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Safety-first trials are already running near the Discovery Bay Tunnel. Is this a careful first step toward driverless taxis? Photo by Felix Chan If you’ve been driving or taking the bus around Sunny Bay or the Discovery Bay Tunnel lately, you might have spotted something a little unusual: a car or bus with special labels, gliding along a bit more deliberately than the usual traffic. Welcome to the age of autonomous vehicles, and yes, it’s arriving right here on our island. Over the past year and a half, North Lantau has become one of Hong Kong’s main testing grounds for self-driving technology. Baidu’s team has already clocked more than 100,000 kilometres of careful, incident-free trials since late 2024, starting on Airport Island and steadily spreading into Tung Chung. This summer the routes grew again, now linking the airport with Tung Chung town centre via Chek Lap Kok South Road and stretching out towards Sunny Bay and the Discovery Bay Tunnel approaches. Operators are running trials linking the airport with Tung Chung town centre via Chek Lap Kok South Road and stretching out towards Sunny Bay and the Discovery Bay Tunnel. That means the roads many of us use every day - Sunny Bay Road, Cheung Tung Road, parts of Tung Chung Waterfront Road, and the area around the tunnel toll plaza are now part of live autonomous trials. There’s even a 20-seat autonomous bus being tested between Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan, fitted with fancy new camera technology designed to react faster in Hong Kong’s busy, sometimes chaotic conditions. The good news is that caution is very much the order of the day. Every vehicle on these public roads still has a trained backup operator either sitting in the driver’s seat or watching remotely from a control centre. Fully driverless tests (no one in the vehicle at all) are currently limited to Airport Island, and only after months of successful remote-monitoring checks confirmed the systems were stable and safe. While ordinary residents can’t just hop into these vehicles yet (passengers are limited to designated staff or special public experience rides), the longer-term picture is more exciting. The government’s stated goals include moving toward driverless, scaled-up, and eventually commercialised AV operations. In the years ahead, that could open the door to driverless taxis or autonomous shuttle services operating in carefully chosen areas, including potentially parts of Lantau. The vision talked about by both the operators and the Transport Department is a “Smart Mobility Network for Lantau”: safer, more efficient connections between the airport, Tung Chung, Sunny Bay and beyond. One day that might mean convenient, on-demand autonomous rides that complement our existing buses and ferries, reducing the need for private cars on some trips. Of course, any commercial services would only arrive after further rigorous testing and regulatory approval, and safety will remain the non-negotiable priority. Keep an eye on the Transport Department’s AV trials page for the latest maps and updates, and enjoy the quiet thrill of living through a small piece of transport history, right here at home. Subscribe to our newsletter here for more community news.

Harvey Law Group examines Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship By Investment Program, highlighting its far-reaching appeal to international investors In a world of growing uncertainty, many high-net-worth individuals are turning to the Caribbean for stability, security and opportunity. Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become one of the most attractive routes to a second passport. Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation made up of two major inhabited islands – Antigua and Barbuda – along with several smaller surrounding islands. It’s famously nicknamed the ‘Land of 365 Beaches’ due to its numerous pristine shorelines – one for every day of the year. Beyond its white- and pink-sand beaches, coral reefs and rugged coastal formations, Antigua and Barbuda boasts historic harbours, a lush rainforest, wildlife-rich lagoons and spectacular birdwatching opportunities – it’s a destination that is small in size, but truly large in natural wonders. TWO WAYS TO INVEST Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program allows applicants to choose between a donation option and a real-estate investment option. Either way, the investment is only payable after pre-approval, which gives applicants certainty before making a large financial commitment. The donation option appeals to applicants who favour a lower financial mobilisation and simpler process. Donations start at US$230,000 for a family of up to four persons making a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, and at US$260,000 for a family of up to six persons making a contribution to the University of