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From festive to frightening: the rise of the Yuletide chest blanket

WORLD ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS As host of the 2026 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships, DB Ice Rink is home to two major tournaments this month with six national/ regional teams competing in each. There’s the Women’s World Championship from March 30 to April 5, and the Men’s World Championship April 13 to 19. The women’s teams comprise Ukraine, Lithuania, Mexico, Belgium, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the men’s Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Mongolia, Luxembourg, Hong Kong. To see the full schedule and book tickets, head to 2026iihf.sportsoho.com . DISCOVERY COLLEGE OPEN DAY Discovery College is hosting a Prospective Parent Open Day on April 25 from 10.30am to 12pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to tour the school campus and gain a deeper understanding of DC’s unique educational approach. There’s also the chance to meet students and get your questions answered by the admissions team. Register to attend at shorturl.at/bHxkS. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DC.] 19TH DB EASTER EGG HUNT AND CARNIVAL There are plenty of egg-tastic activities for families to enjoy in DB over the Easter weekend. First and foremost, little chicks and bunnies can take part in DB Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach running from April 3 to 4, from 12pm to 5pm, at Tai Pak Beach. Egg hunters are divided into different age groups (three to four years, five to six years and seven to 10 years) to participate in the respective game sessions. All entrants receive a Welcome Goodie Bag containing a shovel set and souvenirs, plus a Certificate of Participation. This year marks the 19th edition of DB Easter Egg Hunt, and there are 50,000+ prizes to win valued at over HK$1 million! Every colourful, biodegradable Easter egg found at the beach can be exchanged for a small prize, while kids who uncover a ‘Grand Egg’ win a HK$1,000 prize! Egg Hunter Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so book ahead at klook.com. To add to the fun, there’s an Inflatable Funland in place at DB South Plaza from April 3 to 6. Children holding an Egg Hunter Pass get in for free, those without, pay HK$80 to enjoy the bouncy castles and game booths. Meanwhile, Giant Easter Eggs Funland in DB North Plaza is a perfect spot for photo-ops, and there are free Easter-themed art workshops at Toscana Sales Gallery. Find out more at visitdiscoverybay.com . TOSCANA ART MASK GIVEAWAY You’ll have spotted the oversized, Italian-style masquerade and carnival masks at DB North, The Pavilion, DB South Plaza and D’Deck – a collaboration between Italian artist Francesco Lietti and teachers and students from Discovery Bay International School. Through April 30, take a photo of one of the exhibits and share it on FB/ Instagram @visitdiscoverybay to receive a limited-edition coffee drip bag co-branded by Toscana. D ear readers, We’re happy to announce that Steen Skovfoged has joined the Around DB team as business development manager. As a DB resident of 20 + years, Steen loves the magazine and the community it serves, and he’s intent on expanding our reach and readership. Steen’s initial focus will be on forging more partnerships within DB and getting everyone interested in our special print -and -online promotional bundles, new for 2026. He is looking forward to meeting long-standing clients and bringing new ones into the fold. Please contact him by email at steen@arounddb.com or WhatsApp at +852 5683 2752. Best regards, The Around DB Team PROVERSE SPRING RECEPTION Long-term DB resident Dr Gillian Bickley and the team at Proverse Publishing are delighted to announce that the Proverse Spring Reception continues! Please join them on April 28, from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Admiralty, for cocktail-style mixing and mingling, canapés buffet, cash bar, book table, literary prize announcements and awards, with brief author talks (both in person and remotely). Find out more and register at proversepublishing.com/2026-spring-reception. NATURE EXPLORATION WORKSHOP Residents are invited to take part in a fun and informative Nature Exploration Workshop on April 25, from 11am to 1pm at DB Central Park. You can expect a treasure hunt, outdoor games and the opportunity to learn about DB’s biodiversity and indigenous plants. Residents of any age are welcome and everyone gets a complimentary souvenir to take home. Enrol at FB @db.community.hk. Dates For Your Diary APRIL 11 & 12 | SHOP THE DB WEEKEND MARKET  in DB South Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit handmadehongkong.com. APRIL 12   | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP!  Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 10AM. Email   dana@plasticfreeseas.org . ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE  to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit FB @dbmf.collection. TOOTHPASTE TUBE COLLECTION AT WATSONS Did you know you can recycle used toothpaste tubes for points via a collection scheme at Watsons? Only toothpaste tubes that are marked with a triangle and a #2 on the inside are fully recyclable, but through the Watsons/ Colgate partnership all types of tubes are collected and kept out of landfill. EARTH DAY What do you have planned for Earth Day, April 22? For 2026, the global theme is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, which focuses on empowering individuals and communities worldwide to take meaningful action for environmental protection and climate solutions. Whether you’re organising an event, joining one, or simply looking for ways to do your bit, head to earthday.org ACTION SPRINT TRAIL SERIES, DB The DB leg of Action Asia Events’ Action Sprint Trail Series heads out from DB South Plaza on April 26. Competitors choose between two distances – 9km or 12km – and the 12km course includes the climb over Tiger’s Head. The Sprints have been part of the Hong Kong trail running scene since 2003 with fair cut-offs for all runners and hikers on well-marked, picturesque courses. To find out more and enrol, visit www.actionasiaevents.com. ACCESS ALL AREAS? A proposal to allow unrestricted taxi access throughout DB has sparked significant debate among residents. Currently, taxis are limited to a designated area (mainly DB North Plaza) but the new plan would permit taxis to enter all parts of the community, see new taxi ranks added and allow for point-to-point pick-ups and drop-offs. In response, a resident-led petition has gathered over 1,000 signatures. It calls for the proposal to be paused and for a more transparent, community-wide consultation process. Petitioners say they are not necessarily against improving transportation but they want a proper consideration of targeted alternatives before granting full taxi access – such as boosted public transport, better availability of the 24/7 hire cars, or more conditional taxi access. Opponents argue the change would undermine DB’s long-standing low-traffic, pedestrian-focused design. Concerns include increased road congestion, safety risks (especially for children and cyclists) and higher noise and pollution levels. Some residents also feel the consultation process so far has been inadequate. Supporters, including the developer, say the current transport system is inconvenient – particularly for elderly residents, people with disabilities and those travelling late at night. They argue expanded taxi access would make daily life more practical and inclusive. A separate campaign supporting improved transport access has reportedly gathered several thousand signatures. Overall, the issue reflects a broader tension between preserving DB’s original car-light, resort lifestyle and adapting to changing mobility needs. The proposal is still under review, with no final decision from the Transport Department yet.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Cinephiles have a lot to look forward to as the Hong Kong International Film Festival returns for its 50th edition, from April 1 to 12. One of Asia’s longest-running film festivals, the event showcases hundreds of films from around the globe, from major premiers to independent features and documentaries. There are screenings at cultural centres and cinemas across Hong Kong. Purchase tickets at hkiff.org.hk. THE ANTIDEPRESSANTS TOUR Legendary Britpop band Suede are ready to rock AXA Wonderland on April 11, with their first solo headline show in the city in a decade. Fans can expect a powerful set combining mega hits of the 90s, like Trash and Animal Nitrate, with new material from the glam rockers’ 2025 album Antidepressants. Purchase tickets at trip.com. WESTK FUNFEST WestK FunFest, at the West Kowloon Cultural District through April 12, features performers from Australia, Spain, the UK and Hong Kong. Hosted at Art Park, Freespace and the Xiqu Centre, 2pm to 8pm (weekdays), 12pm to 8pm (weekends), the festival brings interactive performances, live theatre, music and dance performances, large-scale outdoor art installations and hands-on workshops for all ages. Purchase tickets at westk.hk/en. CATHAY/HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS The 50th Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens touches down at Kai Tak Stadium from April 17 to 19 delivering an adrenaline-filled weekend of world-class rugby and stadium partying. Expect 72, fast-paced, seven-aside matches plus live music, DJ sets and incredible on-pitch pyrotechnics. To find out more, visit hksevens.com. MEGA ICE HOCKEY 5’S One of Asia’s biggest ice hockey tournaments, Mega Ice Hockey 5’s, at Mega Ice, brings together youth and adult teams from Hong Kong and across the region, with more than 80 teams battling it out in a five-a-side format. The youth divisions run from April 23 to May 2, and the adult divisions from May 4 to 9. Purchase tickets at megaice.com.

