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<p>Selling the world’s most valuable life insurance policy earlier this year was undoubtedly a major coup for Hong Kong. Paying an astronomical US$250 million to the beneficiary upon the holder’s death, it was issued by HSBC Life to an ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNW) whose identity understandably has not been disclosed. The cover surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for life insurance, a US$201 million policy to a US billionaire facilitated by advisory firm SG, LLC in 2014.  </p>



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<p>The 10-year wait to break the world record is relatively short, considering the previous interval spanned almost a quarter of a century – it was back in 1990 that British life insurance agent Peter Rosengard sold a US$100 million policy to a prominent figure in the US entertainment industry. </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81277" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>To the surprise of many industry insiders, this latest record-smashing policy is fully underwritten by HSBC Life. But what is certain is that it represents a huge vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s financial services industry, and particularly the insurance sector. </p>



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<p>The attention-grabbing sale in question was an HSBC Life Paramount Global Life Insurance Plan, a type of life insurance that offers whole-of-life protection with wealth preservation and legacy planning features. According to HSBC Life, the demand for such policies among UHNW individuals has ballooned over the past year, with a further 10 valued at US$50 million or above issued by the insurance firm to clients seeking facilities for wealth transfer and legacy planning.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High penetration</h3>



<p>Hong Kong has been a major player in the world of insurance since the early 20th century, a feat commonly attributed to its relatively stable sociopolitical environment, advanced finance infrastructure, and open-door policy to foreign investment. Given its strong, high-income per capita economy, there is a high life insurance penetration in the territory. Insurance companies eye further expansion via a proliferation of new policies and the city’s rapid growth as an Asian hub, particularly its close ties with mainland China.  </p>



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<p>“Asia is home to one of the fastest-growing UHNW populations in the world, and as such we are seeing a substantial increase in demand for insurance solutions to address business succession, estate management and legacy planning needs,” says Edward Moncreiffe, CEO of HSBC Life Hong Kong and Macau. He stresses that the issuance of these high-value life insurance policies proves that Hong Kong has reaffirmed its position as both a preferred destination for wealth management and a leading international insurance hub. </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="784" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-784x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81272" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-784x1024.jpg 784w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-768x1003.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-200x261.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p-800x1044.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_01_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px" /></figure></div>


<p>“The Hong Kong life insurance market has a number of characteristics that puts us in a strong position to capture this growth in regional UHNW wealth-transfer demand,” he says, citing Hong Kong’s deep talent pools across intermediaries, underwriters and actuaries, strong competition among international banks, brokers and insurers, well-capitalised insurance companies with strong credit ratings, and sound regulatory regime as contributing factors to the thriving insurance services. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Massive sector</h3>



<p>According to recent research by GlobalData, a UK-headquartered data analytics and consultancy company, the Hong Kong life insurance market was worth HK$478.2 billion (US$61.1 billion) in 2023 and is expected to grow by more than 3% per annum from 2024 to 2028. </p>



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<p>The high level of financial literacy and digitalisation has spawned a diverse range of products in Hong Kong. Major developments have included the growth of finance technology such as insurtech and Environment Social and Governance (ESG) related products, as well as inclusive insurance products aimed at the excluded or underserved market.    </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="908" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-1024x908.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81273" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-1024x908.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-316x280.jpg 316w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-768x681.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-1536x1362.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-200x177.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p-800x710.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_02_p.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>The industry’s leading line of business in Hong Kong last year was whole life insurance. Demand in this area is driven by an ageing society, increased life expectancy and a falling fertility rate. It is also buoyed by inclusivity elements to reflect these societal changes, such as whole-life protection for senior citizens and expanding the package of death and dementia-related benefits. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mainland surge</h3>



<p>Many Hong Kong-based life insurance companies have experienced a surge in interest and sales since the reopening of the border with mainland China in early 2023. Prudential, one of the top three life insurers in Hong Kong, has cited border flow from the north as a major contributor to the vast boost in sales last year. Its annual report stated that mainland customers were looking for “diversification of currency and asset class, professional financial advice across a broad product spectrum, and access to high-quality medical care available in Hong Kong”.</p>



