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<p>An ancient fortress turned 20th-century urban aberration, the now-demolished Kowloon Walled City has acquired almost dystopian cult status as Hong Kongers look back. The distaste once held for this tiny, unruly hotspot of crime and poverty – a city of darkness – has been replaced in some minds by pride for a shared and distinct past. Beautified into an oasis of calm within the bustling Kowloon City district, the ground upon which the walls once stood remains a tourist attraction, but one of a very different kind.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Kowloon Walled City began life as an Imperial Chinese military outpost and evolved into a unique geopolitical anomaly. Originally built in the Song dynasty (960–1279) to manage the salt trade, the walled compound nestled in the heart of Kowloon was seen as a defender of colonial encroachment after Hong Kong Island was ceded to the British in 1842.</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/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87815" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_07.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>After the 1898 Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, Britain leased the New Territories but excluded the walled city, leaving it in a legal limbo – claimed by both China and Britain, but governed by neither. This ambiguity laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most densely populated and lawless urban settlements in modern history.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rise of the Darkness</h3>



<p>By the mid-20th century, Kowloon Walled City had morphed into a vertical labyrinth of interconnected buildings. With no formal oversight, residents constructed haphazard extensions, often without regard for safety or sanitation. At its peak in the late 1980s, it housed an estimated 35,000-plus people in just 2.6 hectares, resulting in a population density of more than 1.2 million per square kilometre.</p>



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<p>The locale became infamous for its lack of regulation. Triad gangs controlled much of the area, and illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution and drug trafficking flourished. A US newspaper reported in 1967 that the “area is neither walled nor is it a city… In reality it is a tiny enclave of sin and filth”.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="650" height="989" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87802 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_03.jpg 650w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_03-184x280.jpg 184w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_03-200x304.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div>



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<p>Yet, despite its reputation, the walled city was also a place of resilience. Families lived side by side, children played on rooftops, and small businesses thrived in the shadows, producing everything from fish balls to plastic toys.</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/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87799" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City_02.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life Inside the Maze</h3>



<p>Navigating Kowloon Walled City was like entering another world. Narrow alleyways, often only shoulder-width, twisted through the complex. Electrical wires dangled overhead, sewage dripped from ceilings, and sunlight barely penetrated the dense architecture. Yet, within this chaos, a sense of community prevailed.</p>


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<p>Its impoverished residents described the compound as a place of mutual support. Neighbours helped each other, shared meals, and created informal networks of care. Despite the lack of formal infrastructure, there were dentists, doctors, schools and even temples operating within the maze.</p>



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<p>One postman who worked there for more than a decade recalled being shocked – literally – by exposed wires while delivering mail. He also remembered rats the size of cats, yet he spoke fondly of the friendships and camaraderie that defined daily life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walls Come Tumbling Down</h3>



<p>The boundaries of the original walled city included cannons, a gate and watchtowers. This fortified barrier did not survive the Second World War. It was torn down by the Japanese forces occupying Hong Kong, who used the stone for a runway extension at nearby Kai Tak airport.</p>



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<p>By the 1980s, the Hong Kong government, in agreement with China, decided that the walled city had to go. The decision was met with mixed emotions. For some, it was a chance to escape the squalor; for others, it meant the loss of a tight-knit community. Demolition began in March 1993 and was completed by April 1994. The process involved relocating thousands of residents and compensating property owners. It was one of the most complex urban clearance operations in Hong Kong’s history.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Chaos to Calm</h3>



<p>In December 1995, the site was reborn as Kowloon Walled City Park, a tranquil green space that pays homage to its chaotic predecessor. Designed in the style of a Jiangnan garden, the park features winding paths, lotus ponds and traditional Chinese pavilions. It’s a stark contrast to the dense, anarchic city that once stood there.</p>



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<p>Several historical artifacts were preserved, including the original yamen building – the administrative office of the Qing officials – and remnants of the southern gate. These serve as quiet reminders of the site’s layered past.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Redevelopment and Renewal</h3>



<p>Today, Kowloon City is undergoing a new wave of transformation. The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has launched multiple redevelopment projects aimed at revitalising ageing neighbourhoods while preserving cultural heritage.</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/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87807" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_02.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>One of the most ambitious involves the redevelopment of low- to mid-rise buildings dating back more than 55 years along Ma Tau Wai Road and Lok Shan Road. The initiative began in August last year and will integrate modern urban planning with community needs, promising improved connectivity, pedestrian-friendly spaces and enhanced infrastructure. The project will yield more than 230 new flats and commercial spaces, with completion expected by 2033.</p>



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<p>The redevelopment also includes plans for an underground shopping street, improved access to To Kwa Wan MTR station, and shared vehicular routes to minimise traffic disruption. The URA emphasises a “planning-led, district-based” approach, aiming to create a more liveable and sustainable urban environment.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Memory vs Modernity</h3>



<p>The transformation of Kowloon Walled City into a park and the surrounding redevelopment projects reflect Hong Kong’s broader struggle between preserving memory and embracing modernity. While the lawless enclave is gone, its legacy lives on in photographs, documentaries, and the stories of former residents.</p>



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<p>Whether realistically or romantically, the walled city spirit has also been captured in a succession of popular Hong Kong movies, including last year’s Best Film, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. This award-winning adaptation of the manhua (Chinese-language comic) City of Darkness focuses on crime lords operating within the city walls in the 1980s. The gangster movie Long Arm of the Law (1984) was shot inside the walled city during this period, and Jackie Chan’s Crime Story, filmed in 1993, includes scenes of actual building explosions during the enclave’s demolition.</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/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87810" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jiulongchengzhai.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Internationally, Jean-Claude Van Damme entered the walled city for a martial arts tournament in Bloodsport (1988), and its reputation for shady lawlessness entered the pages of spy fiction, courtesy of Jason Bourne (Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Supremacy, penned in 1986). For a factual account of the walled city’s woes, Christian missionary Jackie Pullinger described encounters with resident drug addicts in her 1989 memoir, Crack in the Wall.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tale of Two Cities</h3>



<p>Architects and urban historians continue to study the walled city as a case of organic urbanism – where necessity, not regulation, shaped the built environment. It’s a reminder that cities are not just collections of buildings, but living organisms shaped by the people who inhabit them.</p>



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<p>Kowloon Walled City was a paradox: chaotic yet communal, lawless yet lively. Its demolition marked the end of an era, but its essence endures in the park that replaced it and the memories of those who called it home.</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/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87809" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Kowloon-Walled-City-Park_01-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>As Kowloon City continues to evolve, the challenge lies in balancing development with remembrance. The new city may be cleaner, safer and more efficient, but the old city, in all its gritty glory, remains unforgettable.</p>



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Call of the Walls: Flowers have replaced Kowloon Walled City’s darkness, yet a sense of loss lingers


<p>In a tale of two champions, the 2025 Wimbledon Championships concluded with unforgettable singles finals that showcased the very best of tennis. On the hallowed grass of Centre Court in southwest London, Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek etched their names into history, each delivering performances that will be remembered for years to come.</p>



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<p>World number-one Sinner faced off against two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final on 13 July. This clash of titans was a rematch of their epic French Open final the previous month, where Alcaraz had prevailed in five sets. This time, Sinner was determined to flip the script.</p>



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<p>His Spanish opponent started strong, taking the first set 6–4 with aggressive baseline play and a blistering 140 mph (225 km/h) serve. But the Italian adjusted his tactics in the second set, opting for more forehand winners and varying his serve placement. The shift paid off as he broke Alcaraz early and held serve to level the match.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sinner Set Piece</h3>



<p>From there, Sinner took control. He broke Alcaraz at key moments in the third and fourth sets, using deep returns and precise net play to keep him off balance. Alcaraz had a double break opportunity in the final set, but Sinner held firm, delivering powerful forehands to fend off the threat.</p>



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<p>Sinner’s strategy was clear: shorten rallies, attack second serves, and avoid letting Alcaraz dictate play. His serve variety and court positioning were impeccable, while his mental resilience was also on full display, especially after losing the first set.</p>


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<p>This victory over his great rival will have tasted particularly sweet, giving him a fourth Grand Slam title and the second of the year.&nbsp; Sinner, who turns 24 this month, is the first Italian man to win Wimbledon. He also joins an elite group as the youngest player to reach four consecutive Grand Slam finals – the US, Australian and French Opens, and Wimbledon – since 1968, when professional players were allowed to compete in the top tournaments.</p>



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<p>Sinner’s triumph was not just a personal milestone, it was a statement that the balance of power in men’s tennis is shifting. It snapped Alcaraz’s 20-match Wimbledon winning streak and 24-match unbeaten run across all events, marking the 22-year-old’s first loss in a Grand Slam final.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aces in the Pole</h3>



<p>The day before, Iga Świątek delivered a masterclass in dominance, defeating Amanda Anisimova in the women’s singles final in a rare and emphatic score of 6–0, 6–0. Hailed as the ‘Queen of Clay’ and already a five-time Grand Slam champion, Świątek was chasing her first Wimbledon title, and her first Tour-level triumph on grass.</p>



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<p>Anisimova, ranked only fifth among the US women players, had stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals and was playing in her first major final. But nerves and inexperience showed as the Polish player took control from the first point.</p>


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<p>Świątek’s performance was near-flawless. She hit deep, angled shots that kept Anisimova scrambling, and her serve was both powerful and precise. The American struggled to find rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors and failing to hold serve even once. In stark comparison, Świątek limited her own errors and played with surgical precision. Her court coverage and anticipation were unmatched, and she never allowed her opponent to settle.</p>



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<p>The Pole was ranked only eighth in the world going into the tournament, though she had previously held top spot, having being undefeated in 37 consecutive matches from early 2022. Her Wimbledon win was not just dominant, it was symbolic. It marked her return to form, and her evolution from clay and hardcourt specialist to a true all-surface champion. Świątek’s ability to adapt her game to grass courts speaks volumes about her versatility and ambition.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prize &amp; Prestige</h3>



<p>Her double-bagel women’s singles championship win was only the second in Wimbledon’s 138-year history. It sees her joiningSteffi Graf as one of the few players in the modern era to triumph 6-0, 6-0 in a major final. In contrast to the men’s battle, which lasted three hours and four minutes, the women’s singles was decided in just 57 minutes.</p>



