Insights from Hong Kong

Archive for the ‘Postcard’ Category


Research Papers – China Regulatory Updates on Securities, Banking & Insurance

In China, Postcard on 15 April 2013 at 9:33 AM

Available on a monthly basis, the Financial Regulatory Updates of Kreab Gavin Anderson Research-Asia provide summaries of regulatory changes in China’s Securities, Banking and Insurance industries. In March, major changes included the following:

 Securities:

CSRC announces new rules for RQFII quota expansion

Taiwan residents of the PRC to be allowed to open A-share accounts

New consultation process on modifications to the QDII program begins

NPC elects Xiao Gang as Chairman of the CSRC

New regulations issued on quarterly reporting at China’s GEM board

 

Banking:

NPC retains Zhou Xiaochuan as Governor of the People’s Bank of China

SAFE establishes investment time limit and lock-up period for RQFII investments

CBRC increases control over wealth management products

BRICS discuss establishment of a financial reserve and development bank

 

Insurance:

CIRC releases interim measures for serious illness insurance administration

CIRC establishes new market entry rules for insurance company branches

 

For more information, please consult the PDF newsletter files below. If you have questions on how the included regulatory changes impact your business, contact Research-Asia today (Research-Asia@KreabGavinAnderson.com).

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Hong Kong Postcard: Chinese Massage or Prisoner of War Training?

In Hong Kong, Postcard, Slice of Hong Kong on 26 March 2013 at 2:10 PM

I have a bad shoulder. I don’t know if I slept on it funny or carried suitcase too heavily laden with purchases. Either way my right shoulder has been intensively painful for a fortnight.

Today to alleviate the pain I went to a Chinese Massage centre just a hundred metres from my office. It’s in a convenient basement and is dimly lit so you’re not frightened by the decor. Despite the effort of getting my colleague to phone ahead, make and appointment and explain my symptoms it was a complete surprise to them when I arrived. After batting away the insistent small woman I got the masseur of my choice. He wasn’t particularly big but his platter-size hands were stronger than even I imagined.

He spoke no English and my Chinese is better suited to business. I haven’t learned body parts like shoulder, rotator cuff, ligaments or neck. He started and I pointed and groaned.When he’d located the general vicinity of the pain my full body spasms probably negated the need for fluent Cantonese.

For the first 20 minutes I was in extreme, intense pain. He’d located the source of my shoulder pain. Apparently it’s a stringy cable running down the front of the shoulder. Does that control my typing fingers? Is this RSI? I didn’t care to wonder. I was stifling screams.

Amazingly the masseur found the exact spot and continued to press at the site of the pain. Hard. Again and again. I was ready to admit the site of Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction. I may have confessed to stockpiling chemical weapons. I was sweating and having spasms. It was awful. And every time I thought he was done he would dig deeper. I now know the towels at that hole in the massage table are for tears.

Before long the large cable of pain had been reduced to thready filament. Still he continued to press. It clicked back and forth. It sounded like graham crackers being crushed for the cheesecake base.

By now the first third of his thumb was inserted into the hollow of my shoulder joint. I appreciated my skin for its ability to keep my arm connected to my body. This guy wanted it popped off like the head of a little girl’s doll. Thwak! By far it was the longest 20 minutes of my life.

Before long the pain was gone and mobility was restored. When I entered I couldn’t lift my arm. Now he was twirling the appendage like I was Phelps warming up for the butterfly. He was free to explore the other pockets of non-conformity littered across my back. He found one spot below my shoulder-blade that I wasn’t even aware existed until he started kneading it. I was simultaneously proud and horrified that I could bury a lemon-sized lump and not be aware. That went without nearly the same level of protest as the shoulders.

For the last half of the massage I could relax. It became actually enjoyable. By the end when he attacked those cable-like muscles that connect your neck to your shoulders even they realised resistance was futile.

I am now imitating Jell-o behind my computer at work. The pain is gone along with almost all of my energy. It is a real benefit to life in Hong Kong. During your lunch hour you can emulate a prisoner of war torture, pay for it and be back at your desk before 2:00 pm.

