RESIDENTIAL RENTALS GUIDE2013 TO

Journal of The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong www.amcham.org.hk July 2013

DAVID SHAMBAUGH: “China Spreading, Not Rising”

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Heading West: AmCham Business Leadership Delegation

To Chengdu & Chongqing

DATE: August 25 -27, 2013 (Sunday – Tuesday) WHERE: Chengdu & Chongqing HOST: Sichuan Provincial Government & Chongqing Municipal Government

Ever since the launching in 1999 of the national strategy of “Development of the Western Regions,” China’s vast western regions have enjoyed rapid development, especially in recent years. Now, more and more foreign companies are heading west, not only to take advantage of lower operation costs but also to tap into the huge market and R&D potential. Late last year, in AmCham Hong Kong’s annual survey among its members, Chengdu and Chongqing were listed as the top priorities for business delegation trips. In response, AmCham Chairman James Sun and President Richard Vuylsteke will lead a senior business leadership delegation to explore the business opportunities in these two southwestern metropolises. The delegation will – Meet with top provincial government officials, foreign investment administration officials, US Commercial Officers and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office officials Network with top local and international business leaders, and Make site visits to local national-level development zones and/or benchmark companies C

M Chengdu- Capital city of Sichuan Province, known as Y “the land of abundance,” is one of the most livable cities CM in China. With a population of 14 million, Chengdu is MY one of the most important economic, transportation and

CY communication centers in Western China. It was listed

CMY in the Ten Best Chinese Cities for Investment in 2007, and in 2010 Forbes ranked it as the world’s fastest K growing city in a decade.

Chongqing- Located at the core of the economic belt of the upper Yangtze River. With a population of 28 million, it is the fourth directly-administered municipality in China. Chongqing plays a powerful role in both the political and economic landscapes. In the regional planning for the Chengdu- Chongqing Economic Zone, Chongqing is slated to become an international metropolis by 2020. It was named as one of the 13 emerging mega cities in 3DFLƷF3ODFH4XHHQVZD\+RQJ.RQJ China by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2012. ZZZSDFLƷFSODFHDSDUWPHQWVFRPKN

  NOTICE: Registration deadline is Friday, Aug 9, 2013. Places are limited to 20, and to be confirmed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Contact us for further information of tentative itinerary and fees: William Lin, China Affairs Director, [email protected], Tel: (852) 2530-6915; Dickson Lai, China Affairs Executive, [email protected], Tel: (852) 2530-6928; Fax: 2810-1289

Residential | Marketing July 2013 Vol 45 No 7 Contents

Publisher Richard R Vuylsteke 08 12 28 36 Editor-in-Chief COVER STORY ADVOCACY CHINA BUSINESS EDUCATION Daniel Kwan Professor David Shambaugh of George Washington University in his new AmCham’s annual “Washington Doorknock” Dow Corning’s Greater China President The story of a HKIS graduate in his creation of book entitled China Goes Global: The Partial Power sheds new light on the trip in which 14 delegates participate in 43 Jeremy Burks discusses his silicones business a photo book capturing images of Hong Kong’s Managing Editor debate whether China’s influence is only “spreading, not rising” meetings with government officials, scholars in China as the Michigan-based company infamous roof-top housing, sub-divided flats, Kenny Lau and representatives of other organizations celebrates its 40th anniversary in Hong Kong cage homes and cubicle families Advertising Sales Manager Regina Leung

biz.hk is a monthly magazine of news and views for management executives and members of the AMCHAM NEWS AND VIEWS 20 Sunnylands Meeting – What Was Achieved? AMERICAN TOPICS American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Richard Bush, Director of the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Its contents are independent and do not 04 Editorial Studies at the Brookings Institution, speaks on Sino-US relations 34 AmCham Celebrates ‘Fourth of July’ necessarily reflect the views of officers, A growing generation of youth in the city can – and will likely – be a source in an analysis of the recent meeting between US President Barack A special luncheon in celebration of the US Independence Day on governors or members of the Chamber. of creative solutions to Hong Kong’s many on-going social, economic and Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping a beautiful sunny day at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort where political challenges as reflected in a photo book project by a 2013 graduate guests spend quality time with their families and friends of Hong Kong International School Advertising office 1904 Bank of America Tower TRADE & INVESTMENT 12 Harcourt Rd, Central, Hong Kong 07 New Business Contacts Tel: (852) 2530 6900 28 executives joined AmCham’s business network last month 24 ASEAN Economic Architecture in Flux EDUCATION Fax: (852) 2537 1682 A conversation with Ernest Bower, Senior Advisor and Chair for Southeast 36 Through My Lenses Email: [email protected] Asia Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 40 Mark Your Calendar Washington DC, on US policy across Asia Pacific and their likely impact The journey of an 18-year-old graduate of Hong Kong International Website: www.amcham.org.hk School in his creation of a photo book capturing images of Hong Kong’s infamous roof-top housing, sub-divided flats, cage homes Printed by Ease Max Ltd and cubicle families 2A Sum Lung Industrial Building COVER STORY CHINA BUSINESS 11 Sun Yip St, Chai Wan, Hong Kong (Green Production Overseas Group) 08 ‘China Spreading, Not Rising’ 28 A Silicones Pioneer in China Professor David Shambaugh of George Washington University in his Dow Corning’s Greater China President Jeremy Burks discusses his Designed by Overa Creative Co new book entitled China Goes Global: The Partial Power sheds new silicones business and growth strategy in China as the Midland, light on the debate whether China is truly a global powerhouse Michigan-based company celebrates its 40th anniversary in Hong Kong Unit 1613, 16/F Workingbond Commercial Centre 162 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon ADVOCACY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION ©The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 2013 12 Knocking on Doors in Washington DC 32 2012/2013 AmCham Charitable Library of Congress: LC 98-645652 A detailed report on AmCham Hong Kong’s annual trip to the US Foundation Awards capital city with 14 delegates participating in 43 meetings with Presentation of AmCham’s annual scholarships granted to local For comments, please send to government officials, scholars and representatives of a number of MBA students and soon-to-be US college freshmen who speak on high-profile organizations their experience and the power of knowledge [email protected]

Single copy price HK$50 Annual subscription HK$600/US$90

2 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 3 COVER SPONSOR

Board of Governors biz.hk Editorial

Chairman James Sun Vice Chair man Peter Levesque Treasurer Tom Burns Executive Committee Evan Auyang, Janet De Silva, Anita Leung Philip Leung , Belinda Lui, Alan Turley Richard Weisman BEING YOUNG Governors Sara Yang Bosco, Brian Brenner, Ewan Copeland emember being 18? willing to leave their comfort zones far Kong is right in the middle of it. If Walter Dias, Rob Glucksman, Toby Marion Fooling around? behind and undertake something Hong Kong is going to stay ahead of Jim Muschalik, Thomas Nelson Catherine Simmons, Colin Tam Studying hard? Chas- risky. While Hong Kong’s housing the game – and continue to be a model Elizabeth L Thomson , Frank Wong, Eden Woon ing girls (or boys)? All problems for low-income people are city for the region – it needs people of these? Everyone often highlighted in the headlines, who have Bruce’s attitude and drive to Ex-Officio Governor Robert Chipman Rtakes a different route on the way to Bruce dug deeper in order to under- see things differently, to truly listen to President Richard R Vuylsteke high school graduation, but inevitably stand things better for himself. While other people’s voices, and to make an it seems there are standouts in each his book may not have immediate attempt to stimulate change. Chamber Committees graduating class. AmCham recently impact on changing anything, and he Today, being competitive means AmCham Ball Rex Engelking bumped into one such standout may be soon forgotten by the people much more than achieving excellence Apparel & Footwear Colin Browne graduate and his story is worth telling. he met in those dwellings, he has in terms of knowledge and skill sets. China Business Seth Peterson For Bruce Li, a 2013 graduate of demonstrated that the power of These are required – no doubt about it Lili Zheng Hong Kong International School, independent thinking, the ability to – but possessing high scores and Communications & Roxana Daver being young also means to live with ask tough questions, and the courage grades will only get one so far. In order Marketing eyes and mind wide open. Armed with to challenge the status quo can be a to be winners and leaders, people need Corporate Social Robert Grieves Responsibility his camera, Bruce ventured into the youthful quality. It’s a good reminder to have the right kind of attitude, “dark side” of Hong Kong – where to adults. discipline, energy, and perseverance. Energy Rick Truscott people live in cage homes, sub-divided It’s also a seed of hope. Too often Or, as Bruce’s book title puts it – Entrepreneurs/SME Donald Austin flats, and rooftop housing. In the it seems that people are encouraged Environment Courtney Davies “Grit.” process, he took hundreds of photo- Corey Franklin not to be adventurous – “it’s unwise, As Hong Kong continues to face a Financial Services Brock Wilson graphs of the “houses” and the people it’s too risky, it’s not your problem.” host of serious social, political, and Food & Beverage Veronica Sze he met. A selection of these photos is Don’t challenge the status quo. Let economic challenges in coming years, Hospitality & Tourism Damien Lee now collected in a self-financed book others assess and solve community the city’s youth will increasingly be a Human Capital Peter Liu called Grit. (More about Bruce Li issues. Avoid taking personal respon- source of solutions. We’ll need more Information & Rex Engelking and his book on page 36) sibility. These are comfort zone with Bruce Li’s attitude. Communications Hong Kong is fortunate to have attitudes. But if the 21st Century is Technology young people like Bruce, who are the Asia-Pacific century, then Hong Insurance & Healthcare Owen Belman Hanif Kanji Intellectual Property Gabriela Kennedy Amy Lee La w Clara Ingen-Housz Pharmaceutical Stephen Leung Real Estate Neil Anderson Alan Seigrist Senior Financial Forum Alvin Miyasato S enior HR Forum Jacqueline Algar

Sports & Entertainment Ian Stirling

Taxation David Weisner

Trade & Investment Patrick Wu Transportation & Logistics Jared Zerbe Women of Influence Anne-Marie Balfe Anna-Marie C Slot Young Professionals Alison Carroll

