you again at the end of their journey that they will get on with their new life so
long as they have you by their side. Get them into a standard routine as quickly as possible and stick to it.
Dr Pauline Taylor, Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.
marketplace
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
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marketplace
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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
marketplace
What to plant in November November weather facts Average high temperature: 24.1°C Average low temperature: 19.8°C Average rainfall: 40mm Average rainfall days: 5.5 days November is the perfect time to make a second sowing of previously failed annuals. Any coleus propagates should last over winter. Make sure to also prepare plants for the cold season. Note to put tender leaved plants, including fittonias, pandanus veitchii, peperomias and anthuriums under the most sheltered positions, best under glass to stand over the winter. Still, a lot of annuals still require potting this month. Plenty of flowers will bloom with proper care this month. Pot narcissus tazetta, also known as the Chinese sacred lily, and liliums bulbs ordered from Japan (which should have arrived by now) in beds. If you failed your first planting of certain vegetables last month, now is the time to give it another go. Plant lettuce, since they thrive during the winter season. Unless you had a very light soil, surely you would have failed during the summer. Make sowings about once a fortnight as required, tie them up and blanch them. Summer lettuce plants will never be big enough to tie up but the cooler weather will make it big enough to work. Well dig a piece of ground for the seedbed, and din in a liberal supply of manure. Sow the seeds and water them once a day. Transplant when the seedlings are two or three inches. November is also the time to earth up and check on your bed of celery and potatoes if you have previously planted them. Also use this time to plant cabbages, cauliflowers, brussels sprouts, endives and kohlrabi, all of which are treated similarly and are viable gardening options for the crisp autumn air.
GET LISTED! 2776 2772 talk@fastmedia.com.hk
By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
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council chat
Ask Debby
District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, Debby Chan answers your questions
Dumped bicycles - should companies be responsible? Parking shared bikes carelessly can easily be considered as dumping, especially with Hong Kong’s humidity as it rots metal frames quickly. Unfortunately, the user usually takes convenience prior to public interest. I believe that companies do have responsibility to remove and repair broken bikes, yet the government should pursue a bicycle-friendly way for smalls businesses to do their job.
Illegal building There have been concerns about illegal building around the town for many years. I reluctantly have to say that the Lands Department is the least efficient department among all. For existing illegal structures the government has a programme for small house owners to register the illegal structure, however this progress is slow and relies on residents’ complaints only. If you have a complaint please call 1823 to report it. Got a council question for Debby? Email us at editorial@hongkongliving.com
What is on your agenda for November? Since November is the beginning of hiking season, more people are expected to gather around Sai Kung during the weekends. Over the last two months, I have spoken to the Transport Department about illegal parking along Tai Mong Tsai Road as well as the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department about the litter left on the islands. I am interested to see how my feedback has been received and whether we will see any improvement.
Proposed leisure centre The proposed leisure centre will contain a range of sports and social facilities for the community. The site is situated between Mei Yuen Street and Mei Tak Street, which means that the swimming pool, football and tennis courts will be closed during the construction. Moreover, the Sha Ha archeological site is within the boundary, it is unknown if more excavation work will take place. The detailed construction arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
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Biggest accomplishments Over the past nine months, I realised the community’s biggest enemy is bureaucracy. The general public are discouraged to voice their opinion as they often get put off by the long waiting hotline and unanswered emails. My biggest accomplishment has been making residents and stakeholders feel comfortable about sharing their concerns. From my observations most concerns include transport (Hiram’s Highway widening work), environmental conservation (illegal land filling or dumping) and waste management.
Debby Chan Ka Lam is the District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, striving for a more sustainable community.
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