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THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR With a slew of bad press and negative opinion, sugar is having a hard time of it late – and that’s just as it should be. Samantha Wong reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Its ok to eat whole foods that contain natural sugar (carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy) because your body digests these foods slowly and the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. However, problems occur when we consume too much added sugar – the sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavour or extend shelf life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for daily added sugar intake recommend no more than 5% of calories, that’s 25 grams or 6 teaspoons for adults. And note that the demonisation of sugar isn’t focused solely on the sugars added to processed food and sugary drinks, like glucose, fructose and sucrose, it also includes natural sugars, like those found in honey and freshly squeezed fruit juice. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? A growing number of us are already opting to cut sugar out of our diets. However, many of us still don’t realise just how easy it is to consume more than the 6 teaspoonfuls recommended. Let’s take a typical afternoon-slump snack of iced coffee (Frappuccino) and a muffin from Starbucks. According to HK’s Centre for Food Safety’s (CFS) committee, this amounts to about 49 grams of sugar (12 teaspoons) – 28 grams for the iced coffee and 21 grams for the muffin. Of course, this assumes that the coffee comes with sugar, which it does at Starbucks. And what about that gin and tonic after work? That’s 8 teaspoons of sugar per standard drink, right there. You may also be surprised by the high sugar content of many breakfast cereals. In leading brands of fruit, nut and seed muesli, marketed as ‘healthy,’ sugar content ranges from 23 to 25 grams per 100 grams. Assuming a serving size of at least 50 grams for an adult, this is already 3 teaspoons of added sugar, or half the recommended daily allowance. Fruit yogurts are also serious offenders, often containing around 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams. With a typical serving size of 125 grams, this amounts to 4.5 teaspoons of sugar. THE HEALTH LINK No doubt the WHO recommendations are wholly positive. Our bodies simply don’t have the physiological need for all the added sugars that have found their way into our diet. The science which links sugar to poor dental health, being overweight or obese, liver disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions must not be ignored. Research is showing consistent relationships between fructose (in particular) and chronic conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and other forms of metabolic syndrome. Scientists claim that high consumption of fructose may contribute to insulin resistance and other complications, including liver damage. The WHO guidelines are also supported by evidence linking sugary food and drink to higher levels of tooth decay. Dental professionals welcome the guidelines but suggest we also reduce the frequency of our sugar intake. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque and produces harmful acids for up to one hour after eating and drinking. So, it’s important to limit sugary food or drink to mealtimes. INDUSTRY IN DENIAL The WHO guidelines centre on the sugars that are added by manufacturers – the ones many argue are hidden from plain view. What we put on our plate is heavily influenced by the food industry giants and clever marketing. It is this industry that argues that the science is wrong and if sugar is consumed as part of a balanced diet, it is not harmful. Yet sugar is an essential component of processed foods, making them more palatable and acting as a preservative. It is therefore easy to deduce that the added sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup (or one of 57 other aliases), in processed food isn’t required for a balanced diet and results in the consumption of calories with no nutritional value, while creating health risks. TIPS ON CUTTING BACK Read nutrition labels and ingredient lists to understand the extent of your sugar intake. There are plenty of apps that convert this information into meaningful data but the simple method is to divide grams by 4 to give you teaspoons of sugar. Avoid products where sugar content is shown as double digits, and watch out for ‘hidden’ sugars like corn syrup. Eat whole fruit rather than dried fruit. The fibre helps with the absorption of the fructose, making it a better option. Drink even freshly squeezed fruit juice infrequently, and swap sugary drinks for fizzy water. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods. Use healthy alternatives, like coconut nectar, maple syrup or green stevia powder, sparingly. Raw honey is beneficial since it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels quickly; it may also contain useful antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins. Reset your taste buds. Our taste for sugar adjusts quickly and after a few weeks even a small amount will add a lot of sweetness, so don’t worry too much about withdrawal symptoms. You’ll soon find that the natural sweetness in fruit and vegetables is heightened and sugary processed foods are almost sickening. Beat sugar cravings with fat and protein. Get detoxing!