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<p>The border reopening came not a moment too soon for Ryan Lam Leong Sing, a Licensed Individual Agent of an insurance company with nearly 15 years of experience. He shares that about 80% of his life insurance business emanates from mainland buyers, adding that sales have rocketed by 30% and the pent-up demand from mainland Chinese eager for Hong Kong life insurance policies is huge. “It’s not difficult – the demand is there,” notes Lam of the influx of mainland buyers, pointing out that they need to be physically present in Hong Kong to sign the policy.  </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="561" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-1024x561.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81274" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-1024x561.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-511x280.jpg 511w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-768x421.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-1536x841.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-2048x1122.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-200x110.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_03_p-800x438.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Mainland Chinese are attracted to Hong Kong to buy life insurance policies for a plethora of reasons, including its status as a leading financial centre and its legal system. More specifically, they are limited to US$50,000 per year in currency exchange and transfer out of China “If their money is in Hong Kong, they can exchange whatever they want and transfer it to any country,” says Lam.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vehicle for growth</h3>



<p>Due to Hong Kong’s highly developed financial services sector, life insurance policies here can offer mainland customers a far better vehicle for the growth of financial assets. “The growth of their money is what they are seeking,” affirms Lam. “They maybe want to put it in a trust, and life insurance is an important part in the trust.” </p>



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<p>Their life insurance policies fall into three categories: risk management, such as life, accident and medical insurance, and critical illness; savings management, such as savings plans for retirement and educational funds; and investment plans, offering customers a passive income and a fund manager to monitor their money. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hong Kong attraction</h3>



<p>According to Lam, Hong Kong policies have an advantage over those offered on the mainland for paying dividends on the likes of critical illness cover. “In Hong Kong, after 30 years, even if you don’t become ill, you still get money paid out. On the mainland, there is no dividend at all,” he says.</p>



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<p>“Then, for some savings plans, like an educational fund or retirement planning, the yearly return is under 3% on the mainland. But in Hong Kong, you can get like a maximum of 6-7%.” </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-1024x512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81275" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-560x280.jpg 560w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-2048x1024.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-200x100.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Diagram_04_p-800x400.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>This is important, stresses Lam, as the key component of these types of policies is maximising return for educational or retirement provision, while the insurance part acts purely as the foundation of the plan. </p>



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<p>Lam adds that higher operating costs and taxes on the mainland are factors in limiting the level of return there. “Also, in Hong Kong, premiums are reinvested, and they can be put in any market around the world. In China, it is limited to the mainland market.”</p>



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<p>The Covid years were difficult for life insurers in Hong Kong as business dropped by as much as 70%. Confidence in the Hong Kong insurance sector hinges on three factors, says Lam – “trust, ability and integrity” – and it appears this is now paying off. While it is not every day that a new policy smashes a world record, the industry has rebounded and sales are soaring.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Set for Life: Hong Kong insurers’ policy of attracting mainland buyers is paying dividends


<p>Asia is a continent blessed with diverse cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and unique experiences that make it an ideal destination for a memorable family trip. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, historical wonders, or simply want to relax on beautiful beaches, Asia has something for every family to enjoy. In this article, we put together the top five destinations in Asia that offer a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and cultural exploration for families of all ages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chiang Rai, Thailand</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="444" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76545" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai-484x280.jpg 484w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai-200x116.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Rarely mentioned as one of Thailand&#8217;s tourist destinations, Chiang Rai is undoubtedly an underrated city that locals would recommend you visit for all the hidden gems you can see at this place located on the <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/pai-northern-thailand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern side of the country</a>. Particularly, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum), which are all architectural wonders constructed with such attention to detail, will leave you admiring the building for minutes before you can even enter. There is also the historical Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park which houses a plethora of ancient artifacts ranging from Lanna art to 19th-century mural paintings. Some of the other spots you should visit during the family trip include scenic standouts like Doi Hua Mae Kham, Mae Fa Luang Garden, Singha Park and Doi Chang, which are all spacious enough for the kids to play around and beautiful enough for the grownups to take as many pictures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baku, Azerbaijan</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="510" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76546" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city-422x280.jpg 422w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Baku is surrounded by a magnificent seaside view and has pleasant weather with the city being windy most of the time – it is literally nicknamed the city of winds. The city is perfect for witnessing both modern skyscrapers and archaic buildings. In fact, you may want to set aside a day just to explore the UNESCO Heritage site Old City (Icherisheher) which has many fascinating places where you can look at the culture and history of different civilizations that go back to the 12th century. A few such areas include The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, The Maiden Tower and The Museum of Miniature Books. Plus, while you are there on your family trip, don’t forget to take some family photos because you cannot ask for a better backdrop than the alleys of this walled city. For something more contemporary, you can take the kids on a fun riverboat ride after sunset and look at the iconic Flame Towers, or if you and your family love to go swimming, you can do that on private beaches surrounded by the Caspian Sea.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Udaipur, India</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76547" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Ardent travellers often look back at Udaipur as one of the most stunning cities, even comparing it to Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur and choosing Udaipur as an alternative for its much more peaceful and less bustling presence. Udaipur has an array of marvellous places that you should add to your itinerary like the City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola and more. Aside from these tourist attractions, there are also several exciting activities that you can enjoy as a family such as watching puppet shows at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, rafting in the Gomati River, helicopter rides over the city and many more. You can add more extravagance to your trip by staying at the coveted palace-turned-hotel Taj Lake Palace and devouring a hearty meal at the Jagat Niwas Palace. You should also stop by some nice antique shops where you will surely find something incredible to take back home.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jeju Islands, South Korea</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1.jpeg" alt="family vacation" class="wp-image-76549" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1-200x133.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>For families that love partaking in fun activities in the waters and are always fascinated by the many wonders of nature, Jeju Island is certainly a paradise. There is so much you can plan to do here to keep the family trip fun and exciting throughout. You can climb the Seongsan Ilchulbong Volcano; watch performances by women divers who will bring back fresh fish from the sea and cook them right there for you to eat; or visit one of the beaches. Also, the entire family can challenge themselves to find their way out of the human-sized Gimnyeong Maze Park which can apparently take less than five minutes or an hour to complete. Also don’t forget to visit the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Manjanggul Lava Tube, Osulloc Tea Museum and the Aqua Planet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Malé, Maldives</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869.jpg" alt="family vacation" class="wp-image-76551" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Another top-class destination for an amusing and luxurious vacation is Malé, an island in the Maldives. It offers a wide selection of hotels, shops and accommodations. There are a couple of family-friendly resorts like the frequently applauded Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and the Angsana lhuru where your entire family can relax. Simultaneously, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can try surfing, diving, snorkelling and more. Besides, as the capital city of the archipelago situated over the Indian Ocean, you can even book a submarine tour to explore the marine ecosystem there. When you are looking to explore the city, there are places like the Victory Monument, Sultan Park &amp; National Museum, Tsunami Monument and more.</p>


