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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2024/2404/2404_GMHK_Interview_Rasheedshroff.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Rasheed Shroff’s co-working space is located in a three-decade-old industrial building in Quarry Bay. But inside, it’s a blueprint of what a modern office should look like, with a feel of zen and a killer harbour view. As we ring the bell, Shroff joyfully hops into the office’s cavernous foyer. There’s something undeniably adolescent about his demeanour – like that of a teenager left alone in a grown-up’s house. Throwing open the door, he says hello, and leads us past a marble reception counter and a hard-to-miss framed letter B – the company logo, Banyan Workspace.</p>



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<p>“I guess this is what a positive working environment does? Less stress means looking young?” he laughs. “At the peak of the pandemic years, there was a time when I was the only person in this space. That was hard and mentally exhausting. Thank god that’s over!”</p>



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<p>As a visionary entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of work and business, Shroff recognises the limitations of traditional office spaces. Thus, he set out to create a new paradigm that fosters collaboration, creativity and productivity. With a clear vision and an entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife, Amy, founded Banyan Workspace in 2019 to offer a fresh, socially conscious perspective on shared workspaces.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81051" width="683" height="1024" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1450-copy_p-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Knit V-neck gilet in two-toned dove grey geometric jacquard by Emporio Armani, Melange wool blazer and wool pants by SANDRO and watch by Zodiac Watches</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Amy Shroff stays close during our photoshoot in the space’s sumptuous library and lounge – ideal for companies to hire for their own sessions – and ably fulfils her role as Head of Creative by suggesting how her husband should pose and smile. “The whole idea of Banyan Workspace is to come to work with a smile,” he says with gusto. “It’s always a first-name basis here with an enthusiastic good morning and/or hello. We strive to provide a comfortable working environment that feels like it’s a home.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apple and the tree</h3>



<p>Rasheed Shroff’s family has long been recognised in the city. His grandfather fled from Shanghai with his family during the Second World War, beginning a profound bond with Hong Kong spanning four generations. His path of success left an indelible mark on the commercial landscape and ultimately shaped the destiny of the family. For Rasheed personally, this meant a law degree at the University of Sussex in the UK, two decades in the brand and marketing corporate world, then co-founding his own brand- distribution company, Dragonfly Asia-Pacific, the year before Banyan Workspace was born.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81052" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1600-copy_edit_p-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Knitwear top by ZEGNA and Alpha wool-twill suit jacket and trousers by SANDRO</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“We call it Banyan Workspace for a couple of reasons,” he says. “Banyan trees were historical places where merchants traded goods while traversing the old Silk Road. Both my grandfather and father ran a trading company which started with sourcing silks in China and shipping them to India, so we thought that was very analogous to us.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable force</h3>



<p>As a true-blooded Hong Konger with deep roots in and love of his birthplace, Shroff not only showcases the city’s spirit through the design of the co-working space but also embraces a noble cause – giving back to the community. They have officially partnered with five local non-profit organisations to date.</p>



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<p>Companies have been drawn to the allure of the space for their offsite meetings and events, captivated by a sustainable luxury office that seems to defy convention. This served as the catalyst for the Green Office Project in 2022, a Banyan Workspace undertaking that encourages companies to embrace sustainability.</p>



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<p>“Its purpose evolved beyond a mere educational initiative,” he explains. “This project is for companies to understand the consequences of the decisions they make every day, and to show decision-makers that viewing each decision through a sustainability lens is good for their company, their customers, their business and our planet. We would love to take our impact beyond the four walls of our workspace and inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Words to work by</h3>



<p>Shroff also possesses a rare sense of discipline and drive for perfection, qualities that were born perhaps of his awareness that he has a name to live up to. In the corner of the office pantry, three placards hang on a rattan board: ‘Inspire Impact, Engage Minds, Transform Action.’</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81049 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1425-copy_p-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81050" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1427-copy_p-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>
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<p>He adds: “It’s absolutely critical to be in an environment that you are comfortable in and that is conducive to being as productive as you can be. This is not about the set-up, though obviously it’s important that the technology works, whether that be the wifi, the printer or the lights.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">50 and beyond</h3>



<p>He is entering his sixth decade and a new phase of life, but behind a youthful visage that only shows wear when a smile draws minuscule wrinkles around his brow, his humility and his honesty are what shine the most.</p>



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<p>“Almost every interaction is an opportunity to learn and develop. The key is staying humble, being open to learning, growing, developing and being self-aware,” he says. “Setting up two distinct businesses across three countries is probably my most significant achievement career-wise. But honestly, I don’t feel we have accomplished what we set out to do yet. I am cautiously optimistic about what 2024 will bring.”</p>



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<p>Settled into an equilibrium, Shroff appears to have a genuine enjoyment of his place in the ecosystem. His most overwhelming and rewarding job seems to be as a family man – a husband and a father of two. “Parenthood is a gift, but it is also something that nothing can prepare you for,” he shares. “It makes you want to be better and show your kids the very best that you can be, while striving to give them every opportunity to become the best version of themselves.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valuable support</h3>



<p>He adds with a knowing wink: “But the young need to make their own mistakes and learn from them – finding that balance is not always very easy. My parents always encouraged us to work hard and play hard. I worked hard yes, but I played harder! “My family as well as my team are an incredible support system and they allow me to do everything that I love to do. Nothing that I do today would be possible without them,” he confesses.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81048" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_1355-copy_edit-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure></div>


