Louey XIII

Nathan Louey is Private Client Director and Consultant for the “King of Cognacs”: Remy Martin, Louis XIII.

Click here to see Nathan Louey on video

While studying at Oxford Brookes, you spent a year at the Mandarin Oriental in London. How useful was that for you?
It was a challenging and fruitful year. I learnt a lot and gained some invaluable experience. Working in the management sector, I got to know all the different departments that contribute to the smooth running of a luxury hotel, everything from housekeeping to maintenance to F&B… I came to appreciate just how labour intensive a job it is. From there, it was a natural move into wine and spirits distribution with Telford International, one of the largest such businesses in Hong Kong.

How important for you is it to feel continually challenged?
Very important indeed. I think everyone needs to be challenged. When you become very complacent in one role, then you know it’s time to move your life on. You need to excel, you need to progress, and you need to find a new ambition, find new challenges and stay interested. You have to enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy it, then there is no point doing it.

Can you give us an insight into your future aspirations?
Like everybody else, I have to do something I enjoy. Accumulating wealth as a thing in its own right is never a good thing. As they say, you can’t take it with you. You have to enjoy what you have.

To that end, we make brandies that we know people will enjoy and, equally importantly, we know that will endure. It’s great to have a sense of heritage, something you get from some 100-year-old spirits. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it really is best to both work and play hard. That’s just how life should be.

What are your interests beyond work?
For me, as I’ve said, it is all about enjoying life. It’s good to enjoy the occasional drink and to get to know great food. It’s also good to go on holiday and experience the world. You have to continually look to increase your knowledge and be mindful as everything evolves around you. Stay up to date. Keep vibrant. Be as joyful as possible. Happiness is all important.

Do you have a travel destination that is a particular favourite?
I travel to a lot of places, and some of them – such as Lake Como – are truly special. Although I do like the urban lifestyle, Lake Como is one of the few places that could woo me away.

Is there one bad piece of advice that you have been given that sticks in your memory?
There are probably a few pieces of bad advice that I have been given over the years – anything from suggested investments to mooted partnerships. In the end, you have to be wise enough to work out just what is good and what is bad. Take advice from everyone – your secretary, your friends and your staff – then analyse it yourself.

How practical are you? Can you, for instance, change a fuse?
I can. I wouldn’t necessarily be sure where I could buy one though.

What were your parents’ jobs?
Well, my father was a kind of stockbroker and worked for a securities firm. He also managed the family’s property interests. My mother was a housewife.

What is the scariest situation you have ever found yourself in?
It was one time when I was on safari in South Africa. It was quite a while back and we were in Sabi Sabi and Mala Mala Game Reserve. We were in an open jeep driven by a British driver, out on a night hunt – or a “night drive” as they call it. We were driving through the woods when, all of a sudden, we saw two eyes gleaming out of the dark. As we were on safari, we decided to drive right up to them. It turned out to be a leopard.

It started to track around us, slowly circling about our open(-topped) Land Rover. It was at this point, our guide told us he only had three bullets – one to protect him, one to protect the driver and one to protect the car itself. There was none to spare to protect the obviously more expendable passengers. Needless to say, we were a little worried. At this point, the jeep stalled. The driver struggled to start the engine. All the while, the leopard was circling around us, howling as it went. Our worry levels, understandably, went through the roof. Eventually, he managed to start the car and we moved off. Looking back, we survived and we managed to see one of Africa’s Big Five close up.

Do you have a tipple of choice? In your game, you surely do.
Other than Louis XIII, it would have to be a gin and tonic. I think a G and T is more of a day-to-day drink, whereas a Louis XIII should be reserved for a particularly successful day, a time you want to relax or even celebrate.

And is there a book you would particularly recommend?
Lately, I haven’t really read anything new, but I do like reading autobiographies. You can learn a lot from people’s histories. I particularly like reading about failures. You can learn a lot from that – often more than you can learn from reading about successes. Success is always about hard work, but the factors behind a failure are something you can learn from. For me, everything is about learning. It’s only by learning from your failures that you can come to appreciate just what you have achieved.

When was the last time you were really ill?
It was not all that long ago actually. I was sick back in April. I had a very bad flu. I don’t know what kind of flu it was, but I was really quite ill. Up until then, I had never been ill to the point that I couldn’t go to work. That was the first time. In all my years of being a student, being a kid and being a university student, I had never skipped a day of class or work until April. For the first time, I took a few days off because – literally – I didn’t have any energy. I couldn’t even walk. It was that bad.

What keeps you awake at night?
It’s usually CNBC or WhatsApp, with people from around the world texting me. When you are in Hong Kong and you are settling in for the night, people in the UK are still up and about, wanting to ask you questions. So, while it could be CNBC, WhastApp or even emails, it’s never stress. I can always sleep soundly. I guess I have never really done anything bad enough to merit me having sleepless nights.

Sometimes, though, if I think of something that I think could be important later, I get up and write it down straight away. I always go immediately back to bed then and soon fall asleep.

Do you have a favourite style of cuisine?
Generally, we drink as a way of helping us to appreciate food. We shouldn’t drink alone as that can be a sign of depression. You have to drink with friends generally or, at the very least, with a cigar as a way of alleviating any gloom. In terms of favouring a particular cuisine, well I don’t know. I like many different kinds of food. While I consider myself a very adventurous person, I wouldn’t go as far as to eat a scorpion or anything like that. I am adventurous, though, to the extent where I would try most things. Being in Hong Kong is fantastic for that – we are free to try a host of different things. A lot of people say “eat to live” but I live to eat. For me, that’s the best way of approaching it.

What’s the best birthday present you have ever been given?
That would have to be feeling the love of your friends all around you. I would say it’s never anything materialistic, it would have to be something more heartfelt. Material things only offer short-term happiness. The very best present you can ever have is having all your best friends and family around you. It is the best way to celebrate your birthday.

Do you believe in aliens?
I believe there is someone out there, but I am not sure what. I have heard that, apparently, Obama is going to make some kind of statement about extra-terrestrial life before the end of the year.

Did you learn anything at school that has never proved useful?
My parents told me one thing – they said: “We can give you anything you want in this world, but nothing will be as long lasting as education.” Education is the best gift you can ever be given without a doubt. This is especially the case if you have a chance to go abroad and learn about other cultures. At the time, you might not realise how much you are benefitting, but further down the road it will all come into focus.

When was the last time you went to the cinema?
I tend to go every Saturday. That is pretty much a weekly ritual with me. I like to get really immersed in a film for two hours or and so, imagining I am James Bond or someone. It’s great to be so entertained that you don’t even think about checking your phone. The last film I saw was the latest X-Men, but I always enjoy my cinema at the end of the week.

What do you look for in an ideal partner?
Love, understanding, the chance to have a heart-to-heart, passion. They’re all things that are hard to find – especially in Hong Kong. When you live here and you are sort of well-known about town, it’s very hard for you to find that other half, that person who is just right for you. You never really know whether there is an agenda or not. When I am overseas, then I can really enjoy myself because no one knows who I am. I can be free and have fun.

Thank You

Hidy Hi

Hidy Ng is the founder and design director of Hidy N.G, a Hong Kong-based global fashion label.

Click here to see Hidy Ng on video

Let’s start at the beginning, what was your childhood like?
Fashion was my childhood. I remember, when I was just six-years-old, my mother would let me dress myself when we went out for dinner. Once I cried like crazy, because she handed me the wrong colour dress. I apologised and said: “This is not my colour. I am sorry mother, but I need a pink dress”. In the end, my father had to take me out to buy just the right pink outfit before we could go out for dinner.

When I was around 12 or 13, I took a class in tailor making, a paper pattern class. I quickly learnt how to make a dress for myself. I then started to wear pieces I had made, all designed and sewn by me. From that time, I fell in love with fashion. When I wasn’t yet sure that I wanted to become a designer, I knew I loved fashion and dressing up.

I have always been very feminine. When I was 16 or so, I already loved high heels, chic dresses and going out. Even today, my collections are still very feminine.

So, you always had an eye for colours and patterns?
All my inspiration comes from colour. I find colour very powerful and it continues to be me inspiration.

Do you remember the exact moment you realised you wanted to be a fashion designer?
My first job was in a fashion house as a colour coordinator. I did the colour correction and editing, and eventually worked my way up to fashion design. As a matter of fact, this is my second job. I have had my own fashion house for twenty years now. I was in my first job for four years.

Why do you think your designs are quite so popular among celebrities?
I believe my designs embellish their beauty, whilst also being practical, stylish and fashionable. Certain celebrities, when they see one of my pieces, immediately know that it comes courtesy of Hidy N.G. My designs have a unique character. While I would say some brands are feminine, we do stylish femininity. It is all about the combination of character, personality and art that we combine in each piece.

What words describe your brand aesthetic?
“Arty”, “timeless” and “confident” are the words I would choose. They apply equally to the ladies who love our brand. It is very important for those who wear our collections that they identify with the brand’s profile. I want people to feel like a star, confident and arty whenever they wear one of my designs.