4 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 5 Nominate a New Woman Business Contacts The following people are new AmCham members:

Aedas Limited Esquel Enterprises Ltd SHL Hong Kong Limited Frank McGoldrick Aaron Lee Chris Frost of In uence Member of the Board Director, General Management Office Managing Director

AEM Technology Hong Kong Limited Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Soshio Goby Kong Yi Zhang Matthew Grotenstein The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the South China Morning Post Sales Manager Partner Head of Business Development proudly present the 10th Anniversary of the Women of In uence Awards. Once again Jenny Ling Business Director we are seeking exceptional female executives who continue to make an outstanding Edward Chan Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd Telstra International Group Service Manager Rachel Chan Tim Chen contribution at the highest levels of Hong Kong's business world. In addition, we are excited Thomas Lam Managing Director Hong Kong President and Group Managing Director to announce a new award category for 2013, “Leading Woman on Boards”. This new General Manager Genevieve Li Senior Manager award will be presented to a woman who is currently sitting on the board of a company ICF GHK AllianceBernstein Hong Kong Ltd Andrew Amerasekera listed in Hong Kong or on an international exchange. The awards will be presented at the Hayden Briscoe Senior Consultant University of Michigan, Director, Asia Pacific Fixed Income Women of In uence Conference and Awards 2013 on November 8, 2013. Gabriella Bazzano Stephen M Ross School of Business Managing Director Adrian Chan Director American Express Wai-duen Lee This is your chance to nominate outstanding candidates for the following awards: Tara Tubman Lead Managing Consultant Director, Large Market Acquisition Hong Kong & Taiwan, Global Corporate Payments Linestone NP Limited 1. Professional of the Year Brian McLaughlin Arkadin Global Collaboration Services Managing Director 2. Entrepreneur of the Year Olivier de Puymorin Chairman & CEO Mercer (Hong Kong) Ltd 3. Master in Charity Eva Liu Asian Tigers Mobility Business Development Head, 4. Leading Woman on Boards (NEW) Florence Wong Mercer Marsh Benefits Manager, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Travis Barton 5. Champion for the Advancement of Women Hong Kong Principal and Hong Kong Business Leader, Talent Consulting 6. Best Company for Women Compass Offices James Julian Mira Moon Business Development Manager, Hong Kong It only takes 10 minutes online: Jaly Lai Director of Sales and Marketing www.amcham.org.hk/woi Emerson Electric Asia-Pacific Edwin Boone Deadline: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Vice President Philip Morris Asia Limited Katie Chui Alfonso Javier Vice President General Manager, Hong Kong & Macau

Sponsorship opportunities available Please contact Ms Mary Simpson, [email protected], 2530 6922

View our other members at: PRESENTED BY SILVER SPONSORS http://www.amcham.org.hk/index.php/AmChamMembers.html

biz.hk 7• 2013 7 COVER STORY

rofessor David Sham- world. In military terms, it does have One of the reasons behind China’s baugh of George Wash- ballistic missiles, cyber capacity, and low-key strategy, Shambaugh says, can ington University, in space programs, but its air, ground, be traced back to late leader Deng Washington DC, is a and naval forces do not have global Xiaoping’s famous southern tour well-known authority on power projection capabilities,” Sham- speech in 1989 when he said that China.P A respected China watcher and baugh says. China should keep a low-profile in scholar, Shambaugh has reputation for Shambaugh began research on the international affairs. being candid about controversial book about six years ago and admits “Twenty-five years after he (Deng subjects, so it’s not surprising that his that he was surprised by his own Xiaoping) made the statement in 1989 new book, “China Goes Global: The findings, as he had expected a different – some people are challenging it in Partial Power” doesn’t shy away from conclusion. However, the evidence China and their discourse says, ‘We popular “wisdom.” Shambaugh argues shows that even in the area of econom- have to get rid of that. It was a fine China that China has a long way to go before ics – inarguably China’s strong suit, strategy for then, but now we are a big it becomes a global power on par with the country does not measure up. and strong power and we have to act the United States. China may be “China is a global trading power, like one.’ There is a significant group Spreading, spreading its influence around the but 94 percent of China’s exports are of people in China who are ready to go world, including going to the Poles and merchandise exports and they are not out and flex some muscle,” he says. even into space, but it is not yet a global what you would call ‘knowledge- According to Shambaugh, domes- Not Rising power. intensive products’,” he says. “China is tic constraints and foreign responses David Shambaugh “I find that in different categories not at the cutting edge of innovation in will determine how China conducts of China’s international activities, they Predicting China’s future has come virtually any area of technology, medi- itself on the world’s stage. “China is are not at the level of the United States, cal science, natural science, social already getting pushback from coun- full circle. Analyses that range from which is the only global power in the science, or humanities.” tries that don’t trust it – China has foretelling China’s imminent collapse world today – and in some categories, encountered a lot of problems with they are not even at the level of to its unstoppable global dominance “ I would argue that they their neighbors in Asia. are abundant in bookstores and on medium powers,” Shambaugh says. Also, no country can be a powerful “For example, in terms of ‘soft do not have a very clear global actor unless it has genuine domes- the web these days. In his thoroughly power’, Britain has more soft power tic strength. “China is trying to be a researched new book, China Goes than China; and Brazil might have idea of what they really multi-dimensional power, but it has so Global: The Partial Power, Professor more soft power than China, and want in the world – what many problems domestically – political, David Shambaugh sheds refreshing maybe France, Japan, and even India. social, economic, environmental, legal – kind of power they want new light on the debate. Daniel Kwan China is a partial power because it is all of these weaknesses or soft spots not a comprehensive power. Depend- to be or should be in affect China’s ability to project itself on spoke to him during his recent visit to ing on the categories that you look at – the global stage,” he says. Hong Kong I looked at five different categories in world affairs.” the book – China has made a lot of Responsible progress and is on the way to becoming stakeholder a global power but it hasn’t become Wealth and power one yet. That’s the argument of my In the last chapter of his book, book.” What accounts for China’s lack of Shambaugh concludes that China is influence? Shambaugh suggests that not yet a “responsible stakeholder” – a A different China may have a blind spot concern- phrase used by former US Deputy conclusion ing wealth and power. “China has Secretary of State Robert Zoellick in always known one thing that it wants – 2015 in urging China to play bigger Take the military as an example. and that’s wealth, or fu. The Chinese roles in international affairs. Shambaugh says that although the always talk about fu qiang and assume “China has not yet demonstrated Chinese military is much stronger that fu will produce qiang – wealth will that it’s a ‘responsible stakeholder’ in today compared with 30 years ago produce power.” the way that Zoellick defined it; China when it first embarked on its opening “It’s not so simple. Wealth does not has basically been what we call a ‘status policy, the People’s Liberation Army necessarily convert into power. While quo’ power,” Shambaugh says. (PLA) still lacks the capability to Chinese want to modernize, develop, “China has upheld the existing operate beyond the country’s borders. and become wealthy, I would argue system, but it hasn’t contributed to the “[The PLA] doesn’t have the that they do not have a very clear idea of global system and to global governance capacity to project power more than what they really want in the world – commensurate with its wealth and 300 nautical miles from China’s what kind of power they want to be or power as the number two economy in borders. Its navy cannot sail around the should be in world affairs,” he says. the world. It’s contributing like a

8 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 9 David Shambaugh speaks at AmCham number 10 or 15 country in the world. not otherwise be changed,” he says. It punches way below its weight. So, “TPP can help the Chinese finan- China response can we expect China to become a cial services industry, banking indus- greater contributor over time? I am not try, and a whole number of state- When asked how his book has been sure that we can, because China is a owned enterprise sectors and other received, especially by the Chinese, very narrowly self-interested country,” things that need changing, but that Shambaugh says, “I have had good he adds. seem impossible to do on their own reactions from the Chinese govern- But now that China is “at the domestically,” Shambaugh says. ment. I spoke to people at the Foreign table,” Shambaugh argues that “While enlightened Chinese economic Ministry in Beijing just a few days ago western countries should continue to reformers view TPP as a useful device, and they were quite positive. They engage it and focus on key areas such the majority views it suspiciously as basically used the term ‘balanced’, as civil society, media, rule of law, some kind of an economic version of a which in Chinese terms is a comple- government transparency, human ‘containment’ policy.” ment. If a foreigner writes a balanced rights, and global governance. “It’s not a question of the world book, it means that it ‘you dao li’ (has The Trans-Pacific Partnership joining China; it’s a question of China sound arguments),” he says. (TPP) initiative is a good example of joining the world. TPP is a commend- “The best indication of how it’s such engagement. Shambaugh able initiative in that the member received in China is the fact that we compares the TPP with China’s entry states that are negotiating it are had 10 Chinese publishers bid for the into the World Trade Organization 12 seeking to establish a very high bar of translation rights, Shambaugh adds. years ago. “The analogy is similar to standards for their financial and trade “We recently chose one of them and when Zhu Rongji was the premier and interaction. The question is whether they are going to publish 30,000 copies. he negotiated the final entry into the China can meet those conditions, and So, obviously somebody up there in the WTO. He saw that the WTO’s high whether it can see this as a positive Propaganda Department has decided standards were having a positive forcing opportunity rather than some kind of that it’s a good book and it can go effect on domestic actors who would negative threat.” ahead – and with no censorship.”

