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It is a typical rainy, grey May day in Hong Kong, but inside Andrew Yuen’s luxurious Central apartment, clashes of gold, silver and everything in between envelop the cosy space. Silverware and sculptures from his many travels around the globe are gracefully displayed with personal touches like portraits of his parents and son, Anthony.



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Among the many roles he has inhabited over a long and fulfilling career – Deputy Managing Director of Dayton Group, CoChairman of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Vice-President of the Society of the Academy for Performing Arts and Chairman of Le French May, which led to the title of Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, awarded by the French government – is a new commitment as Director of the Board of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.



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“The thing about this new role is that I didn’t apply for it. I was appointed,” he says humbly, shrugging his shoulders as if it is some small matter. “Why me? Well, maybe because of my art collection?”


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Indeed, Yuen is a long-time supporter and champion of the arts, all types of it, from visual to performing. His fascination with all things artistic was ignited at a very young age when he and his father would go “treasure hunting” – as young Andrew would call it – in antique shops along Hollywood Road and at auction houses as one of their weekend activities. Despite having pioneered the electronics industry in the city, his parents raised him and his four siblings to be self-effacing. A sensibility that he applies when bringing up a teenager of his own.



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“I am always proud to say that I have the best parents. They just let us do what we want to do in life and explore whatever we like. But I think they also have this magic to bring us all back together. All five of us are now living here in Hong Kong,” he says, laughing.



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Kendy Enterprise, the empire which Jack and Daisy Yuen built, was founded in 1958 as one of the early makers of transistor radios. Dayton Industrial was born in 1972 and nurtured into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of micro-electronic products such as heart-rate monitors, altimeter watches, e-bike HMI, sensors and parts for smartphones.


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shades of Success</h3>



“I feel very much at home when I am at the [Hong Kong Palace] museum. I could just talk about art all day,” says Yuen, grinning as he sips water from one of his collectable china cups. Later, on our way to the photo shoot location, he divulges that he and now Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh are good friends, and he was close to Princess Diana.



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“These people are my contemporaries, not just in terms of age, but also as fans of the arts. However, my parents advised me that in order to look young and feel young, I must expose myself to younger connections. This way, I can keep up with change and not be stuck in my comfort zone.” he says.



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He wears a traditional changsan, noting that he needs a birdcage and a fan to fully embrace the look. It is evident that while he is open to the current landscape, he still pays homage to his roots and appreciates his own culture. As a newly minted museum director, Yuen reflects on the evolution of the arts scene, particularly in Hong Kong.



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“The hit musical Hamilton is a perfect example that art is inclusive and ever-evolving. Musicals now explore pop and rap styles of music. We really have to make art accessible everywhere, that’s the most important part. Hopefully, I can play a role in that. That’s why we are more ambitious than ever with the line-up for the French May Arts Festival.” he says.



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He also shares that beneath the foundations of the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai is a time capsule put there by six people – one of whom just happens to be him.


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hues of Happiness</h3>



Yuen’s vision for the Hong Kong Palace Museum vibrates with colour, movement and textures – just like a work of art. He says: “There are only three Palace museums in the world – in Beijing, Taipei and now in Hong Kong. So I hope that the one in Hong Kong will be the bridge between the other two “Palace-tinians” – between China and Taiwan.”



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As a seasoned art collector, he reiterates that it is important to do your own research before purchasing. When you don’t know the market, it’s easy to fall for things just because they are buzzed about, especially on social media. “I recommend learning about art and artists online so the choices become your own,” he explains.



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The adage that new collectors should spend a year looking and not buying rings truer than ever. While that may seem extreme, taking time to develop your eye is essential. Like many other things in life, it should be quality over quantity, too. He encourages art lovers to invest in fewer pieces that are of higher quality. Art is, after all, a purchase for life, so it is better to collect slowly with focus rather than to rush and take a more decorative approach. “Art should be something that talks to you,” he adds.



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Also Read: <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/buying-art" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your Guide to Purchasing an Art Piece That You Won’t Regret</a>



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He is clearly very proud of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and on a smaller, though still substantial level, the art in his home. His collection delves deep into a style and an artist through gorgeous masterpieces. Works of art, more generally speaking, impact society, fostering economic, racial and social justice and educational advancement.


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His own Covid chronicle was both impactful and life-changing. Yuen caught the initial strain of the virus during the frightening pre-vaccine era. As many others who pull through serious illness would attest, it made him appreciate life even more than ever.



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“Other than material things, I think what matters most is that we collect memories – memories that are precious yet priceless,” he says. “I am thankful that I always have the chance to be surrounded by family and friends. Above all the things here that glimmer and shimmer, the memories that I have, and am still collecting, will always be my number-one prized possessions.”



