Happenings & Events: August

HOMEGROWN CABLE CAR 

Did you know Ngong Ping 360 has introduced a limited-time DB-themed cable car on the Tung Chung to Ngong Ping line? The cabins are decorated with cartoon illustrations of local landmarks like DB North Clock Tower, the Pavillion and DB Plaza. You can catch a 25-minute ride through October 11. 

MIL MILL FACTORY TOUR 

You can sign up to tour Mil Mill, Hong Kong’s only dedicated beverage carton and assorted paper recycling plant, on August 15 from 1.20pm to 5.30pm. The facility processes over 50 tonnes of difficult-to-recycle paper waste daily to produce paper pulp. The tour is free and you get to learn about closed-loop recycling, and attend a workshop to craft your own recycled-paper diffuser stone. To find out more and enrol, call 5469 1748. 

OUTSTANDING IB RESULTS AT ESF 

ESF is celebrating another year of exceptional IB results: its 2026 cohort achieved an average score of 36.4, a full 5.9 points ahead of the 2025 global average, with 323 students achieving a score of 40 or more. An incredible 27 students, including Advait Sethi of Discovery College, attained the maximum possible score of 45 points; 43 students scored 44 points and 58 students 43 points. Overall, 1,007 ESF students gained their IB Diploma – at a 98.3% achievement rate. 

NEW EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AT PFS 

Homegrown environmental education charity Plastic Free Seas (PFS) has launched a new animated video about the issue of plastic pollution in Hong Kong, along with five corresponding lesson plans, making it easy and stress-free for educators to teach about this global problem. The video is suitable for primary and secondary school students, and the lesson plans are suitable for primary and lower secondary classes. The materials are free to download and available in both English and Cantonese at plasticfreeseas.org. 

DRAGON BOAT GALA SIGN-UP 

Early-bird enrolment for the DB Dragon Boat Gala is now open. The races will be held at Tai Pak Wan on October 25 from 8am to 6pm with mixed, open, ladies, U23, A45 and community categories. To book your spot, visit FB @db.community.hk. 

OPEN WATER RACE CHALLENGE 

The fourth DB Open Water Race Challenge is scheduled for August 30. Organised by Open Water Swim Series Hong Kong, the challenge is open to swimmers of all ages, and there are a variety of distances to suit different abilities: three solo categories (3.8km, 1.7km and 400m) plus two 400m relays. Races start at Tai Pak Wan, Sam Pak Wan and the Disneyland Resort Pier. To find out more and enrol, visit eventshorizons.com. 

DB CHESS CHAMPION 

After winning the Hong Kong Under-8 title, DB resident Shayne Meng went on to be the sole Hong Kong representative at the 2026 FIDE World Cup (U8–U12) in Batumi, Georgia, this June. Competing in the Open U8 category, the eight-year-old DB resident finished an outstanding 18th among 118 players, setting a new best-ever result for a Hong Kong player in the event. 

GONGFU TEA GATHERING 

Local non-profit One World Spirit is now hosting monthly Gongfu tea gatherings in DB, celebrating the rich culture of tea sharing. At each gathering, participants sample the six major categories of Chinese tea, while learning about tea’s history – dating back to 2737 BC – as well as its health benefits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. To get involved, WhatsApp 6219 3817. 

MOVING WITH THE TIMES: DISCOVERY MIND

Discovery Mind is entering the new school year with a clear vision for the future and the leadership of newly appointed Head of Kindergarten, Joyce Fong. 

At a time when artificial intelligence and rapid technological change is reshaping the world, DM is focused on preparing children not only for the next stage of education, but for a future that is impossible to predict. Many of today's professions may not exist in 10 or 20 years, making adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration more important than ever for our children. 

“Academic skills such as numeracy and literacy are important, but I always think that a school should be about growing a young person in the widest sense,” opens Head of School Chris Jackson. “Whole person development includes the academics, but it also includes helping children develop their sense of self and helping them learn to work and play with others, so that they may become thinkers, creators and collaborators. 

“Our website celebrates that we have been nurturing holistic growth since 1996, and Joyce joining DM is the beginning of the next step in this continual journey.” 

