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The HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens will again have a distinct local flavour as Ampcontrol Discovery Bay looks to make an impact at this year’s event. Mervyn Black reports Managed this year by local residents Tim Bredbury and Mike Collier, who runs the Discovery Bay Football Club over- 45s team, Ampcontrol Discovery Bay will take par t in the masters section of the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens next month and will look to continue a strong run that included a tournament victor y in 2018 and Plate success 12 months ago. “Looking at the potential players we’ve got – if we get them all in – I think this will be our strongest team,” says Tim, who represented Hong Kong at international level as a player and has had a long managerial career in the city. “In terms of the quality of the players overall, I think it will be our strongest.” Ampcontrol DB is expected to be one of eight teams in this year’s masters tournament, while the Soccer Sevens also features a women’s competition and a main men’s draw boasting teams from English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, West Ham United, Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The tournament has been running in its current format since 1999 and will take place from May 16 to 18 at Hong Kong Football Club. In the masters draw, where teams can have five players aged from 35 to 40 with the rest over 40, the top four after the minor round will battle it out for the Cup, while the bottom four will lock horns for the Plate. Squads are made up of 12 players, with seven in action at any one time on a playing field a touch smaller than a traditional 11-a-side pitch. It’s an event that holds a place close to Tim’s heart after decades of involvement and plenty of success for teams like the Waikiki Wanderers and the Liverpool Legends, alongside superstar names like John Barnes, Alan Kennedy, David Fairclough, Paul Walsh, Gary Gillespie, Bob Bolder and John Wark. “It ’s been a great experience for me playing in the tournament with and against some of the legends of the game,” he says. “It ’s a great tournament and it ’s got a lot of potential to grow.” While Tim, a DB resident of almost 40 years, is acutely aware of the importance of being competitive, the tournament is about far more than just winning and losing. “It’s just fun. It’s the best Sevens tournament in Asia and you get to play against some of the best players,” he says. “It’s also got a great community feel. The football scene in DB is pretty strong, especially up at DBIS of an evening. Every night of the week there is a football game of some description going on, plus there is Sunday morning football.” While the team will feature a string of DB residents, the sponsors are also a major par t of Ampcontrol DB’s fabric and boast strong local connections through Lippmann Lee (Ampcontrol), Ben and Bonnie Chan (CTC), Matija Maretic (Marvelsoft), Tim Drew (Tanner De Wit t) and Craig Barnet t (The Chippy). Kit sponsor Kelme is part of the family through the team’s strong connection with Hong Kong Premier League powerhouse Kitchee. Sponsorship is crucial to ensuring Ampcontrol DB can compete in a tournament expected to feature teams from the likes of hosts Hong Kong Football Club and Singapore Football Club, with Tim assembling a well-curated mix of local talent and big-name recruits. Oli Rendall and Nick Light are among the DB residents who will be lining up for the team’s first game on May 16, while Tim will also field a host of players who used to strut their stuff for Kitchee. Also suiting up for DB is former resident Michael Campion, who represented Hong Kong at junior level and was a regular fixture in the HKPL in the 2010s. While Michael is now based in Singapore, it’s his strong connection to DB and its people that are drawing him back. “DB, for our family, feels like home,” he says. “We know every single inch of it so intimately, and my mum and dad are still there. So it’s nice to come back, meet up with some mates and represent.” It’s also something of a football homecoming for Michael, who has known Tim for decades and is also itching to line up alongside a couple of longtime friends in a tournament he holds dear. “I watched the first Soccer Sevens as a 15-year-old and I played in the second-ever edition in 2000 for the Yau Yee League Select, against the likes of the Arsenal and Chelsea youth teams. That was an awesome experience. “For me personally with Tim, our relationship goes back a long time,” Michael adds. “He was one of my first-ever football coaches. I never actually got to play for Tim during my professional career – we were always at different teams – but we played together on Thursday nights . It will be nice to play in a proper tournament with him and for him. “I guess the final stroke is a lot of the guys on the team are ex-international teammates of mine. The two Hong Kong superstars, Lo Kwan-yee and Lam Ka-wai – we played together as 15- and 16-year-olds, which is pretty cool. We represented the Hong Kong national team and to play with them 25 years later at the age of 40 is pretty cool as well.” A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS “As proud sponsors of the DBFC, we at Ampcontrol believe in the power of community and the vital role that spor ts play in bringing people together. Our journey started as a humble family business, and we understand the importance of suppor ting local initiatives that foster teamwork, discipline and camaraderie among the youth. By sponsoring the team, we are giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years, ensuring that the spirit of spor tsmanship and community pride continues to thrive in DB. Together, we can inspire the next generation and create lasting memories on and off the field!” - Lippmann Lee – Ampcontrol “At Tanner De Witt, we believe in community, teamwork and the spirit of sports! That’s why we are proud to sponsor the DBFC. By partnering with the club, we are helping to engage with our local community and create unforgettable memories both on and off the field. Together, we celebrate the values of dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship that football embodies. We look forward to cheering on the players as they strive for greatness at the upcoming Soccer Sevens.” - Tim Drew – Tanner De Witt "Sponsoring the Soccer Sevens has always been more than just a corporate gesture for Marvelsoft – it’s personal. I’ve had the privilege of playing for DBFC and taking par t in this tournament for years, so I’ve experienced firsthand the bonds, passion and community spirit that makes this event so special. Even though I’m not on the pitch this year, we are proud to continue our sponsorship and suppor t. For us, it’s about backing a tradition that brings people together and celebrates the game in its purest form. It’s our way of staying connected to a community that’s given me so much, both personally and professionally." - Matija Maretic – Marvelsoft “With The Chippy being the most authentic British pub in DB, which hosts weekly live sports at the request of our customers, we are delighted to sponsor Ampcontrol DB at the Soccer Sevens for a second consecutive year. We can offer all supporters, who can present a Soccer Sevens ticket, a 10% discount on all F&B purchased at The Chippy during the three days of the tournament. Enjoy the finest fish and chips in Hong Kong, washed down with classic British beers, ciders and soft drinks.” - Craig Barnett – The Chippy

Ahead of May 11, Sharon Lesley Le Roux reflects on the reasons we celebrate Mother’s Day, and why they are as relevant today as ever As a child growing up in the UK, Mother’s Day was all about a handful of daffodils (my mother’s favourite flower) picked from the garden, a handmade card containing a message of love, and a Mother’s Day breakfast that consisted of my mother’s favourite marmalade, with toast and coffee, all delivered on a tray to my mother in bed. For my mother, I’m certain it wasn’t about any of these gifts at all. It was knowing the pleasure that bringing them all together had given me, her child. It was understanding the excitement I felt about being able to ‘surprise’ her on her special day. And, because she was my mother, she would have overlooked the soil I’d brought in on my shoes, not seen where I’d coloured outside the lines, not cared one jot about the burnt bits I hadn’t managed to scrape off. Whoever, and wherever, we are in the world, we all observe Mother’s Day. The same day my mother and I were busy celebrating, so were mothers and their children in Ireland, Nigeria and Bangladesh. Mother’s Day is one of only a handful of celebrations observed by families all around the world; each nation setting aside a date once a year – the second Sunday of May in Hong Kong – to celebrate the relationship of mother and child. Mother’s Day has been observed, in some way or other, throughout history. The Greeks and Romans held annual festivals to honour their mother goddesses. In 17th-century England, Mothering Sunday – the fourth Sunday of Lent – was the day faithful people returned to their ‘mother church,’ the church they were baptised