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<p>Both champions earned £3 million (HK$31.7 million) for their victories, continuing the Grand Slam tradition of equal prize money for men and women; Wimbledon, in fact, was the last of the quartet, in 2007, to convert to a gender-equality reward.</p>


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<p>Runner-ups Alcaraz and Anisimova took home £1.52 million each of a total purse that reached a record £53.5 million, reflecting the tournament’s status as the most lucrative tennis Grand Slam.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Break Point</h3>



<p>Wimbledon 2025 felt like a turning point in tennis. With Novak Djokovic and Sabalenka both falling in the semi-finals, the finals represented a new generation of champions. Sinner is now the face of men’s tennis, with a game that blends power, finesse and mental toughness, while Świątek, also 24, has cemented her status as the most dominant woman of her era, with titles on clay, hardcourt and now grass.</p>



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<p>Their victories signal a shift away from the old guard toward a future defined by adaptability, athleticism and global appeal. Social media exploded with praise for both champions. Sinner’s win was hailed as “revenge served cold” after his French Open loss, while Świątek’s double bagel drew comparisons to Serena Williams and Graf.</p>


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<p>This year’s winners also have a less positive note in common – they both received short suspensions for doping violations within the past 12 months. Traces of banned substances were found during routine tests, but tennis authorities judged that these were the result of contaminated medications, not an intent by the players to enhance their performances. Sinner remarked after his match that he and Świątek would perhaps savour their victories even more after the difficult times they had endured.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Finals Flourish</h3>



<p>Tennis fans celebrated the sportsmanship, intensity and elegance of both finals. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s decision to switch up the order of play this year paid dividends. The two singles championship matches were moved to 4 pm local time to suit TV audiences, particularly in the US, where they aired at 11 am EST. The scheduling change also gave greater visibility to the doubles finals, which were played earlier in the day, ensuring packed stands and higher viewership.</p>



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<p>Despite a couple of notable glitches, the installation of modern electronic line calling to replace the traditional line umpires also received positive feedback. Some customs giving Wimbledon its refined and quintessential British edge over other major tournaments happily remain, though. The all-white tennis wear, the generally genteel spectators, and the popping of Champagne corks – even mid-match in the men’s final – bestow an unbeatable charm.&nbsp;</p>


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<p>Wimbledon 2025 delivered two finals that couldn’t have been more different – one a tactical four-set battle, the other a swift and stunning shutout. Yet both were united by excellence, determination, and the emergence of champions who are redefining tennis. As the grass courts of SW19 return to silence, the echoes of their victories will linger. And with play to be called shortly at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York’s Flushing Meadows, the tennis world waits to see what these champions will do next.</p>


Court of Appeal: Sinner and Świątek serve up a feast while redefining tennis at a very watchable Wimbledon


<p>Brad Pitt has long been Hollywood’s golden boy – equal parts heartthrob, chameleon and cinematic daredevil. But in 2025, he’s not just basking in legacy; he’s redefining it. With F1: The Movie, which sped into cinemas earlier this summer, Pitt trades red carpets for racetracks as a washed-up Formula One driver clawing his way back into the sport. It’s a role that demands grit, vulnerability and velocity – and the actor delivers all three with the kind of swagger only he can summon.</p>



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<p>Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), F1 is a high-octane sports drama that’s part redemption arc, part adrenaline rush. Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, is a former racing prodigy whose career was derailed by a catastrophic crash in the 1990s. Decades later, he’s lured back into the cockpit to help save a struggling team from collapse. The film is packed with real-life Grand Prix footage, cameos from actual Formula One drivers, and a soundtrack that pulses with Hans Zimmer’s signature intensity.</p>



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<p>But it’s Pitt’s performance that anchors the spectacle. He’s not just playing a racer, he’s embodying a man haunted by past glory, driven by unfinished business, and learning to trust again. Whether he’s trading barbs with his rookie teammate (played by Snowfall’s Damson Idris) or locking eyes with Kerry Condon’s steely technical director, Pitt brings a weathered charisma that’s impossible to ignore.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Drive for Realism</h3>



<p>What makes F1 more than just another sports flick is its authenticity. Filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends across 2023 and 2024, the movie features real tracks, real teams and real tension. Pitt didn’t just act, he trained. With guidance from Mercedes AMG and Lewis Hamilton (who also co-produced the film), the actor drove modified Formula Two cars designed to mimic Formula One machines.</p>



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<p>The production team went all in, converting six Formula Two cars into camera-ready racers with 15 built-in mounts. The result? Racing sequences that feel visceral, cinematic, and surprisingly grounded. Kosinski’s direction leans into realism, capturing the chaos of pit stops, the precision of overtakes, and the emotional stakes of every lap.</p>



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<p>&nbsp;“It’s undeniable [that we are driving the cars]; we’re not sitting on a sound stage with wind machines,” says F1’s star, hailing the filming as “one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve had”. He enthuses: “I’ve been trying to get a racing movie done for 20 years. I’ve tried bikes, I’ve tried cars, I’ve tried different disciplines, and for whatever reason, they never came to fruition. [We wanted] to make the most realistic racing movie we’ve seen to date, and I think that’s what we’ve done.”</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/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-1024x708.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87476" width="768" height="531" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-405x280.jpg 405w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-768x531.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-1536x1062.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-2048x1416.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-200x138.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opt-Feature1_Aug2025_BradPitt_image02-800x553.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pitt Never Stops</h3>



<p>For the actor, F1 isn’t just another notch on his filmography; it’s a statement. At 61, Pitt’s proving that reinvention isn’t reserved for newcomers. His career has spanned decades and multiple award nominations, from the film that got him noticed, Thelma &amp; Louise (1991), to Fight Club (1999), Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), which secure d his best-supporting-actor Oscar win. He’s played assassins, astronauts and ageing stuntmen, but F1 taps into something deeper: the idea that greatness isn’t static; it evolves.</p>



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<p>Sonny Hayes is a man out of time, trying to adapt to a sport that’s left him behind. Pitt, too, is navigating a Hollywood landscape that’s increasingly obsessed with youth and novelty. Yet he remains relevant – not by chasing trends, but by choosing roles that challenge him. F1 is a metaphor for that journey: a comeback story that mirrors Pitt’s own refusal to coast.</p>



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<p>He says: “Man, I’ve been doing this for a while and was wondering: Do I have more stories to tell? Do I have anything to add to this? Is there still any excitement I can find from this? [This film] just reinvigorated the whole thing again for me.”</p>



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<p>He plays Sonny with a quiet ache, a man who’s lost more than he lets on and who’s terrified of losing again. This emotional depth is what elevates F1 beyond the genre. It’s not just about speed, it’s about healing. Pitt’s ability to toggle between bravado and brokenness is what makes Sonny believable. He’s not invincible; he’s human. And that humanity is what keeps audiences invested.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life Beyond the Limelight</h3>



<p>Brad Pitt’s star power is undeniable, but it’s his versatility that keeps him interesting. He’s not afraid to get messy, to play flawed characters, to let the audience see the cracks. In F1, he’s not the fastest or the flashiest, but he’s the most determined – and that determination resonates.</p>



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<p>Off-screen, Pitt has embraced a quieter life of late, especially after his high-profile separation from Angelina Jolie in 2016. He’s focused on producing through his company, Plan B Entertainment, which he and his first wife, Jennifer Aniston, co-founded back in 2001. 12 Years a Slave (2013), which earned him a producer’s Academy Award for Best Picture; The Big Short (2015); and Moonlight (2016) number among the critically acclaimed films he has backed.</p>



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<p>He’s also delved into architecture – in an interview in 2008, he called acting his career and architecture his passion – exhibited his sculptures, and poured his heart into winemaking – the celebrated rosé of Château Miraval. Romantically, he appears at peace with jewellery executive Ines de Ramon. But when he returns to acting, it’s with purpose.</p>



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<p>F1 is already being hailed as one of the year’s biggest blockbusters, grossing more than US$395 million worldwide. Critics have praised its visuals, its pacing, and Pitt’s performance. Some Formula One purists have nitpicked the racing accuracy, but most agree that it’s a thrilling ride. And for Pitt, it’s another feather in a cap that’s already overflowing.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lap of Fame</h3>



<p>His portrayal of Sonny Hayes may not win him another Oscar, but it cements his status as an actor who still has something to say. He’s not cruising by on charm; he’s pushing boundaries. A 30-year superstar of the silver screen, Pitt could have played it safe and leaned into nostalgia. Instead, he chose to race forward, literally and figuratively. And in a landscape where many stars fade, he continues to shine.</p>



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<p>“You get to my age and see how important it is to surround yourself with the people you know, the people you love, the people that love you back,” he says. “Friends, family and that’s it. From there, we get to go make things. It’s a pretty simple … equation.”</p>



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<p>As Sonny Hayes crosses the finish line – spoiler alert – victorious and vindicated, it’s hard not to see Pitt in the same light. He’s a man who’s weathered storms, embraced change and come out stronger. And in F1, he’s not just acting – he’s accelerating.</p>


Fast & Glorious: With F1, Brad Pitt keeps fans’ hearts racing while reigniting his thrill for the ride


<p>Rooted in community and arising from crisis, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong’s most unique and vibrant cultural celebrations. Held annually on the island of Cheung Chau, this Taoist fiesta is steeped in centuries-old traditions, spiritual symbolism and a fascinating origin story that blends folklore with historical adversity.</p>



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<p>The bun festival traces back to the late Qing dynasty when Cheung Chau was a modest fishing village often beset with piracy and disease. According to local legend, a devastating plague swept through the island in 1777. Desperate for relief, the Hailufeng people, who had settled here from Guangdong, invoked the protection of Pak Tai, the Taoist deity associated with the sea and natural disasters. They brought a statue of the god to the island and paraded it through the streets in a ritual meant to exorcise evil spirits and restore peace.</p>



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<p>Miraculously, the plague subsided. In gratitude, the villagers began holding annual ceremonies to honour Pak Tai, which evolved into the elaborate festival we see today. Over time, the spectacle also absorbed elements from other Chinese folk traditions, including rituals to appease wandering spirits and protect the island from future misfortunes.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sacrifice for Peace</h3>



<p>Cheung Chau’s famous bun scramble up a bamboo tower is part of a broader Taoist celebration known as the Da Jiu Festival, or Tai Ping Ching Chiu in Cantonese, which translates to the ‘Purest Sacrifice for Great Peace’. These festivals are held in various rural communities across southern China and Hong Kong, often to mark the end of a calamity or to seek divine blessings for peace and prosperity.</p>