A pathway to obtaining a second citizenship and passport by bloodline REPORTING BY Polly Ho Nothing quite revealed the true power of a second passport like the inability to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. “With COVID-19 travel restrictions still persisting two years into the pandemic, inquiries for foreign citizenship have never been higher. Citizenship-by-Ancestry options are becoming particularly popular, as they offer direct pathways to foreign citizenships through the applicants’ bloodlines,” states Jean-Francois Harvey, Global Managing Partner of leading business immigration law firm Harvey Law Group. Citizenship-by-Ancestry is where an individual acquires the citizenship of either his parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents and in some cases even more distant ancestors, irrespective of where the individual was born. Today, more than 50 countries around the world offer some form of Citizenship-by-Ancestry pathway, each with its own eligibility criteria, process and complexity. “If you do not think you have any ancestors with foreign nationality, I urge you to take a closer look at your family tree, as you may find an ancestry link that could be your ticket to a second nationality and passport, which could profoundly impact your residential mobility, lifestyle and career opportunities,” advises Harvey. The first step to understanding whether you are eligible for Citizenship-by-Ancestry is to figure out which ancestor you are claiming citizenship through and which country you want to become a citizen of. Whilst most countries that offer Citizenship-by-Ancestry require applicants to have at least one parent who is a citizen of their countries such as Canada, France and South Korea, there are countries that allow you to obtain Citizenship-by-Ancestry through a grandparent who is a citizen of their countries including Greece, Ireland, Nigeria and Portugal. In very rare cases, countries extend Citizenship-by-Ancestry to descendants of any ancestor who is a citizen of that country such as Italy and Poland. Aside from ancestry link, each country has its own unique requirements that need to be complied with in order to be eligible. For instance, those looking to claim Italian Citizenship-by-Ancestry must demonstrate that they have an ancestral link to an Italian ancestor who has never lost or renounced his/ her Italian citizenship. To claim Irish Citizenship-By-Ancestry, there is a special route for people with Irish greatgrandparents that would render the applicants eligible if they have lived in Ireland for about three years prior to filing their applications. Typically, the process to obtaining Citizenship by-Ancestry involves you gathering the required supporting documentation including proof of lineage, and submitting an application form either online or at your local consulate. If you can dig up birth certificates and other required documentation that prove your ties to your ancestor are legitimate, you may be able to acquire a second citizenship between eight months to three years. “It is important to note that a degree of uncertainty is involved in proving lineage because the immigration authorities may refuse your application if you cannot provide sufficient evidence to support your relationship with your ancestor or if they find that your ancestor had voluntarily renounced or lost his citizenship before you were born. To better determine your eligibility for Citizenship-by Ancestry, I advise that you complete a free eligibility assessment with one of our lawyers. You can reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com,” Harvey concludes. Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a leading multinational law firm founded in 1992 by Jean-François Harvey. Headquartered in Hong Kong with over 24 offices worldwide, HLG is a leading provider of professional and responsible advisory to High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) on immigration law and business matters. The firm’s lawyers and employees comprise 20 nationalities, speak over 15 languages, and are licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions. For more information, visit harveylawcorporation.com .

Matthew Dorrell , of Soteria Trusts and Platinum Fiduciary Services Hong Kong, discusses the importance of an updated Will When Anita died unexpectedly last year, her new husband of three years learned he would not receive the stocks and investments she had, as she purchased it and kept it in her name before their marriage. Anita and her husband did not write a new Will after their marriage, and therefore, her personal estate will be divided according to the testacy law of Hong Kong. This means that her stocks and investments will be divided between her husband and her 15-year-old son from a previous marriage. Moreover, now Anita’s husband will have to go through a lengthy probate process to be able to access these parts of her estate. Many people think that making a Will is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, but it is important to get your Will reviewed every time your circumstances change. For those who own assets in multiple countries, those tasks are more complex, as they require a separate Will for each jurisdiction in which they own any assets. WHEN TO REVIEW YOUR WILL You need to review your Will after any major life events. Some particularly important times to review or write your Will are when: You acquire your first assets . Anyone with assets, be it a pension, an investment or a property – even if they are not married – should have at least a basic Will drafted. If there is no Will at all, your assets might be subject to local testacy rules, and it may create unnecessary trouble for close family to access them. You get married or enter into a civil partnership . Marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes any Will you may have had previously. This means that it will lose its legal effect and will not have an impact on what happens to your estate. Instead, your estate will be governed by intestacy rules. To retain control over your estate, it is important to create a new Will as soon as possible. You divorce or dissolve a civil partnership . Divorce does not invalidate a Will. However, it automatically deprives your former spouse or civil partner of any benefit they may have received under the Will. At the same time any gifts for other beneficiaries remain intact, for example for the ex-spouse’s child, which may not be in line with your wishes. Therefore, it is crucial to get your Will updated after divorce and before remarriage. Your children or grandchildren are born . The birth of a child or grandchild should act as a reminder to review and update your Will. Adding your child as a beneficiary and naming a legal guardian should be a priority when you welcome a new addition to your family. You sell or buy property, move house, or have a notable change in your life . After any significant change in your financial situation, you should review your Will – especially if you sell or move house, or even move countries, as the testacy rules might be different there. The real cost of not reviewing your Will regularly is not quantifiable until something happens. But it could be hundreds of thousands of dollars, or it could be a lifetime of family disputes or months or years in probate court. If you would like to have an expert review your current Will to see if it’s up-to-date and in line with the latest regulatory changes, contact info@fsplatinum, or www.will-experts.com . A review will not cost you anything, it only costs you the time to send the copy of your Will.