I only hope I don’t suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

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Spectacular Scenes of China: Photographs by Thomas Gaston

In China, Postcard on 6 December 2012 at 12:13 PM
Fuli Bridge, Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Fuli Bridge, Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

How well do you know your colleagues? With today’s work demands and schedules it’s feasible you spend more time with them than your family (horrifying, I know). And while we may “catch a drink” or meet them socially from time-to-time, it’s hard to know them really well.

There are always surprises.

Lijiang River, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Lijiang River, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

In the Beijing office of Kreab Gavin Anderson are a number of framed photographs. These showcase the beauty of China from the natural landscapes to architecture ancient and cutting-edge. The photographs here are by the same professional – my colleague Tom. (Click on the images to see them full screen.)

Lijiang River, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Lijiang River, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Thomas Adams is a defence analyst by training and now a member of our Public Affairs team in China. He’s artfully transitioned from writing research reports on a nation’s defence systems to helping clients navigate the government and regulatory regimes in China.

But that’s not all Tom does.

National Center For The Performing Arts (The Egg), Beijing, China

National Center For The Performing Arts (The Egg), Beijing, China

Two years ago Tom picked up a high quality camera and began capturing what he saw. He described to me the transcendental moment when you’re looking through the viewfinder waiting for the perfect moment. It seems many of those times are in the early morning as this range of photographs showcases the stunning light of dawn.

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town, Zhejiang Province, China

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town, Zhejiang Province, China

In a nod to his French-Canadian heritage Tom signs his artworks ‘Thomas Gaston’. Perhaps that’s to separate his work like and art fame? Regardless you can find a broad selection of his works on his Flickr page.

Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Alternatively you can leave a comment. With such a positive review of his work, I am sure he’ll check the comments to see what you say.

Please – tell Thomas what you think of his photographs. I think they are AMAZING!

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Postcard: MagLev Train Gets You (Almost) to Shanghai at 431 km Per Hour

In China, Postcard on 1 November 2012 at 12:39 PM

Shanghai MagLev Train in Station

I was in Shanghai yesterday for a few hours. Friends advised that a taxi from the airport to the city centre would take about an hour. Others said Shanghai taxis are useless and prone to getting lost. I can’t tell you. I took the train!

Shanghai Pudong Airport is the terminus of the Shanghai Magnetic Levitated Train (or MagLev for short). This high speed railroad achieves maximum speeds exceeding 400 kilometres per hour (268 milers per hour). It’s been in service since April 2004 and makes the 19 mile journey in seven minutes.

In many ways it is an exciting and disappointing ride. The train gradually picks up speed leaving the station and in-coach displays show the rapid speed ascent. At 200 km I giggled. At 300 km I laughed. At 400 km I held on.

But then it was over.

Maximum Velocity on Shanghai MagLev

The ability to speed at 431 km an hour is superfluous when the journey is so short. And the train doesn’t reach into the city centre. It stops on the outskirts. From there it was onto the Shanghai Metro. That train didn’t break speed records but it was efficient and cheap. My one-way fare was RMB3.0 – or US$0.46.

The ability to exceed land speed records on a sleek MagLev Train shows China at its finest. Yet the train stopping after a short journey leaving you far from your destination also shows just another challenge China faces. For a nation whose civilisation spans thousands of years, this is still a young country. It still has room to grow.

But China is catching up – at speeds that exceed 431 km per hour!

Jing’An Temple, Downtown Shanghai

 

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Macau – UNESCO World Heritage Site

In China, Postcard on 2 October 2012 at 5:18 PM

The historic centre of Macau features 25 buildings designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. This designation is for “places on earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity.”

To celebrate China National Day we walked through the historic heart of Macau from A Ma Temple to the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Enjoy our postcard tour.

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Postcard from Shenzhen: 5 Star Luxury with Glitches – The Westin Shenzhen

In China, Postcard on 13 August 2012 at 3:10 PM

My son returns to school this week, so we headed out-of-town for a four-day weekend to Shenzhen. This city of 10 million people hugs to border of Hong Kong. Where our parks and greenery ends, their inner city starts. It’s a fast-paced place that had 50,000 inhabitants just 30 years ago. Today it bubbles.