in. After a prayer service to honour Mary, Mother of Jesus, children of the parish would give the gifts and flowers they’d brought for their own mothers. On Mothering Sunday in Victorian times, girls working in service as housemaids went home to visit their mothers. In early-20th-century America, one daughter’s successful campaign for a national day to celebrate and honour the sacrifices mothers make for their children is why today millions of people around the world, celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In Hong Kong, as in the US, children celebrate their mothers by giving them a card and a bouquet of flowers. Carnations are a popular choice. Schools encourage children to dedicate poems to their mothers and to help out in special ways at home. As it is a holiday, families often mark the occasion with a big get-together. In the 21st century, what is Mother’s Day about? Is it just another of those ‘Hallmark’ occasions which businesses cash in on? I don’t think so. Handmade cards made by small hands still beat shop-bought ones, just as they did when I was a child. Phone conversations with mothers and grandmothers abroad are priceless compared to flowers, chocolates or gifts ordered online. Mother’s Day isn’t just one special day in the year when children get to show their awareness of, and appreciation for, the things their mothers do for them; of course, this happens in households all over the world every day. For children, Mother’s Day acts as a reminder to stop and think what their relationships with their mothers mean. Similarly, for mothers, Mother’s Day is a time when we are reminded to pause a while in our busy lives, and reflect on just how absolutely awesome it is for us to be able to bring life into the world. It’s for us to remember there was a time when our little people didn’t exist, and to acknowledge how much richer, as a result, our lives are for having them. It’s a time for us to look back and see how, as each year goes by, we are changed by the act of motherhood. We are changed by the sacrifices we make daily, simply to put our children before ourselves. And we are changed by feelings of protection and empathy and joy and more, the depths of which we didn’t experience before we had children. In creating our children, we, in turn, have evolved and grown.

Ray Au outlines what we can expect from 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake According to Chinese astrology, each year cor responds to one of 12 zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig), in a cycle that repeats ever y 12 years. To complicate things a lit tle, each year also cor responds to one of five elements (Fire, Ear th, Metal, Water and Wood), in a cycle that repeats ever y five years. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (the last one was in 2013). More specifically, it is the Year of the Wood Snake (the last one was in 1965). So, what does that mean for you? Snakes may not be everyone’s cup of tea but there is ever y reason to go into a Snake Year with positivity. For the Chinese, the Snake symbolises wisdom and evolution: he is not associated with evil or treachery as he is in many other cultures. What’s key is that the Snake is able to shed his skin and rejuvenate: we can therefore expect 2025 to be all about personal growth and renewal. While the pace of change may be a lot slower than it was in 2024’s flashy and dynamic Year of the Dragon, don’t underestimate the transformative power of serpentine energy. The Snake is known for his grounded, deliberate approach to life. Stealthy and wise, the Snake wants you to move with purpose and precision, relinquishing what no longer serves you, so you can evolve. As you weave through the year, you have the oppor tunity to methodically align with your true path. The key lies in trusting the process. THE SNAKE’S STEALTHY INFLUENCE In predicting what 2025 will bring, we need to take a good look at the Snake’s characteristics many of which are revealed by his impressive showing at the Great Race. Folklore tells us that the race was held by the Jade Emperor to decide the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac and, surprisingly, the Snake placed sixth right after the super-powered Dragon (the predicted winner) and seconds before the stronger, faster Horse. As it turns out, the Snake is ambitious and he saw the race across the celestial river as an oppor tunity to shine. Clever and cunning, the Snake submerged himself and swam quickly across the river, taking advantage of the currents. Without being seen, he smoothly overtook the Pig, Dog, Rooster, Monkey and Ram and, near the riverbank, he jumped out at the Horse, which star tled and fell behind. Thus, to everyone’s surprise, the Snake became the sixth animal to cross the finish line. Within this origin story lies the true message of a Snake Year – summon your inner strategist, stay calm and strike when the time is right. So we know the Snake is wise, a natural tactician; we also know him to be ambitious and determined. Given plent y of time to ref lect and plot the wisest course, the Snake is not afraid to act independently in pursuit of his dreams. Consequently, we can expect a goal-orientated 2025, in which we can move forward with resolve and objectivity. Above all, the Snake encourages creative solution: when you get to the proverbial shore by relying on your own ingenuity, as he did in the Great Race, you earn not just respect, but your own place in the circle. As any ophiophilist will confirm, the Snake is mesmerising, and not a lit tle mysterious – by turns colour ful and flamboyant, camouflaged and reclusive. He doesn’t actually hypnotise his prey but he can charm almost anyone he meets into submission. Therefore, 2025 is predicted to be a good year to make friends and influence people: to impress others with your wit and charisma, and insinuate yourself with ‘the powers that be’ to get that rise or promotion. Now a word of caution: the Snake has a tendency to be secretive, manipulative, distrust ful and jealous. He holds grudges and is slow to forgive. He can also be stubborn, prideful and arrogant, refusing to admit his mistakes or listen to the opinions of others. Be cautious who you trust in a Snake Year. The worr y is that the cold, calculating Snake is only concerned with his own welfare. He’s also dangerous: when he’s angry, or his pride has been hur t, or if you try to get close to him without his permission, you might get bit. THE WOOD ELEMENT The Year of the Wood Snake is special because it combines the transformative power of the Snake with the expansiveness and f lexibilit y of the Wood element. Whether you are looking to star t new projects or make significant life changes, 2025 promises to deliver slow, steady oppor tunities for growth. A Wood Snake Year rewards those who are flexible and forward thinking, now’s the time to shed old habits and fixed ideas and embrace opportunity. The Wood element also represents compassion and loyalty, something that br ings out the Snake’s oh-so-secret sensitive side. The Snake is a cautious, introver ted observer; he tends to be suspicious and insecure, yet his scales conceal a big hear t and a surpr isingly passionate nature. 2025 is therefore a year to be generous with our af fections, and dare to be vulnerable. Kind, empathetic and above all wise, the Wood Snake is the most creative and visionar y of the snakes. So 2025 invites us to explore new ideas and expand our hor izons. Consider that the counterculture movement was at its peak in the US dur ing 1965, the last Year of the Wood Snake, with suppor ter s rejecting conventional mores and advocating peace, love and social justice. Sixty year s later, we can hope to find similar themes echoing back to us, of fer ing oppor tunities for transformation and rebir th on a global scale. LUCK AND COMPATIBILITY How we will fare in the Year of the Snake also depends on the year we were born – on how well our ‘bir th animal’ gets on with the Snake. The Chinese zodiac animals most compatible with the Snake are the Ox, Monkey and Rooster, which is fantastic news for all Oxen, Monkeys and Roosters heading into 2025. The Ox’s diligence and tenacity, the Monkey’s quick wit and the Rooster ’s logical yet passionate nature all vibe well with the wily Snake. These are the advisors he wants by his side. Likewise, Rats, Rabbits, Rams and Dogs should do well in 2025, since they also have a lot to offer the Snake. The Rat ’s caution and ability to compromise appeals, as does the Rabbit ’s plucky vulnerability, the Ram’s idealism and the Dog’s adaptability. However, if you were bor n in the Year of the Tiger, Dragon, Horse or Pig, you should brace yourself for a treacherous 2025, with some power struggles and financial challenges ahead. Meanwhile, those bor n in a Snake Year are not in as power ful a position as you might think. According to Chinese astrology, we offend the Tai Sui gods in a year that is governed by our bir th animal, meaning we can expect many challenges and unexpected changes. In 2025, Snakes are advised to tread with caution, and invest in some triedand- tested feng shui remedies. Be sure to carry a lucky Ox trinket… and wear red underwear. Gong Hei Fat Choy!