Chunky Fish Fingers Serves 6 100g plain flour, seasoned 3 large eggs, beaten 200g dried breadcrumbs Large pinch turmeric, optional 500g skinless, boneless haddock, cut into thumb-sized strips Grab 3 shallow dishes and set up a production line of flour then egg then breadcrumbs. If you want golden breadcrumbs add the turmeric. Place a large empty plate at the end of the line to put the uncooked fish fingers on. Dip a finger of fish in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dredge it through the egg and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, so it’s completely coated and place it on the plate. Repeat! To cook the fish fingers, fry them in a little oil, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush a baking tray with a little oil, and cook the fish fingers for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden, turn over half way through the cooking time.

Play・Think・Create in Discovery Bay! BRAIN BOOSTER! FUN FACTS ABOUT EARTH DAY Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 to remind everyone to take care of our planet. The very first Earth Day happened in 1970, which means its 56 years old – we’re celebrating its 56th birthday! 🌍WHO CELEBRATES EARTH DAY? Over 1 billion people in more than 190 countries across the world take part in Earth Day events each year. 🌱WHAT IS IT ABOUT? It’s about taking action! Planet helpers get together to plant trees, clean beaches, protect wildlife, reuse and recycle. 🐢 WHY DO WE CLEAN BEACHES? Cleaning up trash that waves bring to shore helps protect the animals we love like turtles, dolphins and birds. 🌳WHY DO WE PLANT TREES? We want more trees because they help us by making oxygen to breathe, giving animals homes and cleaning the air. ♻️WHAT IS RECYCLING? Recycling means turning old things into new things: we do it to reduce waste and keep trash out of landfills and oceans. 🌼WHY DO WE LOVE THE EARTH? Earth is our only home, it’s the only planet known to support life, so we need to protect it and make it feel special. DO WHAT YOU CAN FOR THE PLANET! Turn off lights Pick up litter Plant a tree Use reusable water bottles Save water Recycle your trash STEM SNACK Did you know that if you put a shell in a glass of vinegar it fizzes?! Want to know why that happens? Shells fizz in vinegar because of a chemical reaction between the calcium carbonate in the shell and the acetic acid in the vinegar. This reaction breaks down the shell and produces carbon dioxide gas bubbles. If you leave a shell in vinegar long enough, it will become thin and brittle, and eventually dissolve completely. MAKE IT! NATURE COLLAGE This collage is double the fun because it will get you outdoors exploring nature! 🪁 YOU’LL NEED: Twigs, leaves, grass, seeds, flowers, shells Cardboard or paper Glue Pressed leaves ✂️ HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Go outside and collect some nature treasures 2. Arrange them on your cardboard to make shapes like trees, animals, or flowers 3. When you’re happy with your design, glue the pieces onto the cardboard 4. Press the leaves in a book so they stay flat 5. Glue them around your collage to create a frame ✨ TIP: Try making a butterfly, a beach scene, or your favourite animal using natural materials! 📫Ask a grown-up to email your collage to rachel@arounddb.com. You might see it in the next issue or on Instagram @around_db BONUS PUZZLE! Circle the items that help the Earth

Mark Jobling, Deputy Head of College at Discovery College, explains how empowering students with real responsibility is transforming learning and community engagement PHOTOS COURTESY OF Discovery College In an era when schools are rightly judged not only by exam results but by the character and agency they instil in young people, Discover y College stands out. Tucked into the fabric of our neighbourhood, the school has built a culture in which student leadership is not an add-on but a way of learning – one that produces practical, creative and community-focused outcomes. Staff and leaders at DC describe student leadership as intentionally woven into the school’s curriculum and culture. Rather than issuing a checklist of activities, the school cultivates ‘agency’: giving students the power to shape their learning and their school environment. This includes opportunities for student-led initiatives, representative bodies with influence, and curricular projects designed to let pupils pursue interests, solve problems and reflect on the social impact of their work. The benefits are both personal and communal. Students develop confidence, communication skills and resilience; the school community gains fresh ideas and energetic contributions; and the wider neighbourhood sees immediate advantages. LEADERSHIP IN ACTION What set s DC apar t is how visibly and regular ly students move from classroom theor y to real-world a c t i on. Rather than confining leadership to a handful of prefects or formal committees, the school embeds opportunities for voice, choice and responsibility across the student experience. The result: young people who take initiative, collaborate across year groups, and design projects that matter to their peers and to the wider community. Take, for example, the recently staged Swap & Shop Fashion Show. Conceived and run by