I find that when people look at women who wear our pieces, they always think they look rather special. My intention as a designer is to make ladies even more beautiful and bring out their natural beauty. When designing, femininity and elegance are always my watchwords. I even see certain celebrities – notably Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn – as my muses.

Do such muses inspire every collection? Are they always in your mind?
They are a big inspiration. These ladies inspire my very spirit. When I am designing, I think, how should I approach this? How should it be delivered? Whether I find a celebrity or a muse, they are often one and the same.

You have also won quite a few awards. What do they mean to you?
I think awards are a form of encouragement. They motivate me to take the next step. They act as a form of incentive for me to – hopefully – achieve the next milestone in my life. It’s a reminder that I need to continue to work hard

How do you think Hong Kong now ranks as a fashion centre?
Hong Kong is very small and some people say it is just a follower. I don’t believe that is true.

My brand is quite international. We aren’t followers, we are part of a trend wave. We have our own character and a well-defined identity. Sadly, though, I don’t think Hong Kong is a hugely important fashion city. It is, however, a beautiful city.

What’s the strangest thing you ever eaten?
A bug in China. I don’t know the name of it. It’s a fried bug and was mixed with other ingredients but I was still able to recognise it when it was served. While it has a good taste, if you know what it is, it is far from appetising. I am told it was relatively healthy, But I am still not sure I would eat it again.

What is the scariest situation you have ever found yourself in?
I am scared about the competitive nature of the fashion industry. In early September, when I have a show to prepare for and I only have 10 percent of the collection completed and I only have one month left, then I’m scared.

What club/s are you currently a member of?
The golf club in Deep Water Bay in Hong Kong, but I haven’t been there for seven years. I did play golf regularly, for a while but Sundays are busy for me as I go to church for most of the day.

What other sports do you enjoy?
I love swimming, even though I don’t have much time for it at the moment. I still swim quite regularly when I can. I used to swim for up two hours in the sea in Sai Kung. I loved that. With my timetable, it is quite difficult to schedule now.

What keeps you awake at night?
I would say the pressure of work, but also when I am upset with someone and I am unable to forgive them. Then I pray and ask god to give me the strength to forgive. And then I try to move on.

What’s the best birthday present you have ever been given?
Flowers. I remember, several years ago, I got 100 roses from my then husband. It was very special and quite a surprise. He placed all the roses in the kitchen area at breakfast time. He woke up very early in the morning, around 7 o’clock, and told me he had to go to work early that day. When I got up and went to the pantry, I was totally surprised.

What do you look for in an ideal partner?
I think my ideal partner would need to have a high IQ. I am not blessed with a particularly high IQ, so I need someone who can understand and tolerate me. They can’t be too emotional either because I am an emotional person. I need someone who is intelligent and patient. I tend to find that people who have a high IQ are also, generally, quite patient.

When was the last time you were sick?
Three weeks ago. I had the flu, which was quite horrible. I am fine now. My most serious illness was about 15 years ago. I had a problem with my thyroids. I was on prescription medication for about four years. Finally, I realised that the medicine was not helping me and my problems had more to do with my lifestyle.

I then learned to take things gently. Before that, I wanted everything done immediately. I learned that when I took things more slowly, it had a direct impact on my recovery. Nowadays, I take it easy. Before I was a perfectionist, I always asked for 90 percent or 100 percent. Now I can accept 70 percent. I think this is a good attitude for everyone to adopt. When you are young, though, you think everything has to be perfect.

When was the last time you got lost?
I am feeling a little lost right now, especially on the business side of things. The industry is going through a difficult time. Is it time for a change? What do I need to do to succeed in the future? What should I really be doing with my life? I am currently questioning my future, everything really. But I don’t think I am alone in thinking this. It is the same for a lot of people at the moment. The world moves too fast nowadays, especially from an economic perspective.

In fact, sometimes I think I would like to be a farmer. Nowadays when you eat something, you always have to question whether it has been genetically modified or not. People are changing everything. I prefer things to be natural. Many things are no longer in their original form. More often than not, things have been synthetically re-created.

My first art pieces were called Is it from God? God is perfect, while man is not. Now everything has changed, largely because of human intervention. When you go to the supermarket and buy tomatoes they are tasteless because we have modified them to be more economical to produce.

Who do you think is the greatest person to have ever lived?
I think that would have to be my mother. She was a source of great inspiration for me. Actually, my mother and I have a very similar personality and she influenced me a lot. She loved me and I loved her, which is very important. I didn’t enjoy a good relationship with her when I was young but, when I moved out, we built a different relationship. I now understood that a mother’s love is forever.

What does the future hold for Hidy N.G.?
For now, I am focusing on producing art. Last year I created my first art pieces. I plan to do a few art pieces per year and eventually hold an exhibition. While fashion is a form of art, the abstract art pieces I create are much more personal. For example, in fashion, I need to sell what I create, whereas my art tells a much more personal story.

I use the skills I learned in the fashion industry when it comes to creating my art pieces. Last year I made them all by hand, using printing, sewing and textiles to produce my first pieces. While I might keep some for myself, if someone is interested in buying them, they are for sale. In any case, I definitely look forward to exhibiting them.

Thank you.

Chak Mate

Ronald Chak is the managing director of Chak’s Investment and the organiser of the Hong Kong International Antiques Fair.

Click here to see Ronald Chak on video

How did you first become involved with investing in rare Chinese antiques?

My parents opened Chak’s Company in 1988. It specialised in Chinese ceramics, works of art and rare antiques. For my own part, as I was fairly good at working with figures, I decided I was destined for a career in economics and went off to study it at the University of Boston, later transferring to the University of Maryland. When I graduated, I then took on a job with the Bank of Communications.

As everybody knows, the finance markets pretty much went crazy between 2008 and 2010. At the time, I had very good relationships with a number of my clients and was eager to help them limit their exposure and potential losses. For the bank, though, it was a case of making the brokers do what was best for the bank rather than looking out for the clients. This policy soon eroded the relationships I’d worked so hard to build. Realising I was no longer in charge of my own destiny, I decided to go and work with my parents.

To date, I have learned an enormous amount about the industry through my folks. Now, I act very much in an advisory capacity, assuring clients that items are authentic and realistically priced. Here the relationships are far easier to maintain because the trust factor is there. If they don’t trust me, they won’t buy. It’s that simple. As I specialise in Ming and Ching dynasty porcelain, I travel quite regularly, visiting the US, the UK, France and Japan, as well as many of the major mainland cities.

Crying – a sign of weakness or a mark of strength?

I would have to say strength. You need courage to express your true feelings. Having had two children, I am now much more emotional than I used to be.

Who is your favourite film star?

Will Smith. I think he is a greater actor. I loved him in Independence Day. He seems like a very nice guy. I also like Matt Damon. They both seem very down-to-earth. everyone who’s worked with them seems to have good things to say about them. Without meaning any disrespect, they don’t have superstar good looks, but make up for it in terms of character. People can relate to them far more easily and they really show their human sides.

What’s the scariest situation you’ve ever been in?

That was something that happened recently. My daughter hit her head on the side of her bed and she needed to have stitches near her eye. If that happened to me, I wouldn’t really bother that much. I have had stitches before. When it came to her, though, I didn’t know what to do. She is my little girl, my little angel. Looking back, it seems far more dramatic than it really was. At the time, it seemed desperate. Anyway once I calmed down, I took her to hospital and arranged a plastic surgeon to do the stitches. There was a lot of guilt going on and also all those “what ifs…”

Can you play chess?

Yes, I can and I am quite good. I learned at high school. My tutor taught me how to play and, within two months, I was beating him on a regular basis. I really like Chinese chess too. In both games, you have to think several moves ahead. I find that both fun and interesting. It’s a sort of brain teasing exercise. Maybe that’s the reason I don’t like mah-jong.

Is there a brand would you never wear or own?

For me, that would probably be Versace. I like items that are plainer and a bit more subtle. Their stuff is too flamboyant. It has too many fancy colours and is too patterned. While I am sure it suits other people’s tastes – and maybe they can pull it off better – it doesn’t work for me. It just isn’t my style.

What is you least favourite form of transport?

I love cars. I own a Lamborghini and Mercedes. I also love motorcycles, but my parents were always against them. I suppose I think that yachts are really quite boring, but then I do quite like speed boats. I suppose I am addicted to speed.

What is your astrological sign?

I am a Sagittarius – late November. I actually know very little about the Zodiac signs, so don’t know whether I am typical of my star sign or not. People who do know about these things say that I am quite typical and often guess my sign from my character. I don’t know.

What was your best ever birthday present?

On my 18^th birthday, my uncle gave me a Rolex watch. I still have it to this day. It was my first ever Rolex and it seems to increase in value as it gets older. It was a Rolex GMT Master II in blue and red. I still cherish it. My dad, though, has never bought me any birthday presents. He is a very traditional sort of person and always says that men should never celebrate birthdays. I am not sure that is specifically a Chinese thing or whether it’s just my dad who feels that birthdays are just proof that you’re growing older and shouldn’t be celebrated.

