HONG KONG CHRONICLES — Friday, 29th September 2023
𝗠𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦.
𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗗-𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗡 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟!
Back on form after last week’s first and hopefully last gap in My Week That Was.
Just in case you’ve been blissfully unplugged in the past week, let me fill you in: today marked the kick-off of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Unleashing the customary mooncakes* upon us, Tai Hang lit up tonight with thousands gathering to witness the traditional fire dragon dance, making a triumphant return after a three-year Covid-induced hiatus. Hundreds of performers shouldered a dragon, illuminated with incense sticks, strutting down the community’s streets and by-lanes.
This Sunday, we’re also welcoming back the National Day fireworks display on Victoria Harbour. Officials anticipate a crowd of about 100,000 spectators for this vibrant spectacle.
The Mid-Autumn Festival aligns with the onset of Mainland China’s Golden Week holiday. Officials forecast a surge of a million mainland visitors to Hong Kong, and approx. 90% of the city’s hotel rooms are already reserved. A representative from the food service sector anticipates a 20% business growth during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
*(BTW, a hearty shoutout to our partner creative company, Suzy Jamison at Create, for treating us to Moon Festival Cup Cakes today, a delightful twist on the traditional glutinous versions.)
𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡
On a similar note, the night carnival at the Wan Chai harbour front saw a massive turnout on Wednesday. This was the inaugural event under the government’s “Night Vibes” initiative, aiming to invigorate the city’s nocturnal economy.
The carnival, featuring food stalls and live music, was a hit among locals and visitors. However, the merriment was dampened slightly due to an inadequate electricity supply, resulting in some stalls having to shut down early. Here’s hoping these are just initial growing pains.
[And, on a side note re vibes in general, I’m keen to know why Marks & Spencer in Kinwick Centre thought it wise to hire a DJ to pump out music from 12 to 2 pm over the weekend. Besides being a stark departure from its brand identity, it seemed to surprise many shoppers who usually appreciate this “little pocket of calm” when they buy their overpriced goods.]
𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦
While I usually refrain from sharing personal updates here, I can’t help but express my delight as my company, 𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰, was honored with the “Corporate Consultancy of the Year Award” at this year’s 2023 SABRE Awards on Thursday night. In addition, SEC Newgate Greater China clinched the Award for Real Estate and Construction for our collaboration with Hongkong Land Limited and Sino Group. And to top it off, our Australia and Asia Pacific head, Brian Tyson, bagged the Outstanding Individual Achievement SABRE Award for 2023. (And, I know him! 😊)
Until next week …