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And so, like a rainbow in the sky, Andrew Yuen continues to colour his life with pure bliss and happiness.



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Interview &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Fashion Stylist: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Hair &amp; Makeup: Heti Tsang

Colour Harmony: Andrew Yuen’s Evolution From Boyhood Treasure Hunter To Guardian Of Culture

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Yve Chan is a man with a deep-rooted value system honed by growing up in a town in China filled with craftsmen who made their living from jade. These artisans painstakingly cut jade in their small workshops and then every morning at 3 am went to the local market set up by his father to sell their wares. Years later, when Chan established a jewellery business in Hong Kong, he named it Dawn Jewellery in tribute to his father and this heritage.


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What struck him was how these craftsmen would communicate jade through the telling of traditional stories, and he knew from a young age he wanted to be involved in this industry. His early career in Hong Kong saw him working for a major US advertising agency, Leo Burnett, but his interest in craftsmanship and the desire to “realise the creativity” was too strong. He soon quit advertising and went to the UK to achieve the necessary qualifications.







Chan shone during a jewellery and silversmithing course at Birmingham City University. He received the Assay Office London Technology Award from The Goldsmiths’ Company and was a Silver Award winner at International Jewellery London’s Special Award for Fine Jewellery. He further studied at the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles to achieve his certificate as a gemologist.







A thoughtful man in his late 30s with a passion for his craft, Chan says these years have defined the rest of his life. Sitting in his Causeway Bay workshop and retail gallery, he flashes back to his final year in the UK when it dawned on him that he was actually quite good at his chosen craft. “At that moment I realised this is maybe my lifelong career,” he says. In another fond memory, he also notes that his time as a coxswain in a university rowing team forged his team spirit.







Following his return to Hong Kong, he gained valuable experience working in product development for a large retailer before setting up Dawn Jewellery in 2014. He originally just sold jadeite jewellery but soon gained international partners for his Tsim Sha Tsui flagship store following exhibitions at international shows. Dawn specialises in bridal jewellery, selling an array of wedding rings and exquisite pearl and diamond creations, and holds workshops in the craft.






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Telling international stories Chan reveals that one of the first major partners for his platform was a famous wedding ring maker from Germany with a history spanning 150 years This had been one of his “idol” companies from his time as a student in the UK.







“I think we both realised that we share the same thoughts towards craftsmanship, towards business models, towards what is going on in the market,” he says. “We were at a good point to introduce them to Hong Kong.”







“They are very picky in choosing the retailer, because there can be a lot of very big retailers, but they are not necessarily able to talk through the philosophy of the brand. I think we are good storytellers. So, one by one I am inviting these artists to tell their stories,” says Chan, who now has more than 20 partners from across the world.






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True value of craftsmanship From the outset of Dawn Jewellery, Chan has wanted his clients to appreciate the true meaning of the products they purchase and the artisanship involved. “When we asked what sort of elements of this brand you like, I realised most of the audience could not tell me,” he says.







His desire is for customers to grasp a product’s intrinsic value; he encourages them to touch the jewellery and examine very carefully what they are looking for, stirring an appreciation of the elements added and how many hours have been spent to make such a ring.







A Japanese partner makes jewellery using traditional mokume-gane techniques that have their roots in samurai weaponry; a German partner applies machinery techniques to perfect their rings and make them stronger. “This is the value; this is the story,” he says, outlining the ethos of Dawn Jewellery. “Each of the craftsmen, when they make things, each mark left – it means something, either perfections or aesthetic judgment.”







Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction: Joseff Musa Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Hair &amp; Make Up: Owen Ko Venue: Sunsmith workshop



Read the full interview in the May 2023 issue (pg: 100). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

All about Yve: Through Dawn Jewellery, Yve Chan unites a passion for craftsmanship and connecting cultures

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Live, laugh, and love – three things that, according to Olivia Kung, make the world go around and a better place. As the daughter of a former Chief Investigator of the Operations Department Independent Commission Against Corruption, her fate was somewhat determined at the age of five when she put on her father’s barrister’s gown one night. She laughs from her gut, the way you would with family, as she recalls this significant moment in her childhood, and delivers the verdict that it made her into the woman she is now.


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“I wish I had that power over my child,” says Kung, reflecting upon her father’s influence in shaping her life. “But things are just different now, aren’t they? People in 2023 create their own path, for better or for worse, defying the ‘norms’ the society or what their family might believe in. The determination of my teenage son really inspires me to do more and be the best version of myself.”







