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At the start of the 2022/ 2023 season, DB Pirates is looking to recruit players, coaches and sponsors. Here’s why you want to get on board. REPORTING BY Raphael Blet PHOTOS BY Col Sim Photography & courtesy of DB Pirates. DB Pirates isn’t your everyday sports club. For starters, it caters to players of all ages and genders, providing them with the opportunity to train and compete both locally and overseas in rugby, netball, hockey and dragon boating. Established in 2003 exclusively for rugby, the club now enjoys success across all sections, while enabling its 700+ members to train right here in Discovery Bay. Hank Terrebrood, who took over from Simon Knight as DB Pirates Chairman in June, is cautiously optimistic at the start of the 2022/ 2023 season, one which he hopes will reset the club to its pre-COVID status. No doubt, the club has lost players, volunteers and sponsors in recent years but the Pirate spirit remains indomitable. SEEKING NEW PLAYERS With the ongoing 2022/ 2023 season sign-up, Hank and his team are on the lookout for new players to join the club, whether for rugby, netball, dragon boating or hockey. Nothing if not inclusionary, DB Pirates now has something for everyone, with whole families regularly playing for the club’s various sections. There’s dragon boating for men and women over 18, and Mini Hockey for girls and boys aged six to 14. DB Pirates has three active netball sections for women and girls – the Nettas for under 10s, the Junior League (U12 to U18), and the Ladies League. “There’s a place for everyone here!” says Head of Netball Sam Lewis, stressing how important gender balance and family involvement is to the club. That goes for the rugby section too: These days girls and boys as young as four years can sign up for Mini Rugby, and then graduate to Youth Rugby (age 13 to 17). There’s also the Seniors section (the Pirates Men’s XV) for experienced male players aged 18 years and up, and The Piratas, which enables domestic helpers in and around Discovery Bay to get together, play sport and be part of a valuable social group. “Whether you are completely new to the sport, or you’ve been playing your whole life, DB Pirates offers a platform for everyone. If you want to play for fun and meet new people or represent Hong Kong, we have everything you need to achieve your rugby goals,” says DB Pirates’ Head of Rugby Simon Tasker. “I’m especially keen to get more girls into rugby,” Simon adds, stressing that the physical strength needed for the sport has got nothing to do with gender. SHOUT OUT TO SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS At the start of the 2022/ 2023 season, DB Pirates is also looking for volunteers. “We are in need of parents of existing players to step up,” says Hank. “We need help with our club management roles, in particular, a communications point person, I.T. and a board secretary. We are also looking for new leaders in a few areas – we need a netball coach for the juniors’ section and a new head of hockey.” Most importantly, as a non-profit club, DB Pirates needs sponsors. “The more sponsors we have, the more we can do,” Hank says. “We couldn’t do all this without generous sponsors supporting and driving us forward. “We believe that any relationship we develop with our sponsors must be truly win-win,” Hank adds. “We want them to get to know us, work with us in a partnership and be part of developing a sports club to rival the best in Hong Kong. Sponsorship of DB Pirates creates a unique opportunity to access a passionate network of people who believe in community, healthy living, family values and shared experiences.” ONGOING SUCCESS IN LOCAL SPORTS The DB Pirates’ participation and success in local sport is perhaps the key draw for new and existing players, coaches, volunteers and sponsors. But, as Hank points out, the club’s achievements are often overlooked. “I think the DB community doesn’t hear of the club’s success and doesn’t know how well our teams do across all sections,” he says. “For instance, our U12 boys have won silverware in the Richard Hawks Trophy six times in a row but I see kids getting on the ferry wearing our competitors’ kits.” Indeed, DB Pirates has grown over the past 16 years to become one of Hong Kong’s most successful rugby clubs, producing premiership teams and providing a breeding ground for future champions. “We are a feeder to Kowloon Rugby Club which gives these kids a pathway to premier sport, Hong Kong representational and Olympic rugby,” says Hank. “In the past few years, we have had, and currently have, several Pirates men and women make the Hong Kong national team or full international level at both 7s and 15s. In 2021, we had two women from our club on the Olympic repechage team in Barcelona.” Likewise, over in DB Pirates’ netball section, the Ladies League is a feeder to the Hong Kong Netball Association, and players of all ages compete ably against local teams. Sam is quick to highlight the talent of the Junior League players, saying, “In 2021, we saw six of our juniors get selected for the National Squad. In 2020, we had nine. A huge congratulations to these superstar players!” DB Pirates’ Mini Hockey section has also earned a special place in the Hong Kong sporting community due to its players’ passion for sportsmanship, fair play and success. In time, Hank hopes to develop a Senior Hockey section, for girls and boys aged 16 and up. In recent years, the big news for DB Pirates’ dragon boat section has been its successful merger with Lantau Boat Club (LBC). “This is the second year we have joined forces with LBC as both clubs have lost members with many people leaving Discovery Bay. It has been a successful amalgamation as it has allowed both groups to continue paddling together as LBC Pirates,” says Rachel Ball, Head of Dragon Boating. RECENT WINS In July, LBC Pirates competed in the Kellett Island Night Race hosted by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, fielding mixed and ladies’ teams. “Both teams were up against tough competition and gave superb performances. The ladies had a phenomenal start in their first heat and made it to the semi-finals,” says Rachel. Having just competed in the Kellett Island Cup on August 28, LBC Pirates is training hard for DB’s rescheduled Dragon Boat Race Day on October 9. Likewise, although last season was cut short by COVID restrictions, the DB Pirates’ netball teams managed to achieve outstanding results across all sections. “Three of our teams were promoted and finished in prime position to bring home silverware,” says Sam. “The Black Pearls were in first position of Division 1 when the games were stopped, and another two of the teams were in the top three.” When it comes to the rugby section, Hank is quick to give a shout out to DB Pirates’ Mini Rugby players. “In this year’s end of season for the culminating minis competitions, our U12 girls won the Kim Lam Cup, and our U12 mixed team took home the bowl in the Richard Hawks Trophy.” THE SOCIAL SIDE For some, joining DB Pirates can be a pathway to sporting excellence, for others, it’s simply a way to get fit and active in a supportive environment – all that’s required of members is that they are up for a challenge and prepared to give a sport, or sports a go. Then of course there’s the social aspect: DB Pirates is a community-based club first and foremost and as such, it allows members from all nationalities and walks of life to meet and mingle. It’s billed as one of the friendliest clubs in Hong Kong and social events have traditionally been as important to members as tournaments and matches. “We offer a seriously social approach to sport and play under the banner of work hard and play harder,” Simon concludes. “Pirates live locally and play locally. By joining us you can become part of the wider community, meet new people and benefit from a collaborative sporting environment.” To join DB Pirates as a player or learn more about volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, email contact@dbpirates.com , or visit www.dbpirates.com .

