A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2020/January 2021 Know Your Way Around

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2020/January 2021 Know your way around

Relocating means preparing everything, and everyone for a new home.

Our experience and knowledge of worldwide relocations, is shared by all our people in more than 200 locations. And we’ll always be Tel: +852 2636 8399 there to help you get the most [email protected] from your relocation.

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20487911 - CR AWA full page adv.indd 1 11/4/2020 10:29:23 AM DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. 3 Established in 1956 We are a vibrant organization of international women. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect and contribute in Hong Kong.

AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM EDITOR Vasavi Seethepalli [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Tiffany Broeckelman Manon Manon Nicci Button 7 Rehana Sheikh HelenCarruthers Amanda Fitney Priya Iyer Contents Sarah Tierney News From the Board 2 Know your GRAPHICS Jacky Ngan AWA Enjoys 3 ADVERTISING MANAGER Member Insights 5 way around Rehana Sheikh [email protected] The Rising Issue of Food Waste 7 17 Calling All Expat Women 10 Relocating means preparing Rambling Rose - George Town, Penang 12 DESIGN AND LAYOUT BY My Charitable Choice 16 R&R Publishing Ltd. everything, and everyone for 2126 7812 Glancing Back 17 [email protected] a new home. www.rrpublishing.com.hk Triumph In Clear Water Bay! 19 AWA Contact Information 20 Our experience and knowledge of worldwide relocations, is shared by all our people in more than PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE AFTER READING. 200 locations. And we’ll always be Tel: +852 2636 8399 there to help you get the most [email protected] from your relocation. The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. We are closed on Hong Kong public holidays.

VISIT THE AWA WEBSITE: www.awa.org.hk LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/awahk

Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Go knowing Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. crownrelo.com Copyright 2020. The content of the AWAre publication is the property of the American Women's Association. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

20487911 - CR AWA full page adv.indd 1 11/4/2020 10:29:23 AM NEWS FROM THE BOARD

NEWS FROM THE BOARD 2nd VP of Membership – Tiffany Broeckelman

DECEMBER 1ST will be the start of my fifth year here in Hong Kong. In the fall of 2016 my husband and I became expats, transplanting our lives here from Kansas and becoming empty nesters at the same time. Due to the timing of our move, my biggest fear was that there would be no Christmas in our new city while being far from home and loved ones. I was overjoyed to find Christmas trees at the airport on our arrival and seeing buildings lit up with Christmas themes! I immediately felt comforted with the familiarity these offered. Our first month was spent in Sheng Wan, followed by a move to Kennedy Town, then 2 years in Wan Chai and most recently a move to Happy Valley. Moving is always exciting as it allows you to explore new areas, meet new people and make a new place home. The challenge of the move is there, but there is always comfort in finding something familiar to connect with. In Kennedy Town we were at the start of the trolley line and once again we are at a trolley terminus in Happy Valley. Riding along on the ding ding is always joyful and provided the welcome comfort with that familiar connection! After 4 years, we are still in love with the city of Hong Kong and it’s bright lights and unexpected green spaces. During our 4 years of changes, the city has also seen many changes. Even so, I find comfort in the familiarity of life here. I became a member of the AWA our first year in Hong Kong, actively participating in fundraising, local activities and the dragonboat team. Many special memories have happened while attending AWA activities and events. This year I joined the board as the 2nd VP of Membership during a very challenging time. Things are constantly changing as we work towards creating a charitable foundation, try our best to navigate Covid-19, and continue to lose those members leaving Hong Kong while welcoming fewer expats into the city. Despite these challenges, I am comforted by familiar things. AWA is still an organization dedicated to building relationships among women of all cultures and walks of life. We are raising funds for the women, children, elderly and underprivileged in Hong Kong and striving to provide assitance to those in need. We are still a group that loves to explore the city, learn new things and share our gifts with others. We really do offer something for everyone. I encourage you to spread the word among your friends, who may be unaware of the breadth of the AWA. Invite someone to a volunteer event, a WISE networking event, or one of our morning coffees! Our ongoing activities allow for guest participation and it’s an easy way for someone to glimpse what they are missing out on. As much as things change, we as an organization can grow upon our constants. Happy holidays! Be safe and enjoy celebrating with family & friends here in Hong Kong or wherever you may land. I hope you find something familiar to comfort you.

2 AWARE December/January 2020 AWA ENJOYS

Tung Ping Chau Island Tung Ping Chau Island

A Sunny Day at Deep Water Bay. From L to R: Cecilia Carlsson, Jen Bartolomeo, Ann Cooley, Jillian Kent

FoonYing group

Welcome New Members Adele Brunner June Eno Silpa Kidds Anita O’Neill Erica Perkins Vinita (Sony) Kothari Vivian Nguyen Madelaine Steller Eloise Pandov Sarah Pullen Samantha Weinstein Mona Watson Ariel Thorpe Prue Hayes Janell Baldwin Alicia Fang Kunj Gandhi Jane Grimme Crystal Wong Angela Upward Juhi Gobalakrishna Pascale Bourcet Kaye Josey Zhanel Kee playing in the Social at Clear Water Bay

December/January 2020 AWARE 3 AWA ENJOYS

Packing food bags for Sunshine Action

Day hike to Repulse Bay & City Walk

4 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE

MEMBER INSIGHTS: Manon Manon A unique series to get to know a fellow member, to engage, and to understand in-depth why AWA matters.

