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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2026/2607/2607_GMHK_AnnaChan.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>At 9 am on the dot, Professor Anna C.Y. Chan is already almost done with her hair and makeup – and only ‘almost’ because she’s expertly multitasking like someone who has spent a lifetime training her body to listen before it speaks. While her stylist makes final adjustments, the HKAPA honcho is on a conference call. As we arrive, she gestures towards her ears, wireless buds snug in place, and without breaking rhythm, flashes us a warm smile. She quickly ends the call, stands and proceeds to shake hands with the entire crew.</p>



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<p>Chan confesses that she doesn’t really like shopping unless it’s for homeware. But, with a quick laugh, she confirms that she has “a full rack of designer clothes and shoes ready for today”. She then clarifies the deeper reason behind her wardrobe choices. Almost all of her clothes are from local designers.</p>



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<p>For the 35-year veteran of Hong Kong performing arts, dressing is not about labels; it’s a quiet public service. “This is my way of showing support to the local art and creative sector,” she says. “Art is a very vast industry. It can be anywhere, really.”</p>



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<p>Inside the naturally well-lit office of the Director of the HKAPA (The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), the walls display taste and curiosity. Books are stacked and arranged, with fashion volumes such as Chanel and Dior near performing-arts tomes, including Why They Dance: Narrations of Hong Kong Dance, and photography books by Annie Leibovitz alongside family portraits.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91745" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-768x959.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-1230x1536.jpg 1230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9-800x999.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-9.jpg 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dance as Body Language</h3>



<p>When Chan converses, she doesn’t speak like someone who manages art; she talks like someone who has lived inside it and then later built the structures that allow others to live there, too. “Becoming an artist is not only about skill but also about resilience, vision and meaningful contribution,” summarises the former professional dancer.</p>



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<p>Young Anna studied at an Anglo-Chinese Catholic school, where music, drama and visual arts weren’t optional extras but part of the curriculum. “When I began ballet in the 1980s, I quickly realised it wasn’t only about technique,” she says. “Ballet teaches etiquette, posture, presence, and how to carry oneself with awareness and respect. Through it, I discovered that the body could become a language beyond words. Dance isn’t merely a performance; it’s communication and lifelong education in humanity.”</p>



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<p>Her family had a strong business mindset, teaching responsibility, strategic thinking, resilience and long-term vision, but there was also a person who raised the bar. Her pivotal mentor, Hong Kong ballet pioneer Jean M. Wong, instilled technical excellence and uncompromising artistic integrity. As a teenager performing in community settings, Chan saw how dance could connect sectors of society and share beauty and cultural values beyond the stage. At the Royal Ballet School in London, teachers refined her standards and exposed her to international rigour.</p>



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<p>Working professionally in London while pursuing postgraduate studies deepened her engagement with dance not just as performance, but also as research, scholarship and cultural discourse. Later, colleagues and mentors at the HKAPA and the West Kowloon Cultural District, where she was the inaugural Head of Dance, broadened her scholarly and global outlook.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91746" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-768x959.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-1230x1536.jpg 1230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6-800x999.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-6.jpg 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Director Shift</h3>



<p>Chan’s career pathway unfolded seamlessly: performer to educator to producer to arts administrator to cultural leader, each role expanding the others. “Those layered experiences across different landscapes strengthened my adaptability and expanded my vision beyond any one aesthetic. Even now, they continue to shape my commitment to performing-arts education that is culturally grounded, intellectually rigorous and forward-looking,” she affirms.</p>



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<p>The transition from an artist to an institute director could have required a total reinvention. But Chan sees it differently: “What I had to relearn was scale and scope. Leadership demanded strategic planning, governance awareness, financial responsibility and long-term thinking. It became less about delivering excellence personally, and more about creating the systems and conditions that allow others to thrive.”</p>



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<p>A natural performer, Chan quickly adapts to our cover shoot. She tries dance-inspired stances – clean lines, graceful timing – then suddenly shifts into some fun, wacky angles, before effortlessly switching back into more elegant expressions. From Plaudits to Passing on Passion</p>



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<p>After decades of awards, publications and leadership, she speaks with gratitude first. “I feel deeply fortunate, because not everyone gets to pursue a career driven by passion,” she explains. “In earlier stages [of my career], success might have looked like achievements and milestones. But now my greatest fulfilment comes from witnessing the growth and success of others: students, colleagues, collaborators.”</p>



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<p>However, she agrees that leadership can be isolating, especially when navigating complex decisions and carrying responsibility that ultimately rests on one’s shoulders. “I draw strength from strong bonds with my colleagues, students and stakeholders, because accountability may be personal, but the mission is shared,” she notes. “Resilience isn’t about standing alone. It’s about remaining connected to people, to values, to the larger vision collectively shaped.”</p>



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<p>We discuss initiatives like the Jockey Club Dance Well project, which offers dance to people living with Parkinson’s. “It reshaped how I understand embodiment and dignity,” she enthuses. “Participants aren’t framed as patients receiving therapy. They’re approached as dancers creating art. That shift in identity is where true dignity resides.</p>



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<p>&nbsp;“The arts are for all,” she champions firmly. “Access to performing arts education and participation can’t remain elite or concentrated. It must be citywide, reaching every district and community.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91747" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-768x959.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-1230x1536.jpg 1230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5-800x999.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-5.jpg 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contributing to Society</h3>



<p>As a government-funded academy, the HKAPA’s responsibility as framed by Chan is twofold: uphold artistic integrity and ensure the work contributes meaningfully to society. “Protecting artistic freedom begins with rigorous standards, encouraging critical thinking, and creating space for creative exploration in Hong Kong and the region,” she says.</p>



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<p>In her view, artistic freedom and public value aren’t in tension; they align through purpose, quality and service. “Sustainable funding structures and fair commissioning policies matter so artists can focus on creation rather than constant survival. Institutions must also invest in research, documentation and development of new work rooted in local context, so artists aren’t only presenting but generating original ideas.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91748" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-768x959.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-1230x1536.jpg 1230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2-800x999.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2.jpg 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Arts in the AI Era</h3>



<p>When asked what she tries to pass on to the next generation, Chan returns to a human message: seeing dance as a platform for cultural dialogue and community engagement. As a performer, she learned discipline, integrity and humility. But the world her students enter is different now, shaped increasingly by AI, rapid technological change and shifting professional landscapes.</p>



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<p>“Beyond professional rigour and ethical responsibility, I want students to develop digital literacy and critical thinking,” she asserts. “They should be able to work alongside technology without losing artistic voice.”</p>



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<p>She also emphasises adaptability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a strong moral compass, especially around authorship, data ethics and cultural sensitivity. “Remaining curious, always, is essential,” she adds. “Ultimately, I hope to equip them to sustain careers in the performing arts and also become cultural leaders who navigate an AI-driven society while preserving the humanity at the heart of the arts.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91749" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-768x959.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-1230x1536.jpg 1230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2-800x999.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2.jpg 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Picture Perfect</h3>



<p>Towards the end of our photo session, Chan requests to pose against a giant mural created by HKAPA students. “This is my way of supporting the arts, my students and the academy,” she says. Then, with a gentle reminder that underscores her leadership philosophy, she adds: “At the end of the day, this is not about me. This is about promoting and supporting the art scene we have here in Hong Kong.”</p>



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<p>As the crew packs up, it’s hard not to see the through-line of our audience with Professor Anna C.Y. Chan – technique, integrity, curiosity and community, working together like choreography.</p>



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<p>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa&nbsp;&nbsp; Photographer: Jack Law&nbsp;&nbsp; Videographer: Iris Ventura</p>


Stage Whisperer: HKAPA Director, Anna C.Y. Chan is instilling integrity and intellectual rigour into citywide performing arts