<p>It was the desire to give every child the support system they deserve that saw Shroff accept an invitation to sit on the global board of OneSky, an NGO providing early childhood care and safety environments for vulnerable children.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Space, the future frontier</h3>



<p>There is an earnest, sometimes quivering sense of excitement in his voice when he discusses what lies ahead. His mindset retains an ethos that anything is possible. Sustainability has been a core value of the co-working movement since its inception, and while this commitment is not always easy, it is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.</p>



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<p>“I firmly believe that resiliency is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur needs to have,” he stresses. “The last few years have certainly taught me that being resilient, staying in the game and putting one foot in front of the other is the only way to progress.”</p>



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<p>Ultimately, the right blend of autonomy, resources and community lies at the heart of an empowered and happy team — one that wants to come to work, wherever that happens to be.</p>



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<p><em>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Banyan Workspace Brands: Emporio Armani, ZEGNA and SANDRO Cover: Chore jacket by ZEGNA, Neil cotton-twill suit pants by IRO and shoes by ZEGNA</em></p>


Ace of Space: Led by owner Rasheed Shroff, social consciousness and sustainability flourish at Banyan Workspace


<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2024/2403/2403_GMHK_Interview_Leniaperez.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Lenia Pérez is one of the best-dressed women in the city, in part because she’s so willing to try everything. “I’ve prepared a total of 19 outfits for us to play around with, but I’m not sure if some of them still fit me,” laughs the Latin American fashion entrepreneur, rubbing her four-month baby bump with just a slight touch of embarrassment.</p>



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<p>It’s an unconventional pregnancy announcement – and a surprising moment of awkwardness for someone who photographs so well and telegraphs such confidence. Whether she’s going to the gym or the hottest parties, her style is obsessively chronicled.</p>



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<p>Embarrassment, though, is different from regret. “I’m never afraid to try anything,” affirms Pérez, who is thrilled to be expecting her second child with husband Ziad Korban. “I think that just goes to show that there’s a moving evolution in my style. It just keeps growing” – like her baby bump – “which is kind of how I want to be in all areas of life.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80626" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Black Flora Deep V Maxi Dress by Daniella Batlle Earrings by Vipop</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>It takes a certain sort of boldness and a certain level of shimmering magnitude to establish your own time zone, especially while being pregnant. Yet the co-founder and CEO of Vipop, a Hong Kong-based sustainable fashion brand, has done just that. It’s exactly 8:45 am on a typical Hong Kong gloomy Monday, yet Pérez is all set for a day of photoshoot and interview. Her ease and her vibrant full smile suggest this is all very normal and time really is just a construct.</p>



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<p>From the get-go, she also expresses her opinion on maternity wear: &#8220;I&#8217;m hoping that we are able to redefine what’s considered ‘decent’ for pregnant women. I am proud of my body for the amazing things it’s doing right now. Minus the morning sickness, I think I am at my happiest. Heels during pregnancy? Go for it. Who made such rules anyways?”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable values</h3>



<p>As a self-confessed collector, Pérez travels to fashion shows across South and Central America in search of resort-wear designers to represent, pinpointing those whom she believes will appeal to Asian customers. What started as an internet business with co-founder and fellow Venezuelan Fabiana González, now occupies a cosy white shop called Artezano by Vipop and is reaching customers in the US and Europe.</p>



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<p>Her parents are artisans, so she has always liked fashion and handicrafts. Additionally, clothing created by Latin American designers, who historically use sustainable weaving and dyeing methods, felt appropriate for a market where ethical consciousness is growing in importance.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80636" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Red Percy Dress by Palma Canaria</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“Vipop brings together a community of international designers making bags, jewellery and clothing in unique designs like the ones I’m wearing,” she says. “Our designers take care of the ethical or eco-friendly values behind the pieces and we also take care of the value of each piece. So it’s this community we’re building in the new fashion industry. We’re offering new ways to be sustainable. It’s not just ‘sustainable’; it can be very fun too.”</p>



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<p>Vipop builds partnerships based on sustainability practice. Designers and collaborators are chosen by the effort they put into one or more of the following clean fashion criteria: handmade, locally produced, carbon neutral, use of vegan or organic materials, low waste, longevity, recycled materials and fair wage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Damage limitation</h3>



<p>“It’s very important to put attention to how the pieces we buy are actually made, who is making them and how it affects our environment, the community around us and the planet, because we can see so much damage in the world from the fashion industry. This is something very special for me and all the team, and this is why we selected this subject to build a fashion brand and e-commerce platform.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80637" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-800x1000.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Black Cher dress cut pleated skirt with top by Nabel Martins</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>This combination of focused strategy with faith in humanity and the occasional flight of fancy seems a winning formula, especially when matched by an unstinting gusto for whatever challenges her fashion career or an impending new addition to the family will throw at her.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Calming vibes</h3>