If India is calling, make Goa your entry point. PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels THE PRIDE OF INDIA’S SOUTHWESTERN COAST , Goa is known for its white-sand beaches, full-on party scene and historical sites. Colonised by the Portuguese from 1510 to 1961, it’s now a unique mishmash of cultures; unquestionably Indian but with an intriguing Portuguese influence in its architecture and cuisine. THE TRAIN RIDE FROM VASCO DA GAMA to Londa is one of India’s most scenic. Passing through beach towns, dense forest and lush plantations, this stretch of rail reveals the best of the Konkan Coast and the Western Ghats Mountains. The train also passes by one of India’s tallest waterfalls, Dudhsagar, at the border of Goa and Karnataka. THE QUIETLY ELEGANT RIVERSIDE CAPITAL , Panaji, is fascinating. Aesthetically, it’s reminiscent of Portugal with ample green spaces, whitewashed churches and meandering alleyways. Look for classic colonial buildings that have been given a typically Goan injection of colour. Climb Altinho Hill to enjoy the views of the city and get your bearings. VINDALOO IS GOA’S MOST FAMOUS EXPORT , and restaurant menus are big on seafood, rice and coconuts. Most Goan dishes have a Portuguese twist – vinegar (kokum) is often used, as is pork. Other dishes are quite clearly adaptations of traditional Portuguese recipes, such as Feijoada (a bean stew) and Goan sausage (very similar to Portuguese chourico). ANJUNA HOSTS A FAMOUS FLEA MARKET (every Wednesday and Saturday) at which products from all over India are sold. It’s a great place to browse for souvenirs, with vendors selling everything from clothing and jewellery to henna and hashish. Head to the beach after you’ve shopped and enjoy an ice-cold Kingfisher beer. A SERIES OF PORTUGUESE BUILT FORTS date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The most notable of these is Fort Aguada, which guards the approaches to the harbour at Panaji. The ramparts of this fortress are now straddled by the five-star Taj Fort Aguada Resort, a luxury, beachfront property with its own cricket grounds and Ayurvedic spa. INDIA’S ANSWER TO IBIZA is provided by Goa’s two most famous beaches, Baga and Calangute. This is the place to party (particularly if you’re into trance music) but that’s not all. The Calangute market area and the main Baga road are lined with “schools,” where you can sign up for courses in yoga, Indian cookery, Ayurveda and all things New Age.

Polly Chu and Billy Ko, Partners in the Corporate and Family Teams at Withers , outline what you need to know. Divorce proceedings often involve the division of matrimonial properties between divorcing couples who may choose to sell their properties and distribute the sales proceeds. The situation gets more complicated if the divorcing couple decides to transfer the properties amongst themselves. This article highlights some important issues relating to property transfer by divorcing couples in a divorce proceeding. STAMP DUTY LIABILITY: There is a common misunderstanding that stamp duty is not chargeable on a property transfer pursuant to a divorce order granted by the Family Court of Hong Kong. Even if the property transfer is ordered by the Court, parties are liable to payment of “ad valorem stamp duty” for both transfer of residential properties and nonresidential properties at Scale 2 rates. How much is payable depends on the consideration of the transfer or the properties’ market value. A divorced party who is the owner of a residential property in Hong Kong and who agrees to receive an additional residential property in Hong Kong under the terms of a divorce court order issued by the court outside Hong Kong cannot obtain the benefit of a lower stamp duty. The assessment of stamp duty can be a complicated issue. A property’s market value is only one of several factors to be considered. Following the cases of Ngai Sau Ying v Collector of Stamp Revenue (CACV 460/2018) and Hung Ip Shing v Collector of Stamp Revenue (CACV 461/2018), the division of properties between divorcing parties can be regarded as an exchange of properties in substance, and thus for stamp duty purpose, the difference in property value, namely the “equality money,” is the basis for the computation. Under the fairness principle in a divorce proceeding, both monetary and non-monetary consideration given by one party to another pursuant to the divorce order will have an impact on how much stamp duty is paid and by whom. VOIDABLE TRANSACTIONS: Very often the transfers of properties between divorced couples are at “nil” consideration. Parties should be mindful of the potential risks associated with such an arrangement because a transaction is voidable if it is undervalued or considered as a disposition made with intent to defraud creditors. The “relevant time” for a transaction at an undervalue is any time within the period of five years, ending with the commencement of the bankruptcy/ winding-up. MORTGAGED PROPERTIES: A change in ownership of the property is prohibited under the standard terms of a mortgage. The existing mortgage of the property will therefore be discharged or released upon completion of the transfer. Some important questions for divorcing couples to consider include: Who will be responsible for the repayment of the outstanding loan to the bank? Who will bear the costs of the discharge and redemption of the existing mortgage? Will any new mortgage loan be required right after the completion of the transfer to finance the repayment of the existing loan? Is the divorcing party to whom the property is transferred financially capable of applying for a new mortgage loan? Lastly, the transfer of real property does not only deal with ownership of property; it may come with a “basket” of other rights. For example, if the property is transferred subject to an existing tenancy, the divorcing couple will need to agree on who is responsible for managing the relevant tenancy issues. Withers ’ teams of matrimonial and conveyancing lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with Hong Kong law. Should you have any enquiry, contact Polly Chu at polly.chu@withersworldwide.com and Billy Ko at billy.ko@withersworldwide.com . Withers, 30/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, 3711 1600 www.withersworldwide.com .

