F A M I LY | P E T S | D I N I N G | F A T H E R ’ S D A Y
JUNE 2020
The environmental issue
Meet Southside’s eco-warriors Get your grill on! Barbecue tips from Cococabana’s Jean-Paul Gauci
Trekking to Tai O A Southern Lantau adventure
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The really useful magazine June 2020
2 CONTRIBUTORS
24 DINING
Meet the team
Jean-Paul Gauci shares his Father’s Day barbecue tips. Plus nibbles
6 PEOPLE
18
26 EDUCATION
Southsiders out and about
Summer camps to keep the kids entertained
8 THE PLANNER What’s on in June
28 BIG DAY OUT
12 NEWS
Rory Mackay hikes from Shek Pik to Tai O
What’s happening in our backyard
15 FIVE MINUTES WITH
31 SOUTHSIDE SECRETS Reflecting at Stanley Military Cemetery
Caroline Rhodes, Founder of The Body Group
32 PETS
28
Dr Pauline shares her tips for keeping cats entertained. Plus walkies
17 LOCAL Project Care Package comes to Pok Fu Lam
18 MUST HAVES THIS MONTH
36 ZIM CITY Paul Zimmerman on redesigning the city for living with Covid-19
Father’s Day gift guide
20 COVER STORY Meet Southside’s eco-warriors
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31 THE EARTH IS WHAT WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON - WENDELL BERRY
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editor’s letter
W
e are halfway through 2020, schools are somewhat back and bars open again - dare I say it, I think there’s finally a sense of
Editorial
normality! We only have one planet, so it’s important that we protect it. This month we focus on our environment from sustainable furniture stores to recycling activists, Charmaine Ng meets the people doing their bit to take care of the planet in our cover story on page 20. While Covid-19 is almost nonexistent in Hong Kong, many families are still struggling to get back on their feet. 16-year-old German Swish International School student Dylan Fischer and his classmates have been using their time away from school to donate care packages around Pok Fu Lam and Wan Chai, read all about it on page 17. Don’t forget to spoil dear old dad this Father’s Day (June 21) with our ultimate gift guide on page 18. If you’re still a little hesitant about venturing out, fire up the grill and celebrate at home with Jean-Paul Gauci’s tips for the perfect backyard barbecue on page 24. Wishing you all a lovely Father’s Day and fabulous start to summer!
Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editorial Director Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Melanie Cox, melanie@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Alvin Cheng, alvin@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
Digital
Things we love
Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
Publisher Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to Paul Zimmerman Mimi Law Kate Babington
Suzanne Younan Sarah Fung
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
Cookie DPT x The Upper House
Sundowners at Harbourside Grill
Classic American-style cookie brand Cookie DPT will call The Upper House home until August 30, with a pop-up featuring classic and exclusive flavours. Cookie lovers can also enjoy a collaborative tea set at Café Gray Deluxe featuring its Earl “Gray” Cookie, sabatino black truffle cheddar biscuit, and mini red velvet cupcake. upperhouse.com
Harbour City’s latest restaurant opening, Harbourside Grill, offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour while serving up contemporary cuisine with a French flare. Executive Chef Armand Sablon presents a grill-centric menu featuring a range of meat and seafood options. harboursidegrill.com.hk
Stay strong Hong Kong
You may have noticed that we’re at a reduced number of pages. These are tough times for everyone and just like other small businesses in Hong Kong, we are rationing. Hopefully things will return to normal soon. For now, we’ve squeezed the same great content into this slightly smaller issue. We hope it fills you with positivity for this great city in which we live.
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HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Southside 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. 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 publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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contributors
Thank you to our contributors
Alvin Cheng Alvin is an experienced graphic designer who has worked on Hong Kong publications including HK Magazine, New Travel Magazine and Kee Magazine. He is also heavily involved in the fitness scene and is a NASM certified trainer. Using both sides of his brain helps Alvin maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Karin Bremer Dutch-Australian photographer Karin runs photography company “Karin Bremer Photography” offering a range of photography services including family portraits, events and commercial product services. This month she headed over to Stanley to snap all your smiley faces, check them out on page 6. karinbremer.com
Jean-Paul Guaci Chef-owner of Southside’s favourite beachside grills Cococabana and CoCoNuts, Jean-Paul Gauci shares his tips for throwing the ultimate Father’s Day barbecue on page 24.
Charmaine Ng Born and bred in Hong Kong, our senior staff writer went through the international school system before going on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in journalism. This month, she met Southside’s eco-warriors on page 20.
Rory Mackay Avid hiker and thrill-seeker Rory owns adventure company Wild Hong Kong. This month he guides you over the southern tip of Lantau Island to Tai O in our Big Day Out. Read all about this route on page 28. wildhongkong.com
Dylan Fischer German Swish International School student Dylan Fischer is part of the student-lead initiative CELL (Community Engagement in Learning and Living). He shares how the group has been helping those in need during the Covid-19 outbreak on page 17.
Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com hongkongliving.com | 5
people Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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planner 2pm. $200, includes tea, doodle guidance and art materials. Wild at Art, 2-4 Elgin Street, Central. Facebook: wildatartstudios
JUN 5-7
Romeo & Juliet Hong Kong Ballet brings Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers to life in a stunning performance. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. From $140. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
JUN 7
Philip Glass’s Akhnaten Follow the life of Anthony Roth Costanzo, the pharaoh and revolutionary ruler of ancient Egypt, in a reimagined Philip Glass performance. 5pm. $240. Béthanie Theatre, HKAPA Béthanie Landmark Heritage Campus, Pok Fu Lam. hkticketing.com
JUN 12
French Cocktail Party Meet The Union des Français de l’Etranger’s newly-appointed committee members. 8-10pm. Members $200, non-members $500. Novotel Century Hong Kong, 238 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai. ufehongkong.hk
JUN 13
Midsummer Race 2020
JUN 14
A 8.5km solo trail run through Tai Tam Reservoir Road and Violet Hill. Open to all ages. Race starts at 3pm. $220. Tai Tam Reservoir. xterace.com
An 18km trail race starting from Shuen Wan Country Park and finishing at Hong Lok Yuen Country Club, with a spread of refreshments. 8am-6pm. From $690. Bride’s Pool Road. runnerreg.com
JUN 2
Online Malvern Meet An Information session for prospective parents to learn more about Malvern College Hong Kong, with senior management and admissions available to answer questions. 4-5pm. malverncollege. org.hk/infosession
JUN 3 & 10
Lunchtime Destress Doodling An afternoon of peace and creativity with Wild at Art Studios’ lunchtime doodle classes. 12.30-
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Kapuhala GreenRace 18
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what’s on local DJs to celebrate the summer. 2-11pm. Free. Cobra Beach Club, 2/F, Silvermine Beach, Mui Wo, Lantau. Facebook: Ravema2
JUN 25
Dragon Boat (Tuen Ng) Festival Another public holiday!
JUN 26 & 28
Yoga Bodyworker with Jambo Truong Join the Forrest Yoga Guardian for a bodywork yoga session focusing on structural alignment and muscle testing. June 26, 7pm and June 28, 4.30pm. Pure members $2,850, non-members $3,562. pure-yoga.com
JUN 17-27
UNSCHEDULED The Hong Kong Art Gallery Association aims to re-energise the city’s art scene with a showcase of local galleries including 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, Ben Brown Fine Arts and more. $80. Duplex Studio, LG1/F & LG2/F, Block 1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central. hk-aga.org
JUN 20
Rave Ma² Presents: Relief (Beach Party) An all-day beach party featuring music from six
BOOK NOW
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo for the first time ever in her highly-anticipated Where do we go? World Tour. 8pm. From $698. AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Lantau. livenation.com
JUL 1
Standup Comedy Open Mic Try your hand at comedy or watch new and seasoned comedians work out material. 7.3010.30pm. Free. The Riff HK, 8/F California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central. theriff.hk
AUG 2
Tigershead GreenRace Recce 1 The first of two recces for Tigershead GreenRace, spanning 16km around Lantau island. 9am-1pm. From $830. Mui Wo Ferry Pier, Lantau Island. runnerreg.com
AUG 13-17
HKTDC Food Expo 2020 Sample international cuisines at affordable prices across three large halls. Opening hours vary depending on the hall you visit. From $40. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com
AUG 30
Billie Eilish Where Do We Go? World Tour The Bad Guy singer will be performing live at
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news
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ESF PARENTS ESF has launched a new ‘triple assistance’ financial package to help families who are having financial difficulties during the global pandemic crisis. Three schemes are as follows: all ESF fee-paying families can receive a 45 percent discount per student on their fees in June; the current ESF Financial Assistance Scheme will be extended to include the families of Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 7 students; and the launch of a new ‘Covid-19 Emergency Assistance Scheme’ allowing families to defer up to 50 percent of their
April, May and June fees with the option to pay back over 24 months starting in January 2021. “The impact of the global pandemic has left many of our families facing economic difficulties – and we want to do everything that we can to support them,” says ESF Chief Executive Officer Belinda Greer. “The triple assistance package that we are announcing today is designed to give immediate assistance to those who need it most.” Full details of the ‘triple assistance package’ can be found at esf.edu.hk/tripleassistance
DERMALOGICA ARRIVES IN REPULSE BAY Born in 1986, Dermalogica had a clear vision – to create products free of common irritants and ingredients that could cause breakouts, whilst improving skin health. Hailing from Los Angeles in the US, the brand provides professional consultation and treatments performed by skin therapists at its stores. You can find Dermalogica’s renowned products at its pop-up store in Repulse Bay from May 9 to August 2, open every Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 7.30pm. Kiosk No.20, Level 2, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. dermalogica.com.hk
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REDRESS DESIGN AWARD ANNOUNCES FINALISTS The Redress Design Awards provides emerging designers with a platform to demonstrate solutions to tackle the fashion crisis with a focus on textile waste. Receiving entries from across the globe, 32 talented designers entered the competition to apply their skills to solving the fashion crisis. The top ten finalists have been announced on their website at redressdesignaward.com/finalists
in your backyard
HONG KONG LIVING GUIDE 2020 IS OUT NOW! Our popular annual Hong Kong Living Guide is back with all the essential information you need to know about life in the city. Inside the 180-page book, you’ll find useful tips and tricks, including everything you need to know about schools, restaurants, beaches and hikes. Pick up a free copy of our guide at many locations across the city or read it online at hongkongliving.com
HONG KONG VIRTUAL MARATHON In light of the recent social distancing regulations, Fringebacker has organised a walking and running challenge to get Hongkongers back on their feet. The challenge takes place until June 30 and can be completed remotely via local trails, treadmills and even up and down the stairs! With over 35 local charities to support, every step you take goes towards a good cause. To join in, runners will need to log their daily details on hkvirtualmarathon.com. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal, e-goodie bag with coupons and wonderful gifts from local brands and stores.