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HK Phil Season Finale</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91715" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-we.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Youthful Finnish maestro Tarmo Peltokoski conducts the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing the 2025-26 season to an end on a volley of high notes. The final concert is headlined by A Sea Symphony, British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ expansive 1909 work inspired by Walt Whitman’s mystical American poetry on the themes of exploration and humanity. It also embraces an orchestral work from Finland, Esa-Pekka Salonen’s introspective Pollux (2018), drawing from the mythological Gemini twins.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>3-4 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where: </strong>Hong Kong Cultural Centre</p>



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<p><strong>How much:</strong> From HK$380</p>



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<p>For more information:<strong>&nbsp;Hkphil.org</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Code of The Dynasty</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91716" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-DDMGA0E.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><em>The Code of The Dynasty</em>, scripted by Ma Nan and produced by Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, is an adaptation of Ye Wenbiao’s popular series of novels. The writer, in turn, was inspired by the grand panorama of <em>Along the River During Qingming Festival</em>, a painting by Song dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan, with his words breathing new life into a bustling city scene. The tale’s daring protagonist, Zhao Buyou, digs into hidden mysteries behind lantern-lit streets where scheming officials trade secrets.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>3-5 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Hong Kong Cultural Centre</p>



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<p><strong>How much:</strong> From HK$280</p>



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<p>For more information:&nbsp;<strong>ccf.gov.hk</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Volleyball Nations League</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91725" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-Volleyball-Nations-League-Hong-Kong-2026-copy-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Get ready for a smashing showdown&nbsp; in Pool 8 of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2026. Showcasing an array of global talent, the 12 matches of tournament promise to be intense battles of skill and determination. Fans are in for a world-class volleyball experience filled with adrenaline, skill and passion. Witness actions as these powerhouses of the women’s game compete for glory.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>8-12 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Kai Tak Arena.</p>



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<p><strong>How much: </strong>From HK$200.</p>



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<p>For more information:&nbsp;<strong>kaitaksportspark.com.hk</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jesus Christ Superstar</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91726" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.2-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Experience the electrifying revival of the legendary rock musical from the early ’70s. Its Hong Kong run offers local audiences their first live glimpse of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic masterpiece, with an unforgettable score. Reimagined by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the show delivers a powerful retelling of the biblical story through song and spectacle. This mesmerising rock opera explores love, betrayal and faith, captivating audiences with its heavenly music and stirring visuals.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>8 July-1 August</p>



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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Hong Kong Cultural Centre</p>



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<p><strong>How much: </strong>From HK$588</p>



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<p>For more information:&nbsp;<strong> jcs-hk.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sammi Cheng in Concert</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="889" height="553" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91719" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1.jpg 889w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1-450x280.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1-768x478.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1-200x124.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-Mi-Sammi-Cheng-.1-800x498.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px" /></figure>



<p>No surprise that the veteran pop icon’s grand finale of her Asia tour, You &amp; Mi Sammi Cheng Live, is a sell-out, despite the addition of a third night. Cheng continues to captivate fans with her dynamic artistry. Those lucky enough to be there will experience three unforgettable evenings, as the superstar redefines live entertainment and brings her extraordinary journey to a thrilling close in Hong Kong.</p>



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<p><strong>When: 1</strong>0-12 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where: </strong>Kai Tak Stadium</p>



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<p><strong>How much:</strong> From HK$880</p>



<p>For more information: <strong>kaitaksportspark.com.hk</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">International Arts Carnival</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91720" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-709226886_1526982436105017_5095534831070557573_n.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The International Arts Carnival 2026 delivers joyful performing arts experiences that expand young minds and ignite imagination both on stage and beyond. Starchitects, sets the scene – a vibrant explosion of acrobatic theatre encompassing colour, dance and digital effects. Complementing the stage productions are captivating exhibitions, interactive workshops, online programmes and delightful outreach.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>10 July-6 August</p>



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<p><strong>Where: </strong>Various venues</p>



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<p><strong>How much: </strong>Various prices</p>



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<p>For more information: <strong>hkiac.gov.hk</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Racing Season Finale</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91724" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7-Season-Finale-1-800x500.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The 2025-26 horse-racing season concludes with dashes of excitement and celebration! Visitors are able to take advantage of exclusive offers as they soak up the vibrant atmosphere, while members of the Jockey Club’s Racing Club can head to the Happy Valley Racecourse Sports Bar on the 15th for an exclusive party. Here, at this final gathering before the summer break, interactive games, entertainment and prizes will compete with the thoroughbreds for attention.</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>12 &amp; 15 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where: </strong>Sha Tin Racecourse / Happy Valley Racecourse</p>



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<p><strong>How much: </strong>HK$10</p>



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<p>For more information: <strong>hkjc.com</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ian Chan in Concert</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91722" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8-01KSCTREGWFA8B7J999RC4F89P-copy.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Through powerful performances and heartfelt songs, Growth: Live 2026 explores the courage to let go of lingering sorrows and rediscover one’s purest, most resilient self. Chan invites his legions of fans to reflect, heal and celebrate personal growth during this deeply moving concert series. Three additional shows were added to the itinerary – including one on 1 August. </p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>23-26 &amp; 28-31 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Kai Tak Arena.</p>



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<p><strong>How much:</strong> From HK$680</p>



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<p>For more information: <strong>kaitaksportspark.com.hk</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lotus Festival</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91723" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9-Tarmo-Peltokoski-Conducts-A-Sea-Symphony.2.jpg 1728w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Immerse yourself in serenity at Po Lin Monastery for the final two days of the 2026 Hong Kong Lotus Festival. Thousands of lotuses and water lilies in hundreds of breathtaking varieties bloom in a spectacular display across the monastery grounds for this enchanting summer celebration. The lotus is an emblem of Buddhism. Hurry now to Lantau to discover the flower’s quiet beauty and symbolic elegance, and let the lotus inspire your soul this summer!</p>



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<p><strong>When: </strong>Until 2 July</p>



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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Ngong Ping Plateau, Lantau Island</p>



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<p><strong>How much:</strong> Free admission</p>



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<p>For more information: <strong>buddhaland.org.hk</strong></p>


What’s on? Things to do this July in Hong Kong


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<p>It’s a miserable grey, rainy Friday afternoon in May. Inside Prince and the Peacock Indian restaurant, though, the vibe is different. Rich colours hit like a soft punch to the soul. Then Tania Mohan walks in, armed with so much poise and purpose that the room appears to glow. She spreads out her choice of shoot outfits with the calm authority of someone who’s done so much and seen too many ‘maybe’ ideas come and go. The founder of luxury fashion and homeware brand Tabla is not just styling, she’s curating – like a one-woman editorial board.</p>



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<p>“Proper representation is important,” she tells us, leaning into the point the way some people lean into compliments. “Nowadays, a lot of people are trying to be someone else without recognising it. It’s the trend. We have to embrace our individuality because no one can ever top that. Not even trends. Because trends come and go.”</p>



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<p>Mohan doesn’t sound like someone chasing fashion. She sounds like someone defending it. Like fashion is a court case, and she’s showing exhibits to the jury. And – plot twist – she’s literally qualified to do that.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-731x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91609" width="548" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-731x1024.jpg 731w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-200x280.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-768x1075.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-1462x2048.jpg 1462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-800x1120.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-3-scaled.jpg 1828w" sizes="(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dressed for Destiny</h3>



<p>Born and raised in Hong Kong to an affluent family of Indian heritage, she has retail in her DNA – Mohan’s department stores operated during the 1950s. Her upbringing ensured that she absorbed luxury the way some people absorb weather patterns: constantly, without even realising you’re learning.</p>