Joanne Brown , Partner, Head of Family at Tanner De Witt, outlines legal issues parents need to be aware of The world is exercising its third pandemic year. As we continue to deal with uncertainty with travel bans, restrictions and quarantine, the Family law team at Tanner De Witt has seen an increase in enquiries from parents wishing to permanently relocate from Hong Kong with their children. The motivations to permanently relocate are myriad and include loss of employment or a desire to be closer to family members. Where parents cannot agree the terms of a relocation, they must take out a relocation application with the Family Court. Even before the pandemic, a relocation application is a difficult one. A Judge must carefully balance factors such as whether the relocation application is genuinely made, whether the relocation proposal is realistic and well-researched, whether the other parent’s opposition is genuine and how access between the child and the parent ‘left behind’ will be maintained. Having considered all these factors, the Judge must decide whether or not the relocation is in the child’s best interests. Where a child is of sufficient maturity (generally from 10 to 11 years old), their wishes will also be given strong weight. In 2020 and 2021, there were a number of relocation cases in which judgment was given which granted a relocation despite COVID-19 and the uncertainties surrounding travel. Specifically, a recent decision from the Family Court in Hong Kong addressed concerns about how the pandemic and the resulting difficulties with the global economy should affect how a Judge considers relocation applications. The Court demonstrated that it will not let the pandemic be a sufficient reason to delay or prevent relocations where applications are genuinely made and well-founded. PRACTICAL TIPS What can a parent do if they wish to relocate with their child, but there is no consent from the other parent? Consider why and when you wish to move . The Court is generally more inclined to grant an order for permanent removal if the requesting parent is moving back to their home country and/ or the parent can show that they have a good support system in their home country or new location. Consider whether it is the right time to move . Is the intention to move at the end of the academic year or the end of an employment contract or lease expiry? The court will take such factors in to account. Have a realistic, well-researched and organised plan. Be prepared to inform the Court where you will live, what school the children will attend and what the childcare arrangements are. The Court will also consider earning potential in the target country and travel arrangements. Have an open and honest discussion with the other parent, including whether mediation is an appropriate means for a resolution. If the other parent does not agree, the process of applying to the Family Court for a relocation order is lengthy and costly. It may take up to 12 months before the application is before a Judge and a trial on the matter can span days or even months. It is also worth noting that a recent change in policy on extensions of stay by the Immigration Department is now permitting applications to be made by applicants who are unable to return to Hong Kong before the expiry of their employment or dependant visas. To be eligible, the applicant must have a visa that is expiring within the next four weeks or have expired for not more than 12 months. The caveat is that the applicant must return to Hong Kong within six months of the approval of the application. Tanner De Witt was established in 1999 and now has a team of over 100, including more than 50 Hong Kong lawyers. The firm’s family team can talk you through the legal issues surrounding relocation with children. For more information, visit www.tannerdewitt.com .

In a world where likes are king, Susannah Wood explores the challenges families face when it comes to keeping kids safe and well online PHOTOS COURTESY OF Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) If the last two years have taught us anything about the role technology will have in our lives going forward, it’s to expect more. More apps, more devices, more online interactions. To use a term we’re sadly all too familiar with these days: it’s endemic. Technology is ingrained in every part of our lives, whether we realise (like) it or not. As humans, it’s in our nature to strive for progress, and we’ve certainly achieved a lot in recent years. But every new advance we make brings its own challenges, its own downsides, and as adults, it’s our job to support the next generation in navigating the highs and lows that creates. What makes things tricky is that our children often know more about technology than we do. We might think we’re tech savvy, but most of us aren’t staring at our phones to research the latest online trends and the potential impact they’ll have on our offspring; no, we’re reading the news, we’re scrolling through Facebook, we’re uploading photos to Instagram, we’re escaping from reality for a while. CITIZENS OF THE MODERN AGE One of the most thought-provoking points I came across while researching this article was from a podcast with Angela Moriarty, Head of Learning Technologies at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS, www.dbis.edu.hk ), who pointed out that if we’re going to put devices in our children’s hands, we have a responsibility to make sure they are safe while and as a result of using those devices. It seems kind of obvious, but it got me thinking. Have I done everything I can as a parent to really understand how my children are using the devices they have access to? Do I check in with them enough? How are they being treated by their online contacts, and how are they treating others? Are my children good digital citizens? Digital citizenship may be a contemporary phrase, but it’s not necessarily a contemporary concept. “You could almost take the word ‘digital’ out of it,” says Angela. “At DBIS, we ask our students to think about what being a responsible citizen means to them. Once they’ve explored that, we introduce