The walls of her office at Wellington Legal, where she is a partner and sits on the board of founders, are filled with watercolour paintings by her son, juxtaposing with the grey and glass walls of the skyscrapers within the heart of Central. With decades of legal experience under her belt, Kung has litigated expertly in a wide variety of areas including complex property ownership disputes, fraud cases, debt recovery and bankruptcy as well as personal injury claims. It’s no surprise that these cases, which she has successfully defended, attracted media attention.







The many charms of her life, of course, have not arrived without solid background work. Before the day of our interview and photo shoot, she did her due diligence on the magazine, the lawyer’s instinct for discovery taking hold. It was, however, the entertainment industry that gave her the confidence and wit, as well as the time-management skills, needed to present legal cases – growing up she had juggled academic studies with extra-curricular activities in showbusiness.







“I did acting and hosting stints at RTHK for their children’s TV programs. I am not sure how I managed it, but I did,” she says. “Sometimes, life really surprises us.”


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Her honour Questions of destiny and volition have trailed Kung through her life. At a young age, she already knew how to distinguish a great lawyer – by their creativity. With an eye for making connections and an ear for deft persuasion, it is a quality that she has been judged to possess.







“As a lawyer, I think it’s crucial to act not only by the book but also with a heart and mind for justice. Common sense, though not so common these days, has to be played in order to win a case,” she emphasises.







For the self-confessed goal-getter, a diminutive frame belies a commanding presence. The Queen Mary University of London School of Law alumnus completed her Legal Practice Course at the University of Exeter and attained qualifications to be a solicitor in England, Wales and Hong Kong. Prior to Wellington Legal, she worked for several top-tier firms in the UK, a leading local practice in Hong Kong and as in-house counsel for a listed financial company.


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No objection While as poised as you might expect from an established lawyer, Kung defies other stereotypical traits that are applied to the legal profession; she is neither solemn nor uptight. After a few clicks for the test shots and a quick pointer on how to pose, she is nailing the photoshoot, lounging in a lazyboy in the middle of the bustling city traffic.







“I taught myself to be adaptive to any kind of situation. Whatever background you may have, school you graduated from or clan you belong to, it is important to adapt to the situation you are put into,” she says. “We must never say no easily and be done with it. We find the solution there possibly is, no matter how small or big, and we take that and make it work.”







Undeniably, this flexibility guides her as a lawyer, as does her capability to be fair and rational. Dignity is another word she often brings up. She says she has been defending a person’s right to dignity from day one and she still holds herself to that standard.







“Dignity can also mean having the right balance in every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about self-love anymore. It’s about making the most out of the situation we’re put into. I don’t function merely from 9 am to 5 pm. I am working 24/7. As a lawyer, as a mom, as a daughter, as a friend.”


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Love before money She expounds on the idea of “happiness” many times, too. It isn’t surprising language from the girl who worked in the entertainment industry, was raised by a well-off family and grew up as an only child. “I always tell my son to love what you do and do what you love. And this may also apply to everyone. Once you become good at it, then money will come in. Consider money as just a bonus. Happiness should always come first,” she says.







“Career choice is extremely important,” she continues. “If you pick something you hate, you&#8217;ll be spending so many hours torturing yourself, no matter how much a company would pay you. It’s the one thing in life that I think is the biggest determinant of happiness.







“I don’t really aim to leave a legacy once my time here on Earth is passed, but I hope I make people around me happy because I actually enjoy helping people. I help people because it makes me happy. It’s as simple as that.”


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By her own rules So what’s next for Kung? Optimism is the fuel driving every legal fight she has been in and will be involved in, and she is cooking up something exciting, yet again, in the coming months. “I cannot disclose it just yet, but it’s something that I am very passionate about. In life, you have to put in passion and dedication in order to achieve happiness and reach your full potential,” says the woman who is habitually positive about life – to the point that she is able to laugh even at the biggest of problems.







This time, though, she confesses that she might be setting up herself for criticism given the size of her ambition. Yet, there would be more people in life setting lofty targets for themselves if they had been taught to know what they believe and how to fight for it from when they first learned to speak.







Ultimately, the next chapters of her life are reading just the way she and her parents have planned, with a few tweaks and additions along the way. If there’s anything we know about attorney Olivia Kung, it is that when it comes to happiness, she will fight.