NEW HEAD OF KINDERGARTEN 

Ask Joyce what excites her about becoming the new head of Discovery Mind Kindergarten, overseeing both the Discovery Bay and Tung Chung campuses, and she says, “I am truly inspired by the energy and sincerity of the school founder and senior leadership team. It is exciting to be part of a school where we share such strong alignment in values – especially in nurturing children’s character, preparing them for the future and creating a community where happiness, safety and respect are at the heart of everything we do.” 

While DMK is known for its human-centred educational approach and emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration, one of the things that truly differentiates the kindergarten is its future-focused bilingual (English and Mandarin) programme. 

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, where information is increasingly accessible, children need strong language abilities to understand, interpret and express ideas effectively and ethically,” Joyce says. “Our fully immersive bilingual environment allows children to develop confidence in both languages, connect with different cultures and begin to see the world from a broader, global perspective. 

“We also place strong emphasis on core values such as respect, responsibility, resilience, empathy, curiosity, trustworthiness and self-awareness. Our teachers model these values, and gently nurture these everyday habits in our students.” 

SMILES IN FOCUS: DR SAFAR AT BAYSIDE DENTAL

You may have already spotted a new face at Bayside Dental. Originally from Ukraine, Dr Safar Baisov joined the practice 10 months ago after spending a decade working in Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery and complex root canal treatment. 

For Dr Safar, Hong Kong offered the perfect next step. “It’s more international – and it was a climate choice; I like the warmer weather,” he opens. “Beijing was a great experience, challenging; I learnt a lot there and met some amazing people. But Hong Kong is somewhere to settle long-term, somewhere to plan retirement.” 

Although he currently lives in Central, Dr Safar already sees DB as his future home. “DB is a great place to get to know people – you bump into them on the ferry, at the supermarket. In Central, I don’t know my neighbours. In DB, you really live with the community. I will move here after a few years, when I get married and have a family.” 

PRECISION, PASSION AND PATIENT CARE 

Dr Safar splits his time between Bayside Dental’s DB North and South clinics and its sister practice Smith & Jain Dentists in Central. He has recently installed a surgical microscope for root canal treatments at the DB North clinic, allowing more precise treatment for complex cases in DB. 

“I like to do work with my hands and dentistry is all about this,” he explains. “It’s important to be sensitive to detail and I like to do work that’s very, very detailed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and in dentistry that’s actually not a disadvantage, it’s a big advantage.” 

Helping patients regain their smile is what motivates Dr Safar most. “Through dentistry, you can create positive change in someone’s life – making them feel more comfortable and more confident. And you do this with your skills, with your hands.” 

That patient-centred philosophy was shaped by an early mentor. “The most important lesson I learned was to listen. People need to feel heard. They’re not always looking for perfection or miracles; they want someone who understands what matters to them.” 

When it comes to preventing dental problems, however, Dr Safar’s advice couldn’t be simpler. “The biggest issue I see is tooth decay, and it’s a simple thing to prevent if you follow basic hygiene rules,” he says. “Most cavities form in between the teeth not on the surface, which is why you need to floss as well as brush.” 

Whether providing a routine check-up or advanced dental work, Dr Safar wants every patient to leave feeling the same way. “I hope they feel they’ve been listened to, understood and cared for.” 

SOUNDBITES 

Q: What’s the one piece of dental advice everyone should follow?

A: Floss every day. 

Q: How often should we visit the dentist?

A: Adults should have a hygiene clean every six months and see a dentist at least once a year. Children should see a dentist every six months. 

Q: Manual or electric toothbrush?

A: Whichever you prefer, both are good for the job. Electric brushes are especially helpful for the elderly, as are water flossers. 

Q: Hard or soft brush?

A: Soft. I use an Ebisu soft toothbrush. 

Q: How do parents encourage good dental habits in young children?

A: Parents need to educate their kids about dental hygiene every day. It’s important to assist children under seven years with brushing, particularly night brushing. 

Q: Is teeth whitening safe?

A: Yes. When used correctly and under the advice of your dentist. 

Q: Favourite toothpaste?

A: Any fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive. The brand isn’t important but avoid whitening toothpastes.

Q: Mint or salt?

A: Flavour is up to you. Salt is good for gum disease but I don’t recommend using it daily.

Q: Best celebrity smile?

A: Julia Roberts.