IN THIS ISSUE, Priya Iyer talks to Manon Manon on her move of starting her own family. She noticed how her friends' kids' to Hong Kong, joining AWA, and her role at KiDS. wardrobes were filled with clothes – some used only for a few months, others never worn. Some friends were trying to sell Tell us a little bit about yourself. items via social media, with mixed results, while others I arrived in Hong Kong (HK) in Jan 2007 as my husband was wanted to donate them, but their options were limited. With transferred through his job. I was an Account Manager for a this dilemma in mind, in 2014, she set up the company and Design Agency back in London. After two months in HK, I website to offer parents a solution. found a position as South East Asia Marketing Manager / Regional Sales Manager at Gameloft, a French Video Game What are the drivers for setting up this Company, where I stayed for over nine years. After a two-year business? break to enjoy my family (three boys), I worked for the KiDS stemmed from the desire to make a positive impact: not company that has Bookazine, Partytime, only to protect the environment by and Sweet World stores under its reducing waste in the fashion industry but umbrella for several months as Marketing also to help those in need. By promoting Director but unfortunately, the work/family a circular economy, KiDS contributes to balance was not working. In March 2019, affect social change and supports the I started working for KidsDressSmart local community, by turning unwanted (www.kidsdresssmart.com), an online children’s clothes into funds for consignment store for kids clothes with a underprivileged children. At the same social purpose. It allowed me to adjust time, through its online platform, KiDS my work with my personal life. offers parents an exciting and cost- effective way to shop for children’s Has moving to Hong designer clothes. Kong helped you grow professionally? How does KidsDressSmart The opportunity at Gameloft included work, and how is it different? responsibilities which at my age would KiDS accepts good quality, pre-loved not have happened in Europe. Being part children’s clothes; the bulk of our clothing of a small team at Gameloft, I was working on various aspects is donated, while the balance is ‘sold’ by parents through our and traveling within South East Asia, discovering countries, platform. When parents opt to sell clothes, they can receive cultures, and meeting people in the telecom industry. 50% of the resale price for each item sold. Unlike the I also had a great learning experience during my time at traditional ‘shop-sell’ retail model we donate 60% of the resale Bookazine/Partytime/Sweet World that included organizing price of the clothes to children’s charities and environmental book signings and launches, shop opening, chocolate organizations. To date, we have raised almost HKD 200,000 tastings, pop-up stores, and looking after social media. for our charities through various pop-ups and our online store. Having a helper at home allowed me to focus a lot on work and boost my career, and I was able to find the right Define your role at KiDS? work/life balance. I joined KiDS as a Marketing Director to focus on pop-up stores to raise funds for charities and educate people on the Tell us about KidsDressSmart. How did the concept. I liaise with some charities, spread the word on idea originate? social media and through friends. I also help with the social Aira Sasso, the founder, began working on the idea of media marketing plan. I enjoy knowing that all my work and KidsDressSmart (KiDS) in 2013 while simultaneously thinking energy with KiDS will help unprivileged kids in the region. For

December/January 2020 AWARE 5 FEATURE

Set your priorities right from the start. Don’t let a job affect you and your family. Kids need their parents; be there for them. Work is essential, but family and friends even more.

a lot of people in Hong Kong HKD 200 is not much, but for a kid in Cambodia, for example, it’s a year of school fees.

It must be challenging for you juggling spread the word and to make sure that our workshops are being a mother of three boys, working, highlighted in their community on their social media and volunteering. channels. It is not easy. You have to juggle several issues daily, so what AWA and AWA WISE are a nice way to get to know works best for me is ironclad organization. This wouldn’t be people and to help others boost their personal and possible without our dear helper. I always keep my priorities professional skills. in mind, which allows me to enjoy every moment to its maximum. You came to HK 14 years ago – if you could go back into the past, what would you tell Do you have any words of advice for the Manon who has just entered HK? young working mothers? Hong Kong is the right place for you! Make the most of it! Set your priorities right from the start. Don’t let a job affect you and your family. Kids need their parents; be there for them. Work is essential, but family and friends even more. Why does AWA matter, and what is your role at AWA WISE? I’ve learned that it’s always good to stay open-minded and meet new people. When I arrived in Hong Kong I joined a few AWA Coffee Mornings to get to know people, and it has been an amazing welcoming experience. A friend who was part of AWA WISE told me they were looking for a Community Outreach Manager. After discussing with the co-chairs, I realized that I could squeeze this role into my day, and it wouldn’t conflict with KiDS. As a Community Outreach Manager at AWA WISE, I liaise and coordinate with our partners to Aira Sasso, the founder of KiDS with Manon Manon

