Issue 01 / 2021
Making places Swire Properties’ journey of creative transformation Raising the bar Mastering the art of mixology Building a better tomorrow Commitment to positive change 1 1 contents CORPORATE NEWSWIRE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE ISSUE 01 / 2021 Board changes
Swire Pacific Cathay Pacific Martin Murray Rebecca Sharpe has been appointed has been appointed Chief Finance Director of Swire Financial Officer of Cathay Pacific with effect from Pacific with effect from 1st April 2021. He will 25th January 2021. She has replace Michelle Low, also been appointed as an who will be retiring from Executive Director of Cathay the Swire group at the Pacific. end of March 2021 after 33 years of service. Martin will also become a Non-Executive Director of Swire Properties and Photo courtesy: The Coca-Cola Company. Cathay Pacific. Song Zhiyong With the recently announced extension to INDIGO, Beijing, together with currently a Non-Executive new projects in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and beyond, Swire Director of Cathay Pacific, Properties’ Chief Executive Guy Bradley is optimistic about the future. More on page 20. has been elected Deputy Chairman of the Board with effect from 29th December 2020. Mr Song is Chairman and Secretary Senior management appointments of the Communist Party 01 20 25 28 33 John Swire & Sons Committee of Air China. Sean Pelling Mr Song takes over from NEWSWIRE CENTRE STAGE PEOPLE INSIDER 150TH has been appointed Director Finance, JS&S Mr Cai Jianjiang, who has resigned as Non- ANNIVERSARY Private Group with effect from 1st April 2021. Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of Cathay IN HK Pacific due to a change of job assignments and Swire Coca-Cola, USA resignation on 29th December 2020 as Chairman Rob Gehring of the Board and a Non-Executive Director of Air has been appointed President and CEO China. Editor with effect from 1st January 2021. He has Cindy Cheung replaced Jack Pelo, who retired at the end of December 2020. Deputy Editor Charlotte Bleasdale Swire Bulk The Swire group is a multinational, multi-disciplined commercial group, with its principal areas Peter Norborg of operations in the Asia Pacific region, and centred on the Greater China area. Hong Kong is has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. home to publicly quoted Swire Pacific, whose core businesses are grouped under five operating Design I Production divisions: property, aviation, beverages, marine services, and trading & industrial. John Swire & Sons Barry Chu Limited, headquartered in the UK, is the parent company of the group. In addition to its controlling Cadeler A/S shareholding in Swire Pacific, John Swire & Sons Limited operates a range of wholly-owned Mark Konrad businesses, including deep-sea shipping, cold storage, offshore and road transport logistics services, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. waste to energy, mining services, and beverage ingredients with main areas of operation in Australia, Papua New Guinea, East Africa, Sri Lanka, the USA and the UK.
is published in Hong Kong, by the Swire Group Public Affairs Department. To view the digital version, please go to www.swire.com/swirenews
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ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021 2 3 NEWSWIRE CORPORATE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE
The 32nd IBLAC video conference in October.
IBLAC 2020 In October, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited quality development, and strengthening the city’s risk-response system.
Image credit: Anthony Wallace/ AFP via Getty Images. Chairman, Merlin Swire, joined the 32nd International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (“IBLAC”). Because of the global pandemic, During the meeting, Merlin shared his thoughts a virtual conference was held via Zoom. Senior on how Shanghai could enhance its resilience and municipal government officials, including Party adaptive capacity, with reference to the experience Committee Secretary Li Qiang and Mayor Gong Zheng, and systems of other cities around the world, so as to were joined online by 37 executives from major improve the city’s overall risk prevention and control multinational companies to discuss strategies for levels. making Shanghai more competitive, enhancing high-
Cathay Pacific corporate restructuring High-level visits On 21st October, Cathay Pacific Airways announced Following the end of the consent period, 2,613 In August, Zhang Zhuoping, Chairman of John has great confidence in China’s economic future a corporate restructuring to create a more focused, pilots and 7,346 cabin crew have signed the new Swire & Sons (China) Limited, headed a delegation and is committed to continuing to invest in China. efficient and competitive business in response to conditions of service, representing 98.5% of which visited the Chinese People’s Association the unprecedented downturn in the aviation market pilots and 91.6% of the cabin crew who were for Friendship with Foreign Countries (“CPAFFC”) In September, Mr Zhang led a delegation to Hainan caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. asked to agree to the new contracts. in Beijing. The Swire executives met with Mr Province, where the group met with Governor Shen Lin Songtian, who took office as President of Xiaoming (who has subsequently been appointed Major elements of the restructuring include: • Executive pay cuts will continue through 2021 CPAFFC in April 2020. Mr Lin thanked Swire Party Secretary of CPC Hainan Provincial Party • Reduction of approximately 8,500 positions across and a third voluntary Special Leave Scheme and its subsidiaries for their efforts and support Committee), as well as senior local government the entire Group, accounting for around 24% of for non-flying employees will be introduced offered during the global pandemic. Mr Zhang said officials to discuss opportunities for future its established headcount. Through a recruitment for the first half of this year. There will be that he appreciated the Chinese government’s cooperation. Mr Shen said Hainan is speeding up freeze and natural attrition, the Group has been no salary increases for 2021 and no annual rapid containment of the spread of the virus and construction of its Free Trade Port and hoped the able to reduce redundancies to 5,900 actual jobs discretionary bonus for 2020 across the board resumption of business activities, and the positive Swire group would increase its investment in the (or 17% of its established headcount), including for all employees. Outport staff will be subject to role that China has played in supporting the global province. The delegation also visited the Swire around 5,300 Hong Kong-based employees and local arrangements. fight against the pandemic and maintaining the Coca-Cola Beverages Hainan facility at Haikou. approximately 600 employees based outside Hong stability of the world economy. He added that Swire Kong who will possibly be affected subject to local Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Augustus regulatory requirements. Tang said: “The global pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on aviation and the • Cathay Dragon, the Group’s wholly owned regional hard truth is we must fundamentally restructure subsidiary, has ceased operations. Regulatory the Group to survive. We have to do this to approval is to be sought for a majority of Cathay protect as many jobs as possible, and meet our Dragon’s routes to be operated by Cathay Pacific responsibilities to the Hong Kong aviation hub and and its wholly owned subsidiary, HK Express. our customers.”
• Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-based cabin and Overall, the restructuring reduces the Group’s cockpit crew have been asked to agree to changes operating cash burn by about HK$500 million per in their conditions of service that are designed to month, bringing it down to HK$1.0-1.5 billion per (Left to right) Titus Diu, Director of John Swire & Sons (China) Limited, Zhang Zhang Zhuoping, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) match remuneration more closely to productivity month. Zhuoping, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) Limited, Mr Lin Songtian, Limited (left) meets former Governor of Hainan Province, Mr and to enhance market competitiveness. President of CPAFFC and Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC. Shen Xiaoming.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021 4 5 NEWSWIRE CORPORATE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE
JS&S signs landmark refinancing deal Renewed commitment to SD John Swire & Sons Limited has refinanced and focusing its sustainability initiatives. These are: The 2020 Swire Sustainable Development Forum increased its debt facilities, signing a new £550 ongoing energy reductions in United States Cold was held virtually over three afternoons in
million credit line syndicated amongst a group of Storage’s business, cuts in CO2 emissions by the November and saw the launch of a refreshed and eleven banks. The club loan includes banks from China Navigation Company fleet, and an increase expanded SwireTHRIVE strategy. Europe, Singapore and Japan that are extending in female representation in management positions credit facilities to John Swire & Sons Limited for the at Finlays. All of these are material and important First introduced in 2016, SwireTHRIVE, the group’s first time, as well as several banks with whom JS&S to Swire, and to the wider community. overarching sustainability strategy, has been has longstanding relationships. expanded to identify key areas for improvement in The transaction is the Swire group’s first ‘green’ addressing environmental and social challenges In addition to securing facilities to support its future financing deal outside Hong Kong and was that are material to the Swire group’s businesses. financing needs, the company took the opportunity achieved by close collaboration between the The revamped SwireTHRIVE strategy sees the to build sustainability and diversity targets into the finance team in London and the Sustainable group renew its commitment to sustainable agreement. If these targets are exceeded, there will Development Office in Hong Kong, with ANZ Bank, development in five main areas: be a modest reduction in the margin charged by the one of Swire’s long-term relationship banks, • Climate – Decarbonise our business and build banks. providing further expertise as Sustainability Co- climate resilience. Ordinator. • Waste – Turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s He asked all operating companies to prioritise this Three Key Performance Indicators have been resource. strategy and to redouble their efforts. established, reflecting the areas where the group is • Water – Use and manage water responsibly. • People – Foster a company culture that is This is the ninth annual Swire Sustainable accessible, inclusive and safe. Development Forum and it brought together over • Communities – Position our community initiative 190 leaders and departmental representatives as part of our core business value. across 33 operating companies. External speakers Financing for a sustainable future from ANZ, AXA, Circulate Capital, Citi, Cleantech on the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Focusing on these targets, senior group Group, The Climate Service, Encompass HK, Index and improving related Key Performance leaders used the forum to share their vision for GlobeScan, Human at Work, Resolve and WRAP Indicators. The proceeds of the loan will be used sustainable value creation over the next decade helped unpack some of the latest global trends for general corporate funding purposes, including and beyond. Swire Pacific Chairman, Merlin Swire, in key areas, including climate risk and the driving Swire Pacific’s long-term sustainability emphasised the urgent need to set ambitious circular economy, as well as sustainable finance, performance. Swire Pacific made progress in 2030 targets for decarbonisation, with a goal of managing mental health in the workplace, and the several aspects of its sustainable development achieving net zero emissions as a group by 2050. intersection of purpose and Diversity and Inclusion. strategy last year: outperforming its carbon reduction target by 1.83%, publishing a climate change policy highlighting the importance of future climate risk, and developing its strategic framework for diversity and inclusion.
In August, Swire Properties signed a five-year HK$1 billion Green Loan Facility with Singapore- Swire Pacific has secured its first sustainability-linked based Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation loan. In September, the company reached agreement Bank. As part of Swire Properties' Sustainable with DBS Bank to convert the HK$2 billion five-year Development 2030 Strategy, the loan will revolving credit facility that it secured in January 2020 fund ongoing green building developments into a sustainability-linked loan, with the interest rate and allow Swire Properties to adopt the latest being indexed against Swire Pacific’s Environmental, environmentally friendly technologies, enabling Social and Governance (“ESG”) performance. DBS further savings in energy and reductions in water Bank will incorporate tiered pricing and grant a usage and waste. reduction in the interest rate based on the company’s achievement of pre-determined targets that address material ESG issues, as well as maintaining its listing
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New addition to the Admiralty portfolio Curating cities In September, Swire Properties unveiled its Conveniently located for public transport and In October, Swire Properties kicked off the latest upscale residential development within the within close proximity to the Pacific Place “Please Be Seated” tour across its retail vibrant Starstreet Precinct. EIGHT STAR STREET complex, the project is scheduled to complete in portfolio on the Chinese mainland. Conceived by is a 24-storey residential tower, comprising 37 2022, with units already available for sale. British design firm Paul Cocksedge Studio, this apartment units, featuring 18 distinctive layouts. large-scale art installation aims to respond to the busy nature of urban life, reinvigorating the way local communities interact with space, by inviting them to explore and engage physically with the artwork. ‘Waves' of wood rise up to form arches for people to walk through, whilst curves below create spaces for them to sit and relax. Echoing Swire Properties’ strong focus on sustainability, the piece is fabricated from 1,440 planks of sustainably sourced timber. Following its ‘stay’ at Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, the artwork will visit Taikoo Hui in Guangzhou, Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, and will come to rest at Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing, where it will become a permanent installation, showcasing Swire Properties’ commitment to creative placemaking in the community.
First Vietnam venture Achieving net zero In September, Swire Properties announced In October, Swire Properties announced that Sino- a partnership with City Garden JSC to Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu is now powered by 100% develop “The River”, a luxury residential renewable energy. This achievement has made Swire property in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the Properties one of the first companies in Sichuan heart of the Thu Thiem new urban area, on Province to reach “net zero carbon” in terms of annual the banks of the Saigon River, The River electricity consumption for both landlord’s and tenants’ is a gated condominium development, operations. comprising three residential towers that offer a total of 525 apartment units. This Under a policy implemented by the Sichuan Provincial exciting new development will be brought Government in early 2020, enterprises were to life through the collaborative efforts of encouraged to procure renewable electricity generated a team of international design consultants, by hydropower as well as solar and wind power offering numerous exclusive amenities through a contract with a registered power retailer. that aim to immerse residents in a resort- The new policy has enabled Swire Properties to reduce like lifestyle. The River is Swire Properties’ the Chengdu portfolio’s overall carbon emissions by first project in Vietnam. approximately 8,500 tonnes a year, and the move also takes Swire Properties’ renewable electricity mix in “The River” boasts its Chinese mainland developments to over 15%. The 100 metres of water frontage achievement underlines Swire Properties’ commitment and borders four to reducing the carbon footprint of all its managed hectares of lush, landscaped public developments and is in accord with the Chinese Central park. Government’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
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“Times Change, Our Passion Remains” In September, Swire Coca-Cola HK (“SCCHK”) opened a pop-up store at The Mills in Tsuen Wan, to commemorate the company’s 55-year partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. An exhibition of photographs showcased iconic moments in SCCHK’s history since 1965, when Swire acquired the franchise to produce Coca- Cola in Hong Kong. Sought-after memorabilia, collectibles, original designs and artwork were on display, taking fans on a trip down memory lane. Visitors were also able to create and take A plaque to commemorate home a bespoke Coca-Cola bottle with their seven decades of operation in Hong Kong was unveiled own image printed on it. SCCHK donated part by HAECO’s Chairman, of the proceeds to “Act of Love”, a charitable Merlin Swire and CEO Frank Walschot (centre, to right initiative organised by Hong Kong Sheng Kung and left of plaque). Hui Welfare Council to support families facing economic difficulties as a result of COVID-19. HAECO 70th anniversary celebration A ceremony was held on 16th November at HAECO’s its commitment to passing on experience and skills Hangar Three facility, to celebrate the company’s to the younger generation in Hong Kong through seven decades of operation in Hong Kong. Over 200 its training programmes. The event was followed current and former HAECO staff attended the event. by a long-service award presentation ceremony, Merlin Swire, Chairman of HAECO and Swire Pacific, recognising the loyalty and passion of HAECO’s was Guest of Honour at the ceremony. long-serving staff members, who have contributed to the company’s success. Speaking at the event, Merlin highlighted HAECO’s achievements and resilience over the past years, and Staff celebrate the 25th anniversary of Swire Coca- Cola Hubei. New capability HAECO Xiamen announced in October that it had completed its first Airbus A350 C-Check for Cathay Pacific Airways. The redelivery of the aircraft marks a significant milestone in the development of HAECO Xiamen’s capabilities. There are around 370 Airbus A350 aircraft now in Significant anniversaries operation, and the aircraft type has been In September, Swire Coca-Cola Hubei celebrated Meanwhile, in October, Swire Coca-Cola Zhengzhou well received by airlines around the world. the 25th anniversary of its bottling operations in celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Luohe HAECO Xiamen is continually building on Wuhan. With the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, plant – Swire Coca-Cola’s second bottling plant its technical expertise to provide airframe the milestone celebration also served to highlight to open in Henan Province – and Swire Coca- services support for new generation the operational resilience of the Hubei team in Cola Zhanjiang in Guangdong celebrated its 15th aircraft. The company currently holds pushing through and adapting to the difficult anniversary in November. approvals from multiple authorities conditions imposed by the global pandemic. around the world for all major new- HAECO Xiamen celebrates the generation commercial aircraft types, completion of including Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 its first Airbus aircraft. A350 C-Check.
