Sai Kung Magazine April 2014

April 2014

COMING SOON...What’s in the pipeline for Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay?

SAI KUNG HOTEL

A HOME ABOVE IT ALL

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For 35 years Woodland has set the standard inHong Kong for quality early years education. With ten schools, Woodland offers the only

accredited early years education in Hong Kong.

Sai Kung

• Nursery & Pre-School classes for children up to 6 years old• Extra Curricular Clubs for children aged 3 yrs plus

• Buses available for neighbouring areas

www.woodlandschools.com

For further information please contact Ms Angela Chan:

Shop D, G/F Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, New TerritoriesTel: 2813 0290 Fax: 2719 2938 Email: [email protected]

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PEOPLE

4 Snapped!Sai Kung’s social life.

THE PLANNER

6 Happening in April Easter and other treats.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

10 The tea master An old-town cuppa with Lee Kwok-ping.

COUNTRY PARKS

11 Road blocksVillagers vs the public right of way.

LETTERS

13 Have your sayThe latest from our readers.

NEWS

14 What’s going on?In your backyard.

INTERVIEW

16 Teenage kicks 14-year-old novelist Jeremy Z.Y. Chan publishes book two.

VINES IN SAI KUNG

18 The good, the bad and the uglyWhy the government does best when it does least.

FEATURE

20 Under constructionA progress report on Sai Kung’s major projects.

EATING

24 Down on the farmPick-your-own strawberries. Plus Nibbles from the dining scene.

EDUCATION 28 Camps for kidsSpring fun for Easter bunnies.

SPORT

33 Put your boots upRay Sting reviews the rugby season.

FAMILY

34 Happy BirthdaysTop tips for kids’ parties.

BIG DAYS OUT

38 Going coastalBring out the big guns at the Museum of Coastal Defence

HEALTH & BEAUTY

40 Clean 9 reviewNine days on a diet.

PETS

42 Talk to the animalsSally Andersen speaks dog.

CREATURE FEATURE

43 Golden birdwingHong Kong’s biggest butterfly.

MARKETPLACE

45 Your guide to shops and servicesCool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS

52 Loads of random useful local stuff.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

56 All you need to knowNumbers that make life easier.

ON PATROL

58 Neighbourhood watchJoe Au-Yeung Tak is suspicious of an unmanned drone.

APRIL 2014

“SHUT YOUR EYES AND SEE.” – JAMES JOYCE

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people

Snaps from Sai Kung

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people are you in it?

Share your event photos with us at [email protected]. Get snapping!

Pole Paradise Studio

Lost in Hong Kong book launchThe Sai Kung Sampler

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planner

APR 3The Government InspectorSatire, farce and outrageous physical comedy from Faust International Youth Theatre. HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $160-$200 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

APR 4-5MatildaHong Kong Youth Arts Foundation’s production of the Roald Dahl classic. Ages six and up. 7.30pm, Drama Studio, Chinese International School, 1 Hau Yuen Path, Tin Hau. Free. Pre-register by emailing [email protected].

APR 4Friends of Sai Kung AGMGet involved with Sai Kung’s lobby group. To join, email [email protected]. 8pm, The Village Restaurant, 1E Po Tung Toad, Sai Kung, www.friendsofsaikung.org.

APR 4Sai Kung SamplerThe monthly pop-up market upstairs at Steamers. Top up on deli goodies, gifts, cupcakes and more. 6pm-10pm, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

APR 5Ching Ming FestivalPublic holiday. Take to the hills.

APR 1April Fool’s DayDon’t fall for it, people.

APR 1Public pools openFirst swim 6.30am.

APR 3Agua Plus Quiz NightTeams of six test the grey matter. 8pm, Agua Plus, 72 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2030.

APR 13Christian Action Three-Legged Charity WalkTie yourself to a friend to raise money for orphans in Qinghai. 9am-1pm, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, [email protected], 2716 8861.

APR 5Homegrown Foods Harvest FeastTen talented chefs cook up an organic feast down on the farm. With live music and bus transfer from Central. Noon-5pm, Zen Farm, Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling. Tickets $888 from www.facebook.com/HomegrownFoods, 2671 2771.

APR 5International Pillow Fight DayWear pyjamas (or something more outrageous), take your own pillow – and prepare for war. 4pm. Chater Garden, Central, www.hongwrong.com.

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planner happening in april

APR 6Sai Kung Sunday MarketThe new monthly market featuring gourmet food, craft beer, organic goods, locally designed clothes, jewellery and more. Free. 11am-5pm. Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, [email protected].

APR 7-20International IT FestDiscover the latest from the computer world at events across Hong Kong. Details at www.itfest.hk.

APR 9Germaine Greer and The Rainforest YearsWine, cheese and conversation with the Australian icon. 6.30pm, British Council, 3 Supreme Court Road, Central. Tickets $450 from www.eventbrite.hk.

APR 9, 23Quiz NightsTesting times at Hebe One O One. 8pm. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

APR 11Murder in Shanghai Dastardly doings at the Hebe Haven Dinner Theatre’s comedy murder mystery. Dress for old Shanghai. Tickets $488 for members, $538 for guests, including a welcome cocktail, dinner and show. 7pm. Garden Bar, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, www.hhyc.org.hk.

APR 11-28ESF Easter holidaySchool’s out : )

APR 6Bonaqua Action SprintOff-road adventure race (8km and 12km routes) starting at 9am, Repulse Bay beach. Register at www.actionasiaevents.com.

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plannerAPR 15Total lunar eclipseNow you see it, now you don’t. 3pm.

APR 18-19, 21Public holidaysGood Friday, great Saturday and Easter Monday.

APR 18-20Barney’s Birthday BashFamily musical with with the big purple dinosaur. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $150-$650 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

APR 20Easter SundayGive thanks, eat chocolate.

APR 21Easter BrunchInternational buffet, plus egg painting, balloon twisting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Hop along. Adults $258, children $158. Noon-3pm. Garden Bar, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, www.hhyc.org.hk.

APR 25ANZAC Day ServiceAustralia and New Zealand’s 99th national day of remembrance. Wreath-laying ceremony at 6.15am, the Cenotaph, Statue Square, Central, www.austcham.com.hk.

APR 28-MAY 10Ice Hockey 5sOne of Asia’s largest ice hockey tournaments for youth and adult teams. Free. MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, www.megaice.com.hk.

APR 13, 20, 27Island East MarketsSunday farmers’ market selling everything from organic veggies to vintage goodies. 11am-6pm, Tong Chong Street, Island East, Quarry Bay, www.hkmarkets.org.

APR 12-1330-Hour FamineJoin the World Vision Famine Camp: 30 hours of workshops, games and concerts, but strictly no food. Minimum donation $1,200. 2pm, Aberdeen Athletic Field, 30.wordvision.org.hk.

APR 19Sai Kung Saturday Hash Kids and adults race around Sai Kung on a Magical Mystery Tour. Steamers, 2.30pm; sites.google.com/site/saikungsaturdayh3.

APR 22Earth DayThrow a party, save the planet. Details at www.earthday.org.

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Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email [email protected].

BOOK NOW

MAY 11, JUN 8, 22Splash ’n’ Dash AquathonsSwimming and running races for adults and kids. Entry $155-$780 at www.revolution-asia.com.

MAY 2-JUN 28Le French MayThe annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre and more. For details, visit www.frenchmay.com.

MAY 15-17Art Basel Hong KongThe giant international art fair comes to town. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, www.artbasel.com.

MAY 15-18Asia Contemporary Art ShowA hotel’s worth of modern art. Conrad Hong Kong, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, www.asiacontemporaryart.com.

JUN 7 Garage SaleBook a table for the twice-yearly sale of secondhand treasures. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, [email protected].

MAY 6-11Ocean Film FestivalFishy films across Hong Kong. Tickets from $80 at www.oceanrecov.org.


in your backyardfive minutes with... put the kettle on

I have lived in Sai Kung for about 16 years – the same age as this tea shop. Most of my customers are frequent visitors and know what they are looking for, whether it is Chinese antiques, tea leaves or tea paraphernalia.

I moved to Sai Kung for convenience for work, but now I would not leave. It has a mixture of

fishermen, locals and foreigners. My favourite place is the pier.

Tea is not just a complimentary drink with a set meal. We tea enthusiasts savour the essence of its colour, taste, smell and all the different tea varieties.

My interest in Chinese tea began in 1983. I was interested in how so many people in China drink it, with different teas being enjoyed in different regions. But the more I researched and read about tea in Hong Kong, I came to realise how little had been written about tea’s history and techniques.

I was lucky to meet my first teacher, who returned to Hong Kong from Taiwan to open a tea shop – perhaps the first of its kind in Hong Kong. I worked as a civil servant, but teaching the art of tea has always been my other profession.

The fine art of teaMaster Lee Kwok-ping brews up with Cherrie Yu.

I have been teaching workshops in teahouses since 1990, and quickly I started only training other enthusiasts to teach the arts of tea. One of my students won a tea art competition at the Hong Kong Art Museum in 1997.