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<p>In Cheung Chau, the Da Jiu Festival spans several days in the fourth month of the Lunar Calendar – typically early May – and includes a series of religious rites, processions and performances. Central to the celebration is the construction of a temporary bamboo shrine near the island’s Pak Tai Temple. Offerings are made and rituals performed to honour the gods and drive away malevolent forces.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pure of Body</h3>



<p>One of the most distinctive features of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is the observance of vegetarianism. For three days during the festival, the entire island abstains from meat. Locals snack on put chai ko, a steamed pudding cake sold by street vendors, and eschew the seafood splurges for which the island is known. Vegetarian options like lo bak go, or turnip cake, replace the usual street-food delights of fish balls and har gow (shrimp dumplings). Even fast-food chains like McDonald’s adapt by serving mushroom rather than meat burgers.</p>



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<p>This practice is rooted in Taoist beliefs about purification and spiritual harmony. By adopting a vegetarian diet, participants symbolically cleanse themselves and the community, creating a more auspicious environment for the gods to bless.</p>



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<p>Another food favourite are the steamed buns that give the festival its catchy name. Every year, tens of thousands of sweet buns filled with lotus seed, red bean paste or sesame are made. Seen as offerings that will placate angry spirits, they are stamped with the Chinese characters for ‘ping an’, meaning peace.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Children of the Gods</h3>



<p>Among the most iconic spectacles of the festival is the Piu Sik, or Floating Colours Parade, when children dressed as mythological figures, historical heroes and modern icons are hoisted onto hidden platforms, giving the illusion that they are floating through the air. These ‘living deities’ are paraded through the streets in a vibrant procession accompanied by lion dances, drumming troupes and costumed performers.</p>



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<p>The parade is both a spiritual ritual and a community celebration. It reenacts the original procession of Pak Tai that saved the island, while also showcasing the creativity and cultural pride of Cheung Chau’s residents.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scramble for Success</h3>



<p>The festival’s most thrilling event is the bun-snatching competition, held at midnight on the final day. Traditionally, three towering bamboo structures, each about 60-feet-tall, were erected and covered with thousands of white steamed buns. Competitors raced to climb the towers and grab as many buns as possible, with those at the top considered the most auspicious.</p>



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<p>Historically, the buns were believed to bring good luck and protection. The higher the bun, the greater the fortune. However, the competition was suspended for decades after the customary frenzied scramble to the top caused the structure to collapse in 1978, injuring some 100 people.</p>



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<p>By popular demand, the tradition was revived in 2005 with enhanced safety measures, and it remains a highlight of the festival. For the past 20 years, a limited number of experienced climbers have scaled a single steel-reinforced bamboo tower to snatch what are now plastic buns rather than the fragrant treats of yesteryear.</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/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-1024x677.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87354" width="768" height="508" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-1024x677.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-424x280.jpg 424w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-768x508.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-1536x1015.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-2048x1354.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-200x132.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3-Cheung-Chau_03-800x529.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Warrior Worship</h3>



<p>Pak Tai, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven, is the central figure of the festival and the patron deity of Cheung Chau. The Pak Tai temple, built in 1783, is one of the oldest and most important religious sites on the island. During the festival, it becomes the spiritual heart of the celebration, drawing worshippers from across Hong Kong and beyond.</p>



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<p>Revered for his power to vanquish evil and restore order, Pak Tai is often depicted as a warrior god standing on a tortoise and serpent – symbols of evil he has conquered. His presence in the festival underscores the themes of protection, purification and renewal that define the event.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Weaving Past and Present</h3>



<p>The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is more than just a religious observance; it is a living testament to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage. In 2011, it was officially inscribed on the city’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in recognition of its historical, artistic and communal value.</p>



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<p>The festival also serves as a powerful symbol of local identity. Despite the rapid modernisation of Hong Kong, Cheung Chau has preserved its traditions with remarkable fidelity. The festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, including tourists, scholars and cultural enthusiasts eager to witness its unique blend of spirituality and spectacle.</p>



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<p>In recent years, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival has gained international attention, featuring in travel documentaries, cultural exhibitions and academic studies. Its colourful visuals and dramatic rituals make it a favourite subject for photographers and filmmakers.</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/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-1024x680.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87355" width="768" height="510" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-2048x1361.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4-Blick_uber_Cheung_Chau-800x532.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scaling Modern Change</h3>



<p>However, the festival also faces challenges. The increasing commercialisation of the event has raised concerns about its authenticity. Some locals worry that the spiritual essence of the festival is being overshadowed by tourism and media hype. Additionally, environmental concerns have prompted calls for more sustainable practices, such as reducing waste from bun packaging and parade materials.</p>



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<p>Despite these challenges, the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival remains a vibrant and evolving tradition. It continues to serve its original purpose, bringing the community together in a shared act of remembrance, gratitude and hope.</p>



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<p>From its humble beginnings as a plague-averting ritual to its current status as a cultural landmark, the festival embodies the resilience and creativity of the Cheung Chau people. It is a celebration of life, a tribute to the divine, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, communities can find strength in tradition.</p>


Bun Rites: Faith, folklore and a frenzied scramble to the top characterise Cheung Chau’s Da Jiu Festival


<p>In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural exchange programmes have emerged as vital mechanisms for fostering understanding, tolerance and friendship among people from diverse backgrounds. These schemes encompass allow individuals to share their cultural heritage, traditions and values while learning about those of others. Whether facilitated by educational institutions, government agencies or non-profit organisations, cultural exchange offers profound opportunities for personal growth as well as broader societal benefits, impacting participants and communities alike.</p>



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<p>At the heart of such exchange programmes is the goal of promoting cultural understanding. By providing individuals with the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, they foster curiosity, empathy and appreciation for diversity. Participants can experience firsthand a wealth of traditions, languages, food and customs that may differ vastly from their own. This direct immersion in another country and its culture helps to dispel stereotypes and prejudices, cultivating a sense of respect for varying perspectives and ways of life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Citizens of the World</h3>



<p>In today’s globalised society, the concept of citizenship extends beyond national borders. Cultural exchange programmes encourage participants to think critically about their roles as global citizens. They provide a platform for individuals to engage with global issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental challenges and human rights. By interacting with people from different backgrounds, participants gain a more nuanced understanding of global challenges and are often inspired to take action, promoting social justice and progress.</p>



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<p>Language is a crucial aspect of culture, and cultural exchange activities often provide participants with the opportunity to improve their language skills. Whether learning a new language or refining existing proficiency, individuals can practise conversational skills in real-world scenarios, enhancing their linguistic competence. This language immersion is particularly effective as it allows learners to engage in genuine communication with native speakers, fostering deeper connections and understanding.</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/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87251" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_02_p-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Cultural exchange programmes often result in lasting friendships and relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. When participants share experiences, challenges and laughter, they build connections that can lead to lifelong friendships. These relationships not only enrich the lives of individuals but also cultivate networks of cross-cultural communication, understanding and collaboration. Such relationships can play a vital role in mitigating conflicts and fostering peace in a global society.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Learn and Grow</h3>



<p>Cultural exchange programmes come in various formats, each tailored to meet specific objectives and audiences. Student exchange is perhaps the most common type, allowing youngsters to study abroad, typically for a semester or academic year. During this time, students attend courses at local schools or universities, live with host families, and engage in cultural activities.</p>



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<p>These programmes provide a unique opportunity for students to experience a new education system, develop language skills, and form relationships with peers from different cultures. Leading examples of such initiatives in the US are the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study programme, which welcomes teens from countries as diverse as Albania, Ghana, Kuwait and Indonesia to American high schools, and the Rotary Youth Exchange, enabling 15- to 19-year-olds to spend an academic year in one of more than 100 countries.</p>



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<p>Many organisations offer work and volunteer exchange programmes that enable individuals to contribute their skills in a foreign context while experiencing a new culture. Participants may be employed in the likes of education, healthcare, environmental conservation or community development. WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), for instance, delivers sustainable agriculture experience on the land in various parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia, while the Workaway platform arranges volunteering, working holidays and housesitting stints in some 170 countries. Such exchanges allow participants to gain practical experience while immersing themselves in local communities.</p>



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<p>The US Consulate General offers an International Visitor Leadership Program for promising professionals in Hong Kong and Macau, enabling them to develop lasting relationships with their American and global counterparts while on short-term visits to the US.</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/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-1024x669.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87252" width="768" height="502" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-429x280.jpg 429w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-768x502.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-1536x1003.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-2048x1337.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-200x131.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_04_p-800x522.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Artistic Diversity</h3>



<p>Cultural exchange extends beyond language and academics; it also encompasses the arts. Artists, musicians and performers can engage in programmes that promote cross-cultural dialogue through artistic expression. Professional artists with more than seven years’ experience, for example, can apply for a Fulbright US Scholar Program award and showcase their skills overseas.</p>



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<p>Similarly, the Arts Envoy Program aims to share the best of the US arts community with the world, and American Music Abroad sends cultural ambassadors on two- or three-week multi-country tours. Elsewhere, various international arts festivals encourage artists to collaborate, share their craft, and foster intercultural understanding through creative endeavours.</p>



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<p>Educators can spread their expertise through teacher exchange schemes designed to promote professional development, cultural understanding and educational collaboration. These programmes allow teachers to share best practices, learn about new curricula, and gain insights into different educational systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building Communities</h3>



<p>Community-based initiatives focus on grassroots efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding at the local level. These often bring together diverse communities to engage in dialogue, cooperative projects and cultural events. Organisations like the US Peace Corps and Volunteer Action for Peace in the UK, or charities such as Habitat for Humanity run programmes that encourage cultural exchange within communities, facilitating interactions that foster mutual respect and understanding.</p>



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<p>Cultural exchange can be a transformative experience for participants, often resulting in significant personal growth. Many individuals return home with enhanced self-awareness, confidence and adaptability. Navigating new environments, customs and social norms encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, cultivating skills that are valuable in both personal and professional contexts.</p>