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Fostering innovation through New specialist project division strategic partnership On 13th October, The China Navigation Company clients in the project logistics sector, including Swire Coca-Cola has teamed up (“CNCo”) announced the expansion of its project cargo project forwarders, heavy civil marine construction, with Alibaba Cloud to bring digital business with the launch of Swire Projects. The new engineering, procurement and construction and transformation to every part of its division will provide specialist shipping services to offshore energy construction companies. operations – from production and the global energy, resource and infrastructure sector. supply chain logistics, to distribution It will work closely with other Swire group marine Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Projects will be and marketing. Swire Coca-Cola’s services division companies to develop an independent led by General Manager, Namir Khanbabi. Matthias Director of Digital and IT – China, global strategy in the multipurpose and heavy-lift Kremser, Global Head of Chartering, and Nicki Daniel Feng (left) signed the strategic segments. By leveraging trade routes, fleet assets and Schumacher, Head of Europe, both based in Hamburg, partnership agreement with Alibaba expertise across the Swire group’s marine businesses, oversee the Europe team. Rufus Frere-Smith, Group Vice President and Alibaba Cloud Swire Projects will build a smart network of resources Regional General Manager, will lead the Americas New Intelligent Retail Division General to provide efficient, flexible shipping solutions to team, operating out of Vancouver and Houston. Manager, Xiao Lihua (right) on 23rd November.
Driving success through continuous improvement In December, Swire Coca-Cola hosted its 11th Best Practices and Continuous (Left to right) Kaifong’s Chief Improvement (“BP&CI”) Conference Engineer, Ashish Dua, at Nanning in Guangxi Province; a Swire Bulk’s Senior Commercial Manager Digital Innovation competition was – Japan, Shohei also launched at the event. The Kamenosono, and the ship’s Master, Captain annual conference aims to promote Sanjay Mishra. innovation and encourage continuous learning and improvement, in line CNCo welcomes new vessel with Swire Coca-Cola’s core value On 7th November, CNCo celebrated the delivery ‘opening the border’, while Kaifuu in Japanese of “Learning from the best until we of MV Kaifong. The vessel is the first of a planned can mean ‘opening’ – a suitable name for the become the best”. A live broadcast series of eight 38,000 dwt bulk carriers to be built company’s first vessel built in partnership with of the event enabled staff from by Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan, with the final Oshima. different bottling plants around China vessel scheduled for delivery before the end of to participate virtually in the BP&CI Swire Coca-Cola 2021. Kaifong will join Swire Bulk’s young, fuel-efficient awards and digital innovation awards staff gathered fleet, providing global customers with flexible, ceremony. in Nanning for the BP&CI The first Kaifong owned by CNCo was built in cost-effective solutions to their bulk shipping Conference. 1888 and named after the city of Kaifeng in needs. Henan Province. It was a ‘beancaker’ for the China coast trade, used to ship soya bean, bean oil and beancake – compressed bean husks used as fertiliser. In Chinese, Kaifeng means literally
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New fortnightly service Swire Blue Ocean renamed Cadeler and goes public Swire Shipping has upgraded its North will ensure it remains a market leader in an exciting Asia Express service to a fixed-day, and rapidly expanding sector. fortnightly schedule from November, connecting North Asia with Papua New A portion of the proceeds from the IPO will be used Guinea and Australia and offering a to finance the initial instalment for the planned market-leading transit time from Hong Cadeler X-class vessel. Cadeler has shortlisted Kong to Lae of just nine days. Three several leading international shipyards for the vessels, with container capacity of order of a new Wind Farm Installation Vessel 2,500 - 2,750 TEU, have been deployed (“WIV”), plus option for a second newbuild. The on this service, including Swire bespoke vessel design, created in partnership Shipping’s first 2,750 TEU newbuilding, with GustoMSC, is based on Cadeler’s decade of MV Lae Chief, which was delivered experience in the industry; it will be able to work in October. Fitted with 45mt cranes in the most difficult locations and will be equipped capable of dual lifts, the multipurpose with the largest capacity equipment in the industry. vessel is equipped to carry a variety of Pacific Orca. cargo, including breakbulk and out-of- Cadeler will also invest in new cranes for its gauge. existing WIVs, Wind Osprey and Wind Orca. The new MV Lae Chief. Swire Pacific Offshore (“SPO”) has rebranded its crane design is expected to meet the requirements Copenhagen-headquartered subsidiary, Swire for installation of all turbine models currently under Blue Ocean as Cadeler and has listed the company development and allow for continued growth of on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The new name was turbine components. The installation of the new selected to reflect the company’s Scandinavian cranes is scheduled to commence in the fourth Name change reflects diversified interests maritime heritage and its commitment to excellence quarter of 2023. in maritime operations. SPO remains a key Swire Oilfield Services has changed its name to business, drawing on the experience gained by both shareholder in Cadeler. This move has positioned Swire Energy Services. The move follows a period companies in their respective markets. the company for the next phase of its growth and of diversification that has seen the company evolve from the world’s largest supplier of specialised Established in 1979, Swire Energy Services operates offshore containers to the oil and gas market, to from 57 bases in 28 countries across Europe, Africa, an integrated service provider offering additional the Middle East, North and South America and the and complementary solutions, including aviation, Asia-Pacific. integrity and chemical services. The company now Saving water while making ‘green’ fuel also operates in industries other than oil and gas, Biodiesel producer Argent Energy has recently including marine and offshore wind energy, and commissioned a wastewater treatment plant has set its sights on growing its market share in at its Stanlow site in Northwest England. The both sectors. facility has been in operation since June 2020, with the construction costs of approximately Recent expansion has seen Swire Energy £3 million largely funded by the John Swire & Services acquire Norwegian business Helifuel Sons Sustainable Development Fund. Designed AS, strengthening its international refuelling and and constructed by environmental technology aviation offering, which already included specialist specialist, Wehrle, the facility enables water aviation firm, Gordon Engineering Services to be cleaned and re-used in the biodiesel Aberdeen Ltd, acquired in 2018. The acquisition production process, dramatically reducing means Swire Energy Services can now offer a fresh water consumption, as well as the cost of fully integrated refuelling and aviation services treating wastewater prior to disposal. Given the success of the project, Argent plans to construct Argent Energy’s similar plants at its other facilities in Scotland wastewater and in the Netherlands. treatment plant at Stanlow.