Tea should be savoured the moment it is poured, before it gets bitter. The flavour depends on the quantity of tea leaves, water and timing.

The “king” of Chinese tea is Da Hong Pao Wuyi Rock tea from Fujian. It requires a unique environment to grow and only a limited amount is available once a year through auction. It can cost $200,000 for 20 grams. My old boss once let me try some.

Lee Kwok-ping’s tea shop is at 33 Sai Kung Main Street, Sai Kung old town (opposite D’Oli).

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Road blocksVillagers vs hikers and the public right of way. By Paul Zimmerman.

save our country parks news from the green front

When villagers blocked the MacLehose Trail near Tai Long Sai Wan during the Oxfam Trailwalker 2013, organisers had to change the route midway through the race.

The path to the village predates the hiking trail, however, the pavement and street lights were constructed and are maintained with public funds. This is a public path. But instead of ensuring public right of passage, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) has posted notices advising hikers of an alternative route via Lo Tei Tun.

Many trails in Hong Kong run in part over private land. Paths have also been blocked leading to the beach at Hoi Ha in Sai Kung and through Yi O and Sha Lo Wan on Lantau.

Initially, the government said individuals could take private legal action against the blocked paths. But when barrister and former lawmaker Margaret Ng reminded Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen he was responsible for representing the public’s right to pass over footpaths on private land, he promised to take action. We’ll see.

Blocking paths is just one “campaign” by the Heung Yee Kuk, which wants more roads, piers and the right to build houses under the small-house policy extended to private land deep inside the country parks. To avoid more land being protected for conservation, there has been a rush of “fake farming” with trees felled to reduce the ecological value and to pressure government into providing access.

Unfortunately, the government appears willing to acquiesce. To incorporate enclaves of private

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

land into country parks would raise compensation claims and require more AFCD staff to patrol these areas, costing money the government does not want to spend. Zoning enclaves for incremental development would please the Heung Yee Kuk, whose assistance is sought to develop new towns and extend landfills in the New Territories. Moreover, future development of enclaves would earn land premiums.

Cynical voices point out that the current Country Parks Authority, the director of the AFCD, is a former New Territories District Officer. Is his heart closer to the interests of the Heung Yee Kuk than conservation? And if it’s not, why does he tolerate intimidation, the destruction of habitats and the blockage of established public rights of way?

Sai Wan villagers block the MacLehose Trail.


in your backyardletters have your say

Ammunition for Paul ZimmermanI would like to add my support to the sentiments raised by Paul Zimmerman (“Weapon of Mass Destruction”, March 2014) regarding the small-house policy and the country parks. The government is failing to protect the parks. I appreciate the problem is multi-faceted, with many groups having vested interests, however the overriding principle should be simple enough – protect the parks. Protect them at all costs.

If the people and government of Hong Kong fail to protect these parks from development, that failure shall be the single remembered legacy of this generation.

Forget about new developments on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon; the permanent prevention of development in the parks should be the government’s number one developmental goal.Dean Bailey

Tears for the cowsIt is distressing to read that Sai Kung cows are being removed. I have been wondering what had happened to them. What a disaster the government and human beings are bringing on these wonderful and beautiful creatures.

On Sai Kung’s roads, I am far more stressed by cyclists than the cows. The cyclists do not have the sense to stop when

their skills are not good enough. I have stopped for them far more times than for the cows.

If residents and drivers do not like the cows, they should be the ones who move. Those who don’t like cows in traffic should not come to Sai Kung. Cows are part of country life. To control the number of cows, the government only needs to de-sex them.

Whoever made the decision [to move them] is a very mean creature. In tears for our lovely, harmless cows.Joanne Chen

Alarm bells It may be helpful to highlight a story of public interest that occurred to my family.

We live in a rented house in Floral Villas, Sai Kung. One night at about 10pm, while the children were asleep and Carmina and I were watching TV, the air-conditioner in the dining area caught fire. We tried to fight the fire, but in vain and the only option was to evacuate and dial 999. The house is now a burned-out shell and uninhabitable.

Thankfully my family is safe and unharmed but the position could have been very different had we been asleep or out of the house when the fire started. We did not have smoke alarms fitted.

Our story was a stark reminder to our friends to improve their own fire safety: smoke alarms, fire and contents insurance, fire extinguishers, safety checks on electrical appliances. It may trigger other people in Sai Kung to be more careful. Nick Harrison


Five Clearwater Bay School students took to the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui last month to protest against the ivory trade.

Year 6 students (from left) Jonathan Riggs, Zac Hatton, Giacomo Fahy, Nicolas Gerigk and Shrish Venus took action as part of a school project after meeting photo-journalist Alex Hoffard, who went to the school to speak about the ivory trade and the plight of elephants.

The students took their protest to handicraft emporium Chinese Arts & Crafts, whose employees were filmed this year telling undercover reporters how to smuggle ivory through customs. The shop’s ivory is labelled “mammoth tusk” (commonly dug up in Siberia), but the boys argue even this trade should stop as it encourages a desire for ivory.

newsSchoolboy ivory protest

Return to the City of Darkness

It’s 20 years since Kowloon Walled City succumbed to the bulldozers, but its dark alleyways and rich community life continue to fascinate people around the world.

Photographers Ian Lambot and Greg Girard captured its gritty glory in their book, City of Darkness. Twenty years on and demand continues to be such that the pair are working on a new edition, City of Darkness Revisited,

with amazing photographs (above) and new sections that fill in the gaps, such as the role of the triads and the government’s attempts to knock down the walled city.

With the project nearly complete, they are seeking sponsors through crowdfunding, with donations starting at just US$10, and aim to print in July. For details and donations, please visit www.kickstarter.com.


International CollegeHong KongInternational CollegeHong Kong

EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

KINDERGARTEN TO SECONDARY

A STRONG COMMUNITY ETHOS

BEAUTIFUL GREEN LOCATION

International College Hong Kong is a dynamic IB World School, across two campuses in the beautiful New Territories.At our primary and secondary sites, staff work together to deliver a through train education to students of all nationalities.ICHK Hong Lok Yuen has been providing high quality education for more than 30 years, and follows the IB Primary Years Programme, with a solid foundation in Maths and English.At ICHK Secondary, class sizes are kept deliberately small, and learning is centred on the UK National Curriculum in Years 7-9 using an inquiry approach, GCSEs in Years 10-11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12-13. Sporting and non-academic achievements are broad and a diverse portfolio of extra curricular activities enhances the educational programmes.The school has a strong community ethos, extensive facilities including a large green field for primary students, and provides a supportive environment where children of all cultures and abilities can thrive.

Kindergarten and Primary CampusTwentieth Street, Hong Lok Yuen, New Territories.Tel: (852) 2658 6935 Web: www.hlyis.edu.hkEmail: [email protected]

Secondary Campus60 Sha Tau Kok Road, Sha Tau Kok, New Territories.Tel: (852) 2655 9018 Web: www.ichk.edu.hkEmail: [email protected]

news in your backyard

Nord Anglia appoints principal

Desk spaces for busy bees

Aussie rules in Sai Kung

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong has appointed a principal ahead of its opening in September in Lam Tin.

Brian Cooklin has almost 40 years’ experience, including 18 years as principal of Edron Academy, the leading British international school in Mexico. He took the school from 10th to first place among that country’s English-language international school. He is a former president of the Head Teachers’ Association of Scotland and the inaugural president of School Leaders Scotland.

“Being at the helm of a new school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “My priority has been the recruitment of exceptional teachers. I’ve also been meeting parents and talking about how our High-Performance Learning philosophy can engage and motivate children.”

11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, Kowloon, www.nais.hk.

The Hive co-worker space opened in Sai Kung last month in a 2,500 sqft space formerly occupied by Wicka Designs.

Perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and other small businesses, it leases desks on a part-time or full-time basis. Various packages are available, starting at $770 for use of a desk five days a month (or 10 half-days) on a hotdesk basis.

With successful spaces in Wan Chai and Kennedy Town, this is The Hive’s third Hong Kong location. Facilities include dedicated desks, hot desks, comfortable sitting areas, an outdoor terrace, meeting rooms and a postbox for each member. A one-day pass is $200.

5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, 2780 5844, www.thehivesaikung.com.hk.

Mini Aussie-rules football fans can have a go when Auskick arrives in Sai Kung next month. The mini league for five- to 13-year-olds is a good alternative to soccer and rugby, and with the season running May to September it fits in perfectly with the rugby season.

Auskick launched three years ago in Hong Kong and has more than 300 players territory-wide. It is working with Sai Kung Stingrays.

“A lot of momentum has come from getting the Stingrays on board,” said head coach Brian Jackson.

The league is hoping to kick off with at least

20 kids in each age group. Training will be held on Saturday mornings at the Sai Kung Stadium. Registration is now open. For details, visit www.auskick-hk.com.


interview a portrait of the artist as a young man

Paperback writerJeremy Z.Y. Chan, 14, speaks to Hannah Grogan as his second novel is published.

I’m 14 years old and live in Clearwater Bay. I’m in grade nine at Diocesan Boys’ School in Mong Kok. I like to read, listen to music and play the piano and flute. I’m in the school orchestra.