Family-Friendly Fun: Discover Asia’s Top Cities for an Epic Vacation

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-64096-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_MikeRuan.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_MikeRuan.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_MikeRuan.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>Fashion entrepreneur Mike Ruan brings coveted brand names to a young, clued-in clientele at S.T Boutique. He chats with Gafencu about his upcoming China expansion, fast cars, cool watches and investing in karaoke&#8230;</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64154" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3.png" alt="Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (3)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-3-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>What does fashion mean to you?</strong><br />
Honestly, if you ask any other person in the industry, they’d probably need a thousand, or even ten thousand words to describe this. For me, though, it’s simple – the process of an artist starting from scratch with just a piece of paper, and then, by sketching and creating fashion designs, capturing the public’s imagination and earning money. I know that’s quite a mercenary way of looking at it, but that’s my personal point of view. Of course, fashion is also about talent and understanding people’s needs, because without this you can’t be successful.</p>
<p><strong>Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion or did you have other aspirations?</strong><br />
Actually, when I was a child in Wenzhou [in Zhejiang Province], I saw so many movies with cool cops that I really wanted to become a police officer. I remember every weekend I’d be begging my parents to take me to the toy shop so I could buy police badges, guns and the like to play at being a cop at home.</p>
<p>Of course, my dreams changed as I grew older. In 2008, I decided to enrol in high school in the UK, not just because of the high calibre of the education there, but also because I wanted to see and learn more about the world than my home town. I made the move to London all by myself, and my boarding school – DLD College London – was just a stone’s throw from Selfridges department store, so I quickly became introduced to the Western fashion. The first major brand that I fell in love with was Dior Homme. I was particularly enamoured with the personal style and vision of then-creative director Hedi Slimane – someone I still massively respect and believe stands at the pinnacle of the fashion business.</p>
<p>Keen to expand my horizons, I’d visit department stores every week to learn more about different styles and also to add to my personal wardrobe collection. Over time, I got to know other big brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, and I ended up falling in love with them too, which is what clued me in on my long-term passion for fashion.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64153" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2.png" alt="Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (2)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-2-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>Tell us about the path to starting your own business, S.T Boutique.</strong><br />
Since I’d realised exactly how much fashion meant to me, after six years of studying in London, I chose to continue my education in the beautiful Italian city of Florence. I did a Business of Fashion degree there, and to cut a long story short, once I graduated I decided to move to Hong Kong, where in 2017 I fulfilled my dream of starting my own fashion business – S.T Boutique. It’s a trendy, high-end fashion resale enterprise, and I have two stores in Hong Kong and another huge flagship store in my hometown Wenzhou.</p>
<p><strong>What sets S.T Boutique apart from the rest of your competitors?</strong><br />
I think the major difference between our retail operation and others is that we are extremely sensitive and attentive to market shifts. We often buy clothes that attract a much younger crowd, and this, in turn, allows us to generate sales and turnover extremely quickly.</p>
<p>In the old days, the majority of haute couture and high-fashion purchasers were in their 40s. Today, that’s shifted down to people in their 20s, and being flexible and adaptive to the needs of this new segment is a major focus for S.T Boutique. This means that my team and I spend hours doing research on the latest collections, viewing catwalks from various brands on YouTube, looking for reactions on other digital platforms… Basically we do everything we can to make sure we have our finger on the pulse of the latest trends, so we not only stock the most coveted items for this season, but will also have the same sought-after cache for the following seasons.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64156" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5.png" alt="Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (5)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-5-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong><em>Also Read:</em>&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/timothy-yu-snapask-reaches-8-markets-asia-gafencu-hongkong/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Yu’s Snapask reaches eight markets in Asia, aiding 4.5m students!</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>How has Covid-19 affected your business?</strong><br />