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Outstanding annual reports Sustainability efforts recognised Quenching thirsts on Hong Kong’s Swire Pacific and Swire Properties’ Swire Pacific has been included in the Dow Jones frontline 2019 Annual Reports have won a Bronze Sustainability Index – Asia Pacific, the Hang Seng Corporate Swire Coca-Cola HK has made numerous Award and a Silver Award respectively in Sustainability Index and the Hang Seng (Mainland and donations of beverages to those at the the “General” category of the Hong Kong Hong Kong) Corporate Sustainability Index. The company forefront of battling the coronavirus Management Association’s Best Annual has also maintained its “AAA” rating from MSCI ESG pandemic in Hong Kong. The company Reports Awards, announced in November. Research, making it one of the top performers in its sector. donated Bonaqua® Mineralized Water Swire Pacific’s report was commended by Swire Pacific, along with its subsidiary, Swire Coca-Cola, to eight COVID-19 quarantine camps for the panel of adjudicators for its thoughtful completed the CDP Water Security questionnaire for the people who need to undergo 14 days of use of charts to present results in first time in 2020 and have both been awarded an “A” - the mandatory isolation. an easily digestible manner. Swire highest possible rating; globally, only 106 companies made Properties’ report was commended for last year’s water security “A” List. Swire Pacific has also Swire Coca-Cola HK has also donated being comprehensive, relevant and highly maintained its “B” rating, awarded last year for its response nearly 100 cases of Coca-Cola® ENERGY accessible, with interactive features to CDP’s Climate Change questionnaire. to the community treatment facility across different online platforms. that has been set up to triage COVID-19 Meanwhile, Swire Properties was the only Hong Kong patients at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo, company to be included in the DJSI World Index for a to show support and appreciation for fourth consecutive year. The company has also topped frontline staff battling the virus. the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index for the Recognition for green initiatives third consecutive year and maintained the highest “AAA” sustainability rating.
Celebrating Christmas for a good cause Responding with flair and imagination to the constraints imposed by COVID-19, students from Swire Properties’ Placemaking Academy Matthew Tang, HAECO Group Environment Manager (second transformed Swire Properties’ popular annual from left), receives the award White Christmas Street Fair, held in December, from (left to right) Mr Wang Bing, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, into “White Christmas Express”: a combination Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary of virtual music shows and a video series for the Environment, Hong Kong SAR Government, and Professor telling the stories of Hongkongers’ lives amidst Daniel Cheng, Honorary President the pandemic. Interviews with different social of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. groups across the community were posted on the event’s social media pages on Facebook In October, HAECO Hong Kong won a Gold Award in the “wet wash” method, but also improves and Instagram and Swire Properties pledged “2019 BOCHK Corporate Environmental Leadership operational efficiency by reducing the frequency to donate HK$10 for every ‘like’ the posts Awards”, a scheme organised by the Federation of of wash required. received, with proceeds going to Operation Hong Kong Industries and sponsored by the Bank Santa Claus. of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”). The company HAECO Hong Kong continues to reduce its received the top honour in the awards programme’s carbon footprint through the implementation Launched in 2019, the Swire Properties “Manufacturing Sector” category. of programmes designed to increase energy Placemaking Academy offers local university Students from students an opportunity to gain hands-on Swire Properties efficiency, such as the replacement of its Placemaking experiences in event and community-planning. Academy hand- Amongst a range of green initiatives implemented by freshwater cooled chiller plants with an ultra- picked and delivered HAECO Hong Kong, a recent highlight is the company’s high efficiency hybrid power chiller plant and the over HK$400,000 in Christmas gifts to “dry wash” aircraft exterior cleaning service. This eco- introduction of a phase change material thermal people in need. friendly technique not only reduces environmental energy storage system. impact by using 90% less water than the traditional
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Underlining urban transformation Noodles for love Supporting wildlife conservation Swire Properties in Miami has recently renewed its In October, Swire Properties and Swire Trust in PNG commitment to The Underline, a 10-mile linear park being joined hands to launch the “Noodles for Swire Shipping’s PNG office donated developed below Miami’s elevated Metrorail. In 2016, Love” $50 Matching Donation Campaign – a 30,000 Kina to the Port Moresby Nature Swire Properties committed US$600,000 to become one community-outreach initiative that was a key Park in October, becoming a Silver of the founding sponsors of this transformative project, part of the Swire group’s COVID-19 response Sponsor of the wildlife sanctuary. Spread which aims to beautify and open up underutilised land for efforts. For each HK$50 “Noodles for Love” over 30 acres, the park is home to more community recreational use and as a live arts venue. To Charity Pack purchased, Swire Trust matched than 550 native animals and hundreds coincide with the opening to the public of the park’s first the purchase and donated one Charity Pack of plant species. COVID-19 restrictions mile in early 2021, the company has pledged a further to a needy family, together with a selection of have impacted significantly on the park’s US$500,000 over the next five years. custom recipes designed by chefs from Swire operations, with the corresponding drop Hotels and a SEWomen reusable facemask in visitor numbers meaning it has been a Once completed, The Underline will form an urban trail and holder. Rupert Bray and struggle to stay afloat financially; however, Dadi Toka Jr at linking the Miami River near Brickell Avenue in the north, the opening of the the Swire Shipping donation has helped with the Dadeland South Metrorail Station in the south, Over 4,200 Charity Packs were sold in just Buk bilong Pikinini the park to achieve 70% of its target Library Learning encouraging Miami residents to embrace a healthier 17 days at Cityplaza, which meant the same Centre at Pari goal for funding. Alistair Skingley, Swire lifestyle by walking, biking or taking mass transit as an number went to vulnerable members of the village. Shipping’s Country Manager in PNG said alternative to driving. local community. “At Swire Shipping, our purpose is to enrich lives by connecting our customers The inaugural mile of parkland includes access to the Supporting life-long learning with communities in the Pacific. By Brickell City Centre Eighth Street Metromover station, On International Literacy Day, 8th September, Pari donating funds to the Port Moresby Nature adjacent to Swire Properties’ Brickell City Centre complex, Elementary School opened the doors of its brand-new Park, we are helping to provide a unique and Swire will partner with The Underline to bring the Library Learning Centre, thanks to a major funding experience for the community and tourists Brickell Backyard to life, by co-creating programming that programme by Steamships Trading Company. alike and, more importantly, helping to deliver value to residents and engage the community in promote conservation of PNG’s indigenous finding new ways to embrace sustainable living. Steamships has been supporting the delivery of animals and plant species.” Buk bilong Pikinini’s early childhood literacy and development programmes in Port Moresby, Lae and Goroka since 2009 and is a platinum corporate sponsor of the charity. In a year that has seen major disruption in many people’s lives, including children’s learning, Steamships decided to make a Image credit: Robin Hill. major investment in the children of Port Moresby’s Motu Koitabu villages through a two-million-Kina commitment over the next five years to support educational programmes that prepare young children for school. Four more Library Learning Centres, housing collections of books and other educational materials, will be built over the next Alistair Skingley three years through a partnership with the National presents a Capital District Commission, which will support the cheque to the Port Moresby construction of the centres, endorsed by the Motu Nature Park’s Koita Assembly and its Chairman, Hon. Dadi Toka. The CEO Ms Michelle McGeorge. new Library Learning Centre at Pari village was the Swire Properties supports The first to be opened. Underline in transforming the space around Miami’s urban infrastructure into a living art destination.