When I was young, I read a lot of fiction – Harry Potter, Alex Ryder – which inspired me to write my own. As I have grown up, I’ve turned to non-fiction books. If you only base your writing on reading fiction, it’s not going to make sense. I’ve been researching.

I wrote my first book, Scott Connor Death Game, when I was 10. I attended a few English writing classes and during the summer I started to write. It was a lot easier to write when I was 10, because I was still in primary school and had more time. But there were quite a few mistakes owing to my lack of research – there’s a big step from that book to this one in knowledge and vocabulary.

I finished my second book, Scott Connor, when I was 12 years old,

but I had a piano competition so we put off finding a publisher until I had more time.

It was inspired by skateboarding. I don’t know how to skateboard but thought it was pretty cool. I came up with this idea of teenagers going through challenges. Some people think it’s similar to The Hunger Games, but I wrote it before that book was published.

It’s basically a survival challenge in a desert. Scott (the main character) encounters different obstacles, monsters, mental challenges and nostalgia. There’s a lot of action. It took me a year to write.

My mum really helped me a lot. I did the writing and she helped with everything else.

I drew the cover myself for the first book [which was self-published] and then we found a designer to do the illustration. With the second book, I gave my design ideas to the publisher. It’s much cooler.

My friends are very supportive. I don’t make it a big thing, my friends didn’t know about it until it was published. A friend who is younger than me said he wanted to try writing. Although he’s going to write in Chinese.

I would like to continue this series, but I’m really into music and it takes up a lot of my time. When I have free time I’ll write.

I strongly encourage other kids to write – don’t be put off by thinking that writing takes a lot of planning or resources, just write what you want to say.

Scott Connor will be launched on April 11, 6pm-8pm, at Dymocks, 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9110. For more information, visit www.goindiebooks.com/474516.

Sai Kung Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the

publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions,

errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission

by this publication. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not

necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

GIVE US A CALL!Editorial: 2776 2773

Advertising: 2776 2772

EditorialJane Steer

[email protected]

Hannah Grogan [email protected]

Cherrie [email protected]

Graphic DesignEvy Cheung

[email protected]

Kelvin [email protected]

Sales ManagerJonathan Csanyi-Fritz

[email protected]

Sales ExecutiveJackie Wilson

[email protected]

Digital Content EditorSharon Wong

[email protected]

Accounts ManagerConnie Lam

[email protected]

PublisherTom Hilditch

[email protected]

Contributors Adele Rosi

Carolynne DearSally AndersenStephen Vines

Paul ZimmermanHazel Knowles

Vivien YuSteffi YuenForrest LauSophia Ho

PrinterGear Printing

Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building),

Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Published by Fast Media

Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong

I’ve turned to non-fiction... I’ve been researching

Jeremy Z.Y. Chan with his new book, Scott Connor.

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WORK

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vines in sai kung stephen says...

The good, the bad and the ugly Stephen Vines argues that the government does best when it does least.

Nice one, CyrilOur Chief Executive Leung Chung-ying, who I like to call Cyril because of his Cyril-like tendencies, has urged us to “release positive energy”. It’s a very Cyril-like comment more or less devoid of precise meaning but implying that Hong Kongers should moan less.

So, here’s an attempt to think of all the really wonderful things the government has done in Sai Kung. Trust me, I’m thinking very hard here: there’s the waterfront development near the old Beach Hotel, that’s a lot better than the stunning non-development of Hong Kong’s harbourside.

What else? Oh yes, there’s the town-centre thingees – you know, that sort of okay flight of steps outside the temple, the revamped children’s playground and the other waterfront path by Tui Min Hui. Anything else? Well, I seem to remember a couple of days when Hiram’s Highway was not obstructed by roadworks – that’s good, isn’t it?

Basically, however, the government seems to do best when it does least. I hate to mention this, because it may provoke action, but we still have Sai Kung’s splendidly tatty old town and the government seems to be pouring less concrete on trails in the country parks.

That’s enough “positive energy” for the time being. Let’s get back to business as usual. The board that never makes wavesBusiness as usual seems to mean things that beggar belief. A prime example was the last meeting of Country and Marine Parks Board. An attempt to discuss the pressing matter of enclaves in the country parks was blocked on the grounds that the board could only discuss matters referred to it by the Agriculture,

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broad-caster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

Fisheries and Conservation Department, which is responsible for administering the country parks. The board, presumably, has a remit to protect the public interest and proffer advice on all matters concerning the parks.

However, like every other government advisory board, it is stacked with appointees who are considered “safe” by the bureaucrats. They don’t want independent advice, they want an echo chamber to endorse what they are doing. It is not surprising these safe pairs of hands shy away from upsetting the government or taking initiatives to improve things, because, as we all know, fresh thinking and new initiatives are anathema to a complacent bureaucracy. A visitor centre for what, exactly?One thing a decent country parks advisory board would be likely to look at is yet another scheme to make battered Hoi Ha a lesser place than it already is. Not content with plans that threaten its marine park and initiate a fresh wave of house-building in the area, the Ag and Fish people are now planning to destroy the popular barbecue site and replace it with a large visitor centre. The purpose and need for this centre remains oblique and local objections have been met with no more than pro-forma responses. So we will almost certainly have another large edifice built in the country park for some purpose or another. It would be nice to know what that purpose really is.

A “V” bad reason for vandalismFinally, I make no apologies for returning to the subject of the destruction of the 150-year-old Hakka houses in Pak Tam Chung, which has been the subject of wide concern. Replacement building continues at a pace, partly hidden by flimsy hoardings. Officials have responded to criticism of this vandalism by insisting that demolition and building of New Territories houses can be undertaken without planning permission if they are in a “V” zone, as this one is.

I rather fear that this determination to ignore the destruction of historic buildings in the country parks has a legal basis and emanates from the deals and compromises negotiated with the ever-powerful Heung Yee Kuk when the country parks were developed more than four decades ago.

The government remains nervous about upsetting the Kuk and basically takes the view that its interests lie in avoiding confrontation with this powerful body. Indeed, the more you hear ministers talk about preservation of the countryside the more you realize they regard all these green areas as being a bit of a nuisance and a barrier to Hong Kong’s development.

This attitude can and must be challenged, but it won’t be easy. This is not a defeatist statement, more a realistic assessment of the battles to come. At the end of the day these battles need to be fought.

Ag and Fish are now planning to destroy a popular barbecue site

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feature

With Sai Kung already packed at weekends, Hazel Knowles seeks an update on the projects that will bring in yet more people.

It’s midday on a sunny Sunday and Sai Kung is heaving. The car parks are full, but a slow-moving trail of cars and buses continues to snake down Hiram’s Highway, bottlenecking at the Ho Chung traffic lights. In town, minibuses drop off more day-trippers every few minutes, and it’s standing-room only on the no.94 bus to Wong Shek Pier.

The seafood restaurants are doing great business and dog walkers are promenading proudly on the waterfront. In the supermarkets, shoppers are queuing five or six deep.

“The situation is getting out of control,” one resident complains. “The car parks are often full and, on Sundays, there are hundreds of illegally parked cars, with few or no tickets being given. My family tries to avoid Sai Kung at weekends because of the thousands of visitors.”

There could be worse to come. In another five or 10 years, another 1,000 or so people will be living in the new Sino Land development at Sha Kok Mei, with many more in new village houses springing up all over Sai Kung.

Tourist numbers also look set to rise, with Sai Kung being pushed as “a tourism gateway” in the draft Sai Kung Town Outline Zoning Plan approved last year.

If construction goes to schedule, a planned waterfront hotel opposite the new Hong Kong Academy will sleep more than 500 guests in 250 rooms. An additional 32 rooms are almost ready for visitors at the old Beach Resort Hotel and a boutique hotel under construction at Pak Sha Wan will have another 40 rooms once completed.

All this development is great news for local businesses, some of which are doing a roaring trade, according to Friends of Sai Kung (FSK). The group also acknowledges that the boom is attracting more varied shops and restaurants and has spurred a revival of parts of the old town.

However, it fears that development could rob Sai Kung of its charm and character. Chief among those concerns is the volume of traffic and whether the proposed upgrade of Hiram’s Highway, which will see sections made into a dual carriageway, will be a solution or just make matters worse.

FSK is pessimistic that rampant development is in danger of overloading Sai Kung’s infrastructure and sending the rental values of residential and commercial properties spiralling out of the reach of locals.

“Sai Kung used to be a place where people

Progressreport

Stage 1 of the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project.

Key Widening Hiram’s Highway New construction

Luk Mei Tsuen Road

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feature the road ahead

The influx is inflating prices, threatening the very

lifestyle that attracted people in the first place

chose to live because it was cheaper than other areas near the city and for the quiet lifestyle,” said an FSK spokesperson.

“In the past five to 10 years many wealthier people have chosen to buy retirement houses in the area for the lifestyle. But the influx is inflating property prices and rents, threatening the very thing that attracted them in the first place,” he said.