students, the project began with a practical idea: reduce waste, share resources and give pre-loved clothing a new life. Student teams coordinated clothing donations, redesign and up - c ycling wor kshops, and a lively public showcase that blended fashion with live music. The event – planned from concept to execution by pupils – drew an appreciative local audience and demonstrated how creative leadership can turn sustainability into celebration. This was not a one - off spectacle but a learning opportunity that taught project management, teamwork, budgeting, marketing and creative design. Students debated choices, managed logistics, liaised with staff and volunteers, and presented their work to the community – all hallmarks of leadership that transfer directly to life beyond the school gates. IMPACT BEYOND CAMPUS Leadership at DC also reaches far beyond the runway. In partnership with the Hong Kong Red Cross, students organised a Love from Luke blood drive that brought 85 donors onto the school campus. The campaign required careful planning, clear communication and sensitive coordination with health professionals – tasks students led with maturity and empathy. In recognition of their contribution to public health and civic responsibility, the school has been awarded the 2025 Elite Partnership Award - Secondary School. This kind of achievement – measurable, meaningful and beneficial to others – illustrates a broader educational philosophy: students learn best when they are trusted with real responsibility and when their actions have tangible outcomes for others. PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER SCHOOL Preparation for life beyond formal education is another clear outcome. When students organise events that require negotiation, budgeting, marketing and stakeholder engagement, they acquire practical competencies employers and universities value. But perhaps more importantly, they develop an ethical orientation: an appreciation that leadership is not merely about taking charge, but about service, collaboration and accountability. DC’s approach also nurtures a generation of young people who believe they can make a difference. Whether it’s transforming clothes destined for landfill into runway pieces, or coordinating a life-saving blood drive, or providing peer-to-peer support on the primary playground, students are learning that leadership is accessible and effective when it is rooted in care for others. For parents, educators and community members watching the next generation of leaders emerge, DC offers a vivid answer to the question of how schools can prepare young people not just to succeed, but to contribute.

Experience the dolce vita lakeside REPORTING BY Elena M. Zepeda NESTLED IN THE HEART OF LOMBARDY , 50km from Milan, Como has to be Italy’s most glamorous lakeside resort, celebrated for its glittering waters, beautifully preserved medieval towns and opulent neoclassical villas. Get about by water-taxi, and stroll the extensive lakeside promenades for picture-perfect views with the dramatic Alps as a backdrop. AT COMO, THE LAKE’S LIVELY HUB you can wander the cobblestone streets to find elegant piazzas lined with boutiques, gelaterias and cafés. Be sure to visit Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta the inventor of the electric battery, and Basilica di San Fedele, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century. CATTEDRALE DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA (Duomo di Como) stands proudly in Como’s Piazza del Duomo, just a couple of steps from the lake. Often called the ‘Jewel of Lake Como’, the cathedral took nearly 400 years to build, and combines Gothic, Renaissance and Rococo styles – history carved in gleaming marble, copper and stone. FUNICOLARE COMO-BRUNATE , once steam-powered, provides a scenic, seven-minute ride from the town of Como to the hilltop village of Brunate. From the village, you can hike 30 minutes to Voltiano Lighthouse. It’s a tough climb up the 29m-high tower, but at the top you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake, the Alps and the charming village below. HIGH ABOVE VARENNA, CASTELLO DI VEZIO is a thousand-year-old fortress where nature, history and horizons intertwine. Explore the fort’s ancient walls, discover dungeons and underground passages and see tombs dating back to the Iron Age. There’s also a display of Lariosaurus: an aquatic reptile, now extinct – the first fossils were found near Lake Como in 1830. 18TH-CENTURY VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO at Lenno enchants with terraced gardens and elegant galleries offering a sublime view of the lake. While its high-glamour exterior has graced countless films including Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale, the interior reveals the treasures of explorer Guido Monzino, who owned the villa from 1974 until his death in 1988. THE PICTURE-PERFECT TOWN OF BELLAGIO rests at the point where Lake Como splits into an inverted Y, with Como and Lecco stretching out to port and starboard. Its pastel-coloured houses and fragrant gardens tumble down to the shore, and elegant villas reflect in the lake’s shimmering waters. Make time to tour the grounds of Villa Melzi d’Eril: the lake’s first English-style gardens.