(Interview &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Hair &amp; Makeup: Joenny Lau Venue: Wellington Legal Cover look: Janie one-shoulder cape-effect sequined crepe mini dress by Safiyaa, courtesy of Net-A-Porter)

Brief Encounter: Wellington Legal partner Olivia Kung is a law unto herself

Matters of the Art – Amid the ever-changing world of art, Adeline Ooi has stayed true to her heart

William Dollar Game: William Chan’s global swing to real-estate riches

In his Yiuniverse: Kev Yiu on building his personal brand and fulfilling his fashion design destiny

Lo and Behold… The highlights of the life of Jennifer Cheng Lo never do less than impress

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Charlene Ree is the CEO of EternityX, a Hong Kong-based specialist&nbsp;marketing technology company&nbsp;with a focus on affluent mainland Chinese consumers.
Born and raised largely in Taiwan, how did&nbsp;you ultimately end up in Hong Kong? 
I was working in New York, but it had long been my plan to return to Asia so I could put what I had learned in the US to good use. When Yahoo made a local acquisition and sought to grow in the APAC market, it seemed the ideal opportunity. In 2008, I then secured the role of regional account manager which happened to be in Hong Kong. This suited me from a personal point of view as my husband &#8211; then my boyfriend – had relocated to Hong Kong in 2006, where he was working as a corporate lawyer. I followed him to Hong Kong and we made the relationship official. Two years of being in a long-distance relationship was hard, so moving here sealed the real deal basically.
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How did EternityX come about and what is&nbsp;its USP? 
EternityX was launched towards the end of 2018 as a marketing technology company that focuses on utilising big data to empower companies and brands to precisely connect with (and convert) their target audiences. We provide a direct connection for global brands to Chinese audiences. For our part, we always joke that there are two types of the internet in the world &#8211; one is global and the other is China-specific. More seriously, this is a recognition that the Chinese digital media landscape is very fragmented and complicated. It has evolved very quickly compared to the rest of the world, something that is reflected in the behaviour of Chinese audiences.&nbsp;
In recognition of this, we wanted to build a platform that helps demystify the complex Chinese digital landscape and assists the growing number of brands looking to promote their products and services to high-value affluent Chinese consumers.
In the relatively few years since we opened for business, thanks to our proprietary technology platform and clear proposition, we have worked with more than 500 well-known brands, including the Richemont group, LVMH, HSBC and Standard Chartered. During that time, we have grown from just three people to more than 80. We‘ve also expanded into eight offices and now have a presence in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, New York, Singapore, Sydney and London.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_69745" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-69745" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-69745 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0491x2_p-new-e1675738535711.jpg" alt="EternityX CEO Charlene Ree" width="500" height="749" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0491x2_p-new-e1675738535711.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0491x2_p-new-e1675738535711-450x674.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-69745" class="wp-caption-text">Earrings by Chanel, Ring by Cartier, Off-shoulder double-breasted crepe top by Safiyaa (courtesy of Net-A-Porter), Pants by Maje</figcaption></figure>
Has the business developed the way you expected? 
Well, we always had a clear mission statement – to be a trusted partner that empowers brands to build meaningful connections with their target consumers. We are also confident that advertising and marketing are not only about selling products and services. In fact, we believe good, sustainable marketing can enable brands to establish long-term trust and enduring relationships with consumers.
To your mind, what makes EternityX unique? 