Sai Kung District Officer Maureen Siu Mo-lin said that, although she was happy to see growing numbers of visitors and families making Sai Kung home, it was inevitable that this would be accompanied by development.

However, she stressed government departments were working together “to ensure that infrastructure and facilities are sufficient and not excessive, and put in place in time to support the community”.

Siu, who was born and raised in Sai Kung, said: “I have strong feelings for Sai Kung. The

small-town environ of old Sai Kung town is unique. Sai Kung is a gem. It is our natural heritage that we should forever treasure and protect.”

She said a number of infrastructure projects were already in the pipeline, including improvements to Hiram’s Highway, the development of a new-town piazza and sports complex near the Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground, improvements to the existing pier, and a new visitor centre at the waterfront park. Changes to bus routes and the creation of cycling lanes were also being considered.

However, all that will take time. As Easter approaches and businesses prepare for another busy holiday, residents are left pondering whether to face the hustle and hassle of town, stay at home, or get away from it all – out of Sai Kung.

What’s going on?There’s so much construction going on in Sai Kung that some people joke the whole town is to be declared a hard-hat area. However, providing information to the community appears to be a low priority for the companies involved in the construction projects: they are exceptionally reluctant to give out information on the developments that will shape the town’s

future. Here’s our update on what they will – and won’t – say.

The Beach Resort HotelThe last guests checked out of the old Beach Resort Hotel more than 12 years ago and since then the property has changed hands three times, with the latest change-over taking place in February.

Reports claim the new owner bought the three-storey hotel for $190 million from New World Development Company; that’s $110 million more than the purchase price seven years ago. A spokesperson for New World Development declined to reveal details of the buyer, saying: “It is not convenient to disclose this information.”

The resort was once an integral part of Sai Kung life, with tennis courts, a popular outdoor pool on the waterfront and a Thai restaurant. In 2003, when property prices dipped following the outbreak of SARS, it was bought by Urban Entertainment, headed by Australian Brad Gotfried, for just $28 million. At the time, Gotfried – who also brought Xtreme (now Agua Plus) to Sai Kung – planned to turn it into a Hawaiian-themed resort.

Major construction projects planned or underway in the area include (from left) Hiram’s Highway works at Ho Chung and Marina Cove, a hotel in Pak Sha Wan,

a golf course in Pak Kong, flats in Sha Kok Mei, a piazza, sports complex, visitor centre and hotel in Sai

Kung and the redeveloped Beach Resort Hotel.

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That never happened and in 2007 Urban Entertainment sold it for $78.5 million as a derelict shell to Billion Earn International, a private company that lists several New World Development Company executives as directors and is registered at the same address. It has been renovated at an on-off pace ever since.

Today, the hotel also known as The Surf Hotel, looks pretty much ready for business with

the higher floors displaying curtains and lamps, but the mystery over the new buyer has left many questioning whether it will ever open in this game of pass the parcel by property speculators.

The Cheer Regal hotelOccupying a prime spot on the seafront, opposite Hong Kong Academy, this new hotel development has been described as being

just what Sai Kung needs. The land was sold with planning permission for a 500-room hotel in October 2011 to Cheer Regal Ltd, whose directors include TVB non-executive director Dr Charles Chan Kwok-keung and Shaw Brothers executive Raymond Chan Wai-man. At the time, the company would say only that it hoped to open a hotel in four or five years. That schedule now seems somewhat ambitious given that the site, although cleared and fenced off, is still a blank canvas. Requests to talk to Cheer Regal’s directors about the hotel were turned down.

Sha Kok Mei apartments Initial work has begun on 240 apartments to be built in eight-storey blocks near the Sha Kok Mei roundabout. Two cranes and heavy construction vehicles swung into action a few months ago after the site was bought by Sino Land for $1.46 million.

When Sai Kung Magazine called the telephone number on the huge banner advertising “A home above it all” on Tai Mong Tsai Road, we were told it was still early days.

“We are now preparing our sales brochure, which will give a full picture and also applying for consent from the government to sell the units before they are complete,” a Sino Land spokesman said. “But we have no details yet and our sales schedule will probably start next year.”

The development of a golf-course resort in Pak Kong Valley is one of three local projects run by New World Development. However, the company remains tight-lipped about the details.


progress report

The Beach Resort was sold in February for $190m.

The last guests checked out 12 years ago and since then the hotel has changed

hands three times

Pak Sha Wan boutique hotelPlanning permission was granted in 2011 for a 40-room boutique hotel close to the Pak Sha Wan pier. Work is still in its early stages. In its January digest, the Buildings Department acknowledged it had received notification of work commencing on the general building and superstructure of this three-storey hotel.

According to the notification the application came from a company called Colhi Investments.However, our attempts to track down the company turned up no results.

Pak Kong golf course and Tai Po TsaiNews that a golf course was under construction above Tai Chung Hau Road has been greeted with excitement by golf lovers.

A crane moved on to the site behind KK Horticulture more than a year ago. In October the company behind the project, Hip Seng Construction, was reborn as New World Construction Company, “a wholly-owned subsidiary of NWS Holdings Limited, the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited”. The same company is also behind the residential development near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology at Tai Po Tsai, Clearwater Bay – and, of course, the renovation of the Beach Resort Hotel.

When asked about the golf course and the Tai Po Tsai development, a New World Development spokeswoman said only that further information would be provided “in due course”. But, inevitably, not now.

The road well travelledNicknamed the “highway to hell”, Hiram’s Highway could hold the key to whether Sai Kung can cope with this expansion.

The government’s Hiram’s Highway Improvement project is in two stages, only the first of which has been approved. Stage 1 includes widening the top section near the junction with Clearwater Bay Road, improving access to Ho Chung and building a dual carriageway outside Marina Cove (as far as Pak Wei, near the Hing Keng Shek turnoff).

Stage 2, which has not been approved, proposes a dual carriageway from Pak Wei to the roundabout near Sha Ha beach.

Friends of Sai Kung has been vocal in its objections to the plan. A spokesperson said it was not against the “sensible” widening of the upper section and improving access to Ho Chung. However, the group believed the planned dual carriageways would cause disruption, environmental damage and inconvenience pedestrians.

Instead it urged planners to create more laybys for buses, access lanes at junctions, park-and-ride schemes and to pedestrianise the town centre at weekends and holidays.

With a lack of consensus on the way forward, it is likely to be years before the journey to Sai Kung gets any smoother.


eatingFarm to plate It’s strawberry season. Sophia Ho gets agricultural.

So that’s where vegetables come from. Sai Kung’s Lions park grows and sells organic produce.

Garden FarmGrow your own organic fruit and vegetables by renting an allotment from Garden Farm, with sizes varying from 36 sqft to 96 sqft and costing $600-$1,500 per quarter. Staff offer instruction

on organic farming techniques from the basics of turning over the soil before planting to harvest. Prices include equipment, seeds, compost etc. After a hard day on the farm, reward yourself with a barbecue on site. Parking

available. Open Tuesdays-Sundays 9am-5pm. 131 Tseng Tau Tsuen, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung, 2792 8164, www.hkgardenfarm.org.

Lions Nature & Education CentreThe Lions park doesn’t allow visitors to pick their own produce, but it does offer a chance to see fruit and vegetables growing organically in its extensive 16-hectare grounds, and at weekends there’s a stall selling fresh organic produce grown in Hong Kong. There’s also a dragonfly pond, an insectarium, turtle pond and 5,000 seashells in Shell House. Open daily 9.30am-5pm. Exhibition halls open Wednesday-Monday 9.30am-4.30pm, closed Tuesdays. Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2792 2234.

Rainbow Organic Strawberry FarmAvid strawberry enthusiast Eddy Chan opened this farm in 2009 with a 300,000-square-foot field, where up to 200 people can pick their own strawberries ($80 a pound) until the end of April. He also grows organic peanuts, choi sum,

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Pick your own at Law’s Organic Strawberry Farm until the season ends at the end of the month.

sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes and watermelons in season. Plus a petting zoo with lambs and rabbits, and a barbecue area. Open daily 9am-6pm. 76 Hok Tau Village, Fan Ling, 9302 0258, www.strawberry-farm.com.hk.

Tai Tong Lychee ValleySet among lychee and papaya trees, this farm offers pick-your-own strawberries ($80 a basket), plus bike riding, a playground, pony rides, ox-cart rides, barbecue areas, organic food shops and a chance to feed baby goats and rabbits. English maps available. Admission $20, free parking. Open daily 9am-6pm. 11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Tai Tong Tsuen, Yuen Long, 2470 2201, www.taitong.com.hk.

Kam Tin Country Park Hong KongThis 100,000 sqft park grows strawberries from different countries (French strawberries $60 a pound, Korean strawberries from $90 a pound). It also has a children’s playground, war games, bicycle rental, bouncy castles, sports

activities and small animals to feed. Visitors can also bake and decorate cookies, barbecue, sample honey or buy fresh local vegetables. Free parking. Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-10pm. Lot 109 Shui Tau, Kam Tin, Yuen Long, 5132 5131 / 2442 0909, yl.com.hk/ktcc.