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<p>“Growing up, that early exposure gave me an instinctive understanding of quality and fabrics, while my mother’s exquisite taste filled our homes with a deep sense of aesthetic luxury,” she says. “The city’s incredible energy, combined with my family’s heritage, taught me to view fashion as a complete, curated lifestyle – an approach that defines my creative direction for Tabla today.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sparkle and Structure</h3>



<p>This creativity was honed early in her career. In the 1990s, she joined Hong Kong Standard as fashion editor and stylist. She’s also a barrister-at-law. When asked how law fits into a life built around luxury, her answer is clever, like she’s already drafting your argument before you finish the question.</p>



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<p>“I don’t think my love affair with the law will ever truly go away, and I am fortunate to still utilise my legal training through consulting work today,” she defends. “As a barrister, you learn to investigate every angle thoroughly, and I now apply that exact same investigative discipline to my creative process. When a specific historical era or traditional embroidery technique catches my attention, my instinct is to dive into the archives and uncover its full story.”</p>



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<p>She expounds: “Having studied law since I was 16, those years of discipline have become an invaluable asset in running my own business. Rather than a total departure, my legal background provides the structural foundation that supports my creative freedom, giving me a unique edge as the creative director of Tabla.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-743x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91613" width="557" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-743x1024.jpg 743w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-203x280.jpg 203w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-768x1059.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-1114x1536.jpg 1114w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-1485x2048.jpg 1485w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-200x276.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-800x1103.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-5-scaled.jpg 1857w" sizes="(max-width: 557px) 100vw, 557px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tabla Setting</h3>



<p>The brand began in Hong Kong in 1999 with an Indian-inspired luxury focus in a chic boutique in Prince’s Building. It went international in 2015, when she opened in Knightsbridge, London, an area she knew well from her law-student days.</p>



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<p>“I was at a major crossroads in my life when the opportunity for Tabla appeared, and I simply dove into it with the reckless abandon of someone who found exactly what they were looking for,” she recalls. “I measured its success by the sheer momentum of the journey itself. Finding an opportunity that resonated so deeply with my passions proved instantly that the leap was worth it.”</p>



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<p>Mohan frames Tabla’s style as an organic dialogue: ‘Made in India’ but filtered through her Hong Kong lens. She reels off specific examples, such as plates pairing pagodas with peacocks, and clothing highlighting Parsi Gara embroidery, a craft born from vibrant 19th-century maritime silk routes connecting China and India.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Asian Persuasion</h3>



<p>She credits the emergence of cross-cultural branding – especially as championed by David Tang at Shanghai Tang – as a defining moment in fashion. “David was a true visionary,” she says. “I used to tell him that my ultimate goal was to create the Indian Shanghai Tang, and I very much stand by that ambition today. His legacy taught me that reframing heritage isn&#8217;t about changing the craft itself, but about elevating it onto the global stage with the pride and grandeur it deserves.”</p>



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<p>Nowadays, the ‘Asian luxury’ conversation isn’t just aesthetic, it’s political, cultural and historical. It’s about who gets credit, who gets called inspired, and who gets called original. She explains: “To me, Asian luxury is deeply rooted in the old-school, homegrown traditions of unmatched craftsmanship, rich materials and exquisite hand-worked detailing. About 10 years ago, at a luxury conference in India hosted by a European company, I championed the rise of ‘Made in Asia’, only to be dismissed by an executive who insisted the world wasn’t ready.</p>



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<p>I was astounded by that ignorance, knowing how much Western luxury has always relied on Indian embroidery and Asian craftsmanship behind the scenes. Today, I can say with pure conviction that the Asian invasion in luxury retail is fully upon us, reclaiming that narrative proudly.”</p>



<p>Then she drops a line that makes the room seem like it just got louder: “Over the next decade, the world will watch amazing homegrown designers emerge from this region to lead global trends – because when the dragon and the elephant dance, the whole world watches.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-763x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91615" width="572" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-763x1024.jpg 763w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-209x280.jpg 209w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-768x1031.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-1145x1536.jpg 1145w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-1526x2048.jpg 1526w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-200x268.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-800x1073.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-3-scaled.jpg 1908w" sizes="(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Styles and Shifts</h3>



<p>Expectations have evolved for Tabla since its pre-Millennium birth. Consolidating online, the brand now embodies more discernment, less ‘whatever’. “Today’s clients expect more than just a premium product; they seek a genuine craft story, a sense of heritage, and an authentic, personal connection to what they wear and bring into their homes,” she affirms.</p>



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<p>“I have always envisioned the Tabla shopping experience as a jewel box – a treasure trove filled with unique, beautifully crafted pieces that resonate with this modern desire for authentic luxury.”</p>



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<p>Reflecting on the longevity of her brand, she says: “Celebrating 25 years has proven to me that persistence is born out of pure, unadulterated belief. Someone once called me the most tenacious person they know – and while some days I ask myself why I have spent so much time on this, my retail lineage, my passion, and the specific niche we hold are what drive me forward.</p>



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<p>It is easy to look at brands that scale rapidly and feel discouraged, but I didn’t come this far just to come this far. I still have so many stories to tell, embroideries to explore, and pieces to create while staying fiercely true to Tabla’s artisan heritage.”</p>



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<p>That’s the foundation of a luxury brand that endures, because the truth is, anyone can dress you, but only a few can define you.</p>



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<p>“I’ve done a lot of things [then thought], what the hell am I thinking right?” she laughs. “But now I’m focusing on Tabla and the importance of bringing forward my culture to the world, and who knows what the future may bring.” And true enough, real glam isn’t a trend; it’s a point of view.</p>



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<p>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa     Photographer: Jack Law     Videographer: Iris Ventura     Venue: Prince and the Peacock</p>


Legally Glam: Brand founder, creative director, curator, barrister – glimpsing inside the multi-talented Tania Mohan’s court of luxury


<p>Celebrate Father’s Day with Bacha Coffee, crafted for the man who knows provenance matters. This Father’s Day, legendary Moroccan coffee house Bacha Coffee invites families to honour fatherhood through the lens of craft, provenance, and the unfiltered story behind every bean. Because the best gifts don’t just taste great, they tell a story.</p>



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<p>Rooted in a heritage of coffee savoir-faire, Bacha Coffee’s Father’s Day gifting collection brings you closer to the journey behind the cup: from carefully sourced farms to slow-roasted artistry and masterful preparation. For the discerning father who appreciates quality you can’t fake, this is coffee with a backstory worth sharing.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91549" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Route-Gift-Set-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coffee-Route-Gift-Set</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Farm to Cup: The Journey Every Father Will Appreciate</h3>



<p>Bacha Coffee sources exclusively from 35 reputable coffee-producing countries, selecting only 100% Arabica specialty grade. Each harvest carries the unmistakable fingerprint of its origin: terroir, altitude, rainfall, volcanic minerals, and the careful hands that processed it.</p>



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<p>Then comes the essential part: slow-roasting in small batches using traditional drum-roasting methods at low temperatures. The result? A preservation of each origin’s distinct aromatic profile, so every sip stays true to where it began.</p>



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<p>And for dads who prefer gentler options, Bacha Coffee also offers naturally CO₂-decaffeinated coffees, keeping the character intact without relying on chemical additives.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91551" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand-Moka-Matari-Coffee_Signature-Nomad-Collection</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gift Sets for the Coffee Explorer</h3>



<p>Whether your dad is chasing chocolatey comfort, curious about decaf, or ready to compare single origins across continents, Bacha Coffee’s Father’s Day gift sets make discovery feel like an adventure.</p>



<div style="height:15px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p><strong>Coffee Trails Taster (6 coffees + raw sugar sticks)</strong></p>