I believe it’s the way we utilise technology. More specifically, we have the facility to offer highly effective, cross-border, cross culture one-stop customised programmatic solutions and systems. This might sound too technical, but bear with me. Our system has transformed more than 960 billion data points into some 1,000 unique audience&nbsp;profile categories, which delivers precise&nbsp;consumer targeting and insights into purchase intention and spending power, as well as information relating to travel preferences among others. In addition to that, our extensive connections to top-tier media platforms, including iQiyi, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, WeChat, and Bilibili, as well as hundreds of highly engaging, interest-focused media, enable agencies and brands to effectively reach 90% of Chinese netizens around the world.
<figure id="attachment_69743" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-69743" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-69743 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0670x2_p-new-e1675738607566.jpg" alt="EternityX CEO Charlene Ree" width="500" height="778" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0670x2_p-new-e1675738607566.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0670x2_p-new-e1675738607566-450x700.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-69743" class="wp-caption-text">Watch by Bvlgari, Bag and belt by Roberto Cavalli, Piccolo Ubud one-sleeve feather-trimmed crepe mini dress by Taller Marmo (courtesy of Net-A-Porter), Heels by Jimmy Choo</figcaption></figure>
What kind of support system do you have at work and outside work? 
I consider myself extremely lucky to have my family and the entire EternityX crew as a support system. I also put into practice what I&#8217;ve learned from being a mother at home in the office and vice-versa. It’s taught me a lot about how crucial it is to provide the ideal environment and the appropriate opportunities. My kids have also helped me to become more patient, sympathetic and empathetic.
What have been the constants in your life? 
Well, I am not afraid of making fun of myself in front of others and I always love to make people laugh and spread positive energy, so I would like to think that my sense of humour has been a constant. I am also a people person, so I enjoy the company of my family and those friends who have stuck with me through the ups and downs of my life. A love of shopping, too, has been something I’ve never got out of my system. But I can also get bored easily, so I’m not too sure about constant things. I always want to try new things and experiment with what else can be done.
<figure id="attachment_69742" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-69742" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-69742 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0790x2_p-new-e1675738690884.jpg" alt="EternityX CEO Charlene Ree" width="500" height="750" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0790x2_p-new-e1675738690884.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_0790x2_p-new-e1675738690884-450x675.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-69742" class="wp-caption-text">Earrings by Valentino Garavani, Koko fringed embellished jacquard knit mini dress by Dodo Bar Or (courtesy of Net-A-Porter), Bag by Hermès, Heels by Jimmy Choo</figcaption></figure>
Who would say has been your greatest&nbsp;inspiration? 
My greatest inspiration, undoubtedly, has been my mother. She is an outstanding female entrepreneur herself and a role model who has clearly demonstrated that women can be strong and successful. She has a real can-do attitude and always embraces challenges gracefully. She also had the confidence to take on any challenges even while she had to take care of her children and play a role within her wider family. Managing a traditional Taiwanese family isn’t easy, but she handled it all superbly. Above that, all along, she has supported and encouraged me when it came to following my dreams.&nbsp;
As a middle child, do you believe such&nbsp;children inevitably prove to be rebels? 
While I was growing up, my parents definitely saw me as a little bit rebellious and as someone who was always keen to voice their opinions – attributes that I’d find hard to deny. I think I was always fighting for attention back then. Right now, though, I am very mindful of that as I, too, have three kids. As a result of my self-consciousness, I definitely find myself paying more attention to the middle one. I don&#8217;t worry too much though – after all, look what the rebellious middle kid is doing with her life right now….
Thank you.
(Interview by: Joseff Musa; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla; Venue: The Leicht)