10 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 11 ADVOCACY

KNOCKING ON DOORS IN WASHINGTON DC AmCham HK conducted its annual “Washington Doorknock” 3-7 June with 14 delegates participating in 43 meetings with key players in the Administration, Congress, think tanks, and other organizations. AmCham President Richard Vuylsteke reports

12 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 13 ach year up to a dozen or more AmCham members take one to three days out The 2013 of their summer schedule Doorknock to join the Chamber’s Eannual Doorknock to Washington DC. Delegation The delegates also pay for their own airfare, lodging, food, and other James Sun incidentals. Why do they take on the Managing Director, Charles Schwab HK time and expense? A few reasons: First, Doorknock delegates are Peter Levesque active in the Chamber’s leadership Chief Commercial Officer, Modern and, through their participation in VIP Terminals Limited briefings, advocacy activities, and other AmCham events, they have honed Richard Weisman talking points and presentation styles Principal, Baker & McKenzie that fit well with Doorknock goals. They are committed to helping Tom Burns improve the region’s business and Director, World Ahead Team, Intel trade environment, and realize that US Semiconductor (US) Francisco Sanchez (third from right), Commerce opinion leaders can benefit from Kin Moy (right), State Department hearing what executives “on the Sara Yang Bosco ground” in Asia have to say about opportunity to meet with people The main topics were (1) contin- President, Asia Pacific, Emerson Electric US-Asia relations, and especially usually accessible only on TV. Door- ued concerns about FATCA [Foreign China issues. knocks offer genuine power network- Account Tax Compliance Act], specifi- Walter Dias Second, Doorknock delegates take ing as well as concrete insights into cally the implementation timeline, Managing Director, Greater China & Korea, United Airlines Hong Kong seriously and want to keep how the US government operates. complex and unclear reporting it on the map in Washington – as an Fourth, it is an opportunity to make requirements, associated compliance Jack Lange Asia economic power, as Asia’s a difference – to keep Hong Kong- costs, and (especially relevant to Hong Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, premier free-trader, as a source of specific items on Washington’s agenda Kong) the need to exempt retirement Wharton & Garrison insight on China/Asia business trends, in hopes of eventual positive actions. funds like the Mandatory Provident and as a premier leader in the region’s Here are a few examples from this Fund (MPF); (2) continued advocacy Lili Zheng financial, legal, brand management, year’s advocacy agenda – for a double-taxation agreement Managing Director, Deloitte APICE, communications & marketing, and (DTA) between the US and Hong Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu consulting businesses. Treasury: Fighting Kong; and (3) the loss of US competi- Third, it is difficult to describe the tiveness abroad because of double Andre Leroy excitement one feels when entering the Good Fight taxation of US expatriates (Section Manager, Global Supplier Compliance, the halls of government and having the Former AmCham Vice Chairman 911). Avery Dennison Richard Weisman, Principal, Baker & The results, Weisman says, were McKenzie, again led the tax team’s sobering. While officials at Treasury Richard Vuylsteke meetings with senior officials at the well understand FATCA’s impact on AmCham President Treasury Department. financial institutions worldwide, Rep. Rick Larsen (third from left), Congress AmCham meetings on the Hill Ming-lai Cheung revealed that Congress, despite passing the legislation, has little received sympathetic reception, but AmCham Government Relations & understanding of its sweeping impact, little encouragement given the Public Affairs Director draconian reporting requirements and difficulties ahead in revising the US penalties, and costs of implementa- tax code. Daniel Kwan tion. The attempt to track money At least the messages are being AmCham Editor-in-Chief laundering and terrorist finances has kept alive, but these advocacy issues William Vuylsteke had unintended – and little understood are definitely long term. Administrative Interns – consequences. Moreover, the prospects for a State: Expanded Jacob Weisman US-Hong Kong DTA still remain slim, Administrative Interns primarily a result of insufficient Agenda staffing and low priority at Treasury. State Department officials always The perennial advocacy on Section 911 extend a warm welcome to AmCham

14 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 15 DOORKNOCK AT A GLANCE Who? What? Delegations are comprised Washington Doorknocks update top US leaders and of senior executives that are decision-makers on issues in Asia, particularly US-China- in AmCham leadership Hong Kong topics, as viewed by executives based in Hong positions and have also Kong. The participants give business perspectives on served in briefing roles at selected economic, political, and social topics, drawing Chamber roundtables. upon their experience in “Asia’s World City” and from Interested in participating? their frequent travel throughout the region. Where? When? Delegation appointments The annual Washington Doorknock is are within the Washington normally held in the first or second week Beltway and focus on of June, but other dates are also possible. high-quality meetings with (The Chamber also conducts Door- important players who make knocks to Beijing, Bangladesh, and or influence US-China and Myanmar; Vietnam and Cambodia are Ernest Bower, CSIS US-Asia policy. possible new destinations.) For this reason, the delegation also met with Special Representative and Why? Policy Coordinator for Burma Patrick Despite its small size, Hong Kong punches above its Murphy and his team. Discussions weight. Appointment requests are nearly always granted focused on the status of sanctions on Donald Tong (third from right, front), HKETO because AmCham Hong Kong is seen as an insightful Myanmar and the difficulties of doing “honest broker” on business and economic assessments effective due diligence in the country. of China and the region. Moreover, Hong Kong is a The general tone was optimism for the major – and growing – US trading partner and a major mid-term future, despite significant conduit for investment into and out of China (and, remaining social, political, and military increasingly, to elsewhere in the region.) There is always problems. much to discuss and many insights to share. Capacity building across the board MEETING TARGETS remains a top priority in both the Each year AmCham HK has a useful coordination meeting with the HK public and private sectors. The delega- tion reported that AmCham HK had Economic & Trade Office in Washington. A selection of other important made a delegation trip to Myanmar in Doorknock meetings this year follows – February and was working with two HK delegations. This year the delega- global’ overseas investment. None of sister AmChams in the region to help tion met with four different offices. these problems was going to be solved set up a chamber in Yangon. The first discussion was with Kin Moy, at Sunnylands, but hopes were high Two other productive discussions Administration Think Tanks/Asia Scholars Deputy Assistant Secretary for East that the unprecedented meetings over were held at State with APEC Ambas- • State • The Asia Group (Kurt Campbell) Asian and Pacific Affairs, and his team. two days would set a positive tone for sador Atul Keshap, on investment • Treasury • The Brookings Institution (Richard The hot topic of the week was the future interaction between the two trends in the region, and with Heather • Commerce Bush and Mireya Solis with Doug then imminent meeting between countries. (see next story: Sunny- Variava, the Bangladesh Office Direc- • Homeland Security Paal, Carnegie Institution, and Mike President Barack Obama and Presi- lands Meeting – What Was tor, on how businesses might help the • Agriculture Lampton, Johns Hopkins University) dent Xi Jinping at Sunnylands Achieved? on page 20) country recover from the serious • Defense • Center for Strategic & International (replaced, just as the delegation trip The delegation pointed out that damage done to the “Made in Bangla- • Federal Maritime Commission Studies (Chris Johnson, Ernest ended, by the Snowden case). roughly 60 percent of China’s outward desh” brand from recent disasters. • Consumer Product Safety Bower, Bonnie Glaser) Discussions centered on China’s investment goes through Hong Kong Commission • Peterson Institute for International leadership transition and its potential because of the city’s high-quality Nick Lardy, Peterson Commerce: Building Economics (Nick Lardy, Nicholas impact on structural and party reform; financial and related services. As a Institute for International Economics Congress Borst, Jeffrey Schott with Ted China’s cyber theft from US result of China’s reorientation away on Strong Links • US-China Working Group Moran, Georgetown University) businesses; mounting concern about from low-end manufacturing, inves- Chamber has been tracking these The delegation was heartily • Senate Foreign Relations • George Washington University the tensions between China and its tors from many countries are relocat- trends and has for more than two greeted again at Commerce this year Committee (David Shambaugh) neighbors because of maritime ing some of their factory operations to years been hosting events to keep by good friend and frequent interlocu- • Senate Finance Committee disputes; and the impact of China’s ‘go South and Southeast Asia. The members abreast of the changes. tor Under Secretary Francisco • Congressional Research Service

16 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 17 Sanchez and senior members of his year.” A week later she announced her team. The top agenda item was the resignation from the Department, status of the Trans-Pacific Partner- reducing hopes of follow-up action.) ship (TPP) negotiations, including Delegates raised this issue during the impact of Japan, which had just many of its meetings on and off the announced at the time of the Door- Hill. The message was repeated the knock visit its intent to join. Concern following week by APCAC chambers was expressed about Vietnam’s during their Doorknock. Three teams progress in the deliberations, but met with more than 40 Congressional overall optimism that the TPP repre- offices, pointing out that Congress sented a “21st Century” trade agree- had passed authorization and Presi- ment that drilled deeper into “behind dent Obama signed it more than a the border” issues that obstruct free year ago – and still nothing. Many trade. Members of Congress expressed The group also discussed Select dismay and promised to follow up USA and the Chamber’s work with with DHS. Don’t hold your breath. Hong Kong-based Commercial Officers Somewhere for some reason, some- to help promote Chinese investment one is not signing off on the card. into the US. Almost daily, Chamber staff and Talking to the Richard Lidinsky and Mario Cordero (fourth and fifth from left), FMC volunteer leaders work closely with the US Foreign Commercial Service Right People at the US Consulate in Hong Kong. Great care is taken to ensure that Kurt Campbell (third from right), The Asia group Less known, perhaps, is that the Doorknock delegations spend their time Chamber also has strong operational wisely. While fitting more than 40 meet- links with Commercial Officers ings into a week is definitely “Hong throughout China and elsewhere in Kong-style scheduling,” more impor- the region. tant is seeing the right people. AmCham HK had impressive access to senior Homeland Security: officials (see box on page 18), but no IMPRESSIVE ACCESS less important is to meet others who are The Elusive APEC at the heart of US policymaking. The delegation was able to speak 2 Under Secretaries Business Travel Card with many “linked in” Washington (Commerce: Francisco Sanchez, Agriculture: Darci Vetter) Promises, promises…but success policy players. These included not in sight. That sums up the status China/Asia specialists at the Asia 2 Assistant Secretaries of the long-sought-after APEC Group, the Brookings Institution, the (State: Kin Moy, Homeland Security: Doug Smith) Business Travel Card, a process that Center for Strategic and International 2 Chairmen began when then Secretary of State Studies, the Heritage Foundation, (FMC: Mario Cordero, CPSC: Inez Tenenbaum) Condoleezza Rice promised to push and the Peterson Institute of Interna- for its approval as a way to facilitate tional Economics. Each meeting was Nancy Nord (third from left), CPSC 3 Congressional Office Visits US business travel in the region. characterized by candid roundtable (Rep. Rick Larsen, Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Orrin Hatch) AmCham HK, along with its 27 discussions on social, political, 2 Consulates General sister chambers in the Asia Pacific economic, and military topics. The Hirono, to facilitate a legal change that Congress, Congressional staff delega- (Clifford Hart, Joe Donovan) Council of American Chambers discussions served to contextualize would allow visa-free entry to the US tions, US Administration officials, and (APCAC), have been pushing for business operations in the region and by Hong Kong residents. many others who have stepped down 3 Commissioners APEC card approval ever since. to highlight certain areas needed in from official duties but are continuing (Consumer Product Safety Commission, Repeatedly, senior officials at the any risk assessments. Call to Action their engagement with Asia through Federal Maritime Commission, HKETO) Department of Homeland Security Other discussions, such as a meet- think tanks or the private sector. 3 Think Tank Presidents (DHS) assure chambers that “imple- ing with staff at Senator Mazie Hirono Although Washington Doorknocks Interested in becoming involved in menting issues” will be solved in a few of Hawaii, focused on specific Hong are annual events, the Chamber’s these invitation-only meetings? (Heritage, The Asia Group, Center for a New American Security) months or sooner. (In mid-July, Kong topics. In this case, with the advocacy activities with the US occur Please contact the AmCham HK during a meeting with AmCham assistance of the Hong Kong throughout the year. The Chamber Chairman or President for further Korea, DHS Secretary Janet Napoli- Economic & Trade Office in Wash- has frequent opportunities to brief VIP information – and also consider tano announced that the APEC card ington, the Chamber urged approval visitors from Washington. These participation in the June 2014 Wash- should be approved “by the end of the of a bill, submitted by the Senator include visits by Members of ington Doorknock.