Stories guaranteed to fuel your next ride CAT: FREYA NORTH (1999) Catriona ‘Cat’ McCabe attempts to boost her career as a sports journalist by covering the Tour de France. Following a breakup, she immerses herself in the world of cycling, navigating a male-dominated press corps while dealing with the ‘soap opera’ of the race. Along the way, she begins to rediscover her passion for life beyond the newsroom. MOLLOY: SAMUEL BECKETT (1951) Molloy is a crippled vagrant cycling through the countryside in an attempt to find his mother. He becomes obsessed with his bicycle, treating it as his primary companion, a source of joy and a prosthetic extension of his failing body. The bicycle serves as a central, ironic element in the novel’s existential exploration of identity erosion and alienation. THE NIGHT OF ELECTRIC BIKES: JOSH FEIT (2023) Feit’s highly relatable poetry collection presents a swirling collage of city life; not just the literal city of commuters and economics but also the haunted nocturnal city of myth and history. The poems focus on the emotional landscape of city folk – vivid imagery captures the strange beauty and quiet solitude of e-biking through a city after dark. THE RIDER: TIM KRABBÉ (1978) Tim Krabbé’ first-person account of the fictional 150-kilometre Tour de Mont Aigoual is a detailed, kilometre-by-kilometre, and thought-by-thought description of a single road race. The book explores the physical sensations, mental strategies and intense psychology of cycling, including the “thrill of the ride” and the “darkness of fatigue”. THE SOLITARY CYCLIST: ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE (1903) Violet Smith asks the great Sherlock Holmes to investigate the mysterious bearded man who follows her as she cycles to and from work. Initially, Holmes is somewhat distant from the case but the story later showcases both his deductive skills and his physical prowess – Holmes fights and defeats Violet’s stalker, a brutal drunk and dangerous villain. THE WHEELS OF CHANCE: H.G. WELLS (1896) Mr Hoopdriver, a poorly paid draper’s assistant, escapes his grinding routine for a 10-day bicycling holiday along England’s southern coast. When he encounters a young woman ‘on the run,’ he adopts a heroic, imaginative persona to help her. Light-hearted and often funny, the novel captures the 1890s cycling craze, focusing on class, romance and self-discovery.

Whooshing around on your trusty Brompton Electric or EcoE is considered illegal. But for how much longer? Edward Szekeres reports PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Spires Electric bikes and scooters have become a staple of the Discovery Bay community, even though their use is largely prohibited under Hong Kong's laws. We've all seen them whizzing up and down the hills at speeds few can muster on a regular bike. We've also seen the signs banning them, yet here they are – silent, quick and divisive. Officially labelled as ‘electric mobility devices’, e-scooters, e-bicycles, e-skateboards and other similar e-vehicles are banned on roads, footpaths and most cycle tracks in Hong Kong. Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, you “may commit an offence” if you're caught riding your e-bike. And if you’ve been pulled up as an offender, you're not alone. Hong Kong police cracked down on the illegal use of e-bicycles and e-scooters last year, increasing arrests by 17% to 760, according to transport authorities. With e-bikes currently falling under the legal definition of ‘motor vehicles’ in Hong Kong, riding an unregistered one can lead to multiple criminal charges with steep fines of up to HK$10,000 and even potential imprisonment, far exceeding the HK$500 fine you would get for recklessly riding your regular bicycle. DB residents have reported being pulled over by police of ficers for riding their e-bikes. The clampdown, they say, has recently intensified. One resident, who asked not to be named for legal reasons, reports that an of ficer dressed in street clothes grabbed their wrist while they were riding their e-bike to work. “It seemed dangerous and excessive,” they said. The resident’s bike was confiscated, and they were escorted in a police van to the police station in Tung Chung. “When I asked why riding my e-bike at a very slow pace in a private area, such as DB, was illegal, they did not really have an answer. I know there are strong opinions on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in DB, but what we really need is clear regulations to avoid more dangerous incidents.” Fines alone are unlikely to resolve the pressing issue of e-bikes and e-scooters being stuck in a legal limbo. There are no formal regulations specifically governing the use of mechanically propelled electric mobility devices which the law currently defines as motor vehicles, such as a motorbike or car. That's why the unregistered or unlicensed use of your e-bike or e-scooter may constitute an offence. Islands District Councillor Jonathan Chow emphasises that riding e-bikes and e-scooters in DB – and across Hong Kong – is illegal under existing laws, and urges residents to refrain from breaking the law. “If you don’t want to be prosecuted, don’t do it.” The recent spike in arrests seems to have alerted authorities to the legislative grey zone, with Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan acknowledging the urgent need for new laws