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The Rising Issue of Food Waste By Amanda Fitney Environmental Committee HAVE YOU ever noticed how much food/organic waste there is in Hong Kong? It starts with our most recent celebration, Halloween, where the shocking amount of candy goes sticky and is thrown away. Christmas dinners, perishable presents, and not forgetting Christmas and tangerine trees that are all stacked up next to the rubbish bins after Chinese New Year; it’s all a shocking waste that ends up in the landfill. Here is a small way you can help tip the balance in the direction of the planet. When I moved to Hong Kong in August 2019, I was concerned by the lack of reliable recycling and waste initiatives. For ten years, our family participated in a weekly composting collection that coincided with our landfill and recycling bins. Living in a small apartment in Hong Kong with no outdoor space did not seem conducive to in-home composting. Thankfully, a member of the AWA environmental committee introduced me to Hong Kong Community Composting (HKCC) - an organization pioneered by three women who had similarly moved to Hong Kong from communities with well-established food waste programs. HKCC has nine food waste bins across Hong Kong - Ap Lei Chau, Braemar Hill, Happy Valley, Pokfulam, Repulse Bay, Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan, Tai Hang, and Wan Chai. Here is how you can participate and make a difference: From left to right, Renée, Paige and Ming by the Sai Ying Pun bin in • Sign up through the HKCC website hkcomposting.com front of Live Zero store on High Street. and receive communications and a link to download an app. You or another member of your home will then have Following many early morning breakfast conversations we a brief in-person orientation from a neighborhood bin moved to action, and through combining skills in research, ambassador (like me!). community building, and business logistics, we made HKCC • Collect food waste after each meal in a container and a reality. later transfer contents to a certified compostable bag (available at several local waste-free stores such as The co-founders of HKCC are: Edgar and Live Zero). Paige Tantillo - Permaculture Designer. Community Builder. • Store filled compost bag in between uses in either a Food Grower. lidded container or keep the bag in the freezer. Paige has been composting since forever and co-founded • When full, walk or drive the bag to the compost bin and HKCC to provide a composting solution for people living in use your app to unlock the bin. Having frozen food waste Hong Kong’s small spaces. When not tending to her rooftop makes this step easy and manageable. permaculture garden, Paige works with people all over the world on projects that focus on soil regeneration and Please read on to learn from the founders of Hong Kong community resilience. Community Composting (HKCC) about their journey to Ming Chan - Data Scientist. Garbage Activist. Declutterer. providing this worthy community service. Enjoy! Ming works full-time at IBM and co-founded Hong Kong Community Composting (HKCC) as a passion project after Q: Please introduce yourselves and how you met. being literally hit in the face with garbage while on a paradise A: Each of us arrived in Hong Kong after living in different vacation. At that moment, she was inspired to find and countries [United States and Canada] where composting document solutions for her zero waste journey. was part of daily life. Unwilling to revert to life without Renée Mullen - Microbial Ecologist. Conservationist. Rock composting our paths converged at a meet-up group. Climber.

December/January 2020 AWARE 7 FEATURE

A former university professor with a passion for the ground Q: What is the cost of managing the bins and do you beneath our feet, Renée co-founded Hong Kong Community partner with any local businesses? Composting (HKCC) as a way to contribute her love of A: The subscription fee pays for pickup and delivery, lock teaching, her fascination with microbiology, and her desire to and bin maintenance, as well as the administration costs. For help the people and nature of Hong Kong. Ask this “soil first-time subscribers, we supply a one-time complimentary geek” anything about the who’s who of soil. package of compostable bin liners. We partner with local businesses for every bin that we launch Q: What was the process of starting a composting and believe that they are an integral aspect of our success. organization in Hong Kong, especially as expats? As mentioned previously, to place a bin in any location, we A: We did a lot of research and asked many questions. Our require approval from a private business before opening a biggest challenge was finding a waste hauler that we were bin anywhere in Hong Kong. comfortable with as we had heard stories about companies collecting recycling and dumping directly in a landfill. After Q: How many bins did you start with, and how have you securing a trusted partner, we set our bin design so that spread the word? rubbish is kept out and the bin could be reserved for our A: We began operations in January 2019 and opened our customers. The solution for us is Smart Locks, which help us first collection bin in March 2019. In the first month we manage locks through the internet. Finally, we had to shortlist collected 620.5 kg of food waste. Through September 2020 candidate bin locations that could strike a right balance the collection was up to 38,270 kg. between demand, pickup logistics and local ordinance compliance. After all of this was completed, we launched a We now have nine community bins around Hong Kong, with pilot bin with super enthusiastic households and have been more in the works! The tenth bin in Stanley Plaza is currently slowly adding new locations as demand grows. in the works but still needs more subscribers to launch.

Word has spread organically through social media and word of mouth. Our subscribers help demand and adoption in the community. Typically, potential customers initiate contact because they either want a bin in their estate or they want one in their area. It is helpful for HKCC because typically much of the pre-approval has already been done by them in addition to creating local demand.

Q: Where does all the food waste go? A: We are an officially approved partner of O.Park (the Hong Kong government’s food recycling center), enabling us to bring our domestic food waste to their facility. The food waste collected in our bins is delivered to O.Park where it is converted to compost and energy. We are proud to be the first organization allowed to bring domestic food waste to the site.

Q: Finally, what are the next steps for HKCC? A: Excellent question. We are currently working on our 2021 planning! We will be opening new bins, offering workshops, and partnering with schools to drive composting to a much larger scale. Stay tuned!

Hong Kong Food Waste by the numbers: According to the Environmental Protection Department report “Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong”, Waste Statistics from 2018, • 5.87 million tons of solid waste was disposed of at landfills in 2018. That’s 16,096 tons per day. Paige’s food scraps • Of all Municipal Solid Waste (which includes domestic

8 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE

Interested in learning more about composting and what the Hong Kong government is doing for food waste management? Please follow these links to resources with further information:

Hong Kong Composting Community - https://www.hkcomposting.com/ Community-based food waste collection. March 2019 to September 2020 = 38,270 kg food waste collected.

Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/ waste/prob_solutions/food_waste_challenge.html. Highlights food waste challenges in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong 2014-2022 Food and Yard Waste Plan https://www.enb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/ Photo courtesy Renée Mullen - Renée's compost from her rooftop. FoodWastePolicyEng.pdf Pages 17-18 of the report is “Treatment and Recycling of Food household waste) disposed of at Hong Kong landfills, Waste”. food waste makes up the largest percentage - 31% is O-Park organic waste treatment facility - food waste, 24% paper, 21% plastic, 3% glass, 2% metal https://www.opark.gov.hk/ and 20% other materials. Opened in 2018, O-Park can process up to 200 tons of food • Domestic Food waste comprises more than double the waste per day. Hong Kong currently generates 3,600 tons per amount of Commercial and Industrial Food Waste day - 2/3s comes from households. disposed of in landfills every day (68% vs 32%).