After acing her A Levels at Discovery Bay International School, Aarushi Sharma is now embracing the challenge of studying at the UK’s world-famous University of Cambridge. She tells Claire Severn what undergraduate life is like For someone who secured the highest mark in the world this year in A Level psychology (Pearson Edexcel), Aarushi Sharma is, to put it mildly, rather modest. “I got the news around three in the morning,” she says. “I was writing an essay and thinking it wasn’t going well; then I got the email. It’s not something I was aiming for, but it’s nice that it happened!” Aarushi explains that psychology wasn’t actually one of her original A Level selections. “I wasn’t quite sure at the beginning what I wanted to go into, so I chose four A Level subjects: maths, biology, chemistry and physics. A few weeks in, I changed from physics to psychology because it seemed interesting. There was a lot to catch up on, but my teacher , Mr Lennon, was amazing. He had all these sheets prepared detailing exactly what I’d missed and needed to learn, which really helped.” It turned out to be a good swap. Aarushi found a passion for studying psychology and set about finding university courses where she could extend her knowledge. “My number one choice was always Cambridge,” she says. “I chose psychology and behavioural sciences because it’s the thing that I can study and not get tired of; I find it so interesting.” Being an international applicant, Aarushi’s interview took place online. “I didn’t have much time to prepare,” she says, “but Ms Lau was really great in organising a mock interview at short notice.” Aarushi says her subject teachers were extremely suppor tive too. At first, she didn’t think things had gone well – the interview lasted some time – but the fact the questions kept coming was in fact a positive sign. “From what I’ve heard since, if you are answering questions correctly, the interviewers keep asking. If you think you didn’t do well, you probably did!” Aarushi did, and the following October she headed to the UK to begin the next chapter of her exciting educational journey. CAMBRIDGE UNDERGRAD One of the world’s oldest universities, Cambridge is a collegiate establishment, comprising 31 colleges. Aarushi applied to St Catharine’s, or Catz as it’s af fectionately known. Renowned for being a friendly college, Catz enjoys a central location and is currently home to a community of around 1,000 students and staf f. Notable alumni include Sir Ian McKellen, Jeremy Paxman and Richard Ayoade. The ‘friendly’ reputation was a big draw for Aarushi. “I thought, OK, I’m an international student, I’m not going to know anyone there, so I’d like to go somewhere where people are going to be nice.” It seems she made the right call. Aarushi has settled into university life well and enjoys the sense of community in her college. Cambridge traditions such as formal dinners (St Catharine’s formals feature the famous Catz cheese course!) provide a nice way to socialise, and Aarushi has joined a number of student societies. Her memberships include Tea Soc, Yarn Soc and Psych Soc, although the superpopular Bubble Tea Soc has so far evaded her. “I tried, but they were full – it’s very competitive!” One par ticular group that helped support Aarushi’s transition to university in the UK was the Hong Kong Society. “They organised some events before the term started, so I ended up meeting people there.” Originally from India, Aarushi moved to Hong Kong when she was seven. While moving to the UK after graduating school was fairly straight forward, it wasn’t without its challenges. “The hardest thing at first was the cultural dif ference, not in a bad way but in terms of the references people make, such as TV shows. Also the rain; I read somewhere that Cambridge is the driest place in the UK, which you wouldn’t think being there! “I didn’t have a lot of time to think about because I was busy from the start with freshers’ week activities. It was actually more like freshers’ three days as classes then started, but it’s Cambridge – I don’t know what I was expecting!” How has the workload been so far? “As long as you stay on top of things, you can still have a social life. We’re expected to study for around 40 hours a week, so, just like a job, which I think is pret ty realistic. “I’m doing four papers. For each paper you’re assigned a supervisor, maybe a professor or a PhD student – someone who is actively working in that field – and they set you work throughout the week. You then meet with them to discuss your work or your understanding of the material.” Aarushi says the sessions are challenging but that students get a lot out of them. She hasn’t shied away from extras either. Apparently it’s not unusual at Cambridge for students to attend optional lectures on completely dif ferent subjects to those they are studying, simply because they seem interesting. “Everyone that goes to Cambridge is a 100% cer tified nerd,” she jokes. THE FOUNDATIONS Get ting into Cambridge is, as you might expect, no mean feat – the university typically receives six applications per place. Studying at DBIS, following programmes based on the English National Curriculum and culminating in A Levels, helped provide Aarushi with solid grounding to suppor t her application. “I definitely feel that studying A Levels helped because I was able to really hone in on the subjects I cared most about,” she says. “Being able to do subjects which all complemented each other also meant that I could create connections in content across dif ferent areas; I think this helped when it came to preparing for interviews and such because I could answer questions from multiple angles.” Rebecca Boddington, Head of Sixth Form at DBIS, explains fur ther. “A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications that allow students to specialise in subjects they are passionate about. This specialisation can be par ticularly beneficial for students with clear career goals or interests they wish to pursue. “A Levels provide a structured pathway from secondary education to higher education, emphasising independent study, research, critical thinking and the development of original thought. Additionally, A Levels can enhance the chances of international students gaining admission to top-ranking universities, as many prestigious institutions regard A Level grades as strong indicators of academic ability and potential.” THE FUTURE Already nearly half way through her first year at university – each academic year at Cambridge comprises three terms of eight weeks, meaning Aarushi can head home to DB fairly regularly to soak up some sun and enjoy her mum’s home cooking – Aarushi has some interesting studies coming up. “I'm really looking forward to next year,” she says. “There's a criminology module, which seems very interesting. I’m also looking forward to the labs and neuropsychology. I’d like to go into clinical psychology; it’s ver y competitive, so we’ll see, but ideally I’d like to do a 50/50 split of practice and research. I’ll probably be studying for the next eight years.” What advice does Aarushi have for anyone thinking of applying to Cambridge? “Just apply. I almost didn’t as I didn’t think I’d get in. So many people self-select out of universities. If you don’t get in it’s fine; you’ll be in the same position you were in before, so just apply!” Wise words indeed. Maybe we’ll see a few more DB students following in Aarushi’s academic footsteps soon!