Law’s Organic Strawberry FarmPick-your-own quality strawberries, as seen at festivals such as the Spring Carnival and the Lunar New Year Fair at Victoria Park. In season, visitors can also harvest lettuce, spinach and white radishes in an exquisite setting near Lau Fau Shan, which has arguably the best sunsets – and oysters – in Hong Kong. Free admission, free parking. Pak Sha Tsuen, Yuen Long, 2470 7981, www.yl.hk/lawsb.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic GardenOn the slopes of Tai Mo Shan, the 148-hectare Kadoorie Farm runs regular short courses on organic farming and sustainable living (mainly

in Cantonese). It’s a beautiful location with fascinating exhibits of local wildlife, including black kites in the aviary and local freshwater fish in the aquarium house, plus pigsties, an orchid greenhouse and a butterfly garden with countless species. Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, 2483 7200, www.kfbg.org.hk.


Say hola to Plaza MayorA new tapas restaurant, Plaza Mayor Sai Kung, has opened near Piccolo’s in the main square. Like its sister restaurant, Plaza Mayor in Moon Street, Wan Chai, it will focus on fine Spanish ingredients such as top-quality Manchego cheese, Iberico ham, olives and about 50 different wines, ranging in price from affordable to extravagant. Manager Jose Martino told Sai Kung Magazine, “The concept is the same as in Wan Chai, with fine ham, wines and other products that can be enjoyed in the restaurant or taken home – we have two prices.” Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2362 7301.

Ruby Tuesday in Hang HauPopular steakhouse Ruby Tuesday is opening

a branch in East Point City in Hang Hau. Due to open in mid-April, the new arrival is already causing a buzz among local meat-lovers, who are eager to sink their canines into its famous barbecued ribs, handcrafted burgers and premium steaks. Keep an eye on the website, www.rubytuesday.com.hk, for details.

Island East Markets back Hong Kong’s weekly farmers’ market is back after a winter hiatus, with the usual mixture of organic produce, food stalls, live performances, crafty workshops, homemade deliveries and booth-to-booth shopping. Every Sunday from April 13. Free admission. Parking available and four-legged

friends are welcome. Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Island East. www.hkmarkets.org.

Easter fun at Crowne Plaza The Crowne Plaza Kowloon East in Tseung Kwan O is celebrating Easter with a Kids’ Funland in its popular buffet restaurant, The Chef’s Table. The whopping 3,000 sqft playground will have a bouncy castle, visits from the Easter bunny, egg painting and craft workshops such as cupcake decorating for children dining in any of the hotel’s restaurants, including Tze Yuet Heen and the rooftop Cielo. Available April 18-21. 1/F Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3983 0688.

Allergy alert cardsHere’s a handy website for people with food and drug allergies and diet restrictions. Select Wisely (www.selectwisely.com) will print cards with details of your allergy in the languages of your choice – including simple and complex Chinese characters – which you can show to waiters and other people when you order a meal. From $117, ships in one to three days.

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two-day camp is based at its training centre in Sai Kung and includes kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with an overnight camp on an island. Blue Sky is also running a five-day watersports camp (April 14-18) including kayaking, dragon-boating, SUP, wakeboarding and surfing. Sai Kung Watersports Training Centre, Sha Ha Road, Sai Kung, 2791 0806, www.bluesky-sc.com.

Get movingGet up and go with ESF Educational Services’ four- and five-day Easter sports camps (from $2,400). Children aged three-11 take part in all sorts of sports activities at school campuses across Hong Kong. “Wet” camps including swimming activities are available at the Australian International School (April 7-11) and Renaissance College. “Dry” camps (no swimming) are held at Kowloon Junior School. Four-day clinics in gymnastics, basketball, swimming, kung fu and tennis are also available

members $2,500, non-members $3,500. Sailing courses at various levels and race training are also available. April 14-18 and 21-25, 10am-5pm. HHYC, Pak Sha Wan, [email protected], www.hhyc.org.hk. Camps with tents Put the tent back into camps on Blue Sky’s overnight watersports camp on April 12-13. For children aged eight-18, the action-packed


education happy campers

Busy little bunnies Carolynne Dear finds Easter camps for kids.

Surf’s upCatch the last of the winter swells curling into Tai Long Wan with Surf Hong Kong. The surf school recommends wetsuits for its Easter day camps (overnight trips start later in the year), which include minibus transport from Sai Kung (meet outside McDonald’s) or Central Pier 4 to the Sai Kung Country Park for a morning of surf tuition, lunch, beach fun and games and home before sunset. Suitable for children aged six to 17, who are split into three age groups (Super Groms, Groms and Surfers). $720. For details, please visit surfhongkong.com. Salty sea pupsKids get wet and very salty on the Adventure Watersports Week at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. Activities include sailing, kayaking, dragon-boating, mucking about on inflatables, a junk trip to deserted island beaches and mini beach Olympics. And that’s before lunch. The five-day camp is for children aged seven-12. 10am-5pm;

Take to the waves at Tai Long Wan with Surf Hong Kong’s Easter day camps. Below: junior sailors learn the ropes at Hebe Haven Yacht Club.

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education

at various locations ($1,500). April 14-17. For details, visit www.esf.org.hk. Join the teamIf your kids love to run and play games, sign up for an action-filled multi-sports camp. Held at two locations, Sport4Kids camps for children aged four-10 promise a week of fun in athletics, basketball, soccer and rugby. April 14-18, 9.30am-noon, French International School, Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley. April 21-25, 10am-1.30pm, Parkview Spa & Resort, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, www.sport4kids.hk.

Arty pantsLet busy little fingers weave some magic at Anastassia Art House’s Easter workshops.

Options include still-life canvas, collage, Easter egg decoration and the intriguingly named “snail paper sculpture”. Each class runs for about 90 minutes depending on the session and is suitable for children aged three to 12 years. Prices start at $340, including all materials. 9 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2719 5533, www.arthouse-hk.com.

Get crafty Little knitters and knotters will love Craft Camp. On April 15-16, projects include transforming a bag with heat transfer-printing and accessorizing, as well as jewellery-making. Kids Can Knit (April 23-24) teaches young handicrafters to knit their own tiny Easter bunny and blankie. No experience required. 2pm-4pm,

Lightjar Photography Studio, 1/F, 1 Wan King Path, Sai Kung. Details from Kate Ackerman at [email protected].

The play’s the thing Youth theatre group Faust International is running five-day drama and creative-writing workshops based on the theme Woodland Adventure (think Wind in the Willows, Robin Hood and so on). Young thespians will explore skills such as improvisation, clarity of expression, movement and script-work with parents invited to the final session. The creative-writing course follows the same theme. April 14-18 and 22-26. 359-361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2547 9114, www.faustworld.com.

Left, from top: learning ball skills at Sport4kids; getting creative at Anastassia’s Art House. Above: kayaking with Blue Sky.


sponsored column

The school admission process in Hong Kong involves lots of worry and uncertainty. Parents are particularly stressed after Lunar New Year as they wait for offers – or rejection letters. After months of applications and interviews, there is nothing to do, but wait… and wait. Despite all the stress about making the “right” decision, most children will be accepted to the school where they will be happy and successful. But not always. Here are the questions parents ask when the outcome isn’t the one they had hoped for.

My child passed her interview at two schools, but has been put on the waitlist? What should I do?Although most schools offer places to children with priority first, your child has a great chance of acceptance as spaces become available before the academic year starts or even mid-year. You will also have the opportunity to re-apply the following year. This is good because your child will be offered an interview owing to being waitlisted the previous year. While it’s disappointing

Surviving school admissionsITS School Placements answers some common questions.

when your child is placed on a waitlist, it is helpful to think of this as an opportunity to learn more about the right fit for your child to prepare for future interviews.

My child was accepted to a bilingual school but not the one I preferred; should I accept the offer?You know your child better than anyone else. Think about how your child learns best. Is it in a structured environment or a more progressive one? Would your child be happy at this school? Would this school be suitable for a few years while you pursue your top

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and

employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact [email protected], 3188 3940 or www.itseducationasisa.com.

choices? Revisit the school before paying the deposit to determine whether it might be the best option after all.

How should I deal with the disappointing news of my child not being offered any places?Firstly, make sure your child does not perceive your disappointment as this may damage his or her confidence at the next interview. Keep the frustration between parents and discuss very little about the situation with your child. Make a new plan and consider other schools. The school that is the right fit for your child is the school that ultimately chooses your child.


The famous Chinese proverb, “Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I’ll remember. Involve me, I’ll understand”, rings true at the heart of education for learners of all ages. It is even more so for our youngest students.

Too often adults make the mistake of seeing young children as empty vessels, in need of being filled with meaningless information, which is often demonstrated through the passive learning opportunities children are subjected to in a classroom.

The latest research on brain development in young children confirms the ancient Chinese proverb, as its findings show how children at the age of two have the most active synaptic connections than any other time throughout their life. The brain receives this information through the five senses, allowing children to construct knowledge of their world around them, and do so by engaging their whole self in the educational experience. The young brain is waiting and receptive for the varied tactile experiences to construct understanding, strengthening those synaptic connections.