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December/January 2020 AWARE 9

AWA house ad Apr 2020.indd 1 30/7/2020 3:01:42 PM FEATURE

Calling All Expat Women: Five Tips to Kickstart Your Career in Hong Kong By Priya Iyer AWA WISE

HONG KONG is one of the most expat-friendly countries in Hong Kong has unique challenges for spouses looking for the world. Efficiency is a religion here. It is easy to set up a a job. Jobs, especially entry-level jobs, need a working house, but once the family is settled and the curtains hung knowledge of Cantonese. On the plus side, unlike other up, expat women grapple with a sense of loneliness and countries, those with a dependent visa can work in Hong helplessness. The situation is exacerbated in dual-career Kong. From my experience, the city has minimum red tape, expatriate couples where the spouse who loses employment and it’s easy to set up a company in Hong Kong. And as a feels that they’ve lost their identity. The 2016 BGRS Global free port, entrepreneurs don’t have to pay duty for imports. Mobility Trends Survey indicated that while 65% of spouses Helpers, who can assist with housekeeping and child care, were employed before relocating to a new country, only 20% are available for hire in Hong Kong. Also, since the city is an found employment after moving. Spousal employment has a expat hub, it has spawned several organizations that significant impact on their emotional health, marital specifically support expat women: AWA WISE and AWA are happiness, and the success of working abroad. Expat examples of this. women can embrace change by recognizing that accepting As AWA WISE co-chair, I’ve heard many stories from the assignment was a choice, and realizing that there may be professional women who have followed their husbands to several paths to career success. Hong Kong. My personal experience helps me empathize with women who’ve had to leave behind a successful venture and start afresh in a new country.

10 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE

Drawing on my four years as an expat woman in Hong tremendously in building my organizational and Kong, here are my insights that I would like to share: management skills, understanding how social media 1. Change Your Lens: If you can’t find a job commensurate marketing works (for free!), and making connections with with your skills, maybe it’s time to change the goal. Can some wonderful women. Volunteering with a non-profit you set up a business instead of looking for a job? Is that intersects with your area of interest may help you there a passion that you wanted to indulge? Do you see a stay in touch with new development in your field, make gap in a product or skill in Hong Kong that was available lasting connections in a new country, and it can also help in your home country? Or is it time to re-skill yourself by you develop new skills. going back to school? While Hong Kong is home to some 5. Build a network of supportive people: Hong Kong is a of the best universities that offer a wide variety of big city with an expat community which is relatively small. courses, online platforms offer courses that cover wide It is interconnected, and people are always willing to help range of subjects. one another. How does one network in a new country? 2. Build transferable skills: Once an expat, (perhaps) Organic connections such as spouses of other expatriate always an expat: Keep this in mind when re-skilling yourself couples, old friends settled in Hong Kong, and the good for a job or setting up a new business. Ask yourself how ole school-parent network are great ways to build social you can build ‘transferable’ skills. For example, one of my connections. Hong Kong has networking events, some motivations for setting up a website to encourage children’s specifically meant for women, where you can make reading was to ensure that I had a business base that meaningful connections. Many women have told me that would not be impacted by moving to another country. A they’ve found jobs because of the connections they’ve thin silver lining of the pandemic is that people are now made at AWA WISE. willing to connect virtually. One can offer webinars to an How a person leverages circumstances depends on their audience unrestricted by geography. Consider leveraging personality. To relocate to a new country is not easy, but if virtual meetings and the widespread acceptance of one sees the move as an opportunity, it could add to their technology to increase your professional footprint. experience and enhance their worldview. The seeds of change may push green shoots of a new and unexpected Hong Kong has unique challenges for career that might be fulfilling, exciting, and validating. spouses looking for a job. Jobs, especially entry-level jobs, need a working knowledge of Cantonese. On the plus side, CARPET WASHING & REPAIRS unlike other countries, those with a PROFESSIONALS CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES dependent visa can work in Hong Kong. Our cleaning and repair services are the best in Hong Kong. Free pickup and delivery.

3. Re-define ‘gaps’ in your CV: One expat lady returning to her home in France after three years in Hong Kong wanted to find a job in an art gallery. She approached a career consultant who suggested that she look at the time spent in Hong Kong differently. Based on her advice, the expat woman presented herself as a person who understood expats’ taste in art, had met people from different countries, and thus had a chance to practice her English. Happy ending – she did get that job in the art gallery in a division that catered to expats. To be clear, SHOP IN YOUR HOME this is not saying that one should embellish their CV, but You can buy a carpet in the comfort of your home. rather, realize the expat experiences that one takes for (We can bring the carpets to you with no obligation.) granted, has value. CALL : 9018 0897 / 2851 3665 4. Volunteer with a Non-Profit Organisation: It might sem EMAIL : [email protected] like I have a vested interest, but this is one of the most WEBSITE : Iqbalcarpets.hk genuine pieces of advice I can give an expat woman. ADDRESS : G/F. 21 PO TUNG RD. SAIKUNG Joining AWA and AWA WISE has helped me