SCHOOLS REOPEN Last month, The Education Bureau announced the resuming of primary and secondary schools in three phases starting from May 27. Schools across Hong Kong have since welcomed students back with strict social distancing regulations, arranging seats in a single row ‘face-to-back’ setting and requiring teachers to teach students facing one direction. Students are also required to wear face masks at all times and classrooms and school premises are required to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. For more information about the new regulations, visit info.gov.hk
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five minutes with Using physiotherapy to improve the pain and function of a body part is only the tip of the iceberg, I look at how the systems work together and search for the source of the problem rather than treating symptoms alone. This led me to understand the gut and brain are connected. I began to explore more about allergies, digestion and cognitive function. One area which isn’t addressed is sexual health. In all my studies, I found that this is also an area that is a benchmark for a woman to have a long, happy and healthy life. We live in a highly sexualised world, but for women it is still taboo and there is a lot of shame and guilt around their sexuality. Using Emotional Freedom Techniques in my workshops, I have helped many women overcome their previous experiences of trauma and sexual trauma, which made it challenging for them to have an intimate relationship. Today, I help women to discover that part of themselves so they can have a more intimate connection with their partners. Everyone is much happier and fulfilled this way.
Five minutes with
Caroline Rhodes Melanie Cox meets the founder of The Body Group
Growing up as an athlete I suffered from several injuries, a fractured spine and herniated discs in my neck. Through this suffering I got into physiotherapy and holistic health.
I started The Body Group in 1997, introducing craniosacral therapy to Hong Kong. Today we work with infants and adults, ranging from pain, loss of motion, allergies, toxicity issues, digestive problems and stress.
My approach to treatment and therapy is unique. I combine manual physical therapies with energetic therapies including holistic diets to improve my immune system and brain functionality.
There are gaps in modern day medicine and treatments. Understanding how systems work and affect each other is key to getting to the root of the problem.
For more information or to book in for Caroline’s next Loving Consciously workshop visit thebodygroup.com
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local people who may be in need at this time and truly believe that this small gesture will bring comfort to the community.”
Project Care In late May the student-run group prepared and sent over 200 care packages containing hand sanitiser, wet wipes, facemasks, hand wash, disinfectant, rice and canned food, to communities across Wan Chai, Pok Fu Lam and Chi Fu Village. Dylan states; “we wanted to work with an organisation who knew the needs of the area well and could determine who needed this support, so we reached out to Wan Chai Kai Fong Welfare Association and Caritas Social Work Services Division to help us.” The group has since raised over $40,000 for supplies.
Project Face Shield CELL Members Adrian Chiu, Nicole Chiu, Veer Gokhale, Dylan Fischer, Jack Yang, Neel Shah and Malhar Rajpal
GSIS students help Hong Kong’s underprivileged Dylan Fischer tells us about Project Care Package and Project Face Shield
I
n light of the recent Covid-19 outbreak, a student-lead initiative, CELL (Community Engagement in Learning and Living) has stepped up to help underprivileged people around Hong Kong. 16-year-old German Swish International
School student Dylan Fischer and his fellow classmates have been providing aid to the underprivileged around Hong Kong in the form of two projects: Project Care and Project Face Shield. Dylan believes; “as the world faces this pandemic, many have lost their jobs or have lower income. I want to help the
Using his home-made 3D printer, Dylan began making face shields to help hospital workers. He could only fabricate around four per day due to limited machinery. After approaching the Hong Kong 3D Printing Association, they agreed to donate 300 face shields to hospitals in need. So far, CELL has distributed them to hospitals around the world facing critical personal protective equipment shortages, including a Government Subdivision hospital in India and a hospital in Maryland, USA. When asked about his plans for a post Covid-19 world, Dylan wants to make prosthetics available to economically disadvantaged families who are not able to regularly afford them. “I was hoping to donate my first prosthetic hand this year, however, with the Covid-19 pandemic. This date is uncertain.” To donate or get involved with CELL get in contact on Instagram@cell.hk, Facebook: cellhk, or through its website, cellhk. wordpress.com
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must haves this month
Nicole Slater rounds up the best gadgets and gizmos for the main man in your life
Noise cancelling headphones 700 with charging case
Father’s Day cards $30 from The Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com
$3,599 from BOSE bose.hk
Sidus watchbox $1,090 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Arrivé Hannover slim brief $6,890 from TUMI tumi-hk.com
Betta ‘Chinese Opera Man’ slippers $298 from Goods of Desire god.com.hk
GOPRO Hero 8 $3,300 from Broadway broadwaylifestyle.com
3D puzzle astronaut “Buddy” $728 from OKURA okurastore.com
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father’s day
Cardhu 12 years single malt whiskey $768 from The Bottle Shop thebottleshop.hk
Nox mini bar $4,490 from Indigo Living Indigo-living.com
Napoleon rogue 525 4 burner $10,990 from Everything Under The Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk
Whiskey wedge $198 from MoMA Design Store momastore.hk
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cover story
Southside’s eco-warriors Charmaine Ng meets the women leading Hong Kong’s climate change revolution
Mimi Law
Education Manager, Plastic Free Seas
Working alongside Tracey Read and Dana Winograd at Plastic Free Seas, Mimi Law has headed the Local Schools - Local Action programme for over two years. Born and raised in Hong Kong and Canada, she became involved with the charity after meeting Tracey, Founder of Plastic Free
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Seas, during a beach cleanup. Not long after, she started volunteering for the organisation on its boat programme, eventually joining as the driver of the local school education programme. Since then, Plastic Free Seas has expanded into the local school system and provides education in both English and Cantonese. plasticfreeseas.org
What has been the greatest lesson that the charity has taught you? Change can and will happen, but not overnight. We have to be patient and persevere. What we are doing is planting seeds of change and just like in nature, different plants germinate and grow at different times.