As you pursue the bronzed body beautiful this month (despite hot weather warnings), can you be sure the sunscreen you choose really has you covered? Imogen Clyde reports PHOTOS BY Adobe Stock SPF, UVA, UVB, waterproof, sweat resistant – the labelling used on store-bought sunblock leaves a lot to be desired. The marketing terms are at best vague (ultra-sport!), at worst misleading (total block!). It’s no wonder then that so many of us diligently apply a “high protection” sunscreen only to find ourselves burnt to a cinder within an hour or so. What we wanted was a golden sun-kissed tan, one that hides a multitude of flaws, and makes us look slimmer and healthier… and what we got was lobster. Only ourselves to blame? Possibly. We all know deep down that sunbathing is a mug’s game: Too much exposure can cause not just temporary discomfort but premature wrinkling and sagging of the skin, eye damage due to macular degeneration and skin cancer. Still, sunscreen manufacturers claim to have our backs (literally) covered. So maybe, those of us who factor up religiously – who have made sunscreen an integral part of our daily beauty regime – have a right to complain when the products don’t do what they say they will do. FACTOR UP It has been over 40 years since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced the first regulations for sunscreen. And the good news for sun lovers is that a good block can impede sunburn and lower the risk of at least one form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. But staying healthy depends on the sunscreen you choose and how you use it. We all know to use lotions that offer an SPF or sun protection factor rating. This measures a product’s effectiveness in preventing burns caused by the sun’s UVB rays. The best products also offer protection from the sun’s UVA rays. In lieu of a UVA rating, read the fine print for ingredients known to filter UVA, such as Mexoryl SX, avobenzone, itanium dioxide and zinc oxide. An SPF15 product is said to screen about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF30 97%. But you’ll still burn if you don’t apply enough, often enough. Remember you are not using sunscreen in the way that it’s measured in the lab; use an SPF30 too sparingly and the effectivity is reduced to one third. Dermatologists suggest you apply a shot-glass worth of lotion for the body and a teaspoon for the face to achieve the SPF listed on the label, and that you reply every two to three hours. If you sweat a lot or swim a lot, double the dosage. This will come as a shock to those of us for whom a 250ml bottle usually lasts the summer. The bottom line, however, is that there is no such thing as a healthy “natural” tan. Tanning of the skin is a result of UV ray damage to the DNA of your skin cells, and skin damage is cumulative. Note that the Hong Kong Observatory now issues hourly public alerts when UV radiation reaches extreme levels. So, maybe it really is time to start faking it. While tanning beds are not the way forward, as they are known to emit both UVA and UVB radiation, you can get a great fake tan in tablet form or in a bottle. Thus prepped, if you must head to the beach, slap on the SPF30+ and seek shade. TOO HOT TO HANDLE? And a word here about the crazy-hot weather we are experiencing globally this summer… At the time of writing (late July) hundreds of millions of people around the world are sweltering in extreme heat, as recordbreaking heatwaves bake Europe, scorch the US and put dozens of Chinese cities under alert. In recent weeks, a total of 71 national weather stations across China have logged temperatures that smashed records. According to the National Climate Centre, four mainland cities – three in Hebei Province and one in Yunnan Province – saw temperatures reaching 44˚C. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory recorded “very hot” days from July 8 to 16, as well as on July 19 and 20, with the nine-day streak ranking as the sixth-longest for the city since 1884. Arguably, the only thing to do when temperatures reach 35˚C is to head to the beach… but hot weather warnings are in place to remind us, first-and-foremost, to reduce our exposure to the sun. The Observatory has also introduced a new “prolonged heat alert” to urge us all to stay home and hydrated. Our Instagram feeds are packed with photos of people across Europe and the US baking in the sun, and the images of Brits sweltering – even at the seaside – are perhaps the most surprising. Temperatures topped 40˚C in the UK for the first time ever last month, and on July 19, a new record for the hottest day ever seen in the UK, of 40.3˚C, was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, beating the previous record of 38.7˚C three years ago. By late afternoon, 29 places in the usually temperate UK hit 40.3˚C. Global warming? You betta believe it.

Sarah Ip, Co-Founder of NobleWills, outlines what you need to knowabout estate planning when you move out of Hong Kong Hong Kong has recently been ranked the 77th most liveable city in the world, down 19 places since last year. With the protests, the pandemic and the restrictive government rules, a lot of people, including expats, are considering moving out of Hong Kong either permanently or temporarily. Estate planning may not be uppermost in your mind when you are looking to relocate, but it’s something you really need to prioritise. By reading this article, you will have a basic idea of what you need to have in place. If you don’t already have a Will, now is the time to have one made. You should have a Will to cover assets that you are leaving behind in Hong Kong, such as your business, investments and insurance policies. With a Will in place, you will know that your assets are taken care of and that your legacy can continue on to the next generation should something happen to you. If you are moving your assets out of Hong Kong, there are two key considerations that you need to focus on – inheritance tax and new investments. Have you thought about inheritance tax? Living in Hong Kong offers many benefits, and this includes paying relatively low taxes compared to many other countries. Importantly, Hong Kong has no inheritance/estate tax, but once you move overseas to certain jurisdictions then your assets may be subject to inheritance tax. Having a good estate plan in place can help you reduce the amount of tax that needs to be paid. Have you factored new investments into your estate plan? Moving away from Hong Kong may result in adjustments and changes to your investments, for instance buying new property, transferring insurance policies, setting up trusts. To ensure that these changes are covered, you should revisit your estate plan to check that your Will is up to date. What else do you need to consider when making a Will? There are many facets to a Will, and the basics usually include choosing someone to manage your estate, choosing guardians for your children and pets, and giving away assets that you have accumulated throughout your lifetime. If you move overseas, your assets will adjust and change to fit your new lifestyle. For this reason, it’s a good idea to update your affairs and make sure everything is taken care of before you leave. For many of us, appointing guardians, who will take care of our children in the event of our death, is the most important aspect of a Will. If you are moving overseas and you already have a Will in place, you need to check that the appointed guardians will be applicable in your new home. For instance, if the people you have appointed as temporary guardians are Hong Kong-based friends and neighbours, they will need to be replaced. You may also need to update your Letter of Wishes to ensure that your guidance to guardians and executors remains relevant. Ultimately, there are many things to take into account when you move to a new location, and you will need to make many new choices. Before you leave, you should put your affairs in order to make sure that your family and the assets you have accumulated throughout the years are well protected. NobleWills is a trusted Will writing company for those looking for a one-stop estate planning service at a reasonable price. Our Will writing service is available both online and through personal consultation, and we specialise in cross-border estate planning solutions. For more information, visit www.noblewills.com .