the digital element. We ask them to think about who they interact with online and how those interactions make both them and their online contacts feel. Are they making a positive difference to the world in the way they use digital tools? “As soon as students are exposed to using any kind of technology within our school, it’s our responsibility to make sure we educate them how to use it safely and responsibly. With our youngest children, it might be as simple as learning how to respect technology and handle it safely, but it can also be about understanding the importance of permissions, such as asking permission before using technology or asking for consent from another child to take their photograph.” For older children, the topic becomes much broader, with multiple complex issues to consider, such as cyberbullying, privacy, fake news and social media – concepts that most parents never had to consider when growing up. These days, the online world is such a huge part of our children’s lives that schools have entire programmes dedicated to digital wellbeing. “DBIS has a very robust digital citizenship programme,” says Angela. “We teach core concepts throughout the year and also run an annual Digital Citizenship Week, during which students focus on specific, age-appropriate themes.” Angela explains that it’s important to consider digital citizenship in all areas of learning and life and not just confine it to Learning Technologies lessons. In English classes, for example, students can be taught how to safely conduct effective online research and how to use the information they find appropriately and correctly – valuable skills for the ‘real’ world. CHALLENGES AND PITFALLS What we as parents need to ensure is that our children’s awareness of digital issues doesn’t get left at the school gate. Within the school environment, students are limited as to the digital content they can access. The concepts they’ve been taught are also fresh in their minds while on campus. It’s much trickier for children to stay mindful of digital responsibilities and model positive online behaviours when faced with real-life scenarios that aren’t necessarily being monitored. Take WhatsApp for example. Officially, you have to be 16 years old to use it, but how many of us have family groups set up for ease of communication? Many children also set up groups with friends or classmates, although most schools actively discourage this. Nevertheless, these groups exist, and it’s all too easy for children to get caught up in the moment and type something they might later regret. Angela warns that children need to be mindful of their ‘digital tattoo.’ “We used to use the term ‘digital footprint,’” she says, “but it’s actually more serious than that. The decisions we make online can shape us. Children need to understand the permanence of their online actions. Yes, you can delete something, but once it’s been published, and maybe seen by someone else, it can never truly be undone. “Of course, children make mistakes from time to time, and in many subject areas students are taught that mistakes are good learning opportunities, but when it comes to digital citizenship, there are certain mistakes you don’t want children to make. We will always support students if they get themselves into a difficult digital situation, but the more discussions parents can have with their children on the topic to reinforce what we’re teaching at school, the better. Social media isn’t going anywhere; it’s just going to keep getting bigger, so we’ve got to do everything we can as adults to support our children in navigating it safely.” THE IMPORTANCE OF BUY-IN One mistake many parents make is laying down a set of digital rules without involving their children in the decision-making process. Angela warns against this. “Children are more likely to adhere to a set of agreements if they’ve been involved in the creation of them,” she says. “Children need a voice; they need agency. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution though. It all comes down to your family values.” It’s important to remember while discussing online guidelines and boundaries with your children that not all elements of the virtual world are equal. Now, more than ever before, children have access to a plethora of information due to online advances, including a wealth of enriching, educational content. Not everything screen-based is passive, and blanket technology bans can put children at a disadvantage. If a child is happy, engaged and learning from something they’re reading online, is that really any worse than if they’re reading it from a book? PARENTAL MONITORING AND EDUCATION Whatever rules your family decides to put in place, it’s vital that you monitor your children’s online activity. It’s also important that your children know you will check in from time to time and that they understand why that is necessary. Monitoring software can help, but physically looking through chats etc. will give you a much better idea of your child’s digital behaviour. The best parental monitoring tool, however, is being present when your children are using technology. These days, that’s easier said than done. The pandemic and subsequent phases of online teaching have caused families to spread out into separate rooms when working or learning remotely, and that’s led both children and adults to develop new online habits. As parents, we need to recognise this and act accordingly, which includes making sure we model positive online habits and behaviours ourselves. We also need to make sure we’re well informed; if you’re uncertain about something, look it up. Angela recommends two key online resources for parents: Common Sense Media ( commonsensemedia.org ), which offers need-to-know information for children, parents and teachers about online entertainment, and Thinkuknow ( thinkuknow.co.uk ), a UK-based education programme aimed at protecting children both on- and offline. Resources such as these are invaluable when it comes to protecting children, and they give parents a fighting chance of staying informed in a world where the next big thing is just a click away.