<p>A six-coffee journey spanning Single Origin, Fine Flavoured, and Naturally CO₂ Decaffeinated harvests, from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. Expect flavour profiles ranging from chocolatey and floral to nutty, spiced, and malty, across medium light to medium dark roasts.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91542" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Trails-Taster-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coffee-Trails-Taster</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Coffee Discovery Gift Set (6 coffees + raw sugar sticks)</strong></p>



<p>An education of the palate in every cup, exploring Kenya, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea. Flavours move from fruity and chocolatey to floral, spiced, and malty, across medium to medium dark roasts.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91538" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Discovery-Set-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coffee-Discovery-Set</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Expedition to the Oasis (4 Fine Flavoured coffees)</strong></p>



<p>A four-coffee collection of Fine Flavoured favourites presented in Bacha Coffee’s signature red and gold canisters. From Happy Gianduja (nutty indulgence) and Sweet Mexico (warm spice) to Marrakech Morning (fruity, malty layers) and Baraka Decaffeinated (chocolate-citrus notes).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91540" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Expedition-Collection-1-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Expedition-Collection</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Coffee Crossroads Gift Set (4 coffees across regions)</strong></p>



<p>A cross-continental ensemble featuring Myanmar, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and the Dominican Republic, where Asian coffee heritage meets Central American and Caribbean tradition. Tasting notes range from chocolate and citrus to floral, fruity, and malty.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91541" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coffee-Crossroads-Gift-Set</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Bacha Heritage Gift Set (accessories + coffee)</strong></p>



<p>For the father who loves tradition and craftsmanship: a refined pairing featuring a Heritage Coffee Mug with Lid, a silver-plated Coffee Spoon, and a Coffee Bag Gift Box of choice.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91537" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bacha-Heritage-Gift-Set</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iconic Coffees for the Discerning Father</h3>



<p>Beyond the gift sets, Bacha Coffee’s most distinguished packaged coffees and coffee bag collections bring origin, craft, and flavour into a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is memorable. Encased in jewel-clasped gift boxes with iconic artwork, each coffee is a destination in a box. For Father’s Day, highlights include:</p>



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<p><strong>•⁠ </strong> ⁠Grand Moka Matari Coffee — a rare Yemeni single origin dry-processed on earthen rooftops, with bright acidity and notes of apricot, dark chocolate, dates, and a finish of caramel and spice.</p>



<p><strong>•⁠ </strong> ⁠Mombasa Song Coffee — an African–Asian lyric blend with herbal, floral aromas, grapefruit acidity, and cherry and toffee sweetness.</p>



<p><strong>•⁠ </strong> ⁠1910 Coffee — celebrating the founding year with aromatic wild strawberries and cream.</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  </strong>⁠Blue Danube Coffee — forest berries balanced by soft milk chocolate and a fresh lift.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91543" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1910_Signature-Nomad-Collection</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left">Coffee Bag Gift Boxes (Easy, Anywhere-Anywhere Coffee)</h3>



<p>Individually wrapped single-serve 100% Arabica drip coffee bags—ideal for dads who brew on the go or keep a morning ritual no matter where the day takes them. Options include:</p>



<div style="height:15px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p><strong>•⁠  </strong>⁠King of Africa Coffee Bag Gift Box</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  ⁠</strong>Tolteca Chocolate Coffee Bag Gift Box</p>



<p><strong>•⁠ </strong> ⁠San Cristóbal Coffee Bag Gift Box</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  ⁠</strong>Assorted Coffee Bag Gift Box — a 25-bag collection spanning fine flavoured and single origin varieties across regions.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91545" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tolteca-Chocolate_Coffee-Bag-Gift-Box</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Make It a Complete Father’s Day Coffee Moment</h3>



<p>Finish the gift with Bacha Coffee accessories and gourmet treasures designed to elevate everyday rituals, from timeless bone china to mid-century-inspired glassware and pure vanilla bean indulgence.</p>



<div style="height:15px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>For example:</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  ⁠</strong>Bacha Heritage Coffee Pot (850ml, Bone China)</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  ⁠</strong>Bacha Heritage Coffee Mug &amp; Lid (330ml, Bone China)</p>



<p><strong>•⁠  ⁠</strong>Pure Vanilla Bean Grinder</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91546" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pure-Tahiti-Vanilla-Bean-Grinder</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Father’s Day Moment at the Coffee Room</h3>



<p>This Father’s Day, Bacha Coffee at Harbour City invites guests to celebrate with an exquisite coffee-led dining experience created exclusively for the occasion. A specially designed menu will be available for a limited time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ready to Gift?</h3>



<p>Bacha Coffee’s Father’s Day collection is available at all Bacha Coffee boutiques and online at BachaCoffee.com.</p>



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<p>Because when it comes to fatherhood, it’s not just about the cup, it’s about the journey. And with Bacha Coffee, every bean carries the kind of care your dad deserves.</p>


Dads Deserve a “From-Farm-to-Cup” Kind of Love


<p class="has-text-align-center">Interview with Iris Ho, Founder and CEO of Aroma Vera</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center">Iris believes aromatherapy can elevate quality of life, but a healthy lifestyle is essential for building personal charm and natural beauty.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2026/2606/2606_GMHK_Aroma-Vera.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Hong Kong is known for its fast pace of life, but as people’s quality of life improves, their pursuit of refinement and art also deepens. Aroma Vera, which has been established in Hong Kong for over 35 years, has always believed that fragrance can elevate personal taste and offer a much-needed escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Founder and Managing Director Iris Ho believes that having a wide range of products is not enough—truly understanding customer needs and providing targeted solutions is the key to long-term success in the industry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">In-House Factory Enables Product Innovation</h3>



<p>Iris’s entry into the aromatherapy industry is quite interesting. She initially worked in the electronics industry, which had nothing to do with essential oils. Later, she took over her sister’s beauty salon and became familiar with aromatherapy products. It was then that she came across Aroma Vera, a brand from the United States. At the time, very few people in Hong Kong knew about aromatherapy, so she introduced the brand to Hong Kong and became its distributor. Today, the company operates its own local factory, allowing it to develop a variety of formulas to meet different needs. It also creates bespoke fragrances for various venues—such as shopping malls, hotels, and spas—to craft a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere.</p>



<p>Aromatherapy can be used in many settings and offers mood-stabilising and antibacterial benefits. Essential oils, extracted and refined from flowers, herbs, and trees, are a key source of fragrance and are incorporated into different products. There are countless aromatherapy scents with varying effects. Lavender is a popular choice, known for its relaxing and sleep-improving properties. However, Iris points out that single essential oils are relatively limited, so the company focuses on producing blended oils. By combining various plant extracts with professional blending techniques, Aroma Vera creates complex, layered scents and effects. The company has also embraced technology, offering smart aromatherapy diffusers that can be pre-activated via a mobile app, releasing atomised essential oils for better absorption by the user.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91522" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aroma Vera collaborates with numerous hotels and spas to design custom fragrances and aromatherapy products, helping guests immerse themselves more fully in the surroundings.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Don’t Neglect Customer Needs for the Sake of Sales Numbers</strong></p>



<p>Scent influences a person subtly and gradually. What works for one individual may not work for another, so the key is not only to respond to customer needs but also to deeply understand the characteristics of each product. Iris once encountered a customer who complained that aromatherapy was ineffective. After further questioning, she discovered that the customer wanted to relax, but salespeople from other brands had randomly offered several scents. The customer chose mint, yet mint is known for increasing alertness over time—it does not help with insomnia. Drawing on her experience, Iris took the time to learn about the customer’s age, lifestyle, and desired outcomes. She then recommended gentler scents such as tea tree and lavender, which resolved the problem. This shows that aromatherapy is not just a product; it is a deeply experiential process involving communication, empathy, and a customised approach.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91523" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iris points out that the male market should not be overlooked either. Men face high work pressure and have a strong need for relaxation and better sleep.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>The Art of Wholeness</strong></p>