Have you ever had a near death experience?

Yes, I have. Twice, actually. Once I was in Hawaii on vocation and I went sky diving and my parachute did not open fully. It was a very windy day, but suddenly the instructor saw a clearing in the cloud cover so we went. We dropped and I pulled the rip cord and a gust of wind made the parachute “candle stick.” I had to untwist the chute in mid-air, but I was down to about 4,000 feet before I could fully deploy. It should have been 8,000 feet. I ended up landing on a highway as I’d been blown off-course. The interesting thing was that I saw seven rainbows during that day’s jumping. When you see a rainbow from the ground they are, of course, arches. When seen from the sky, though, they are circles. I don’t sky dive any more – that scare did it for me. I am still a bit of an adrenaline junkie, though, and would love to do a bungee jump.

My second “experience” was also in Hawaii and came when I tried my hand at free diving. People had warned me not to swim outside the reef but, of course, I didn’t really take too much notice. I saw a very large rock fish and followed it as it swam out to sea. All of a sudden, I saw a host of other people with scuba gear around me. It was then that I realised that I was way past the reef. As I came to the surface, I kept on being hit by very heavy waves. These knocked my goggles off and I was soon swallowing water. As I tried to make my way closer to the reef to get something to anchor me, I kept on being pulled further out to sea. Eventually, I was able to get back to the reef and finally to the beach, but it was a very scary episode.

Can you change a fuse?

Yes, I can. I am usually quite a hands-on type of person. I enjoying fixing things and also seeing how they work.

Do you have a favourite Chinese saying?

I am always saying mo. man tai or “no problem” when I am talking to people. While it’s not my favourite saying, I seem to like it.

Sunrises or sunsets?

Sunrises. While I am not really a morning type person, for me sunrise is like a symbol of the beginning of something – a type of renewal. Sunsets signify the ending of something and that is always a little but depressing.

Is there anywhere you have never been but that you would love to visit?

Italy. I studied art history and Italy is so full of beautiful old buildings and sculptures. I think I would find it fascinating and have hankered after travelling there for a very long time. My best friend at college was Italian and has often urged me to visit. I also love Italian food. It is so delicious, but very fattening.

Do you believe in aliens?

I think the universe is huge and I can’t believe that we are the only form of intelligent life across its enormous expanse. Statistically, I fell that aliens must exist. There are so many billions of galaxies in our own universe and we are also told that ours is not the only universe. The chances are, then, that other forms of life have to exist.

Is there a word you use too often?

M’hai ah or “really.” It seems like I don’t actually believe what people are telling me. It’s not really that but I do often feel that people are exaggerating a bit. I suppose I say that as a way of double checking on what’s being said – like saying “you’re kidding.” In my field people are always trying to building things up to impress everyone.

What was your most extravagant purchase to date?

I suppose that would have to be my Lambo. It’s an Aventador RB700

Do you like fancy dress parties?

No, not really. I don’t really go to parties. I suppose I am not much of a party animal. I may have to get into fancy dress when my little daughter gets a little bit older.

Can you tell us a secret?

I am very bad at keeping them and so have nothing new to tell.

When did you last tell a white lie?

Two days ago. A good friend and client called, me supposedly seeking my advice. He always seems to know best about things and I realised that he was actually just seeking confirmation. I didn’t agree with what he was saying, but just said yes, yes, yes to keep him happy and get him off the line. I didn’t want to start an argument when I knew he’d already made up his mind.

Thank You

Spin Doctoring

Belinda Koo is the founder of XYZ, the Hong Kong home of spinning, the cycling-your-way-to-cardiovascular-health phenomenon that has already revolutionised fitness regimes in the US and Europe…

Click here to see Belinda Koo on video

What exactly is spinning and how you did you first become involved in this particular approach to fitness?

Spinning is a form of cardio exercise. It uses stationary cycling machines. Sometime overcomes the spaces problems inherent in Hong Kong. It is not a replacement for aerobics, weight training or any other form of exercise, but rather something of an alternative. I came to it through something as of a personal wake up call. I was diagnosed as having an irregular heartbeat, something I’d inherited from my father. Sadly, he passed away after a heart attack when he was just 42. While I had always been quiet active, I was now advised that I had to do some serious cardio-based training in order to build up my heart muscles. I began doing treadmill exercises, but found that quite boring and was always finding excuses to avoid a session. Then I heard about spinning and found it a far more exhilarating and fun format. It was then I decided to set up XYZ. Immediately, I found I was more in control. I was more confident and found I was far more able to sustain my routines.

We’ve now been in business for three years. Part of our success is that, as well as providing a badly needed form of cardio exercise, spinning replaces that boring, lone workout routine with a communal, competitive environment, one that people find much more exciting. There is music, a happy environment and great instructor participation – the verve and the vibe are addictive. Everyone becomes very competitive, pushing each other to get beyond their comfort zones and achieve more than they ever thought they could. Similarly, everyone suffers together. It becomes a communal thing and you don’t feel so bad about the pain. I think it is the group environment aspect that is one of its great pluses and it’s something that appeals to most participants.

Spinning has definitely taken off amongst the adult population and I am keen to start introducing it to the younger generation, getting them started on a good heart care regime at an early stage. I have three kids – 14, 12 and five – and I am keen to get other youngsters to take up the sport. It is so good for helping to establish the correct mind set. It instils confidence and moulds leadership qualities.

I am also committed to promoting wellness amongst Hong Kong people through correct nutrition. I have done quite a lot of work with raw foods, no additives and promoting cooking at no higher a temperature than 42° in order to retain the goodness that gets destroyed at higher levels of heat.

Who do you consider to be the greatest person to have ever lived?

For my own part, I would have to say my mum. She’s a great humanitarian. Despite having studied geology and sociology, she gave all that up to become a social worker and, when my father passed away, she took over his garment business. Three years ago, after I started this business, she had a stroke. She was in ICU for three months and we were told that she wouldn’t recover, but she did. Although wheelchair-bound she still tries to remain very active. She is very single-minded and committed and has always tried to give her children everything she can. She never complains about anything, despite her disability. Everything she does is for the good of the family. She’s trying to be both mother and father to all of us.

What three words would best describe you?

Positive, energetic and passionate. Those are the three words that best describe my personality.

Is there an historical event that actually changed your life?

Although not a historical event in the wider sense, I suppose it would have to be when I discovered the problem of my irregular heartbeat. That is what ultimately led to me setting up my fitness business. It definitely re-wired my brain and changed my whole outlook on life, exercise, health and things in general. It opened me up to a whole range of new opportunities and possibilities. None of this would have happened without that diagnosis. My mindset has changed and I am much more positive person as a result.

What’s your least favourite form of transport?

I suppose it would have to be the MTR. It is underground and people seem so distant. Everyone one seems so lost in their own little world. It all seems very rushed but also impersonal. There’s nothing to look at, no scenery and everyone is playing with their mobile phones. They look like a bunch of zombies. Having said that, though, I do love the efficiency of the MTR. It gets you where you need to go and quickly.

Are you a sports fan?

Yes, I certainly am. I love golf, snow skiing, snowboarding and many other outdoor sports. Essentially, I am an outdoors person. As a family, we go snowboarding in Japan and the kids love it. All of the other activities that follow a day out on the slopes are also great fun in Japan.

Which clubs are you currently a member of?

The China Club, the Jockey Club and the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club – those are the primary ones. I can also play golf at the Deep Water Bay Golf Club, which is very convenient for me. You meet a lot of business in the early morning, getting in a quick few holes before heading off for their hectic schedules.

Would you say you enjoyed fancy dress parties?

Definitely not. I don’t mind taking my youngest to one, but I am something of an introvert. Parties drain my energy. Strangely, I get far more energised during my “alone time”. This is when I can think and create. I am not good at mingling and making small talk.

Did you enjoy school?

I attended Marymount Secondary School and I didn’t like it. Later, I went to Canada for grades 12 and 13. It wasn’t until I began studying for my MBA that I actually began to start enjoying studying. The whole format was very different though. I had to do a lot of research, there were group discussions and everything was far more interactive than within the traditional education system. That is when it really began to appeal to me.

Where do your children go to school?

The two teenagers go to ISF (Independent School Foundation) in Cyberport. They are in the seventh and eighth grade. My youngest attends Highgate House up on the Peak. There they use the Waldorf Method of teaching. I really like that because they allow the kids to experiment and be creative – they really nurture them.

What keeps you awake at night?

I am quite a creative person. When I have a new project I find that I can’t stop thinking about new ideas, even after I’ve gone to bed. I get so excited that I can’t sleep. I want to wake everyone up to brainstorm these new ideas. It’s not worry or nerves that keeps me awake but my creative juices. I end up sending out emails to my staff in the middle of night – it’s crazy. I suppose I am a very spontaneous person. I certainly believe in the “power of now.”

Can you play chess?