What kind of services does Plastic Free Seas offer and what are the aims of the charity? Our mission is to change the way people view and use plastic through education and action campaigns. We offer free customised talks and workshops to schools across Hong Kong and lead school beach cleanups for a small fee. We also have a corporate programme in which we offer Lunch & Learn e ducational talks and beach cleanups to companies.
What is one major goal for Plastic Free Seas this year? The long-awaited launch of our new website, which will include resources for teachers, facts for students and information about our corporate programme. This includes handy wallet-sized downloadable phrase cards to encourage people to use less plastic with simple messages such as “No straw please”.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your mission? One of my main tasks as Education Manager is to reach out to local schools and to secure opportunities to speak and raise awareness about this issue. Making those contacts and getting my foot in the door can be quite a challenge!
eco-warriors
Kate Babington
Managing Director, TREE
Prior to TREE, Kate Babington worked at The Body Shop, where she learned that businesses could be run with a ‘profits with principles’ mentality and make a difference to the communities from which they source. This business model sculpted her values and passion for sustainable sourcing and followed her when she helped build an ethical supply base for The Body Shop International. It was during this time she met Nicole, Founder of TREE, and the two quickly formed a friendship through a shared love for contemporary and sustainable design. In
Suzanne Younan
Founder, Green Dragons HK
Suzanne Younan grew up in a small town southwest of London and spent a lot of time outside as a child. Having lived in three different states in the US and Germany, she now resides in Hong Kong. In 2017, Suzanne
2005, she joined the TREE family, where she created and honed the brand’s distinctive eco-aesthetic, which focuses on reclaimed or sustainably sourced solid wood furniture and naturally stylish finishing touches. tree.com.hk
of styles to ensure there’s a naturally stylish piece for every customer. We also look for and develop authentic, original designs crafted by local artisans, meaning that each is one-of-akind. We want to know the stories behind each product and share them with our customers.
What are some of the steps TREE is taking to become more sustainable? Sustainably sits at the heart of everything we do and we are constantly looking for ways to protect our natural resources. Our solid eco-wood collections are crafted from wood that is reclaimed, recycled, FSC-certified or sustainably sourced. We also work closely with Trees4Trees, a non-profit foundation in Indonesia to plant thousands of new trees and ensure our resources are replenished. Sustainability goes beyond our products and tree planting initiatives, too – we carry out green practices in every part of the business including using paper that is FSC, providing green cloth bags and reusing cardboard and packaging. We’re proud to have recently received a certificate of merit from the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, which awards businesses and organisations that adopt green management.
What has been the greatest lesson that TREE has taught you? While sustainability is a driving force behind everything we do at TREE, you can’t always be perfect. It is completely normal to make mistakes, that’s how we learn and grow! As long as you strive to be better, avoid worrying about what others are doing and focus on your efforts, the rest will naturally follow.
What do you look for when selecting a piece of furniture at TREE? Aside from ensuring that our solid wood furniture meets the highest standards of sustainability, we design and source an array
founded Green Dragons HK after seeing the devastation that Typhoon Hato left on the city. In particular, the plastic pollution in the ocean that was revealed to her after the typhoon, was a huge eye opener. Being a keen dragon boater, she began to advocate for the environment and reduce single use plastic in her community. Facebook: Green Dragons HK What does Green Dragons do and what are the aims of the group? Green Dragons HK is all about raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution to the dragon boat community. We actively encourage teams to take a pledge to reduce single use plastic at training and race events and influence Dragon Boat Festival organisers to adopt more environmentally friendly methods. Our number one aim is to reduce the single use water bottles that feature so heavily at these events. What are some of the most challenging aspects of your mission? Although we have 60 pledged teams of
approximately 1,500 people helping us spread our message, there are many more teams we would like to reach. We are a small core team working on the organisation, planning and execution of campaigns and events. Tell us about a memorable moment while working with Green Dragons? Last year, we purchased a mascot who we named ‘Lappy the Lap Sap Dragon’. He is a big hit with the dragon boaters and supporters. The core team and I have all taken a turn to don on the ‘Lappy’ costume, which isn’t so pleasant on hot days at the beach, but we always have a lot of fun! What has been the greatest lesson that Green Dragons has taught you? That you cannot change people overnight, however passionately you present your case. Individuals have to have their own green ‘aha’ moment. You can make people aware but something inside has to motivate them. Until you feel it and it gets under your skin, one can always be swayed to turn a blind eye to the issues our planet faces.
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cover story
Sarah Fung
Founder and CEO, HULA
Easy ways to go green • • • • •
Ditch the straws Bring your own water bottle Bring your own lunchbox and utensils Choose clean beauty products Buy groceries in bulk
decade ago), making it one of the biggest polluters in the world. There is no point donating old clothes to charities that send them off to, say, Africa, as the country has accumulated heaps of unwanted clothing. Before HULA, I used to buy fast fashion and thought nothing of it. Nowadays I stay away from it and haven’t walked into a fast fashion store for over six years!