Charlene Ree on motherhood and building her marketing technology company EternityX.

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Founder of Global Group International Holdings, Dr Johnny Hon has managed to successfully balance a career in high finance with his high-profile commitments to the worlds of politics and charitable giving.
Your background is famously diverse… 
Well, my father was a businessman and my mother was an actress, so that is certainly a diverse combination. In addition, I was born in Hong Kong and moved to the UK when I was 13, where I went to boarding school and then studied Medical Science at the University of London.
After that, I opted to take a Ph.D. in Psychiatry at Cambridge, where my primary focus was on how people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Down&#8217;s syndrome and so on, deal with their everyday lives. I was really interested in how to improve the lives of these people beyond what one doctor could do alone. I think it really is important that we think of these people because they have to deal and live with these illnesses, in addition to the everyday life struggles and problems. This also got me thinking how privileged we all are to be living a &#8220;normal life&#8221;.
Then I entered the world of banking, working in a number of different countries &#8211; including Singapore, Dubai and throughout Europe – as a private banker. Along the way, I built up my contacts and networked with investors, which ultimately led to the launch of the Global Group of companies. That was really the driving force for everything that had gone&nbsp;before and allowed me to make good use of my prior experience as I looked to do something genuinely new.
While playing so many different roles, how did you define what suited you best? My motto in life is to never stop learning. I’ve done a lot of business in many different sectors. And sometimes, I have found myself asking: “Who exactly am I?” as even I cannot decide just what my ideal role would be. There is, however, always a common element in everything I do – a genuine intent to help other people. As long as any project involves helping other people along the way, then I will definitely pursue it.
More lately, as I’ve just turned 51, I’ve also found myself focusing more on the spiritual meaning of life, rather than looking at things at a more superficial level.
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Do you consider yourself a smart worker or more of a hard worker? 
I’d like to think I’m a little bit of both, maybe even both at the same time. That, at least, has always been my goal.
As a graduate of several prestigious schools, do you think such prior associations opened&nbsp;doors for you?
I don’t think the opportunities that open up to you have much to do with the name of the school you went to. While it definitely feels good to be a graduate of a well-known university, what’s more important is just what you learnt during your time at any such institution. It is also about more than just the syllabus; it’s about the quality of teaching and the real-life lessons you have subsequently learnt. This is especially true in the digital era, a time when there is so much information available online. The internet aside, though, I will forever be grateful to all the professors&nbsp;who taught me how to be both book-smart and street-smart.
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Among all of your various interests and projects, which has been closest to your heart? 
There is a very long list for me to choose from. I have, for instance, donated to some 160 charities across the world, which underlines the fact that the good causes we choose to support are not necessarily limited to just Hong Kong or even just China.
In terms of the political and diplomatic projects I’ve been involved in, the moment&nbsp;when China resumed diplomatic ties with the Caribbean nation of Grenada was very special to me.
On the charity front, I personally enjoyed my role with Lok Sing Tong when I served as Chairman back in 2013. It’s an organisation dedicated to providing financial assistance to families, especially those with children who are very seriously ill. We also partnered with the Welfare Department, which ensured things were still being coordinated with the government while reducing the level of required bureaucracy. I then took that model and applied it to many of the other charities we were involved with.
I am also a supporter of protecting the rights of people from the LGBTQ+ community. This is all about ensuring everyone is free to make their own life choices without any fear. It really is as simple as that.
What&#8217;s your view on the impact of social media and digital content in general? 
I think one of the problems in our society right now is how to differentiate between fake news amid the information overload we now face on a daily basis. It has come to the point where it’s difficult to be sure what to believe. Within this, while freedom of speech is important, there needs to be rules and regulations as means of putting a check on defamation and bullying. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, in life, it’s often better to be kind than to be always correct.
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To give you your full title, you are “Dr Johnny&nbsp;Hon Baron of Houston, MH, SHOSJ, BSc&nbsp;(Hons), MA, M BuddhStud, Ph.D. (Cantab),&nbsp;ACSI, MIoD, MBPsS, FHKIoD and SF.SERA”.&nbsp;Do you feel the need to add any more letters after your name?&nbsp;
I&#8217;d say, why not? Right now, I am focused on studying Buddhism. In particular, I’m considering how to use Buddhist philosophy to enhance psychotherapy and how to deal with mental health issues in general, a subject that gets way less attention than it deserves. In the future, it&#8217;s an approach I’m hoping to put to good use in many of the charities and projects I am involved in.
Over the next couple of years, I see myself studying far more, something that will also allow me to meet more young people. So, in addition to my classroom lesson, I am also hoping to gain a new perspective from the younger generation. So yes, there will be an addition to all of these letters.
Finally, what should be the priority &#8211; happiness or financial well-being? 
I think people have different needs at different stages of their lives. While in their twenties and thirties, people largely focus on earning money while building their careers and making investments. Many are basically looking to secure their place in society. I mean, who wouldn&#8217;t want to do that right? I think it is the ideal thing to do.
However, when you turn 40, suddenly everything changes, while also becoming a lot harder, at least from my personal experience. For me, this was when I began to search for the fire and desire I needed to keep me passionate about everything I do. And that’s what I always advise young people &#8211; be passionate about everything you do.
Thank you.
(Interview by: Joseff Musa; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla)