We are cleaning beaches, recycling everything we possibly can, and even solar panelling our roofs. DB just keeps getting greener. Raphael Blet reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF SolarFuture & by Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com One of the ways in which Discovery Bay remains an inspiring place to live is that its residents are fully on board with regard to the environment. The resort is packed with like-minded individuals who are awoke to the need for lifestyle changes, who are committed to the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and who believe that doing their bit, however small, can make a difference. We see this eco-awareness in DB kids, like climate change activists Dhaanya and Reaha Ganeriwal, who were featured last issue. We see it in the DB Green and Plastic Free Seas volunteers, many of whom have been cleaning DB beaches and encouraging us all to “say no to plastic” for 20 years or more. We see it in our supermarkets, where no one wants to be seen walking out with a plastic bag, and more recently, we see it on DB rooftops, where solar panels are starting to be installed. When it comes down to it, thanks to initiatives like DB Community Green Square and the Green Icon@DB, we see it in the way the whole resort is managed. Let’s take a closer look. GOING SOLAR Solar power reduces air and water pollution, it cuts the need for un-renewable resources and it reduces hazardous waste, thereby mitigating climate change. Using it reduces our carbon footprint and means we don’t have to pay electricity bills, which is another reason everyone wants it, right? If you are looking to transition to solar power, there are a growing number of Hong Kong-based experts to consult. One such firm is SolarFuture ( www.solarfuture.hk ), headed up by two brothers Greg and Andrew MacDonald. To date, SolarFuture has completed two projects on Headland Drive, one on Seabee Lane and another on Siena One. The MacDonalds have installed over 130 grid-collected solar panel systems in wider Hong Kong, on both residential and commercial rooftops. DB homes are amongst SolarFuture’s most successful projects and Andrew hopes to see more landlords turn on to this sustainable and cost-saving way to produce electricity. “DB has a fantastic solar PV potential due to the low-rise nature of the buildings and lack of shade,” he says. “The solar panels also act as heat shields, reducing heat build-up on the rooftop and reducing the need for air-conditioning.” On average, SolarFuture helps home owners reduce their carbon emissions by 2,500 to 5,000 kg per year, a promising number that can hopefully become the norm in the not-too-distant future. A testament of SolarFuture’s success, DB homes have shown some even more staggering results – way beyond average. “Some of our DB installations will reduce carbon emissions by up to 9,000 kg in a single year and by 225,000 kg over the 25-year lifespan of the system,” Andrew says with pride. “Our goal is to assist the transition of Hong Kong to green energy and ensure a cleaner, more eco-forward future,” adds Andrew, who observes encouraging trends. “With the introduction of the FiT scheme, electricity contractors like us can collaborate with power companies more easily to support the transition to green energies.” Commonly known as FiT, the Feed-in-Tariff scheme is a government-sponsored initiative that allows people who install solar panels to sell the renewable energy they generate, building their portfolio while contributing to Hong Kong’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. Andrew, for one, foresees solar energy-use becoming mainstream in the not-too-distant future, and he hopes that more DBers will make the transition, home owners, yes, but also local schools and businesses. “Solar PV does not produce pollution when generating electricity. Instead, the estimate of the emissions generated during the production of a Solar PV panel is spread across the electricity generated by the panel over its 25-year lifespan. Using this renewable form of energy can definitely increase the CSR credentials of companies and individuals.” he concludes. COMMUNITY-WIDE INITIATIVES While not all of us own a rooftop on which to install solar panelling, we can all do our bit for the environment by choosing to live greener, whether this means cleaning a beach with DB Green (Facebook @DBGreenHK ), committing to using less single-use packaging, or eating organic. As Howard Zinn, said: “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” DB’s low-density residential planning, and the number of parks and open spaces on our doorsteps, is something that draws environmentally involved residents to the resort. The latest green space, DB Community Green Square, launched in April last year, The aim is threefold – to highlight the natural beauty of DB, to encourage residents to participate in healthy outdoor activities, and to enable local experts to share their knowledge about gardening and landscaping and thereby give back. The square’s area of “community farmland,” is tended jointly by residents and the DB landscape team. The collaborative grows produce (such as corn, squash and tomatoes) to sell at the monthly DB plant markets. Another boon for eco-minded residents? Recycling options in DB are second to none. There are communal separation bins at all villages, clearly labelled for glass, plastic, paper and metal, and we can head to the Green Icon@DB at Parkridge Village to dispose of “harder to recycle” items. A team from the government-funded Green@Community recycling network comes to DB every Tuesday to collect clean and sorted recyclables, including most plastics/ polyfoam, liquid cartons, electrical appliances, rechargeable batteries and energy-saving lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes. DB is also way ahead of the curve when it comes to food waste collection. DBSML introduced its first Food Waste Collection Programme a decade ago, to enable residents to dispose of their domestic food waste productively. Under the original programme, food waste collected by residents is transformed into fertiliser, which the DB landscaping team uses for composting. Moving into 2022, DBSML stepped up its commitment to food waste handling, boosting the measures already in place by implementing the Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) new pilot scheme on food waste collection. The aim is to have 1,000 kilogrammes of food waste collected per day, and designated purple bins for domestic food waste collection have been placed in villages across DB. The food waste collection bins are leak-proof, impervious to moisture and fitted with lids that close tightly and securely. Residents are tasked with keeping the collection points in each village clean and tidy, and disposing of their food waste properly. The EPD collects domestic food waste on a daily basis from DB and transports it to O•PARK1 in Siu Ho Wan (Hong Kong’s first organic resources recovery centre) for recycling. In addition, DB is already on track with regard to the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging Scheme, which is expected to be fully implemented in Hong Kong in March 2023. In line with the ‘polluter-pays’ principle, charges will be based on the quantity of waste generated by each household. The idea is that as people become more aware that waste disposal comes with a cost, they will work harder to reduce and recycle. DBSML launched a trial on the MSW Charging Scheme at Siena 2 and Headland Village in August 2021. Under the trial, participating residents are not required to pay but they can experience how the scheme operates and predict how much they will need to pay when it is in place. One thing’s for sure, there are numerous ways all of us can live green in DB. This month, why not recommit to recycling (it really does all need to be cleaned and sorted before you bin it) and perhaps even spare an hour or two to clean a beach.