Honestly, like everyone else in the world, the pandemic has clearly had a negative impact on S.T Boutique. Our business relied on wealthy tourists, particularly from the mainland, and the global shutdown of travel has meant that we’re down 60-percent from where we were pre-Covid. Having said that, I always remind my team that it is during the times of greatest challenge that we need to put in that extra level of effort and enthusiasm. We need to believe that the blood, sweat and tears we invest now will yield big rewards once the pandemic passes.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have plans to expand S.T Boutique this year?</strong><br />
We’re excited to launch two more locations in mainland China in the near future. The first store will be in Beijing – as the capital city that’s a no-brainer for our next outpost. The other will open in Chengdu, since I’ve always felt it’s such a vibrant place; in fact it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. The people there are so trendy and you can see the pleasure youngsters take in their trendy apparel on every street corner. It really is the fashion capital of western China, so S.T Boutique will fit right in.</p>
<p><strong>Aside from S.T Boutique, do you have any other projects in the works?</strong><br />
Yes! A friend and I have just invested in a karaoke spot called Qian Gui along London’s Wardour Street [famous for its music scene], pretty much opposite the W Hotel. During my time as a student in the city, I loved to go to KTV with my pals, and I enjoy singing, so it felt like a natural investment for me.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64157" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6.png" alt="Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (6)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-6-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>How do you like to relax? Any hobbies?</strong><br />
I love playing ping pong or going for a round of golf to relax after work, and I’m always up for an occasional karaoke session as well. Since I love music, I also aim to hit the Lan Kwai Fong hotspots with my friends twice a month.</p>
<p>I’m an avid watch collector, too. I’m a major fan of Richard Mille since being introduced to the brand in 2017, and my favourite model is the all-white RM 055, because I love the colour white. I also love fast cars, and having lived in Italy for three years, I have a particular fondness for Lamborghinis. I own two, and my most treasured motor is the Lamborghini Urus, which I know is an unusual choice, but I much prefer SUVs to sports cars.</p>
<p><strong>Which fashion brand has really kept up with the times over the last 10 years?</strong><br />
I would say Louis Vuitton. For many years, it was seen as being a super classic, formal brand. Yet, over the past decade, it has completely transformed into a maison with a much more global appeal. Part of the reason, I think, is that it made the brave decision to completely overhaul its business model to appeal to a much younger crowd, and that strategy yielded great rewards.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64155" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4.png" alt="Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (4)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mike-Ruan-of-S.T-Boutique-channels-his-passion-for-high-fashion-into-a-thriving-resale-business-gafencu-inteview-4-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>And what’s your favourite fashion trend of the past decade?</strong><br />
That would 100-percent be the pivot to less formal attire and streetwear. I absolutely loathe wearing suits and such, so this new embracing of streetwear as an expression of high fashion is, for me, the best trend to emerge in recent years.</p>
<p><strong>Finally, tell us a secret about yourself.</strong><br />
Hmm… if it’s called a secret, I don’t think I should reveal it!</p>
<p><strong>Thank you.</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Also Read:</em>&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/interview-stephan-pudwill-techtronic-industries-tti/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Power Player: Stephan Pudwill on taking over the reigns of his family business</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Interview by: Tenzing Thondup; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction &amp; Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Andy Wan; Venue: S.T Boutique</em></p>

Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique channels his passion for high fashion into a thriving resale business gafencu inteview (7)

Selling the High Fashion Dream: Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique

<p><em>Founding her own design firm, COLLECTIVE, was a steep learning curve for youthful top architect Betty Ng. Now she aims even higher by teaching tomorrow’s talent…</em></p>
<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-64092-2" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_BettyNg.mp4?_=2" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_BettyNg.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2202/2202_GMHK_Interview_BettyNg.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p><strong>You are one of Hong Kong’s leading architects, yet you’re only in your late 30s. How did your relationship with design begin?<br />
</strong>Like many Asian kids, I was a strong science student and was studying to become a doctor, particularly a surgeon, but life had other plans. A schoolmate went to university to study architecture and that got me fascinated. I was hooked and thought it was a really interesting field and decided to switch my career choice.</p>
<p><strong>You founded your own architecture studio, COLLECTIVE, with former colleagues from OMA and Herzog &amp; de Meuron. Tell us about the work you’ve done in Hong Kong.<br />
</strong>COLLECTIVE is headquartered in Hong Kong, but in the past six years we have done a diverse amount of work internationally – Honolulu, Helsinki, New York – and we are currently finishing assignments in Vancouver and Pasadena. In Hong Kong, our credits include designing the exhibition “Things, Spaces, Interactions” at M+ and all four Kapok lifestyle stores, among other projects. On a bigger scale, we are thrilled to be working with New World Development on their twin tower and commercial podium project in Cheung Sha Wan. As a young firm, these are phenomenal opportunities. COLLECTIVE was born only six years ago and we already have a MIPIM Asia ‘Best Futura Project’ Award [in 2021, for the King Lam Street commercial development] – that’s incredibly special!</p>
<p><strong>How has your education shaped your career?<br />
</strong>I was born and raised in Hong Kong, went to Diocesan Girls’ School, then to Cornell for my Bachelor’s in architecture, and later to Harvard for my Master’s. Furthering my education in the West was a completely eye-opening, explosive exposure. It instilled a lot of confidence and taught me about handling failure.</p>
<p>My work has taken me around the world – Rome, Madrid, Los Angeles, New York, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Beijing – and that opened new avenues of self-exploration, courage and self-reliance. I want the same for our firm – take root in Hong Kong, then grow all over. COLLECTIVE has a presence in San Francisco and Madrid, and I want it to keep evolving, adapting and expanding.</p>
<p><strong><em>Also Read:</em>&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/helena-pong-sophie-kindergarten-wholesome-children-gafencu-hongkong/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">January Cover Star &#8211; Helena Pong on creating a wholesome learning environment for children</a></strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64146" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3.png" alt="Challenging conventional structures of design, architect Betty Ng are shaking things up interview gafencu (3)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-3-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>You’ve worked at cutting-edge global design firms and established your own company, which is already breaking the mould. Which accomplishment are you most proud of?<br />
</strong>As a Design Director at OMA, I worked closely with the legendary architect Rem Koolhaas on various high-profile projects like the Axel Springer Campus in Berlin. Working on the concept masterplan for the West Kowloon Cultural District was also a big opportunity, but I don’t think I have reached the stage where I can say I have accomplished this or that. The word ‘accomplishment’ has a certain finality to it; it signifies the end, in my opinion. I don’t think I have accomplished much yet and I still have a very long way to go, but I do think our firm is on the right trajectory – our vision and mission plans will guide us to do a lot of good work, not just in Hong Kong but hopefully, all over the world.</p>
<p><strong>What is it like being a woman on the top in a very male-dominated industry?<br />
</strong>There is no denying that architecture is a male-dominated industry, but things are changing. In addition to leading my firm, I also teach at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and over half of my students are female. The lack of women in the industry is not indicative of their interest in the sector, but more on the limited female representation in top positions. I hope to change that narrative.</p>
<p>Personally, I don’t think too much about whether I am female or male – I am an architect. I focus on the designs I create. In return, fortunately, I am surrounded by people who see me for what I bring to the table rather than my gender. I hope to inspire the younger generation and remind them that in 2022, disrupting the state of play is certainly possible.</p>