December/January 2020 AWARE 11 FEATURE

Rambling Rose George Town, Penang By Helen Carruthers

CHINESE NEW YEAR was a good time to fly to Penang Asia, stands as a beacon of light on Pitt Street, dubbed as the Island in the northwest of Malaysia for a stay at the colonial- ‘Street of Harmony’ because along the same stretch there is a style Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) in George Town. It is mosque as well as Hindu and Taoist temples, bearing witness nicknamed ‘the Grand Dame of Penang’ and its unique to a tolerance of all faiths. panoramic position overlooking the Straits of Malacca is The town is steeped in history so we decided to explore unrivaled. Although the fabric of the building was in by following one of our guidebooks’ walking routes. The first desperate need of redecoration, our room in the ‘Heritage landmark, Fort Cornwallis, with its thick walls and cannon was Wing’ exuded a bygone charm, with elegant dark lacquer- not particularly impressive and had seen better days. Faded wood furniture, polished floors and French windows that open black and white photographs, curling up at the edges, onto a large balcony looking out towards the sea. Several attempted to show its more illustrious past. Just outside the famous visitors have included: Noel Coward, Rudyard fort, we wandered past the iconic Jubilee Clock Tower. This Kipling, and Douglas Fairbanks. Moorish-inspired landmark, finished in 1902, is set on an George Town, Penang’s capital, positively emanates a octagonal base and stands 60-foot high (one foot for each zest for life and its diverse cultural heritage is evident. Over year of Queen Victoria’s reign). 500 years it has grown from one small Malay village to a town with a fascinating history – in 2008 it was named a UNESCO Our final stop was at the extremely world heritage site. The British East India Company first took possession of Penang in 1786 when Sir Francis Light founded impressive Pinang Peranakan Mansion, George Town, naming it after the Prince of Wales. The town visited by Prince Charles and his wife, became an essential stop for traders sailing through the Straits of Malacca. Camilla in 2017. The great advantage of the E&O is its proximity to the town. It’s easy to explore on foot, and around every corner, Our final stop was at the extremely impressive Pinang there is a mix of colonial and commercial buildings marked Peranakan Mansion, visited by Prince Charles and his wife, by Chinese and European influences. In the evening, Camilla in 2017. The Peranakans, originally from China, are hundreds of people wander the streets taking in the also known as the ‘Straits Chinese’. They adopted both local atmosphere: locals and tourists mingle, spilling out of the Malay ways and the British colonial lifestyle. From this fusion busy bars and restaurants, eating street food served at tables of East and West grew a rich culture of traditions, language on the pavements. Love Lane is a particular hot spot with a and cuisine. Showcasing a home that would have been potent mix of loud music and people constantly dodging the typical of an affluent Peranakan a century ago, the mansion traffic. St George’s, the oldest Anglican church in southeast holds a treasure trove of antiques. Of particular note, were the stunning stained-glass panels and the beautiful mother-of- pearl furniture. Also, within the mansion is a jewelry museum displaying Nyonya blouses with ornate decorations, embroidery and beadwork. I really loved the exquisite beaded shoes and found out that tourists could commission a shoemaker to make a pair to order until relatively recently. It seemed particularly appropriate that this fabulous footwear was created in the birthplace of world-renowned shoe designer, Jimmy Choo. Graffiti art is evident throughout the town. Many times it looks just like the elusive and ubiquitous British street artist Banksy has worked his magic. You see excited tourists pose and take photographs around every corner – two of the most famous even incorporate an actual bicycle and motorbike. We visited the clan jetties, a boardwalk with rustic Street Art

12 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion dwellings on stilts, where Chinese immigrants have lived and house in the region, light pours in through the central worked since the nineteenth century. In contrast, Little India rectangular opening over the sunken courtyard. Featuring welcomed everyone to enjoy its delights of clothing, spices, Qing dynasty latticework and filigree decoration, we enjoyed shoes and fabrics. The rhythmic music was so infectious that the tour and stole a peek at the fabulous Indigo restaurant my feet were itching to burst into a Bollywood dance routine. housed in what is now a unique home-stay heritage hotel. George Town is a great place for the discerning palate On one of the Chinese public holidays, we decided visit with an array of mouthwatering food. China House, The Habitat. It was an excellent idea as we found ourselves decorated with murals, is divided into distinct areas with transported by jeep from the bustling throng to a world-class wooden tables, metal stools, upholstered sofas and 50s-style tropical rainforest. Our guide gave us an informative tour chairs. Even more remarkable was the amazing array of 50 around the 1.6km nature trail, pointing out the flora and different kinds of delicious cakes – certainly not a place to fauna, insects, birds and mammals in this delicately watch the waistline! balanced ecosystem. Jewel-colored butterflies fluttered Our visit to the spectacular Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was about as we crossed the 230-metre Lagur Way canopy. We another highlight. Built by Cheong Fatt Tze, a young Hakka saw pitcher plants with large-sized pockets used to catch Chinese entrepreneur who became one of Southeast Asia’s rainwater and passing insects as well as a green snake richest men, the ‘Blue Mansion’ (as it is more popularly slithering in the undergrowth. Rattan palms, strong, vine-like known) is a magnificent tribute to some meticulous climbing plants, wrapped and hooked their tight grip around craftsmanship. Sadly, the opulent mansion fell into a state of unsuspecting trees. The peace was palpable save for the major disrepair after Cheong’s death in 1916 but has since constant chorus of cicadas singing. been beautifully restored. Said to be the largest courtyard Most impressive was the metal mesh walkway of Curtis Jubilee Clock Tower Crest where visitors climb up 13 meters to be rewarded by spectacular 360-degree views. In Colonial times, troops were stationed on Penang Hill to look out for approaching enemy ships and the area was also a retreat for the sick. It was hoped that the fresher air would aid recovery. Now Curtis Crest is used as an occasional wedding or concert venue. Just as we were leaving, we spied a family of dusky leaf monkeys and we were treated to a display of acrobatics, and dexterity as they used their long tails to swing and balance. This Malaysian rainforest certainly promotes environmental and conservation awareness and is a shining example of preserving natural habitat. Sometimes called ‘the Pearl of the Orient’, Penang has a rich cultural heritage; food to set taste buds on fire; street art and nature to explore. A trip to its capital is hardly likely to disappoint.