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Building a better tomorrow
Swire has been a part of Hong Kong for 150 years. To return that support and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment Promoting family wellbeing to Hong Kong, the Swire Trust has launched a community initiative we’ve called TrustTomorrow, to support projects Amidst the pandemic, TrustTomorrow’s NGO partners produce “See You Online”, an online programme that bring about positive, sustainable outcomes especially in the areas of Education, Marine Conservation and the Arts, have continued to provide services to vulnerable featuring a range of activities for families, including storytelling, arts and yoga classes. Launched in as well as providing practical and timely assistance to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, groups, not only meeting basic food and hygiene needs, but also supporting their mental wellbeing November, some of these virtual programmes have TrustTomorrow contributed over HK$29 million in funding, benefitting more than 222,000 people in Hong Kong, and during prolonged social distancing. TrustTomorrow also featured on TrustTomorrow’s Facebook page. supporting vulnerable groups in the areas of food and hygiene, family wellbeing and building social capital. has collaborated with various NGO partners to
Providing fresh food to the needy TrustTomorrow’s food programme aims to supply disadvantaged Hong Kong people. The programme the underprivileged with fresh and nutritious food. also welcomes beneficiaries to join the volunteering In partnership with St. James’ Settlement’s FOOD- team, enabling them to receive support with respect CO initiative (“SJS FOOD-CO”), TrustTomorrow and dignity. has funded multiple deliveries of fresh food packs, containing vegetables and chilled meat, to
Storyteller Auntie Choi brought four heart-warming tales to the Yoga Therapists from The Joshua Hellmann Foundation for Orphan TrustTomorrow Facebook page. Disease led yoga sessions for families.
Building social capital TrustTomorrow is about more than Swire Trust has partnered with providing pandemic relief. In the long-term, the Hong Kong Council of Social TrustTomorrow will focus on supporting Sixty-three-year-old Ms Wong, who has received regular SJS FOOD-CO’s food packs include fresh vegetables Service and four other local NGOs new and inspiring programmes that aim to deliveries from FOOD-CO, decided to join the volunteer team, and meat. to create ‘Building Community • motivate positive, meaningful changes in the delivering fresh food packs to the needy. Building Tung Chung’, a community community. initiative that aims to support Ensuring good hygiene family and community wellbeing We’ll be keeping you posted with the latest TrustTomorrow has helped keep underprivileged amongst underprivileged groups news and updates on TrustTomorrow in and special needs children safe during the in Tung Chung. The first phase of future issues of Swire News. Meanwhile, pandemic by funding antiviral coating spray for 18 the project, launched in October, please continue to support this community Special Educational Needs (“SEN”) schools with has provided meal coupons initiative by following TrustTomorrow’s boarding services, as well as over 80,000 tenants to underprivileged and ethnic Facebook page at living in subdivided residential units. SEN schools minority families to ease their https://www.facebook.com/TrustTomorrow.SwireTrust with boarding services typically cater to students financial burden. A variety of online with severe physical disabilities, so antiviral sports, family leisure and career Ambreena Shaheen, a single mother coating spray is essential in ensuring a clean and planning activities have also been of two from Pakistan, received food safe environment for students and staff. organised, helping to connect support for her family and was later Haven of Hope Sunnyside School in Tseung Kwan O is one of hired by a South Asian grocery store the SEN schools with boarding services that is sanitised with families within the community and that is a participating food supplier in antiviral coating spray. equipping young people for future the programme. job opportunities.
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Making places “INDIGO is a perfect example of our ability to transform a neighbourhood,” he commented at the time, adding that winning the bid “fully testifies to Swire Properties’ strong confidence in and long-term commitment to the Chinese Swire Properties’ Chief Executive Guy Bradley finds multiple reasons mainland.” for optimism despite recent challenges, as the business continues its What's clear is that the business hasn't let COVID-19 knock its long-term focus and stands ‘placemaking’ mission to creatively transform locations in Hong Kong, Guy Bradley, well-positioned to take advantage of recovery Chief Executive the Chinese mainland and beyond. on the Chinese mainland and beyond. Besides of Swire the INDIGO expansion, after exploring new Properties. opportunities in Shenzhen for three years, Bradley’s team recently opened an office Another pillar of the company's strategy locally in search of suitable projects in the over the years has been its mixed-use Greater Bay Area, and have a number of key approach to development – an approach developments in play in Hong Kong. that has crystallised around the concept of 'placemaking'. And for Bradley, nowhere On the subject of the latter, moreover, he is epitomises what placemaking is about better emphatic that Swire Properties is committed than Taikoo Place. to its home city and is actively looking for more projects. In conversation with Swire News, “What we're building with Taikoo Place is he is unequivocal in his response to recent really a global business hub,” he says. “There's conjectures about the sale of the Cityplaza a huge neighbourhood underway – a mix of One office tower signalling an intent to divest residential, office and retail – and I would from Hong Kong. Not only is the capital from say it's placemaking at its very best. To do the sale of Cityplaza One being “recycled”, he placemaking well, you need to have a long- stresses, but major projects are underway that term approach. You need to stick around and will help to re-draw the map of urban Hong become part of the fabric of the community. Kong for generations to come. That really speaks to our core values.”
“If you look at the money we're spending, we're putting US$2 billion into developing two state- Best days ahead of-the-art triple-grade A office buildings at Of course, choosing the right location, Taikoo Place,” says Bradley. “One Taikoo Place supported by the right transport infrastructure, is open, the second building will be finished helps. With Taikoo Place, Bradley believes by the end of 2021, or early in 2022, and we these factors have aligned to drive an are already thinking about Three Taikoo Place. eastward shift in Hong Kong that he calls Computer rendering of the Phase Two We're also building out Pacific Place along “decentralisation”. “It’s about moving things Extension of INDIGO, Beijing. Queen's Road East and we have a handful of away from Central where the building new residential projects under development stock is ageing and space is constrained,” After a challenging 12 months across multiple following a couple of quieter years on the he explains. “With the Wan Chai Bypass, the sectors of the global economy, the end of 2020 home-building front. There’s EIGHT STAR Eastern part of the Island – and Taikoo Place brought affirmation that Swire Properties STREET, in Admiralty, another project down at in particular – has really been opened up as a ranks firmly among those businesses for the east end of the Island, in Chai Wan, and we credible alternative to Central.” whom there is no question of scaling back on were successful in a consortium bid to build ambition. one of the phases around the MTR station at Further evidence of this pivot away from Hong Wong Chuk Hang. Kong’s traditional CBD is perhaps offered As described by the developer's Chief by Central's eastward expansion. “With the Executive, Guy Bradley, December's “There's so much evidence that we're upping addition of the South Island MTR line, and the announcement of a successful bid to build an our investments, and actually the sale of Central to Sha Tin Link coming soon, Admiralty extension of INDIGO – a world-class, mixed-use Cityplaza One is part of our strategy to recycle will be the biggest station in terms of lines development in the Jiangtai neighbourhood capital. What you do is sell your non-core and volume of people. We’re scaling up Pacific of Beijing's Chaoyang District – equates to a assets and reinvest the proceeds into higher Place at just the right time.” “major investment” in a “milestone project”. value-adding strategic projects.”