the West Indies Development Fund. The real-estate investment option, meanwhile, is favoured by applicants keen to invest in something tangible: a property that can appreciate in value, generate rental income and serve as a family retreat. With a minimum qualifying investment of US$300,000 and a five-year holding period, investors gain both citizenship and a foothold in one of the Caribbean’s most desirable property markets. Only government-approved real-estate projects qualify under the program, ensuring high standards and investor confidence. Current approved projects include Moongate Resort (Half Moon Bay): boutique luxury suites starting at US$350,000, with professional rental management; The Gardens (Jolly Harbour): villas with private pools, fractional ownership from US$300,000 and strong rental demand from yacht owners; and Verandah Estates (Long Bay): a 25- acre, gated community offering two- and three - bedroom villas starting at US$400,000, ideal for families and long-term residents. Resale opportunities also exist in sold-out developments like Nonsuch Bay Resort (Nonsuch Bay), provided the five-year holding requirement is met. MOBILITY, INCLUSIVITY AND TAX BENEFITS Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, including the UK, Schengen Area, Singapore and Hong Kong – a powerful passport for global mobility. Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program stands out for its inclusivity. Eligible dependents include spouses, children up to 30 years of age, unmarried siblings, parents and grandparents over 55 and even dependent grandchildren. Few Caribbean programs match this breadth, making it ideal for family planning and legacy building. Uniquely, Antigua and Barbuda has embraced digital assets, positioning itself as the Caribbean’s most crypto-friendly jurisdiction. For modern investors, this forward-looking regulatory environment is a major draw. Add to that zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, and the appeal becomes clear. THE APPLICATION PROCESS Applications must be submitted through authorised representatives such as Harvey Law Group (HLG). The process typically takes six to nine months. New citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years and take an oath of allegiance. Note that the ‘Caribbean Five’ (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia) are exploring a harmonised future approach to physical residency or in-person verification. The exact impact remains speculative, though early indications suggest that any future requirement will likely be highly manageable, such as a rumoured 30-day aggregate stay over a course of five years. While this remains a high-level concept which could take months or years to be implemented, HLG recommends applicants intending to move forward to apply without delay. For investors seeking more than just a passport, Antigua and Barbuda offers a rare combination: luxury real estate, family inclusivity, crypto-friendly policies and global mobility. Whether it’s a villa overlooking turquoise waters or a suite in a boutique resort, the investment is more than property – it’s a gateway to opportunity, security and a Caribbean lifestyle. Individuals interested in gaining CBI in Antigua and Barbuda find professional legal advice invaluable. HLG brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally. Our specialisation extends to the Caribbean, and we offer clients clear, professional guidance with each step of their journey. Reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com. To read more from HLG, click here.

Inside Hong Kong's Imports

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.

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.” At the heart of this is DM’s human-centred approach, which is rooted in the school’s distinctive educational DNA: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience (the 3Rs). VISIONARY SCHOOL DNA The DM curriculum balances strong foundations in literacy and mathematics with advanced language development, communication skills and emotional intelligence – capabilities that AI cannot replicate. DM intentionally cultivates distinctly human competencies such as empathy, collaboration, ethical reasoning and critical thinking, reinforcing Respect for diverse viewpoints and Responsibility in decision-making. Student wellbeing and a positive mindset underpin learning, including the ‘safety to fail’ approach, where children learn accountability while building the Resilience to adapt and grow. The curriculum remains agile: it is regularly refined to meet the needs of DM students and stay ahead of technological and societal shifts. These principles are applied concretely – from kindergarten show-and-tell, which builds storytelling skills, confidence and mutual Respect, to the primary entrepreneurship programme, which develops real-world problem-solving, Responsibility and the grit required to innovate.