<p><strong>Tell us about the challenges you encountered while setting up COLLECTIVE.<br />
</strong>There were a lot of hurdles, but grasping the business spectrum of running a firm was the biggest lesson. At one point, I even considered doing an MBA to understand organisational structure and skills, but a lot of my mentors suggested running a practice in the real world – managing exposure, making mistakes and learning from them is the best MBA you can do. In the last six years, I’ve failed several times, picked up and started again, learnt immensely and I’m very happy with the progress now; I’ve acquired a skill, not only in design but also in running a successful company.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64148" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5.png" alt="Challenging conventional structures of design, architect Betty Ng are shaking things up interview gafencu (5)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-5-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>What are your resolutions for 2022?<br />
</strong>One thing which is dear to me is nurturing young talent. As well as teaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, I’m on the jury of the DFA Hong Kong Young Talent Design Awards, and it’s been a very rewarding experience.<br />
Secondly, I want our company to have a more solid, robust foundation. Not to be arrogant, but in terms of design capability, my three business partners – Chi-Yan Chan, Juan Minguez and Katja Lam – have ensured we are right there, but in the coming year we want to develop our business efficiency.</p>
<p><strong>What is the secret to a timeless design?<br />
</strong>Every time I start creating something it’s always tabula rasa, starting from zero. There is no cookie-cutter approach; both as a firm and as individuals, we believe in balancing the clarity, function and aesthetic of a space. Every opportunity is a chance to do ground-breaking work, be experimental and move away from default. That is real timelessness – to keep changing, moving and inventing with time.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64147" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4.png" alt="Challenging conventional structures of design, architect Betty Ng are shaking things up interview gafencu (4)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4-200x300.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4-186x280.png 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4-120x180.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Challenging-conventional-structures-of-design-architect-Betty-Ng-are-shaking-things-up-interview-gafencu-4-400x601.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>How important is sustainability to you personally in the design process?<br />
</strong>This is a very tricky question because the most sustainable thing would be to not build anything. To me, sustainability is more than greenwashing – we’ve designed Penicillin, the world’s first completely sustainable bar, and we believe in cultural and heritage sustainability. We worked with a local neon sign maker to create new neon lights – the continuation of culture is sustainability as well. Reuse and recycle are important concepts. We’ve developed a special line of tables from fallen trees in typhoons, and it was redesigned to becomes a long-lasting product. The idea is to maintain your spaces – if your design is long lasting, then you are not going to be wasteful in reinventing and refurbishing.</p>
<p><strong>Who inspires you?<br />
</strong>Rem Koolhaas is perhaps one of the most important architects of the century, and it was incredibly enriching to be his Design Director. His buildings can be found all over the world, yet there is no easy way to define Koolhaas or his style. That unique ability to deal with hope and contradictions in an ever more complex world is what shaped me as an architect.</p>
<p>In the current day, it’s my partners at COLLECTIVE. We all have individual strengths and weaknesses, but together we are a force to be reckoned with. Never believe anyone when they say you can run your own firm! Architecture is not a one-man job – there’s never really just one person, one brain behind a knock-out design, it’s at least a hundred! I’m grateful to have stellar partners and a brilliant team.</p>
<p><strong><em>Also Read:&nbsp;</em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/helen-ma-launches-one-plus-one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong socialite Helen Ma talks about beauty, life and her latest venture</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Interview By: Nikita Mishra;&nbsp;Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction &amp; Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Hair and Make Up: Owen Ko</em></strong></p>