Poolside at The Westin Shenzhen

We selected The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan both for its luxury and location. Westin are premier properties within Starwood Hotels – a hotel specialist firm with brands as diverse as Sheraton and W Hotels. (Imagine a corporation that only thought of new ways to make your travel more enjoyable – that’s Starwood!) Any Westin Hotel is bound to be a five-star retreat for corporate executives. Depending on location it may also suit families. This one is adjacent to several theme parks.

The Westin Shenzhen is a great escape for harried Hong Kongers. We booked a few weeks in advance and paid ¥1,366 per night (US$214 or HK$1,665) for a Deluxe King Room with breakfast for two. If traveling from Hong Kong the hotel is on the Red Line of the Shenzhen Metro – you board at Louhu Train Station at the border and never change trains. Fares cost ¥5 (US$0.78 or HK$6).

On the up side it was exactly as expected. The hotel was impressive, serene, modern and well planned. It also had the best food of any hotel I’ve been to, far exceeding the taste and quality of in-hotel restaurants here in Hong Kong. Yet the place emptied on the weekend as executives fled home. This clearly is a business hotel.

That was driven home the first day when we went en masse to use the enormous swimming pool. Staff wouldn’t allow us entry without the purchase of a swimming cap (An edict I went to the front desk to confirm – seems it is ‘recommended’ not mandated). Later we ordered room service for a poolside meal. That took just under two hours to arrive. Our request for cold water took 45 minutes.

Thankfully the hotel worked quickly to fix the problem. My discussion with Ana at the front desk led to a speedy resolution and a charming, hand-written note to the room (with a fruit plate). It’s amazing how a really bad encounter can turn you into a fan of the brand when they resolve the issue professionally. While the so-called manager who ran the pool area wasn’t helpful, our front desk friend Ana quickly stepped into action and helped us feed hungry and impatient kids (not to mention the adults).

Happy Valley Shenzhen

Near the Westin are several theme parks. Happy Valley has rides and a water park – but don’t show up until after all the rides open at 1:00 pm. Windows of the World has a collection of miniature monuments from the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum. We just couldn’t figure out why giant beer bottles were in front of the columns of The Acropolis. China World features the architectural monuments of China all in one place. And China Cultural Village has ethnic crafts and performers from all parts of China.

For all theme parks in China, think Disney meets Carney – tacky, grubby and fun. Each of these is a short walk from The Westin Shenzhen. They are also inter-connected by a 3 mile tram that loops around the area.

Of course Shenzhen has a myriad of other sites, from a restored Russian aircraft carrier turned restaurant to Dafen Oil Painting Village – home to thousands of painters and art sellers (see the video below).

For a weekend away, you can’t beat the convenience and luxury of The Westin Shenzhen. If you go, say hello to my friend Ana!

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Environmental Protection Department Fails Hong Kong In Record Pollution

In Hong Kong, Postcard on 3 August 2012 at 9:47 AM

Air pollution cast a grey haze over the city yesterday.

It is best if you do not go outdoors. If you need to, try not to breathe. Record levels of air pollution were recorded yesterday in Hong Kong. We’re also in the middle of a long, strong heat wave.

And while the Hong Kong Observatory has a world-best public advisory system in place, the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department is failing the citizens of Hong Kong. Air pollution is at record levels and public health is at jeopardy, yet there is little done to provide timely updates and information.

Back in 2003 the Hong Kong suburb of Mongkok hit a record high API (Air Pollution Index) of 182. This index is monitored by the government. API is explained on the Environmental Protection Department’s website:

“The Air Pollution Index (API) is a simple way of describing air pollution levels. In Hong Kong, the API converts air pollution data from several types of pollutants into a value ranging from 0 to 500.” (API & You)

That 182 record from 2003 falls into the category of ‘Very High’ (EPD: What does the API tell us?). Then in 2011 the API crept higher and higher in February and May. Always the numbers were in the ‘Very High’ category.

And then there was yesterday. For the first time in over a decade, Hong Kong recorded API above 200 – rated as the ‘Severe’ category. In Central air pollution registered 212 on the API.

Yet for the general public, there remains little easy data to access – and no public advice system. The Environmental Protection Department does a deplorable job at presenting the data (see detailed explanation below).