<p>Iris acknowledges that the pandemic had a significant impact on consumer spending, but she believes every crisis also brings opportunities. For example, she shifted her focus to online sales and high‑end B2B clients, creating customised fragrance products to expand her customer base. This ability to adapt comes from years of experience and a clear vision for the future of the aromatherapy industry. She repeatedly emphasises that aromatherapy is a holistic art and a lifestyle. The right scent can enhance one’s personal image and charm, but true beauty also requires a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain good health.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91524" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iris believes aromatherapy can elevate quality of life, but a healthy lifestyle is essential for building personal charm and natural beauty.</figcaption></figure></div>

35 Years of Aroma Vera’s Philosophy: Understanding Customer Needs Matters More Than Selling Products


<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2026/2606/2606_GMHK_SalonLanson.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Some restaurants try to be fancy like it’s a personality. Others aim to be cosy like it’s a trend. Salon Lanson, located within Lanson Place Causeway Bay, achieves something rarer: it makes you feel like you’re both dressed up and allowed to relax. Elegance is expected when stepping into this French-influenced all-day dining space, but you leave convinced the culinary team is chasing a bigger idea: elevated comfort food that still respects the craft.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="722" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-1024x722.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91513" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-1024x722.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-397x280.jpg 397w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-768x541.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-1536x1082.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-2048x1443.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-200x141.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet_1-800x564.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lanson-Place-Causeway-Bay_Breakfast-Buffet</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Executive Chef Leo Chow, who has cooked under pressure in serious kitchens, talks about his dishes the way people might delight in sharing their family recipes: with precision, but also heart. His training wasn’t about making food look expensive, but crafting it with perfection, even when the dining room is full and the night is moving fast.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-1024x708.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91506" width="768" height="531" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-405x280.jpg 405w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-768x531.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-1536x1063.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-2048x1417.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-200x138.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Otoro-Tartare-800x553.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Otoro-Tartare</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“By day, it feels bright and relaxed; by night, it becomes chic and intimate,” he says. “The restaurant strikes a graceful balance between luxury and welcoming ambience.” That matters because his menus match the room. A mood shift toward lighter dishes and brighter flavours introduced in early spring retains Salon Lanson’s comforting familiarity.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-798x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91507" width="599" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-798x1024.jpg 798w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-218x280.jpg 218w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-768x985.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-1197x1536.jpg 1197w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-1596x2048.jpg 1596w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-200x257.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-800x1026.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams-scaled.jpg 1996w" sizes="(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Capellini-Aglio-e-Olio-with-Razor-Clams</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Chef Chow’s methodology is equal parts discipline and imagination. “I always start with seasonal produce to guarantee peak flavour and reliable sourcing,” he says. “My focus is on elevated comfort food – familiar, comforting flavours refined through fine-dining technique and elegant presentation.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-841x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91508" width="631" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-841x1024.jpg 841w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-230x280.jpg 230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-768x935.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-1262x1536.jpg 1262w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-1682x2048.jpg 1682w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-200x244.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A-800x974.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grilled-Spanish-Octopus_A</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>The use of the word ‘elevated’ here is not pretending local ingredients are French, but honouring the produce, then dressing it properly. “Given Salon Lanson’s signature French-inspired elegance, my approach is grounded in classical French technique. Then I weave in influences from Hong Kong and the broader Asian culinary map,” he explains. “Subtle Asian accents elevate a traditional comfort dish, adding unexpected depth without overwhelming the core flavours.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-802x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91499" width="602" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-802x1024.jpg 802w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-219x280.jpg 219w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-768x980.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-1203x1536.jpg 1203w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-1605x2048.jpg 1605w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-200x255.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-800x1021.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad-1-scaled.jpg 2006w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grilled-Red-Prawn-Salad</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>And that’s an accurate summation of the lunch selections – comfort-forward, but with technique doing the heavy lifting. The Grilled Red Prawn Salad, for instance, leans into an Asian flavour logic of grilled sweetness, sesame notes and vivid dressing, while keeping the presentation polished and clean.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-1024x745.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91501" width="768" height="559" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-385x280.jpg 385w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-768x559.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-1536x1117.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-2048x1490.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-200x145.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pan-Fried-Read-Snapper_01-1-800x582.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pan-Fried Read Snapper</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Then there’s Pan-Fried Red Snapper, which comes with spring vegetables in a lemony, buttery white-wine sauce, and a white balsamic tomato salsa. Translation: fish that’s handled carefully, served with enough vibrancy to keep you awake, and finished with a tangy detail that feels like someone is saying, ‘Don’t fall asleep – the sun is shining.’</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-810x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91503" width="608" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-810x1024.jpg 810w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-221x280.jpg 221w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-768x971.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-1214x1536.jpg 1214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-1619x2048.jpg 1619w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-200x253.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-800x1012.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake-1-scaled.jpg 2024w" sizes="(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passion-Fruit-and-White-Chocolate-Cheesecake</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Nowadays, every restaurant menu needs a ‘hardest dish’, and here it’s the house signature of Classic Beef Bourguignon, available at lunch and dinner. Chow calls it the biggest technical hurdle – balancing tender meat, a complex red-wine jus and plating that is homely, not stiff.</p>



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<p>If the lunchtime mains whisper refinement, the desserts are the season’s emotional support. Passion Fruit and White Chocolate Cheesecake offers a silky Japanese-style profile with passionfruit jelly and a finale of lemon sherbet plus homemade honeycomb. It’s sweet, sharp and a little playful, inviting the diner to have a jolly time.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-791x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91512" width="593" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-216x280.jpg 216w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-768x994.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-200x259.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-800x1035.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gremolata-Macadamia-Crusted-Grilled-King-Salmon-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="(max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gremolata &amp; Macadamia Crusted Grilled King Salmon</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>In the evening, a starter of Grilled Hokkaido Scallop arrives in a warm kombu broth, clear, gentle and intentionally focused. Grilled King Salmon, a main choice with gremolata and a macadamia crust, feels like a chef’s proclamation of ‘We can do rich, but we’ll do it with structure’. Accompaniments of kale, slow-cooked beetroot, and mustard seed and dill cream sauce impart depth without veering into heavy winter food.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-776x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91511" width="582" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-776x1024.jpg 776w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-212x280.jpg 212w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-768x1013.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-1165x1536.jpg 1165w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-1553x2048.jpg 1553w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-200x264.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-800x1055.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Grilled-Hokkaido-Scallop-scaled.jpg 1941w" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grilled Hokkaido Scallop</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Dinnertime desserts maintain the theme, offering freshness as well as elegance. Vanilla Panna Cotta with pomegranate jelly is bright and visually dramatic, while Granny Smith Apple Galette is the classic French comfort move – puff pastry, cinnamon-butter apples and caramel glaze finished with vanilla ice cream – because sometimes the simplest joy is best.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-1024x723.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91518" width="768" height="542" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-1024x723.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-396x280.jpg 396w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-768x543.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-1536x1085.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-200x141.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical-800x565.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/z-New-Spring-Dinner-A-La-Carte-Menu-Vertical.jpg 1836w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Granny Smith Apple Galette</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Salon Lanson doesn’t just change the menu according to the season; it changes how you feel while eating. It’s elegant, yes, but it’s also warm in the way that matters: food crafted with care, not just for a moment.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-1024x793.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91510" width="768" height="595" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-1024x793.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-362x280.jpg 362w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-768x594.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-1536x1189.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-2048x1585.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-200x155.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Vanilla-Panna-Cotta-800x619.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vanilla-Panna-Cotta</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Salon Lanson</strong>, <em>1/F, Lanson Place Causeway Bay, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. </em>   <em><strong>Tel:</strong> 3477 6888. lansonplace.com</em>.  <em><strong>Text: </strong>Joseff Musa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Photos: </strong>Salon Lanson</em></p>