I have a weekly chess game with my teacher every Thursday. I love the strategy and planning that goes into a good game of chess. I enjoy the possibilities that arise as you plan which is the most advantageous move to make. Studying how other people plan and implement their moves is also a fascinating exercise. It mimics a lot of what happens in real life and can help when strategising in a business environment. I never used to think in this way before I started playing chess, but I’ve found it an enormous help in my business of late. It’s really opened up my mind to explore new possibilities and different avenues.

Which do you consider to be the most over-paid profession?

I think a lot of celebrities get paid far too much for what they do. While they create stories and content, for sure, sometimes what they are producing is of questionable value to society in general. Many of these people have a great deal of power and influence and it could be channelled in far more useful and productive directions. Instead they often get paid enormous amounts of money to help promote things like watches or beauty products. That seems like such a waste.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I believe that, with a little help and encouragement, we can all help others to exceed beyond their perceived potential. It’s something I am always trying to achieve. So, I’d like to be remembered as someone who was always trying to help others succeed and to shine.

Do you keep a diary?

No, not now. I use my Instagram account as a type of pictorial diary. The pictures help me remember what I did and also how I felt at a specific time. It seems to be a far better memory aid than a diary ever used to be.

Apart from your current role, is there another job that you would like to do?

I’d love to be a life coach – something similar to the role Anthony Robbins fulfils. I read his books when I was quite young. If I can’t help empower people physically then I’d like to empower them mentally. Leadership training would be the ideal role for me.

English or Cantonese?

I am fluent in both and feel at ease with either. I suppose it all depends on who I am dealing. When it comes to more emotional issues, I find I switch to Cantonese.

Thank you

The Destiny Calling

David Yeh Jr. runs the Destiny Research Institute, a coaching service specialising in helping family businesses.

Click here to see David Yeh Jr. on video

What inspired you to get into relationship coaching?

At one time, my father owned the Universal Matchbox Group, manufacturers of die-cast toys. He’d managed a leveraged buy-out when the company went Chapter 11 in the early 1980s. I’d always envisaged following him into the business, so I was totally shocked one day when he took me to a smart office on Fifth Avenue in New York. A whole lot of suited gentlemen were sat around a table and he told them – and me – that he was merging the business. He told me I was too young and too inexperienced to take it on. While I realised that he was tired and really not up to running the firm any longer, I also saw my dreams flying out of the window.

I duly went off and got qualified, then got a job with BNP, the French national bank, where I stayed for about three years. I started at the ground level as a credit officer and later rose to be manager of the China desk. That job taught me an awful lot about global business and has set me in very great stead ever since. I even ran my own investment company for a few years.

I suppose it was the shock of my father not talking to me earlier and explaining his reasons for getting rid of the company that persuaded me to get involved in helping family businesses communicate better. I lost both my mother and my wife to cancer some years ago – it was a very challenging period in my life – and I wasn’t able to devote enough time to my business.

Tommy, a very good friend of mine, persuaded me to use my talents and put the experience I had in dealing with my varied problems to good use. I had been on several of the Tony Robbins, the US-based motivational speaker, courses and he became my mentor for some 10 years. In 2014 I decided to launch the Destiny Research Institute (DRI) and am very happy with what I am doing now and really enjoying the whole process hugely.

Crying – a sign of weakness or of strength?

I definitely think it is not a sign of weakness. Often, we have to express our emotions through sadness. Crying is one of our release mechanisms, a sort of safety valve. Keeping your emotions bottled up can actually be quite dangerous. People often oscillate between sadness and anger – they both get us into a vicious cycle. Actually, crying can be a means of expression in both cases.

What is your greatest indulgence?

This depends a lot on the time of my life you are talking about. I used to enjoy many of the finer things in life, nice fast cars, good wines, fine cigars and visiting all the most exotic places. Having been through what I have in recent years, though, that has all changed drastically. I am now far more concerned with spending really meaningful and magic moments with my loved ones – that is far more important to me. I now feel that time is one of the most precious of commodities. We don’t know what our lifespan is going to be or how long we’ll be around, so we must treasure all the moments we can. The loss of my mother and my wife certainly taught me that.

What has been your most extravagant purchase?

That would be my Maybach car, something I bought a few months ago. I’ve always been a bit car crazy. I seldom change cars but, whenever I do, it seems to be in the middle of economic downturn. I don’t know if it is some sort of curse that I have on me. Sometimes, I wonder if I should immediately sell all my stocks when I buy a new car. It is a great car, though, and I really like it. I’ve always been quite partial to Mercedes sedans and, now that the S class has morphed into the Maybach, I think it has made for a superb machine. It has lots of room. I feel that it’s actually the Mercedes equivalent of a Rolls Royce or a Bentley.

Have you had a near-death experience?

Well, not me personally, but I have watched two of my closest family members pass away right before my eyes. I can still relate to the last moments of both those people. For quite a time, I could still remember all those vivid images that I had in the hospital. That taught me to look at time in a very different way and realise how precious it really is. Sometimes, it takes awful things like that to actually turn you around and point you in the right direction.

What do you look for in an ideal partner?

I think I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I met my soul-mate when I was in my 20s. I only dated twice and then I met my late-wife and we dated for about eight years and we were then married for nearly 11 years. Those years were filled with beautiful moments. Throughout that time, I learned what real relationships are all about. I learned all about truly understanding people.

I have been single again for a few years now and have been dating again. Some of it has been fun and some of it has been painful. The other person must be able to understand your needs and has to understand what is impotant to you. You both have to share the same beliefs as two loving souls together, otherwise the relationship is doomed to fail. A very loving and most passionate relationship is very important, as is exploring new places together and meeting new people.

Having lost my soul-mate, I did question whether I would ever find that special person again. Luckily, I have surrounded myself with good and positive people. They’ve encouraged me, telling me that I am still young, at 39, and that I will find someone who is right for me. They encourage me to carry on.

Who is your favourite film star?

As a man, I have always liked James Bond. He’s a man that all other men look up to – always very stylish. Women want to date him and men want to be him. Of all the people who played James Bond, I think I liked Piers Brosnan the most. He also starred in the Thomas Crown Affair. He was really quite great in that too.

Is there a word that you think you overuse?

That’s a difficult one, but I think it would be the word “certainty.” Everyone needs certainty within their heart and without it they tend to lose direction. I actually tend to talk to people in my business by expressing that we need to have absolute “certainty” about where we’re going in life, what’s our purpose and so on. I think it is a word that I really do tend to use very often, maybe a bit too much. It is very much connected with what I do with my empowerment classes so it is quite difficult to get away from it.

What is your astrological sign?

Aries, my birthday is 15 April. I think that I am very typical of this star sign. There are some very prominent characteristics of Aries that I know I possess, but there are also some others that I want to aspire to.

Are you a good listener or good talker?

I was a very good talker in my younger days. I was always good at talking to people and socialising at events. More recently, I think, I have turned into more of a listener. Being a good listener is so important, especially for women. Men are much better at telling people what to do. When women feel that someone is listening to them and understanding what they need, they feel much safer and better appreciated. I think that I still need to talk a lot at work, but I think I have become a communicator rather than just a talker. There is a real difference between the two. You need to know your audience.

When did you last tell a white lie?

In doing what I do, I have to tell a lot of stories that illustrate a point that I am trying to get over. So, occasionally, I think there may be a white lie or two in there. I make sure that it doesn’t detract from the belief system that I am trying to explain. There’s certainly no malicious intent.

Korea or Japan?

I have never been to Korea. I go to Japan fairly frequently and am starting to explore it much more. I used to just go to Tokyo. Recently, I have been to Okinawa, Osaka, Kobe and a number of other cities. I have always found Japan very ordered, very neat and very tidy. The language barrier isn’t as bad as it used to be in the 1990s.

Which, in your mind, is the most over-paid profession?

This one is tough. I wouldn’t want to pick out any particular profession. Instead, I would say that anyone who is not giving their best in terms of the service they are offering is over-paid. Lots of people have a lot of talent but they charge far too much and are not good value for money.

Do you believe in the death penalty?

I feel everyone should be given a chance and an opportunity to consider and reflect on what they’ve done. If they can be incarcerated for a long time, then it is probably an even worse punishment. The death penalty doesn’t seem to be the deterrent that it once was.

What’s your favourite drink?

Just like James Bond, I like a martini, but I prefer a gin martini. It’s very much a man’s drink.

What do you think is the worst piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

When my late-wife was suffering from considerable back pain, I was told that it was just a slipped disk. We took that as professional advice and so we put off seeking further advice. I now wish that we’d been more sceptical and had sought other opinions earlier. Would the outcome have been different? I am not sure.

What was your best birthday present ever?

My current girlfriend threw a surprise birthday party for me. She took me to a place where I didn’t quite know what to expect. The place was all decked out with balloons, which took me back to my childhood. We had a wonderful steak meal – my favourite – and a very good bottle of Bordeaux. It was very memorable for me.

Thank You

The Pheres Factor

Narcisa Pheres runs her own Tokyo-headquartered Italian fashion house with studios around the world. She also designs and sells jewellery, while advising on investing in fine art and even finer wines.