Six books about exploration, discovery and unexpected journeys INTO THE WILD: JON KRAKAUER (1996) Christopher rejects materialism and social norms to seek a more authentic life alone in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Jon Krakauer’s bestselling work of nonfiction celebrates wanderlust, courage and the desire for freedom but it’s also a cautionary tale about isolation, idealism and the limits of self-reliance. SHANTARAM: GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS (2003) Lin arrives in Bombay seeking a fresh start and quickly finds himself immersed in the city’s underground, where he befriends a colourful cast of outcasts, criminals and kindred spirits. Gregory David Roberts celebrates the rewards of stepping beyond the familiar and discovering the authentic heart of a place through the people who live there. SOVIETISTAN: ERIKA FATLAND (2014) Erika Fatland journeys alone through Central Asia, visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a region largely overlooked by modern travellers. Part travelogue and part hard-hitting journalism, Sovietistan details how a complex Soviet legacy continues to shape daily life across these unique nations. THE BEACH: ALEX GARLAND (1996) Richard arrives in Thailand searching for somewhere untouched by mass tourism. When he discovers a hidden island ‘paradise’, he soon learns that his dream destination hides a dark reality. Alex Garland captures both the excitement and danger of getting off the tourist track, while exploring the allure of finding something few others know about. THE PLACES IN BETWEEN: RORY STEWART (2004) Shortly after the fall of the Taliban, Rory Stewart undertakes an extraordinary solo walk across Afghanistan, travelling hundreds of miles through snow-covered mountains, remote villages and regions rarely visited by outsiders. Thoughtful and deeply engaging, The Places in Between demonstrates how the most memorable journeys often lie far off the beaten track. THE SONGLINES: BRUCE CHATWIN (1987) Fascinated by the Aboriginal ‘songlines’ that crisscross the Australian Outback, Bruce Chatwin embarks on a journey through some of the continent’s most remote landscapes. Drawing on myth, geography and lived experience, The Songlines celebrates the spirit of exploration and the idea that every journey reveals a deeper connection to place and culture.

CANDLELIGHT Candlelight, the internationally acclaimed concert series that stages live music in 100 unique venues across the world, has landed at The Repulse Bay and PMQ. You can take your pick from nine shows in August spanning everything from classical masterpieces to reimagined pop hits. This month’s highlights include orchestral tributes to Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Cold Play, Queen and Abba, plus Vivaldi’s Four Seasons… all by candlelight. Purchase tickets at Fever. DOLLISM PLUS Now in its 19th year, Dollism Plus serves as a platform for doll enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest trends, connect with fellow collectors and celebrate the beauty and artistry of dolls. The magic happens on August 2 at the Grand Ballroom of Hopewell Hotel with exclusive showcases and interactive activities. Exhibiting companies include Doll Nouveau, Nine9Style and Gepetto Friends. Grab tickets at the door. CANTON BEATS Water World Ocean Park is extending the fun into the evening this month with Canton Beats, an old-school Cantopop DJ party, held every Saturday and Sunday until August 30 (except August 22). Running from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, the event sees guest DJs from across Asia spinning Cantopop remixes and classic hits. Partygoers can also enjoy an 80s-themed poolside bar, Bing Teng-inspired cafés, a glow-in-the-dark art gallery and retro-style photo booths. Find discounted tickets at Klook. SUMMERFEST SummerFest is running through October 4 this year, at the Wanchai Harbourfront Event Space. There’s a focus on returning crowd-favourite inflatables – an obstacle course, bowling lanes, mazes and slides – plus brand-new, family-friendly play areas. Eventgoers can also look forward to a rotating series of weekly events spanning culture, music, art and sports – think live bands, mini-markets and BMX competitions. Admission is free. INTERNATIONAL ARTS CARNIVAL Staged at venues across the city through August 16, International Arts Carnival attracts world-class performers from across the globe, and it’s designed specifically with families in mind. Standout August shows include Play, a quirky dance production from Spain; The Little Musician (South Korea), a magical musical adventure; and Fantastic Fairy Tales (UK), a live concert combining classical music with animated storytelling. Purchase tickets at Urbtix.