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<p>While the immediate impact of cultural exchange programmes is often felt on a personal level, the ripple effects extend to communities and societies. As participants bring their experiences and knowledge back home, they can contribute to building more inclusive and understanding communities. Cultural exchange engenders a sense of curiosity and openness towards diversity, fostering a society more able to embrace change and innovation.</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/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-1024x575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87253" width="768" height="431" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-499x280.jpg 499w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-768x431.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-1536x862.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-2048x1150.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Culural-Exchange_05_p-800x449.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bridging Divides</h3>



<p>Cultural exchange programmes can play a crucial role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. When individuals from conflicting backgrounds come together through these initiatives, they often find common ground and shared interests. Dialogue facilitated through cultural exchange can help break down historical animosities and promote reconciliation.</p>



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<p>The Seeds of Peace programme, for example, brings together youth from regions with a history of conflict. Serving as an example of how cultural exchange can bridge divides, its alumni – now numbering more than 8,000 young people residing the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and the US – are strategically positioned to lead change and the charge toward a more inclusive world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural Sensitivity</h3>



<p>Despite their many benefits, cultural exchange programmes also face challenges that require careful consideration. Issues such as cultural insensitivity, tokenism and unequal power dynamics can arise if these initiatives are not thoughtfully designed and implemented. It is essential for organisations and institutions to ensure that cultural exchange activities are equitable, respectful and genuinely inclusive, prioritising the voices and needs of local communities.</p>



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<p>Additionally, sustainability is a key concern. As cultural exchange programmes grow, ensuring they do not inadvertently contribute to cultural commodification or exploitation is vital. Initiatives should focus on fostering authentic connections rather than superficial encounters.</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/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-1024x637.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-87254" width="768" height="478" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-1024x637.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-450x280.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-768x478.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-1536x956.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-2048x1275.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-200x124.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/opt-Importance-of-Culural-Exchange-800x498.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A More Inclusive Future</h3>



<p>As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for cultural exchange will only become more pressing. Innovations in technology and communication will continue to shape how these immersions are delivered. Online exchanges and virtual programmes have emerged, which can complement traditional in-person exchanges while broadening accessibility.</p>



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<p>Moreover, as global challenges such as climate change, migration and social inequality demand collaborative solutions, cultural exchange can serve as essential platforms for dialogue, cooperation and innovation. By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, such schemes can contribute to developing holistic, sustainable solutions.</p>



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<p>As we move forward, prioritising and expanding cultural exchange initiatives will be essential in addressing the challenges of our time and building a more inclusive global future. Ultimately, fostering understanding and collaboration through cultural exchange is not just a noble endeavour; it is a necessity for a harmonious coexistence in our increasingly interconnected world.</p>


Peace Movement: Crossing continents on a cultural exchange programme is a major step towards a more inclusive world


<p>The willingness of a collector to snap up Shakespeare’s Four Folios ahead of an auction scheduled this May in London speaks volumes for the insatiable appetite that remains for the English playwright’s extraordinary output and legacy today, more than 400 years after his death. Given media speculation that this rare suite of the Bard’s published works would prompt bids of up to £4.5 million (HK$48 million), the price offered privately and accepted by the seller is likely to be astronomical.</p>



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<p>It is highly unusual for all four Shakespeare Folios to appear on the market as a single lot. The last time this happened was in 1989, when Sotheby’s – which also handled the recent sale ¬– auctioned a set in New York for US$2 million (HK$15.7 million). Titled <em>Mr William Shakespeares </em>[sic]<em> Comedies, Histories &amp; Tragedies</em>, the First Folio was published in 1623, seven years after his death at the behest of two of his friends. The book contained 36 plays and had an initial print-run of about 750 copies; three further editions were released between 1632 and 1685.</p>


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<p>According to the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Bard of Avon penned a total of 38 plays, including collaborations with other writers. The first,<em> The Taming of the Shrew</em>, is believed to have been completed before 1592, the year Shakespeare turned 28, and the last, <em>The Two Noble Kinsmen</em>, was written in 1613-14.</p>



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<p>The unending global fascination with Shakespeare’s works is reflected in the high estimate for the suite that exchanged hands in April, thus nullifying the intended auction. Andrea Smith, Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk in England, who has written extensively about the Bard, attributes this, in part, to his celebrity status. “Anything rare – and all four folios together is extremely rare – might fetch a high price, especially if they’re linked to a celebrity – and I think Shakespeare has become a celebrity over the centuries,” she explains.</p>



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<p>“I’d love to say [this is] just because the plays are brilliant, but it’s more than that. There’s mystery about the man himself – we know very little about him. And there’s a long history of holding his works in high regard among both academics and theatre professionals. When someone’s been on a pedestal as long as he has, it’s quite hard to knock him off!”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stories for All Times</h3>



<p>Smith was first drawn to Shakespeare’s stories and characters, and subsequently his superbly crafted words. Although his language might initially be viewed as odd and old-fashioned in the contemporary era, this is “what keeps you there”, she says. “If it were just the plots and characters, I don’t think we’d have his words any more – he’d just be cannibalised by modern writers for his ideas. Instead, his plays are still being staged.”</p>


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<p>She opines that many of his plays have not dated in the same way as those of his contemporaries since the majority were not set in England in his lifetime. They also have a compelling political dimension and embrace universal themes such as leadership, fairness in society, responsibility and gender politics.</p>



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<p>In an added bonus, there is less of a language barrier for the global audience when they read Shakespeare. “If you’re reading him in a modern translation, he’s already in your contemporary language,” she notes.</p>



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<p>Smith leans towards the romantic comedies when asked to name her favourites among the Bard’s vast body of work. “Perhaps <em>Much Ado About Nothing</em> – I’m particularly fond of Beatrice and Benedick, the ex-lovers who fall in love all over again with some hefty nudges from their friends,” she says. Some of the lesser-known plays also make her list, particularly the three parts of <em>Henry VI</em>. “They’re set during the Wars of the Roses and are rarely performed, but they’re a fascinating take on the impact of war on everyone involved.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Heart of Being Human</h3>



<p><em>Macbeth</em>, Shakespeare’s famous tragedy about ambition, power and loss, was directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones during a sell-out run in Hong Kong last year. For Spencer-Jones, Artistic Director of London-based theatre company Action to the Word, the Bard succeeds in cutting to the core of what it is to be human. “He’s a psychologist, a romantic, a pessimist, an optimist and sometimes even a protofeminist,” she notes. “Somehow, he has me by the hand, and says to me through his work, ‘I’ve got you’. I think a lot of people feel like that about him.”</p>



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<p>As a playwright, Shakespeare traverses geographical borders, language barriers and cultural conditions. “His talent for boring into the very heart of what it is to be human – to live, to die, to love and to suffer – touches us all deeply, regardless of where we were born, the money in our bank account or the cultural education we have received,” she says. “He’s the most honest playwright of all time.”</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tales of Tragedy</h3>



<p>According to Spencer-Jones, <em>Macbeth</em> fits the model of a perfect tragedy, and is a masterpiece on the page and to direct. She describes the main protagonist as the ideal tragic hero – someone for whom we feel pity, fear and disgust. “The play has everything that makes good drama – mystery and prophecy, amazingly written central characters who enthral us, terrible jeopardy and exquisite language.”</p>



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<p>If she were to choose one play as her personal standout, it would be <em>King Lear</em> – a heart-shattering exploration what it is to grow old and the dreadful ordeal of survival of the fittest. Her favourite to direct was the “vicious and ridiculous” <em>Titus Andronicus</em> – an early vengeance tale about defending one’s family to the literal death – while “it was such an honour to speak his words” when playing Juliet’s Nurse in <em>Romeo &amp; Juliet</em>, which is such a “beautifully written and carefully crafted” play.</p>



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<p>Spencer-Jones marvels at how Shakespeare’s plots have transcended his Elizabethan English writing. She points to ballets and symphonies based on his scripts, and the amazing immersive theatrical experience of <em>Sleep No More</em> by Punchdrunk, which is inspired by Macbeth. “If Shakespeare were alive today, he would be writing the most accessible and well-loved television shows,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Power of Theatre</h3>



<p>Nicholas Beckwith, Artistic Director of Hong Kong-based performing arts NGO Shakespeare4All, believes the Bard was exploring his own psyche when creating worlds outside his experience, such as a magical forest <em>(A Midsummer Night’s Dream) </em>or ancient Egypt <em>(Antony &amp; Cleopatra)</em>. “I think it’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes, and the power of theatre allows you to do that. And that’s why audiences continue to keep enjoying Shakespeare,” he says.</p>


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<p>Among a huge cast of diverse characters, Beckwith considers the fools to be the most interesting – like Bottom in <em>A Midsummer Night’s Dream</em> or the Fool in <em>King Lear</em>. “Shakespeare had this beautiful way that the fool characters were often the ones that were the most honest or the most piercing with their language,” he says.</p>



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<p>He also notes how one’s response to Shakespeare’s writing can change over time, with different elements provoking a different understanding of the plays – one of the reasons why people will revisit them throughout their life.</p>



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<p>Beckwith’s group of professional actors takes Shakespeare to various districts of Hong Kong, hoping to inspire local youths to tread the boards themselves. He says: “A lot of people can see Shakespeare as elitist, but it is his stories, his themes, his characters that are accessible, and watching young people in Hong Kong be inspired by the stories and discover things about themselves that they didn’t know is really empowering.”</p>


To The Bard’s Credit: William Shakespeare’s enduring legacy translates into a rich body of work


<p>A spate of audacious break-ins and smash-and-grab raids at luxury premises is threatening to dim Hong Kong’s well-earned reputation as a beacon of low crime. Although the city is still hailed among the safest in the world, a five percent increase in the number of crimes recorded last year has put the spotlight on beefing up security for homes, stores and businesses.</p>



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<p>A daring early-morning robbery at Ginza Xiaoma in Central sent shockwaves through Hong Kong last November. After smashing into the premises, thieves took just a few minutes to grab more than 60 Hermes handbags from the 17th-floor retail outlet, having seemingly waltzed past building security. In an earlier frightening raid at an Emperor Watch &amp; Jewellery store in Tsim Sha Tsui, knife-wielding intruders confronted staff and swiped a HK$22 million jade necklace.</p>


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<p>Just last month two tailor shops in Tsim Sha Tsui were burgled, with a reported HK$3 million in cash and gold snatched. The thief reportedly forced the door open in the first shop, then stole the key to enter the owner’s neighbouring store.</p>