Art scholar Sophie Vallis brings new meaning to “Sit!” by painting portraits of DB animals, and turning her passion into a philanthropic pursuit. Elizabeth Kerr reports. PHOTOS BY Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com It’s a blazing hot Monday afternoon in Discovery Bay, and so the conversation with 17-year-old student, artist and philanthropist Sophie Vallis invariably turns to the weather, to the oppressive humidity of Darwi in December, and the desert like-conditions of Toledo. It’s comfortable inside the coffee shop where Sophie sits with her mother Choi Fong, who’s been convinced to sit down and join the rambling conversation. Our chat touches on the melting pot that is DB, picking up Cantonese (mostly bad language) through movies, university applications, jetlag strategies, the psychology of McDonald’s restaurants, young adult fiction and how dull perspective (the art law) is. Sophie is going to have to get over her dislike of Art 101, if she’s to study it at university. “I could use some help with colour theory,” she admits with a gentle chuckle. Sophie is taking a break in what’s going to be a busy summer, which is pretty much planned out at this point in mid-July. She’s getting ahead on school work for her upcoming final year so she’s not swamped come autumn, and she’s also checking out universities; Melbourne’s RMIT is the current frontrunner. Then there’s the tour of Hong Kong’s art galleries, ideally one each week, which was recommended by her art teacher at Aberdeen’s Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA). “My art teacher, Mrs Chiu, told us to visit the galleries, take pictures and keep a journal, because we can use that for inspiration for our final pieces next year,” Sophie says. “She gave us a huge list of galleries. We’re going to hit M+ this week.” And of course, Sophie will continue to paint DB pets. Not painting on them, but creating portraits. More onthat in a bit. PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST Born in Perth, because Hong Kong native Choi wanted to be near the family that had emigrated there for the birth of her first child, Sophie was back in Hong Kong at two months old, and grew up in DB, where she developed a love of art. She started drawing and modelling with clay as a kid and just kept going once she started school, graduating to sketching then painting. Sophie was an autodidact until higher level classes in secondary, and it’s easy to see why. She is curious, perceptive and remarkably conversant for her age. She’s a fan of Gustav Klimt and his “decorative use of gold and metals,” and a mention of Caravaggio elicits excited declarations about light and shadow. But her interest stems originally from the usual kid stuff. “I started drawing animals as a kid because I loved them. I watched every National Geographic documentary there was,” she laughs. “I’m particularly attracted to big cats and wolves. For the big cats it’s definitely because they’re so full of elegance and grace and I very, very much appreciate how efficient they are. Nature’s little killing machine, packaged in a really interesting form.” That passion ultimately translated into a scholarship from VSA – two in fact. Sophie displayed enough skill in primary school for her art teacher to float her name as a candidate, and she applied for her scholarship for the 2021/2022 academic year herself. ART FOR A CAUSE So, Sophie has parlayed her good fortune into charitable venture and set up a portrait studio. For pets. (Contact her by WhatsApp at 9874 4503). “I thought if I can capture the majesty of big cats, I should be able to capture the feelings people have for their pets in a portrait.” She’s been doing them since March – a lot of dogs so far, no cats yet, because let’s face it. Getting a cat to sit for a portrait is nigh impossible. Sophie usually works from a photograph to turn out watercolours (really popular) or sketches up to A4 size. The money she charges for the work is donated to the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society ( www.wcs.org ). She considered donating to a local Hong Kong charity, but soon got to thinking bigger picture. A Hong Kong charity would likely zero in on local species, Sophie reasons, “and I really wanted to help more globally. I was looking at a lot of charities when I found Wildlife Conservation Society. They’re also trying to protect habitats and ecosystems. Because without the habitat, where do the animals live, and when you take one specie out of an ecosystem, the whole thing collapses.” It’s not an official partnership or anything formal. “I just click the donate button on their website,” Sophie explains. Ironically, Sophie has no pets, and is sure a conspiracy is afoot. “When I go off to university, I have a feeling my parents are going to get a dog. Just after I’m gone,” she says, shaking her head. Still, she’s done around half a dozen paintings so far, with each portrait being a remarkable, realistic likeness of a beloved pet. A couple were so well received they were properly framed, a point of pride for Sophie. “Pets are a very interesting part of people’s lives. They’re very much a constant,” she explains of her portraiture. “Having an animal is uplifting and positive. You come home and there’s something waiting for you. It’s about unconditional love, and it’s a special relationship. I think people want to express how much they appreciate it.” PAINTING IS SELF DISCOVERY The Vallis family, which includes younger brother Nicholas and dad Paul, a native of Bermuda, won’t be travelling during the break like they usually do, so Sophie plans to keep doing the portraits, in between hanging out with friends and catching up on her reading. She’s just finished Madeline Miller’s Circe (“I like classics. There’s a reason why they’re classics.”). She ticked off Emma recently, and Anna Karenina (“A struggle for the first 400 pages”) a while back. She’s also experimenting with media and subjects, and has already decided oil is her favourite (“I just love the texture.”). She struggles with landscapes because there’s no expression to capture. Despite the landscape issues (which she’s working on) and that perspective bias, Sophie is confident she’ll be making art a career. Fortunately, she won’t get a fight from Choi, a British Airways staffer, or her dad. “I’m happy she’s passionate about art. I just hope she finds a way to make it a viable career,” comments Choi. Sophie, for one, thoroughly pooh-poohs the myth of the starving artist, waving it off with a delightfully knowing: “Everything is based on visual cues. There’s just so much out there that I could do.” Go get it, girl!