There’s much more to judo than using holds and leverage to submit an opponent. Fifth Dan judo coach Cedric Sum of Daruma Judo Club introduces Rachel Sadler to the mat PHOTOS COURTESY OF Daruma Judo Club JUDO IS FOR EVERYBODY who wants to workout, keep fit and focus their mind. It’s a common misconception that you need to be a certain physique to practice judo; size doesn’t matter. In classes and competitions, opponents are matched with similar sized players. JUDO FOCUSES ON FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTHENING MUSCLES making it a low-intensity, fullbody workout – even for beginners. Junokata judo is a particularly low-impact workout, it’s designed to teach the fundamental principles of judo but it doesn’t involve any throwing. JU MEANS GENTLE AND DO MEANS WAY , which together means ‘gentle way of life.’ This definition represents one of the martial art’s major concepts – that gentleness controls hardness. Judo also has a moral code, which includes the principles of politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship. JUDO RELIES ON TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY not brute strength. If you have the right skills, you can throw someone who is bigger than you. Judo teaches mind over matter – if you have an open mind, you can succeed and reach your goals both on the mat and in everyday life. JUDO DOES NOT ALLOW KICKS, STRIKES, OR HITS but it’s a very effective martial art for self-defence. You learn smart and strategic ways of taking your opponent down through both force and balance. Once to the ground, judo teaches students to find the quickest and easiest way to make an opponent submit. CONTROL, EMOTION AND BODY POWER are at the core of judo moves. The aim is to achieve maximum efficiency (both physically and mentally) with minimum effort. There is always more to learn, and new fitness levels to reach. JUDO RELIES ON TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY not brute strength. If you have the right skills, you can throw someone who is bigger than you. Judo teaches mind over matter – if you have an open mind, you can succeed and reach your goals both on the mat and in everyday life. JUDO ENGAGES AND STRENGTHENS THE CORE . Each technique involves keeping your back straight, so it’s a workout that fixes bad posture and subsequent back conditions. You learn body coordination exercises which are the foundation to controlling the body, and classes start with a warm-up of head-totoe stretching. YOU CAN START JUDO AGED THREE , and children’s classes are grouped by age. For under 12s, there’s no contact around the neck and under 14s can’t use arm locks. Judo teaches valuable life lessons; children learn how to break their fall and how to protect their head JUDO TEACHES YOU DISCIPLINE and to be considerate of others. You learn respect for your opponent and your teacher. In training and competitions opponents always begin and end a match with a bow to their partner; it’s about good sportsmanship. Daruma Judo Club holds classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays for students aged 3 and up in Discovery Bay, Mui Wo and Peng Chau. To find out more and enrol, call 6244 6093, email Emily Lau at darumasports@gmail.com or visit the Daruma Judo Club Facebook page.

These aphrodisiacal dishes are temptingly easy to make, but be warned they may cause passion Photos Courtesy of Adobe Stock LOBSTER THERMIDOR Serves 2 1 cooked lobster 150ml dry white wine 1 shallot, chopped fine Handful tarragon leaves,chopped Handful parsley leaves, chopped 1tsp Dijon mustard ½ lemon, juice only 3tsp paprika 2tsp Tabasco sauce 5tbsp parmesan, grated fine 140g butter, softened Declaw the lobster and cut it in half. Wash the head cavities under cold water, then lay the lobster, cut side up, on a baking tray. Crack the claws and remove the meat, divide between the head cavities. Then, to make the butter, put the wine and shallots into a pan, bring to the boil and simmer until nearly dry. Tip into a bowl to cool, and mix in all the remaining ingredients. Roll into a log, using cling film or foil, then chill to harden. Slice the butter into thin rounds and lay it along the lobster so all the meat is covered. Grill for six minutes until the butter is bubbling and starting to brown. Serve with fat chips and cheese sauce. WINE-POACHED PEARS Serves 2 750ml red wine 200g golden caster sugar 2 cinnamon sticks, snapped in half 1 vanilla pod, quartered 4 firm pears, peeled Gently heat the wine, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until the sugar dissolves. Add the pears, making sure they are fully covered by the wine, then simmer for 20 minutes until tender. Remove the pears from the pan with a slotted spoon and boil the syrup for 30 minutes until reduced.Cool, then serve with the syrup and a little chocolate sauce.