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<p>Deluxe residences have also been targeted in Sai Kung and elsewhere in the New Territories – possibly because they are seen as relatively easy pickings. Public figures are not immune from burglaries, either. The home of former Hong Kong police chief Andy Tsang was broken into while he and his family were away, and the mansion of tycoon Cecil Chao has been targeted twice, with millions in cash and valuables taken.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extra Vigilance</h3>



<p>While stressing that Hong Kong is still a relatively safe city, Parth Shah, CEO of jade atelier Fyoro, admits: “Recent events do make us think more about safety and being more vigilant. One does need to be more aware and have colleagues trained for any incidents.” He adds: “Stores on the retail level or the ground floor tend to be slightly more vulnerable.”</p>


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<p>Fyoro is on a higher floor in a secured building. “We have a full security system, including safe vaults that are strong,” says Shah, noting that heavy doors, vaults and enforced walls are all essential in his business.</p>



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<p>Since insider information is often used to breach security during robberies, he advocates diligence when hiring staff, providing proper training, and limiting access to valuables to only a few highly trusted individuals. Having advance knowledge of the security systems in place, as well as scouting the area and observing staff routines are typical modus operandi for thieves.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Higher Insurance</h3>



<p>Insurance is a concern for those owning high-value businesses, and Shah indicates that premiums and deductibles have increased. “We have taken on higher insurance measures, and the compliance and paperwork required for this is much more stringent [than before],” he notes. “Also, it is essential that one ensures that the outsourced systems and inhouse security systems are combined to be compliant with insurance requirements.”</p>


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<p>As a provider of precious jadeite jewellery and luxury gifts, Fyoro operates on an appointment-based model. “This means we have relative control over foot flow,” says Shah. Higher-value items receive increased security provision: “We have differentiated methods of storing and layering in security, depending on the value. We also have additional in-office security features. We have a checklist and system of how goods are stored every day.</p>



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<p>“Anyone [viewing] goods in our office would have at least two cameras watching [them], in addition to further security layers. But we have to keep it discreet.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Safe and Secure</h3>



<p>Ramped-up security can still be aesthetically pleasing, according to Kevin Man of Manton Security. For instance, Man notes that today’s sophisticated security features can seamlessly match the architectural heritage of the building. Munitus, a purveyor of bespoke security doors and windows, tailors security levels according to clients’ needs – bullet-proofing is available. US company Brown Safe specialises in luxury home and jewellery safes that can not only ably withstand severe attack – some were designed for the military – but also come with exotic interiors.</p>



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<p>“We also do strong rooms for clients – these are like panic rooms and can also act as a safe,” says Man. “They have nice finishing inside and can come with a hidden door, meaning people don’t realise [they are installed].”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Automated Protection</h3>



<p>Given the increasingly sophisticated technology used by bad actors to bypass protections, Shah outsources this aspect of his company’s security to a specialised firm. “The main vulnerabilities in terms of software would be from their end,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Artificial intelligence can also be used to assess potential risks with clients, alert owners of red flags, and integrate with the police or the authorities. “But AI software would need to be matched with hardware that is also strong and evolving,” he advises.&nbsp;</p>


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<p>ImageDeep founder Niall Dorr, who has been providing automated security solutions for 20 years, advocates AI-driven security systems that offer 24/7 vigilance without human vulnerabilities. For instance, equipping luxury homes with AI cameras and perimeter sensors, and watermarking art and jewellery collections. “If intruders attempt a quick getaway, our system issues audio warnings and notifies police within seconds, while watermarking ensures recovered items are returned,” he says.</p>



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<p>An AI-driven anomaly detection system should also pick up on pre-raid reconnaissance via drones or loitering, and will counter signal mimicry with encrypted access controls.</p>



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<p>For jewellery stores, Hong Kong-headquartered ImageDeep can install smoke screens to disorientate thieves and prevent theft; implement biometric access for storerooms; and provide inventory tracking to prevent smash-and-grab raids or internal theft. “Our systems have protected high-value retail, reduced risks and secured insurance benefits,” says Dorr.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reducing Shrinkage</h3>



<p>He suggests firms employ technological solutions to combat the problem of internal theft, also known as shrinkage. “Use biometric authentication – fingerprint or facial recognition – and encrypted key-card systems to restrict access to areas storing valuables, such as safes, storerooms or display cases,” he explains. “Our AI surveillance tracks access in real time, logging entries with video evidence to ensure accountability. In Hong Kong’s luxury market, where items have high-unit values, even small losses can result in substantial financial impact.”</p>


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<p>He also warns that poor tracking can lead to losses, especially for businesses with large inventories of luxury goods, like car dealerships or jewellery retailers. Implementing IoT-enabled inventory tracking with RFID (radiofrequency identification) tags and cloud-based analytics to monitor valuables from production to sale or storage is recommended. “This ensures real-time visibility, prevents accidental losses, and flags discrepancies instantly, reducing shrinkage,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Watermarking Deterrent</h3>



<p>Invisible, non-obtrusive watermarking of high-value items like jewellery, watches or even vehicle components will aid traceability, which is critical for recovery and deterrence. “Our invisible watermarking embeds unique codes on luxury goods, ensuring 100 percent accuracy in tracing stolen items back to the owner or store,” says Dorr.</p>



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<p>This can be backed by prominent signage to deter potential thieves, informing them that stolen goods can be traced and their risk of conviction is increased. “This is especially effective for both home collections and retail inventory,” he notes.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Asleep on the Job?</h3>



<p>According to Dorr, relying solely on security personnel to protect high-value assets is unwise due to human limitations such as fatigue, bribery or intimidation. Given Hong Kong’s current shortage of security guards, he also argues that installing around-the-clock remote monitoring by AI comes at a lower cost.</p>



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<p>“Our systems, including drones for large properties or construction sites, cover remote areas and are immune to tampering or threats,” he says. “A luxury home or dealership can be secured over a weekend without entrusting your millions to a single guard.”</p>


Guardians of Our Luxury：Enhanced security – human and AI – is a hot topic in Hong Kong amid recent high-profile burglaries


<p>Shopping for priceless art at auction with virtual money is fast becoming a reality. Earlier this year, Christie’s accepted payment by cryptocurrency on the vast majority of lots – about 93% – in an auction dedicated to art created by artificial intelligence. It’s a transactional breakthrough that will be welcomed by many, especially young, tech-savvy art investors, yet others are still to be convinced of digital currency’s durability, and highlight its potential risks.</p>



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<p>Cryptocurrency was first used as payment for a physical artwork at a major auction house four years ago, according to Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby’s Head of Digital Art and NFTs in New York. The sale in question, in May 2021, involved the quintessential Banksy painting <em>Love is in the Air</em>, with Sotheby’s providing the option to pay in Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH) via the Coinbase exchange.</p>



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<p>“We made a decision to accept cryptocurrency for selected physical works in 2021 in response to the evolving art market and to attract an additional pool of collectors,” says Bouhanna of this pioneering initiative. “We were noticing an increasing appetite among collectors – many of a younger generation – for seamless payment options when doing business with us, and for many, this provided another method to participate in our sales.”</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Confidence in Compliance</h3>



<p>As with any other payment at auction, compliance checks and due diligence for crypto transactions are rigorous and all-important, especially given that the sums involved can be astronomical, equivalent to millions of US dollars. “Crypto is no different from any of the other currencies we accept, and all transactions are subject to applicable laws and regulations in whichever currency they choose to pay in,” states Bouhanna.</p>



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<p>He adds that Sotheby’s has been accepting crypto for some time now on individual lots and groups of works, and the auction house will continue to offer it as an option when it makes sense. “It’s important that everyone who transacts with us [in virtual currency] feels as welcome in our world as any other client,” he says.</p>



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<p>Other auction houses are getting in on the act, too. Phillips Hong Kong accepts crypto on certain occasions when it is perceived to be a fit. During Hong Kong Art Week 2025, payment by crypto was offered for a <em>Spaces</em> digital art exhibition of eclectic works reflecting upon the intersection of art, technology and impermanence.</p>



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<p>Not all auction houses have taken up the crypto baton, though. Bonham’s indicated that its policy at this juncture is not to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tapping into New Wealth</h3>



<p>Sean Hung, founder and CEO of fintech platform Acwires, can see the logic in auction houses beginning to accept crypto, aligning with how young collectors want to transact. “Over the past decade, there’s also been a lot of new wealth generated from cryptocurrency-related businesses such as service operation, trading, decentralised applications, et cetera. They are part of the new wave of collectors that auction houses would like to target,” he says.</p>



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<p>The digital currency expert believes the future lies in convergence between crypto and traditional finance, between accessibility and compliance. Acwires allows users to buy and sell crypto with their credit card, regardless of jurisdiction and currency, and previously he helped to build Diginex, which became the first crypto exchange to list on Nasdaq.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory Clarity</h3>



<p>He is convinced that as regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure evolves, crypto will become part of everyday commerce. “We are already seeing a shift as mainstream payment companies and banks have started working closely with crypto service providers,” he 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/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86881" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_01-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>As Hung shares, blockchain transactions are inherently transparent – but pseudonymous. “The transaction is visible, but the identity behind a wallet isn’t public unless disclosed,” he says. “We still have to rely on traditional KYC [Know Your Customer] procedures to attach a wallet to the actual buyer’s identity.” He adds that there are forensics firms able to trace a wallet’s previous transactions to identify if it has been associated with suspicious activities.</p>



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<p>Some financial commentators have suggested it is possible to evade a blockchain’s transparency through crypto mixers. Hung says leading platforms and regulated payment providers screen for such activity, and the focus now is on building infrastructure that is compliant with anti-money laundering standards through traditional KYC, and also KYT (Know Your Token) policies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Risks and Rewards</h3>



<p>Sam Kima, Senior Vice-President of First Gold, believes Sotheby’s and Christie’s adoption of cryptocurrency is a calculated bet to future-proof its business, attract crypto-rich collectors, and streamline transactions. By accepting crypto taps, the auction houses connect with a new class of wealthy buyers who prefer transacting in digital assets rather than liquidating them for fiat currency – which, notes Kima, can trigger tax events. He also suggests that some buyers prefer the pseudonymous nature of crypto for discreet transactions, especially in high-profile sales.</p>