Accountant, marathoner, yoga instructor, family man and frequent flyer Stefano Passarello is on a mission to help good businesses do good. Elizabeth Kerr reports On a cool January Tuesday just before Lunar New Year, 17-year DB resident Stefano Passarello is gliding around the Sheung Wan office of his accounting firm, Monx, mostly collecting last-minute work for himself to do on a flight to Milan, departing in about two hours. “I’m comfortable with a little chaos,” he says easily, sitting down at the make-shift boardroom. He’s not breathing down anyone’s neck in the single open space; there are few barriers at Monx. Stefano looks almost exactly as he did when I last spoke to him in 2014, just after he set a record and won the 2014 Standard Chartered Marathon. Unsurprisingly he just ran a marathon in Thailand, which explains the extra-Tuscan glow to the Siena native’s complexion, but these days his status as a yoga instructor is showing too. A lot’s changed. First, Stefano sold his Discovery Bay-based accounting firm People & Projects, which he started in 2003, to a private equity firm right before COVID. “My life has been really determined by pandemics,” he points out wryly. After considerable success with branches in China and Singapore among others, he had what he calls an “Apple moment”, feeling like he and his board were getting farther and farther away from P&P’s original personalised service mandate. “I couldn’t do that anymore and I lost motivation. I thought I wanted to retire.” He was 37. Second, he opened, closed and finally quarantined at his ambitious Kapuhala Resort in Koh Samui (more in a bit). “We were open for six months before COVID, and then I was stuck in Thailand for around three months, waiting out the pandemic, while my wife and kids were in DB,” he recalls. “It was like being a monk.” That monk part is important to the third change: establishing Monx. To call Monx a COVID project undervalues Stefano’s intent, but in spirit it is. During his hermetic time in Thailand, he remembers feeling like, well, a monk with plenty of time to just sit and think. Stefano’s existential musings on what to do next – in between yoga training – led to a very simple question: What made him happy? Yoga did, for a while, but “not the happiest”. Ultimately he decided he wanted to go back to accounting.” Inspired by the 15th century mathematician, Franciscan friar and father of standard accounting as we know it, Luca Pacioli, Stefano decided he would usher in “the next generation of global accountants. I decided to put my effort and my money into a company that will support people in achieving longevity both financially and physically.” Thus Monx (hongkong. monx.team) was born in 2021. Stefano is aiming to reinvent the prevailing image of the accountant and accounting. He wants to shed the idea of nerds with pocket protectors and thickrimmed glasses sitting in dark, dusty basements surrounded by stacks of paper, silently crunching numbers. Or worse, anonymised drones in cubicles at the big international agencies doing likewise. As Stefano sees it, there’s more to accounting than credits and debits, though few SMEs know that. “Sit with me with your books, and I’ll explain why accounting is useful for your business, not just to comply with tax rules, but to use as a compass for making your business better,” he explains. “I want accountants to be super-happy to do their jobs, and to think of accounting not just as complying with the law, but as a way to provide clients with the tools for them to thrive, not just survive.” In fairness, the glasses are fine; they can be stylish. But Stefano wants to engage with his clients – now over 500 of them spanning offices in 17 locations – and have a good time as well as do good. Monx does its best to take on clients with businesses that have some kind of positive impact, be it social, environmental, financial or physical. It’s how he gets his team excited. “I’m too old to do business for crappy human beings. I want to be surrounded by happy people, by happy business, by meaningful businesses, because I have no time for boring nonsense,” he sniffs. “I need to work for somebody that has a crusade, that’s willing to change the world.” Which is why Kapuhala (kapuhalasamui.com) is the perfect lifestyle complement to Stefano’s corporate credo at this stage of his life. Initially planned as a three-location brand (DB and Sicily as well as Thailand) until the pandemic scuttled those, the Koh Samui boutique resort is defined by its natural setting, where guests can indulge in yoga, farm-to-table communal vegan dining and specialist programmes that incorporate longevity elements. It’s also become the Monx ‘campus’ for its annual meetings. But in getting back to business, Monx is purposebuilt to help businesses grow, and let’s face it, not many institutions have a worse public image problem right now than corporations. “I don’t know if business is changing, but people are changing,” says Stefano, arguing that work is about more than just salary now, and that philosophy might be trickling up. Major employers are fighting for talent, and that talent is getting choosy about who and what it aligns itself with. “I believe that in any business we need to have a crusade because your team doesn’t need to know who they are working for. It needs to know what they’re working for,” Stefano states. A pandemic silver lining was the rise of remote working and accessible digitalisation. Monx has a few dozen binders with accounting info in them on its office shelves, a far cry from its client count, and works from a “top-notch, futuristic, secure, cloud-based digital solution”. “I want to give my staff freedom. I want them to be in Thailand to do accounting for our clients with their feet in the pool. And I can tell you if they are happy, they work hard, they work better – 100% of the time.” Just like that Stefano jumps up and grabs his knapsack. It’s time to head to the airport. He racked up 111 flights last year, and he admits he’d rather spend more time in Sheung Wan – or better still the DB office he still keeps. That’s still home. “The place my kids are most in love with is DB Plaza,” he says, adding he has no plans to leave Hong Kong. It’s still the ideal place for work. “I’m agnostic jurisdiction-wise, but it’s easiest to travel from, and easiest to set up business. In Dubai, you need a nominee director. In Thailand, you need a partnership, Singapore needs a local resident director. Japan… don’t even go there. The UK is freezing cold,” he quips. “Hong Kong isn’t perfect, but it is business-wise. And within Hong Kong, there’s only one place where my heart is.” Stefano rattles off his home address in DB and is out the door. He’ll be back.