<p>Despite her hypermodern appearance, not to mention the permanent arts on her skin, her style is very traditional. As seen on her Instagram, whether it’s a friend’s wedding or a trip abroad, she creates distinct &#8216;vibes&#8217; (to use her favourite phrase) for each occasion. Indeed, her process is true fashion-icon behaviour.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80623" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“We&#8217;re still right on time. I cannot emphasise more the importance of working with the right people. It will really get the job done and produce output that you want to have,” she reflects as she changes for look no.9.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80622 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Pérez seems unfazed by the fame in the fashion world she is currently experiencing. She is seemingly without ego: calm and reflective with a slightly starry professional glow that makes her the ability to inhabit someone else’s mind look easy. During and in between takes, she is compellingly unselfconscious.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>“But that’s the work of it,” she shares. “In reality, you have to be aware of what you’re feeling, what the team in the room is feeling. Once the camera clicks, you have this third level of awareness – your mark, the light and which way you should be facing. And it’s like you are constantly having to juggle those three things the whole time. She pauses and adds knowingly: &#8220;Pretty much like pregnancy huh?”</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80624 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dressed to express</h3>



<p>Fashion for her is about the moments of pure enjoyment, of just letting go to the point that she can be surprised. It represents the most acute version of fun. “Which is why I love it so much. It’s my playground. I love it,” she admits giddily.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80635" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Emiliana pants and bared back top in paillette by Nabel Martins</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“Clothes allow us to show off our unique personalities. Many of us care about how we seem in public, which is cool and just right. But some of us experience pressure to follow the newest trends in fashion,” she reminds, throwing in a note of caution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mother load</h3>



<p>One trend she is happy to embrace is her pregnancy. These days, the word ‘Mother’, without the preceding article, is present everywhere, as not just a regular word but a colloquial term and part of this generation&#8217;s slang; fans, brands and occasionally even mums themselves use it. It is also affectionately applied to prominent women who have a devoted following. And Pérez is surely mothering the fashion game.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80625" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Blue one sleeve cut out dress by Baobab Accessories by Vipop</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“My body is going through so many changes again, but I ’ve grown to respect it so much that I look past the physical. I fully embrace it for serving a much deeper purpose, something far bigger than myself and anything I ever gave it credit for. I’m so grateful for, and amazed by, what my body is capable of,” she states, flashing a smile.</p>



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<p>At the end of our shoot, she swaps her stilettos for platformed boots, saying with a wink: “It’s time to be more comfortable.” Whatever tomorrow brings, Lenia Pérez will have the right attitude – and look – to take it on.</p>



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<p><em>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Qura Bar &#8211; Regent Hong Kong Brands: Daniella Batlle, Baobab, Nabel Martins and Vipop</em></p>


Fashion Conscience: Vipop founder Lenia Pérez radiates sustainability vibes while joyfully revealing her second pregnancy


<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2311/2311_GMHK_Interview_Sam.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Sam Kima is proud to have developed a rewarding career in the finance industry, a field he was encouraged to enter following advice from his father in the early 1990s. He comes across as modest and sincere, though delight in his achievements is evident on a wall of his office filled with certificates spotlighting his proficiency to trade in the markets.</p>



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<p>“I’m still thriving in this career after more than three decades, winning accolades, awards, spanning Asia to Europe,” he says, indicating a further shelf packed full of trophies highlighting his business success.</p>



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<p>Kima established Sam’s Investment Office in London in 2015, and also plays a huge role in sales and marketing as senior vice-president of First Gold. Jakarta-based PT Cyber Futures Indonesia, which specialises in forex, gold and derivative instruments, is another company that banks upon his expertise. He is also a professional senior analyst working under TraderHub Jakarta.</p>



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<p>His formative years undoubtedly gave him an international outlook highly suited to the world of finance. Born in Hong Kong and further raised in California, he went on to study at the London School of Economics. He now spends his time shuttling between Hong Kong and Indonesia as well as Europe and Los Angeles, which he describes as his second home. He converses with a slight American twang, and with his strong physical presence, he easily commands attention when he articulates sentences in a deep, booming voice.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carnegie confidence</h3>



<p>Perhaps this innate ability to fill a room with his presence stems from the Dale Carnegie training he undertook at the outset of his burgeoning career. It was a decision that helped him achieve a better life. “Dale Carnegie is super amazing,” he says. “It has considerably influenced me on how to deal with people, colleagues, friends and clients. It guides you to be a smarter person with integrity and morality.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78279" width="512" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1756-copy_p_edit-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>He believes such training is all-important when developing a career in a people-centred occupation like finance, and credits the course with nurturing a whole raft of skills. “It develops communication, confidence, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and self-awareness,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Caring spirit</h3>



<p>A sense of integrity is also fundamental to Kima’s attitude to work and his desire to partake in community service. For instance, every Tuesday he volunteers together with a group of influential community leaders to help serve food to more than 500 impoverished elderly people in Hong Kong. He believes these kinds of activities make someone a more positive person with other knock-on effects: “The better your character traits mesh with your career, the more productive and positive your job performance will be.”</p>



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<p>He also reveals that he is a passionate believer in self-care and investing in activities that nurture body and mind. “This is not in a selfish way,” he adds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hungry for more</h3>



<p>Kima likes to set and achieve goals, and his early banking career was spent mastering economic fundamentals like how technical charts play a big role in clients’ decision-making, and how various financial products, forex, gold and silver fluctuate according to data and news. He thrived on the adrenaline rush, constantly learning about the markets, and this made him hungry. “It is an amazing field and I loved what I experienced and was doing,” he recalls of the time.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78278" width="512" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1644-copy_p-scaled.jpg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>This hunger has stayed with him. One can sense he is constantly checking the newswires to sense the market direction. The day of our meeting was soon after the terrible events in Israel and he noted a flight to the dollar as investors sought security in an uncertain world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The fear factor</h3>