When a decades-long aviation career took an unexpected turn, Vicky Edwards embraced a new challenge. Her next destination: one of the most remote places on Earth. Edward Szekeres reports PHOTOS BY Andrew J.C. Spires & courtesy of Vicky Edwards It all started with a movie. In late 2019, as COVID was silently spreading across the world, Vicky Edwards was on her way home to finish a work project when she walked by Palace ifc. Where’d You Go Bernadette, a comedy-drama starring Cate Blanchett, was showing. Compelled by a strong inner force, Vicky – an ardent Star Wars fan – decided to “ridiculously” watch the Blanchett flick, even pleading with her boss for more time to finish her work later that evening. It didn’t take long for her to realise why she felt so drawn to this movie about a middle-aged woman who, for various reasons, had lost her mojo and then regained it by escaping to Antarctica. As Vicky puts it, “It made me think, ‘That woman is mirroring my life.’ I was in a position where my career was shifting and I’d lost an air-traffic controller job. I was going through some quite challenging experiences in life.” While Vicky did not embark on her own Antarctica journey until a few years later, she left the cinema that day with a newfound outlook on the world. “That movie pretty much changed my life,” she says. British-born Vicky arrived in Hong Kong, and settled in Discovery Bay, in 2019 on an air-traffic controller contract. She came with the highest of accolades, having spent three decades in London as an area radar controller at one of the busiest air-traffic units in the world, often juggling 20 to 30 airplanes at once in large chunks of airspace – all with an exceptional safety and training record. Aviation was in her blood, with her father and uncle both clocking time in the Royal Air Force. As a teenager, she saw an ad for air-traffic control openings and was immediately hooked. At a mere 18 years old, she passed a gruelling selection process that only about a fifth of all candidates can complete, and launched what would become an illustrious career. So 30 years later, when she arrived in Hong Kong and unexpectedly failed her on-the-job training, Vicky’s new chapter shifted course. Her qualifications as an instructor were enough for her boss to offer her a different contract, and she sprang into action, helping set up the Basic Air Traffic Control College for HKIAA, where she trained cadets for the Civil Aviation Department for more than three years. But something was missing, and Antarctica (that Blanchett flick, remember) was stuck in Vicky’s mind. Things fell into place in January 2025, when she saw an article about the British Antarctic Survey, and how they were recruiting. “I went on the website, found a vacancy for a radio operator in Antarctica, and I literally ticked all the boxes for what they required for the job,” she says. For the first time in three years, Vicky was genuinely excited. “All of my friends said: ‘Do it!’ They said they could see in my face this was something I really wanted, even if it meant falling off the planet for a six-month deployment.” Vicky’s children Rohan and Grace, then 17 and 18 and living overseas, were totally on board. “I’m always absolutely there for my kids and support them, but they’re also aware that parents need time-out to be themselves,” says Vicky, who has always been a working mum and raised her kids “free-range style” to be independent. And so Vicky applied – and got the job. She was one of four selected out of 170 applicants – not least on her first try, a rarity in this field. She aced her interviews despite not having experience working in remote environments, something she attributes, at least in part to her experience as an expat. “I knew what it took to live a long way away from family and friends due to my move to Hong Kong,” she says. After a rigorous medical check, she jetted off to the British Antarctic Survey’s headquarters in Cambridge, UK, for a month of training before hitting the ‘far south’ in October 2025. She deployed as one of five radio operators at the airfield of Rothera Research Station, a British Antarctic Survey base about a thousand miles from the southern tip of Chile – the nearest hub of civilisation. The job itself was exactly what she’d trained for – eight- to 10-hour shifts managing communications and providing flight information to incoming planes and ships, many of them bound for Antarctica’s vast, frozen interior. Her team was also the only connection to the world for remote units building stations further out. Her contact with these field guides and scientists involved everything from relaying their needs (including much-needed beer supplies) to singing Christmas carols to them on the phone, at