18 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 19 n the first week of June, all Viewing past practices, Bush richer content so that it could then eyes were on Sunnylands, explains, China’s presidents usually feed into the bilateral relationship. California as the leaders of are not actors who have the kind of Whether there is an agreement on China and the US engaged in authority the US president has, as they such mechanism, I don’t know; it’s too dialogue far away from the are answerable to a collective leader- early. But that would seem to be the hecticI environment of Washington ship that has until recently shown next step in this regard.” DC. Although the presidents of both reluctance to allow their top leaders to countries meet regularly every year “freelance.” There is a perceived risk Business (often on the sidelines of international in this kind of encounter, and the fact meetings), the structure and length of that the two governments, particularly community – the the Sunnylands meeting was extraordi- the Chinese leadership, committed to biggest supporter nary. The meeting was widely seen as such high-level talks was significant an effort to improve ties between the and symbolic. While the Sunnylands meeting two countries through fostering But Bush cautions against being seems to have set a generally positive personal bonds between the two overly optimistic about the meeting, tone of future relations, Bush suggests leaders. Observing that mutual warning that the countries may slip that both sides need to manage the distrust has risen and become a central back into the established way of inter- relationship carefully. In particular, he concern in Sino-US relations in recent action. Moreover, Sunnylands is but says the Chinese side should pay atten- years, Richard Bush of the Brookings one step in many that may lead to a new tion to how changes – especially Institution says that the Sunnylands pattern of interaction. Sunnylands was domestic changes – might affect the meeting can be seen as an important not designed to solve the major American business community. step towards a better bilateral relation- problems between the US and China. ship. For those, there are established “It’s only the top leader of each mechanisms such as the Strategic and system that has the broadest possible Economic Dialogue (the latest round “If you see your technol- view of each country’s interests – of of S&ED meetings were held in early ogy as your most critical both the opportunities and the threats July in Washington DC) for addressing – so perhaps it’s only through estab- specific problems like trade and asset and the main basis Sunnylands lishing personal trust between the investment and cyber security. The of your competitive abil- leaders and mutual confidence in each Sunnylands meeting did not signal any other that they can direct the systems changes to existing mechanisms. ity, and if that’s stolen below them to not be so afraid or “I think they (established mecha- away from you and auto- Meeting – aggressive,” Bush says. With mutual nisms of dialogue) have been pretty understanding on a personal level, the successful, so if you decide to do some- matically improves the leaders can build a sturdier foundation thing else, then there’s going to be a competitive capacity of What Was to address difficult issues in “a more lag time to get it up and running and creative and constructive way.” institutionalize it,” Bush says. While your adversaries, what Chinese leaders have called for a “new Simply, what type of great-power relationship” else are you going to Achieved? recently, Bush says the Sunnylands think?” does it mean? meeting did not appear to have added Photo: Getty Images With the Sunnylands meeting, a much substance to the concept. new approach to US-China diplomacy “[Chinese State Councilor] Yang has emerged, with the new leadership Jiechi spoke in his briefing about this “Based on my understanding of Since 2009, meetings with major think tanks have been an essential part of AmCham’s annual Doorknock visits in Beijing apparently showing more topic and he provided a lot of points President Obama’s views, one game willingness to give leeway to its top that seems to be a repetition of things changer [to Sino-US relations] would to Washington in order to deepen the delegations’ understanding of US policies and trends. Each year, Dr Richard C. leaders’ public engagements. Although that Beijing has been saying for a long occur if both the US government and Bush, Director of the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, hosts the delegation to a the US had made similar efforts in the time – a lot of focus on process of American companies came to the roundtable discussion with other senior China Hands who generously share their insights on issues from geopolitics past, Bush explains, they did not bear interaction, but not getting into the conclusion that the economic relations to business practices. fruit. substance. between the two countries were no This year’s Doorknock coincided with the much anticipated Sunnylands meeting between US President Barack “Bill Clinton was a natural in this “I did not expect the leaders to longer yielding mutual benefit for the kind of encounter, and he and agree on a new pattern of ‘great-power two sides and that based on the reality Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the end of the Doorknock visit, Daniel Kwan sat down with Dr Bush for [Chinese President] Jiang Zemin were relationship’,” Bush says. “The most in China there was no way of changing an overview assessment of the results and implications of the first “no neckties” meeting between the two presidents starting to approach it. But generally that one could have expected was they that, or if the system there had there is a lot of pressure to stick with agreed to create mechanisms to embarked on a policy course that was the established pattern,” Bush says. pursue this idea and to give it some simply bad for foreign investors and

20 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 21 foreign traders.” connections in a globalized economy, Using intellectual property of geographical advantages, as well as Serviced Apartment Trends businesses as an example, Bush says leading in a variety of service indus- An artistry blend of luxury life the Chinese leadership needs to be tries. aware of the importance of the issue to “To improve on its competitive American businesses. “If you see your advantage, Hong Kong needs to technology as your most critical asset constantly worry about the quality of its and the main basis of your competitive business environment, in terms of the ability, and if that’s stolen away from education of its populace and the you and automatically improves the physical environment in which the competitive capacity of your adversar- people live – whether it’s air pollution ies, what else are you going to think?” or water pollution or the price of hous- he asks. ing and so on. Hong Kong is a small “I hope that President Xi was place … and it’s right next door to a big sensitized to the specificity of the US polluter but that’s not the only cause of concern. It’s the IP of companies and the pollution. All these are challenges the security of critical infrastructure that any Hong Kong government has to that we’re really worried about,” he face,” he says. says, pointing out that for decades the Politically, Bush dismisses worries American business community has among some Chinese politicians that been strongest supporter for good Hong Kong would become what they Sino-US relations. If China becomes called a “subversive base” to China as too unfriendly to foreign investors, for Dr Richard C. Bush example, by demanding top-level technology transfer or favoring state- owned enterprises over private and “What everybody should will not be one for the US or any foreign capital, the two countries could keep in mind is that the foreign government to say. be in serious fallout. “It has to be a Hong Kong solution “What everybody should keep in US business community to this problem. But I think in the mind is that the US business commu- is the strongest supporter long-run the benefit to China could be nity is the strongest supporter within very great, because Hong Kong is one as a very good example. Designed with impressive fusion of the American political system of within the American of the best-run Chinese cities in the The art of luxury hospitality architecture, cultures, colors and styles, the 15 serviced positive US-China relations because political system of positive world, maybe the best. And if Hong suites divided into two themed divisions – Old Shanghai and for 35 years they’ve benefited from this Kong could move towards not only ith the number of global travellers Old Hong Kong – taking tenants back to the elegant 1930s. relationship. If the business commu- US-China relations maintaining economic prosperity but rising, the demand for Serviced Quaint wooden fittings and furniture from the Qing nity as a group were to decide that the because for 35 years ensuring a high level of political Apartment in Hong Kong is Dynasty, and premium leather sofas are all under the same relationship no longer yields sufficient accountability, that’s a good example skyrocketing. Travellers today are roof that promises every guest a luxury lifestyle with a quaint benefits, then it will make it harder for they’ve benefited from for China,” he says. more discerning in taste; simply blend of grand old-time feeling and modern comfort. the Congress and the media to main- “I don’t have any brilliant ideas “anonymousW hotel luxury’’ can no longer cater to their One major attraction is its excellent locality packed this relationship.” tain some balance in this relationship,” about how to encourage China to be needs, but a personalized vision of home away from with high-end brands, vibrant dinning and entertainment he says. less fearful [about foreign influence]. home, where they can nest for the duration of their stay. venues while the busy Times Square is just one step “For both political and economic We do have at this point more than 20 And for the cosmopolitan, a touch of artistic glamour also away. Merely a 5 minutes walk brings you to the Causeway reasons, that’s the one [game changer] the city moves forward. He acknowl- years of record on the US and the catches their eyes. Bay MTR station. The luxury homes are all well equipped that deserves most worry, not only by edges that the Chinese leadership has British roles in Hong Kong. I think it’s Therefore, Serviced Apartment has a tendency toward with European kitchenette, free WiFi, 42” LCD Plasma the United States but also Japan, Hong always been suspicious of foreign impossible objectively to come to a emphasizing on providing an artistically experience for its TV and home entertainment system with hi-fi. Spend Kong, Taiwan, Europe,” he adds. intervention in Hong Kong, but says conclusion that anybody is trying to use guests. They are often themed around a particular many leisure moments in the roof top garden with BBQ that “to an extent this fear of foreign Hong Kong as a base of subversion.” artistic movement, or a specific time period. Evoking, facilities and a common lounge. Wines and cigars at the Hong Kong intervention is a manufactured fear; “We’re in an era where Chinese are e.g., Shanghai glamour, or the kinetics of pop art, these Cigar Room will please the discerning few. Maximizing it’s a way of excusing some of China’s very unhappy with their political suites are unique and present an alternative from standard luxury to the fullest. solution own policies.” system because it doesn’t guarantee traditional choices. An ideal serviced suite should be head and shoulders On Hong Kong, Bush says the city He adds that designing a political prosperity for all and it’s not account- Apartment O, a serviced residence that features a above the competition with its own unique take on luxury. needs to constantly sharpen its system that properly reflects popular able. Well, if that’s China’s problem, traditional ‘Tong Lau” that distinguishes the old Hong In Hong Kong, thankfully, you can find the full package – competitive edge. The city, he points opinion and interests of major stake- then maybe Hong Kong can be a Kong and located right in the hub of Causeway Bay, serves and much more to enter the scene. out, has many enviable strengths: rule holders in Hong Kong without being solution,” he says. of law, low level of corruption, excel- threatening to Beijing will be a daunt- - Additional reporting by Apartment O Leasing Information lent business management and ing task, and how it will be established Michelle Ko Address: 5 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay Tel: (852)2830 1383 Email: [email protected] Web: www.apartmento.hk