Discover a totally different side to the land of smiles PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash RICH IN HISTORY AND TRADITION , Chiang Mai is northern Thailand’s most culturally significant province and arguably the nation’s best vehicle for educating and entertaining visitors. Rich in mountains, forests and rice fields, it’s still the home of a complex web of tribal groups, who began migrating there over 1,000 years ago from China. THE OLD TOWN OOZES A BOHEMIAN FEEL and it’s packed with artisans from all over Thailand, many of whom champion traditional arts and crafts. Like Ubud in Bali, it’s somewhere to watch craftsmen at work – producing everything from handwoven textiles and baskets to intricately wrought silverware – and shop ‘til you drop. EVERYONE HEADS TO THE WALKING STREET on Sunday afternoon, which stretches from one side of town to the other. The whole area is blocked off to traffic and filled with stalls, where you find irresistible silks, parasols, silver- and lacquer-ware, pottery, hill-tribe treasures and, of course, Thai street food. THAI PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU that you haven’t tasted khao soi until you’ve eaten it in Chiang Mai. The soup is a little like masaman in that it’s nutty, but khao soi is richer in coconut milk and topped with crispy flash-fried noodles. You also get to add your own garnishes – chopped coriander, shallots, chilies, pickled cabbage, lime juice – so every mouthful is slightly different from the last. SAVE ELEPHANT FOUNDATION’S Elephant Nature Park ( www.saveelephant.org ), founded and run by Lek Chailert, is arguably the most ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. You can observe and feed the herds, and help bathe them in the river every afternoon. Long stays are an option as well as day visits – the food is fantastic and the valley beautiful. THERE ARE STUNNING BUDDHIST WATS (temples) at every turn in the old town. One of the most popular is Wat Phra Singh, which takes its name from the important Buddha statue of a lion (singh) it houses. Just a few blocks away, at Wat Chedi Luang temple complex, the 60-metre stupa is guarded by ferocious-looking stone nagas (divine serpent-people). AT WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP , half-an-hour’s drive from the city, some 300 steps lead up to the main temple, where elaborate murals depict the life and teachings of Buddha. At the centre, the gold-covered stupa is encircled by sacred, gilded, Myanmarese-style parasols.

There’s no reason for DB kids to be bored over the holidays, sign them up for a couple of summer camps and they can be busy and constructive instead. Samantha Wong reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS Summer 2022 has brought with it a bumper offering of camps and activities for DB kids, the largest we’ve seen since 2019. Whichever type of camp you choose, your kids will be given the opportunity to be busy and social. They’ll be out of your hair for a few hours a day and vice versa. Hopefully too, away from the pressures and social hierarchies of school, they’ll be able to make new friends and, with the guidance of adult mentors, discover new things about themselves. So how do you go about choosing a summer camp from the many different options on offer and what’s really in it for the kids? CONSTRUCTIVE DOWNTIME For many children, school means pressure. Pressure to achieve. Pressure to do things on time. Pressure to learn at someone else’s pace. Some children seem to be wired to meet these challenges, while others are not. For many, the pace and demands of the school setting are overwhelming and, as a result, school can feel defeating. Summer camps encourage and promote pro-social behaviours, and they teach important skills while giving children a break. For most young people, summer camps provide a breathing space in which the pressure is off. Kids can be kids but at the same time learn and grow in a healthy and positive manner. Many children flourish in a different aspect of their life without the stresses school can bring; they have the chance to feel good about who they are and what they can do. POSITIVE SOCIAL INTERACTION Summer camps offer more than just the development of new skills, they also provide the building blocks for positive social interaction – a fundamental soft skill required to assist young people as they progress toward adulthood. Camp attendees are faced with activities that are emotionally and psychologically challenging. Placed in a situation where they have to meet new people and triumph over obstacles, kids become more resilient and, importantly, more aware of ‘self.’ At summer camp, children are able to ‘connect’ with their surroundings, other people and themselves. Yes, children have the opportunity to socialise and connect at school but at camp, they have more downtime in which to do so. Along the way, they have the chance to learn deeper empathy and better communications skills – they can gain better respect for others and deepen their social intelligence. Placed in a new environment with new people, kids learn to value the kindnesses of others and they begin to give of themselves in return. In challenging situations, they learn to be sensitive, to empathise and to support friends who are struggling. While building new friendships, they learn to navigate through group dynamics, manage conflict and accept guidance. Children learn that to succeed, they must work together. Rather than thinking only of themselves, they begin to see themselves as part of a community, and with this comes a valuable sense of acceptance and belonging. NEW EXPERIENCES Importantly too, summer camps often put children in a context where they are interacting with children (and adults) that they do not know. Unhampered by worries about old friends, jealousies or the expectations of the school group, children are free to pal up with anyone they choose. This gives them a chance to overcome shyness and also to experiment with different ways of socialising. Some of these friendships last, while many will evaporate. It doesn’t matter. What counts, is that children experience getting close to new people, some of whom will be very different from their usual buddies. As a result, they’ll probably learn something about stereotypes, acceptance and understanding. Summer camps teach morals and builds character, while giving children the opportunity to play, laugh and create memories. Children who are fortunate enough to attend summer camp are lucky indeed because a whole new world of friendship, interests, skills and independence is opened up for them. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT At summer camp, children get the experiences they need to bolster their range of coping strategies. It’s an opportunity for children to face the simple and complex challenges of day-to-day life in a safe environment, such as getting along with a new group of peers, learning how to ask for help, or taking a manageable amount of risk without a parent in attendance. Children learn to work with each other and their adult mentors, outside of the classroom and family unit. By putting themselves out there and trying new things, kids begin to understand what it takes to succeed in life. They develop decision-making skills to get themselves through challenging situations, and they grow in confidence and flexibility. By tackling an activity that pushes them outside their comfort zone, children come away with a stronger sense of personal pride and self-reliance. As they progress through a course, their confidence builds and they accomplish tasks that at first seemed impossible. All this builds strength of character, courage and determination. DECISION TIME In choosing a summer camp for your children – with your children if they’re old enough – making sure they are going to have lots of fun has to be a first priority. Moving on from there, you may decide to match your kids’ interests with a course that’s available locally. And with so many different classes on offer across the island, this will likely be a no-brainer. Even within DB itself, you’ll find camps that allow your children to focus on everything from ballet and boxing to Maths and Mandarin. Looked at this way, your decision-making process is simple enough. Sign your children up for an activity they already enjoy and give them the chance to focus on it, and get seriously good at it. But have you considered going the other way? Rather than enrolling your kids in a course they already know something about, plump for something new and unexpected, something that will expand their horizons. Let’s say, for instance, that your kids are homebodies and tech obsessed. Any camp you choose will encourage them to unplug and get social, but one that’s based outdoors could be the best bet. Sign them up for a sports course and you’ll see them being physically active and more than that, they’ll be outdoors, connecting with nature in some way. To keep things interesting, there’s also the option of enrolling children in a classroom-based camp. This is a great way to avoid the ‘summer slide,’ where grade points are lost because of lack of tuition over the holidays. And an educational camp doesn’t have to be dull. Specialised, teacher-led summer courses make learning and problem-solving fun and interactive. Most summer camps last a week at most, and they’re pretty affordable, so here’s your answer: Sign your kids up for three different courses. This way they’ll be able to explore their favourite hobbies and try something new, while keeping up with their studies. It’s starting to look like a busy, productive and most importantly fun summer!