Challenging conventional structures of design, architect Betty Ng are shaking things up interview gafencu (1)

Hong Kong’s star architect Betty Ng on shaking up the design world…

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-56960-3" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2104/2104_GMHK_Interview_KeithGriffiths.mp4?_=3" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2104/2104_GMHK_Interview_KeithGriffiths.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2104/2104_GMHK_Interview_KeithGriffiths.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>World-famous architect and educator Keith Griffiths, founder of the Aedas architecture firm, on his small-town Welsh roots, design journey, opinions on Hong Kong’s infrastructure and more&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57039" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong (7)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-7-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>You were born a world away from Hong Kong in Wales…</strong><br />
Yes. I’m completely a country mouse. I grew up in a tiny village called Merthyr Tydfil on the west coast of Wales. Home to just 1,400 people, it’s as far west as you can go before you drop into the Atlantic Ocean. It was very barren but also very beautiful. Set on a peninsula measuring six miles by one mile, that was my whole life while growing up. Although the education I received and the atmosphere were great, frankly it was an extremely boring place to be young. In the end, I couldn’t wait to get away.<br />
It was a seminal experience, though, and it taught me how to communicate. Given its tiny size – our school had just 300 children – I had to learn how to deal with any situation, how to problem-solve and how to see the best in people. After all, you need to deal with them in any case. Leaving there, when I was 17, was a relief, though.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57033" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>And where did you leave for?</strong><br />
I ran east, initially to Cambridge University, where I spent six years. It was a great introduction to wider society and I really enjoyed the experience. I then moved to London – finally a big city with a rich culture, architectural traditions and international influences. I was there for five years until famed British architect Norman Foster sent me to Hong Kong in 1983 to look after the HSBC project. I’ve been here ever since.</p>
<p><strong>What made you decide to settle here?</strong><br />
It was down to two factors really. First of all, in 1985, when the HSBC Building project was completed, Hong Kong was just recovering from the 1982 economic collapse. There was a lot of optimism in the air and a surplus of work opportunities. It was very different to the UK, where the economy had all but stagnated. At the same time, the Falkland War was going on and I had a real issue with what I saw as a political conflict and a gambit for Margaret Thatcher to hold onto power. Removed from the situation, I could see things dispassionately and perceive it as the humanitarian crisis it truly was. Ultimately, then I decided Hong Kong was my best option when it came to creating a life for myself.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57034" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong (2)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-2-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>This all led, eventually, to you founding Aedas, your own architectural firm…</strong><br />
I founded Aedas about 30 years ago and we’ve since spread out across the world. When we first started we were very small, but we grew quickly. This was partly because we took on a lot of infrastructure projects such as railway and airport work, which, in the ’80s, saw us move into South East Asia, then the Middle East and finally China. We now work across the board in every area of design, including mixed-use infrastructure, museums, hotels – you name it, we do it as we’re now a big group. Overall, we have about 1,200 staff, most of whom work either in China or Hong Kong.</p>
<p><strong>What do you see as your USP?</strong><br />
One of the factors in our success is that we like our architecture to be relevant to the city we’re designing for. In order to accomplish this, we really need to understand the culture, the people and the climate. So, every time we pick up a major project we set up a local office, which is why we are now active in 12 locations around the world. It’s this desire to really understand the place we’re designing for – rather than just importing a generic international style of building – that makes us different.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57038" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong (6)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-6-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What are the challenges that come with running such a multinational business?</strong><br />
Actually, running Aedas is surprisingly easy. We’re designers and designers communicate through design. If you try to run designers through management tools, you’ll fail – it would be like herding cats. So, instead, we use design tools. We don’t have any professional managers as everyone at Aedas is either an architect, an interior designer or an urban planner. Our directors are also similarly qualified, so everyone speaks the same language, regardless of their background. This really enhances our communication capabilities, which in turn yields big rewards in terms of our completed projects.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57037" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong (5)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-5-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Over the years, have there been some project that were particularly close to your heart?</strong><br />
In our three decades of operation, we’ve designed many, many buildings. It is, however, true to say that you always believe the building you’re currently working on is going to be the best. If it’s not, then you’ve done something wrong as you should be looking to improve all the time. So in terms of the buildings I’m particularly proud of, it’s always going to be the most recent ones – most notably, the West Kowloon Train Terminus, a world-class building and the gateway between Hong Kong and the mainland.</p>
<p><strong>How do you decide which projects are right for you and Aedas?</strong><br />
Architects tend to be very humble, so we rarely turn a project down. Generally, though, we have a business development team whose job is to source our projects. Sometimes they bring direct commissions – which account for about 40 percent of our overall business – other times they propose we participate in design pitches, which make up another 40 percent of our work, with the balance coming from work for previous clients.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57035" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3.jpg" alt="gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong (3)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/gafencu-people-interview-keith-griffiths-aedas-architecture-and-design-company-hong-kong-3-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Focusing more locally, what do you see as Hong Kong’s unique architectural challenges?</strong><br />
The thing to remember about Hong Kong is that it was the world’s first extreme high-density, high-rise city, making it all but inevitable that a number of issues are going to arise. Among these, the biggest problem is land use. In total, just 25 percent of its land has been developed, with only seven percent allocated to residential buildings. By comparison, Singapore has used 30 percent of its available space for or residential properties, a move that is reflected in its bigger apartment sizes and wider availability of property.</p>
<p>Moving to architecture, we’ve had some significantly good developments over recent years, including such world-leading designs like the new M+ project and the revamped Tai Kwun compound. Hong Kong was also the first to introduce live-work hubs as the norm, as embodied by such neighbourhoods as Central, Soho and Shatin, while also being in the podium-and-tower style of design. We are, however, still stuck in an infrastructural mindset that was first introduced in the ’80s, and I think we need to evolve and produce new types of buildings, which can better meet the needs of this high-density, high-rise city.</p>
<p><strong>Looking to the future, what projects are you particularly anticipating?</strong><br />
We actually have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline. We’ve been very successful recently in securing several government projects in Shenzhen. We’re also working on a number of headquarter buildings in its business district, which are truly world-class creations. The regulations in Shenzhen are rather different from those elsewhere in China, so we’ve been able to do some really interesting architectural designs. We’ve also been working on a new border-crossing facility at Huanggang – between Hong Kong and the mainland – which is a very large building and something I’m definitely proud of. In all, we have about 100 live projects in China, though, so it’s hard to single out just a few.</p>
<p><strong>Thank you.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Interview by: Tenzing Thondup</em><br />
<em>Art Direction &amp; Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma</em><br />
<em>Photos: Jack Law<br />
Videographer: Andy Wan</em></p>


gafencu people interview keith griffiths aedas architecture and design company hong kong