Niki Parrington leans into the digital revolution and helps to make the resort just a little funkier. Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOS BY What The Fox Studio, IG@whatthefox.studio MAKEUP BY Joanna Worthington, IG@jomakeupartist Despite the ‘frigid’ temperature swooping down on Hong Kong, Niki Parrington is sitting on the outdoor patio of a Discovery Bay coffee shop, not particularly over-dressed or distressed. Niki’s locks drape well below her shoulders, and are easily imagined held back by a pair of highspec headphones as she fiddles behind a console during a performance. Niki’s here to tout an upcoming single, following an EP she released last May. Though to say she’s ‘touting’ is misleading. “I’m not doing this for the money. I’m not hardcore into marketing,” she understates of her second career as a drum & bass artist. “I know friends and family are listening, but beyond that I’m honestly not really sure.” If that sounds low key, then it is. Niki is decidedly chill, contrary to the popular image of the musician, particularly one tuned in to all things electronic, and she’s as much at ease chatting about how soft a touch she is with animals (“At one point I had eight cats. A dog followed me home one day, so then I had a dog.”), as in admitting we all turn in to our grandmothers: “You can’t fight it. It’s going to happen.” Peter Jackson’s eight-hour mega-doc Get Back piques her interest. She’s not a huge Beatles fan, but a deep dive into the creative process intrigues her. The London native who’s been living in Hong Kong since the age of nine has a pragmatic side to balance her artistic one. A student of psychology and holder of a master’s degree in neuroscience, Niki calls music her ‘other’ job; the one she does when she’s not working on her own business in medical writing and clinical research. Niki, her web designer husband Ali, their six-year old daughter Maya and a pair of rescue dogs (see?) moved to DB from Lamma in 2018. “We had a kid, and I have MS, and that walk to the ferry pier was getting harder and harder,” she recalls. “DB was just more convenient.” Convenient is also handy considering her family is scattered to the four winds: Her mother joined her four half-sisters and a half-brother in the UK last year. Ali’s family is now in Australia. Like most of us, it’s been two years since she last left town and saw any of them. “My mum and daughter really miss each other, because my mum used to take her out. They had a little Wednesday ritual. It’s hard. Of course, I miss my mum as well.” TURING APPLES But there’s always music to fall back on. Niki never studied music officially, but she developed a keen interest in it in her teens, when Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill and No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom were making waves. Eventually, she and a school friend, Rafe D’Aquino, started a band doing covers. 1993 was a turning point when a summer trip back to the UK saw her cross paths with a family friend who introduced her to D&B. “It was jungle, and I thought it was amazing,” Niki remembers. “The next day I went straight to Camden Market and bought every cassette I could find. That was 1993.” School and work took her in and out of Hong Kong for several years, but when she returned in 2011, she and Rafe reconnected and committed to their shared love of all things electronic and digital. The duo formed Turing Apples – “like Alan Turing; we thought it was really clever,” Niki quips – and dropped their first EP in 2014. They performed at The Big Picnic twice. At a youthful 42, Niki is willing to admit D&B (think Aphex Twin, Goldie, Pendulum, Roni Size) isn’t for everyone. “It’s a real love or hate situation,” she says with a laugh after debating the genre’s status as one long song. She and Rafe continued working on new music, and Nikki took an extra interest in production in 2020, for the worst possible reason: Rafe had a sudden heart attack and, sadly, passed away in May that year. “We had been working on a bunch of stuff, but I didn’t really know anything about production. I would just sit beside him and be the annoying person saying, ‘Make it sound more like that!’ And I remember the last time we practiced together saying, ‘I should learn this stuff, shouldn’t I?’ And I got the look.” Painful as it was, Niki was determined to finish the music they had started. She took some courses and got help from friends who knew the job. She released an EP, For Rafe, on May 4, 2021 (Rafe was a big Star Wars fan.). It’s a mix of trap, dubstep and D&B, which she got mastered by UK D&B titan Nu:Tone. She enjoyed the challenge of producing, and the intricacies involved in pulling all the parts together – music producers are viewed as akin to film directors for a reason – and it’s inspired her to commit to more. “I’m really glad I got that out, because you can sit and tinker with something for an hour and it will sound no different to someone outside the bubble. Now I need to draw a line under the next one,” she states. WHAT KUTOFF DID NEXT For the time being Niki’s focus is on the next, nearly completed single, and while she’s no Prince, she’s trying her best to rival the Purple One’s famed unreleased catalogue. “I have a whole library of stuff to finish. There’s a lifetime of work in there,” she says. Anyone who wants a listen can hear For Rafe on Bandcamp (similar to Soundcloud) by by searching Kutoff, Niki’s stage name; Turing Apples is there too. “It’s available for people who just want to listen and don’t want to buy on Apple Music and Spotify. But I encourage them to buy. I split everything – like HK$600 – with Rafe’s wife.” She rolls her eyes. Streaming really isn’t that great for artists. But that’s another story. Going forward Niki is probably sticking with her beloved D&B, but she’s not making any promises. “I’m still experimenting with styles because I’m learning the skills. My library is a million different things but I think I’ve found my style. The problem is that people listen to this music in a club, late at night. And I have to go home at 10pm,” she says with a chuckle. Niki maintains an interest in a broad range of music, as most musicians do, but she admits the last couple of years, since For Rafe, she’s immersed herself in D&B. She chuckles again. “Mostly just one long, two-year song.” Nikki released her new single on February 1. It's available on most music platforms, and for purchase at kutoff.bandcamp.com .