When we say “it’s a dog’s life,” we mean that life is difficult and unpleasant, but for pooches living in DB that’s far from the truth. Raphael Blet reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash DB also stands for Dogs and Babies. It’s a nickname that’s stuck through the years, likely because there’s a degree of truth to it, despite the absence of official figures. Walk around the community and it’s easy to believe the “dogs and babies ratio” exceeds that of most places in Hong Kong. Clearly, DB’s village-like atmosphere appeals to local and expat families alike – and what’s a family without a dog? DB is in fact a dog lover’s delight, with its parks, beaches and trails ideal for long, daily walks. What’s more, many of us are lucky enough to live in large (at least by Hong Kong standards) apartments complete with outdoor areas, which provide plenty of space for our canine companions to enjoy. This month, for all you dog lovers out there, we’ve put together a round-up of different pet-service providers, from groomers and sitters to vets. Grooming & Shopping These days there are three dedicated pet shops in DB: My Pet Shop in DB North Plaza, and Pets Gallery and The Dog’s Garden in DB Plaza. While they all provide grooming services for dogs as well as essential supplies, each has its own unique selling point. Where innovation meets personalisation At My Pet Shop in DB North Plaza, owner Jonathan Morgan has set out to create a complete lifestyle hub for pets. From food to accessories and grooming services, the store is therefore a go-to for dog owners who want to get everything sorted at once. With all the basics covered, My Pet Shop is also somewhere to pick out something special for a beloved pouch, whether that’s a colourful dog tag that can be engraved in-store within a couple of minutes, or a supply of up-to-the-minute Pogi’s poop bags that are plastic-free and 100% compostable. For residents wanting to wash-and-go, My Pet Shop offers a self-service dog (and cat) washer/ dryer. Both long- and short-wash options are available and cabins are disinfected after each furry customer has taken a spin. An innovative Spanish import, the machine is ideal for sandy dogs fresh from the beach, and many DB dogs apparently love it. For busy dog owners, Jonathan also offers a full grooming service which includes pick-up and drop-off within DB, in air-conditioned vehicles. My Pet Shop Shop G09, DB North Plaza, 2987 8873 or visit them on Facebook here. Satisfying the cravings of VIPs The Dog’s Garden is a health-driven, eco-aware one-stop shop providing just about everything a healthy dog needs from food and supplements to toys, beds and collars. The DB Plaza branch is one of four in Hong Kong. Quality products are sourced from around the globe, including an up-to-the-minute selection of Max & Molly trackable Smart ID Collars. The Dog’s Garden has its own line of raw, human-grade, freeze-dried dog treats, all of which go through a rigorous quality-control process and are approved by Wong Wong, the co-founder’s dog. Boxes of veterinarian-endorsed Bonne et Filou macarons are also available for special occasions. The boutique caters to posh dogs with blankets and beds from premium brands such as Hugh & Hudson and Sydney & Co Classic. Many high-end toys are also available, such as handmade crochet basketballs. The Dog’s Garden provides an extensive grooming service that includes organic spa treatments, as well as traditional hair and nail clipping and bathing. What’s more, a new pet groomer with over 10 years of grooming experience in Singapore and New Zealand is joining the team, in August. The Dog’s Garden Shop G34, DB Plaza, 2987 2077 www.thedogsgarden.com A United Nations for treats Part of the DB community since 1997, Pets Gallery has become a neighbourhood institution, and owner Raymond Li has witnessed the resort’s tremendous development over the last 25 years. The DB Plaza store specialises in go-to pet food brands from across the globe, including Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, Burns, Kakato, Canidae, Wellness, Mon Ge, Solid Gold, Virbac, Stella & Chewy’s, Zeland Nandi. Pets Gallery also provides a number of tried-and-tested, add-on services including dog grooming with free pickup and drop-off, dog coaching and obedience training. Cat owners should note that Pets Gallery has been providing a personalised cat-sitting service within DB for over 20 years. The process is based on trust – clients leave their keys with the store’s sitters, who then provide in-house feeding and cleaning. The experience is believed to be far less stressful for cats than a stay in an unfamiliar cattery, where their routine is disrupted. Pets Gallery G11B DB Plaza, 2987 0428 Veterinary Pet Space , Hong Kong’s “largest veterinary group,” now has a strong presence in DB with Island Veterinary Services in DB Plaza and Pet Space Club in DB North Plaza. Both branches provide a wide range of veterinary services including dental care, vaccination, imaging, microchipping, health checks, senior pet care, surgeries and allergy tests. PET SPACE is well-known for its holistic approach towards pet care, and dog acupuncture and tui-na massage (ideal for older dogs suffering from arthritis) are available at the Wanchai branch. In the event of an emergency, DB dogs can be referred to PET SPACE’s state-of-the art hospital in Sai Wan. Island Veterinary Services Shop G10, DB Plaza, 2987 9003 www.petspace.group Pet Space Club Shop G38, DB Plaza, 2788 1599 www.petspace.group Dog Sitting & Walking The process of hiring someone to help you care for your dog – a sitter, a walker, anyone – can be troublesome and time consuming, which is where PetBacker comes in. A multipurpose platform targeting tech-savvy dog owners, PetBacker provides a full range of services – think of it as Uber for dogs. From dog walking to boarding, the platform matches users with verified “backers,” whose rating and reviews are made public. Safety at the core, payment is directly processed through the app, and service providers – many of whom live in DB – are thoroughly vetted. When your four-legged friend is in the care of a backer, you receive regular updates complete with photos through the app’s own internal messaging system. Know that only 30% of applicants make the cut to be a sitter on PetBacker. PetBacker www.petbacker.com