22 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 23 TRADE & INVESTMENT

convincing ASEAN countries that the US has not abandoned the ‘rebalancing’ ASEAN Economic policy? Bower: I think Southeast Asia still has questions about the US rebalancing, or the ‘pivot’, and its sustainability. What Architecture in Flux would convince – not just Southeast Asia Ernest Bower, Senior Advisor and Chair for Southeast Asia Studies at the but all Asia – is if President Obama and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC, is American politicians start to talk to Americans in the United States about a well-known authority on ASEAN economy and politics. Bower visited why Asia is important for our future – for Hong Kong recently and gave a presentation to AmCham members on US our economy, health, and security. When policies in Asia-Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and trends that happens, I think ASEAN will know and developments in countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand that there’s a political foundation to and Myanmar. At the end of his talk, biz.hk asked him about the just support American foreign policy and trade policy being long-term engaged in concluded ASEAN Regional Forum in Brunei, President Barack Obama’s the region. trade policies, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Photo: US State Department Ernest Bower among ASEAN countries, and economic integration of ASEAN in 2015 biz.hk: The US Congress plays an John Kerry (centre) in Brunei, July 2013 important role in US trade policy. But people overseas see a much divided Congress. How can Washington the table with ASEAN colleagues, but to come together on one architecture biz.hk: US Secretary of State John I think the region has some inherently meant that they were willing convince the world that, “No, you don’t they weren’t interested in taking a deal and then drive that. Because of the new Kerry recently attended the ASEAN concerns about American trade policy to talk about a code of conduct. I think have to worry?” and getting it done. That’s changed. So structure of power in the world, the Regional Forum (ARF) in Brunei. Can not being consistent with our foreign in Cambodia China got a bit of bad press Bower: To do that, the White House what you’ll see is that companies – now United States has come to understand you tell us about the meeting and the policy. In other words, our trade policy and they also got in their own way on this has to work with the Hill and together that they know the administration is that there are going to be different significance of Kerry’s presence? focuses on the Trans-Pacific Partner- issue when they decided they didn’t want promote our national interests. Even more serious about a trade deal – will get architectures. The question is which Bower: What was most important for ship (TPP), which includes only four of to talk about it and were dragging their though there will be political competi- much more engaged. You will see ones do we Americans need to be John Kerry at the ASEAN Regional the ASEAN countries and is eligible to feet. I think China has done a good tion between Democrats and Republi- American CEOs travelling with cabinet involved in? Forum (ARF) was showing up. It’s only seven of the ASEAN countries, and assessment of its own interests here and cans, there are things that they can agree ministers from the Obama administra- The other realization Washington become a real test for American it doesn’t include India. Nor is China realized that discussing the code of on, particularly when looking to the tion. You will see a strong business lobby has come to is that any Asian economic engagement in Asia that the Secretary part of the TPP. I think Kerry would conduct would help promote its role in United States’ place in the world, so our starting to really get into gear behind integration models or architectures that of State attends the ARF, so even though probably have heard a lot about that the region. The Chinese basically took national security, foreign policy, and trade in the US and this will include do not include China are not interesting Secretary Kerry cancelled his planned from his ASEAN colleagues. the knife away from their own neck in trade policy can have bipartisan support. business chambers, etc. This is going to to the rest of Asia because China is a big visits to Vietnam and Indonesia, it was In terms of ASEAN’s ability and this case, and that’s smart. Now whether I do believe that there is a consensus change the game quite a bit. Having economy. You really can’t ask your good that he could come to Brunei. I ambition to address the real and impor- China is serious about concluding a code forming in Washington on trade. A part American companies, money, and partners to do something without China. think he made a very good impression tant regional issues, it was very signifi- of conduct in the near term? Everyone of this is economic necessity that our people behind these deals will help drive It just doesn’t make sense. on his ASEAN colleagues. Kerry under- cant that maritime security, the South I’ve talked to thinks they’re not serious. economy has been down and we need a consensus between the White House There is also a realization that TPP stands Asia well. He’s been a Senator China Sea, North Korea, and even The view is that China is kicking the can engines for growth. Anybody who does and the Hill. is strategically an excellent model and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Sino-Japan tensions were discussed at down the road — willing to talk about a the math can see that Asia is where the because you work with a coalition of Relations Committee, so I think the the meetings. code, but in no way have they jumped growth is. The Americans have to be part biz.hk: Is TPP in competition with countries who also want a very high-level engagement was good. over into the new paradigm which is a of that. I detect in Washington a real RCEP (Regional Comprehensive trade and investment opening agree- In terms of results, not a lot of big biz.hk: When ASEAN foreign minis- legally binding commitment to a code of common cause between the White Economic Partnership) in Asia, or will ment. Having reached that agreement ticket items. The fact that the South ters met in Cambodia in 2012, China conduct in the South China Sea. Am I House and Republicans and both the the two trade pacts be able to exist you’ll see a big burst in trade and invest- China Sea and maritime security were on worked hard to prevent the issuance of a optimistic that we’ll have a code of House and the Senate to do trade. together? ment between those countries. That will the agenda is important. That was a joint communiqué that would include conduct in the next year or two? No, I’m Bower: I think Washington has learned create a competitive pull for China and victory for Brunei, so they didn’t have the the issue of maritime disputes in the not. biz.hk: What about Amencan compa- a few lessons about Asia in the last other countries that aren’t yet in the sort of failure that they had in Cambodia. South China Sea. At the recently held nies? Do they have a role to play? couple of years. One of the lessons is that TPP to join in. But you will also have to So that in a way was probably a headline. I ministerial meeting in Brunei, China biz.hk: In other words China is sticking Bower: A couple of things will happen. regional architecture is not necessarily be part of the economic integration think Kerry has indicated to his ASEAN seemed to have indicated its willingness to its old paradigm – that is bilateral American companies are going to get competing but can be overlapping. In model – RCEP – that includes China and colleagues that he will continue with the to talk about a Code of Conduct for discussions and keeping the US out of into the game. They’ve been largely that sense, you can connect different India because you are not going to be strategy that was set up by President South China Sea. Is this a change on this? sitting on the sidelines on trade because architectures. This didn’t fit well with able to do as much in terms of [having] Barack Obama and Secretary [Hilary] China’s part? Bower: Yes, that hasn’t changed. the administration – in Obama’s first America’s model before. It used to be an effective, legally binding effective Clinton of engagement and an ASEAN- Bower: The truth is the Chinese had term – was not interested in doing trade that we wanted to – quite frankly – use trade agreement that deals with 21st centric structure for a new security and already agreed to the Declaration of biz.hk: Did Secretary Kerry’s partici- agreements. The administration was every bit of economic might and Century issues unless you are also part of economic architecture. the Code of Conduct, which in itself pation in ARF achieve its purpose of interested in being involved or to be at diplomatic power to convince everybody that discussion of the broader economic