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iconic, and sits on the city government’s list of places to take overseas delegations, among other key attractions including Tiananmen We think Square and the Bird’s Nest.” the Hong “Meanwhile, our Chengdu development has become one of the top destinations in China. Kong office According to video-sharing platform Douyin, Taikoo Li Chengdu was the only shopping mall sector’s that made the top ten tourist attractions in China during the national day holiday in 2020. There Through effective best days have been an astonishing 11 billion viewings on placemaking and the platform since Taikoo Li Chengdu opened continuous upgrading are still to five years ago.” and expansion, Taikoo Place is set to be a global business hub. come. With Taikoo Li Qiantan, Bradley is hopeful that Swire Properties’ placemaking story will continue. “The theme this time is centred around That sense of optimism is bolstered, moreover, Top attractions health and wellness – that’s a different direction, by a confidence that the office sector is well- To see examples of where the retail tide and a trend we want to be a part of. It’ll also positioned to rebound from COVID-19. has already turned, one only need glance “The Taikoo Li projects have done amazing things be the most digitally-friendly and digitally- over the border. On the Chinese mainland, for the Taikoo name on the Chinese mainland,” he savvy mall we’ve ever designed. With the way “Hong Kong isn’t London or California,” says Swire Properties’ malls are now delivering says. “Back in 2010/2011, we had a lot to do on consumer habits are changing, staying digitally Bradley, identifying the absence of long extraordinary revenues, in the wake of COVID-19. that. We weren’t terribly well-known and we were relevant is how you keep consumers wanting to commutes in the city and, for many, a lack of really just starting to build. The recognition we go to destination shopping malls and spending space in homes often shared with extended Bradley notes that in a couple of locations, sales have now is an indication of the job the team has money in them.” family members, as factors apt to shape a and rental income have in fact been higher, done in getting consumers to understand that we general lack of desire for extensive work- year-on-year, than in 2019. “February and early create special places tailor-made for their home He adds that the business is well-poised to from-home arrangements. He acknowledges March was a tough time in China but since then cities. pursue further growth opportunities in the that high-density workplace trends such as the recovery has been incredible,” he says. Chinese mainland market. “We’re in a good desk-sharing and co-working are likely to be “People can’t travel outside of China – so places He elaborates: “The stats from DiDi, China’s Uber, position to do a few more projects, but the impacted. However, he doesn’t anticipate lasting like Guangzhou, and our Taikoo Hui mall there, put both Taikoo Li Chengdu and Taikoo Li winning formula is about picking world-class structural changes occurring. “We think the have benefitted, because people are going there Sanlitun, in Beijing, among the top 10 destinations locations either in tier one cities or in special tier Hong Kong office sector’s best days are still to and spending money instead of spending it for the entire country during the national holiday two cities like we did in Chengdu, and then of come.” overseas.” week in October last year. Sanlitun was already course designing great products. The top criteria famous as an entertainment and embassy district we use are location and entry price. The tier one In terms of retail, meanwhile, he expresses Aside from INDIGO, Swire Properties’ current before we got there, but now it’s become almost city that’s missing for us is Shenzhen, and our satisfaction that the business has managed projects on the Chinese mainland divide into two to keep its malls occupied over the course of types: Taikoo Hui ventures in Guangzhou and an extremely challenging 18 months. “In Hong Shanghai, and Taikoo Li developments in Beijing Kong, we’ve had a period of social unrest, and Chengdu, with a third Taikoo Li development followed by COVID-19, so the sector has been hit – Taikoo Li Qiantan, in Shanghai – scheduled pretty hard. The good news is that by adopting for a soft opening in September. Both concepts a partnering approach with our tenants, we’ve incorporate mixed-use elements such as office kept our malls full. towers and hotels, and involve “best-in-city” locations. Taikoo Hui malls conform to more “We were quick to recognise the pain they of a traditional, enclosed design, whereas the were under in the summer of 2019 and were Taikoo Li model is about low-density layouts that the first of the major landlords to deliver rent combine indoor and outdoor spaces. concessions. We’ve carried on doing that, in some cases to allow our tenants to stay in Bradley comments that approach has worked Taikoo Li Qiantan business. It requires a long-term, strategic well and that the company’s malls have emerged embodies Swire Properties’ “Taikoo view, because we want these relationships to be as coveted destinations on a national scale. Li” concept, which sustainable over time. When the tide turns and is well-known for things start picking up, we’ll be in good shape.” its distinct open- plan, lane-driven architectural design.
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Embracing inclusion team there have been looking for opportunities living, breathing thousand-year-old temple.” that meet those tests.” Being trusted by the local district government to ‘Embracing Inclusion’ was the subject of a International Pronouns Day do so with sensitivity for the local surroundings series of events, discussions and an awareness International Pronouns Day on 12th October Laying foundations was a responsibility he and his team took campaign organised by Swire in Hong Kong celebrated LGBT+ inclusion and promoted the use Another region where the company hopes to extremely seriously, and the end-result is a between September and December 2020 of gender-inclusive or gender-neutral pronouns. expand its footprint is Southeast Asia. Swire development that preserves the heritage of recently opened an office in Bangkok that will the site within a new and improved mixed-use to promote inclusion in the workplace and An awareness campaign, including educational cover both Thailand and Myanmar, and environment. “That’s probably one of the reasons community. With topics ranging from the material and videos, was developed to encourage this complements existing set-ups in Singapore, we have become such a respected name on the empowerment of women through technology, Swire staff to understand the importance of not Jakarta and Vietnam, three markets where the Chinese mainland,” he reflects. the future of work, LGBT+ awareness and making assumptions about a person’s pronouns business is already pursuing residential gender inclusivity, as well as awareness and from their appearance, voice, or characteristics. It projects. At a strategic level, meanwhile, Swire Properties understanding of disabilities, Swire is committed aims to make respecting, sharing, and educating has been committed for some time to its vision to championing diversity and inclusion as a vital about personal pronouns commonplace. “We’re leading with residential because these of leading the global real estate industry in are new markets for us,” says Bradley. “With sustainability by 2030. business strategy. The series also highlighted residential, you can learn a lot quickly, because opportunities that can be created if we develop a the projects tend to be smaller in scale and turn “At the turn of the century, we were really truly inclusive workplace. over faster. And right now, we’re in that learning focused on the energy aspect of sustainability, phase.” and the environmental side of it,” Bradley recalls. “We made some good progress on that, but by She Loves Tech A sustainable approach 2016 we felt we needed to widen it across the Merlin Swire, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (HK) Long-term thinking, patience, understanding whole business, so we created a new long-term communities, a partnering approach: these vision. In 2020, we were the only Hong Kong was a judge for the 'She Loves Tech' Competition are all aspects of Swire Properties’ playbook company to be listed on the Dow Jones for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, the world’s that point to a holistic way of thinking about Sustainability World Index for the fourth largest start-up competition for women and sustainable development, and Bradley offers consecutive year, and ranked among the top five technology. The event aims to promote female a touchpoint from the company’s Chinese percent of real estate developers around the founders of early-stage tech businesses by mainland story that serves to illustrate a world. We have also done a lot to nurture and supporting them through mentoring, education, deep commitment to building trust and acting develop a diverse and industry-leading team, networking and fundraising advice. responsibly. and we were extremely proud to be voted Hong Kong’s “Most Attractive Employer” in Randstad’s Pink Friday With Taikoo Li Chengdu, he recalls, the project 2020 Employer Brand Research.” Swire was one of over 60 companies taking part involved “wrapping a shopping mall around a in the annual Pink Friday event in November. Other examples he cites include “having the The Diversity & Inclusion team hosted a best- highest female representation at board level and dressed ‘pink’ competition, which received over 50 at senior management level in our peer group in individual and group entries. Swire Trust won the Hong Kong”, an initiative called ‘Sustainability We best-dressed team prize. All Count’ that gives everyone in the business the chance to contribute towards Swire Properties’ sustainability goals, and an ambassador programme that involves thousands of hours of community volunteering every year.
“Sustainability is all-encompassing for us,” states Bradley. “It’s everything from energy reduction and green building to innovating through technology in our retail malls, to just getting out into the communities we serve. As a developer, ultimately you have to build places people want to be in. If you design and build good projects and stick around and do the right thing, Swire Properties’ Community Ambassadors take part in an that long-term approach to placemaking is what elderly care programme. brings reward.”