Global Group International Holdings, Dr Johnny Hon

Dr Johnny Hon – The Philanthropist Changing the World for Good

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With dance floors just starting to get going again, Ivailo reflects on his dance career at the 5,000 square feet Studio 9 dance studio, the biggest one in the city, and how it helped him to meet his dance partner for life, his wife.
When did you first realise dancing was going to be a big part of your life?
I started dancing when I was seven years old as it is hugely popular in many Eastern European countries. It’s part of the culture. I grew up watching TV dance competitions, then, one day, I insisted to my parents that they sign me up for dancing school.
At that time, I was in love with Latin American music &#8211; the beat, the rhythm, the melody…Everything really. It was what I most wanted to do with my life. I was actually quite lucky, as my hometown, Burgas [a city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast], was something of a ballroom dancing hub.
Do you have to be born a great dancer or is it a talent you can acquire? 
The studio where I first started dancing was run by the then-Bulgarian champions and that really helped me hone my dancing skills.
While I’d like to think that there’s a natural synergy between rhythm and me, I can’t overemphasise how important it is to work on your skills. So, I would say, it’s all down to a mix of rehearsing really hard and your own natural talent.
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What’s the daily regime like for those looking for success in the world of competitive dancing? 
Well, every competitor starts their day with stretching, a lot of stretching. Nowadays, many are very conscious of their physique, so they’ll go to the gym, ensure they have a proper diet and spend hours training and&nbsp;rehearsing their routines at the studio. Whether you’re preparing for a competition or already competing, you never stop learning, something anyone who aspires to&nbsp;be a professional dancer, will really have to take on board.
A competitor also never really stays in one place. The three major and international competitions are hosted by three UK cities and there are also the European and World Championships. So, there’s a lot of travelling involved.
What was it like to be crowned Vice-Champion of Latin American Show Dance? 
Of course, it was great to win that particular title. While we signed up for the competition with no real expectations, we, of course, came prepared. Everything was seamless &#8211; from choosing the music and the choreography to the selection of the outfits and shoes. It was definitely a milestone win and the dance of a lifetime for us.
Even now, as a retired dancer and a World Dance Coach Adjudicator, apart from the technicalities that I share with my students, I tell them the same thing, that when participating in a showcase, everything has to be seamless.
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What led you to move to Hong Kong? 
The move to Hong Kong was far from planned. I was on the way to Malaysia with my partner for a competition and we had a stopover in Hong Kong. While we were there, I met with some fellow dancers and friends who invited me to their dance studio for a short-term guest instructor gig. From there, I fell in love with Hong Kong because it is like dancing for many reasons. They are both colourful and, sometimes, a little bit too noisy.
I like the fact that everything here is convenient. For me, the commuting experience&nbsp;in Hong Kong is among the best in the world. Ballroom Dancing was pretty popular here in Hong Kong, so that was another good reason for me to move here.
You also opened The Beat Dance Studio in DB. What was the thinking behind that? 
My wife and I, moved to Discovery Bay, 12 years ago, when we decided to retire. We opened The Beat Dance Studio because we still had a real passion for dance. We now operate from two sites, so evidently, a lot of the people in Hong Kong share that passion. Which I am very grateful for. The response by the public to our businesses is truly admirable. We will keep on improving and continue to serve our clients, to keep the dancing spirit in the city alive and, hopefully, grow to a bigger community.
In addition, I am also the General Manager of Studio 9, the biggest studio in Hong Kong &#8211; a dance hub open for all styles of dancing, ballroom and Latin to wedding dances for couples and kids’ classes.
I think dance studios are spaces with huge transformational potential. There is always a sense of freedom and liberation and it’s a space quite distinct from real life.
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Who are your typical students? 
Whether purely for exercise or for competition, the age of our students ranges from as young as two, to teenagers who are competing, to working and retired professionals who just see it as a social gathering of sorts.
I think letting go and just being yourself is what makes dancing worthwhile. I believe that there is something more to dancing than what people generally know about the art. It really goes beyond its meaning. That&#8217;s what I love about it.
Tell us about your typical day. 
I like to think I’m something of an early bird as I typically wake up at around 6 am. My daily routine includes a visit to the studio at Discovery Bay, where I do personal training or teach a dance group class. After that, I’ll go to Studio 9 in Sheung Wan where I spend the whole rest of the day working. The most exciting part of a day, and my personal favourite, is when I go home to my wife and kids, and just relax and enjoy the night.
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What is your goal for the new year? 
Fingers crossed, we really hope that 2023 will be a life-changing year for all of us. I believe it will be a time when Hong Kong finally rebounds and more people will feel free to socialise and go out. With a sense of normality finally restored, people will be able to plan things like their long-delayed weddings, or just meeting new people amongst many other things and reasons.
This means they come to one of our studios and we can help them by doing what we do best &#8211; teaching them how to dance. Now that social gatherings are finally back on the agenda, we are also more than happy to have our studios rented out for events. I hope more people take up dancing and experience its sheer and unbridled joy. That’s something we can all relate to, now that we are, once again, able to put our dancing shoes on.
Thank you.
&nbsp;
(Interview by: Joseff Musa; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla; Venue: Studio 9)