HULA is an online platform which retails pre-owned designer women’s wear from over 1,000 luxury labels, including Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Founder Sarah Fung has over 15 years of fashion experience working at Lane Crawford and running a UK-based lingerie and swimwear line. After being inspired to pursue a more sustainable approach, she launched HULA. Last year, the company opened a warehouse space in Wong Chuk Hang where shoppers can try out items featured on the website. At least five percent of net sales are donated to partnered charities, including Liberty Asia, Food Angel, Habitat for Humanity, Redress and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre. thehula.com What is your opinion on fast fashion? Because of fast fashion, textiles waste has been on the increase in the last decade (we now buy over 10 times more than we did a
How have people’s attitudes towards fast fashion changed over the years? In Asia, buying pre-owned is often frowned upon, many people turned their noses up when HULA first started. However in the last 24 months, I have seen the perception of pre-owned change, largely due to growing sustainability awareness in Hong Kong. Sustainability is so important (and almost trendy) right now. Once you start buying preowned, it is really addictive as it’s hard to pay full price afterwards. There is also a bigger appreciation on past season collections. True fashionistas know which items and collections are worth hunting down. What advice do you have for people looking to cut down on fast fashion? Try to shop secondhand or pre-owned, first of all. Some of these items are surprisingly as cheap as fast fashion. If you must get something new, shop for better quality items that last longer or brands that are trying to combat environmental issues. Until fabric-
• • • • •
Cook your own meals Eat less meat Shop secondhand Join a beach cleanup Have a staycation in Hong Kong
tech and production processes can be truly environmental on a mass scale, I strongly believe that buying pre-owned is the fastest way we can try to combat this issue.
Where to shop environmentally-friendly Edgar A bulk grocery store on Moon Street, Edgar stocks an impressive variety of nuts, dried fruit and freeze-dried vegetables which you can buy in bulk. An extensive collection of packaging-free products and body care items are also available for you to live your most sustainable life. 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai. edgar.hk
Live Zero Located in Sai Ying Pun, Live Zero is Hong Kong’s first zero-waste grocery store and stocks a range of eco-friendly and plasticfree products including beeswax food wraps and bamboo toothbrushes. You can also shop for your staple ingredients in bulk – the store has a range of food items such as wheat flour, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, quinoa and more. G/F, 33 High Street, Sai Ying Pun. livezero.hk
Lush The Lush store in Causeway Bay is the brand’s first ‘naked’ store in Asia. It hosts an abundance of plastic-free alternatives to your everyday cosmetics. Shop bottlefree shower gels and lipsticks at this green mecca for all things health and beauty. Shop Q, G/F & M/F, Hong Kong Mansion, 2-10 Great George Street, Causeway Bay. hk.lush.com
Slowood This impressive store in Kennedy Town spans an impressive 3,000 square feet of space with floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to providing grocery staples in bulk, Slowood stocks over more than a hundred local and international brands that offer a range of environmentally-friendly homeware and kitchen utensils. A small section of the store is sectioned off as a café serving vegetarian light meals. 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town. slowood.hk
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dining on a steak with tongs and if the meat rebounds, it is cooked. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving. 14. By this time you’ve had a few cold ones, you are ready to train the other guests to take the reins. 15. Finally, and rightfully so, a barbecue is a fun occasion for all, so keep it fun by doing a checklist a few days in advance. Let’s not be running around and looking for some good sea salt, tools or a bucket for cold beer at the last minute.
Cheat meal Don’t fancy going DIY? Take the hassle out of your next barbie with these grill packages
Raise the steaks
Chef-owner of Cococabana and CoCoNuts Jean-Paul Gauci shares his tips for the ultimate Father’s Day barbecue. By Apple Lee 1. Check the weather forecast for obvious reasons. 2. The kids will generally love having first dibs from the grill. It’s good to know that you have prepared enough food for all with little left over. 3. Depending on the type of grill you’re using, keep your charcoal dry, soak your wood or check that the gas bottle is full. Kindle the wood instead of using chemical fire lighters. 4. Make sure all the ingredients are in the refrigerator the night before. Remember to prepare some good grilling veg too. 5. Your essential tools will include a good cutting board with a drip canal, sharp knives, long and short tongs, a small fan, trivet (wire tray with a tray under to catch any liquids) and a good thick cast (iron grill top is the best). 6. Don’t overlook the importance of condiments and sauces. A good rock salt, pepper and chill grinders, cheese for grilling, olive oil, mustard, Chimichurri and a squeeze of lemon all take things to another level. 7. After spending many years behind the grill, I’m most impressed by the Argentinian Asado grill. Use ember charcoal for your main source of heat and a good hardwood such as oak or
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The Butchers Club
FORM
LOVE EAT Apart from being a popular burger RS joint, The Butchers Club also sells a variety of dry-aged meats and seafood. It stocks a hefty barbecue pack available for order and purchase for $980. thebutchers.club
hickory to give your meats a smokey flavour. Cherry and apple wood are especially good for pork and seafood, but generally speaking, oak and hickory suffice for all. 8. Remove all ingredients from the refrigerator – apart from fillets and small seafood – before your guests arrive to allow them to temper. This will make it a lot easier to control the cooking process, and also makes for a nice display too! 9. Start your barbecue with some simple salads and slow cook onions and peppers on the grill. The onions will give out a wonderful aroma. 10. Season your meats with coarse salt only. Add pepper and other seasonings at the last minute. 11. Once the fire is down, leaving only embers, which will give off more heat than a huge fire, you are ready to Asado grill. I generally start with bigger joints and sausages then work my way up to the more tender delicate parts and seafood – while always keeping some veggies going. 12. Avoid using oils for grilling. 13. Don’t poke the meats or move them around before they are ready. Apply tender pressure
Morton’s The Steakhouse