At the same time, the toddler’s brain is pruning all synapses that are not making connections; fundamentally shaping the young learner’s mind. Again, a very delicate reason for ensuring a child is given ample opportunity to actively explore their world with their five senses. Repetition of these explorations strengthens the brain connections, embedding within the child’s mind, understanding, reflexes, skills and attitudes.

Providing opportunities for a toddler to experiment with their world is one thing, having the child motivated and confident to engage with that world is another. To develop a proactive learner within the child, they need to be involved

in their own learning. Active learning takes place in meaningful contexts; situations that are true to life and organic in their implementation. Placing young minds at tables while trying to ‘fill’ them with content does not give learners the same real-life experience and brain stimulation that ‘doing’ will provide the child.

Yew Chung International School’s (YCIS) philosophy embraces education that provides students with ‘life’ learning, where capturing the child’s heart, mind, and soul drive the daily teaching and learning. This is evident at YCIS’s kindergarten where children are provided with stimulating environments, responsive adults, and positive relationships on a daily basis. Each and every young learner is respected as an active and rightful owner of their learning journey, demonstrated through the support given by teachers who allow the child to follow their curiosities, wonders, and interests.

The result of providing such learning

opportunities can be seen when young learners enthusiastically research, investigate, experiment, and explore; stimulating those very active synaptic connections, all in all, developing a strong intellect.

An example of this was seen at YCIS when a group of three year old children noticed new seedlings growing in the garden. Their questions regarding this ‘new’ visitor prompted the teachers to allow them to pull a seedling out. The children studied and surveyed this seedling from top to bottom. Many questions followed. Next the teachers provided a variety of plants at different stages of their growth, which the children studied by pulling them out their soil, analyzing the root system, discussing the different parts of the plant, and drawing conclusions about their research.

Children expressed their motivation to plant their own seeds, which they subsequently did. In learning how to look after their plant, they gained knowledge of plants needs and life cycle. Their interest and investigation deepened as they began finding seeds in their fruits and vegetables during lunch time together. Further research into differences between fruits and vegetables took place as children juiced, cooked, tasted, and compared their experiences and observations.

This learning process engaged all of the children’s senses, inspiring them to gain meaningful and relevant knowledge and understanding of our world. This journey continued at YCIS as it presented many off-shoot opportunities for the children, constantly feeding their curiosities.

An education feature brought to you by YCIS

Yew Chung International School, 3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong, 2338 7106.

At YCIS, children are provided with stimulating environments, responsive adults, and positive relationships on a daily basis

Education for the MindWritten by Nicola Weir, Western Co-Principal, YCIS Early Childhood Education Section

YCIS philosophy embraces education that provides students with ‘life’ learning

04 Apr 2014 - SK - YCIS.indd 26 21/03/2014 4:20 PM


you said it sport

For most Sai Kung Stingrays, it’s time to hang up the boots for another season. It has been another memorable season for players, coaches, managers and parents. Without exception, every age group has war stories to share. The amazing mini-rugby coaches sum up this season’s achievements. On player growth:“A hugely successful season. Since September, the players have come a long way and work through their drills with impressive skills and expertise. Their boundless enthusiasm and sense of fun has made the season so enjoyable.” Coach Jim, Under-5s. On learning new skills:“Super year all round, with kids getting used to the new skills of rucking and counter rucking, training twice a week and trying very hard at each and every tournament.” Coach Fergus, Under-10 boys.

The best bitsRay Sting and the Sai Kung Stingrays coaches reflect on the highlights of the season.

On Stingrays’ reputation:“The successes can be summed up when, on two separate occasions at tournaments, the referee and coach from the other side said the Stingrays were one of the most impressive sides they’ve seen. It’s a real compliment when your rivals provide the praise.” Coach James, Under-8s.

On the future:“Some of these boys will go on to form the backbone of the Peninsula team for the next few years.” Coach Simon, Under-11 boys. Congratulations, Stingrays! We are proud of your victories, commiserate with your losses and salute your spirit and sportsmanship.


family

Eezy Peezy PartiesTake the stress out of your next children’s party with this online one-stop shop. Use the website to create and send invitations, choose a wish list from the gift registry, order party essentials for delivery to your door, book an entertainer and even send thank-you notes. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Details at www.eezypeezyparties.com.

Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre Kids can run wild at this fabulous outdoor facility in the heart of Sai Kung. Facilities include archery, a rope course, roller-skating rink, cycling area, tennis court, barbecues and more. The only problem is deciding where to begin… Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre, Tui Min Hoi, 2792 3828, www.lcsd.gov.hk. YSO War GamesThe whole nine yards for teenagers: protective camouflage gear, weapons, lunch and a full

Happy Birthdays Kids’ party planning sorted. By Cherrie Yu.

Party time at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin. Opposite: design your own mini-figure at a Bricks4Kidz event.


let the games begin

day of waging war on your friends in a large rural battleground. Take cover behind piled-up tyres, sneak through the undergrowth and hold shootouts inside an abandoned warehouse. It’s not politically correct, but it’s fun. From $260 per person. Minibus transport available. Yung Shue O, Sai Kung, 9837 5764, www.ysowargame.com.

Clearwater Bay Equestrian CentreHold a horse-riding party. There are four packages ranging from two hours to a full-day adventure. Activities include pony rides, gymkhana (horse-back games), arts & crafts, pizza lunch, grooming, tacking up and more. Prices start at $650 a child. 115 Mau Po, Clearwater Bay, 6398 6241, www.ceec.hk.

Bricks4KidzLEGO lovers can build to their hearts’ content at parties for 10-20 children. Party packages

include one or two party hosts, LEGO-based games, free play with a big tub of bricks, and options such as building a zipline, creating your own mini-figure, goodie bags, pizza and juice. Available at Bricks4Kidz centre or the venue of your choice. 1/F, 65 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 0007, www.bricks4kidz.hk.

Pole Paradise Studio This new fitness centre is offering two-and-a-half hour party packages in its oceanic blue studio. Throw a gymnastics party for little kids or, for older children, try a 90-minute pole, silk or hoop fitness class. Prices start at $2,000 for 10 children. 2/F, 16 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2603 2618, www.poleparadisestudio.com.

FunZoneA 5,000-square-foot indoor playground packe with equipment such as a giant ball pit, big yellow slide, climbing wall and lots of other


Penguin Paint Force

Rachael’s Fun HouseSai Kung’s leading Disco Diva for dance parties, shows and children’s entertainers, 2705 9556, www.funhousehk.com.

Birthdays.hk Equipment rental, including popcorn and candyfloss machines, bouncy castles, balloons... www.birthdays.hk

Rumple & FriendsLet them entertain you: magic, circus skills, puppets, balloon twisting, face painting, www.rumpleandfriends.com.

Penney Pang Beautiful homemade birthday cakes, www.penneypang.com.

TwoPresentsIn place of a gift, ask party guests to donate to this birthday website: one present goes to the birthday girl or boy, and the rest of the money goes to a Hong Kong charity of your choice, www.twopresents.com.

Penguin Paint Force Sai Kung-based facepainting services, 6117 1256, www.penguinpaintforce.wordpress.com.

Treasure Island Toys, cards, giftwrap, cake stands, paper plates, decorations and more. 22 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.

Hub Venue Find the perfect party venue anywhere in Hong

Party people

things to explore, crawl through, jump from and swing on. Party packages from $2,000 for 10 children (maximum 20), including free entry for the birthday girl or boy and two adults, a personalized banner, two hours’ use of the private party area, play-all-day admission. Food available. 1/F, The Waterside Mall, 15 On

Kong in this searchable online database, www.venuehub.hk.

Hop2ItBouncy castles and other inflatables, www.hop2it.com.hk.

Chun Street, Ma On Shan, 2631 4001, www.funzone.com.hk.

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin Yes, Cinders, you shall go to the ball. Hire the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin Ballroom or Salons for children's parties, complete with

birthday cake, a spread of mini-burgers, jelly and cupcakes, and two activities of your choice, such as create-your-own-colouring-book, LEGO or badge making. Children aged four-12 $220, adults $320, plus $60 for unlimited drinks. 11am-2pm. 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 1234, hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com.

family

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big day out

Going coastal Hannah Grogan visits the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence.

It may not be the Louvre or the Smithsonian, but Hong Kong does have its own gem of a museum: the Museum of Coastal Defence.

Where is it?The museum is located in the former Lei Yue Mun Fort, built by the British in 1887 and strategically situated on a knoll in Shau Kei Wan overlooking the eastern entrance to the harbour. The view alone – across Lei Yue Mun Channel to Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O – is a major draw for visitors.

What is it?Slightly off the beaten track, the museum is one

The Museum of Coastal Defence was built in the 1887 Lei Yue Mun Fort.

of the city’s lesser-known treasures, containing military memorabilia from the colonial period and earlier. Rich with history, the museum is in the beautifully restored main redoubt – now covered with a sail-like roof – and grounds of the fort. In its day, this was one of Hong Kong’s most formidable military installations, built to ward off a potential invasion from the sea.