to ensure public safety. Addressing the Legislative Council in February, Chan said the government plans to roll out new regulations and a code of practice for the use and safety of electric mobility devices sometime this year. The new law – if adopted – is expected to put safety first, making it mandatory for people to wear a helmet and be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike or e-scooter, which must be certified and identifiable with a visible QR code. Electric mobility devices will likely be allowed only in designated safe areas, such as suitable cycle tracks in new development zones, to promote a green travel option for short first- or last-mile journeys, such as to and from the MTR station. Some lawmakers, however, have been advocating a fast-track regulated use of e-bikes and e-scooters on private roads in housing estates – an approach they argue is within the scope of existing laws. Could this involve roads in DB? Councillor Chow points out that any changes to the law, including a potential pilot project involving DB, would have to be put forward by the Transport Department and sanctioned by the Legislative Council. A public consultation – in DB’s case, plausibly involving Hong Kong Resort Company, DB’s private developer – would likely be part of the process. “But I’m not yet aware of a timeline for that,” Chow says. Passing new legislation could take weeks, if not months. For now, Chan has promised consultation on the proposal "to ensure that current legal definitions – and what constitutes a violation – are explicitly listed in estate notices or instructions, so that residents do not inadvertently break the law”. While the new laws are being written behind closed doors, a public debate rages on in the streets of DB – and beyond. Supporters and opponents of e-bikes appear to be split along the fault lines of convenience versus safety. "For families, e-bikes are more convenient than regular bikes, given how hilly DB is," says long-time DBer Anant Bakre. “[At the same time] e-bikes are heavier, quicker and take longer to brake. With the hills and valleys we have here and the lack of dedicated cycle lanes, it could lead to more accidents.” Potential collisions also worry 10-year DB resident Kelila Liu. "DB is known as 'dogs and babies’. Fast e-bikes can be dangerous and cause chaos for the little ones," she says. There were eight traffic accidents involving electric mobility devices across Hong Kong in 2025, up from three the year before, according to official figures from the Hong Kong Police Force, or less than 0.05% of the 16,800 injury-causing traffic accidents recorded in 2025. During the February debate on proposed legislative changes for e-bikes, lawmakers Scott Leung Man-kwong and William Wong Kam-fai said people on electric mobility devices were frequently seen speeding through parks, housing estates and pedestrian zones, making traditional enforcement difficult to maintain. Certainly, this is an issue for many DB residents, who worry pacy e-bikes could overrun the resort and destroy its peaceful, laid-back vibe. “I’ve finally found somewhere I can enjoy a slow life. Fast-moving things could disrupt this quiet, slow-paced environment,” says Julia Wei. “I go to Hong Kong Island for a fast-paced life. Nobody should rush in DB." Other DBers contend that e-bikes do not pose a significant issue and emphasise their role in improving daily mobility for residents. “There are too many slopes to cycle without the assistance of the electric system. And the speed and risks of e-bikes are far less than other vehicles, like taxis,” says Monica Xu. For residents like Jorge Barros, e-bikes could represent “part of what this place stands for, further strengthening DB as one of Hong Kong’s most unique communities and one of its best places to live. They fit naturally with the kind of DB most of us want: safe, efficient, forward-looking and less dependent on conventional transport.” E-bike sceptics, however, often come armed with another argument that points to the hazards the devices can pose off-road. Malfunctioning batteries were the main cause of a rise in e-bike-related fire incidents, from 12 in 2024 to 17 in 2025, Chan said in February. While lawmaker Tam Chun-kwok called the e-bike a "community bomb" and proposed banning it from lifts, Chan emphasised that product quality was the immediate priority, noting that neither European countries nor Singapore, where e-bikes are legal to various extents, have specific laws governing electric mobility devices in lifts. Chan is collaborating with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to reference practices from different regions and set up a certification system. So where does this leave us? DB residents who argue that careful, considerate regulation might just strike the right balance and appease both camps often unite behind one stance: that e-bikes and e-scooters should be allowed on roads but kept off cycling lanes, footpaths and other pedestrian areas. It remains to be seen whether the promised new legislation will reach that balance. For many, however, achieving harmony should be the law's focus. "Despite the many pros and cons, I understand that for the younger generation, living in DB can be inconvenient and e-bikes could help with that," says Kelila. "Maybe we will finally find a way to balance the needs of the young and the elderly."