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FAM The famed American steakhouse ILIES now offers a range of takeaway steak kits, so you can enjoy its house specialities anytime you want. Its Ultimate Grill packages are ideal for families of up to eight and include a selection of center-cut filet mignons, prime ribeye steaks and New York strips. mortons.com
Invisible Kitchen Priding itself as Hong Kong’s ‘greenest’ caterers, Invisible Kitchen offers responsiblysourced ingredients using sustainable seafood, freerange Australian chicken and organic veggies straight from local farms. invisiblekitchen.com
FOR FRIENECOEATE DLY RS
nibbles
Dining News
Shoku launches new summer menu
World Gin Day special For the entire month of June, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour is encouraging all patients to sip and vote forits favourite Hong Kong gin in celebration of World Gin Day. The remedies on offer include Two Moons Distillery Gin, Perfume Trees Gin, Gweilo Gin, Bauhinia Gin, N.I.P. Gin,
and Porcelain Shanghai Mandarin Gin. Patients can choose any three gins for $250 and their orders will be served in flights. Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central. mingfathouse.com/dr-ferns
Spun Candy comes to town Popular British sweet shop Spun Candy is opening its first Asian location in Harbour City this June. Established in London in 2013, the shop creates traditional, handmade British confectionery including rock candy and personalised lollipops. A variety of candy making masterclasses will be available in 2021. spun-candy.com
New Indian restaurant at Rosewood Hong Kong Transport yourself to the lively streets of India at the luxe TST hotel’s newest restaurant concept, Chaat. Meaning ‘to lick’ in Hindi, Chaat brings India’s delicious street food and homemade classics to the restaurant table, delivering authentic flavours reimagined and refined for a modern setting. The new restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Manav Tuli, who cut his teeth in the kitchens of luxury hotels across India, Mauritius and London. Alongside Chef Tuli’s cooking, the restaurant is sure to bring guests a dining experience that echoes the vibrant social scene of the bustling Indian marketplace. Level 5, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. chaat.hk
Cookie monster Cookie DPT has partnered up with Café Gray Deluxe for a delicious afternoon tea set this summer. The set will include an Earl “Gray” Cookie – a nod to the restaurant name, mini red velvet cupcakes and the brand’s first savory treat, a sabatino black truffle cheddar biscuit. The set is available until July 31. Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place 88. upperhouse.com
Light vegetarian dishes take centre stage at Shoku, Repulse Bay’s Japanese binchotan grill, this June. There is a brand new section of plant-based items on its summer menu, which features some of its most popular dishes reimagined with a green twist. Those who wish to go for something lighter on the stomach will be pleasantly surprised by the selection of healthy yet flavourful dishes. Shop 109, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. Facebook: shokuhongkong
Time for tea Contemporary tea cocktail bar Tell Camellia has recently unveiled a daytime experience serving luxurious fine teas sourced from around the world. Dubbed The Tea Room, the venue now offers a refreshing range of tea blends, cold brews and zero proof cocktails during the day. Signature serves include spiced masala tea, Turkish Rize tea and uji matcha tea. LG Floor, H Code 45 Pottinger Street, Central. Facebook: tellcamellia
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education
Camp it out
Woodland pre-schools
Summer learning for the kiddies. By Charmaine Ng FOR LITTLE ONES Woodland Pre-Schools Help your children make the most of their summer holiday with Camp Woodland. Play, learn and make new friends across four of its campuses this summer from July to August. Tailored for six-month to six-yearolds, a world of fun and discovery through Woodland’s exciting programmes awaits. woodlandschools.com
SPOT Speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy specialists SPOT are hosting a range of camps for the little ones in July and August. Some courses work towards tackling a specific issue, such as Literacy Boost which is aimed at children with dyslexia and Munch Bunch which is aimed at picky
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eaters; whilst others offer a general scope, such as SPOT Buddies where children can practise their social skills. The camps are held at SPOT’s Central and Wong Chuk Hang locations. spot.com.hk
Fairchild No books are needed at the play-based summer programmes by Fairchild Junior Academy and Fairchild Kindergarten. From
June to August, Fairchild is holding morning and afternoon thematic programs for children, aged up to six years olds. Children have the opportunity to explore a variety of fun-filled activities such as sports, cooking, reading, storytelling, music, creative arts, sensory exploration and science. Held at Fairchild’s campuses in Tin Hau and Sai Ying Pun. fairchild.edu.hk
FOR ADVENTURERS Ark Eden For a summer camp filled with nature and outdoor play, Ark Eden is the place to be.
summer camps The leading eco-education and permaculture centre has a farm, forests, a tree-house, streams to paddle in and many play spaces for children aged five to 11 to run around. It has also adopted a ‘forest school’ ethos and story-based adventure dramas – mostly to save the planet – to its repertoire. arkedenonlantau.org
Outward Bound A local registered charity, Outward Bound has for the past 50 years provided thousands of young people with personal development experiences in the rugged beauty of Hong Kong wilderness. This summer, it has arranged various one to 18 day courses that will empower children and teens to rely on themselves and their peers to achieve their group goals. Activities include sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, high ropes, camping, gorging and raft-building. Sai Kung and Wong Wan Chau. outwardbound.org.hk
Treasure Island Now in its 15th year, Treasure Island is back with nine weeks of the biggest Surf & Adventure camp training for surfers aged five to 16 years. Suitable for children and teenagers of all levels, the week-long day camps cover Grommets, Intermediates and Young Adventurers. The courses not only get the kids surfing, but also teach water skills, ocean safety and environmental awareness. treasureislandhk.com
FOR BUDDING SCIENTISTS Big Bang Academy This July, Big Bang Academy will be hosting
its five day detective-themed science summer camp for children aged five to 12. With a vision to inspire self-motivated learning, Big Bang Academy has invited several celebrity professors to show the camp’s little scientists a wide range of exciting experiments never seen before. Online camps are also conveniently available at the comfort of home, with topics about dinosaurs, outer-space and much more! bigbangacademyhk.com
First Code Academy With schools being closed most of this year so far, First Code Academy is determined to provide children with the best coding experience, both online and in-person. From the beginning of June to the end of August, the school is offering more than 200 modules