We want love all around us all year long, but if you can’t say it on February 14 when can you? Sharon Lesley Le Roux cuts through the Hallmark hype During a family get-together in Cape Town last month, my nephew told me about his recent marriage proposal to his fiancée. Marinus has grown up to be a funny, kind and incredibly switched on man, and I was keen to hear how our 21st century thirtysomethings are doing proposals these days. Marinus and Gen have been together five years, and they’ve talked about marriage, but my nephew can be a bit of a skelm – an Afrikaans term for a sneaky or sly individual (albeit good natured in his case) – and as such he’d taken some time, had planned his proposal meticulously, laying the groundwork so deftly that his woman didn’t suspect a thing. He’d chosen an interesting (and super-appropriate) venue for such an event, arranging it so Gen had ‘won’ dinner out at a ver y nice restaurant at Cape Town’s V&A Water front, with a personally guided tour around the Diamond Museum there beforehand. The two of them had poshed up for what would be a nice afternoon out, something just a little different… or so Gen thought. Their personal tour of the museum began with them being guided through a mockup of a mid-1800s diamond mine. The guide’s talk was interesting, so much so that it took a while for Gen to notice that Marinus had fallen behind. Once she realised, she retraced her steps through the mine, rounded a corner, and found him waiting, one knee in the dirt, open ring box in hand, ready to speak his words of love. What struck me, perhaps more than anything, was that this young man had decided, for this perhaps most important of occasions, to go with tradition. Surprisingly, it’s this generation, more than any other, who favour conventional proposals. (Tradition is the new New, who knew?) In a study of recently married people, 25 to 34-year-olds are the ones most likely to propose in a public place, to get down on one knee, to give flowers, to include family and friends. And it’s this age range of suiters who see the offering of a diamond as essential. (However, few surely choose a mockup diamond mine for the venue – nicely done, Marinus!) Although Gen’s proposal didn’t happen on Valentine’s Day, it’s also people in this age range who, more than any other, say they would have liked it if their partners had proposed to them on Valentine’s Day. I must admit, I find that surprising. I suppose, here in my fifties, I’m fairly set in my ways and opinions, and I am certainly more than a little opposed to celebrating ‘Hallmark days’. And so, yes, I find it surprising that it’s in the first seven days of February that engagement rings generate the most internet search traffic, and that on February 14, the most marriage proposals take place. Is it simply growing older (and perhaps more cynical) that has made me feel this way? I don’t think so. I think it’s equally the case that I just don’t like being told. Told this is the day, this one special day, and you must celebrate! I mean, what if I’m just not feeling it? Do I do it anyway, because this is the day? Do I wait till next year? Perhaps I’m not alone. Perhaps like me, you’ve grown a little jaded, dismayed at just how spendorientated these celebration days have become. In England, 25 million Valentine’s Day cards are bought each year, in America it’s 145 million. That’s hard-earned cash spent on cards alone, not even flowers or gifts, meals out, romantic weekends away. And, if that’s a lot of bucks just to tell someone they are loved, the UK and the States have nothing on Hong Kong – year after year, the 852 records the highest Valentine’s Day consumer spend in the world. However… In all these stats and facts lies hidden in plain sight another one, the most important one of all: we want to say, “I love you”. Hearing my nephew’s story has made me think, and remember that romance is still a thing. It’s never been away, it’s still very much alive and kissing. Actually, these days, I think it might be the case that we need Valentine’s Day more than ever. As individuals, not all of us are as confident as my nephew when it comes to openly displaying our affection and saying exactly what it is we feel. Words are pesky things at the best of times, and love is undoubtedly the most difficult of all our emotions to put into words. We fear we’ll look foolish, appear sappy, our words clichéd. And yes, we know this date on the calendar has been looted by big businesses over recent years. But such is life and opportunists there will always be. Not unlike Scrooge on Christmas morning, I am starting to think that while I wasn’t looking (hiding under my bedsheets in Cynics’ Corner), we have started to take back Valentine’s Day and are now owning it. Isn’t Valentine’s Day that one day when we collectively agree it’s perfectly alright to show our softer side, and yes, be just that little bit foolish? The day when we pause the world, and acknowledge the fact that we love another human being, and it feels… incredible. The day to say, “You matter. You are everything I need. I don’t see how life looks without you in my picture.” The day when we put love up there on its pedestal for all to see and we celebrate it, showing it the deference it’s due. If you say this February 14 will be the one day when you choose to – and choose how to – express what you feel for your mate, allow me to recommend not spending any money at all. Don’t let the commercial side of Valentine’s Day stop you; it really is about you being in love and showing it… that matters above all else, together with the fact that life’s best things really are the ones that don’t cost anything, and what better example of that than love itself. You could make something, even if it’s not perfect, even if it turns out very badly (remember Bridget Jones’ blue soup?). The fact that the time and effort you put in all stems from love will not go unnoticed. Or you could do something that’s just yours and your partner’s alone. Revisit the place you had your first date, or share a sandwich and a cider in your favourite spot. My husband and I love hiking. These days it seems we’re rarely in the same country let alone the same space but when we are we walk and talk, and we reconnect. Why not write it? On a T-shirt, a steamed-up bathroom mirror, a message in a bottle? Or, sure, buy a card (it doesn’t have to be a Valentine’s card, there are some awesome no-message greeting cards out there designed by incredibly creative people). In it you can either write your own message, or perhaps you can take a little time to find a couple of lines from a favourite movie or song that perfectly put into words how you feel… and borrow them. Here are a few words I heard recently in a Westlife song that stuck with me: “Tell me it’s love, that’s all I want to hear you say, that we’re enough, and you’re always going to feel this way.” Whether you go with tradition, or you do something so unique that no-one else has ever thought of it, this Valentine’s Day can be your day to whisper your love, or to shout it from Tiger’s Head (go on, I dare you)! At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you say it, it only matters that you do. Because, at the end of the day, it’s all we people in love ever want to hear.

Let’s take a look at two, hugely popular, City Management-led events that we can expect to see more of in the coming year Discovery Bay Services Management Ltd (DBSML), aka City Management (CM), continues to invigorate the community, delivering fun and meaningful events that bring residents together. Highlights of 2024 included the DB Dragon Boat Gala and the ESG Discovery Fair. Both events will be reprised in 2025. “CM initiatives are designed to inform and connect residents, while encouraging them to enjoy themselves,” says Ernest Lee, Assistant General Manager of DBSML. “We look forward to giving back both to residents and the wider community by providing more events of this kind in 2025.” DB DRAGON BOAT GALA The DB Dragon Boat Gala 2024, held on October 27, saw fiercely contested mixed, open, ladies, over 45 and community races at Tai Pak Beach. Fortyseven teams took part, competing in 23 heats and eight tournaments. Around 100 VIP guests joined the event to help cheer on the 700+ dragon-boat athletes, and present the awards. During the award ceremony, the Goggin Stewart School of Irish Dance was invited to showcase an Irish dance routine, and the Taiko Ten provided an exhilarating drumming performance. CM-led events are focused on paying it forward, and to this end, part of the participation fees was donated to Orbis, the international non-profit that’s dedicated to improving eye care around the world. Furthermore, Simon Tu, Director of DBSML presented a souvenir plaque to Endy Chan, Chairman of the Sports Association for the Blind Darkness Fighters to express the community’s support. “A DB tradition of 30+ years, the DB Dragon Boat Gala is a significant event aimed at unifying the community; it’s designed to bring residents of diverse cultures, age groups and interests together,” says Ernest. DB ESG DISCOVERY FAIR The DB ESG Discover y Fair 2024, a reimagining of CM’s annual DB Recycling Day, was held on November 30 at DB Plaza. It was an equally highprofile community event, endorsing CM’s focus on eco-friendly living and sustainability. There was an emphasis on well-established communitywide initiatives, such as the DB Family Farm Project, DB Food Waste Collection Scheme and Green DBers Programme. “As one of Hong Kong’s ‘eco-friendly towns’, DB has consistently promoted sustainable development within the community,” says Ernest. “The DB ESG Discovery Fair integrated a diverse range of environmental elements, aimed at enhancing residents’ awareness and participation in sustainable development. We set out to help residents and visitors gain a more comprehensive understanding of how risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance criteria (ESG factors) are managed in DB.” Activities provided on the day were exceptionally rich and varied, with over 40 unique booths in place. Various government departments, nongovernmental organisations and DB partners participated, providing information on recycling, upcycling, energy conservation and ecology. Further highlights included a brand-new electronic golf cart showcase; an interactive, upcycled music wall and a series of free eco-workshops. Residents took to the main stage to provide impressive song and dance performances throughout the afternoon.