The many tales of Keith Griffiths, founder of Aedas architecture and design firm

<p>While we may be able to avoid the snowy touch of winter here in Hong Kong, our northern-nation neighbors are not so lucky, but with Spring but already sprung now is the perfect time to hop a plane and pack your hiking boots for a trip northward.&nbsp;Indeed, with a boundless amount of&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/tag/hiking/">hiking</a> trails in Northern Asia, it can be difficult to narrow down which ones should top our to-do lists in a world never before so friendly for travel. Fortunately, we&#8217;ve had the time to climb a mountain or two for you and report back with our top results.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43992 aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china.jpg" alt="hiking trails in Northern Asia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/china-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<h3>Zhangjiajie National Forest Park</h3>
<h4>China</h4>
<p>Now just a quick train ride of five or so hours,&nbsp;thanks to the high-speed train from West-Kowloon station, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park appears to be right out of a lucid dream. However, the national park is indeed a sure thing with a beauty arguably unmatched, so much so that it was featured in the James Cameron blockbuster <strong>Avatar&nbsp;</strong>(2010). The&nbsp;unique geological formations are plentiful, with rushing rivers and trails for days. You won&#8217;t want to exclude Zhangjiajie from your bucket list, but be sure to go during off season as the sudden fame of the park has propelled visitors into the millions.</p>
<h3><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43990 aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan.jpg" alt="hiking trails in Northern Asia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/japan-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></h3>
<h3>The Imperial Route to Kumano</h3>
<h4>Japan</h4>
<p>A cherished park in Japan for over 1,000 years, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is now a registered UNESCO world heritage site and for good reason. Enjoy a stroll down the same trails that once were taken by retired emperors and aristocrats, offering routes for both short walks and multi-day treks. To give your feet a deserved break, treat yourself to one of the many traditional accommodations of the area and take a dip into the hot springs.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43991 aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea.jpg" alt="hiking trails in Northern Asia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/korea-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<h3>Odaesan National Park</h3>
<h4>South Korea</h4>
<p>For those eager to explore South Korea&#8217;s North-Eastern region, you best start with Odaesan Nation Park found some 144 kilometers east from the nation&#8217;s capital of Seoul. As the place to be for anyone looking to be at one with nature, Odaesan is chock-full of well-marked trails and even child-friendly. Enjoy the calming sounds of the river, and make sure to stop into the Sangwonsa Temple before calling it a day. &nbsp;</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_43993" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43993" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-43993 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan.jpg" alt="hiking trails in Northern Asia" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/taiwan-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43993" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Photo: Bailey Atkinson</em></figcaption></figure></p>
<h3>Taroko National Park</h3>
<h4>Taiwan</h4>
<p>Bearing its name from the local Truku aboriginal tribe, Taroko National Park is not only one of the most beautiful sights in Taiwan, but in the world. For those searching for a truly marveling view which has been scantily touched by man, will be delighted to learn that Taroko is sacredly protected by Taiwan&#8217;s environmental protection movement. Sure to be a splendid way to immerse yourself into nature, the park is home to several hiking trails, a wide range of wildlife many of which are unique to the region and relaxed county of Hualien just minutes away.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Text: <a href="mailto:bailey@itotalmedia.com">Bailey Atkinson</a></em></p>


Tag: asia

Set for Life: Hong Kong insurers’ policy of attracting mainland buyers is paying dividends

Family-Friendly Fun: Discover Asia’s Top Cities for an Epic Vacation

Selling the High Fashion Dream: Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique

Hong Kong’s star architect Betty Ng on shaking up the design world…

The many tales of Keith Griffiths, founder of Aedas architecture and design firm

Northern Steps: Discover northern Asia’s hiking trails

Tag: asia

Blog Section

Set for Life: Hong Kong insurers’ policy of attracting mainland buyers is paying dividends

Family-Friendly Fun: Discover Asia’s Top Cities for an Epic Vacation

Selling the High Fashion Dream: Mike Ruan of S.T Boutique

Hong Kong’s star architect Betty Ng on shaking up the design world…

The many tales of Keith Griffiths, founder of Aedas architecture and design firm

Northern Steps: Discover northern Asia’s hiking trails