<p>Shifting assets to the security of gold is another phenomenon in turbulent times, especially when the fear of inflation is pervasive. “As inflation occurs, investors increasingly turn to gold as a hedge, driving demand and price upwards,” he explains.</p>



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<p>His team is part of a tightly interconnected network spanning Australia, Indonesia, the UK and Hong Kong in the rapidly developing investment brokerage field. Live analysis reports by their expert advisors on their state-of-the-art 24-hour trading platform can be the difference between clients making a profit or loss in the most lucrative forex and precious metals markets, according to Kima. He also states they can offer the most competitive spreads and that industry leaders from the Asia-Pacific region turn to his team for their wealth management and analysis reports.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Internet immediacy</h3>



<p>He believes one of the main reasons why gold and forex investing is so easy – and attractive – is its accessibility. “Anyone with an internet connection and a computer or mobile device can access the market. Forex and gold brokers provide traders with trading platforms that allow them to buy and sell currencies, view charts and access real-time analysis and news,” he says.</p>



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<p>His services aim to reduce the time it takes for an order to be routed to the servers for execution, something known as latency. “The high liquidity of forex and gold means that transactions can be completed quickly and easily, and that spreads are often very tight – meaning the underlying market price won&#8217;t have to make a significant positive move in order for your trade to be profitable,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Get-rich-quick worry</h3>



<p>As he sits in his office in front of a shelf crammed with a bust of Mao Zedong, beautiful Chinese figurines and a lovely model of a traditional sailing boat, he talks earnestly about the dangers of naive and small investors who do not do their homework before putting their savings into investment vehicles. He is acutely aware that the reputation of the financial sector has taken a battering over recent years, and passionately believes that credibility is all-important when dealing in finance. Indeed, he reveals that he did an interview warning of the dangers of cryptocurrency just prior to the great unravelling.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78280" width="512" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MG_1856-copy_p-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>He fears inexperienced investors post- Covid are exhibiting a dangerous get-rich-quick mentality, and perhaps with this concern in mind, he makes sure his investor clients first go through demo accounts to trade without using real money. “We must make sure that prospective clients are well educated about our markets and understand the fundamentals prior to putting funds in the real market,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top track record</h3>



<p>For our photo shoot, he dons an assortment of strikingly coloured suits, and there is certainly the showman side to his persona. In a wistful moment, he yearns for the return of the big pre-Covid society bashes. But he knows what traits are most important: “You will not find one bad review on a search engine about the companies I am involved with,” he reveals with immense pride.</p>



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<p>“Integrity, loyalty, reviews, honesty and track records are the main ingredients and reasons for investing with us,” he adds.</p>



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<p>Interview by: Neil Dolby Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla</p>


Financial Fair Play: Whether metals, forex or other financial products, investment guru Sam Kima values integrity above all

<p style="text-align: left;">In times of challenges, Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW), together&nbsp;with Gafencu and De Beers, worked together to interview several&nbsp;influential women who can inspire us to shine bright, no matter how dark&nbsp;the shadows sometimes seem. We believe that the strength of a&nbsp;woman&#8217;s spirit is as resilient as that of a natural diamond itself, born&nbsp;through hard work and under intense pressure.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_68021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68021" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68021 size-full" title="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68021" class="wp-caption-text">Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alison Chan El Azar</span></strong></a><br />
<em>HK Influencer</em></p>
<p>Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but&nbsp;she knows that she can do something big, something&nbsp;important. She is always working to be a better version&nbsp;of herself &#8211; just like a natural diamond &#8211; when it&#8217;s&nbsp;polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it&nbsp;will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_68020" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68020" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68020 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang-owen Thirty30 creative" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-Thirty30-creative-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68020" class="wp-caption-text">Victoria Tang-Owen wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Victoria&nbsp;Tang-Owen</strong></span></a><br />
<em>Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</em></p>
<p>Victoria understands that “starting a business is tough,&nbsp;especially being a women-owned business. It takes&nbsp;courage and discipline.” I like the touch and feel of&nbsp;rough diamonds, understated yet powerful. Just like in&nbsp;life, some things do not have to be polished or perfect.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_68019" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68019" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68019 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68019" class="wp-caption-text">Ruth Chao wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ruth Chao</strong></span></a><br />
<em>Founder of RCS</em></p>
<p>&#8220;We are what we think. We become what we do. Creating&nbsp;for businesses with positive impact and meaningful&nbsp;causes is what fuels my fire of creativity.&#8221; The strength of&nbsp;Ruth is like the stunning diamond jewellery she is&nbsp;wearing &#8211; rare, finite, and extremely difficult to find.&#8221;</p>
<p>Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_68022" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68022" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68022 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle diana chou" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-diana-chou-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68022" class="wp-caption-text">Diana Chou wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Portraits of Nature High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Diana Chou</strong></span></a><br />
<em>Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</em></p>
<p>Diana Chou, the founder and Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group, (DGA), has over time been a strong leader and mentor for up and coming female entrepreneurs.&nbsp;“When you see a natural diamond, you don’t know its brilliance until you have to shape it, polish it, before it will shine. This is just like a woman going through life, and they need to be polished before they can shine”.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a>.&nbsp;</p>


Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond

<p>We all need a little humour to make life a little bit more tolerable sometimes. As the old adage goes, “laughter is the best medicine”. Indeed we have scientific research to back that up. Especially in trying times and difficult situations, it helps to let your hair down and have a good old belly laugh.</p>
<p>Or even a gentle chortle. As comedian and political satirist Jon Steward once said, “Comedy is in the middle of a traffic jam, getting everybody moving again.” This time around, though, we’re turning the attention from ourselves and on to some of the most laughable events to have made headlines this year…</p>
<h4><strong>Musk be a Mistake</strong></h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68340" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="479" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-200x137.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-800x547.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-410x280.jpg 410w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-120x82.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-500x342.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-400x273.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-600x410.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Elon-Musk-Twitter-sues-Elon-Musk-2-1200x820.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>At one point or another, especially after a few too many pints, many of us have had the experience of tweeting something we’d later regret. Except, in most occasions, it doesn’t result in a billion-dollar lawsuit. The same can’t be said about Tesla CEO Elon Musk however.</p>
<p>After months of buzz around Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s claims to buy Twitter, the quirky SpaceX founder has finally declared that he will not be pursuing ownership of Twitter after attempting to terminate a signed merger agreement in April. As a result, Twitter has sued the business magnate for backing out of a US$44 billion acquisition.</p>
<p>Sniping back at the social media platform, Musk has accused the company of misleading him with inaccurate data, obfuscating facts, not notifying him of layoffs and executive changes, as well as refusing to hand over “useable” user data – all of which allegedly constitute a “breach” of the agreement, according to Musk’s lawyers. As the case goes on, if found liable, Musk will be obliged to pay a US$1 billion break-up fee according to the agreement.</p>
<h4><strong>Bagel Wars</strong></h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68342 aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="496" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM.jpg 2125w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-200x142.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-800x567.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-395x280.jpg 395w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-768x544.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-120x85.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-500x354.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-300x214.jpg 300w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-400x283.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-600x425.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-06-16-at-2.27.51-PM-1200x850.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Money, muscles and bagels. Hong Kong is known to be one of the safest cities in the world, with murder and theft cases being comparatively lower than other cities. However, a recent scuffle between two establishments has turned sour and you bet social media was quick to catch on.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In June, the infamous Bagel War was the talk of Kennedy Town and almost every English media in the city. Mendel’s, a New York bagel shop went viral on social media for a video they posted to their Instagram page in which men in black shirts were seen blocking entry to the store and telling customers that they were not allowed in, while employees can be heard yelling from inside to customers that the deli was in fact open.</p>
<p>The establishment had accused rival Schragel’s founder Rebecca Schragel of having hired security to harass customers and employees. In the video, customers can be seen struggling to pass through – dodging and pushing their way past the burly men. While many customers and supporters of the eatery were enraged, some found amusement in the turn of events.</p>
<p>It was cleared that Rebecca Schrage, a majority shareholder of Mendel’s was suing her partners for financial disputes.</p>
<h4><strong>It&#8217;s Not Over Until It&#8217;s Over</strong></h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68343" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sri-Lankan-Preside-nt1400x-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466"></p>
<p>Nobody wants to be broken up with on text or over the phone. However, that didn’t stop the head of state of Sri Lanka to pack up and flee the country in the wake of anti-government protests in July.</p>
<p>It was confirmed By Mahinda Yapa Abeywardenena, the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had sent over his resignation through e-mail and fled to Singapore on a flight from the Maldives.</p>
<p>Abeywardenena has told media that “we cannot accept such an email at face value” and that the legality of such a declaration needs to be legally verified, ascertained and officially confirmed. The state is expecting a paper copy of the letter but is expecting the letter to come through at a later time as it would be sent from Singapore.</p>
<h4>It’s Türkiye, not Turkey</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68344" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia.jpg 1656w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-120x120.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-500x500.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-66x66.jpg 66w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-600x600.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/resized_cc95c-c5b68fffmotiongraphicstemplatemedia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>When you think of Turkey, what springs to mind? If you say a large gobbling bird, you’re not alone. Most of us have all been guilty of associating “Turkey” with the thanksgiving dinner table rather than paying any mind to the actual country. In fact, if you type it into Google, you’re quite likely to see pages worth of the large game bird.</p>
<p>As such, the government of Turkey had formally advocated to officially change the country’s name to Türkiye (pronounced tur-key-yay), even producing a video commercial of the movement. It doesn’t help that the word is also alternatively defined as “a stupid or inept person”.</p>
<p>The name was changed to reframe the country’s image and connect it to its cultural roots. The process of the country’s renaming had began in December 2021 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement saying, “The word ‘Turkiye’ represents and expresses the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.” In June, The United Nations officially recognised Turkey as Türkiye and had implemented the change shortly after receipt of the request.</p>
<h4>Behind Every Dream is Cartier</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68347" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier.png" alt="" width="700" height="408" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier.png 898w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-200x117.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-800x467.png 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-480x280.png 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-768x448.png 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-120x70.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-500x292.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-400x233.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany-vs-Cartier-Cartier-600x350.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68348" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tiffany.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="453"></p>
<p>Contrary to high end jeweller Tiffany &amp; Co.’s tagline: Behind every dream is a dreamer, a recent legal battle between the high-end brand and competitor Cartier has pit the two luxury brands against each other.</p>
<p>In march Cartier accused Tiffany &amp; Co. of stealing trade secrets of the brand’s bespoke jewellery collection. According to a complaint filed in a New York state court in Manhattan, Tiffany had hired an under qualified junior manager to learn more about Cartier’s High Jewelry collection, in which pieces cost from US$50,000 to US$10 million.</p>
<p>The manager also happened to be a former executive worker for Cartier and was hired despite her six-month non-compete agreement. She was then fired after five weeks. Tiffany had since denied all allegations Cartier has made thus far. Although this isn’t the first legal battle between the two, it’s still a saucy affair to see two major league brands go head to head.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Metabirkins? Nadabirkins!</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68349" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/metabirking-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="393"></p>
<p>As vague as the lines are between reality and the metaverse, to luxury conglomerate Hermès, the boundaries of copyright is clear.</p>
<p>In January, Hermès sent artist Mason Rothschild a cease and desist letter and filed a lawsuit in federal court in the Southern District of New York for alleged trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, and cyber-squatting.</p>
<p>This lawsuit followed a sale by the artist of reinterpreted Berkin NFTs, coined the word “Metabirkins”, within the metaverse. The NFT features furry renderings of Hermes’s iconic Birkin handbag.&nbsp;Artist Mason Rothschild has since claimed his First Amendment right and right to artistic expression, stating that the Metabirkins are not explicitly misleading.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Much Ado About Nothing</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68352" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kim-Kardashian-kkm-k.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="508"></p>
<p>If there is one thing the infamous reality TV family The Kardashians is known for, it’s controversy – and there is a lot – enough propel the family into global fame. For what exactly? Absolutely nothing, allegedly.</p>
<p>Which is ironic since the most famous of the Kardashian-Jenner clan Kim Kardashian has been criticised for an interview in which she advised women who want to make a successful career in business with this statement: “I have the best advice for women in business,” she says. “Get your f&#8212;&#8211;g a&#8211; up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.</p>
<p>The punch line here is that the family has been called out several times in the past, including by Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters for having no talent or any particular expertise or professional background. Yet, for two decades they have become a household name across the globe and cashed on millions for their Keeping Up with the Kardashians reality show in which they do, well…nothing…</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Text: Staff Writer</em></p>