December/January 2020 AWARE 13 THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SILENT AUCTION DONORS:

THANK YOU FROM THE 2020 VIRTUAL CHARITY BAZAAR CO-CHAIRS

We had to make some big changes to our 2020 Charity Bazaar this year, BUT thank you to all who made our VIRTUAL event a success! From our Giving Tree, sponsored by Crown Relocations, to our Lucky Draw Lai See and our Silent Auction we were fortunate to have great donors and bidders to help us towards our fundraising goals!

We were also lucky to have the commitment of hardworking AWA members who contributed time securing, collecting, and wrapping donations, creating graphics and informational blasts, as well as, spending days at meetings figuring out how to take a THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS live event and turn it into a successful virtual fundraising event. LUCKY LAI SEE DONORS:

We are so proud to have been a part of this important 2020 fundraising event and the chance to work with our amazing committee of dedicated AWA women in the seven months leading up to the final outcome. Knowing that the money we raised goes to support the Hong Kong community we all love, made the hard work worth every minute.

TIFFANY BROECKELMAN, AMY GOLDMAN & BARBORA MAYER

2020 CHARITY BAZAAR COMMITTEE: PRIYANKA AGARWAL ROBIN NEITERMAN CITY UNIVERSITY NATASHA BOCHORISHVILI SUSAN ORCHARD STUDENT INTERNS: KATHRIN BODENSCHATZ MORLENE PAGE RACHEL BOURKE TRACIE PARKER MARGOT DAWSON KIM REHMAN MIFFY CHAN ANNIE FIFER ANDREA ROTH CHARLOTTE CHUNG JOANNE LAM SUSANNE SALG RAJIB HUSSEIN JOANSA LAM BARBARA TENGTIO EVANGELINE LAU POONAM MAHINDRE LISA WALLIS VANESSA SIN BETH MCNICHOLAS FLORENCE WONG TYLER YAU

AWACB2020_TY.indd 1 20/11/2020 8:10 AM THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SILENT AUCTION DONORS:

THANK YOU FROM THE 2020 VIRTUAL CHARITY BAZAAR CO-CHAIRS

TIFFANY BROECKELMAN, AMY GOLDMAN & BARBORA MAYER

AWACB2020_TY.indd 1 20/11/2020 8:10 AM FEATURE MY CHARITABLE CHOICE

By Sarah Tierney

I ARRIVED in Hong Kong from Ireland three years ago, just graduates, I felt the need to give back to the community. I as T8 typhoon hit Hong Kong! We moved here with our two joined the Charitable Donations Committee last year. I was youngest children, Sophia and Jessica, and our dachshund, impressed with the great work and the strict requirements Thor. charities must adhere, to be considered for funding. As I live I was fortunate to meet Margaret Goeden, an AWA in Mid-Levels, I often walk past Mothers Choice (MC) member, in my first few weeks here. She convinced me to children’s home on Bowen Road. It has a lovely homely feel, sign up for the AWA Globe Paddlers team. I believe that was all the strollers stacked at the front door, the outdoor play one of the best decisions of my life. I instantly became part of area scattered with toys. At the nursery window, you get a a tribe of smart, feisty, super fit, funny, and somewhat crazy glimpse of baby clothes hanging in neat, clean rows. When women. I have had so many memorable moments with these you visit Mother’s Choice, you sense a homely environment. ladies, from racing, junks, partying to short getaways. I am The babies and children are well cared for by an energetic grateful I took that first step and signed up with AWA! Anyone staff of caregivers and volunteers. It is slightly chaotic like reading this and wants to try paddling, please don’t delay, most of our homes and thankfully, there is no resemblance or sign up, and give it a go!! smell of it being an institution, but rather a place of safety and As we plan our return home next summer when Jessica refuge. Due to COVID, their services and fund-raising activities have been hugely curtailed. But they stand resilient. Please visit their website for the wide range of fundraising activities and services they continue to provide. The perception that MC gets ‘a lot of funding already’ is not true. Their adoption program receives no outside funding currently. Donating money is vital for charities but I appreciate the tangible and proactive engagement. I met up with one of the team members, Eunice, who runs the volunteer program. She herself was adopted. We discussed how, as an organization, the AWA and Mother’s Choice could work more closely. There are many volunteer opportunities, but two that caught my attention were the Hearty Meals and the Cuddle Me program. Hearty Meals provides a simple lunch or dinner for six people on Sundays as they have no catering available for staff. Sign up through the meal train link below. Cuddle Me is a volunteering activity that provides newborns with one to one contact. No explanation is needed. Due to COVID, no new volunteers are allowed, but hopefully, restrictions will ease. They also offer student summer internships and work with schools here, raising awareness. There are necessary online information meetings that you must sign up for if you wish to volunteer. Eunice can arrange a group zoom session for AWA members who are interested. This means, as soon as restrictions are lifted, volunteers will be ready to go in and help. These activities are simple and easy and take up very little time, but never underestimate the importance of small gestures. Please contact me if you would like to get involved! Sign up: https://mealtrain.com/q4gez9 https://www.motherschoice.org/en/take-action/

16 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE Glancing Back By Rehana Sheikh