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Mentoring to success
Michelle Lim, who is based in Shanghai, helped coordinate the programme.
“When Tina Chan of Swire Trust shared Patrick hosted a session focusing on this initiative with the team, it really interview skills: “We conducted a mock resonated with us” says Michelle. “So interview, and I provided feedback from far I’ve conducted a CV workshop with a the perspective of a potential employer,” young Pakistani lady who was struggling he explains. “The mentee said that the to get work experience. It was a fun perspectives I provided were not points session where we focused on how to she had considered before; she felt Swire Engage partners with The Zubin Foundation to offer online mentoring services for ethnic improve her existing CV and discussed confident it would help her develop her minority students and recent graduates. her career preferences as well.” interview skills.”
The Swire Trust has recently – and more than 30 Swire management “We have a lot of talented, capable and Volunteers can also benefit. Some partnered with The Zubin Mahtani trainees have signed up to volunteer ambitious people and they have a lot of mentors found the sessions inspired Gidumal Foundation to offer mentoring mentoring services. The programme positive energy to bring in this context,” them to think more deeply about their services to students and recent commenced in October 2020 and will run says Patrick. “The hope is to make own lives and careers. “The sessions graduates from marginalised ethnic until April 2021. the most of the positive energy and provided me with an insight into the lives minorities in Hong Kong. Zubin enthusiasm of younger management of those who are under-resourced or Foundation is a local NGO that supports Swire management trainees, Michelle trainees and convert it into something marginalised” says Michelle, recalling the city’s ethnic communities, and Lim and Patrick Swire, are members of positive for Hong Kong”. a mentee who needed to balance study the initiative aims to increase the the Swire Engage committee and have with the responsibilities of being a carer. employability of young job seekers been involved in the programme from the “It really humbled me to be reminded from this sector. The programme calls outset. Patrick says the initiative aims that a normal day for her and many like on the skills of corporate professional to give a leg up onto the career ladder her can be quite taxing.” Patrick adds: “It volunteers to lead one-on-one online to a segment of society that is often at felt great to be able to give back to the workshops, mentoring participants in a disadvantage when first entering the local community through a work-related a range of skills that will help them workplace. “We hope to break the cycle activity, and our discussion of what find employment and succeed in the of applicants being relatively highly employers are looking for in an employee workplace. The Swire Trust has enlisted qualified but ending up in jobs that are allowed me to reflect on my own life in the help of Swire Engage – a platform lower than they could get if they were the workplace”. for Swire management trainees to from a different ethnic profile,” he says. engage with the local community by working with non-profits and charities
Patrick Swire felt that participants could benefit from early career professionals’ recent experience of joining the workforce.
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Raising the bar his teammate assists by collecting that always creates the “wow glasses. It’s a tricky operation factor” for customers, because Alvin Ching’s career in food and beverages began at EAST Hong Kong’s to get right, but it’s always the colours form layers and it rooftop bar and lounge, Sugar, where he developed a passion for mixology. fun, because we create strong is a real visual treat for them. Since then, he has won several competitions, with the most recent being When connections with one another. But when it comes to personal Sometimes we don’t even need to drinking preference, I usually opt Gin Mare’s Mediterranean Inspirations in 2019, when he was crowned Hong making speak, as we instinctively know for a gin and tonic. Customers Kong Champion and International Second Runner Up. We hear about his what to do. We all pull together in are keen to try new cocktails, drinks, the same direction. but they also enjoy classic journey and dedication to the art of creating cocktails. I always combinations. Tell us about some of your look for signature cocktails: which ones Where do you get your perfection. do guests prefer, and which is inspiration from? How did you get involved in the your favourite to make? Inspiration for a new cocktail hospitality industry, and what led can come from many different to you working at Sugar? One of my most popular sources. For example, if there’s My journey began while I was signatures is the Garden of a sad memory, then we can use studying Hotel Management at the What do you enjoy most about Eden, made from quince, green lemon or salt to represent tears Hong Kong Polytechnic University. being a mixologist? apple cider and gin, and it’s also that impart bitterness. Another While there, I got the chance to For me, it’s the freedom to create one of the cocktails that won route is to take a classic cocktail learn about wines, spirits and drinks. As well as tending bar and me a competition. However, my like a margarita or daiquiri and other beverages. When I reached mixing drinks, I can draw on my favourite to make is Under the give it a twist. Recently, we had a the age of 22 or 23, a time when creativity to design new drinks and Sea, comprising grape juice, grape Hong Kong-inspired menu, which young people in Hong Kong start perfect their presentation. Ever soda and gin. It’s the kind of drink featured flavours like egg tart, to explore alcohol, bartending since I was young, I have had a ice cream, coffee, milk tea and seemed like a cool thing to take keen interest in painting, drawing even herbal tea, to represent yin up. My first bartending role was and ceramics. I feel there’s a and yang. at Sugar. This allowed me to natural alignment between the learn about the trade, which put freedom to draw or paint, and me on the path to becoming a inventing drinks as a mixologist. I Tell us about your plans for the mixologist. I also gained valuable pay close attention to the colours, future. experience from attending the presentation and the flavours. As a mixologist, I’m currently competitions, which trained me There’s also an element of leading the bar team, so in to mix with accuracy, precision performance, which is something addition to improving myself, I and confidence in front of a panel that can make you stand out during also help my colleagues develop of judges and an international competitions. by giving them opportunities audience. These are lessons that and responsibilities. There are I have brought into my day-to- different personalities behind the day work as a mixologist. Luckily, What is the most challenging bar; some like to create cocktails Sugar is a really busy bar, so I had aspect of your job? and others like to organise a lot of opportunities to practise When making drinks, I always operations, so I try to play to my moves. look for perfection. If there’s a set their strengths. recipe, I need to work out how to replicate the exact same taste time In the future, I want to develop after time. Also, when working my knowledge of wines with the rest of the team, I aim to and spirits, explore more ensure they can create the same management opportunities and, drinks for customers no matter eventually, manage a venue of who is working that shift. We have my own. a good team dynamic with the main Under the Sea is one of Alvin’s favourite bartender mixing the drinks while cocktail creations.