Why go?In contrast with the glamour of Hong Kong’s bright lights and big-city vibe, the museum is a step back in time. Well-executed exhibits explore successive periods of Hong Kong’s coastal defence, including the Ming period, the


big day out fort knocks

In its day, this was one of Hong Kong’s

most formidable military installations

Clockwise from top left: the view across Lei Yue Mun Channel; the redoubt’s central area and new roof; a typical display; the old tunnels have been turned into exhibition spaces.

Opium War, colonial days, the Battle of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation all the way through to the handover and the modern People’s Liberation Army.

There are weapons, uniforms, paintings, maps and photographs displayed in successive underground galleries in the old redoubt tunnels, which are fun to explore. A children’s section includes interactive games and a theatre shows a 12-minute feature on defence weapons in both Cantonese and English.

The well-maintained grounds contain restored military relics along a purpose-built

historical trail (maps are provided with your tickets). The old defences include a British Comet tank, an armoured personnel carrier, a 10-inch breech-loading gun and even a torpedo station down on the harbourside.

It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful,

particularly on a weekday, when it can feel as if you have the place to yourself – a rare find in Hong Kong.

When to go?The museum is open Friday-Wednesday 10am-5pm, closed on Thursdays. Entry is $10; free on Wednesdays. To get there, take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan; the museum is a 15-minute walk. Parking available.

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1500.


health & beautyTo diet forAdele Rosi tries the Clean 9, the detox and weight-loss plan du jour.

Dieting trends come and go (cabbage soup diet, anyone?). The programme du jour is Clean 9, a detox and weight-management regime. Over nine days, it aims to rid your body of harmful chemicals, develop new dietary habits and shed weight by drawing on fat reserves.

Clean 9 is delivered to your door as a complete nine-day package: supplements such as bee pollen for energy enhancement, Garcinia Plus (a natural appetite suppressant), aloe vera gel, protein powder for total nutritional support, and instructions on what to take when. Sign up with either the British package or the more expensive Hong Kong version, which includes three extra detox supplements (Omega-3, Field of Greens and probiotics). Day oneHaving drunk too much, eaten too much and slept too little yesterday, I need detoxing. I embrace the supplements and water as the start of a journey to a newer, cleaner me. Come

lunchtime, however, I have ferocious munchies, which are only slightly allayed by a chocolate protein shake made with skimmed milk. As powdered shakes go, it’s very palatable and I feel full. I get through the afternoon on gallons of hot water and herbal tea, but with only aloe vera gel and supplements for dinner, I go to bed early.

Day twoI wake up with a banging headache, craving food. I feel light-headed, dazed and confused, forgetting some things (keys, phone, people’s names) and losing others (my son’s rugby kit). After having only a shake and water during a barbecue lunch with friends, I am bad-tempered, snarly and starving. There is nothing good about day two except that it is the end of the most brutal part of the Clean 9. Day threeStarting the day with a shake for breakfast makes life instantly better. My energy levels are boosted by a second shake for lunch. The light-headedness goes. I attempt some exercise, but with dragging feet and zero energy, I cut my usual route in half. On the upside, I eat my first proper meal in three days: white-bean chilli with brown rice and a simple salad. Every mouthful is heaven. I am so full that I can’t eat my total allowance of 600 calories.

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Day fourI have lost 1.5kg. Most of that is probably water, but I’m encouraged. Today’s challenge is a school trip with 60 seven-year-olds, travelling on every conceivable form of public transport in Hong Kong. I swap my lunchtime shake for a chicken salad from my evening’s allowance, but it takes all my willpower to resist stealing snacks from the children. My head aches, I’m exhausted.

Days five to nineMy energy returns on day five as my body gets used to the shakes and healthy eating. By delaying the lunchtime shake until 1.30pm, I can last the afternoon with just a few raw carrots, almonds and rice crackers. I think about food more, but I have few cravings. What food I do

eat tastes better and, amazingly, I don’t miss carbs or sugar. As my goal was to detox rather than lose weight, I’m not as strict as I could be about weighing food and counting calories. The hardest parts are refusing wine while out with friends and being in a room with freshly baked biscuits. On the upside, my skin and eyes are clearer and I have lost 4kg. I feel pretty good. A week laterAs I still have some supplements, aloe gel and shake powder, I continue taking them, choosing a shake for breakfast and even lunch on busy days. I can eat whatever I want, but I don’t go on a feeding frenzy. Sugar, coffee and pasta creep back into my diet, but far less regularly than before and I keep drinking more water. A fortnight laterI have regained 2kg and my love affair with the protein shakes has abated, but I am still eating more healthily than I did before the Clean 9.

The hardest parts are refusing wine... and being

in a room with biscuits

Clean 9 tips

* Do the Clean 9 when you have a relatively free work and social calendar, and bags of willpower.

* The aloe vera gel tastes better straight from the fridge. Holding your nose when you drink it also helps.

VerdictClean 9 is a good way to kickstart weight loss and get eating habits on a healthier track. Those who don’t need to lose weight might be better off with a less severe regime. For details and Clean 9 detox packs (British version $1,400, Hong Kong version $2,060), email Monica Wong at [email protected] or Emma Linnitt at [email protected].


pets

Talk to the animals Sally Andersen explains how to communicate with dogs, no telepathy required.

Animal communication is becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong and I’m frequently asked if I believe it’s possible for humans to communicate with animals via telepathy. The short answer is yes, I do. I took a course myself many years ago when I owned and ran The New Age Shop, where such things weren’t considered strange or out of the ordinary.

Now here comes the “but”... It’s fairly widely accepted that dogs and

cats have a sixth sense – a way of hearing, seeing or just knowing something that’s not visible or audible. Humans have the same ability, but we either don’t believe it or simply don’t have the need to develop that sense.

My reservations about courses that teach animal communication is they require no knowledge or experience in the art of meditation, or stilling of the mind, which is the only way any unspoken message is

going to make itself heard. And there is no way to confirm whether something a dog has supposedly communicated is true or not – it could just as easily have been imagined.

Nevertheless, anyone who has lived for long enough with an animal, particularly a dog or cat, will have experienced that uncanny connection – such as the moment you think about giving an unwilling dog a bath and it disappears. My own dog hates having a haircut, and a fleeting thought about getting the clippers out will make her leave the room. How does she know?

For the most part, these messages that seem to be picked up telepathically are really the result of almost imperceptible cues that we give without realising. Dogs can pick up signals that we don’t notice, and it’s the way they communicate with each other.

The moment you think about giving an unwilling dog a bath, it disappears

Illus

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by

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ung


Golden birdwingaka Troides aeacus

Found in: Po Lo Che, Tai Po Kau, Ngong Ping, Tai Tam Country Park and Shing Mun Country Park.

One of the rarest butterflies in Hong Kong, the golden birdwing is also the largest with a wingspan up to 16cm. Typically, the females are larger than the males.

As its name suggests, the golden birdwing has a striking yellow pattern on its hindwings and mainly black forewings with pale markings. Its body is black with yellow stripes and the underside of the thorax is coated in red hair.

All birdwing species – including the golden birdwing and its close relative the common birdwing, which is also found in Hong Kong – are listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and classified locally as “vulnerable” and protected under Hong Kong law.

creature featurepets the sixth sense

Birdwings are found near Indian birthwort, a protected climbing vine usually found on shrubs, which is their only food. Adults sip nectar from the flowers while caterpillars feed on the buds, shoots and leaves.

Golden birdwings are found in India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan. Steffi Yuen

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

If you’ve ever seen two dogs start a fight without any apparent reason, you can be sure there were signs but they were too subtle for human eyes. The slightest movement – a twitch of a muscle, a glance – means something to dogs.

Knowing that these “invisible” signals convey so much may help owners to better understand their dogs, and their sometimes apparently inexplicable behaviour. It’s also the reason why some dogs find it difficult being around young children: a child’s body language can be uncontrolled, erratic and very confusing for a dog.

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SEEKING WORKMature and experienced helper with calm and patient nature. Have 6 years experience with same employer. Available immediately. Contact on Girlie on 6140 0237

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WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 55To advertise, email: [email protected] or call 2776 2772

HIGH QUALITY NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND VITAMINSImported directly from the manufacturer in USA. Available from stock within 2-3 days. Pick up

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ZIPLOC VACUUM FREEZER BAG STARTERHKD $100Comes with a pump and three bags. Brand new. Removes air for freezer-burn protection. Contact Florence on 5503 0369

PUPPY MISTis a very sweet gentle pup who loves everything. Growing into a very endearing personalities and her own funny little quirks. Contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected]

ROSAMUNDis a delightful 5-month old puppy girl whose whiserky face is as cute as her happy and friendly nature. Refer to the adoption precedure at www.hongkongdogrescue.com

WILLYis a sweet and friendly kitten who loves a cuddle. Completely healthy, he was rescued from a breeder. Contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected] to give some TLC to Willy!

ZENA & ZETAare very unique tri-coloured 10 month old girls. Up to date with all required, health checked and deemed healthy. Contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected] to see them!