Warm Comfort: Amid a mood code of relaxed elegance, Salon Lanson shows down-to-earth elevated cuisine for spring-summer


<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Scaling Passion, One Repeatable Winrestaurant Group for the Next Chapter</h4>



<p>From athlete to brand strategist, Issac&#8217;s story isn&#8217;t just a career shift. It&#8217;s a whole glow-up with a side of hustle sauce. As Chief Marketing Officer, Brand Growth Strategist, founder of iSeize Digital, and the brain behind a 12-outlet Korean F&amp;B group, he&#8217;s not merely &#8220;in the restaurant business&#8221; — he&#8217;s in the business of turning diners into regulars, chaos into systems, and growth into something you can actually manage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Athlete to CMO: how did the journey unfold?</h3>



<p>I keep it refreshingly real: the transition wasn&#8217;t a straight line. It was built from second chances, mentors who actually show up, and a team that believed in me before I fully believed in myself.</p>



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<p>As an athlete, I learned the hardest life lesson early: losing is not the end — it&#8217;s training. That same mindset followed me into advertising at 23. I must admit, I used to be clumsy and raw. Clients called me a liar. A disaster. Ouch. But I didn&#8217;t let ego take the wheel. I started over — writing copy, shooting video, running ads, and learning how departments really communicate.</p>



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<p>Then came F&amp;B, where I applied the same strategy: squat low and learn the basics first. No business genius act. Just execution, humility, and the kind of teamwork that makes expansion feel less like a gamble and more like a plan.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-750x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91486" width="563" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-750x1024.jpg 750w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-205x280.jpg 205w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-768x1049.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-1124x1536.jpg 1124w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-1499x2048.jpg 1499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-200x273.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-800x1093.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1-scaled.jpg 1874w" sizes="(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beauty industry strategy: how did it shape your entrepreneurial mindset?</h3>



<p>Eleven years in beauty shaped my view of entrepreneurship in a way &#8220;success stories&#8221; rarely mention. I didn&#8217;t just learn marketing; I learned responsibility.</p>



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<p>I trained 100 therapists and got eye-rolled by the entire room. Humiliation turned into action: I went back to the frontline — customer service, consulting, even store management — because I discovered the truth most people avoid saying: marketing and operations must be tied together. One without the other is just expensive noise.</p>



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<p>One client moment stuck forever: she had only HKD 300,000 left, and if I couldn&#8217;t help, her business would close. That&#8217;s when I realized a business carries families, not just products. In short, value is measured by how many problems I solve.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Credentials and vision in F&amp;B, especially with a shorter track record?</h3>



<p>I don&#8217;t pretend Hong Kong F&amp;B isn&#8217;t full of legends. I call myself a recruit. I opened nine restaurants in three years, but I still have a lot to learn.</p>



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<p>My advantage? I brought precision from beauty branding and data-driven marketing. I don&#8217;t open stores blindly. Every location is positioned using data, then backed by standardised frontline service and workflows. Not robotic — just consistently excellent.</p>



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<p>Taste is the baseline, but the real differentiator is the how: CRM, digital transformation, and genuine human warmth. That&#8217;s how you make every guest feel something unexpected.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-738x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91487" width="554" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-738x1024.jpg 738w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-202x280.jpg 202w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-768x1066.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-1107x1536.jpg 1107w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-1476x2048.jpg 1476w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-200x278.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-800x1110.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1-scaled.jpg 1845w" sizes="(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The future of F&amp;B: what&#8217;s next?</h3>



<p>Yes, costs are up, and competition is real. But what I see is opportunity: people will always crave good food and shared space. The next decade won&#8217;t belong to the cheapest; it will belong to brands that push brand value and experience to the ceiling.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s next for your group?</h3>



<p>Improve operational efficiency and staff welfare across the nine restaurants — rewarding the people who built this with me. Also, I want to prove that a young Hong Kong team can scale properly with the highest standards of governance.</p>



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<p>Because this isn&#8217;t a finish line. It&#8217;s a platform. And I am continuously building it — quietly, humbly, and one sincere step at a time.</p>


Profit Pilot: Issac Yeung Kam Chuen. From Athlete to Brand Strategist – Building a restaurant Group for the Next Chapter


<p>This season in Hong Kong, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts invites everyone to follow a trail of wonder, straight from the deep, dark ocean to the glittering brilliance of the display case. From <strong>May 23rd to October 11th, 2026</strong>, <em>Precious Coral, from Curiosity to Treasures </em>opens as a rare exhibition experience dedicated to one of jewellery history’s most spellbinding materials: <strong>Precious coral</strong>.</p>



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<p>And yes, prepare to be charmed, because the story begins with a twist. For centuries, precious coral was often mistaken for a stone or a plant. The exhibition gently sets the record straight: <strong>coral is an animal</strong>, and its remarkable beauty comes from life shaped by time, depth, and patience. Far from the sunlit reefs associated with tropical seas, precious coral species such as <strong><em>Corallium japonicum </em></strong>grow slowly at depths reaching <strong>several hundred meters</strong>, building dense, branch-like skeletons prized for their naturally evolving hues, ranging from <strong>pale blush and salmon </strong>to <strong>oxblood red</strong> and <strong>creamy white</strong>.</p>



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<p>But this is no ordinary “show-and-tell” display. <em>Precious Coral, from Curiosity to Treasures</em>, is curated to be experienced through <strong>three compelling lenses, Biology and Gemology, Craftsmanship</strong>, and <strong>History</strong>. Together, these perspectives reveal how coral transforms from a living organism to a material for art, ornament, trade, and belief.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-LECOLE_June2026_BG.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91479" width="576" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-LECOLE_June2026_BG.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-LECOLE_June2026_BG-210x280.jpg 210w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-LECOLE_June2026_BG-200x267.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sciacca coral <em>(Corallium rubrum),</em> fashioned in the traditional &#8220;flowers &amp; leaves&#8221; 19th century, second half Liverino Collection</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Start with the biology. You’ll encounter coral not as a static object, but as a complex living structure, an organism with its own natural architecture. Then comes gemmology and colour: why this material’s palette feels almost impossible, as if the sea learned to paint. Finally, step into the craftsmanship gallery, where the exhibition highlights the human touch, tools, unfinished branches, and finished jewels placed side by side. Because working precious coral requires both <strong>technical sensitivity</strong> and <strong>respect for fragility</strong>, it can be intricately carved and engraved, yet demands precision, patience, and a steady hand. Watching the transformation, from raw branch to sculpted treasure, turns appreciation into awe.</p>



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<p>History, meanwhile, adds the intrigue of long-distance journeys. Precious coral has travelled far beyond its origin waters, fished historically in the Mediterranean and parts of the Pacific, it reached East Asia early through exchanges along what became known as the Silk Road connections. By the era of the <strong>Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)</strong>, Mediterranean coral was already moving eastward, valued as an ornament, currency, and talisman. In other words, coral didn’t just become jewellery, it became <strong>meaning</strong>.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91480" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-LECOLE_June2026_BG-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Polished precious coral branchPrecious coral <em>(Corallium japonicum),</em> rock Chii Lih Coral Museum</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>The exhibition also brings together approximately <strong>120 creations and exceptional specimens</strong>, including jewels, sculptures, art objects, and naturalia on loan from distinguished collections and institutions. Expect to see masterpieces and rare artifacts, such as the <strong>Akai Amoronagu Necklace</strong> and a glimpse of evolving forms across centuries.</p>