Whatever your Route to Fitness in 2022, Escapade Sports can help you get there Escapade Sports Sports is open seven days a week. Shop in-store at Central, Causeway Bay and Repulse Bay, or online at www.escapade.com.hk

One of These Sweet and Creamy Desserts is never enough; they're so light and fresh, everyone is sure to want seconds Photos Courtesy of Adobe Stock CRÈME CARAMEL Serves 6 240g caster sugar 500ml milk 3 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks A few drops vanilla extract 2tbsp Cointreau, optional Put 140g sugar in a small non-stick pan, and add 3tbsp cold water. Heat slowly, stirring gently with a metal tablespoon until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat under the pan and allow the syrup to bubble and thicken. Do not stir it. When the syrup starts to turn golden at the edges, swirl the pan to ensure even colouring. When the syrup has turned a rich caramel colour, remove it from heat. Heat the oven to 160˚C. Pour the caramel into ramekins arranged on a baking tray. Bring the milk to simmering point. Put the eggs and yolks in a bowl with the remaining sugar and whisk lightly together. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Strain into a jug and add the vanilla and liqueur. Pour into the ramekins. Pour boiling water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the custards are just set. Leave to cool, then chill for at least 4 hours before serving. CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Serves 6 170g dark chocolate, minimum 60% cocoa solids 7 free-range egg whites ¼tsp lemon juice 40g caster sugar Roughly chop the chocolate then melt it in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water). Whisk the egg whites and lemon juice in a large bowl until they form soft peaks. Add the sugar and continue to whisk until firm peaks form when the whisk is removed. When the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Whisk one-third of the egg whites into the hot chocolate quickly and vigorously, until thick and well combined. Fold the remaining egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mousse mixture into four glasses. Chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or until set. Serve garnished with fresh mint or marshmallows.

Sharon McEneff , director of DB-based T8 Corporate & Business Services, outlines what you need to know The choice you make for the type of company you are forming will largely shape the future of your business. So it’s crucial to choose wisely from the get-go. There are many types of business entities you can form – private limited company, unlimited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, public company – but most people opt for either a private limited company or a sole proprietorship. In this article, we will explore why setting up a private limited company is preferred over a sole proprietorship. PROS AND CONS Firstly, let’s outline what these companies are and how they function. A private limited company is an organisation which is held privately, meaning its shares are not tradable to the general population. To start a private limited company, a minimum of one director who is a natural person, ie an individual, is required and shareholders could be up to 50 (body corporate or natural persons). By contrast, a sole proprietorship, as the name suggests, is a form of business in which there is only one sole owner/ trader doing business with the aim of earning profits. In a private limited company, the risk to the personal assets of a director/ shareholder is limited to the extent of their shareholding. The advantage here is that personal assets of a director/ shareholder cannot be acquired to clear company debts. In a sole proprietorship, on the other hand, the owner has unlimited liability meaning he/ she is liable to pay for the losses of the company from his/ her personal assets. Likewise in a sole proprietshorship, there is a single bearer of profit and loss – profit and loss are borne by the individual only. Any profit that a business earns or any debts that a business incurs is borne by the sole proprietor only and the responsibility cannot be transferred to anyone else. Consider too that private limited companies are a body corporate, a separate legal entity, which means the directors can sue, be sued, or dispose of company property. In a sole proprietorship, however, the trader is the one with the business, so any legal proceeding against the company is viewed like a proceeding against the individual. Perpetual succession is another factor worth considering. A private limited company does not cease to exist after the departure of directors due to any reason. By contrast, there is no provision of perpetual succession in a sole proprietorship and no one can take over the company in the event of death, bankruptcy or insolvency of the owner. THE RIGHT CHOICE Sole proprietorships have a slight edge over other companies because of their less stringent compliance requirements – the registration procedure is very easy and has fewer formalities. However, the benefits of a private limited company, as outlined above, surpass the ease of compliance requirements of a sole proprietorship. Private limited companies have smooth structure of operations and separation of both assets as well as identity, which are important when viewed from a long-term perspective. Moreover, in a private limited company, the trading of shares is done in a restricted manner, which reduces the risk of a hostile takeover. In addition, there are many provisions for relieving the tax burden with lower tax rates on private limited companies within the confines of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Private limited companies have been granted many exemptions for compliances and operations and hence need less maintenance. For all these reasons, private limited companies are definitely proving to be the right choice for entrepreneurs. Sharon McEneff is the director of T8 Corporate & Business Services in DB North Plaza. T8 delivers COMSEC and business administration services to support clients of all sizes, and with all needs. For more information, email sharon.m@t8corporate.com or visit www.t8corporate.com .