DB’s ‘cue culture is booming now that summer’s here and we can again gather in groups. Samantha Wong provides an entry point for would-be grillers PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels his summer, we’re looking to use our outdoor spaces as somewhere to get together with family and friends – as many friends as we can pack in. We want our balconies, terraces and rooftops to be fully functional living spaces in which to eat, drink and have a good time. So, what’s the key ingredient? A barbecue. As we all know, no one turns down an invitation to a barbecue party, however high the humidity. And now that most families can claim a resident chef, it’s not only hamburgers and hot dogs that are being thrown on the grill. Experienced cooks are experimenting with seafood, stocking up on gamey meats, and trying out exotic marinades, sauces and salads. But first things first. There are plenty of ways to barbecue – with gas, with charcoal, with wood chips, with split logs – so which do you choose? Here in DB, where smoking out the neighbours is frowned upon, charcoal and gas are your only real options. So, let’s take that as our starting point. TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES Once you’ve decided on your prefer red grilling method, consider whether you want your barbeque in-built or freestanding and/ or portable. This will largely depend on where you will be hosting your barbecue parties. Similarly, when working out what size model you want, think about the size of your outdoor space, and factor in how many people you will be regularly entertaining. Your best bet is to go for as big a barbecue as you can afford, not least because meat needs to have space around it as it grills. You don’t want your hamburgers and kebabs crammed up against each other, or against the sides of the grill while they are cooking. If barbecues now come in all shapes and sizes, they also vary widely in style, so you can plump for a modest no-frills model that does the job, or something high-tech with all mod cons. Maybe your grilling experience would be transformed if you had a barbecue with stainless steel side shelves, integrated utensil holders and a cart to push it around on. Illuminated control knobs that allow you to grill after dark could well be a godsend, as could a charcoal tray add-on to your gas grill. One thing your barbeque really needs is a lid. It locks in flavour, keeps the temperature constant and opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Without one you can’t do beer can chicken, or melt cheese on burgers, or smoke ribs… Barbecuing is all about getting the temperature bang on, so you may want to splash out on a fancy Bluetooth thermometer (or choose a grill with one built in). Alternatively, you can always test the heat – caveman style – by holding your hand around 12 centimetres above the grill. If you can hold it there for just two seconds, the grill is white-hot, four seconds, it’s medium heat and six seconds, it’s low heat. Speaking of tools, the one bit of kit you simply must have, in addition to a heavy-duty oven glove, is a decent pair of tongs. Professional barbecuing tongs give you the most control, and reduce your chances of dropping a succulent slice of wagyu between the grills. CHARCOAL OR GAS? Purists will tell you to avoid gas grills, that the smoke is an ingredient in itself, and without it, you’re missing out on the nuanced flavour. Gas devotees, on the other hand, point to the way heat distributing materials in gas barbecues work to vaporise drippings and create an aromatic smoke. What’s important is whether you can taste the difference. Do you prefer the strangely delicious overdone beef that only charcoal can provide, or are you good with gas? One thing’s for sure, it ’s easier and quicker to barbecue with gas. A gas barbecue requires no real warm-up time – the griddle gets nice and hot in just five minutes. With charcoal, you need to wait around 40 minutes for the initial flames to die down before you have the whitened cinders essential for your first hamburger. Generally speaking too, you can fire up gas barbecues with ease, whereas charcoal is a lot more problematic to get going or restart. Gas provides convenience and spontaneity and it gives you more control. Not only can you “fire up” a gas barbecue quickly, adjusting temperatures is as easy as turning a knob, so you are less likely to overcook things. What’s more, gas grills are inexpensive to operate, easy to clean (the residue will burn off during preheating) and you can bring them out whatever the weather. On the other hand, if you are looking at barbecuing as a pastime – if you really want to make a meal of it – then gas is simply no fun. What you’re after is a fiery, challenging experience that can’t be compared to cooking at a stove; you’re satisfying a basic human need to make fire, and you enjoy the hands-on experience of lighting charcoal. Waiting for the charcoal to reach cooking temperature is half the fun (picture yourself huddled around the grill with a group of friends disagreeing over whether the coals are hot enough). And you even like the challenge of charcoal grilling in wet or windy weather. If grilling with charcoal is the way you want to go, the proper technique can be summed up in three words: low and slow. Be patient. Flame-grilled is a very misleading term. You need to wait for the flames to die down before you begin. (You want the coals grey and glowing for the hottest, most even heat.) There’s also a knack to controlling the temperature across a charcoal grill. The easiest technique is the “half and half”– put all the coals to one side, so one side is super-hot and the other a lot cooler, with no direct heat beneath it. TRICKS OF THE TRADE Be sure to marinate. The phrase “leave for a few hours, ideally overnight” applies doubly to barbecuing and you should continue to brush your meat or fish with the marinade as it cooks. It will add moisture, trap the smoky flavour and make the meat caramelise gently. Don’t ruin the vegetables. What you want is that lovely charring along the bars, so slice your vegetables thin, then grill straight away – no oil, no seasoning. Once cooked, you can add flavour with some quality olive oil and a few herbs. Get the sides right. If you’re trying to serve a balanced meal, the sides will make up two-thirds of what you eat. So, prepare a couple of simple salads, steam some couscous, warm up a few flatbreads and get some corn cobs on the grill. Rest the meat. After removing your meat from the grill, let it sit for a few minutes to seal in the juices, and don’t cut it until you are ready to serve. Another juice-saving tip, don’t poke holes in your meat while it’s cooking – turn it using tongs or spatulas.