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Appointments Promotions, Transfers & Title Changes
HAECO Group Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. CF Lai Ian Ngai Swire Properties Ltd. Hamburg has been appointed General has been appointed Group Antony Riley HAECO Hong Kong Digital Manager, Line Maintenance Treasurer, Swire Pacific Ltd. Beijing has been appointed Senior Kent Wong Shing Hong Wayne Chong Wing Ho (Overseas Customers Group). Everest Marshall Chartering Manager. joined Finance Department as has been appointed Assistant Nicole Angela Trantallis has been appointed Portfolio Corporate Finance Manager. Manager Digital Sales. HAECO ITM has been appointed Finance Officer. Jakarta Thomas Lau Analyst, Swire Trust. Jamie Gordon John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Finance has been appointed Manager Mark Wang Tianbin has been appointed Business Ltd. Chris Buckley (Value Engineering). Mark Robert Watson has been promoted to Grade B as Development Manager. Judy Chan has been appointed General has been retitled Group Head of Deputy General Manager. joined Staff Department Manager Finance & Performance. MH Tang Sustainability. Port Moresby as Manager, Leadership has been appointed Manager Hong Kong Tom Spearman Development. Della Ng (Customer Support). Alan Yu Cheuk Hung has been appointed Marketing has been appointed Head of has been appointed Financial New Ventures Manager. Miranda Fan Miu Lan Finance Services. Wallace Wong Accountant, Swire Pacific Ltd. Ella Walter joined Finance & Accounts has been appointed Manager has been appointed New Ventures Department as Administrative Inflight Service Delivery (Repair Management). Swire Coca-Cola Ltd. Associate. Officer. Wendy Kwok Wan Yee Hugh Hsu has been appointed Head Chongqing New Qinyuan has been appointed Digital Portfolio Management Retirement Lee Wai Hung of Employee Relations and Bakery Co. Ltd. Leadership Executive. Lydia Dowden joined Swire Pacific Ltd. – Group Communications. Judy Yeung Hiu Ching has been appointed Property Finance Department as Assistant has been appointed Marketing Charlotte Rumberg Officer, TPMO. John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Accountant. Sales & Distribution, Manager – Visual Merchandizing. has been appointed New Business Ltd. HKG & GBA Executive. Zoe Pavri Winnie Chow Kam Mui Tommy Leung Man Tak Kim Fong Yat Lam John Swire & Sons (H.K.) has been appointed Property Executive Assistant of Finance joined Staff Department as has been appointed Assistant Ltd. Shanghai Shen-Mei Beverage Officer, PPMO. & Accounts Department, retired Infrastructure Analyst. Manager Global Sales Excellence. Andrea Chu On Yee and Food Co. Ltd. in June 2020 after 38 years of has been appointed Group Michelle Lim Michal Tkocz service with the company. Carol Man Sze Wing Subsidiaries Accounts Manager, Swire Pacific has been appointed Sales has been appointed Property joined Group Internal Audit Ltd. Representative. Officer, CGMO. Swire Coca-Cola, USA Department as Auditor. Cathay Pacific Catering Rusty Frain Services Jennifer Chuen Yee Lam Swire Coca-Cola (China) Ltd. Shanghai Senior Vice President & General Anthony Stewart of Staff Department has been Cassie Zhou Ge Joanna Ku Yuk Chun Manager, retired in January 2021 has been appointed Finance promoted to Grade D as Senior has been appointed Assistant has been retitled Assistant after 18 years of service with the Manager. Personnel Officer. Manager, Trade Marketing. Director-Retail (Chinese company. mainland). Ethos International Ltd. Carlo Chui Kam Hung Swire Coca-Cola HK Ltd. Mary Ku Fu Ling has been appointed Manager, Data Jamie Morrison Taikoo Motors Group has been appointed Finance & Analytics. has been appointed New Product Laurent Powell Tse Manager. Development Commercialization has been appointed Assistant Winnie Ip Ka Wai Manager. Manager. HAECO Group has been appointed Accounting Manager. Swire Guangdong Coca-Cola The China Navigation Co. HAECO Hong Kong Zhanjiang Ltd. Pte. Ltd. Matilda Chan Jason Li Ka Chun Mote Pooley Nick Bury has been appointed General has been appointed Assistant has been appointed Logistics has been appointed Head of Manager, Component Repair & Manager Digital, Swire Pacific Ltd. Director. eCommerce & Digital Manager. Overhaul. Lo Tin Wai Hector Gash Biondi Kam has been appointed Recruitment has been appointed Assistant has been appointed HRMS Project Officer. Commercial Manager. Manager (Business).
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021 32 33 PEOPLE 150TH ANNIVERSARY IN HK
Long Service
30 years 20 years 10 years
John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd. John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ethos International Ltd. Carol Lee Man Yi Ltd. Amy Fong Ho Yan – Administration Officer, Staff Felicity Chau Ah Fung – Senior Programme Department – General Manager – Corporate Administrator, Learning & Mo Mun Tei – Development, Swire Coca-Cola Development Allen Li Ka Keung Ltd. – Director & General Manager, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Taikoo Sugar Ltd. Doris Fu Wing Yu Ltd. No problem! – Deputy Company Secretary, Eartha Chow Wan Shan Della Ng Lai Ying Company Secretary’s Department – Assistant Company Secretary, – Head of Financial Services, Company Secretary’s Department Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Virginia Li Fun Mei – Assistant to Group Accountant, Joyce Kwan Ming Sum Swire Pacific Ltd. – Assistant Company Secretary, 25 years Company Secretary’s Department Lamly Tsang Lam Lee John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd. – Deputy Company Secretary, Dorothy Tam Wai Chi The PAMAS facility at Kai Tak Airfield in the late 1940s. Susanna Hui Po King Company Secretary’s Department – Assistant Company Secretary, – Head of Staff Department, Staff Company Secretary’s Department Department Marking its 70th anniversary in In those early days, equipment was 15 years Banson Wong Sun Wing 2020, the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering makeshift and spares in short supply. The Ashley Lee Pui Ling – Internal Audit Manager, Group Company came into being on 1st November machine shop set up by Taikoo Dockyard – Treasury Accountant, Swire John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Internal Audit Department 1950, following the merger of the Pacific Air fabricated replacement parts, and necessity Pacific Ltd. Ltd. Maintenance & Supply Company (“PAMAS”) was the mother of invention for everything Christine Ling Matthew Young Wai Heng and Jardine Air Maintenance Company else. When a typhoon threatened, the entire Annie Wong Sau Ling – General Manager, Leadership – Assistant Company Secretary, (“JAMCo”), owned respectively by Swire and workforce turned out to physically hold – Executive Assistant to Chairman, Development, Staff Department Company Secretary’s Department Jardine. down parked aircraft; an old truck was Private Office put into service as an engine test-bed, and Henry Yao Jie Swire (Beijing) Management The two hongs diversified into aviation at the end of a day’s maintenance work, – Assistant Company Secretary, Consultancy Ltd. after World War II: Jardine forming Hong PAMAS engineers expected to climb aboard Company Secretary’s Department Nina Xu Tingting Kong Airways in 1947 and Swire taking for a two-to-three hour trial flight to test – Assistant Finance Manager, a controlling interest in Cathay Pacific out new components. The China Navigation Co. Finance & Accounts Department Airways in 1948. Both firms established Pte. Ltd. maintenance facilities at Kai Tak Airfield But it soon became clear there wasn’t Wartic Cheung Chung Wo in anticipation of owning and operating enough business to support two – Sales Manager, Commercial aircraft, with PAMAS taking over Cathay maintenance facilities at Kai Tak; so when Department Pacific’s existing makeshift facilities. A JAMCo’s principal customer, Hong Kong workforce drafted in from Taikoo Dockyard Airways, suspended its flights to the completed construction of a new hangar Chinese mainland towards the end of 1949, at the beginning of 1949, and this timber selling its fleet of DC-3s, the two companies building served the company until 1962, agreed to join forces. In November 1950, when it was sold to Hong Kong’s leading the newly formed Hong Kong Aircraft film studio, Shaw Brothers, and shifted Engineering Company had 450 employees. to their lot at Clearwater Bay. With the Then known as “HAEC”, rather than infrastructure in place, PAMAS brought in a “HAECO”, (the final “O” was added in the number of engineers seconded from Cathay 1970s), the company recorded a turnover of Pacific shareholder, Australian National HK$7,620,000 in its first year of operation. Airways, to get its maintenance operation Not bad, considering Kai Tak handled only up and running and to train local recruits 2,600 aircraft movements. Then, as now, in the art of stripping down and cleaning the company’s principal strengths were the aircraft engines. This move set the trend for skill, dedication and ‘can-do’ approach of its the company’s enduring strategy of training staff. “Mo mun tei” – the Cantonese for “no staff ‘in-house’. problem” - quickly became their motto.
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