PROLONGED LIVING OVERSEAS makes one open to all Stanley market sold stuff piled on the floor. Padded sorts of possibilities, from being a gypsy to feeling rootless, children’s jackets in red and blue cotton prints were so from redefining oneself and facing changes to enjoying popular. Pak pais, a private taxi available in all residential anonymity and privileges. All this I have experienced from buildings, eased the lack of proper public transport. MTR was time to time. under construction then. Hong Kong used to shut down Now, as the years roll by, I remember the many friends completely during Chinese Lunar New Year. No taxis, buses, and foes we bid farewell, the apartments we lived in, and the shops and supermarkets were open for business. many exciting holidays around the world. Most of all, I like to When we relocated in mid-eighties, things had changed evoke bygone Hong Kong and marvel at its make over. considerably. The political process of ‘hand over’ had been Our stay in Hong Kong spans thirty-five years. During this set in motion. The local population were making plans to time much has quietly disappeared and visibly changed relocate from Hong Kong. Locally and internationally, though one hardly misses anything except in lingering speculation was rife about what was to become of Hong memories. Kong under China. Everyone was convinced that Hong Kong During our first stint in Hong Kong that lasted from 1976 to was doomed. 1979, life in Hong Kong used to be expatriate, or to be more But we stayed on, for better or worse. factual, I should say colonialist driven. It looked and had an Then during the nineties, Hong Kong slithered out of its atmosphere of a third world city complete with tacky old, colonial mode like a snake shedding its skin, buildings, rattling buses, pockets of luxury hotels, elite clubs, transforming into an undefined place. With the special and incredibly spacious and well-designed apartments for economic zones opened on the borders, opportunities were those who could pay a high rent that tended to be around beckoning the world and the whole of Asia was producing $10,000-$15,000 back then. ‘economic tigers,’ and the rest as we know, is history.

December/January 2020 AWARE 17 FEATURE

Hong Kong’s skyline of dilapidated buildings and old and the Hong Kong Tramways. colonial structures along the harbor Thank heavens for architectural gems like The Helena front transformed into gleaming and glassy walls of May, old Supreme Court. Flagstaff House, French Mission symmetrical blocks, some golden some silver, gray or black Building, Bishop’s House, St John’s Cathedral, Dairy Farm but all looking severe and distant. The number or height of Building, and Central Police Station. They continue to provide buildings, both appalling and extraordinary, has risen. The a visual relief and a nostalgic link to the past. disappearance of graceful old trees is perceptible due to Much more has changed, of course, but we take it all for either natural calamities or electric saws. Except for an granted. occasional shop, the use of an abacus in shops is Our overseas sojourn in Hong Kong have made me abandoned. The back streets of Central have had a receptive to the hodgepodge of multinationals that I get to complete makeover. befriend daily. Interacting with people from many parts of the Gone is the Hilton Hotel, an elegant and popular world gives me immense pleasure. For me, this is the most landmark of Central. Chinese Emporium, Furama Hotel, once attractive and enjoyable aspect of life in Hong Kong. While the Intercontinental Hotel, Lee Gardens Hotel, a landmark in the interaction can be superficial and fleeting, the pleasure Causeway Bay are long gone. Swire House was replaced by and preamble of it have undeniable value. the Chater House. Princes Building, Alexandra House, and Whether we are here for a short stint or long term, Landmark have undergone fancy facelifts. Kai Tak airport is comfortable or restless, many of us enjoy all that this amazing forgotten. Murray Building was resurrected, of all places, in city offers. Stanley, as a mall retaining many of its original features. We continue to call it ‘home.’ Wellcome was known as Dairy Lane and Park N’ Shop used to have affordable parking. Who knows the difference, given the transitory people coming and going in Hong Kong. On the other hand, it is heartening to see that parks and sitting out areas are well tended and hiking trails are in abundance. Outlying islands are easily accessible, offering splendid hiking, inexpensive eating, and a chance to get away from and see beyond the city life. Supermarkets are well stocked and have become spacious ‘superstores.’ There is even a new, computerized public library and the imposing government offices are now located on the waterfront. Superb mountain and sea tunnels and bridges are appearing regularly. Public transport has been perked up, as have other facilities around the city. The most impressive and useful thing that came into Hong Kong was the octopus card. Good old Star Ferry is still plodding along as are the Peak Tram

18 AWARE December/January 2020 FEATURE AWAGS Triumph in Clear Water Bay!

By Nicci Button

AT THE END OF OCTOBER, two of our teams took part in the inaugural Golf Societies Event at the Clear Water Bay Country Club Academy Course. It is a spectacular par three course hanging on a cliff edge overlooking the sea. The event was successful with a disco blaring, plenty to eat and drink before playing the course. Eighteen Hong Kong teams entered the event and we were thrilled to be awarded for both our teams. The Blue Team (Grace Tay, Claire Ikeda Thew, Heidi Rockowitz, and Annette Kornblum) won the Best Dressed prize, and the Red Team (Nicci Button, Polly McGovern, Jillian Kent, and Catherine Therasse) came third in the Competition - only two shots behind the winners! We have suspended our weekly social golf there for the time being, due to the pressure of booking golf tee times at Winners of Best Dressed AWAGS Blue Team. From L to R: Grace Tay, Claire Ikeda-Thew, Heidi Rockowitz, Annette Kornblum Kau Sai Chau. However, with the help of Paul Riley, the General Manager of CWBCC, we have now organized to play monthly social games at the Academy Course. We had a full house for our first regular outing there on November 10. Many thanks to Tina Over for organizing these monthly events. It was good to be back at Deep Water Bay for a tournament on November 16. Again, a full complement of 24 players had a fabulous round in bright sunshine and breezy conditions. A newcomer to golf, Katie O’Hara, stunned us all by shooting a Net 58. Winners of the Nearest the pin and longest drive competitions were: Jen Bartolomeo, Jenny Chapman, Laura Farquar, Polly McGovern, Claire Ikeda Thew, Heidi

Rockowitz, and Cecilia Carlsson. Teeing off from the first tee at Deep Water Bay. Laura Farquar

Upcoming Events in December: December 8 – CWBCC when we will be hosting our ‘Most Improved Player’ award and celebrating an early Christmas. December 10 – Polly is organizing a friendly match for the team against the HKGTA in Sai Kung. December 17 – Outing on the challenging Kau Sai Chau North Course. January Dates: January 5 – Social Golf at CWBCC Academy course January 14 – Tournament at Kau Sai Chau South Course If you would like to join Beginner or Improver Clinics led by our coach Jackie Johnson LPGA, please email Marion Williams Third placed AWAGS Red Team at Clear Water Bay. From L to R: at [email protected] Catherine Therasse, Jillian Kent, Nicci Button, Polly McGovern