Harvey Law Group highlights Nauru's Citizenship By Investment Program for a sustainable future In a world where opportunity and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand, the Republic of Nauru (Nauru) presents a citizenship by investment program like no other. The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship (ECRC) Program offers more than citizenship; it is a chance to meaningfully support a nation’s bold environmental projects. Through the ECRC Program, Nauru offers investors the opportunity to obtain citizenship against donation starting at US$115,000. However, from now until June 30, 2026, Nauru is seeking to boost its visibility by offering early applicants a reduced donation requirement starting at US$90,000, representing a substantial US$25,000 saving from the standard contribution rate. WHAT IS NAURU? Nauru is an island country located in the heart of the South Pacific in Oceania. It is the world’s smallest independent republic and third-smallest country by land area, behind only Vatican City and Monaco. Homing just over 12,000 residents across 21 square kilometres, Nauru packs a wealth of culture and history. Settled by Micronesians circa 100 0 BCE, Nauru was annexed by the German empire in the late 19th century. Af ter WW1, Nauru was administered by Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. During WW2, it was occupied by Japanese troops. After the war ended, the country entered into United Nations trusteeship, and went on to gain independence in 1968. Nauru is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organisation of Af r ican, Caribbean and Pacific States. Nauru has close ties to Australia. Their relationship spans decades and has recently been formalised through a comprehensive treaty in 2024, pursuant to which Australia offers funding to support Nauru’s economy, security and banking stability. The currency used in Naura is the Australian dollar. PURPOSE OF THE ECRC PROGRAM The ECRC Program, administered by the Nauru Program Office, was established in 2024 through the Naura Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act. Its purpose is to support the government’s efforts to fund development projects, including climate resilience initiatives, infrastructure improvements, renewable energy projects and sustainable economic diversification. The Nauru Program Office helps address the dual challenges of economic diversification and climate change adaptation, while offering global citizens the opportunity to contribute to and become part of Nauru’s future. Nauru’s ECRC Program represent s a unique opportunity for investors to obtain Nauruan citizenship in exchange for a contribution to the island’s economic and environmental transformation. This is citizenship with a purpose: each investment directly strengthens the nation’s capacity to thrive in a changing world, while giving investors a stake in Nauru’s bright future. KEY ADVANTAGES OF THE ECRC PROGRAM Nauruan citizenship gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 87 destinations around the world. From travel and business to lifestyle and security, this level of mobility opens doors to endless personal and professional possibilities. Beyond travel benefits, the ECRC Program is designed with convenience in mind. Applications are processed in as little as three to four months, and there are no requirements for visits, residency, language proficiency, education, nor professional background. The ECRC Program is bui l t on inclusi v i t y and family-oriented values. Applicants can include up to four generations in a single application, extending citizenship benefits to spouse or partner, children, parents, grandparents, and even siblings. Nauru has recently removed any age, financial dependency or marital status restrictions for dependents. In tune with global financial trends, Nauru allows cryptocurrency as a source of funds, provided that payments are made in US dollars. This forward-looking stance reflects the country’s progressive approach, appealing to modern investors who value flexibility and openness to emerging technologies. Nauru adopt s a favourable tax environment, offering both simplicity and strategic advantage. While residents can be subject to local income tax, there is no tax based on citizenship and no tax on foreign income. Individuals who hold citizenship of restricted jurisdictions (such as Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen, Rus si a and Belarus) may be eligible to apply provided they have not resided in such restricted jurisdictions for at least five year s (or hold a valid residence permi t in the Uni ted States, Uni ted Kingdom, Canada, Aus t r al ia, New Zealand, Switzer land or a European Union member s tate) and have no economic ties with such countr ies. Nauru does not permit applications from citizens of the Democrat ic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran and Myanmar. Through the ECRC Program, Nauru is redefining what citizenship can mean in the 21st century: not just a passport, but a contribution to a sustainable global vision. Every applicant becomes a partner in building a resilient, eco-driven and prosperous island nation, one poised to thrive in the face of both economic and environmental challenges. The ECRC Program is a rare blend of purpose and privilege, of offering investors the opportunity to expand their global mobility while contributing to a sustainable future for generations to come. For individuals interested in gaining Nauruan citizenship through the ECRC Program, professional legal guidance is invaluable. Harvey Law Group, with over 30 years of experience in global residency and citizenship programs, is here to assist you every step of the way. Please contact us for advice.