Click here to see Narcisa Pheres on video

You are involved in quite a range of business sectors. Why do you think your career has proved to be quite so eclectic?

I am a professionally-certified diamond expert and jewellery designer and so, about 18 years ago, I began buying diamonds for Japanese collectors. A number of the buyers liked the centre stone, but not the jewellery itself. They would then ask me to re-design it for them. That was the beginning of my jewellery line. Later, I became quite interested in fashion design. So off I went to Milan to study the design aspect of fashion, then to London to learn more about the marketing side. Ultimately, this led me to launching my men’s fashion line in Tokyo some 10 years ago.

Given my background, I get invited to lecture on investing in jewellery and gem stones, as well as in fine art and wines. I recently organised one of the largest purchases of impressionist art outside of Europe. It was a very complicated project, but also quite fascinating. Given a choice, I prefer to deal in the old masters and rarely handle any contemporary art – unless, of course, I know the artists personally.

I also advise film stars, politicians, celebrities and even royalty as to how to dress for success or just how to dress to impress. Most of my clients know what they want and I just add a hint of colour and that extra finishing touch. You only ever have a few seconds to create a first impression – one that must last – so it’s vitally important to get it right. People need something to remember you by, that special element that makes all the difference. It’s a part of my work that I really thoroughly enjoy.

Sentient robots – ever on the cards or purely the stuff of sci-fi?

I work with someone who is very involved with robotics and artificial intelligence and so I am sure that will come to pass. The current thinking is that robots will be able to make decisions at a certain level, but probably not as intelligently as humans. Many of our own decisions, however, are based on statistical analysis and that’s something robots can handle with ease.

If you had your own TV show, what would you like it to be about?

Well, I have had a few and I know what they were about. I think now, though, I would change my direction. I’d love to host a show about travel and lifestyles. I enjoy travel and I am doing a lot of work now with spas, while also looking at exploring exotic places. It would be great to introduce some of the more interesting destinations to people. There are too many fashion shows on TV nowadays, though, and sadly they are mass-produced and lacking in any real quality. I would like to integrate fashion into lifestyle, while also considering its wider impact. All the current street fashion, for instance, is non-biodegradable and, in its own way, it is helping to destroy the earth. Fads change too quickly, so clothes become out-dated while they are still virtually new. I want to make fewer clothes, but of a higher quality so people will wear them for longer. I would like to mix these ideas up with, travel, food, eco-friendly living and green hotels. I’d like to show you can have a good life, be fashionable and still be “green.”

What’s your take on the current crop of reality shows?

Project Runway, to be fair, did help a number of aspiring designers to suddenly become well known. America’s Next Top Model also did some good for the beauty industry. I am less convinced of the value of things like Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It displays the fashion world in the most negative way. Suddenly these people have become muses for all the famous fashion shows. It’s quite sad. Up and coming brands are using these sort of people to get their messages across on social media. If they have these people in mind when they are designing their latest looks, then the whole fashion world is in trouble.

When did you last go to the cinema?

I went a few weeks back. I like to have a Saturday movie night every now and again. The last one I remember seeing was The Martian. That was quite a while ago now though.

Is there a word that you feel you use too often?

“Amazing” – it is something I am always saying. I suppose it is better than “awesome” or “bloody.” I like that word. It relates to my state of mind. It is a very happy word and I’m a happy person. I find it can also be used in so many different instances.

What’s the worst advice that you’ve ever been given?

I am sure there’s been lots of such advice, but I never listen. I generally like to make my own mistakes. I suppose quite often, when I ask for advice, I am actually looking for confirmation of something I’ve already decided about. My husband always says to me: “Why do you ask me when you already have the answer?” I tell him that I have to check that my decision is right. If I make a mistake, then I really only have myself to blame.

Where do your children go to school?

They go to Beacon Hill School – part of the English Schools Foundation. We live near Kowloon Station, so we are in the capture area for that school. I am really happy with it. My eldest daughter – my seven-year-old – loves the school. The younger one is just five so doesn’t understand much yet. The school really promotes creativity and encourages art, playing the piano, public speaking, anything like that. They also stage debates, which I think is amazing for seven year olds. They are always exploring and discovering new things.

In your view, who is the greatest person to have ever lived?

Oh there are so many. Probably at the top of my list would be the great Greek mathematicians and philosophers – Plato and Socrates – or some of the more recent scientific figures, Einstein, Galileo, Edison, Da Vinci … Da Vinci was one of the most incredible. You have to wonder just how he had the time to do all the science-related things that he did, as well as his paintings. We mustn’t forget other amazing people, though, people like Mother Teresa. Greatness really depends on how you change other people’s lives – what you leave behind.

Do you believe in the death penalty?

As a punishment, no. I don’t think anything gives us the right to kill. Imprisonment for life I understand. Take away a person’s freedom, but not their life. That makes us no better than the people we are trying to punish. I don’t see that it’s ever proved to be a deterrent. Life imprisonment gives people a long time to think about what they’ve done and is actually a far more severe form of punishment in many ways.

Which do you think is the most overpaid profession?

Banking. Look at the whole financial meltdown. Everyone was just focused on getting their bonuses and were too bullish on the markets. It’s a different story now, but a lot of people got hurt back in 2008 on account of all that greed. Plastic surgery is another overpaid profession. It does absolutely nothing for humanity. I can accept reconstructive surgery after an accident or an injury. The whole plastic surgery thing is quite prevalent in the fashion arena due to the superficial nature of the industry and the huge insecurities that go with it. Then again, the whole fashion industry is based on other people’s insecurity.

Is there a TV show you particularly detest?

I suppose I don’t really hate anything on TV that much. If I am not enjoying something, I just turn off the TV. Hong Kong could do a lot better in terms of TV. They should do more to promote travel and Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, all those little things that make this place so absolutely unique.

What was your most extravagant purchase?

A chinchilla coat that I bought in Saks on Fifth Avenue earlier this year. I needed something warm for a ball that I was attending in Monte Carlo in March. I felt rather guilty afterwards. It was just a small bolero coat.

What is in your handbag right now?

Credit cards, my driving licence, some money – in a number of different currencies. I don’t know why I always have a certain amount of US dollars with me. Some make-up, some extra jewellery for the photo shoot today, an Octopus card, my laptop computer and two phones. One is my personal phone and the other one takes better pictures, which is important in my line of business.

What’s your greatest indulgence?

Oh I have a few. I love chocolate. I’d like to say spas, but no, its chocolate – especially dark chocolate made from more than 70 percent cocoa. I also like many of the Japanese chocolates – the ones with spices inside. The Japanese make some of the most amazing – that word again – chocolates. I also love good wine and cheese, especially the wines from the Bordeaux region. I also love good champagne. I try and have a champagne brunch every weekend if I can.

Are you a good listener or good talker?

I don’t think I am a good listener. I admit it. I tend to listen at the beginning and get an idea of what is needed. As I am usually operating in an advisory role, I am expected to talk more. I listen a lot when I am with friends.

What is your favourite style of food?

Japanese, without a doubt, though I am also very partial to fine French cuisine. I especially like duck à l’orange. As a lover of seafood, I am very found of sushi and sashimi. When I am in Japan, I go to those little tiny corner family-style restaurants. You find you’re always in for something of a surprise. There are some places where they have no menu. They just ask if you have any allergies and then make a special dish to surprise you. I love that sort of thing.

Do you keep a diary?

Yes, I do. I like to go back and read things over again. Even my daughter keeps a diary. It is such a busy world. Sometimes I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast, let alone what I did yesterday. I feel duty-bound to write things down for posterity.

Thank you.

Primo Supremo

Andy Wong is the founder and chairman of the Primo Group, one of Hong Kong’s leading creative and design businesses.

Click here to see Andy Wong on video

Can you tell us a little about the history behind the Primo Group of companies, in particular how they have evolved over the years?

I had worked in the interior design field for some five years and learned much about managing such a company. Then, in 2009, my business partner and I felt the time was right to go it alone. Every designer dreams of one day running their own business and making their individual mark. We began with Primocasa Interiors– a full-package interior design company, offering a wide-range of architectural services and technical back up. We decided to carve out our own niche in the luxury residential market. Just like a doctor, we wanted to specialise.

One of the problems I’d encountered along the way was sourcing kitchen equipment that fitted in with my design ethos. As I’d travelled a lot in Europe, I was able to source a number of high-end products that I felt were synergistic with what I was trying to achieve. This led to the launch of Primo Kitchen in 2014. This was the culmination of two full years of research in order to make sure I had got the balance just right.

Aside from the overall design of a luxury home, the accessories are the most important part of the look. A poor choice of decorations can ruin everything, just as bad make-up can spoil a beautiful face. This thinking led us to launch Primo Living in 2015. We now have a team that works with clients to help them choose those decorations that will complement the design as well as each other. These new ventures have both become integral to our overall business model.