designated – and very sporadic – call times. “When they finally came back from their months-long remote tour and we heard one another’s familiar voices in real life, it was like meeting long-time friends. One of them followed me around like a puppy for their first day back as they slowly reintegrated into society,” Vicky chuckles. Vicky’s stint in Antarctica spanned the summer season, which somewhat counterintuitively runs from October to early March. “I pretty much loved every minute of it,” she says. “I knew there were going to be challenges, but being a little bit older, more mature, with plenty of life experiences, I was ready to face them. “I think the hardest thing was getting used to sharing a room with a stranger,” Vicky adds, as she describes her compact room resembling student accommodation. But the views of icebergs, the ocean and the occasional penguin or seal hobbling across the runway made up for any discomfort. “I never got bored of it. The scenery around us literally moved with the icebergs,” she explains, pointing out that while 98% of Antarctica is covered in snow, the patch she worked on is not – at least in the summertime. Vicky immersed herself in everything – the vista, her work, the people around her. Strangers became friends, colleagues turned into soulmates. “You make friends fast because of the environment you’re in, more so than you would naturally. You’re working and living together at close quarters and around the clock. When you’re such a small team, 130 that summer, the onus is on you to take care of the social aspects. If you want something to happen, you have to make it happen. So you have to be prepared to be a social coordinator as well.” For Vicky this meant arranging weekend trips, including a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough, and organising quiz nights back at base that kept spirits high (with alcohol consumption capped at two glasses per night). “I’m always the one who will make the effort to keep the connections going,” she says. That applies to her family and friends in DB, too. Back home now, having wrapped up her deployment, Vicky’s focusing on a life far from the icebergs. She’s completing a master’s degree in psychology and spending time with her children and her local dragon boating ‘family’, the Sea Cucumbers. Vicky’s also one of the organisers of Piece of Mind, the new DB-based jigsaw-puzzle swap group – an activity that keeps her curious mind busy. “At the end of the day, my job is my passion, but it is not larger than my life. There are other things that matter just as much, if not more,” Vicky concludes with a smile.

Play・Think・Create in Discovery Bay! YOUR CHALLENGE THIS MONTH Superhero teachers, robot teachers, teachers with rainbow hair or magical classrooms – the sillier, the better! Use paints, crayons, pencils, or anything you like. Any size, any style – just have fun! We can't wait to see your colourful creations! 📫Ask a grown-up to email your picture to rachel@arounddb.com by August 20. You might see it in the next issue or on our Instagram and Facebook pages! LAST MONTH’S WINNER In our July issue, we asked you to draw a picture of the ‘world's craziest summer holiday’ and share it with us. Our ed’s pick was this fantastic drawing by Cara Pang, aged 9. Thank you to everyone who entered – you came up with so many amazing ideas! STORY TIME The Day the School Rules Disappeared On the first day back after the summer holidays, something strange happened at Wing Yan’s school. The teacher walked in, looked at the whiteboard… and blinked. The words were gone. No rules. No timetable. No instructions. Just a blank board and a tiny note that said: ‘Good luck’. At first, everyone was quiet. Then Wing Yan raised her hand. “Do we… do anything?” she asked. “Apparently we decide,” said the teacher. So they did. Maths became a game show where every correct answer earned points and applause. Storytime happened under the desks with torches. Lunch was moved to ‘whenever-you’re-hungry o’clock’. Every lesson included five minutes of dancing. And there was no Mandarin class. School was strangely fun. But a bit too strange for Wing Yan and her friends. By the end of the day, the teacher picked up a marker and wrote one rule on the whiteboard: ‘We probably need a few rules.’ Everyone agreed. MAKE IT! PEBBLES’ CRAFT PICK This month, let’s make FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS! What to do: Cut 5 pieces of thread about the length of your arm Tie a knot at one end Tape the knot to a table or ask an adult to hold it Braid or twist the threads together, add beads if you like Tie another knot at the end Tie the bracelet around a new friend’s wrist! FIRST DAY FEELINGS! How do you feel about going back to school?