Celebrating the year’s most hilarious quips, anecdotes and happenstances

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-68094-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2210/2210_GMHK_Interview_SimonMa.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2210/2210_GMHK_Interview_SimonMa.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2210/2210_GMHK_Interview_SimonMa.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>Hong Kong-born, Shanghai based, art veteran Simon Ma shares his vision of creating harmony through art with his recent travelling Drago Cavallo Exhibition</p>
<p><strong>From a young age, you painted under the guidance of Chinese master Fan Tzu Teng. How did that shape you?</strong><br />
I was lucky to have him inspire me, and not just in painting. He also inspired me to become a good person. We believed that whatever you paint first comes from your heart, then flows through your hands – manifesting how we think and how we look at the world.</p>
<p>“Harmonise” is a word he always reminded me of. To harmonise with nature and with people, regardless of their background, whether they are rich or poor. This way, you allow yourself to view the world from all angles, looking at everyone and every situation from the top down, left to right and from front to back as well. He was my master in matters of the mind, too – an extremely kind and an open person, he believed that we should do charity work, with a pure heart – that is what would help one be a good painter.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68095 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK0012_p-e1664790068698.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467"></p>
<p><strong>For a time, you had your own company in Shanghai, Ma Design. What propelled you to make the transition from architect and urban planner to artist?</strong></p>
<p>I started painting when I was seven years old, and I played music when I was 13 years old. After that, I attended boarding school in the UK and then studied architecture and urban planning at University College of London.</p>
<p>It’s hard being an architect. I prefer being an artist because I don’t have to just work for the client. As an artist, I can actually create anything I like, without limitations or boundaries. I started sculpting and exhibiting my work to the public in various locations around the world. To me, this is the more interesting part of art and creation, it is much more meaningful to me [than architecture. I put them there like an architecture but in miniature forms.</p>
<p><strong>You recently launched a large touring artistic installation, Drago Cavallo, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Could you tell us more about this?</strong></p>
<p>Winfried (Engelbrecht-Bresges), the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, called me and wanted me to come back to Hong Kong to do the Drago Cavallo – Travel Around HK exhibition as part of the SAR’s 25th anniversary.</p>
<p>We thought the city needed new energy, something to bring everyone in harmony. The mythical dragon horse (‘drago cavallo’ in Italian) is the spirit of China – one of the eight mythical beasts that symbolises inspiration; and I think people all over the world like horses.</p>
<p>I actually created these lovable Drago Cavallos during Covid-19 to give people hope and new energy. So, we brought back 10,000 Drago Cavallos and are planning on displaying a 25-metre-high Drago Cavallo next year.</p>
<p>I’m working very hard on this, trying to harmonise Hong Kong society – in different districts and also in schools, where students can paint Drago Cavallo and understand the spirit of the two animals (dragon and horse). The cool thing about this project is that it will harmonise society through art.</p>
<p>The Jockey Club has also been very supportive. We are also hosting a competition, and asking everyone to join the competition and try to set up one Drago Cavallo for each district.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68096 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9767_p-e1664802337739.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="699" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9767_p-e1664802337739.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9767_p-e1664802337739-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>&#8220;I prefer being an artist because you can actually create anything you like, with no limitations, no boundaries. This is much more meaningful to me [than architecture]”</strong></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>You have a strong affinity with horses. Could you share with us why that is?</strong><br />
The horse is the most beautiful animal. They are energetic, international and always moving forward. They never complain though they can have a temper, too; when they want to, they just go. I see myself as somewhat of a horse whisperer. I go around the world, to places like Mongolia, to see horses. And when I find them, they are like my friends. You have to build a friendship with horses before you can paint them. I paint from inside them; I’m painting their vision.</p>
<p><strong>You divide your time between your Hong Kong studio in Wong Chuk Hang and Shanghai. What differences have you observed between the two major cities?</strong><br />
I have been in China for 23 years. Shanghai is a very fast-growing city and full of energy. Whereas Hong Kong has stopped for the past three or four years; it’s actually becoming less international. If you look at the government in Shanghai and the local community, there is such a respect for art and its artists. But looking at Hong Kong, one might question how many good artists there are in the city. Shanghai, on the other hand, has so many ‘West Kowloon’s, not just one. And there are 20 or 30 more museums as well.</p>
<p>But Shanghai is not an easy place to survive in as an artist. You have to be very good at what you do, you have to be really good with people, and you have to be really good with the market as well. You have to be ahead of the market rather than follow it. We change because of our environment, but the environment doesn’t change because of us.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68097 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9858_p-e1664802491833.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="699" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9858_p-e1664802491833.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9858_p-e1664802491833-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>You have collaborated successfully as an artistic designer with international brands, such as Porsche and Ferrari. How did that come about?</strong><br />