BY Kayli Liebenberg PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock SOME OF SOUTHERN SCOTLAND’S FINEST attractions lie in the gentle hills and lush valleys of Dumfries and Galloway. Portpatrick fishing village, known for its colourful cottages and picturesque harbour, provides a good entrée to the region. Take a walk along the cliffs or enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants. THE SOUTHERN UPLAND WAY is one of Scotland’s great long-distance trails, stretching 344km from the west coast at Portpatrick to Cockburnspath in the east. Tackle the 20km trail from Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy to take in dramatic cliffs, rolling farmland and wild, open moorlands. GALLOWAY FOREST PARK, the largest forest in Scotland, became the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2009. It’s perfect for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in Europe. During the day, you can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of the area. The park is home to rare and endangered wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles. HISTORIC CASTLES ARE A SPECIALTY of the region, notably 18th-century Culzean Castle, with its striking architecture, opulent interiors and impressive grounds. The dreamlike, moated ruins of 13th century Caerlaverock Castle are another mustsee, as is 14th century Threave Castle, which is perched on an island in the River Dee. EXPLORE THE LEGACY of the country’s national poet at Burns House. The legendary Robert spent the last years of his life here, and a number of his possessions are on display, as well as manuscripts and letters. Visit on January 25, Burns Night, and extend your pilgrimage to take in Burns’ mausoleum, which is nestled in the graveyard at nearby St Michael’s Kirk. 13TH-CENTURY SWEETHEART ABBEY, the last major Cistercian monastery to be built in Scotland, has to be one of the most beautiful, and the redsandstone ruins have a unique love story to tell. The abbey was founded by Devorgilla of Galloway in 1273 in honour of her dead husband John Balliol, and the couple’s hearts are buried together by the alter. AT SCOTLAND’S SOUTHERNMOST POINT, the Mull of Galloway, you can take in spectacular views not just of Scotland but of England, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. The lighthouse was built in 1826 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis. Stop by the RSPB nature reserve to spot thousands of seabirds and seemingly acres of wildflowers.

The lead up to the holiday is the perfect time to start teaching children about the traditions surrounding CNY. Samantha Wong has everything you need to know We’re getting ready to usher in Chinese New Year (CNY), the Year of the Snake on January 29, and there’s a lot for kids to look forward to – three days off school, family gatherings, new clothes, lucky red packets… There’s also a lot of fun stuff for them to learn if they are to get the most out of the holiday. First off, at CNY, we wish each other good luck, happiness and wealth. Kids will need to be able to say Gong Hey Fat Choy (pronounced Gonghee-faat-choy) in Cantonese, and Gong Xi Fa Cai (pronounced Gong-she-faa-tsai) in Mandarin: both are wishes for a prosperous New Year. THE RED PACKETS Over CNY, children look forward to receiving lai see, those little red packets filled with a crisp dollar note. They need to know how to accept lai see politely – with both hands, head bowed and a simple doh jeh (thank you) – and they must never open the packet in front of the giver. The origin of lai see-giving, the legend of Ang Pow, is a fun one for kids to learn. It harks back to the Song Dynasty, when an evil dragon terrorised the people of a village called Chang-Chieu. No one was able to drive off the dragon or kill it. The villagers lived in fear until one day a young man named Ang Pow slayed the beast with his magic sabre. Out of gratitude and in the hope of warding off evil in the future, the elders of Chang-Chieu gave Ang Pow a red envelope filled with money. Top tip: Children should not give lai see – it would be considered insulting by the adult recipient – kids receive only. For young kids, HK$10 is acceptable. For older kids and young adults, it’s HK$20 to HK$50. Lai see is a blessing, a wish for good luck; it’s not about giving a large amount of money. FUN TRADITIONS Kids love the social aspect of CNY; the way families and friends get together to celebrate at each other’s homes. The dressing up required for these occasions – in new, ideally red or gold clothes – is the icing on the cake. AT CNY, everything from the food we eat to the flowers we buy has a special meaning, and children are often intrigued by the traditions. Teach them, for instance, that certain flowers have “super powers” and this is why we gift them at CNY. Miniature kumquat trees, with their tiny orange fruits, bring the recipient money; peonies bring true love; bamboo stems good luck. And why do we buy live potted plants at this time of year rather than fresh-cut flowers? Because potted plants symbolise growth and fresh starts. Tell children that the family will have a particularly lucky year if a flower blooms on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day, and they will watch excitedly, waiting to see if it happens. Children are also delighted to learn that the dishes we make or have made for us at CNY represent blessings for the year to come. We eat spring rolls because they look like bars of gold, and are therefore a wish for prosperity and wealth. And we eat dumplings, shaped like ancient gold and silver ingots, for the same reason. If you are making dumplings with your kids, place a coin in one of them – teach them that whoever picks that dumpling is guaranteed good luck in the coming year. Teach kids that eating steamed fish is an absolute must at CNY since it symbolises surplus and wealth. It’s unlucky to flip the fish (we eat one side of it for dinner, and the rest the next day) in order to prolong the surplus and make sure the coming year is prosperous. Why don’t we eat the head and tail? This is a reminder to finish everything you start and to wish for positive results. A whole steamed chicken represents a harmonious and united family, and it’s another CNY staple. Teach kids that eating the chicken wings will help them succeed (fly higher), and eating the bones will help them achieve their goals. You can also explain why we eat extra-long “longevity noodles” at CNY – the longer the noodles, the longer our life will be. We must not cut our noodles for obvious reasons, but we are free to slurp! Top tip: When celebrating at home, a good way to involve the kids is to have them set out the traditional candy trays – eight varieties of dried fruit (or sweets) – to ensure everyone’s CNY gets off to a sweet start. They can also fill up the bowls of oranges (for good health and long life), tangerines (for fruitful, lasting relationships) and persimmons (for happiness and wealth). THE ZODIAC ANIMALS CNY is based on the lunar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is why Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day can fall any time between January 21 and February 20, but what’s more interesting to kids is that in the Chinese zodiac calendar, each year has an animal as its symbol. 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake, one of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the others being the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Children love the ancient folk story that explains how these creatures made the final cut to be immortalised in the zodiac. The Jade Emperor called a Great Race, decreeing that the first 12 animals to swim across a fast-flowing river would each have a year named in their honour. Thirteen animals lined up on the riverbank; however, the cat was pushed into the water by the rat, and was excluded from the final line-up. Once children have grasped that each year is affiliated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, they will want to find out which animal heads up their own birth year. (Google it.) Kids find it entertaining to learn that people are thought to display certain characteristics unique to their zodiac animal, for example Roosters are practical and honest, and Dogs are hardworking, while 2025’s bed of Snakes are cool, calm and creative. Famous Snake Year people include Vivienne Westwood, Bob Dylan, J.K. Rowling and Taylor Swift. Top Tip: Kids can discover more about CNY in a fun and humorous way by picking up Hong Kong author Sarah Brennan’s Chinese zodiac series of children’s books. This fast-paced and funny series is the perfect CNY primer with illustrations by Harry Harrison. The Tale of Pinyin Panda is a hilarious take on the Great Race and explains exactly why the Panda didn’t make it into the Chinese zodiac. Of Brennan’s 12 Chinese Calendar Tales, the one to read this year is The Tale of Sybil Snake, which features the Legend of Lady White Snake, the true story of Wu Zetian (China’s only female Emperor), Kublai Khan’s famous menagerie and, of course, the beautiful, clever and extremely charming Sybil.