24 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 25 integration in Asia – even if it the RCEP substantial comprehensive economic Secretariat won’t be staffed up at the is a lower level, tariff-only type agree- integration by 2015. In a lot of ways that European levels, but I think that the ment for now. You have to do both so will be achieved: tariffs and those Secretariat and ASEAN integration will that you can establish a high-level model, low-hanging fruits (tariffs will be be substantially further along than they but you also have to be at the ground- between zero to five percent at almost 99 are now. ASEAN will mean much more level and then move those countries that percent across the region). The big to ASEAN citizens and businesses. are willing and able at the RCEP level up challenge will be the movement of There will be a lot more ASEAN to the TPP. people and services. Some of these will infrastructure and architecture – even not be done by 2015. an ASEAN basketball league and biz.hk: How will the TPP move forward football league that people actually go to next year? and care about. A real effective ASEAN Bower: Something is very different in “Something is very differ- forum – that is at the centre of a new TPP now that President Obama has defense and security architecture – will been re-elected. What’s different is that ent in TPP now that be the EAS (East Asia Summit). Ten the Americans have switched from President Obama has years from now, and through the RCEP, moving along with the negotiations to ASEAN will be the core of a new trade wanting a deal done because politically been re-elected. What’s architecture for Asia. ASEAN’s signifi- the President can take a deal to Congress different is that the cance will greatly advance in the next and he may be able to get it passed. Now, decade. he doesn’t have to worry about alienating Americans have switched his labor base. What’s different now is biz.hk: How will APEC and India fit that the Americans want a deal. They’d from moving along with into all these? like to get it done before the Congres- the negotiations to want- Bower: India ties in completely. sional elections in November 2014. ASEAN wants India to be more That’s going to change the complexity of ing a deal done because engaged. India said its policies in 1992 the negotiations quite significantly. politically the President will be to look east. ASEAN and other partners want India to act east, invest biz.hk: What about Japan? can take a deal to Con- east and do security east. The new Bower: Bringing Japan in at this late gress and he may be able architecture under the EAS will draw stage of negotiations presents the India into defense through the biggest risk to TPP because it is an to get it passed.” ADMM-plus (ASEAN Defense Minis- enormous economy, and with very real ters’ Meeting-Plus) and the Indians will politics. But the Japanese will have to start to participate more aggressively in agree to join the negotiations where The other piece is the ASEAN single the economic and trade architecture they were at that point. That all window, which is about Customs through the RCEP and the ASEAN depends on politics in Japan and harmonization across ASEAN. Right economic ministers’ meetings. We will [Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo] now it exists and companies can go and even see Indians more engaged in Abe’s ability to win the July election and take advantage of a common Customs people-to-people and cultural ties have the confidence of the Japanese platform and the reduced tariffs. But through the ASEAN regional forum and people to really change Japan’s you’ll have to go and get it. You’ve got to other architectures. What will happen is approach to economic engagement with work for it every day and bring your own there is a rationalization of architectures the rest of the world. Abe looks to be paperwork in. Until ASEAN companies through the ASEAN ministerial meet- very popular right now. The polling for start really pushing their governments to ings and they will become ministerial his election looks strong. So if Abe use the single window, we won’t have meetings that lead up to recommenda- comes away with a mandate – which I effective economic integration across tions to leaders at the East Asia Summit, suspect he will – later this month, that ASEAN by 2015. We’ll have substantive and that will create a more comprehen- should make TPP at least marginally economic integration by 2015 but it will sive and deeper discussion among the easier and reduce the risk of Japan not be comprehensive and it won’t be in EAS leaders. What that means is that dropping out of the TPP or diverting services and investment. Movement of within five years the leaders will not find the TPP. people will not be done by 2015. it necessary – at least not all the time – to be at the APEC meeting. So the annual biz.hk: ASEAN is striving to achieve full biz.hk: Where do you see ASEAN being general meeting of the Indo-Pacific will economic integration in 2015. What will 10 years from now? Will it become a be the EAS, and APEC will be an impor- happen then, and what are the implica- strong regional power? tant ministerial and facilitating body but tions for business? Bower: ASEAN will be a much stronger it will not be the place where all the Bower: ASEAN has set a goal of regional body in 10 years. The ASEAN leaders show up every year.

26 biz.hk 7• 2013 CHINA BUSINESS

ack in the early 1970s, Shanghai, a joint venture in Zhangjia- “If we just grew with the market, before late Chinese leader gang (Jiangsu), as well as manufactur- that would mean that interest in our Deng Xiaoping decided to ing facilities in Songjiang, southwest of material would stabilize,” he explains. open up China’s Shanghai and also in Jiangsu province. “We are constantly looking for new economy, China was Burks says Dow Corning has not applications by talking to customers Bhardly an obvious choice for top corpo- been affected much by China’s recent about what they are trying to design rate executives plotting their emerging economic slowdown as the country’s and develop, and we try to get involved market strategy. rapid urbanization has resulted in a in that process to see if we can help That’s why Jeremy Burks admires building boom and soaring domestic them overcome design or development all the more the foresight of his prede- consumption. The company moved a challenges. Therefore, that should cessors at US silicone product innova- big part of its manufacturing to China eventually result in an increased tor Dow Corning who made the smart and has been focusing on supplying number of applications, which is why decision back in 1973 to set up an silicone products for the automobile, our growth should be much higher Jeremy Burks office in Hong Kong. At the time, construction, personal electronics and than the underlying market that we flexible, thin-film silicon conformal solar and other renewable energy serve.” coatings had just been introduced and industries. One of Dow Corning’s major A Silicones the breakthrough technology later businesses in China is supplying paved the way for the inventions of a silicone products to car component wide range of products such as cell manufacturers. With an explosion of phones, PDAs and ultra-thin laptop car sales in China, which grew 7.7 Pioneer computers that has now become “Business for us here percent in 2012 and 21.6 percent in the ubiquitous. is very good even first quarter of this year, the industry is “We started in the Greater China certainly looking bright. in China region 40 years ago with an office in though last year was “Even though the car growth may Dow Corning’s Greater China President Hong Kong, then we moved into the lowest gross be lower than it was in 2010, the Jeremy Burks discusses its China growth Taiwan and then into Shanghai and penetration of our materials into that strategy as the company celebrates its 40th around China,” Burks says in an inter- domestic product industry is higher,” Burks further anniversary in Hong Kong view with biz.hk during a recent visit to growth in the region explains. “For instance, our materials the city. “Nowadays, it seems obvious get used in airbags. Any time the By Helen Luk to put something into Hong Kong. In since 1999. Our busi- quality and sophistication of the car 1973, it probably wasn’t so obvious. It increases, then our materials tend to was very far-sighted of the leaders of ness was accelerating get used more… Interest in safety Dow Corning at that time.” through last year and components is much, much higher Headquartered in Midland, Michi- than it was before and it will continue gan, Dow Corning was established in continues to do that to grow.” 1943 to explore the potential of into this year.” silicone, a water- and heat-resistant Green building material. The company’s global turn- over now stands at US$6 billion with materials about 11,000 employees and half of its Another hot spot is the construc- annual sales are outside of the US. It “Business for us here is very good tion industry, where building output is produces more than 7,000 silicone- even though last year was the lowest expected to increase by 2.5 to 5 percent based products that can be used in gross domestic product growth in the this year, according to a China industries including car manufactur- region since 1999. Our business was construction market survey released in ing, building and construction, accelerating through last year and March by The Royal Institution of electronics, household and personal continues to do that into this year. The Chartered Surveyors. care, renewable energy, and textiles. industries that I’ve mentioned are all As combating climate change important growth engines for us,” he becomes a global priority, China is The China field says. “We continue to hire people and among a growing list of countries that invest in our manufacturing operations are trying to improve energy efficiency In China, Dow Corning has 1,700 and ability to serve customers.” in buildings, which are responsible for employees across Beijing, Chengdu, Without giving specifics figures, more than 40 percent of the world’s Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Burks says the company expects its total energy use and a third of Photos: Brian Production Ltd Hong Kong with investments of more China growth to outstrip that of the greenhouse-gas emissions globally. than US$2 billion. It has a China particular industries it serves by a “Green buildings are a focus of our business and technology center in factor of two to three. attention. As developing and emerging

28 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 29 market are increasingly turning to exports as overseas demand for their products rises, while those who used to be export-oriented are now turning inwards to their home market. “Nowadays, China is the biggest market in the world for automotives and an increasing portion of electronic products is consumed and sold in China. Interestingly, some of our construction customers are getting more and more into exports, so when they make these big glass panels, they export them overseas. Where the customers would previously export their products, they now increasingly sell domestically. “That’s a challenge but is also an opportunity for us because that means customers go into product redesign and they have to work on satisfying a different set of customers, which always opens opportunities for innova- tion and that’s interesting for Dow Corning,” he says. According to Burks, Chinese consumers’ demand for high-quality products is growing – some of the innovations the company developed specifically for the China market, such as a tissue paper-softening technology using silicone, are now being brought to other markets that Dow Corning customers and applications,” he says. job, having very open and honest people and then support them. It’s serves. “That places a challenge on talent communications with them about what important that you give them the management and development.” could be their next position… and how opportunity.” Talent crunch “On top of that, we see fairly rapid do they become very viable candidates wage increases, and so you need quite for those roles,” he says. Hong Kong’s role Having been in Asia since 2004, some productivity improvements to go Because of the growing importance Burks first worked in Korea before along with that in order to deal with the of China in Dow Corning’s global As major Chinese cities like Beijing moving to China and he was appointed competitive environment, cope with organizational structure, Burks says it and Shanghai continue to develop Greater China president of the the wage hikes and at the same time has become increasingly important rapidly, does Burks share some observ- company in 2010. In his current role, manage a business that is pretty large that business gets initiated and led ers’ fears that Hong Kong may be losing he oversees the company’s govern- and sophisticated.” from the region. Therefore, strength- its competitive edge despite Dow ment, employee and customer To address the skills gaps, Burks ening its China employees’ strategic Corning’s longstanding history with the economies grow, the demand for prevent the transfer of heat in and out relations. says Dow Corning invests a lot in development capabilities will be a key city? The answer is apparently no. energy is going to be huge and one of of a building, will help improve energy Given the sheer size of the China employee development and provides a focus going forward. He remains upbeat about Hong the biggest sources for new energy is efficiency and save space. market and the rapid speed at which it whole suite of training programs to “We are looking for people who can Kong’s future prospects as a bridge going to come from energy savings,” develops, Burks says finding and hone their technical, safety and compli- lead this region and then lead the between China and the outside world. Burks says. “As a really substantial Changing tides retaining the right talent to manage a ance knowledge, sales and marketing company,” he says. “You see more and “Hong Kong is a source of talented user of energy, buildings are obviously business that is big and fast-growing skills, as well as leadership qualities. more employees in this region having people. It’s an environment where a target for increased energy efficiency As Chinese companies gain domi- has been a real challenge. “We put a tremendous amount of global leadership roles. We start to entrepreneurial and creative thinking and we think we have a role to play nance in the world markets, Burks says “In other parts of the world where effort into ensuring that every base global marketing positions, is encouraged, and it seems to still there.” there has been an interesting change we have businesses this large, we also employee has their own career develop- regional project leadership positions attract talented people from around He says a new Dow Corning in the mix of Dow Corning’s custom- have very experienced workforces; ment plan, and that looks at raising and some functional leadership the world,” he says. “We had a very product, vacuum-insulated panels, ers in China too: Companies who used whereas here, employees are less their performance inside their current positions in the country… You’ve got successful 40 years here and we want which are thin, effective insulators that to manufacture for the domestic experienced in our technology, job and preparing them for the next to be prepared to take a risk and bet on the next 40 to be successful too.”