Residents still reminisce about Hemingway’s and The BIG Picnic but a new generation of musicians is helping DB get its groove back. Sam Agars reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Andrew J.C. Spir es, Baljit Gidwani & Sam Agars If you talk to anyone with any knowledge of the music scene in Discovery Bay, it’s not long before Hemingway’s or The BIG Picnic enters the conversation. Staples of the DB community for so long, it’s only natural people remember the live-music venue and the annual festival so fondly. But while The BIG Picnic, which grew from Picnic in the Park, hasn’t been held since 2019 and Hemingway’s was a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom when it comes to live music in DB. While things ground virtually to a halt during Covid, the music scene has bounced back and there is optimism around what lies ahead. Though the closure of Hemingway’s meant the loss of a dedicated music venue that DBers could rely on, Jay Javier Apungan’s weekly Sunday afternoon gig at Three Sheets is filling part of the gap, giving residents a regular dose of live music once again. A DB resident since 2009, Jay is a full-time musician who has developed a dedicated following in the community through his lively acoustic shows. “Live music is a must-have in every community and every venue as long as they can do it properly. People love to hear music,” he opens. “DB is still recovering and it’s still not the same. Hong Kong generally is still coming back,” Jay adds. “But I’m hopeful that the music scene here will continue to become more busy. People need music. I love the community in Discovery Bay. I have regular people who come every Sunday and I think I can give them some happiness through music.” Another name familiar with DB music fans is Andrew Osborne, a member of Hong Kong band Power ful Moss who has been playing gigs at venues throughout DB for more than a decade. These days, you’re most likely to find him playing acoustic sets out on the terrace at Ona. “I’m pretty lucky as I have a group of friends who enjoy live music and they’ll come around and bring their mates so there’s normally a small crowd. It’s a nice atmosphere,” he says. “Live music in DB is definitely not as supported as it was before Covid but the scene is still alive, people are still passionate about playing and the quality of music hasn’t faded. “Some of the venues are still supportive of live music but overall, I don’t think it’s very well advertised,” adds Andrew. “You have to be following the specific musicians to know when they’re playing and there’s no central point in terms of marketing to find out everything that’s happening in DB. That’s probably something that is missing.” One band who puts a lot of work into ‘getting the word out’ is The Cashed-Up Johnnies, a group of DB residents who have built something of a cult following with their rockabilly style, inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. The trio can regularly be found at DBrasserie, which is well kitted out for full bands. “If you want a crowd, you have to spread the word. It’s much more fun for us to play in front of a crowd. We rely more on family and friends from DB, but if you do it too often it’s difficult to play to a full house. It’s a balance,” says frontman Gil de Clercq. Someone who has seen it all in DB across the past two decades is professional saxophonist Blaine Whittaker, who has played at just about every local venue you care to name. “The clientele has changed and that’s a big deal, but they’re slowly coming back. It may take another couple of years,” says Blaine, whose sons Saxon and Jarvis cut their teeth at Hemingway’s and are now building a following on the Australian music scene with their band Whitt’s End. “When Hemingway’s left this place was a ghost town for music for a long time,” Blaine adds. “But people are trying, which I love because there was a point when no one was doing anything. It takes time to get it in people’s heads that there is something on. “If venues want to try music for two months and think it’s not working, it’s because they didn’t try it for long enough. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a long arc for venues that are successful with music. If people know it’s on from consistency, you’ll more often than not have good nights after a certain period of time. That’s why Hemingway’s was good – because it was always on and it had a long track record.” While something like Hemingway’s cannot simply be recreated overnight, a common theme among those with skin in the game is a yearning for the return of The BIG Picnic, however difficult commercial pressures might make that. Last held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, The BIG Picnic took over Tai Pak Beach, DB Plaza and D'Deck with four stages of live music and dance, a children’s zone, food stalls and the Handmade Hong Kong market. Thousands turned out for what had become DB’s signature community festival, and it’s easy to see why. It was free, family-friendly and genuinely had something for everyone. From the first guitar riff in the morning to the final encore well after sunset, The BIG Picnic was the kind of event where you arrived for an hour and somehow ended up staying all day. Children disappeared into craft workshops and game booths, while adults drifted between stages, discovered new bands and caught up with friends. The pop-up restaurant vendors were legendary; a lot of beer was drunk and the timing also helped. Everyone’s best memory of The BIG Picnic happened on a warm day under a cloudless sky. What made The BIG Picnic so special, at least for residents, was the strong community feel. Class local bands, like Helium3, The Naggin Eejits, The 852’s, Grounded, BenZine, Bus Uncle and Rockstars Anonymous shared the bill with well-known acts from across Hong Kong. Kids from local schools, clubs and dance groups also got to take part, gaining invaluable experience performing in front of big crowds. “I miss it. I wish it could happen again. It was just such a great event. All the bands playing and all the kids playing and dancing. I just wish there was another one coming,” says Jay. Encore, please.

Hong Kong has so much more to offer than just the usual tourist hotspots. Once you step off the beaten path, you’ll discover it’s a city brimming with hidden gems and unique adventures. Ashwin Hotchandani reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock & Ashwin Hotchandani Living in Hong Kong means having world-class attractions on our doorstep, from the iconic Peak Tram and Star Ferry to the lively buzz of Temple Street Night Market. Sometimes, though, we all crave an escape from the city’s crowds, queues and concrete. If you’re looking for a change of pace this summer, it’s time to look beyond the tourist trail. From hidden waterfalls and historic Hakka settlements to floating waterparks and scenic reservoir viewpoints, here’s a guide to some of Hong Kong’s most rewarding, lesser-known destinations. CORE AQUA PARK, LAKE EGRET NATURE PARK If you’re after fun in the sun (and water), why limit yourself to a day at the beach? Core Aqua Park – Hong Kong’s largest inflatable water park – is the perfect summer playground. Situated at Lake Egret Nature Park, Tai Po Kau, it features 43 floating obstacles, plus a six-metre-high slide, trampolines, rafts and climbing towers. Pedal boats, water bikes and wakeboards are also available for hire. Lifejackets are mandatory and provided onsite, ensuring your safety while maximising your fun. Tickets cost around HK$108 per hour for advance online bookings (instagram.com/corehk), or HK$138 per hour for walk-ins. You’ll need at least two sessions to try out all the parkour obstacles, and you can easily make a day of it, as there are barbecue pits to rent, plus two onsite restaurants, one Cantonese and one European. To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay then hop on the MTR to Tai Po Market. Journey time: one hour and 20 minutes. From Tai Po Market, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to Lake Egret Nature Park. HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM, TAI PO MARKET Fascinated by heritage transit? Hong Kong Railway Museum in Tai Po Market is a fantastic spot to dive into our city’s past. An open-air museum constructed on the historic grounds of the former (1913) Tai Po Market Railway Station, this declared monument details the history and evolution of the Kowloon-Canton Railway. You can wander past early colonial-era signal cabins, steam locomotives and vintage passenger coaches. Entrance to the museum is completely free. While eating and drinking ( even water) is prohibited on CORE AQUA PARK site, the museum is right in the centre of Tai Po Market, so after your visit, you can head to Tai Po Complex, where the hawker centre on the second floor dishes up amazingly cheap dim sum, noodles and seafood. To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, then hop on the MTR to Tai Wo. Journey time: one hour and 35 minutes. On arrival head to Exit B, from there it’s an easy 10-minute stroll across the river to