From smart technologies to ancient remedies, the wellness trends of 2025 are set to transform how we care for ourselves and our homes As we head into 2025, wellness is not just about personal health but also the spaces we live in. The latest trends focus on a holistic approach that balances body, mind and environment. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, your physical wellbeing, or simply create a more nurturing space in which to live, these trends will help you kick off the new year as you mean to go on. PHYSICAL WELLBEING The global longevity market is booming, estimated to surpass US$600 billion in 2025. The US, Japan and Switzerland are leading the way, investing heavily in biotechnology, personalised medicine and aging research. The focus is not just on extending lifespan but on enhancing the quality of those extra years, transforming how we age at a fundamental level. Biohacking trends like tracking sleep, nutrition and exercise, and using cognitive enhancers are helping us optimise our health and wellness, and potentially our lifespan. Wearables in the fitness industry are increasingly popular, as we seek to turn healthcare into a lifestyle, rather than an annual hospital checkup. At-home diagnostic tools and e-health services are trending as more of us seek to manage our health ourselves. A more empowered approach to fitness is also emerging, thanks to personalised exercise solutions and workout plans, and a preference for online fitness programmes that cut out gym membership or even working with a personal trainer. Fitness is something we want to prioritise independently on a daily basis, so DIY options like swimming, walking, yoga and Pilates are right on trend. When it comes to diet, there are plenty of current fads that have the experts divided. Take the carnivore diet, intermittent fasting and weight-loss drugs – they’ll all help us fight the flab but at what cost to our long-term health? Looking to 2025, with the emphasis firmly on longevity, sustainability and holistic wellness, plant-based diets – whether vegetarian or vegan – continue to trend, as do functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Foods filled with vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, or probiotics are becoming our go-to: examples include fermented foods, like yogurt and kimchi, that promote gut health; and fatty fish, like salmon, which is rich in omega-3s to support heart health. Another growing trend is the focus on dietary patterns that support individual nutrition needs, otherwise known as personalised nutrition. While general nutrition advice, such as eating a balanced diet comprised of complex carbohydrates, quality protein and healthy fats, applies to many, each body is different and may respond to nutrition differently. For that reason, research is diving deep into the various ways nutrition can impact the body on an individualised level. LIVING ENVIRONMENTS In setting out to take better care of ourselves, we are also prioritising our surroundings – looking to create more nur turing places in which to live. Seemingly ever yone is into feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice that sets out to harmonise living spaces for enhanced wellbeing, and vastu shastra, feng shui’s Indian equivalent, is gaining traction, with practitioners guiding the arrangement of spaces to promote positive energy and harmony with nature. In fact, heading into 2025, we are looking to ancient remedies of all kinds, notably “smudging”, to purify living spaces and raise vibrations. Conversely, 2025 also sees us firmly focused on the new and futuristic: tech companies across the globe are creating state-of the-art technology that we can use to make our homes not just smarter but more responsive to our needs. AI is powering deeper integration of smart-home devices, offering personalised automation based on our behaviours and preferences. From lighting that adjusts to our mood to HVAC systems that learn our temperature preferences, AI is optimising every room in the house. Consider the latest sleep-optimisation tech: smart beds and bedroom systems are designed to adjust temperature, lighting and even sound to improve sleep quality. These devices also offer real-time feedback on sleep patterns and provide suggestions for better rest. Likewise, the latest smart-kitchen appliances now offer step-by-step cooking guidance, ingredient tracking, and can even suggest meals based on what’s in the fridge. AI-powered ovens, refrigerators and stoves make cooking more convenient and efficient. All kitchen appliances, from refrigerators to dishwashers, can be connected and controlled via a central app, allowing for automated grocery lists, energyefficient usage and improved food safety. Then there are all the breakthroughs in immersive home entertainment. Whether it’s for gaming, virtual travel experiences, workout machines, or interactive storytelling, the integration of VR/AR into living spaces is gaining traction. For remote workers, 3D holographic displays and advanced video conferencing systems that create life-like interactions are enhancing communication and collaboration from home. Domestic robots are also entering the mainstream, and they’re capable of more than just vacuuming. These robots use advanced AI to navigate spaces, interact safely with humans and even learn new tasks over time. They can assist with chores such as laundry, cooking and pet care. Robotic companions that provide emotional support and interaction, particularly for elderly or disabled people, are gaining popularity. These robots can remind users to take medications, detect falls, or just offer companionship. Meanwhile, voice control systems, like Alexa and Google Assistant, are becoming more conversational and context aware. These assistants can handle more complex tasks, anticipate needs and integrate better across devices. MENTAL HEALTH Living a full, productive life depends, in part, on mental health and thankfully the topic is no longer taboo; it’s something we all know to prioritise and talk about. Mindfulness and meditation, as tools to improve mental health, have taken the world by storm and moving into 2025, they’re totally mainstream practices – the new normal. The same can be said of digital detoxing: taking a conscious break from screens to reconnect with ourselves and others. By unplugging from our devices, whether for an hour a day or a weekend getaway, we allow our minds to rest and take a break from information overload. Escaping the bustle of daily life is, in fact, a number one priority going into 2025, with self-care increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a treat. Spa-going is surging dramatically, with men as well as women seeking to relieve tension and recharge through massage treatments, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. “Water wellness” is already the next big thing, bringing the health benefits of water-based therapies (hot baths, cold plunges, steam rooms) to reduce stress, relieve pain and improve circulation. Float therapy – taking time out in a water-filled sensory deprivation tank – is gaining traction. There’s also a new emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of natural waters: hot springs, mineral baths and wild swimming. Another wellness term we’re likely to hear more of this year is the “modern pilgrimage”, which involves solo or group travel to a sacred or meaningful site, or nature retreat. There’s an emphasis on mindfulness, inner growth and personal transformation; we are seeking these experiences as a way to disconnect from daily routines, prioritise mental health and explore new spiritual perspectives. Welcome to 2025!