In direct contrast, the Hong Kong Observatory is a well-oiled machine. The public advisory system has become institutionalised across the country. Typhoon Warning signals are publicly displayed on roadside signs and in office building lobbies. Those with an iPhone can download the HKO App. At 06:45 this morning my phone flashed the latest advisory – Very Hot Weather Warning (temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius).

Yet the public health consequences of severe pollution are as bad if not worse for the public health, according to one chart found on the EPD website:

People with existing heart or respiratory illnesses (such as coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive airways diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) may experience significant aggravation of their symptoms.

There may be also widespread symptoms in the general public. These include eye irritation, shortness of breath, coughing, phlegm and sore throat.

Compare the laborious process below with the Heldey Environmental Index provided by The School of Public Health at The University of Hong Kong. This simple to understand chart makes air pollution fast and friendly for all to access, and to share on Facebook:

Heldey Index for 3 August 2012

Contrast that with the system below, and you’ll agree with me:

The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department is failing to provide timely, understandable information to the people of Hong Kong.

Antiquated and Failing:
EPD API Information Buried from Public

On a day of new records, care to know the current API? Follow me…

Go to the Environmental Protection Department home page

Look down the left side menu for the Air Pollution Index

That brings you to a chart for the API at that moment:

Air Pollution Index for 3 August at 9:10 am

But that doesn’t show the record. So click on the left menu “Past 24 Hours Pollutant Concentration”

EPD API Past 24 hours

Here you’re supposed to choose your suburb to get detailed information. Let’s go with Causeway Bay:

EPD API Causeway Bay for 2-3 August 2012

Some of these numbers look quite high. Yet there is no explanation, no information, no education. Is an NO2 reading of 328.1 at 2012-08-02 22:00 bad? Or is a CO reading of 1656.0 at 2012-08-02 more of an issue? The Environmental Protection Department is creating a detailed log for scientists and researchers.

The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department is failing to provide timely, understandable information to the people of Hong Kong.

 

 

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Postcard from Singapore: Spice Sellers in Little India

In Postcard on 17 July 2012 at 11:50 AM

I am in Singapore for two days giving a speech at an event organised by Pacific Conferences. “Media Relations in the Digital Age” addresses the challenges communicators face when dealing with social media and traditional journalism. My speech opened the conference and provided an overview of the media industry, from the split of businesses at News Corporation to the incredible growth of old-fashioned newspapers in China, India and Africa. (I’ll upload the slides to SlideShare tomorrow.)

After the conference closed last night I took Singapore’s efficient MRT to Little India. This enclave is just what the name implies – a concentration of all things from India. Exit the MRT at Little India station and follow the signs to Tekka Market. This two-story public market has stalls for fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and more. The central courtyard is jammed with food stalls selling numerous prepared dishes.

On the far side you exit the market onto Buffalo Road. Cross over to see some of the garland sellers and numerous dry goods stores.

Garland Stalls in Little India

Walk down Buffalo Street (right out of Tekka Market) and cross Serangoon Road. This busy throughway is best navigated in the wake of locals. They can time the taxis and buses and cars with ease. From here enter the labyrinth of small alleys like Cambell or Dunlop. Stores have wooden carvings, embroideries, foodstuff and spices.

I went into Thandapani Co. General & Provision Merchants with a long list of spices. At home we are fortunate to have good cooks from Sri Lanka. I needed Cumin and Fennel and Mustard seeds – then fresh curry leaves and lentils and chili powder. An elderly man known by the honorary title of Uncle served me. He measured and found everything on my list.

Uncle at Thandapani & Co Merchants

The final bill was high but I had a few expensive items – like whole nutmegs and peeled pistachio nuts. I got everything except whole vanilla beans. Seems they’re not frequently used in Indian cooking. On my way back to the MRT through Tekka Market I grabbed bunches of fresh curry leaves – sold on the branch, three for 50 cents. From there it was back to the main street for tea, curry and more.

More Garlands? Red to match your hair?

Today my hotel room smells like a spice bazaar – which is exactly where I’d been. The hotel concierge was proud to see his instructions met with such success. I’m now struggling to figure out a way to get it all home without asphyxiating the planeload of passengers. I am sure my luggage will smell better than any other return trip made!

My Bountiful Spice Hoard!

Where to Shop:

Thandapani Co General & Provision Merchants, 124 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209443 – Phone +65 6292 3163

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