Club Primo, one of our more recent ventures, was started almost by accident. One day, while I was out having a drink in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), a friend asked me when I was going to open a bar of my own. I suddenly thought “Why not?” Our establishment is very different to most of those in LKF. I designed the layout, but also created a special drinks menu, chose the music and worked on the whole ambience. I wanted to create something unique. I think I’ve achieved what I set out to do. Now I am thinking of opening another one.

My latest venture, though, is acting as the pan-Asian distributor a well-known watch brand called Snyper. I was lucky enough to meet the company’s CEO and, after getting to know each other, he asked me to represent the brand for him. We recently opened our first shop in Hong Kong, with a Beijing outlet coming very soon. These are mid-range watches that sell for between HK$60,000 and HK$800,000. We act as the distributor and sell through agents in each region.

How would you define your particular management style?

I like to ensure my team is happy. This means they will perform at their best. We tend to group solve issues so that we are all on the same page. I monitor what’s going on from wherever I am and take care that all parties have everything they need. To me communication – internally and with clients – is absolutely essential.

Which person, living or dead, do you most admire?

I would have to say my parents. Sadly, I can’t spend that much time with them as they live in Toronto. Despite this, we still communicate regularly. I owe them a great deal and, despite the distance, we are very, very close.

What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

I ate mealworms in China once. I wasn’t keen, but a friend pushed me into it. Actually, it wasn’t that bad. They are quite sweet, which makes it bit easier on the palate. I only ate one, though, and wasn’t tempted to go back for more.

Have you had a near-death experience?

When I was a teenager, I was involved in a horrendous car accident in the deep snow. I smashed my forehead as the car crashed. I was in hospital for about three weeks with a broken leg. It was a real wake-up call and one that really inspired me to make the best of my life. You have to live it to the fullest and not waste the time you’ve been given.

Did you enjoy your school days?

I did. I enjoyed the interaction with all of my classmates. I am quite a social person and always like to be part of a big group. I like company and sharing good times with people. I also enjoyed the learning process and found my studies very satisfying. The seeds of my interest in a design career were sown back then. I was always full of ideas and used to bounce these off my schoolmates, usually taking on board the feedback and suggestions that they offered.

What was the least useful part of your education?

I learned many good things at school. While school doesn’t teach you everything, it is a very good training ground in how to apply those things you learn in later life. I suppose most of what I learned early on has helped in some way or another, particularly with regard to formulating ideas, analysing problems and making the right decisions.

Do you have a favourite colour?

Personally, I like black. Of course, being a designer I also like a wide range of other colours, but my first love would always be black. If I buy a car, it’ll be a black one. I think it’s because I am a guy and want to look cool. I also have a preference for shiny colours rather than mattes.

How would you like to be remembered?

When the time comes, I want all my friends to think of the great times that we had together. I want to be remembered by my family as a good and loving son and I want people to think of me as a happy person, one that was always trying to make others happy too. In terms of my work, I’d like people to remember that I did everything with a 100 percent commitment. I’d also hope that my designs would form part of my legacy.

What is your favourite book?

I like biographies. I found Steve Jobs’ life story very inspirational. He really did change the world. There is also a book called Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s all about psychology, self-help, spirituality and the power of positive thinking. It is one of those inspirational books that makes you feel everything is possible if you only want it badly enough.

Would you describe yourself as a sports fan?

Absolutely. I love soccer and I also love ice hockey. I still try to play soccer at least once a week.

When it comes to vehicles, any pet hates?

Motorcycles. I think they’re too dangerous. Having once had a bad accident I am opposed to anything that I feel is dangerous. With a motorcycle there’s nothing between you and the road. There just isn’t any real degree of protection.

When was the last time that you got lost?

I really can’t think. I have a very good sense of direction. Once, when I went jet-skiing way out to sea, I suddenly lost all idea of where I was heading. There were no real landmarks for me to work out my position. I just calmed myself down, tried to figure out where I’d gone wrong, then I quickly regained my bearings. You must always keep cool and not panic when this sort of thing happens.

What do you consider to be the most over-paid profession?

Lawyers. No matter whether they win or lose a case, they still get paid. They also charge you by the minute, even for quick emails and phone calls. It all rather unfair.

Favourite film star?

I think, amongst the Hong Kong stars, it would have to be Jackie Chan. He is so representative of the city. He’s a great all-rounder – a good actor, a great kung-fu star and also a talented comedian. He’s such a good ambassador for Hong Kong. He’s also had far more success in Hollywood than most other Hong Kong actors. I think that says a lot about his abilities.

Which words do you overuse?

“I see.” I reply to everything by saying: “I see.” I can’t really think of how else I could respond when people are trying to explain things. It does sound a bit repetitive and tedious though.

What was the scariest situation you’ve ever been in?

It must have been my car accident. I remember the doctor saying that I might never walk again. I was only about 17 years old and that scared the hell out of me. I might never play football again.

When was the last time you went to the cinema?

Last month. I went to see Room. It is a fantastic film based on a true story. It’s all about a girl who was kidnapped, then kept in a single room for seven to eight years. She had a son while she was kept prisoner. I like to watch a good movie. It really helps me relax.

Are you a good listener or good talker?

I’d say a better talker. Possibly because I have been on management courses to help me lead and inspire people. I am a very organised person and so like to get others doing things. I suppose I like to give orders. I have to talk a lot in my business, explaining my ideas and thoughts. I do listen well to other peoples’ advice and ideas, though.

Do you have a particular saying that resonates with you?

“Congratulations.” I like to use it whenever I can. It really helps to encourage and motivate people. It means so much and costs so little.

Thank You

Life of Prime

A great-grand daughter of the founder of KMB, Amanda Lui began her career with the family business, before launching Prime, now one of Hong Kong’s leading leisure and lifestyle public relations consultancies.

Click here to see Amanda Liu on video

What was your first job?

Working in the Traffic Department of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (KMB). It was my job to go out and queue up every morning – come rain or shine, in the heat and the cold – and check if the buses were running on time. According to my father, this was the best way for me to get to know how the bus captains and passengers felt. It actually gave me a great grounding. When I later went to work in the PR section – and had to deal with complaint letters – I could really appreciate the overall situation.

What about your parents? What were their occupations?

Well, my great-grandfather founded KMB, so everyone on my father’s side of the family worked there. My mum, though, was born in Australia, then went on to work as a nurse in Sydney. She was just 18 when she married my dad. She then moved to Hong Kong and got heavily involved in charity work.

She didn’t just work as a fundraiser. She actually got directly involved with helping the disabled. A lot of her time was spent at the Caritas Hospital where she worked with cerebral palsy sufferers. Her training as a nurse meant she was able to teach the volunteers a lot about the special care required.

It was through her work that she met and fell in love with a little three-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. My parents went on to adopt him and he thus became my brother. He’s now 27 years old.

Later, when the Vietnamese refugees started arriving in Hong Kong, she used to go to the internment camps to teach the kids English. This improved their chances of being adopted and taken overseas. Even today, she still gets thank you letters from some of those children.

I inherited her commitment to charities. One that I always try to support is the Faith in Love Foundation, run by Gigi Chao – a very great friend of mine – and Sean, her partner. Gigi is now arranging to take my handicapped brother for a helicopter ride for his birthday. It has always been his dream and she’s making it happen for him. She does a lot of good work with severely handicapped children. She truly is one of Hong Kong’s unsung heroes.

Is there any profession you consider particularly overpaid?

Sports players. Especially those footballers who get transferred to clubs on multi-million dollar contracts. While I respect their ability, I genuinely doubt that the players are really worth that sort of money, especially when compared with other specialist professions. In the case of golfers, though, I don’t resent the amount of prize money they can win. They have to put in so much time and effort before they eventually turn professional. It’s really more like a return on their investment.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I seek advice a lot, but usually from my parents or other members of my family. I genuinely don’t recall them ever giving me any bad advice. Maybe I’ve just been lucky with the people I’ve asked. My folks have always been my “go to” people for advice. I’ve sought their take on just about everything – work, studies, boyfriends…

For my part, I am often quite hesitant about giving advice, especially with regard to relationships, as I feel I only usually know one side of the story. When someone talks about a problem, they are often really talking to themselves and looking for confirmation about a decision they have already formulated in their own mind.

Is there a particular TV programme that you actively dislike?

There isn’t, actually, really much decent TV to watch in Hong Kong these days. I definitely believe the market should be opened up. For the past few days I’ve been watching the new Viu channel. It is really quite good. I have a lot of friends who work at TVB, both actors and actresses, but many of them are now moving to China.

When I was living in Shanghai, I watched only local programmes, largely because cable TV was either too expensive or just not available in many areas. The dramas, game shows and other programme were really good and not because of the use of CGI or anything. They were just well shot, well thought out and had good dialogue.

Sadly, Hong Kong seems to be stuck in something of a time capsule, happy just to copy anything that is coming out of America. The mainland talent shows are just so much better. They put so much effort into them. It’s the same with Korea’s K-Pop shows. In Hong Kong, they just try to turn things round for a quick buck without making much effort.

If you could make your own TV show, what format would you opt for?