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<p>Regarding the potential risks and challenges of transactions made in virtual currency, Kima warns: “Crypto prices can swing dramatically, creating uncertainty for both buyers and sellers. Some cryptocurrencies, for example Bitcoin, have high energy consumption, clashing with sustainability goals.” In addition, he foresees that regulatory uncertainty could complicate compliance.</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/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-1024x604.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86882" width="768" height="453" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-1024x604.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-475x280.jpg 475w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-768x453.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-1536x906.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-2048x1208.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-200x118.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_Bitcoin_02-800x472.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“Cryptocurrency in auctions is a natural evolution, aligning with digital finance trends; however, its long-term success depends on stablecoins [pegged to another asset to mitigate volatility] and clearer regulations,” he says. “If managed wisely, it could democratise art investing, but risks remain.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trust Issues</h3>



<p>According to Wojtek Paczos, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Cardiff University, cryptocurrencies payment systems operate on the basis of a fundamental mistrust. He says: “Nobody trusts anyone, so the record of transactions must be decentralised: it is kept in millions of copies all over the internet in a so-called ‘ledger’. The fact that it’s decentralised makes it economically inefficient.”</p>



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<p>In his view, for crypto to become a viable means of payment like a standard currency, it must be a unit of account, a store of value, and a medium of exchange. “Cryptocurrencies fail badly across all three [of these qualifying] tests: nobody quotes prices in bitcoins, the set of goods purchasable with bitcoin is severely limited, and the fluctuations in value against traditional currencies render bitcoin an unstable store of value.”</p>



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<p>He believes crypto is highly volatile because it is built on this basis of mistrust and lacks a safety net to prop up its demand, such as by paying taxes via the currency.  “In cryptocurrencies, the demand might simply disappear one day, and there is no formal backstop,” he says.</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/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-1024x890.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86885" width="768" height="668" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-1024x890.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-322x280.jpg 322w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-768x668.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-1536x1335.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-2048x1780.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-200x174.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/opt_infographic-bitcoin-ethereum-comparison-2-800x695.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scam Alert</h3>



<p>The image of crypto has undoubtedly been tarnished by incidents of scamming and hacking. Coinbase, one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, was hit by a cyberattack last month that is likely to cost it as much as US$400 million. Reportedly, the company refused to pay a bribe demanded by the hackers and has promised to reimburse every client who got scammed.</p>



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<p>Bill Lee, Chief Technology Officer of Web3 pioneer DualMint says the promise of crypto technology has been undermined by a flood of scams, rug pulls and exploitative projects. “To combat this, both the industry and regulators are stepping up,” he shares. </p>



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<p>DualMint emerged as a response to fundamental issues within the current digital ecosystem like ownership, control and transparency.  Offering some measure of reassurance, Lee says: “Within the space, there’s a growing emphasis on auditing, code transparency and self-regulatory standards, such as those promoted by organisations like the Blockchain Association and [blockchain analytics firm] Chainalysis.”</p>



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<p>As digital-currency tech evolves and improves, collectors at auction can take heart in the virtual reality of securing a beloved work of art without paying through notes.&nbsp;</p>


Bitcoin Collecting: The growing use of cryptocurrency in the art market attracts tech-savvy clients– just beware of scam artists…


<p>Once a shy girl who devoted much of her time to her beloved horse, Mikey Madison is now riding the wave of Hollywood success. While labelling herself an introvert, the <em>Anora</em> star enjoys occupying the headspace of extroverts. “If I play these [extreme] characters, then I’m going to get to experience so much life and living through them. And it doesn’t have to be me, you know? I get to have a safety net.” When collecting her Best Actress Academy Award statuette in March this year, Madison stepped up, aged 25, as the first Gen Z Oscar winner for acting.</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/2025/06/1a-pt-774x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86753" width="581" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-774x1024.jpg 774w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-212x280.jpg 212w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-768x1016.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-1161x1536.jpg 1161w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-1548x2048.jpg 1548w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-200x265.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-800x1059.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a-pt-scaled.jpg 1935w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure></div>


<p>Mikaela Madison Rosberg was born in Los Angeles on 25 March 1999, alongside her twin brother, into a family with a past claim to fame – one of her relatives was Clarence Hailey Long Jr, a rugged Texas cowboy who appeared on the cover of the August 1949 issue of <em>Life</em> magazine and was the inspiration for the iconic cigarette-advertising ‘Marlboro Man’.</p>



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<p>Although growing up in a vibrant city known for its performance arts, young Mikey initially inherited Long’s passion for riding. Her parents, both psychologists and supportive of her ambitions, allowed her to be homeschooled so could dedicate herself to equestrianism. It wasn’t until she was 14 that her head was turned toward acting. “I loved the ritual of getting to the barn and taking care of my horse, but it’s kind of an isolating sport,” she says of horse riding. “I felt called in another direction.”</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/2025/06/1-opt-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86754" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-opt.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LA Spirit</h3>



<p>Having enrolled in acting classes, she made the pivotal decision to focus on acting full-time, forgoing college to immerse herself in auditions. It was then that her upbringing in Los Angeles, amid a backdrop of aspiring artists and established stars, provided her with a unique perspective on the entertainment world.</p>



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<p>She first caught the eye at 17 as the eldest, and often angry, daughter in the television family assembled by Pamela Adlon for the comedy-drama series <em>Better Things</em> (2016-2020). “That show was my film school, my college, and I learned a lot about acting too, certainly,” she says.</p>



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<p>Her film breakthrough came in Quentin Tarantino’s <em>Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</em> (2019),&nbsp; which examines the changing dynamics of Tinseltown in the late 1960s. She shone among a large ensemble cast which included big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, playing the small but pivotal role of Susan ‘Sadie’ Atkins, one of Charles Manson’s notorious ‘family’ who murdered actress Sharon Tate and four others on 9 August 1969. Praised by critics for her authenticity and emotional depth, the young actor demonstrated her versatility and positioned herself as a new talent to watch.</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/2025/06/7a-936x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86758" width="702" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-936x1024.jpg 936w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-256x280.jpg 256w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-768x840.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-1404x1536.jpg 1404w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-1872x2048.jpg 1872w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-200x219.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a-800x875.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px" /></figure></div>


<p>The main takeaway for Madison herself, though, was the opportunity to be directed by one of her heroes. “It was a dream come true,” she exclaims of working with Tarantino. “It was completely unbelievable and the greatest entry into film for me. But it was also, ‘OK, well, f***, I just worked with my hero at 19. What am I going to do now?’”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brooklyn Bound</h3>



<p>Nabbing the titular role in the Palme d’Or and Oscar triumph <em>Anora</em> (2024) was her answer. In fact, she didn’t even have to audition for the part since writer-director-producer-editor Sean Baker had spotted her in <em>Scream</em> (2022), the fifth instalment of the iconic slasher series, and recalled her work in <em>Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</em>. He wrote this hard-edged, modern American romance centring on a bold, brassy stripper-cum-occasional sex worker with Madison in mind.</p>



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<p>In turn, the actor threw herself into the role, casting off her inner California girl. Displaying her strong work ethic and thirst for perfection, she visited strip clubs, learnt pole dancing and basic Russian, and even lived in Brighton Beach for a month to acquire a thick Brooklyn accent.</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/2025/06/3-opt-1024x911.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86755" width="768" height="683" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-1024x911.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-315x280.jpg 315w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-768x684.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-1536x1367.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-2048x1823.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-200x178.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-opt-800x712.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>As she collected a cache of trophies for <em>Anora</em>, Madison dedicated them to the women who earn their living as sex workers. “I’ve made friends who are dancers,” she relates. “I wanted every aspect of Ani’s career and what she does to be realistic – but also [to show] that’s not her entire life; that’s just her job. I didn’t want [her line of work] to be sensationalised or dramatised in a negative way. I just wanted it to be what it was.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Slow &amp; Shy</h3>



<p>She says of the character: “[Ani’s] very boisterous and scrappy and has so much attitude. And she has this incredible fighting spirit that I really admire, and I don’t think that’s me at all. In terms of energy, I’m a lower-energy person. I just move through the world in a slower manner.” A rare celebrity who eschews social media and doesn’t like to talk about herself, the actor prefers to live “in her own little world”.</p>



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<p>Madison has been open about her struggles with shyness and social difficulties as a child, when she found solace spending time with animals. She encourages others to prioritise their mental wellbeing, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity.</p>



<p>As a relatively inexperienced actor, she has been inspired by the women who have paved the way in Hollywood. She acknowledges the importance of representation in film and television, advocating for diverse stories and complex characters. Her passion for storytelling aligns with her desire to contribute meaningfully to the industry.</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/2025/06/4-opt-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86757" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-2048x1280.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4-opt-800x500.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“I would like to see more men in power being outspoken about women’s issues in Hollywood… the kind of world we live in, men are in a position of power – actors, producers, directors. They should be uplifting women. I think that should be a man’s role,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Emotional Ride</h3>



<p>Looking ahead to surely an even more glittering future, she is eager to explore new opportunities that challenge her as an actress.  She is keen on taking on diverse roles that push her boundaries and projects that resonate with her values, whether in film or television. “[Acting] is an emotional job, and so for me, I approach it in an emotional way,” she stresses. “I’m taking my time [committing to a new project, and] I’m grateful that I have the luxury of being able to do right now.”</p>



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<p>She acknowledges that making <em>Anora</em> was a “crazy, life-changing” experience. The low-key star views acting as “creating something together” and takes pleasure in the fact “that whatever I make, for at least one person it will be their favourite thing”. With her first headlining role, Mikey Madison has touched the hearts of millions.</p>


Head Over Heels: From horse riding to pole dancing, Anora actor Mikey Madison is assured and authentic in everything she does


<p>A recent survey has shed positive light on Hong Kong’s efforts to lure more tourists and the high levels of public awareness and engagement generated by mega events. Large-scale attractions are seen as an important plank in the drive to attract overseas visitors willing to spend big in the local economy.</p>



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<p>March 2025 was designated a ‘Super’ month by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in an initiative designed to boost the city’s allure. The ‘Super March’ campaign crystallised and capitalised upon a series of major events with international pulling power that were happening that month, including the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and pop culture festival ComplexCon.</p>



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<p>A variety of methods, from websites and social media to online and outdoor advertising, were used to draw tourists into Hong Kong to experience these cultural and sporting highlights and visit new landmarks. A dedicated webpage was set up to promote the campaign, and the HKTB partnered with 40 key opinion leaders and celebrities, who shared first-hand enjoyment of the events on their social-media platforms, resulting in a reported audience reach of more than 10 million followers.</p>