for kids three and above, including Minecraft, Roblox, Scratch, Python and an all-new IB Bootcamp. firstcodeacademy.com
FOR ALL-ROUNDERS Canadian International School of Hong Kong CDNIS runs one of the most diverse summer programmes every year, open to all children and teens in Hong Kong. Be it academic programmes, coding, multi-activity, African drum and dance and more, there is something for everyone. Classes run in the morning, afternoon and on Saturday from June to August. Bus services are available for those who live further away. cdnis.edu.hk
YWCA CLLE This July and August, reputed one-stop learning centre YWCA CLLE is hosting a series of summer camps at the YWCA International Kids Club. It has over 400 camps on offer this Summer for children of all ages including STEM, drama, gymnastics and trampoline, football, material arts, cooking, painting and Mandarin, just to name a few. All courses are taught by experts in their profession. clle.ywca.org.hk
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big day out
A Southern Lantau adventure Rory Mackay hikes from Shek Pik to Tai O
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any spots in Hong Kong can feel far removed from the city, but are in fact just round the corner or over the hill from town. Then there are those rare confines that are genuinely far removed from civilisation. The southern tip of Lantau Island is such a place. Take the time to explore this enclave and you will be rewarded with a trip back in time to an
untarnished landscape bursting with deserted beaches, fertile valleys and lush jungles. Despite Southern Lantau’s geographical isolation from the rest of Hong Kong, it is easily accessible and can be reached from the city within a couple of hours. The area is best explored by foot. My favourite route follows the region’s inspiring coastline, starting at Shek Pik in the east and finishing at Tai O in the west. Spectacular sunsets
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On the direct hiking route, the more athletic types can complete the 15 kilometres within four to five hours. However there are many sights worthy of a cheeky detour along the way, so why not dedicate an entire day to this adventure? As a coastal hike, the main path avoids any major hills and is ideal for families who enjoy the outdoors. It’s advisable to bring a map if you’re unsure of the directions, and plenty of water during the warmer months. To reach the start of the trail, catch either the number 11 bus from Tung Chung or the number 1 bus from Mui Wo to Tai O. Keep an eye out for the Shek Pik Reservoir and disembark at the first bus stop immediately after the bus crosses the dam wall. Take in the beautiful sight of the Shek Pik Reservoir and Lantau Peak behind you before turning away, then follow the Lantau Trail southwards. The first part of the walk follows a catchwater and serves as a gentle warm-up before you hit the dirt track. Staying up above the coastline, you’ll see beautiful views across many bays and beaches on this section. The
southern lantau
Panoramic views
path then descends to the idyllic Fan Lau Peninsula and its two sandy beaches. At a small Dai pai dong here, the friendly owner will make you a wholesome bowl of noodles, complete with drinks and fruit. This is the only such facility along the way, so make sure to recharge here before heading on. If you’re interested in historical sites, take a half-hour excursion to visit Fan Lau Fort on the far end of Fan Lau Peninsula. Built in 1729 during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor, the fort was abandoned by the British in 1898 and almost all that remains today is a large stone rectangle. The second half of the walk from Fan Lau to Tai O follows a much more sheltered section of coastline and is heavily forested. The area possesses great biodiversity, so keep an eye out for interesting plants and animals. Pass through the majestic village of Yi O – complete with agricultural farmland, grazing cattle and abandoned buildings, it’s a surreal settlement to stroll through. Just past Yi O, the path meets an area of mangroves on the coast. At this juncture you have the option of checking out the most stunning of detours at the Man Cheung Po waterfalls and infinity pool. Turn right onto a less distinct path and head up the hill past a few abandoned houses. Continue for about 20 minutes up the valley until you reach the pools. This is quite a popular spot nowadays, so you might suddenly see more folk in the first five minutes up there than you would have on the entire walk. But when you reach the pools
on a hot sunny day, it’s clear to see what all the fuss is about. Although it is prohibited to swim in the infinity pool (because it serves as a reservoir for Tai O), the numerous rock pools and waterfalls behind it are fair game. Go back down the same way you came up, and once you return to the main path it’s a simple one-hour walk to Tai O. If hiking 15-17 kilometres sounds like biting off more than you can chew, there’s always the option to hike shorter distances at either end of the trail, from Shek Pik to Fan Lau or from Tai O to Man Cheung Po.
Once in Tai O, it’s good to have a wander around the village. Whether it’s your first or one hundredth time there, the sights and a refreshing beverage are always an enjoyable treat after a decent walk. From Tai O you can simply hop on a bus back to civilisation, although beware that there are sometimes massive queues for the number 11 bus to Tung Chung during holiday seasons. If that happens, I strongly recommend cutting your losses by opting for the number 1 bus to Mui Wo and then a ferry to Central. Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For more details visit wildhongkong.com
Tai O
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southside secrets
A moment to reflect Nicole Slater pays a visit to Stanley Military Cemetery
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ew places in Hong Kong offer themselves to moments of reflection and thoughts of those who came before. Buildings fall, people move on, and the fabric of whole districts can change in the space of a generation. But Stanley Military Cemetery, located on the southern outskirts of Stanley, remains a place to reflect. Originally constructed during the early colonial period, Stanley Military Cemetery was used for members of the British garrison and their families from 1841 to 1846. Closed for a number of years, the cemetery reopened in World War II, during one of Hong Kong’s darkest periods. On Christmas Day, 1941, Hong Kong fell to the invading Japanese forces. While the fighting may have been brief, it was intense and casualties were high. Conditions under the Japanese Occupation were tough. The cemetery was contained within the Stanley
Internment Camp, where 2,800 prisoners of war- men, women and children- were held from January 1942 to August 1945. Many died and 121 prisoners of war are buried here, their graves marked by homemade granite headstones the prisoners carved themselves. On teaching headstone marks the graves of a 75-year-old internee, Mary Williamson, who died in 1942 and of her grandson, Lance Corporal Douglas H. Collins-Taylor, who died the year before, on the day Hong Kong fell.