the museum entrance on On Fu Road. LYCHEE VALLEY, PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK Lychee Valley (Lai Chi Wo) is home to one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-preserved Hakka walled villages. Nestled within Plover Cove Country Park in the far nor theastern New Territories, it dates back over 400 years providing an incredible window into rural, pre-colonial Hong Kong history. The village features rows of traditional tiled-roof houses, ancestral halls and an active community working to revitalise eco-farming in the area. Be sure to explore the sacred ‘fung shui woodland’ surrounding the village – a biodiversity hotspot holding over 100 native plant species, all viewable from an elevated wooden boardwalk. Entrance to the village grounds, fung shui woodland and nature-trail boardwalk is free. There are a few local restaurants and stores onsite, however they are usually only open on weekends and public holidays. If you visit on a weekday, be sure to pack your own food and water, as everything in the village will be locked up. To get there from DB: take the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, and the MTR to Fanling. Then catch the 56K minibus to Luk Keng. Journey time: two hours and 10 minutes. From Luk Keng, it’s a scenic two-and-a-half-hour hike to Lai Chi Wo. SHUENG LUK STREAM, SAI KUNG EAST COUNTRY PARK Deep in the eastern New Territories, Shueng Luk Stream in Sai Kung East Country Park, is a spectacular, crowd-free oasis featuring some of the cleanest, freshwater rockpools in the city, plus waterfalls and cliff-jumping spots. This is a fantastic spot for stream hiking, just be a little cautious, as the rocks can be very slippery and the pools are deep. There are a few Cantonese restaurants at nearby Sai Wan Beach, so all you really need to carry is water, snacks and sunscreen. To get there from DB: take the DB03R bus to Sunny Bay, the MTR to Ma On Shan, and then a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Journey time: two hours. From the pavilion, you hike roughly 40 minutes to Sai Wan Beach – the rockpools are an easy 10- to 15-minute walk inland from the north end of the beach. THOUSAND ISLANDS LAKE, TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK Stretching across a vast mountainous area in the western New Territories, Tai Lam Country Park spans 5,412 hectares, making it the second-largest country park in the region. It’s perfect for nature lovers, offering 12 designated hiking trails, plenty of space for camping and barbecues, and one of Hong Kong’s most unique hidden gems: the spectacular Thousand Islands Lake (Tai Lam Chung Reservoir). What’s interesting, as well as picturesque, is that the ‘atolls’ scattered across the lake are in fact hills that were all but submerged when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir in the 1950s. To best see the illusion of these ‘thousand islands’, hike to the Reservoir Islands Viewpoint. The final stretch is a steep staircase climb but the panoramic views are some of the most photogenic in the city. There are no shops or restaurants on the trail, so be sure to pack water, snacks and a bag for your litter. To get there from DB: take the DB01R bus to Tung Chung Bus Terminus. From there, transfer to the E33 bus and get off at Tuen Mun Central. Finally, hop on a 43 minibus to So Kwun Wat Village terminus which is right by the Reservoir Islands Viewpoint trailhead. Journey time: one hour and 45 minutes. Allow yourself around an hour of steady walking to reach the top. WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE, WONG TAI SIN For culture vultures, Wong Tai Sin Temple – established in 1921 – is a must-visit, managed by Taoist charitable organisation Sik Sik Yuen. Focused on ancient Chinese customs and Taoist traditions, the temple is famous for kau chim (fortune-telling via shaking bamboo sticks) and the local belief that ‘what you pray for is what you get’. While wandering the temple grounds is completely free, ‘incense prayer packs’ are typically priced from HK$10 to HK$50. You can also visit the dedicated Taisui Yuenchen Hall for an entry fee of HK$100. Once ‘templed out,’ you can head into Wong Tai Sin, where the streets are packed with dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and traditional noodle houses. To get there from DB: hop on the DB03P bus to Sunny Bay, then take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin. Journey time: one hour and 30 minutes. On arrival, follow the signs for Exit B2, which brings you right to the temple entrance.