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<p>Super March was the first showcase of seasonal themes involving the strategic bundling of mega events and experiences that define Hong Kong – the likes of gastronomy, arts and culture, festivals, horse racing and sports, nature and outdoor activities, and the giant pandas – for promotions in visitor source markets. It was implemented “so that visitors and travel trade partners [could] have ample time to make travel or sales plans,” stated a HKTB spokesperson.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Surveying Sentiment</h3>



<p>Following Super March, a survey conducted by leading data-driven insights provider MDRi offered a comprehensive understanding of how these events were perceived and experienced by the local community. It focused on key indicators including event awareness, event participants and profiling, likelihood to recommend, and areas of improvement. The effectiveness of brand sponsorship, and sentiment on the Hong Kong economy, the future, and future event preferences were also analysed. The report was based on a “robust” survey sample size of 1,000 respondents from the general public.</p>



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<p>Notable among the survey findings was the invigorating impact of the Super March events on the Hong Kong economy. “A significant 72% of respondents expressed agreement that these events would have a positive effect on the local economy,” says Simon Tye, CEO of MDRi. “This finding underscores the optimism and recognition among the public regarding the economic benefits that these March events can potentially bring to Hong Kong.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sucking in Tourists</h3>



<p>Driven by this series of mega events, Hong Kong successfully attracted large numbers of visitors in March. The total of 3.8 million – including more than a million non-mainland visitors – represented a year-on-year increase of 12%, according to HKTB figures.</p>



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<p>“Inbound visitors accounted for more than 50%, 40% and 25% respectively for major events such as Art Basel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sevens and Art Central,” noted the HKTB. “Participants of ComplexCon also grew by 16% compared to last year, with a total sales of HK$87 million in the event.”</p>



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<p>The general economy and the hotel sector also received a boost. “In terms of economic activities, various sectors reported an extra revenue of 15-30% in March. According to the hotel industry, the occupancy rate of hotels in peak districts [was] close to 90%.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sevens the Star</h3>


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<p>The standout performer among the month’s mega events was the Hong Kong Sevens, reaching an “impressive” 89% awareness among the Hong Kong population, according to the Super March feedback. About 90% of attendees rated their experience positively and expressed strong interest in future participation. Additionally, 89% knew that Cathay and HSBC sponsored the event.</p>



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<p>In another boon for this year’s Hong Kong Sevens, it became the first major event held at Kai Tak Stadium, the new, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility designed by Populous, a global architectural firm specialising in arenas. “With a storied history dating back to 1976, this iconic event has woven itself into the collective memory of Hong Kong locals,” says Tye, noting that the new venue and facilities contributed positively to the event’s overall evaluation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Statement Stadium</h3>



<p>Richard Breslin, Senior Principal of Populous and the project’s lead architect, says Hong Kong is putting itself on the world stage as a major centre of sport, art and entertainment tourism. “Seeing the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium packed full of fans from all over the world during the three days of the Rugby Sevens is a real statement from Hong Kong to Asia and the rest of the world that the city is as vibrant and busy as ever,” he enthuses.</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/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-1024x668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86696" width="768" height="501" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-1024x668.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-429x280.jpg 429w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-768x501.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-1536x1002.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-2048x1336.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-200x130.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Feature4_June2025_Coldplay2-1-800x522.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“Kai Tak Sports Park is one of the world’s most integrated sports and entertainment precincts. It’s a city-shaping asset and having the Hong Kong Sevens here brought the event to the city and the city to the world.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Not All Right on the Night</h3>



<p>The draw of Kai Tak Stadium is highlighted by the fact that tickets placed on general sale for next month’s Hong Kong Football Festival were snapped up within hours. Numerous sell-out performances, including by British group Coldplay and Cantopop star Nicholas Tse, also attest to the new venue’s magnetic appeal.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>However, more than 200 complaints were lodged with the city’s consumer watchdog after the Coldplay concert, mainly concerning obstructed views. Similar complaints followed Tse’s show. Tye says such incidents raise valid issues about seating arrangements.</p>



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<p>Another teething problem concerned parking at the stadium. Amrit Sethi, Director of local travel agency Excella Travel, helped facilitate the itinerary of a group of visitors from Mongolia who were “super excited” to be in Hong Kong for Coldplay. “I wove in some other fun activities such as horse racing, city sightseeing and an optional visit to a theme park,” she says. “Some were diehard fans, who even got tattoos done prior to flying over.”</p>



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<p>Sethi states that the group had difficulty returning to their coach after the concert, as the vehicle had been unable to park in the intended area close to the stadium. “They finally did find the driver with real-time location share, but they had to walk quite a distance away.”</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Art of Drawing Crowds</h3>



<p>Amid all the plus points of its findings, the MDRi survey did uncover what might be considered a weakness in marketing Hong Kong mega events to the home crowd. Other than the Hong Kong Sevens, less than half of the sample population were aware of the Super March attractions – only 40% of respondents knew about Art Basel, while just 26% and 21% were cognisant of Art Central and ComplexCon respectively. However, in all cases the overwhelming number of attendees viewed their experience positively.</p>



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<p>Tye attributes the lower awareness to the nature of these events, which are primarily focused on art, culture and niche interests and thus may appeal to a smaller segment of the public. He says the success of Art Basel reinforces Hong Kong’s global reputation as a major art centre alongside New York, London and Paris. Interestingly, a profile of event attendees revealed that Art Basel participants had the highest liquid assets (a total of HK$2.74 million).</p>


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<p>Regarding areas of improvement for Art Basel, Tye points to a suggestion by respondents that pre-events should be hosted to introduce the art on show. This might “help build anticipation, generate interest and provide insights into the uniqueness and attractions of the artworks”, he says.</p>



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<p>He believes Art Central serves as a valuable complement to Art Basel by offering a high-exposure platform for emerging artists from the local and Asian art scenes. As for ComplexCon, he suggests its ability to resonate with a younger generation speaks to its relevance in contemporary pop culture and consumer trends.</p>



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



<p>Ultimately, the successful experiences of Super March not only reveal long-term implications for the arts, culture, sports and entertainment sectors but also reflect a vibrant cultural identity within the city. “This success could potentially attract more diverse events, promote local talent and stimulate creative industries, which may have lasting positive effects on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape,” says Tye.</p>


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<p>While Super March focused on mega sporting, art and cultural events, the HKTB is looking to cast the net wider in the future. The travel body suggests that staging international events like conventions and exhibitions can strengthen Hong Kong’s status and influence in different areas, such as financial and medical services, logistics, science and technology.</p>


Mega Mania:  Hong Kong’s big-event approach to reviving tourism and boosting cultural identity is working


<p>While opinions vary on whether now is the right time to buy or sell art, there may be some clarity on the best location in which to do so. The art market in Hong Kong and mainland China is outperforming other regions, and significantly for its future buoyancy, is diversifying to embrace younger collectors.</p>



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<p>Two recently published reports highlight the mixed fortunes of players in the art world. <em>The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2025</em> points to a 12% decrease in global art market sales amid a challenging economic environment. Research indicates a more reserved buying and selling environment at the high end of the market, but more positively the broader landscape remains dynamic. Resilience in lower-priced segments is fostering a more diverse market ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>On a regional level, indicators for the Asian art scene are encouraging. The newly launched <em>Mishcon de Reya x ArtTactic – China Art Market Report 2025</em> speaks of a “transformative” period for the art market here, as Hong Kong and mainland China become established as a prominent global art centre. It reveals that the global market share for sales of Modern and Contemporary Art in China including Hong Kong has doubled over the last decade, solidifying the country’s position as a key art hub. Having leapt from 7% market share in 2015 to 14% last year, China is now the third-largest art market globally. Furthermore, Hong Kong’s growth rate as an auction centre for Modern and Contemporary Art over the past 10 years has surpassed that of its rivals, New York and London.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



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<p>Jason Karas, Managing Partner of law firm Karas So LLP, who co-authored the China Art Market Report, flags economic growth and wealth creation in mainland China and Hong Kong as main factors in this rise, coupled with a sophisticated art market eco-system of public museums, private galleries, artists, advisers, collectors – including a new generation of buyers – and auction houses.</p>
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<p>He is also optimistic that the wider Asia region will continue to enjoy a higher share of art sales in the foreseeable future. “Asia is likely to continue to be the fastest-growing region in the world and continue to be a magnet for international capital,” he says. “These factors will inevitably lead to further growth in the art market through Asia.”&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Another important development spotlighted by the report is the internationalisation of the Hong Kong art market over the past decade. Co-author Simon Tye, CEO of market insights consultancy MDRi, notes: “Blue-chip Impressionists artists stimulated a remarkable increase in overall Impressionist sales, soaring from just US$247,300 in 2015 to US$68.7 million in 2024. Strong demand for works by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh has been a major driver, as their market appeal continues to grow among collectors in the region.”&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">China rising</h3>



<p>Asians have dominated the lists of top 10 artists selling for over US$1 million in the last decade, especially Chinese émigrés and Japanese artists. This high standing is driven by global recognition through museum exhibitions and strong auction results in the key markets of New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong, reveals Karas. Their appeal to both international and Asian collectors has reinforced their prominence at the top of the market.</p>



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<p>Some exhibitors at Art Basel Hong Kong in March commented on a strong interest in Chinese artists among fairgoers. “I’m particularly encouraged by the interest in Zhu Jinshi, a true pioneer of Chinese abstraction,” said Pearl Lam, who owns galleries in Hong Kong and Shanghai. She also noticed growing visitor curiosity for the works of Su Xiaobai.</p>
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<p>However, she issued a word of warning: “Let’s be real: this is a challenging time for Chinese artists on the global stage. We’re facing Trump-era tariffs and a climate that complicates the promotion of Chinese art.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demand for diversity</h3>



<p>Dawn Zhu, Director for Asia at international gallery Thaddaeus Ropac, noted that those who once focused primarily on Chinese or Asian contemporary art are increasingly interested in Western contemporary art, reflecting a quest to diversify collections. The gallery, which had one of its best years at Art Basel Hong Kong, showed high-quality works spanning established names and younger artists, aiming to respond to the varied interests of collectors in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.</p>



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<p>Commenting on the growth in demand for art in Asia, Zhu says: “The region’s expanding collector base and institutional infrastructure are signs that this trajectory might continue, although there are many other geopolitical and economic factors that will influence this and other global markets.”</p>