Bulgarian Ballroom Master, Ivailo Tonchev

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Doctor Maria Mok joined the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA) in 1996 and is currently its Museum Director. A specialist in China trade paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, her research largely focuses on dating and authentication, subjects she has published and lectured on extensively.
What do you particularly recall about your childhood?
It was, significantly, quite a simple time. My father was a part-time artist and I grew up in an environment where art was an essential part of life. I remember he would take us for walks on the beach and draw things in the sand for us. Similarly, when we are out hiking, he would ask us to consider the beauty of small flowers and ponder on the wonders of the natural world.
When did you first realise that your future career lay in the art world?
Well, my parents continually asked me to think about my future plans as soon as I became a teenager. It was really at that early stage of my life. As much to keep them happy as anything 
else, I told them I wanted to be a fashion designer. In reality, I was much too young to make that decision so, when I went to Paris at the age of 18 to study fashion design, I found that I really wasn&#8217;t a designer material. As I was already in Paris and committed to staying there for a year, I immersed myself in the world of art and museums, a process that led me to realise that my real interest was in art of every kind. I also found that I loved writing, art history and culture, so I went back to university&nbsp;and studied exactly that. Looking back, I think I was always interested in all things artistic.
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Are there any artists you regard as personal favourites?
While I don’t really have any favourite artists, I do have a favourite type of art. As it is rather old, the identities of the actual artists involved have been lost to time. I particularly love artworks that date from the time of the Song Dynasty, with monochrome ware Song porcelain being my absolute favourite. Typically, such pieces have amazing depths of colour, a kind of translucency and a minimalist aesthetic that pre-dates contemporary minimalist philosophy by a considerable margin.
What would you say were the factors that have shaped your own aesthetic sensibility?
I very much believe that less is more, which is why I love the simple porcelain works of the Song dynasty. There is real beauty in simplicity and quietness. While I like things that are pure, the fine details of any artwork are also very important to me.
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Did you face any family pressure to pursue a more conventional career at any point?
My parents &#8211; especially my father &#8211; were very particular so, yes, they did worry about my career choices, especially as, back then, some 30 years ago, it was far more difficult to get ahead in the world of art. For any parent, practicality always comes to mind. They did, however, both stress the importance of perseverance and advised me to think deeply before making a decision. Once a decision had been made, though, they were insistent that I shouldn’t give up on my chosen path too easily. Their advice proved to have considerable resonance, as there were many, many twists, turns, hiccups and setbacks. Ultimately, perseverance really was the key to success.
Given the demanding nature of your job, how do you maintain the balance between your personal and professional lives?
It is not really much of a problem for me. I love my job, so my professional life is very much in tune with my personal life. I think it is very important that you enjoy and love what you are doing for a living &#8211; to stay passionate and dedicated to it. When people ask me what my favourite pastime is, I tell them it is not shopping or socialising. In fact, I tell them, I like to spend my weekends undertaking research. It’s something I enjoy and it’s very much part of my artistic and personal journey. Uncovering answers to questions in art history is akin to being a detective. When I find answers I then&nbsp;see it as part of my job to explain them in a way that is both interesting and understandable for the majority of other people. In short, I just love being a kind of bridge between art and the general public.
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What role do you think art plays in society?
Art hugely defines who we are as a society, through creativity and cultural depth. For me, personally, I feel that, without art, we are not complete as human beings.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in art but is uncertain about their prospects within the sector?
I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to pursue a career in art. I would especially urge them to do so in Hong Kong, where the art scene is rapidly expanding, the art market is growing and there are an increasing number of jobs available in museums and galleries. If you love what you do, you don’t have to be afraid because you’ll always find a way to carry on doing it.
What would you say to those that maintain art is elitist and exclusively for the rich?
Unequivocally, I would say that is not the case. At the HKMOA, we fundamentally believe that art is for everyone, which is why we put so much effort into our publicity campaigns and our social media presence. As people may look at an individual work and say they don’t understand it, it is our job as curators to make sure they not only can understand it but also enjoy it.
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What makes the HKMOA unique compared to Hong Kong’s other museums?
Its collections represent the very DNA of Hong Kong. It tells Hong Kong’s own story. What could be more unique than that.
What do you think is the most important thing for a museum to communicate to its visitors?
A museum should prioritise communicating a sense of comfort and openness to its visitors, ensuring that they are never intimidated. The message should be that a great art is always accessible – that it doesn’t belong to any specific class or type and one doesn’t have to study it to understand it as it has a universal appeal.
Which among the four core collections of HKMOA is your personal favourite and why?
As my area of specialty is China trade art from the 18th and 19th centuries, I’d have to say that. These are works that were very much produced by Chinese artists for the western market. As such, they are closely tied to the history of Hong Kong and played a key role in putting us on the world stage as an artistic force.
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What is your vision for the HKMOA over the next 10 years?
Our vision is to make it a museum where, when people come in, they feel that they have a real stake in it, that they own it. We want them to take great pride in it and always remember that the Hong Kong Museum of Art truly is Hong Kong’s foremost museum of art.
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Thank you.
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(Interview by: Zaira Abbas; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla; Hair and Make Up: Owen Ko; Venue: Hong Kong Museum of Art &amp; Hue Dining)

Creative Curator, Museum Maestro Maria Mok

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Hong Kong is home to some of the world’s wealthiest, most influential individuals who play a significant role in making the city what it is. Gafencu’s 2022 Power 300 List showcases a veritable who’s who of Hong Kong&#8217;s movers and shakers, ranging from business magnates to financial tycoons and social entrepreneurs along with the most creative minds of our time.
Check out just who made Gafencu&#8217;s 2022 Power List 300&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/the-power-list/">here</a>.
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