30 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 31 CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

competitive on the international stage. In on. “I think our school does a very good Long Ip separate interviews with biz.hk, the award job in trying to get students to know more 2012/2013 AmCham Charitable winners share their visions and views on about China. For example, we have trips Foundation Annual Scholar Awards Andrew Cheung education in Hong Kong. for year 7-9 students, where the whole Kenneth Lee year group has to go somewhere in China, • Petrina So, The Chinese University What we think like Hangzhou, and spend two weeks of Hong Kong there doing community service,” says • Andrew Cheung, The Hong Kong “I think if you want to expose yourself Elizabeth. “But it would be nice if there University of Science & Technology more, it’s more of your own initiative to was more emphasis on learning about the • Stephen Wong, The Chinese join clubs like MUN (Model United Chinese culture and Chinese language University of Hong Kong Nations Club), it’s more about making particularly.” -Petrina So and Stephen Wong were yourself know more about the world,” says On the other hand, Long, having not in Hong Kong and their awards Kenneth, citing the many opportunities finished secondary education at a local were accepted by their representatives. local and international school students school, observes a deficiency on the other alike are privileged to enjoy. Elizabeth also side of the spectrum. “I think Hong 2012/2013 Lyn Edinger US Studies points out the various rewards of taking Kong’s school system should not be so Scholarship the initiative to learn, as Hong Kong is the academically based. For example, for • Elizabeth Tse, Georgetown University “Asia’s World City” that prides itself in its universities in Hong Kong, they are just • Kenneth Lee, Georgetown University exposure and connection to the world. admitting students with high scores. That • Long Ip, University of California, Los Elizabeth Tse But there seems to be a divide in Hong is one of the reasons why Hong Kong Angeles Kong students’ vision and aptness, with students don’t want to go out of their those who embody both the local and the comfort zones and just stay at school and international systems still relatively take supplementary lessons. other countries. They are very aware of scarce. Spending all his academic life in “To a certain extent, I think Hong the need to improve their Putonghua 2012/2013 AmCham the international school system, Kenneth Kong students seem to think Hong Kong and they are very eager and ambitious to acknowledges that Hong Kong students, is already a global city and that they’ve be better at the language”. Moreover, Charitable Foundation Awards and perhaps more so for those who have seen enough of the world,” he adds. Hong Kong’s diversity and inclusiveness planned early on to study or even work and Elizabeth chimes in and adds that gives the city a unique edge, where By Michelle Ko live abroad, lack understanding of the “they [international school students] tend expatriates can live and work without the society at home. to be more outgoing and extroverted, and pressure of “being a minority”. Hong Kong MBA student Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong secondary school students who have “They [some students] don’t know they are definitely very self-motivated. I Perhaps some suggestions to and three to-be US college (AmCham) Charitable Foundation gained admission to a four-year under- much about what’s going on across the would like to see local school students students in Hong Kong? Elizabeth freshmen are seated at a endeavors to raise funds for and contrib- graduate degree program at a US college. Victoria Harbor, or about Hong Kong take on more of that attitude.” smiles broadly as she recalls her own table near the podium, ute to educational, training and other This year’s Lyn Edinger US Scholar- politics, which I think it’s a shame journey. “I think as a student, one must where Professor David charitable projects in Hong Kong. The ship winners, Elizabeth Tse and Kenneth because Hong Kong is at this transitional Knowledge is wealth do what one loves. When I came to CIS, I AShambaugh, professor of political science Foundation puts much emphasis on Lee from Chinese International School period now … and I think us, the future found my passion in the humanities and and international affairs at the George supporting quality education, which is a (CIS) and Long Ip from Wah Yan College generation, should know more about Andrew echoes the three with his international affairs and doing all sorts of Washington University, is giving a speech major pillar in AmCham’s commitment to (Hong Kong), true to the intention of the what’s going on, rather than just tending experience studying and working extra-curricular activities like MUN.” on his new book, China Goes Global: The improving Hong Kong’s long-term Foundation’s awards, are students who to our own lives,” says Kenneth. internationally: “Some people are not as “Hong Kong needs an environment Partial Power. (for full story on competitiveness. embody the international and dynamic He also has a small confession to strong in English and they are only good where the children are inspired to take Shambaugh’s new book, see page 8) In recognition of students with a quality of Hong Kong. They have the skills make: “A lot of friends at CIS, and me in Cantonese, which is quite a shame on things they love … schools should As Professor Shambaugh evaluates global vision and potential to further Hong and vision that fuel their pursuit of knowl- included, didn’t really like Chinese class. because Cantonese is only useful in have resources to empower students to China’s influence as a “spreading but Kong’s excellence, the Foundation edge abroad, yet are not lacking in the But then Chinese, I realized after I gradu- Hong Kong, so that kind of limits the do what they love!” partial” global power, part of a luncheon awards the Lyn Edinger US Studies understanding of Hong Kong, China and ated, is going to be a valuable asset. I think mobility of Hong Kong students, Andrew also speaks of his experience talk cum prize giving ceremony, the board Scholarship and the Scholar Award what it means to be global citizens. Both Hong Kong students should really cherish compared to someone who grew up in enthusiastically: “There is one thing I’ve room at the Renaissance Harbour View annually. Introduced in 1977, the Scholar Elizabeth and Kenneth are going to their bilingual ability … these two say England or Germany, where people learned, to keep pursuing learning; Hotel in Wanchai was filled with an air of Award aims to recognize full-time MBA Georgetown University while Long will language skills need to be developed have good English skills that can allow life-long learning is an important controlled excitement: a generation of students from the Chinese University of attend the University of California, Los side-by-side to reach equal excellence. them to make a move to almost any concept … it could be about anything, capable, ambitious young people given a Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Angeles. Chinese is an important language and I country in the world. On the other hand, say ‘How is a toy made? Or how does a glimpse of the greater intellectual depths Science & Technology, and the University One of the three Scholar Award kind of regret not learning it better.” there’s a class of people who are very car work? Or what are bonds?’” they are about to discover as they press on. of Hong Kong who have achieved recipients, MBA student, Andrew And while Elizabeth considers herself multilingual and diverse.” Just as Long and Kenneth empha- outstanding academic results during the Cheung, from the Hong Kong University lucky to benefit from CIS’ emphasis on However, Andrew is optimistic about size the need to be proactive in pursuing AmCham Charitable first year of their studies. Established of Science & Technology, is also a role learning about China, she agrees that the the future of the local workforce, noting new avenues, Andrew ends on an Foundation more recently in 2010, the US Studies model for young people who are ready to Chinese culture and language are valuable from work that many colleagues “are inspirational note: “All these things, they Scholarship is a token of support and excel in a culturally diverse workplace and market and identity assets that interna- very aware of what is important in build you up as a person, and they grow Founded in 1985, the American appreciation to exceptional Hong Kong lead Hong Kong to becoming more tional students in general are missing out business today, more so than youth from your wealth—knowledge is wealth.”

32 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 33 AMERICAN TOPICS

AmCham Celebrates “Fourth of July” AmCham Hong Kong hosted a special luncheon at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on Saturday, June 29 in celebration of the US Independence Day. Guests were treated to a large selection of “finger-licking” gourmet and barbeque food as well as enticing desserts and drinks, while kids enjoyed a number of fun games. It was a “wonderful’ afternoon with beautiful weather at an iconic venue where families and friends got to spend some quality time together and have their special moment with Disney’s Mickey captured on camera. Presented By Star Sponsor Spangle Sponsor Special thanks go to sponsors, including 1O1O, Jones Lang LaSalle and Asian Tigers Mobility, for making this year’s celebration a magical event, and The American Club, Auberge Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland, Esso and Microsoft for their lucky draw prizes. Lucky Draw Sponsors

34 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 35 COVER STORY

THROUGH MY LENSES

Grit means “indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution”. That, indeed, is a fair description of Bruce Li, an 18-year-old graduate of Hong Kong International School. Early this year, Bruce spent days visiting roof-top housing, sub-divided flats, cage homes and cubicle families across Hong Kong. The fruits of his visits are now collected in a self-financed photo book titled Grit. Michelle Ko talked to Bruce to find out more about his photo adventure

photo collection of and film snugly tucked in a leather schools. Before Bruce was born, his everyone is living an easy life.” in Hong Kong, so I thought I could substandard housing in pouch in the other, the sincere-looking family used to live in a squatter hut, a Bruce however sees a wide give back to Hong Kong in some way, Hong Kong, Grit is a young man sitting across the table is a common solution to housing problems economic range within his extended because it’s given so much to me.” school senior project teenager who wears a faint smile on his back in the 1960-70s, before they family, and is starkly aware that The inspiration for Grit came when gone way too serious. In face. Bruce just graduated from Hong moved to a small unit in Lam Tin. poverty and income gap issues have Bruce saw an RTHK program that aA moment of introspection, Bruce Li Kong International School (HKIS) and Over the years, the Li’s got financially always been part of his life experience, invited wealthy Hong Kong citizens to explains to me the creation of Grit and will be heading for Brown University in better and now lives in private housing. let alone that of the Hong Kong experience the life of the lower-class, his journey to exploring both Hong the US next month. But he is inter- Being in the comfortable, tight- society. With the aim of learning about living on bare subsistence with what Kong and himself. ested in what happens on the ground knit American community of HKIS, and sharing the other side of Hong little they earn from collecting in Hong Kong, and is ready to do more. one can easily be led to believe that Kong to his peers at school, Bruce set cardboards and spending sleepless Two sides of “I come from a very local family … there is only one lovely side to life: out on a project that he knew would nights in subdivided flats in the agony Bruce, two sides the majority of my extended family “You know how on Facebook you get to take him to the darker corners of the of heat and hunger. Inspired by his don’t speak English,” says Bruce, see someone’s mutual friends in Hong city. family background and the documen- of Hong Kong citing the only reason he went to an Kong, US or even around the world, “Because I think as an individual, tary, Bruce’s photographic investiga- A slightly-worn blue cap in one international school was because he and you think that’s the way the world I’m one of those people who really tion of poverty in Hong Kong began to Bruce Li hand and his Olympus OM-4 camera didn’t excel in interviews for local functions, everything is connected and benefitted from the economic growth take shape.