Today the cemetery is beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. As well as the prisoners of war, there are 598 WWII Commonwealth servicemen buried or commemorated in the cemetery, 175 of whom remain unidentified. The cemetery also contains a new Hong Kong memorial to the Chinese casualties of the two world wars who have no known graves. The ages on the headstones are particularly sobering. Many of the men were barley in their 20s when they made the ultimate sacrifice. To wander around the cemetery does not take long. There are beautiful views of the South China Sea, the hills and trees, made even more pleasing by the cheerful sound of children playing in nearby St Stephen’s College. Although those buried here had their lives cut cruelly short, their final resting place is quiet, peaceful and dignified.
Stanley Military Cemetery, Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley
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pets
Ask a vet... Dr Pauline Taylor shares her tips for keep your cat entertained
Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Modern domestic household pet cats come in many different colours, breeds and sizes as a result of their genetics and human breeding programmes. Cats have been known to be companions for humans from as long ago as 7000BC. The psychological benefits of living with a beloved pet includes companionship, a feeling of being needed and less depression. The physical benefits include decreased blood pressure, reduced risk of a second heart attack and decreased triglyceride concentrations. Cats can’t talk so it’s important we understand their signals. As natural born predators an adult male cat spends around 12.5 percent of his time eating, killing around 12 mice per day. They also sleep an average of 12.5 hours per day, being most active at dusk and dawn. So if you wondered why your cat wakes you up at 5.30am, it’s because his natural ‘body clock’ is telling him it’s time to stalk, kill and eat! When we become cat guardians and keep our cats confined in apartments 24/7, we are subjecting them to the possibility of extreme boredom. Here are some boredom tricks to keep them entertained: • Make your cat work for their food: make feeding into a game and use food dispensing toys and slow feeders. These have an added bonus of providing mental stimulation for our bored felines. • Create multiple feeding stations around your home, putting a small amount of food in each station. By making your cat forage or climb to get food, it not only extends eating time, but also makes feeding time more fun. • Allow your cat to look out the window if they wish without getting frustrated.
• Get a pet DVD or sign up for cat music videos and have a feline movie night. • Last but not least, make time to socially interact by cuddling and talking to your cat every day. Your cat will love you more that way too.
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photo credit: freepik.com
• Buy or make cat furniture with plenty of hiding places and scratching areas.
woof
Walkies Rex the dog ventures around High Island Reservoir Stretch your legs and take your best bud on a stroll around Hong Kong’s biggest reservoir, High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung. The walk begins with a short detour around Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, an old Hakkke village, before joining the first stage of the
MacLehose Trail towards the East Dam. This Dam is part of the Geopark and offers stunning views over the water, famous hexagonal rock columns and even a sea cave, so don’t forget to
pack your camera! The hike is 12.9km and takes around four hours to complete. Make sure you bring plenty of water and dog biscuits for your furry friend and stay in the shade wherever possible. Be aware that there are no opportunities for your furry friend to take a cooling dip on this hike so this is perhaps one for cooler days! How to get there: Dogs are not allowed on public buses so take a taxi from Sai Kung town to Pak Tam Chung, which will take around 10 minutes. You can also drive as the area offers free parking but be sure to arrive early on weekends as spaces tend to fill up fast! Alternatively, if you choose to do this hike dog-free, take minibus number 7 or 9 or KMB bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung.
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marketplace
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marketplace
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
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zim city
Redesigning our city for living with Covid-19 Paul Zimmerman on how to restart direct interactions without infecting others
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ong Kong and other places including New Zealand and Taiwan, have literally become islands of “virus virgins”. Initial study results underway show that only around 0.1 percent of Hong Kong’s population have antibodies for Covid-19. Alert to the risks after SARS, Hongkongers acted quickly to tighten up hygiene, wear masks and keep a physical distance. The community pushed to shut down cross border traffic. While the rest of the world by gun point or otherwise is heading for herd immunity, Hong Kong has quarantined itself. Except for a minor leakage, we stayed clear from the waves of coronavirus sloshing around the world. While everyone works at ‘warp speed’ on safe vaccines, the inoculation of the world’s population will require several years. To stave off economic disaster, selective resumption of cross border traffic is imminent. By rethinking our city life, we can make sure the inevitable
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leakage of the virus into the community does not turn into a local outbreak. Schools have re-engineered their operations to minimise infection rates. Screens on restaurant tables will be here to stay, increasing hygiene and privacy at the same time. Our informal sector offers cardboard box rentals to domestic helpers who use these as screens so they can rest in small groups of friends. I have spotted ‘footles’ a foot pedal attached to the bottom of doors so you can pull it open with your foot. Others put wedges to keep doors permanently open. Temperature checks and alcohol sanitizers are now ubiquitous at entrances. What we’re missing are hand washing basins at entrances or at least accessible without having to touch door handles. Missing also is the re-engineering of water fountains so we can safely refill water bottles. We need a strategy to subsidise transport operators to increase frequency and reduce
Temperature checks at Wan Chai Immigration Tower
crowding instead of reducing frequency with the drop in ridership. We should mimic overseas initiatives to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The aviation and cruise industry will have to adapt their services to convince us of minimal infection risks. It is hard to imagine how to redesign karaoke bars where one drunkenly sheds saliva on friends while torturing old songs. We need to think creatively to safeguard both lives and livelihoods. It is on all of us to redesign our social life, business operations and city life to safely restart direct interactions without infecting others.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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