WALNUTis a very affectionate cat who loves cuddles and will pur till the end of time! Contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected]

ANDYis a handsome boy in every way and loves to be stroked! If you are interested, contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected]

URGENT FOSTER HOME NEEDEDAmadeus is a French Bulldog with a great friendly personality. Thrown out of home because family was expecting a baby. If you can give Amadeus a forever home, please contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or [email protected]

FIRE PROOF SAFE WEIGHT 78KGHKD $3200Two hour fireproof safe weight. Able to drill the safe on the wall with alarm. Measurements: 43cm wide x 67cm high x 40cm deep.

VINNYis a gorgeous friendly boy found wandering in DB. Desexed and amazingly rescued from epiphany. Read his story on Sai Kung Classifieds and contact [email protected] to give him a warm and loving home

PETS & PET PRODUCTS

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood,

divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the

vast and endless sea.”

Antoine De Saint-Exupery, Author of The Little Prince


Allure Beauty2792 2123

Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning6234 8594 [email protected]

Liberty in Yoga6112 1826 | www.libertyinyoga.com

Pure Swiss Limited852 2358 [email protected]

Queen’s Castle Organic Day Spa2719 4444

Sense of Touch Sai Kung2791 2278

Still Point Osteopathy9634 5848 | [email protected]

Tala’s Hair & Beauty Centre2335 1694 | [email protected]

Yo Yo Yoga93023931 | [email protected]

Advanced Tennis Performance6135 7606 | [email protected]

Auskick Hong [email protected]

Escapade Onlinewww.escapade.com.hk

Everfine Membership Services Limited2174 7880 | [email protected] www.evergolf.com.hk

Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048 2810 | [email protected] | www.hkita.com

Sai Kung Stingrayswww.saikungstingrays.org

Sport4Kids2773 [email protected]

business directory

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice9618 2475 | [email protected]

Ferndale Kennels2792 4642 | [email protected]

Animal Emergency Centre2915 7979 www.animalemergency.com.hk

Mega Pet2626 0818 | www.megapet.com.hk

Homevet9860 [email protected]

Pets & Vets

Bumps to Babes2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store)2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch)www.bumpstobabes.com

Children’s Toys & Supplies

Hebe One O One2335 5515 | [email protected]

Schmidt Vinothek2792 6113www.schmidtvinothek.com

The South African [email protected] 0639

Thiackery Group5990 2588 | [email protected]

Food & Beverage

The Australian [email protected] 7993

South Stream SeafoodsUnits 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong | 2555 [email protected]

Food & Beverage

Sports & Fitness

Health & Beauty

Kwong Hing Motorworks2791 4949 | [email protected]

Motoring & Boating

Hazel Ltd53161456 | [email protected]

Home Styling9673 [email protected]

JCAW Consultants2524 9988 | [email protected]

Opus Design Ltd97337328www.opusdesign.com.hk

Patio Mart2555 8988 | [email protected]

ProShade Limited [email protected] 2820www.proshadesail.com

Sai Kung LifeStyle5990 [email protected]

Sai Kung Marketplace5503 0369www.saikungmarketplace.com

Smiling Winds Landscape & [email protected]

Wofu Deco2768 8428 | [email protected]

Brooks Thompson Ltd2851 3665 | [email protected]

Eco Living 2792 7998 | [email protected]

Everything Under the Sun2544 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Home & Interiors

Home & Interiors

English for Asia2392 2746 | [email protected]

Everest Education6013 7827 | [email protected]

International College Hong Kong2658 6935 | 2655 [email protected]

Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre2791 4838 | [email protected]

Kellett [email protected]

Lighthouse Playroom2791 2918 | [email protected]

Norwegian International School2658 0341 | [email protected]”

ITS Education Asia2116 [email protected]

Education


Sai Kung International Pre-School2791 [email protected]

Sai Kung Tutors 5321 4400 | [email protected]

Woodland Pre-Schools Sai Kung2813 0290 | [email protected]

Yew Chung International Children’s House/Kindergarten2338 7106 | [email protected]

business directory handy

GET lISTEDcall 2776 2772email [email protected]

Easy Peasy Serviceswww.easypeasyservices.com

Marco the Contractor6190 8051

Anna Massage9354 7606, 6622 5398

Annerleywww.annerley.com.hk

Indo Handyman2578 1865 | [email protected]

Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk

Mordicuswww.mordicus.hk

Professional Wills Limited2561 9031 | www.profwills.com

Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Ltd2199 7774 | www.sunkoshigurkha.com

Tri Style - Fitting Models9777 2486

Services and ProfessionalsHong Kong Hive Limitedwww.thehivesaikung.com.hk

The Mandala Group9634 5848themandalagroup.org

Resurrection Church2358 [email protected]

SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | [email protected] www.spot.com.hk

Community Services

The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen2675 [email protected]

Hebe Haven Yacht Club2719 9682

Hotels & Private Clubs

Bricks 4 Kids2791 0007 | [email protected]

The Reading Room (Sai Kung)5 Tai Po Tsai, Clearwater Bay Road,Sai Kung, New Territories | 9199 5900 [email protected]

Tutti Music 2176 4028 [email protected]

Extracurricular

Russian Ballet School5467 [email protected]

Extracurricular

Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty852.3108.2108www.hksothebysrealty.com

Vegas Suites3963 7888www.vegassuites.com.hk

OKAY.com2102 0888 | [email protected] www.okay.com

Real-Estate

Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd2815 5828 | [email protected]

KwiksureContact Lain Warren 3588 2927www.kwiksure.com

Financial ServicesEducation

Beads Galore HK2358 1452www.beadsgalorehk.comwww.busybees.asia

Beau [email protected]/beauparty

Eezy PeezyPartieswww.eezypeezyparties.com

Rumple and Friendswww.rumpleandfriends.com

Parties & Entertainment

Tap DogsMay 20-25 | HKAPAwww.htticketing.com31 288 288

Events


on patrol...

After being badly hit in January, Sai Kung Police have made some strategic plans to combat village burglaries. With uniformed officers from the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) assisting us by covering burglary black-spots during the most vulnerable period (5pm-10pm), the Rural Patrol Unit has been able to devote more manpower to covert ambushes. As a result of this joint effort, only four village burglaries were reported in February and the situation is still stable as I write in early March.

Po Lo Che remains a blackspot, however. The modus operandi (MO) of drilling holes in window frames continues and we suspect the culprit lives locally. Our intelligence section is working hard to find him. Meanwhile, please brief your helpers and family members to be cautious, especially during the vulnerable hours.

Recently, I received an interesting email from an informant stating that a suspicious unmanned drone with a built-in camera had hovered over his house for about 15 minutes. My first reaction was that the drone could be used for observation by burglars. Another remote-controlled wireless camera was seized

neighbourhood watch

Submit your shotWe love receiving beautiful pictures of the area from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, along with a brief description, to [email protected].

This month’s winner: Mel Namattoc. “This is my favourite weekend escape during the summer: Pak Lap Wan. I took this photo one awesome day before the junks and campers started to show up and occupy the beautiful shore.”

photo competiton shoot for it

Spy in the sky? In his final column, Joe Au-Yeung Tak investigates a suspicious drone.

Joe Au-Yeung Tak is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung DivisionTel: 3661 1630

saikung_201403.indd 1 13/3/14 5:41 pm

A suspicious unmanned drone with a camera

hovered over a house for about 15 minutes

from an II who was caught red-handed burgling a property on Tai Mong Tsai Road, near Chi Fai Path, on March 10.

I immediately sent a low-profile deployment of my colleagues to try to find the controller of the drone, but it was flown away when the police appeared. Fortunately, my clever informant had taken a picture, which we have used for research.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is currently employing unmanned drones, but they use a different model. However, we have found similar drones with built-in HD cameras online for $500-$5,000. These drones can fly for 10 to 30 minutes and can be controlled from a distance of 20m to 100m.

We have no solid evidence this drone has any connection with burglars – it could be used by a peeping Tom, or simply for fun. To help us investigate further, please report any similar incidents to the Rural Patrol Unit (tel: 6148 0658) as quickly as possible. They may be able to approach the location, possibly in plainclothes, without alerting the controller.

Last but not least, owing to unexpected personnel movements, I will be leaving Sai Kung for Wong Tai Sin’s Task Force Sub Unit.

My successor, Janet Chan, will take over this column as an excellent platform to share our message with the public.

May I take this chance to express my immense gratitude to all of you. I will be back in Sai Kung to combat the burglars, but in a different role. I wish Sai Kung all the best.

Illus

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Lau

saikung_201403.indd 1 13/3/14 5:41 pm

Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong, is now accepting applications for the Sixth Form A Level Programme - Year 12 and Year 13.

Kellett School is an English National Curriculum School, engendering a love of learning and confidence for life.

For applications and further information please visit www.kellettschool.com or contact [email protected]

Considering A Levels? Contact Us

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Southside Sai Kung April Final.pdf 1 3/11/2014 5:14:09 PM

Sai Kung Magazine April 2014

Documents

Transcript of Sai Kung Magazine April 2014