Actually, I used to host my own TV show when I was Chief Operating Officer of RoadShow, the channel I set up while I was working for KMB. Initially, we bought programming from the likes of the BBC, but we really wanted to localise our content and decided to create some in-house programming.

At first, we struggled to find the right talent. We then started working with the Emperor Group (a Hong Kong based media and trading conglomerate) and their new singers would come on to do the hosting for us. Our 2.2 million audience of bus passengers meant they were bound to get noticed. By the time they produced their first album, they were already well-known.

I then started hosting my own programme, typically featuring sports, cooking, quizzes and facts about Hong Kong. I really enjoyed it and people began to think that I was a TV host, rather the COO of the company. Some of my friends said I should have had my own talk show. So, in answer to the question, I would love my own chat show, a comedic one like Conan O’Brien’s.

Do you have a Chinese saying you particularly treasure?

I do, but it doesn’t really make sense in translation. It’s chi sin, chi sin – literally meaning “crazy, crazy.” I use it as an off-hand reaction. When I was very young, my best friend – the singer Karen Mok – and I always used that phrase. We took the bus to the Diocesan Girls’ School together every day and we started saying this about anything that bugged us. It wasn’t meant in a bad way but just to vent how we were feeling. Once, after we hadn’t seen each for many years, we met up again in Hong Kong and we immediately started using that phrase again. It was chi sin.

guest101

Who do you regard as one of history’s most formidable characters?

Nelson Mandela. I went to South Africa about five years ago and took a trip out to the prison on Robben Island where he had been held. I stood in the tiny cell that had been his home for all those years and looked out of its tiny window. I was so amazed that, instead of becoming very bitter, he became such an inspirational leader and statesman.

Are you one of nature’s singers?

No. Listen to my voice. I don’t even have a very feminine tone. I clearly missed out on the singing gene. My cousins – James and William – both sing beautifully. James is always making recordings and William can just stand up and sing anytime, anyplace. And he often does.

Are you a keen diary keeper?

That was one of my habits when I was growing up, at least until I went to school in Vancouver. Then I realised that my parents had found them and read them while I was away. When I returned from high school, they knew so much about me that they weren’t supposed to. While they didn’t mean to pry, they did find what was in them hilarious.

What’s your astrological sign?

I am a Pisces. My birthday is at the end of February. Typically, we are supposed to be romantic, head-in-the-clouds types and super creative. I think that’s true of me. The sign for Pisces is two fish, one swimming up and the other swimming down. I’ve met several Pisces people that are very laid-back, like the downward swimming fish. I am one of those that is always swimming upwards. I’m very competitive.

When did you last go to a press launch?

Yesterday – I went to the launch of Ruco, Karen Mok’s new line of rubber shoe. She is collaborating with Judy Yu (the founder of Carsac, a luxury products distributor) on the design of a whole new collection. It’s a strange question as I now work in PR myself. After leaving RoadShow, I went off to Shanghai to study Mandarin. I liked the place so much I stayed and opened my own events management company. When I finally returned to Hong Kong, I decided to move into public relations, something I’d been involved with at KMB. The upshot of that was Prime, my own PR company.

Do you have a favourite book?

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. It’s all about 9/11, but you only realise that when you’re quite far into it. It revolves around a little boy living in New York in this imaginary world. It turns out his father was killed during the Twin Towers attack. It’s very moving and one of those stories that draws you back in time and again. I’ve read it about four times.

What would you look for in an ideal partner?

Honesty, first and foremost. They would also need to have good sense of humour, one which matches mine, giving them a good outlook on life. They should also be driven and have a real aim in life, some goal they really want to achieve.

Have you been unfortunate enough to have a near-death experience?

No, but I have had an “awakening” experience while sky diving. I am normally a very happy sort person but, a few years ago, I was at a very low point. I went to visit my folks in Australia and my cousin suggested I do a sky dive. It proved hugely exhilarating. It made me feel so small, but so alive. It put all my problems into true perspective.

Clockenchap

Justin Sweeting is the director of music at Magnetic Asia, the company behind Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s annual music and arts festival.

Click here to see Justin Sweeting on video

How did Clockenflap come about?

It’s basically an arts festival that is held every year, a celebration of both art and culture. It showcases some wonderful music and art to likeminded people across Hong Kong. It came about because there really wasn’t anything of this sort in Hong Kong back when we launched it in 2008. We felt that such a stylish and cosmopolitan city needed something like this, so it was very much designed with Hong Kong in mind. It’s very rooted in the local culture. It is not centred on any specific artist or band, but is home to a truly eclectic mix, with the aim of taking the audience on a journey of discovery. The festival has grown from 1,500 people to about 60,000 last year. We are not trying to be a mega festival and we’re quite comfortable with its current scale.

We are, however, looking at expanding across the greater Asian region. Last year, for instance, we launched Neon Lights, a sister event in Singapore. Overall, I’d say our success isn’t really attributable to any one particular thing, but rather the coming together of many elements at the same time. We seem to have hit on the right formula, one that truly resonated with the Hong Kong audience. As a result, we are now planning to stage more events throughout the course of the year.

We’ve found that many of the artists we’ve invited are usually keen to reappear, while we’re also now on the radar of many of the agencies and managers of specific artists and bands. Artists also introduce us to other artists, so people are now approaching us rather than the other way around. It’s a nice position to be in. Over the years, we’ve featured Niall Rogers, New Order, Cool and the Gang, Rat-a-Tat, the Earth Wind and Fire Experience, Franz Ferdinand, Flaming Lips and Churches, to name but a few. We’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop this idea.

Is there a TV show you particularly dislike?

I don’t watch much TV, so I feel there’s no time for bad TV, especially as there is so much good quality content around. When I do watch the TV, it often involves binging on box sets. In principle, the continual rise of reality TV is something that has not benefitted the industry. If people like to watch it, though, well good for them.

What would be your ideal Saturday?

I have a young family, so weekends are particularly precious to me. My eldest daughter has just turned five, so, of a Saturday, we often go out for a hike or to somewhere like Ocean Park. I’ll probably spend the morning with her. I also have two-year old twins, so that means I have to be very aware of everything that’s going on. All the clichés are completely true, though – it’s the best thing in the world. When they were born, my happiness meter went up to levels that I didn’t know I had. It is hard work, but also so very, very rewarding too.

When was the last time you got lost?

I honestly can’t really remember. I call my wife “The GPS” because she has a great sense of direction. She has a sort of natural instinct for directions and so always keeps me on course.

Sunrises or sunsets?

While they are both glorious, I am definitely a morning person, so have to choose sunrises. They seem like one of those secret things that only the old and the birds know about. I am a big fan of getting up early and getting a good start on the day. I like to go to bed early and rise early, but the nature of my work means I am often out a lot later than I’d prefer. Left to my own devices, I’d be in bed really early. We are very lucky as we live on Discovery Bay and thus get to see the sunrise every morning. Some of them are truly fabulous.

When was the last time you were sick?

I am very lucky and rarely get sick, often to the point of frustration for the people around me. I suppose growing up on street food and soup in Hong Kong gave me a strong immune system. I was born and raised here. I really can’t remember the last time I went to the doctor. It has probably been a few years ago by now.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don’t see that many movies these days, largely because I have really young kids. I do sometimes watch movies with my daughter, but that’ll be something like The Chipmonks or Minions. The last one I saw, I think, was the latest Star Wars movie which I watched with friends. That was one I really wanted to go and see as I’m a big Star Wars fan, though I did have mixed feelings about it afterwards. While the look and feel was incredible, there was too much repetition of the original story, while the nostalgia elements were also a little overdone.

What is your favourite drink?

I am quite getting into gin and tonic and have started collecting gins from around the world. My parents-in-law are currently in town visiting and they knew that the one thing guaranteed to make me happy was bringing a bottle of Barr Hill gin from Vermont.
Did you enjoy your school days?

I look back on primary school as a very happy time – I went to a local Chinese kindergarten. I then went to Gleanely and later Island School, both part of the English Schools Foundation. I looked at it as though I was in a building with my best friends in the world, every day, a chance to both hang out and learn. I wouldn’t swap my growing up years for anything. While I wasn’t an exceptional student, I enjoyed the time I spent with my friends in such a safe and comfortable environment. Overall, our education was excellent, with evaluation of the school showing that it was at least as good as the top one percent of schools in the UK.

What’s your favourite sport?

My two great loves are music and football. I have played football all my life and I find it important for keeping my spirits up. It’s a bit like music as it makes me feel a little Zen, while also helping me to relax. It’s also a great way to spend time with people and unwind. I haven’t been able to play recently, though, because of a knee injury.

Are you a good listener or good talker?

I would definitely call myself a good listener. I think I’ve always been more of an observer. It’s a great honour when people let you into their lives, so I feel it’s only courteous to pay attention and listen to what they have to say.

What’s your preference – the radio or an MP3 player?