Loïc Le Jannou, a DB resident of almost 30 years, shares his love of the Lantau trails with Elizabeth Kerr. Use trekking poles his way and you’ll do so for years to come It turns out that trekking poles are like bras. If you use one, chances are you’re using it wrong. Honorary Hongkonger and trail running facilitator Loïc Le Jannou may have been late to the running game but he was among the early adopters of poles on Hong Kong’s trails as a tool for bettering times, improving mobility and protecting your knees for the long term, and now he’s sharing this wisdom. “Poles are not just for going uphill and for balance,” opens Loïc, who’s gregarious, relaxed and buff at 64. “All the commercial brands recommend poles that are at least 15 centimetres too long. You should use poles that are shorter on the downhill – not longer. And it’s terrible, because you lose the benefit of using them downhill as a support.” Somehow this sounds worse in Loïc’s lilting French accent. To Loïc’s mind, no matter how healthy you think running 100 kilometres makes you, it damages the body – and this from a guy who actually enjoys a good trail run. So he set out to find a way to make it less so. “I invented a new technique to use trekking poles, which I’ve also started to teach,” he says (find him on Instagram @loic_the_trekker). Loïc’s singular style is centred on trekking poles with a flat head that can take weight and so take pressure off the knees. The goal is to use the poles to actually jump and land lightly: “like a cat”. Using poles this way also develops arm, shoulder and core strength, gets trekkers down hills without causing knee, hip or back problems, and ensures you can still climb stairs a decade from now. In other words, it prevents damage to the cartilage. Loïc’s taught elite runners, been recommended by physiotherapists, and has inspired people with weight issues to get more active. CIRCUITOUS ROUTE TO DB In between chatting about running and poles, and his long, winding road from Montpellier, in southern France, to Discovery Bay in 1995, Loïc sounds off on a range of subjects: French verbs, the virtues of the signature Barmah hat he’s never without on a walk, the relative genius of classic rock titans. Turns out, Loïc’s not keen on Jimi Hendrix, or Keith Richards; he’s all about The Beatles. He’s also a huge fan of DB: “it’s the best place in Hong Kong to be”. “We lived in South Horizons when we first arrived in Hong Kong in 1993,” Loïc recalls, the ‘we’ being his ex-wife, now living in Ireland, and daughter. A visit with friends one day sold them on DB for its natural environment, car-free streets and low-rise living. “I thought, ‘Wow, that place is paradise,’” Loïc recalls. “South Horizons was all towers and long queues to get on the bus in the morning. It was madness. When you arrive in DB, you see the mountain, hear the birds; and the ferry is a great way to disconnect from the job and meet people. I love Discovery Bay.” Loïc calls Hong Kong home now, but it was mainland China that first drew him east. As a student in the late 1970s, he developed a passion for the Chinese language after stumbling into a class. “The teacher said Chinese had no grammar, no gender, no plurals, nothing. I said that’s the language for me,” he says with a laugh. Loïc was sure he was destined to wind up in China one way or another and, sure enough, he saw an ad about learning Chinese in China in Le Monde. He called the Paris number and voilà. He landed in Shanghai in 1986, taking a trip to Hong Kong after his first nine months. “I arrived in Hong Kong, and oh my God, the lights everywhere, the products, the shops. I jumped into a McDonald’s to have french fries because I hadn’t had any for so long. I just loved Hong Kong.” He spent time in Chengdu and Tianjin, and returned to Europe (briefly) before relocating to Hong Kong for good. “I learnt I was not made to live in France,” he says. “I love the country, but I have a problem with the people. I’m not going back.” OWNING THE TRAILS These days, Loïc spends his time living for himself, indulging his passion for trail running and hiking, and teaching other trekkers the art of the poles. He first caught the trail bug back in 2007: he had two kids by then, and he was 46. He was at the age where staying fit became more important, and remembering a sporty childhood that included cross-country skiing – where he learnt how to use trekking poles – he found a hiking partner in DB and started competing in local trail races. He dropped the racing in 2017 when first, he realised he wasn’t getting faster, and second, one of his brothers passed away from a heart attack while cycling at 57. It was time to take it easy, easier at least, and so Loïc put his energy into volunteering as a sweeper for the likes of Translantau™ by UTMB, Action Asia, North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge, Oxfam Trailwalker and King of the Hills, reaping the benefits of the activity without the pressure of the clock. Sweepers follow the last runner, collect the markers and clean the trail. Aptly enough, Loïc did his 100th race as a sweeper last December at DB’s Team FEAR Junior Adventure Challenge. He also co-designed and helped mark the course. Right now, it’s peak race season for Loïc, who gave up his last job in gift and toy merchandising in 2021. “I love being a sweeper,” he says. “I love the atmosphere; I love discovering other trails and being out in nature.” As a sweeper, Loïc also gets to hang out with the lagging runners, many of whom have the most interesting stories to tell on any given day. Some want to take photos but don’t know the trail routes, some want to have a picnic, and some are doing it for personal satisfaction. He recalls catching up to an Indian runner in her first race who was looking to prove to a selfish family she could do something valuable that they couldn’t. “She finished within the cut-off time,” says Loïc. “She was last, but she finished. It was great.” It’s also where a lot of runners discover the poles. And champion racer or not, with “muscles of titanium” or otherwise, Loïc is confident you’ll run better and for more years if you use his pole technique. Don’t take it from him; take it from the 200-odd people he’s taught so far – not including all those who’ve benefited from freebie advice on the trails. As an added bonus you could look like you stepped out of Zack Snyder’s 300. “All my life I’ve never had the pecs I have now,” Loïc jokes. “I always tell my girlfriend ‘You’re a lucky girl. My ex-wife has never seen me this fit.’ I have pecs, I have triceps. I’m totally buff.”

ABA Productions Giveaway Catch The Smeds and The Smoos from January 22 to 26 at the Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai. Presented by ABA Productions as part of KidsFest! 2025 Hong Kong, the endearing 60-minute show delivers music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged three years and up. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? A stellar new show based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Smeds and The Smoos is a production by Tall Stories – the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage. To find out more, visit kidsfest.com.hk ; to purchase tickets, head to www.cityline.com .