36 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 37 how to approach people and visit places they are better off stand-alone … So I something about substandard housing, Into the on his own. Before long he was walking went with color instead, it’s more which is obviously not perfect, there up narrow flights of stairs and knock- intimate and relatable, and that was the doesn’t need to be perfect photography The issue: concrete jungle ing on age-worn doors in Tsuen Wan, point: I want people to relate in some for it … it’s more about me trying to Grit does not merely feature the Causeway Bay, Tai Kok Tsui, Sham way and feel that housing issue is very capture the texture, the atmosphere, Substandard Housing in Hong Kong outlooks of substandard housing and Shui Po and Ngau Tau Kok, waiting for tangible and close to them.” the smell of these places.” According to an independent study commissioned by the government poor neighborhoods, but it captures people to talk to him. In the iridescence of his camera early this year, it is estimated that 171,000 individuals live in substandard the people in their tiny personal havens “I did get rejected a lot,” Bruce lens, Bruce tries to tell the stories of Moving forward housing in Hong Kong, with over 30,000 living in units that lack their own (or hell) and tells their stories in a says, but quickly dismisses the obsta- the people he met by sequencing his kitchen, bathroom and water supply. Some 9 percent of these residents photogenic narrative. Bruce grimaces cles as he points out the general open- photos carefully. “If you pay close Now I am curious: what changed have completed tertiary education, and are not low-wage workers. The slightly as he recalls the long process ness he was met with. “But surpris- attention, I try to make it narrative, say after the project? figure has not covered the many illegal dwellings in industrial buildings. that eventually places him in the ingly, most of the people I met were moving from the outside into the “On a personal level, this book is According to the study, the living space per person in subdivided flats is less homes of disadvantaged communities, very willing to talk, they were very house; the layout is also very impor- very much about challenging my own than half the average 150 square feet per head in Hong Kong, as compared to who opened their doors and hearts to vocal. I guess that‘s because they never tant,” he points out, his eyes twinkling emotions and being willing to feel sad. 300 square feet in Singapore and 180 square feet in Shanghai. the rare and intent listener. really had a chance to voice their imperceptibly as he flips through the Sad not in a bad way, but in a way that

In the project’s inception, Bruce opinion on things, because no one album that took eight months to makes me want to do something,” summer, Bruce is working to give every- Bruce is certainly on his way to honing contacted Sze Lai Shan, the local would listen to them.” complete, stopping on a series of Bruce says, with the same determina- one involved in Grit’s making a copy of his skills for a comeback. Currently rights activist and social worker who rooftop houses in Tai Kok Tsui. Taken tion that is present in the people for the album, expressing his gratitude and enrolled in a joint program by Brown helped produce the RTHK documen- Lights and colors: at a window, the picture invites its whom this project was made. Bruce support to the residents who defy the University and the Rhode Island School tary, for guidance. Sze brought him to audience to peer at the rain dancing on chose the title Grit because it not only limits of their surroundings, and those of Design, Bruce is considering focus- two communities in North Point and our city’s stories the tin rooftops. The pages that follow describes the rundown physical who work tirelessly to better housing ing on photography for his fine arts Causeway Bay that were representative “I think color is very representative show a puddle of water, and zoom out conditions of the lower-class dwell- conditions in Hong Kong. major at Rhode Island while taking of Hong Kong’s cage homes and of Hong Kong, with its neon and to include a desolate alley soaked in the ings, but also because “being a grit” Intrigued and empowered by this courses in political science, sociology cubical homes. When Sze was unavail- fluorescent lights. I also used film blue of rain, skillfully contrasted embodies the strong will and charac- project, Bruce says he is interested in and environmental science at Brown. able for further visits, Bruce found because it reacts in a certain way to against the warm rusty orange of a ter of the residents he had encoun- making more photo books to explore “But definitely in the future I hope to himself stuck with no contacts or fluorescent color,” Bruce says as I T-shirt hung inside a tin hut. tered. the society’s underlying currents. While continue to do something for Hong knowledge in the field, but not for inquired about the colors and contrast Running his finger over the thick “Despite their problems, there’s a he is considering whether to partner Kong – because I love Hong Kong – in a long. Soon Bruce came in contact with of his photos. “I think black-and-white glossy pages as if calling back memories lot of hope in them and they simply with a writer and document social visual way,” Bruce says, with a broad two photo journalists who taught him photographs are very powerful, but of his visits, Bruce adds, “I think for don’t give up,” he observes. So this issues in a more tangible manner, smile spreading across his face.

38 biz.hk 7• 2013 biz.hk 7• 2013 39 2013 Aug THE AMERICAN Mark Your Calendar CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sustainability Education in Hong Kong Venue: 01 Thu IN HONG KONG Aug AmCham Office Chak K Chan 1904 Bank of America Tower Fri Head and Professor, Division of Environment 12 Harcourt Road, Central 02 06 Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Director of the Institute for the Environment Time: 03 Sat FAST FACTS BENEFITS Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 12:00 - 2:00pm (Sandwiches and Sun In this luncheon talk, Professor Chan will give a presentation on Sustainability beverages included) 04 Education in Hong Kong. Community Business Networking Topics include: Fee(s): 05 Mon AmCham celebrates over 40 years of promoting Visiblity and Corporate Exposure • What the University can do to solve environmental challenges facing us Member Fee: • The deficiency of traditional University programs business and fostering greater trade ties and Information HK$250 06 Tue • How they can be improved and the difficulties of doing so Non Member Fee: community service in Hong Kong. Advocacy • Sharing of students’ experience HK$380 Prof Chak K Chan obtained a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of 07 Wed Texas at Austin in 1986 and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Activities Technology in 1992. His research interests include air pollution, aerosol science and 08 Thu WHY JOIN AMCHAM? atmospheric chemistry. Recently, he serves as Project Manager of the HKUST Air Quality Members can access roughly 400 programs, Research Supersite, which is a research facility specializing in the real time measurements Fri of particulate pollutants. 09 seminars, and conferences each year featuring top "As a non-American, I have joined the AmCham Chan received Second Prize of the State Natural Science Award in 2010 and First Prize business and government leaders, industry experts in every country I have been posted because it is of the Natural Science Award in 2007, based on his work on PM2.5. He is Editor-in-Chief 10 Sat of Atmospheric Environment, an international journal focusing on air pollution and its and professional facilitators who address timely and consistently the biggest and most active Chamber societal impacts. 11 Sun relevant business issues. of Commerce and the strongest, best organized 12 Mon lobbying force in most countries, therefore able to Rock Caverns – Hong Kong’s Hidden Land Venue: Members attract a large number of members of very diverse Aug AmCham Office 13 Tue Dr Samuel Ng 1904 Bank of America Tower Over 1,800 members (40 different nationalities) horizons and able to organize a wide variety of Chief Geotechnical Engineer/Planning 12 Harcourt Road, Central 14 Wed from over 800 organizations, including multinational events, attracting very often high profile speakers 14 Civil Engineering and Development Department, HKSAR Government Time: firms, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and therefore large attendance." In September 2012, the Civil Engineering and Development Department 12:00 - 2:00pm 15 Thu instigated a study on “Long-term Strategy for Cavern Development,” which is to (Sandwiches and and non-profit organizations. develop a holistic approach in planning and implementing cavern development, so as beverages included) 16 Fri to render it a sustainable means for expanding land resources. Fee(s): Committees The study also places emphasis on private sector participation because many 17 Sat private sector facilities, such as storage, warehousing and data centers, can benefit Member Fee: Our members can join and access up to 28 different from rock caverns’ stable and secure setting. The formulation and implementation of HK$250 REQUEST MORE INFORMATION a long-term strategy for cavern development could provide a sustainable approach in Non Member Fee: 18 Sun committees covering industry sectors, professional easing the pressure of land shortage. HK$380 service sectors, and special segments of the Membership Department: Dr Samuel Ng obtained his PhD in Geology from the University of Alberta, 19 Mon Canada. Before joining the CEDD in 1994, he worked in the Cayman Islands and membership. [email protected] / 2530 6900 United States. Ng now heads the Planning Division of CEDD, which covers geological 20 Tue survey, engineering geology and terrain evaluation, including natural terrain landslide www.amcham.org.hk risk assessment. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in the policy initiative of promoting the planned use of rock caverns in Hong Kong and is currently overseeing 21 Wed the work on developing a long-term strategy for cavern development. 22 Thu

23 Fri Innovations in Energy Saving Venue: Aug AmCham Office 24 Sat L M Chow 1904 Bank of America Tower Director – Marketing and Customer Services 12 Harcourt Road, Central 19 CLP Power Hong Kong Limited 25 Sun To achieve a sustainable development, responsible and forward-looking power Time: companies continue to introduce various initiatives to support their customers to improve 12:00 - 2:00pm 26 Mon (Sandwiches and energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. They provide tailor-made energy saving advice to beverages included) business customers and keep inventing new services and innovative programs. 27 Tue There are success stories in wide range of industries from hotels, commercial Fee(s): buildings to SMEs like laundry shops and farms. The presentation will share some of the Member Fee: 28 Wed success stories that can inspire the other business corporations to follow suit. HK$250 L M Chow has been serving the power industry in Hong Kong for over 36 years. His Non Member Fee: 29 Thu exposure covers the electricity generation, transmission, distribution and retail. In recent HK$380 years, he has been actively leading the retail teams of CLP Power to promote energy efficiency and conservation to Hong Kong customers, and providing technologies, tools 30 Fri and solutions to help them save energy. 31 Sat

For information, see website: www.amcham.org.hk Tel: (852) 2530 6900 Fax: (852) 2810 1289 Email: [email protected]