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<p>With curators <strong>Olivier Segura, Mathilde Berger-Rondouin </strong>and <strong>Ann Lee</strong>, and scientific advisory by <strong>Rui Galopim de Carvalho</strong>, the experience<strong> blends science, tradition, art, and craftsmanship</strong> into one unmissable narrative. As the exhibition suggests, precious coral is not only beautiful, it’s layered.</p>



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<p>So come, and let your imagination follow the current. Because once you’ve seen precious coral through these three lenses, you’ll realize the real treasure isn’t just in the pieces.</p>



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<p>It’s in the stories, woven, carved, polished, and preserved, until you can finally say: <strong>Coral-ly unforgettable.</strong></p>



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<p>Open daily <strong>10 a.m.–7 p.m.</strong>, with <strong>free admission (registration required) </strong>at <strong>L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, 510A, 5/F, K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong</strong>.</p>


Coral-abrate Curiosity: The Red Thread of History Unraveled


<p>There are few spectacles in Hong Kong as arresting as dragon boats slicing through Victoria Harbour. The sound arrives before the sight: a deep, rhythmic drumbeat echoing across the water, steady and commanding. Then come the paddles, rising and falling in disciplined unison, blades flashing beneath a skyline that symbolises speed, ambition and reinvention.</p>



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<p>It’s a scene that feels both ancient and electric, and this summer, it carries added resonance as the city celebrates the 50th milestone of its International Dragon Boat Festival, marking a journey that transformed a ritual into a global lifestyle phenomenon. On the weekend of 27-28 June, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade will hum with anticipation as crowds cheer on teams from all over the world in races that mark the golden anniversary of an iconic waterborne sporting event.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91433" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The Dragon Boat, or Tuen Ng, Festival traces its roots back more than two millennia, observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and said to commemorate esteemed poet Qu Yuan (circa 340–278 BC). Banished and accused of treason, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Miluo River in northern Hunan, an action that incited locals to race out in their boats in a failed attempt to save him. The tradition of consuming sticky rice dumplings during the holiday stems from balls of rice dropped into the water by villagers to deter fish from eating the fallen hero’s body.</p>



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<p>In Guangdong’s river communities, paddle-boat racing was once inseparable from ritual. Long boats carved from solid timber were adorned with fierce dragon heads and painted in brilliant colours. Before touching water, they were awakened through eye-dotting ceremonies believed to invite protective spirits. Villagers raced not only for pride but for blessing, unity and communal strength.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91434" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Racing Through Centuries</h3>



<p>This tradition unfolded in the narrow inlets and fishing harbours of Hong Kong’s early coastal settlements. The races were intimate, sacred and profoundly local. As participation widened over many decades, dragon-boat racing evolved into more than a celebration of folklore and a contest of speed.</p>



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<p>Corporate teams embraced it as a test of teamwork and endurance. Universities formed clubs that blended athletic ambition with cultural exploration. Community organisations found in it a platform for inclusion and cross-cultural connection. In the months and weeks before the Tuen Ng Festival, training sessions at dawn and on Sundays in the sea off Shau Kei Wan and Stanley became rituals in themselves, transforming colleagues and classmates into crews bound by rhythm and trust.</p>



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<p>As the city evolved into an international metropolis, the question arose of how such customs would survive in a new world of global finance. Rather than allowing dragon-boat racing to recede into nostalgia, Hong Kong propelled it forward. Local races customarily held in bays and typhoon shelters during the festival, which falls on 19 June this year, were extended to include open races in Victoria Harbour over a later weekend. Inviting overseas teams to compete in these events shaped the narrative entirely.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91435" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">International Beat</h3>



<p>Against a backdrop of mirrored skyscrapers and busy ferry lanes, dragon boats appeared both timeless and startlingly modern. The harbour became a theatre, framing an ancient cultural practice within a cosmopolitan stage. International crews arrived curious and departed inspired, carrying stories of synchronised paddles and ceremonial drums back to their own cities. Dragon-boat clubs began forming across North America, Europe, Australia and beyond. What had once been anchored to regional waterways now travelled freely across continents.</p>



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<p>Under the auspices of the International Dragon Boat Federation since 1991, the sport has been adapted through globally standardised race distances and lighter vessels. Carbon-fibre boats replaced heavy wooden hulls for international competition, ensuring accessibility and consistency. Yet Hong Kong guarded the tradition’s symbolic core. Eye-dotting rituals continued. Incense curled beside the water before major heats. The drummer remained at the bow, setting pace and purpose. Modern sport grew from ancient channels without severing its ties to the past.</p>



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<p>The harbour setting of the International Dragon Boat Festival amplified everything. Photographs of dragon boats surging forward beneath a forest of skyscrapers circulated globally, encapsulating Hong Kong’s dual identity. The visual contrast was irresistible: traditional dragon motifs glinting in sunlight against steel and glass. International media coverage magnified the spectacle, embedding the festival within the world’s sporting and cultural calendars.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91436" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strokes of Harmony and Strength</h3>



<p>Over time, the event grew into a waterfront carnival of colour, sound and taste. Spectator stands expanded along the promenade. Food vendors filled the air with the fragrance of bamboo-wrapped zongzi, the pyramids of sticky rice stuffed with pork belly and egg yolk that are synonymous with the festival. Musicians performed against panoramic harbour views. Families arrived early and lingered long after the final heat, drawn as much by atmosphere as by competition.</p>



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<p>Yet for all its pageantry, dragon-boat racing remains intensely physical. Twenty paddlers sit shoulder to shoulder, guided by a steersperson and driven by the drummer’s cadence. Synchronisation is everything. A fraction of hesitation can break momentum, while perfect harmony can propel a crew forward with breathtaking speed. The discipline required is immense: muscles burn; hands blister; breathing must align with stroke and rhythm. It is sport distilled to collective precision.</p>



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<p>Dragon-boat racing mirrors the balance of endurance and unity that resonates deeply within Hong Kong, a city where heritage and innovation, East and West, thrive. It invites international participation while affirming local identity; it celebrates athletic excellence while preserving ritual symbolism. Few events manage this equilibrium with such vibrancy. As the festival’s reputation expanded, so did its prestige. Competing in Victoria Harbour became a badge of honour within the global dragon-boat community. Teams trained year-round for the opportunity to race where modern international competition first flourished.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91437" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shoreline Spectacle</h3>



<p>This summer’s golden milestone heightens that sense of occasion, offering not only thrilling races but reflection on transformation. Special installations along the waterfront trace the journey from carved village boats to streamlined racing shells. Archival images reveal modest early gatherings evolving into today’s international spectacle. Veteran paddlers share stories of first races and lifelong friendships forged through shared exertion.</p>



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<p>Visiting teams parade flags representing continents, underscoring the sport’s extraordinary reach. Evening light displays shimmer across the harbour, casting dragon silhouettes against illuminated towers. The atmosphere feels celebratory yet reverent, acknowledging history while embracing momentum.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91438" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ancient &amp; Modern</h3>



<p>Fifty years of international growth have transformed Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival into a defining cultural expression, demonstrating that tradition need not stand still to survive. By inviting the world into its waters, Hong Kong ensured that an ancient ritual would evolve rather than fade. The festival became a bridge, connecting fishermen’s chants with global athletic ambition.</p>



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<p>As spectators gather along Victoria Harbour this June, they will witness more than competition. They will see heritage in motion, powered by discipline and shared purpose. They will taste rice dumplings wrapped in memory and hear drumbeats that echo across generations. They will watch dragon heads rise proudly against a backdrop of glittering towers, fierce and luminous.</p>



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<p>In those moments, the city reveals itself. Hong Kong is rhythm and reinvention, resilience and reach. Its dragon boats embody that spirit – rooted yet restless, ceremonial yet contemporary. And as the golden celebration unfolds, the message carried across the harbour is clear: some traditions grow stronger with every stroke, gathering the world into their wake and racing confidently toward the horizon.</p>