December/January 2020 AWARE 19 CONTACT INFORMATION Ongoing Clubs and Sports The AWA’s many ongoing clubs and sports offer the most popular and easiest ways for members to make new friends. Keep busy and expand your network of friends with these activities, organized by AWA members for AWA members. One-time registration (at www.awa.org.hk) is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. ARTS/HOBBIES FOOD Afternoon Book Club Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Galloping Gourmet Maria Higgins: [email protected] Karen Ferguson: [email protected] Penny Soder: [email protected] Art Lovers Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Lunch Bunch Connie Albracht: [email protected] Tamara Gorgas Pacton: [email protected] Photography Group Angela Bellas: [email protected] SPORTS Globe Paddlers (Dragon Boat) Sarah Brundan: [email protected] Laura Farquhar: [email protected] GAMES Golf Society Nicci Button and Tanya Keg: [email protected] Bridge and Lunch Social Wendy Maize: [email protected] Hiking Group Games Galore (Mahjong Or Bridge) Beth Hall: [email protected] Moderate/Social Hikes Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Mahjong Madness Katherine Fenton: [email protected] Tina Over: [email protected] Veerle Roseeuw: [email protected] TOPICAL Environmental Committee Suzanne Younan / Amanda Fiteny: [email protected] Spiritual Literacy Group Mina Weight [email protected] Women’s Forum Joyce Murdoch: [email protected] Membership Programs and Meetups AWA BUDDY PROGRAM CHAT (COME HAVE A TALK) The AWA Buddy Program pairs interested new members with a CHAT is an informal drop-in gathering for members, newcomers, and “Buddy” who helps answer questions about life in Hong Kong and/or non-members. A weekly ZoomCHAT is also held every other week for the AWA. those currently overseas or unable to come to CHAT; email susan. WHEN: Ongoing [email protected] for information. COORDINATOR: Alison May, [email protected] WHEN: Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (except public holidays) WHERE: Café 8 (rooftop of Central Pier 8, above FOON YING – the Maritime Museum) COST: No fee (all food and drink at personal expense) HONG KONG INSIGHTS COORDINATORS: Rachel Bacilla, [email protected] Foon Ying means “welcome” in Cantonese and the whole idea of Susan Orchard, [email protected] these sessions (three sessions over a three-week period) is to embark on adventures and embrace new friendships. The program is great NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEES for both brand-new “Hong Kongers” and those of us who have been here a while and watched our first batch of friends and contacts head If you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join home or off to new pastures. others in your area for a monthly coffee. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees. WHEN: Every month WHERE: AWA office or alternate location as agreed COORDINATOR: [email protected] HK SOUTHSIDE MID-LEVELS Maria Higgins, Mariahiggins38 Ana Cahill, [email protected] @gmail.com AWA WISE SAI KUNG Katherine Fenton, [email protected] A supportive, nurturing networking and professional development POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL Annie Fifer, [email protected] group for women, offering workshops on trending topics and KOWLOON networking meetups with other like-minded women’s groups. AWA DISCOVERY BAY Penny Soder, [email protected] WISE events are open to non-members. Kathryn Abbott, ykathrynabbotty WHEN: Email coordinators or follow AWA WISE on @hotmail.com Facebook @awawisehk for event announcements COORDINATORS: Priya Bhasker and Josephine Paris, [email protected] OWL (OUT WITH THE LADIES) Come join us any week or every week – same time, same place (except public holidays). WHEN: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Oolaa, 20 Bridges Street, Soho 20 AWARE December/January 2020 COORDINATORS: [email protected] CONTACT INFORMATION

About the AWA The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with more than 650 members from 40 countries. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect and contribute in Hong Kong. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. Current members: you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee or CHAT, or an AWA WISE event. If you have any questions about the AWA, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Mon-Thu President Priyanka Agarwal: [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Poonam Mahindre: [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd VP Activities Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Director of Operations Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Treasurer Alison Doran: [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Recording Secretary Morlene Page: [email protected] Charitable Donations Betsy Langberg: [email protected] Community Service Kim Rehmann: [email protected] COMMUNITY Education & Scholarship Helen Carruthers: [email protected] COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] Publishing Chairperson Vasavi Seethepalli: [email protected] Sponsorship: Vacant Chairperson Kim Rehmann: [email protected] Social Media and Brand Coordinator Vacant Soup Kitchen Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Wise Liaison Katharina Darisse: [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Lee Parr: [email protected]

Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Hong Kong Hosts: Adopt a Marine/Sailor Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] SOCIAL China Merchants Wharf Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP 3rd Vice President Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] [email protected] Asian Tours Jessica Cheng [email protected] Annie Fifer: [email protected] Chairperson Helen Carruthers: [email protected] Local Tours Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] English Programs: Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Chai Wan [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA AND BRAND Mei Foo Reading Program [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS [email protected] Lai King Karen Prosser: [email protected] Interview Coaching Program Katherine Payne: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Vasavi Seethepalli - [email protected] Dialogue in the Dark Jenlen Ng: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected] 2nd Vice President Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] Joining the AWA is easy, and all women are Membership Discounts [email protected] welcome! Just visit our website at awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

December/January 2020 AWARE 21 AMCHAM MEMBERSHIPS

T&Cs Apply. 22 0 0 % % O O F F F F ACCESS FOR AMERICAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION MEMBERS! ADVOCACY For more information, please reach us at [email protected]. EXPOSURE

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