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<p>According to Levent Özmen, Senior Gallery Director of Istanbul-based Dirimart, oil on canvas paintings, particularly those by the new generation of upcoming artists, are catching the eye of many collectors. He opined that business at Art Basel Hong Kong has yet to return to the optimism of pre-Covid times, but he drew positives from the experience, saying: “We have always perceived our presence at the fair as a long-term project and value networking over sales.”</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Young at art&nbsp;</h3>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="646" height="806" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Melle-Hendrikse_edit.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86584 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Melle-Hendrikse_edit.jpg 646w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Melle-Hendrikse_edit-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Melle-Hendrikse_edit-200x250.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Gallerist Melle Hendrikse, who founded C-Space (now known as CLC Gallery Venture) in the Caochangdi Art District of Beijing in 2008, believes further growth in China’s burgeoning art market is being driven by new, and especially young, collectors. “We especially had very strong interest in the works by Zhang Shujian and Wang Xuan,” said Hendrikse of Art Basel Hong Kong, where he showcased predominately Chinese artists alongside some international names.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Garth Grierson, founder of Hong Kong-based Art Curators Hub, concurs. “There are younger buyers and collectors coming into the market, which is very encouraging for the future of art,” he says, adding that Asian art is taking the lead in Asia as the market recovers.</p>
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<p>The shift to youth noted by these gallerists is borne out by the China Art Market Report. Its research shows that nearly 40% of bidders and buyers in Asia are from the Millennial and Gen Z age groups, whose growing interest in art equates to a form of personal expression as well as an investment. “The auction market is increasingly driven by a younger demographic, which should secure its future growth and longevity,” says Karas. “As the global wealth transfer accelerates, this demographic is set to play a pivotal role in driving demand and market dynamics.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Affordable icons</h3>



<p>The report also highlights a notable increase in sales volume over 2023 and 2024 in the sub-US$50,000 sector, where young contemporary artists represent 26.9% of lots sold. “The interest in younger artists is a likely reflection of more demand from NextGen collectors who are collecting artists from their generation,” adds Karas.</p>



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<p>Renowned Asian artists such as Zao Wou-Ki and Sanyu, as well as international icons such as Pablo Picasso, also featured in auction sales at the lower end of the market. “It’s important for new and younger collectors to understand that the global art market and established (blue-chip) artists are accessible through multiple price points, from multimillion-dollar artworks to affordable options such as works on paper or limited editions and prints,” says Karas.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Women artists on the verge</h3>



<p>Diversification, which is a key catalyst for growth in the Hong Kong and Mainland China Modern and Contemporary Art market, extends to an increasing demand for works by women artists. At auction in Hong Kong, the number of women artists featured has tripled in the past six years, from 79 in 2019 to 231 in 2024. As Karas notes, there has been a significant global shift – including in Asia – towards greater inclusivity and gender diversity in the art market and the broader art world.</p>



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<p>Furthermore, Asian and Chinese artists dominate this emerging section of the Hong Kong and mainland China market, with seven out of the top 10 women artists by sales value hailing from the region. “The rising stocks of women artists from Asia could be at least partially owed to the trend of museums hosting retrospective shows on women artists from the region,” explains Karas. “Examples include the Yayoi Kusama show at M+ in 2022-23, and two at London’s Tate Modern – Anicka Yi in 2021-22, and Yoko Ono in 2024.” Karas also reveals a broader trend of expanding art markets throughout Asia, reflected in the development of new art infrastructure and events in other cities in China and in South Asia, and driven by economic growth, wealth accumulation and a new generation of collectors.&nbsp;</p>


Artful Flush of Youth: Younger and wealthier collectors are fuelling China’s rapidly rising art market, elevating its global importance


<p>As generative artificial-intelligence tools from Grammarly to ChatGPT grab the popular imagination, the world’s creatives feel increasingly marginalised, fearful of their ability to eke out a living in the all too near future. Generative AI sifts through human-generated content – texts, sounds, images and videos – to train its models to compose music, or create a painting, or generate a TV advert. Scraping through such data, known as text and data mining (TDM), is often without the consent of the content owners.</p>



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<p>Protests against the use of AI to create new forms of artistic output without recompense or the consent of the original creators rage on around the globe. A protest album called <em>Is This What We Want?</em> was released earlier this year in response to proposed changes in UK copyright law that would mean AI developers could train their models using material available on the internet unless those holding the rights to this content specifically elected to opt out of providing permission.</p>


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<p>Available on Spotify, the album consists of silent recordings from empty studios and performance spaces, and involved more than 1,000 musicians. The 12 tracks listed spell out a powerful message: “The British Government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”</p>



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<p>In the art world, an Augmented Intelligence auction held in New York this spring also caused a furore. Prior to the sale, an open letter signed by thousands of artists called for its cancellation, decrying the “mass theft” of human artists’ work by AI companies.</p>



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<p>The vexatious issue is underscored by the fact that many governments are keen to promote a thriving ecosystem for both tech firms and artistic creators, even though myriad legal and ethical considerations swirl around the promotion of this nascent technology.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Composer protection</h3>



<p>Due to AI’s increasing influence in various sectors, the Hong Kong government launched a public consultation last year on the enhancement of the Copyright Ordinance to reflect AI technology development. In its submission to the consultation paper, the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (Cash) – which manages the copyright of musical works for more than three million members locally and from affiliated societies overseas – said copyright protection should not only be provided to the “arranger” of the works but also extend to the author or owner of the underlying work. Like the protesters in the UK, it believes an opt-out model proposed by the government unfairly shifts the burden to the copyright owner who has to take an active step to safeguard their rights.</p>


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<p>Instead, Cash proposes the implementation of an opt-in system, arguing that “the default position should be … it is illegal to use any music without permission, unless the author or the composer has expressed an intention to sell their rights to the tech company.” In their view, when there is commercial use of copyrighted material for TDM purposes, the owners of the work should be remunerated, and this remuneration should be based on licensing arrangements between the owners and the AI companies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legal conundrum</h3>



<p>Hong Kong-based lawyer Ellie Patel, the founder and CEO of Re-think Legal, believes the generative AI issue is exacerbated by the legal framework in most jurisdictions lagging behind modern technological developments. “Governments are now scrambling to put in place laws to govern the creation and use of AI, but this is just the start of the process,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s only when these laws are interpreted and tested by the courts, and harmonised on an international level that real certainty regarding rights and obligations will be established.”</p>



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<p>Patel is torn on the subject of “fair use” exemptions to train AI models. These allow for use of content without the threat of copyright infringement in certain circumstances, such as education and news reporting. As a trademark and intellectual property expert, she has clients who are creators and others who are in the tech industry.</p>



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<p>She supports the development of AI, viewing it as an increasingly important public and corporate tool. “That said, creators also need protection and, in the main, should be rewarded for their contribution,” she notes. “It is all about striking a balance between the two – but striking that balance is no mean feat.”</p>



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<p>Jonathan Chu, an Intellectual Property Partner at CMS in Hong Kong, warns that if there are too many restrictions on the use of copyright works for training AI, it will hamper innovation, and jurisdictions with the most stringent laws on AI development will be left behind. He urges greater clarity on the issue.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Remixing the past</h3>



<p>Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Andrew Horner, whose primary research interests are music synthesis and timbre, sees generative AI as the exciting new “kid on the creativity block” shaking up the artistic landscape. He has no qualms about generative AI learning from the “rich tapestry of existing content – music, literature, visual art and more”.</p>


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<p>He states that throughout history, artists have drawn inspiration from each other’s creations. “A classic example in music is Miles Davis paying tribute to Stravinsky’s <em>The Rite of Spring</em>,” he says. “In this sense, generative AI is simply carrying forward this vibrant legacy. No creator operates in a vacuum; they are always influenced by the world around them and the inspirations that strike their fancy.”&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Two disco songwriters recently lost a legal case alleging that Dua Lipa copied her single <em>Levitating</em> from their tracks, and Horner believes this highlights the beautiful – and sometimes tricky – dance of creativity. “It’s only natural for songwriters to mix and remix elements from others’ work, adding their own unique flair,” he insists. “After all, if you create something that inspires, it’s likely others will want to take that spark and run with it.”</p>



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<p>For him, the crux of the matter is whether the output of generative AI models resonates with us and inspires meaningful experiences. “It’s an exhilarating time for creativity, making it easier than ever to play with sounds and forge new musical landscapes,” he says. “There are so many ways to pay tribute to a song: you can cover it, create a mashup that fuses it with another track, or compose something entirely fresh that reflects your personal take on it. It’s all part of the vibrant tapestry of music-making.”</p>



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<p>Horner suggests the creative lineage of a piece should be honoured by giving a shout-out to the artist or artists who influenced it. Musician David Robinson, who is paid royalties for a book and tape he created, is strongly in favour of AI as a tool to enhance the creative process, but believes musicians should be compensated if AI uses their material.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pushing art forward</h3>



<p>Art-world pioneers including Refik Anadol, Sougwen Chung, Sander Coers, Anna Ridler and Victor Wong have used AI to expand artistic possibilities, blending human intuition with machine-generated aesthetics. Karen Sanig, who founded Art Law at Mishcon de Reya, says that for some artists, AI is less a threat than a transformative tool, deeply integrated into their creative processes in sophisticated ways. However, she is concerned that AI systems which scrape vast datasets of artworks en masse, and without consent, deny artists control over how their work is used or reproduced.</p>



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<p>AI-generated imitations could also both damage the integrity of a work of art and dilute an artist’s reputation, hence conversations about moral rights (such as the right to attribution, or the protection of a work’s integrity), passing off are vital alongside copyright considerations.</p>



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<p>“Legislators face a daunting challenge – not only must they crystallise a formula to regulate a technology that evolves daily, they must reconcile AI’s data-driven mechanics with intellectual property frameworks built largely for human authorship,” notes Sanig.</p>



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<p>Hong Kong-based entrepreneur Matey Yordanov of Antei AI Development Hub says he has developed an imperceptible ‘mask’ technology that adds an invisible layer to any type of media, leading to the corruption of the AI training output if protected files are used. “This not only safeguards the media from being copied, but also prevents deepfakes and impersonation of artists, which is becoming increasingly more critical with the development of AI,” he affirms.</p>


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