The lead-up to the holiday is the perfect time to start teaching children some of the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. Samantha Wong takes a look PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels We’re getting ready to usher in Chinese New Year (CNY), the Year of the Tiger on February 1, and there’s a lot for kids to look forward to – three days off school, family gatherings, new clothes, lucky red packets… There’s also a lot of fun stuff for them to learn if they are to get the most out of the holiday. First off, at CNY, we wish each other good luck, happiness and wealth. Kids will need to be able to say Gong Hei Fat Choy (pronounced Gong-hee-faatchoy) in Cantonese, and Gong Xi Fa Cai (pronounced Gong-she-faa-tsai) in Mandarin. Both are wishes for a prosperous New Year. THE RED PACKETS Over CNY, children look forward to receiving lai see, those little red packets filled with a crisp dollar note. They need to know how to accept lai see politely – with both hands, head bowed and a simple doh jeh (thank you) – and they must never open the packet in front of the giver. The origin of lai see-giving, the legend of Ang Pow, is a fun one for kids to learn. It harks back to the Song Dynasty, when an evil dragon terrorised the people of a village called Chang-Chieu. No one was able to drive off the dragon or kill it. The villagers lived in fear until one day a young man named Ang Pow slayed the beast with his magic sabre. Out of gratitude and in the hope of warding off evil in the future, the elders of Chang-Chieu gave Ang Pow a red envelope filled with money. Top tip: Children should not give lai see – it would be considered insulting by the adult recipient – kids receive only. For young kids, HK$10 is acceptable. For older kids and young adults, it’s HK$20 to HK$50. Lai see is a blessing, a wish for good luck; it’s not about giving a large amount of money. FUN TRADITIONS Kids love the social aspect of CNY; the way families and friends get together to celebrate at each other’s homes. The dressing up required for these occasions – in new (ideally red or gold) clothes – is the icing on the cake. At CNY, everything from the food we eat to the flowers we buy has a special meaning, and children are often intrigued by all the traditions. Teach them, for instance, that certain flowers have ‘super powers’ and that this is why we gift them at CNY. Miniature kumquat trees, with their tiny orange fruits bring the recipient money, peonies bring true love, bamboo stems good luck. And why do we buy live potted plants at this time of year rather than fresh-cut flowers? Because potted plants symbolise growth and fresh starts. Tell children that the family will have a lucky year if a flower blooms on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day, and they will watch excitedly, waiting to see if it happens. Children are also delighted to learn that the dishes we make or have made for us at CNY represent blessings for the year to come. We eat spring rolls because they look like bars of gold, and are therefore a wish for prosperity and wealth. And we eat dumplings, shaped like ancient gold and silver ingots, for the same reason. If you are making dumplings with your kids, place a coin in one of them – teach them that whoever picks that dumpling is guaranteed good luck in the coming year. Teach kids that steamed fish is an absolute must at CNY since it symbolises surplus and wealth. It’s unlucky to flip the fish – we eat one side of it for dinner and the rest the next day in order to prolong the surplus and make sure the coming year is prosperous. Why don’t we eat the head and tail? This is a reminder to finish everything you start and to wish for positive results. A whole steamed chicken represents a harmonious and united family, and it’s another CNY staple. Teach kids that eating the chicken wings will help them succeed (fly higher), and eating the bones will help them achieve their goals. You can also explain why we eat extra-long ‘longevity noodles’ at CNY – the longer the noodles, the longer our life will be. We must not cut our noodles for obvious reasons, but we are free to slurp! THE ZODIAC ANIMALS CNY is based on the lunar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is why Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day can fall any time between January 21 and February 20, but what’s more interesting to kids is that in the Chinese zodiac calendar, each year has an animal as its symbol. 2022 ushers in the Year of the Tiger, one of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the others being the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Children love the ancient folk story that explains how these creatures made the final cut to be immortalised in the zodiac: The Jade Emperor called a Great Race, decreeing that the first 12 animals to swim across a fast-flowing river would each have a year named in their honour. Thirteen animals lined up on the riverbank; however, the cat was pushed into the water by the rat, and was excluded from the final line-up. Once children have grasped that each year is affiliated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, they will want to find out which animal heads up their own birth year. (Google it.) Kids find it entertaining to learn that people are thought to display certain characteristics unique to their zodiac animal, for example Roosters are practical and honest, Goats are creative, while 2022’s hide of Tigers are brave, competitive and charming. Famous Tiger Year people include Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise and Leonardo diCaprio. Top Tip: Kids can discover more about CNY in a fun and humorous way by picking up Hong Kong author Sarah Brennan’s Chinese zodiac series of children’s books. This fast-paced and funny series is the perfect CNY primer with illustrations by Harry Harrison. The Tale of Pinyin Panda is a hilarious take on the Great Race and explains exactly why the Panda didn’t make it into the Chinese zodiac. Of Brennan’s 12 Chinese Calendar Tales, the one to pick up this year is The Tale of Temujin, which describes what happens when Temujin the Tiger, the Terror of the East, collides with tantrum-throwing Princess Precious at a grand imperial palace. Top tip: When celebrating at home, a good way to involve the kids is to have them set out the traditional candy trays – eight varieties of dried fruit (or sweets) – to ensure everyone’s CNY gets off to a sweet start. They can also fill up the bowls of oranges (for good health and long life), tangerines (for fruitful, lasting relationships) and persimmons (for happiness and wealth).