I am a big fan of the radio, though I don’t listen to it much here, except for a few of the online stations. I don’t use an MP3 player much either now. I normally stream music. I think that’s the way forward – streaming is clearly the future as a delivery mechanism. I don’t think the numbers are quite there yet, though, in terms of the amount of money that artists are making from it.

What’s your take on the death penalty?

I don’t believe it necessarily rights any wrong and is actually quite a dangerous way of dealing with any transgression. It also doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent these days.

What keeps you awake at night?

The inherent responsibility for your children is immense. I know I will probably never “not worry” about them ever again. I will always worry about them, mostly about their safety and well being. While many things are out of your control, I just want to do my utmost to ensure they’re safe. Right now, they are very young, so I always know exactly where they are. When they grow up and leave the nest, I am sure I will worry even more. It a journey that I will have to go on with them. I find that I can deal with work-related problems far more easily than anything that concerns my family.

Chopsticks or cutlery?

I feel fine with both. It really depends on what style of cuisine I am eating. I suppose I use western cutlery more often. Even if I am eating rice at home I tend to gravitate to a fork.

Where did you propose to your wife?

It was in Repulse Bay in exactly the same place where we spent our first meaningful time together. When we first met, we had a very romantic evening and ended up in Repulse Bay, talking into the early hours. I know it sounds cheesy, but I knew then that I wanted to marry this person. We had been together for many, many years, so when it came time to propose I knew that this particular setting would be perfect.

Who is your favourite film star?

Tom Hanks. He’s played such a wide range of roles and his quality control is so high. The scripts and roles that he chooses are always well thought out and right for him and he always delivers.

What is your astrological sign?

I am a Sagittarius – December. I am also a fire dragon in the Chinese zodiac system. I think that I am quite a typical Sagittarian.

If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

A professional football player.

What was the last thing you got free?

I get given clothing quite often by companies as promotional items. I got some shoes the other day.

What is your favourite book?

There are many. My dad instilled in me the value of reading. One that comes to mind is a non-fiction work – An Intimate History of Humanity by Theodore Zeldin. While it’s not necessarily my favourite book, it is one that I find myself going back to time and time again.

Thank You

Friend Lee

Mahnaz Lee is the founder of Women Helping Women Hong Kong, a charity set up to help abused women and children in Hong Kong. She is married to David Lee, Chairman of the Lee Kum Kee group.

Click here to see Mahnaz Lee on video

How do you make a difference in Hong Kong?

In 2010 I established a non-profit, organisation – Women Helping Women Hong Kong. This was specifically to help women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. We run programmes, therapy sessions and workshops, all aimed at helping these people overcome their problems and crises. I started this organisation with a group of like-minded friends, mostly philanthropists, as a way to contribute and give back to the community. It is an issue that we all still feel really passionately about. Our main drive comes from seeing the positive difference we make in these unfortunate peoples’ lives.

Before we launched the charity we conducted a lot of research. This showed a startling upsurge in the levels of violence, and we had to ask ourselves what was the cause. Above all, we wanted to reunite these families. We strongly believe that children are our future and we want to ensure that they grow up into healthy, positive adults, rather than scared and permanently scarred individuals.

We are very careful to use our own resources, wherever possible, to run the organisation. We are very proud of the fact that 97 percent of the money that we raise goes directly to the charity. We cover the overheads from other sources. I pay special attention to all areas of the charity in order to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness. I have found from personal experience that, when the model is good, more people buy into your idea and they contribute more readily and generously.

We use various fund raising vehicles, with the largest being our annual gala. As the economy changes, so too do brands’ strategies and that affects the availability of funds. This means we have to become ever more creative in our approach. I spend about 50 percent of my time on fund raising, while the other 50 percent goes on management and governance issues. Overall, I feel I help to make a difference in many peoples’ lives through what we are doing and, of course, that makes me feel good.

What is your favourite aroma?

I love scented candles and have them all over my house. I also love perfumes and have a tray full of them in my walk-in closet. I especially like clean floral scents. I feel incomplete if I leave home and I am not wearing perfume. I have quite a sensitive nose, so if I go somewhere and it doesn’t smell quite right, I will burn a candle or spray on some scent. One of my favourite perfumes of all is Chanel’s Chance.

What was the event that you’d say really changed your life?

I can think of two. One would be the day I got married to my husband, David. It was the happiest moment of my life. We have now been married for 35 years. We first met when I was 16 and we were at high school together in California. I got married when I was just 19 and I have had an amazing life so far. I travelled widely and worked with David’s family business for 10 years. I was in advertising and marketing in the US, heading a number of marketing campaigns, before moving into management. I have very fond memories of all that work and the wonderful travel.

The next major events were the birth of my two sons. I think, marriage, working, having my kids – they have all bought me to where I am today. They have made me what I am, and shaped my philanthropic work. It’s been a privileged life, but I work hard at it and I’ve had a number of problems to solve as well. When it comes to philanthropy, you have to have a particular mind-set. It’s all about giving and supporting. It’s not like business, where you expect something back for what you’re giving. What you do get, though, is the satisfaction of seeing your money making a really positive difference to people’s lives.

If you had your own TV show, what would it be about?

All too often, everything that’s on TV seems depressing and negative. We need to have more programmes portraying the positive things in life, those things that truly inspire. It should feature touching stories of how we can contribute more to our society and how we can bring about better outcomes. That would be a great basis for a show. We should help celebrate the heroes in our community – the social workers, the therapists and the nurses. These are the people that truly change lives. This would bring about greater awareness of the good that people can do. I even have a name for it – Local Heroes.

Is there anywhere that you have never been, but would love to visit?

It would have to be India. Its culture is so rich and vibrant. Its rituals and celebrations are also so colourful and often run on for days. Its clothes, costumes, jewellery and make-up are just so vivid and bright. It is a very exotic place and I think visiting would be an eye-opening experience for me. My father was a diplomat so, when I was young, we travelled a lot experiencing many different and diverse cultures. It made me a little colour-blind. I see people very much as people, rather than judging them by the colour of their skin. It also taught me to respect all cultures and religions.

What is your astrological sign?

I am Scorpio – late October. I don’t really follow astrology, but they do say that Scorpios are very passionate. I definitely fit that mould.

What is the greatest compliment you have ever received?

Most people can’t tell my age. When I tell them I have two sons, they always ask how old they are. I tell them one is 30 and got married three years ago, while the younger one is 25 and engaged to get married this summer. While I have not done anything special, except eat healthily and exercise, I am generally a happy person and have regular sessions of yoga and Pilates. I have a loving husband, which is also a great bonus. He’s been my rock. Nobody believes me when I tell them I am 54 and I take that as a real compliment.

What would you look for in an ideal partner?

He would have to be a very charismatic person and have a good sense of humour, while also being loving and supportive. He must be like a life coach to me – someone I can learn from and who I can bounce ideas off. He must be like a mirror to me and tell me the truth, even when I might not like it. At the same time, he wouldn’t have to give me all the answers and shouldn’t expect me to do everything his way. He will give me his perspective and help me make decisions. Those are things that I really treasure when it comes to partnership. He would give me the required guidance at those times when I may lose perspective. My husband and I do our own five and 10-year plans, so we know where we are headed and that we are on the same course. It makes sure that our aspirations are in tune.

What was your first job?

Immediately after leaving college, I went into advertising. I am a design major with minors in marketing and advertising and I was lucky enough to get a job in the family business. So, I actually jumped into some quite big shoes. I quickly gained the trust of my co-workers and became very committed.

Are you a good listener or a better talker?

I think that I am a better listener. My personality is more introverted than extroverted. I have become more talkative recently, though, largely because of the charity work I do. I have to sell the idea of what we are doing, take part in interviews and a lot of presentations. I used to be very quiet and quite reserved. In truth, I really like to listen and learn.

Who do you consider was the greatest person to have ever lived?

There have been so many that I find it difficult to pick one above all the rest. There are so many people who have done wonderful things on so many different levels and it is difficult to compare them. As people, we all play our individual roles, so we are all pretty special. There are just so many unsung heroes.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As a woman with a caring heart who wanted to contribute to her society. Often, it’s the simple things in life that you’d like people to remember you for. It’s not really about how much money you make. It’s your loving side and simply being a mother, these are the things that really touch your heart and they are so important. I want to be known for the difference that I’ve made to peoples’ lives. That takes you to another level and takes you beyond yourself.

What’s your preference – English or Cantonese?

I only speak a little Cantonese. While I’m from Iran and my husband is from Hong Kong, everything nowadays is so multi-cultural that English is probably my main form of communication. I always believe that the simplest way of communicating is the best. I respect people by attempting to speak Cantonese if they are not familiar with English.

When was the last time you told a white lie?

I generally never tell lies. If I do, it shows. I am not good at hiding things – and it is written all over my face. My husband knows this only too well. Even if I am trying not to hurt someone or to complicate issues, I still won’t tell a lie. I might, however, not tell the whole truth until later.

Is crying a sign of strength or weakness?

I would say a strength. When you are strong enough to show your vulnerable side, people respect you more. If crying helps you release your emotions, though, then there is nothing wrong with that.

Thank you.