Golden Dragon: From poet to paddlers – festive racing in Hong Kong waters marks 50 years of global evolution


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<p>We meet venture capitalist Chibo Tang on the same day Donald Trump lands in China for a face-to-face with Xi Jinping and a possible reset of superpower ties. Since Tang is a super-successful investor who sees himself as a bridge between East and West, this coincidental concurrence feels like fate – like the universe itself is orchestrating product placement, or magazine calendars and geopolitical giants accidentally have the same Wi-Fi password.</p>



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<p>Tang, characteristically calm and composed, acknowledges the symbolism but doesn’t oversell it. The Hong Kong-based Managing Partner of Gobi Partners smiles like a man who’s heard too many ‘signs’ to be impressed by one more. Born in China and educated in the United States, he has turned that dual identity into a professional strategy. His story is one of connecting worlds, forging partnerships, and leading teams who play to win.</p>



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<p>The parallel between our rather more humble get-together and the ground-breaking sit-down of world leaders in Beijing clicks even harder as we begin our cover shoot at Chinesology. The restaurant’s contemporary aesthetics reflect the value and beauty of reactivated Chinese cuisine, adding new elements without abandoning tradition. In short, Chibo Tang and Chinesology share the mindset that modern innovation should respect its roots, not bulldoze them. They’re both focused on translation, timing and balance, on bridging two worlds without losing the plot.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-755x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91376" width="566" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-755x1024.jpg 755w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-206x280.jpg 206w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-768x1042.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-1132x1536.jpg 1132w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-1510x2048.jpg 1510w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-200x271.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-800x1085.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-IMG_5552_edit-scaled.jpg 1887w" sizes="(max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Values Asset</h3>



<p>Tang talks like a man who’s seen enough cycles to know that the world never moves in straight lines, and yet, somehow, it moves. He doesn’t romanticise his origin story; he lays it out simply like a business founder explaining how they achieve product-market fit: “I grew up in a family of academics. [While] my parents brought me up with traditional Chinese values, I ended up spending a lot of time reading and gaming. By the time college applications rolled around, I was convinced that I didn’t want to be an academic. I wanted to explore an intersection of business and engineering.”</p>



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<p>Then came a hiccup that highlights Tang’s mentality to a tee – when the universe says ‘no’, he treats it like data. He had set his heart on attending Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, yet despite a perfect SAT score of 1600, he didn’t get in. But he believes “everything happens for a reason”, and brings that same energy into investing.</p>



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<p>Activating Plan B, Tang went to Harvard College and acquired a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and economics. “Ambition was all my own,” he says. “Grades and academic prowess never meant much to me. Straight As [only] mean that you’re good at taking tests. I look at results, not at résumés.”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-718x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91377" width="539" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-718x1024.jpg 718w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-196x280.jpg 196w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-768x1095.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-1078x1536.jpg 1078w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-1437x2048.jpg 1437w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-200x285.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-800x1140.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-IMG_5259_edit-scaled.jpg 1796w" sizes="(max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Empathy Engine</h3>



<p>It’s a tactic that has served him well in a career that kicked off as a management consultant developing consumer segment activation strategies, and spanned spells in Shanghai prior to assuming, in 2009, his current role at Gobi, one of Asia’s leading early-stage venture-capital firms.</p>



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<p>The deeper you go with Tang, the more you realise the bridge isn’t just professional. It’s personal, and he doesn’t skip the hard part. “The toughest challenge was probably coping with the discrimination that comes with being an immigrant in a foreign land,” he confesses.</p>



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<p>As one of just a handful of Asian kids growing up outside Boston, bullies were part of his early life when he moved to the US aged three. He credits his parents, who sent him back to China every summer, with shaping him into a blend of two worlds. “Ultimately, being able to identify as both cultures – relating with either and offending neither – is the perfect background to help bridge the two,” he states.</p>



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<p>Tang might be described as the ‘chillest’ boss in venture capital. He’s often seen in a hoodie and running shoes, plus a carry-on suitcase, unladen with ego or entitlement. “Is it happy hour yet?” he laughs mid-shoot. “I think I need a mojito after all of these [photos].” He casually calls his assistant “dude” as if he’s managing a team but not trying to intimidate anyone into productivity.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-762x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91378" width="572" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-762x1024.jpg 762w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-208x280.jpg 208w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-768x1032.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-1143x1536.jpg 1143w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-1523x2048.jpg 1523w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-200x269.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-800x1075.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-IMG_5647_edit-scaled.jpg 1904w" sizes="(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Intelligence</h3>



<p>Yet his brain runs 24/7. He’s always thinking of more: how to offer more, help more, connect more. Even in conversation, his mind is doing what his role demands: turning relationships into opportunities. He shares that Gobi Partners has grown AUM (assets under management) more than 10-fold to nearly US$2 billion since he joined in 2009. Next year is Gobi’s 25th anniversary, and they have an internal target to triple their AUM over the next few years. Expansion into emerging markets along the Belt and Road is part of the impetus.</p>



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<p>Tang has a structured way of sizing up startups. “The most basic framework is threefold – market size, product and team,” he says, breaking it down like a checklist. “I’ve also added a fourth dimension, which is capital market momentum.” Challenging the US$1 billion unicorn hype, he adds: “Unicorns are aspirational, but many fall back soon after reaching that status. Valuations are products of the market, and hype cycles can outrun fundamentals.”</p>



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<p>He also references the decacorn threshold (startups privately valued at US$10 billion), explaining that many unicorns get stuck in a “middle-income trap” – too big to be acquired, too small for IPO against established mega-caps.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Heart Burners</h3>



<p>Returns matter in the world of venture capital, though for Tang, being able to say “I helped bring these technologies to the world” is more satisfying. His philosophy of success hinges on managing burners – the life version of resource allocation. Outlining the four burners theory, he opines: “It is impossible to keep all burners going strong. Your time and energy are finite, and there’s family, friends, work and health. You can’t keep all burners high all the time. You must choose what to feed and what to let lower.”</p>



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<p>He argues that true success is achieving balance, and happiness – like money-making – comes as a by-product of this, but with impact and meaning. To him, venture capital sits at the intersection of wealth creation and societal progress.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ultimate Fate</h3>



<p>Personally, he wants to keep expanding his global perspective, meeting at new ‘courts’ with people he can learn from. His big life lesson? “The journey isn’t the destination. Milestones are rest stops, not the finish line, and then the road onwards continues.”&nbsp;</p>



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<p>He and his wife, Karen Wong, who accompanies him at the shoot, have been married for almost two years. He believes in the concept of yuanfen – fated affinity or destiny – and the couple used feng shui to guide their choice of wedding day.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-842x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91380" width="632" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-842x1024.jpg 842w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-230x280.jpg 230w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-768x934.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-1263x1536.jpg 1263w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-1685x2048.jpg 1685w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-200x243.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5-IMG_5447_edit-800x973.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head in the Game</h3>



<p>Outside of work, the six-foot-two millennial enjoys playing basketball. It’s mid-May when the NBA playoffs are in full swing, and he is following two teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. In sport as in life, he believes in being the bridge between two viewpoints. Which brings us full circle. Our meeting ends in the same way as it began: musing on the idea of connection.</p>



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<p>Bridging two worlds isn’t a slogan for Chibo Tang; it’s a skill, a strategy and a philosophy. At the end of the day, thriving in business and progressing as a team aren’t just about winning. They are about bridging, so different worlds can finally play on the same court.</p>



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<p>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa&nbsp;&nbsp; Photographer: Jack Law&nbsp;&nbsp; Videographer: Iris Ventura&nbsp;&nbsp; Venue: Chinesology</p>


Tag: hong kong