I think these international luxury brands are looking for a Chinese artist who can connect with people internationally and locally. I understand both cultures – especially the Italian mindset, and I can instil Chinese art into their luxurious products harmoniously; it goes beyond just mixing two things together.</p>
<p><strong>You’re also pretty active on Instagram. What value does social media give you as an artist?</strong><br />
I am encouraging my team to be active on all social media platforms because it’s better to share and let more people appreciate your art. Why keep art to yourself? Open up and let people see it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68099 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9916_p-e1664790444742.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="1050" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9916_p-e1664790444742.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9916_p-e1664790444742-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9916_p-e1664790444742-600x900.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><br />
<em><strong>“I am like the horse whisperer. I go around the world, to places like Mongolia, to see horses. And when I find them, they are like my friends. I’m painting their vision”</strong></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>If you could go back in time and meet anyone from the past, who would it be?</strong><br />
My auntie, who passed away four years ago. She gave me my name ‘Simon’. And also, my master, Fan Tzu Teng. I would pay a million dollars to have dinner with them again, because as you get older, you realise the number of people you love gets less and less. Fan Tzu Teng is like my father. He had no son, so I was like a son to him. When I approached his body at his funeral, I knelt down; I knelt all the way to his body. There were a few hundred people there and they all stood up. This is the highest respect I could give to my teacher.</p>
<p><strong>When do you get your best ideas?</strong><br />
I always get my best ideas when I’m having a shower. I feel light, like I’m being purified by water – and all my spirituality emerges.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68100 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACK9953_p-e1664802550257.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="699"></p>
<p><strong>Do you still play music?</strong><br />
I love music. I still have my band in China. I used to write music before I got too busy. I’m a left-handed drummer (like Phil Collins) as well as a singer. If you ever hear me sing, you’d be surprised. Music is my life. It helps to create good art.</p>
<p><strong>Thank you.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(Interview by: Robert Murry; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma;&nbsp;</em><em>Videographer: Jackie Chan; Venue: Simon Ma Gallery)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Art veteran Simon Ma’s vision of creating harmony through art

<p>Diana Chou is the founder and chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA) while Anna Wong and Ines Gafi are founders of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide <a href="https://www.thefewgroup.com/">(FEW)</a>. Diana also sits on the board of directors of FEW from the early years and she&nbsp;always shared with them that&nbsp;sometimes we&nbsp; need to experience&nbsp;setbacks in order to learn and grow &#8211; it&#8217;s&nbsp;like a caterpillar that undergoes a&nbsp;transformational process to become a&nbsp;butterfly.<br />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68136" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-600x382.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2-400x255.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Anna:</strong> “Diana is a wonderful mentor&nbsp;because she shares her life, experiences,&nbsp;and struggles. She let me see how she&nbsp;manages the ups and downs in her life.&nbsp;She invites me to her business meetings&nbsp;and friends gatherings. She let me see&nbsp;how she runs things.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Ines:</strong> &#8220;Diana is a great inspiration, as she&nbsp;inspires us to pay it forward and mentor&nbsp;other younger women. And we are&nbsp;constantly looking for more great&nbsp;business and corporate leaders to&nbsp;mentor our members.&#8221;<br />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-68135" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-600x382.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1-400x255.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><em><strong>Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a></strong></em></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Do not look like</strong> a helpless and miserable young woman.</li>
<li><strong>Dress &#8220;one level up&#8221;</strong> &#8211; if you are just a manager, you could dress like a future director in the office; If you&#8217;re an entrepreneur, please dress&nbsp;like a successful entrepreneur.</li>
<li><strong>Show them that you have the talent</strong> to do it through your work ethic&nbsp;and achievements.</li>
<li><strong>Sell your passion</strong> and bring in positive energy to people&#8217;s life.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Demonstrate you&#8217;re doing</strong> something to drive a positive impact in&nbsp;society, as they want to give back to the society too.</li>
<li><strong>Be genuine</strong>. You get to truly love the people you’re with. Try not to&nbsp;make friends with people because of their status or money.</li>
<li><strong>Invite them to a coffee meeting</strong>. Tell them sincerely about what you&nbsp;admire about them and want to learn from them.</li>
<li><strong>Join platforms like FEW</strong> or other business associations based on&nbsp;your needs.</li>
<li><strong>Say thank you</strong> or send a gift for their guidance and trust in you.</li>
<li><strong>No need to rush into any relationship</strong>. You also need to know that&nbsp;if you can work and communicate well with the person who’s goingto help guide you.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;</strong></em></p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer</em></strong></a></li>
<li><em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</strong></a></em></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS</em></strong></a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>


Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle diana chao 600x337

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

<p><figure id="attachment_68023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68023" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68023" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-ruth-chao-RCS-1-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68023" class="wp-caption-text">Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS, wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">“I&#8217;m fascinated by depth, creativity, love”</h3>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>The turning points that created the life I have Today:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>When I quixotically applied to the art department of British Vogue 13 years<br />
ago that kickstarted my creative career.</li>
<li>When I co-founded my first company with Antonia Li at the age of 25 that<br />
began my entrepreneurial path.</li>
<li>When I founded my second company at the age of 30 to keep building the<br />
creative dream.</li>
<li>Each turning point in my life stemmed from moments of courage.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3 practical ways I improved my confidence:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Choose to believe in the positive.</li>
<li>Trust in the process.</li>
<li>Let myself to just simply be.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Top 3 things I do to motivate myself</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Appreciate the past.</li>
<li>Daydream about the future.</li>
<li>Enjoy the present.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a></strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;</strong></em></p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Alison Chan El Azar, </em></strong><em>Hong Kong Influencer</em></a></li>
<li><em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Victoria Tang-Owen, </strong>Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</a></em></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Diana Chou, </em></strong><em>Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</em></a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>


Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle ruth chao 600x337

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond- Ruth Chao

<p><figure id="attachment_68026" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68026" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68026" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang owen" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-victoria-tang-owen-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68026" class="wp-caption-text">Victoria Tang-Owen,&nbsp;Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio, wears De Beers Jewellers&#8217; Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">“I adapt very easily. I can be comfortable in any sort<br />
of situation you put me into”</h3>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Two important men in my life&#8230;</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>I was working for my father and&nbsp;was always overshadowed by him,&nbsp;and not allowed to cry in front of&nbsp;him. He said: &#8220;Excuses are just&nbsp;excuses. Fix it. Face it.&#8221; I had to&nbsp;constantly prove my creative&nbsp;output to him. All of&nbsp; these make&nbsp;me stronger Today.</li>
<li>My husband is left-brained,&nbsp;strategic and business-minded — a great planner. We complement&nbsp;each other so well in each single&nbsp;aspect, which is beautiful.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Starting a business is tough, how I did it..</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Have a genuine passion for what&nbsp;you do, not falling into habits of&nbsp;working simply to work.</li>
<li>Commit to it 100%. If you don&#8217;t&nbsp;believe in it, no one does. Stand on&nbsp;your own feet.</li>
<li>Find the right partner and people for&nbsp;you to work and surround yourself.</li>
<li>“You are what you give, not what&nbsp;you are given&#8221; is what I was told in&nbsp;my early adult life.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds<br />
</a></strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-alison-chan-el-azar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Alison Chan El Azar</em></strong><em>, Hong Kong Influencer</em></a></li>
<li><em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ruth Chao</strong>, Founder of RCS</a></em></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Diana Chou</em></strong><em>, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</em></a></li>
</ul>


Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle victoria owen tang 600x337

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond-  Victoria Tang-Owen

<p><figure id="attachment_68025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68025" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-68025 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1.png" alt="Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Womens-Resilience-As-tough-as-natural-diamond-gafencu-total-circle-alison-chan-el-azar-1-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68025" class="wp-caption-text">Hong Kong Influencer Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection</figcaption></figure></p>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>“I&#8217;m adventurous, determined, and spontaneous”</strong></h3>
<p>Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but she knows that she can do something big, something important. She is always working to be a better version of herself &#8211; just like a natural diamond &#8211; when it&#8217;s polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>My Struggles:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>I was feeling dark and lost in my&nbsp;teenage years, as my parents got&nbsp;divorced&#8230;</li>
<li>Thinking how to transition to the&nbsp;next chapter in my life and conquer&nbsp;the fears.</li>
<li>Give up other aspects of my life for&nbsp;being a full-time mom and my kids.</li>
<li>Who am I outside of mom, outside&nbsp;of my kids?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How I conquer my hard times:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>It’s okay to feel lost and have doubt&nbsp;in certain stages of your life.</li>
<li>Waking up every day feeling&nbsp;motivated is just unrealistic. Do not&nbsp;pretend everything is alright.</li>
<li>You don&#8217;t need to be perfect or a&nbsp;billionaire.</li>
<li>It’s all about accepting where&nbsp;you’re at.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Exercise and be grateful.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What I&#8217;m looking&nbsp;for now:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>I believe I can do something.</li>
<li>I look for something on the side besides being a mom.</li>
<li>I want to live a happy and simple life with purpose.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Also read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-hongkong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women&#8217;s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds</a></strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong&#8230;</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-victoria-tang-owen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Victoria Tang-Owen</em></strong><em>, Founder of Thirty30&nbsp;Creative &amp; Victoria Tang Studio</em></a></li>
<li><em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-womens-resilience-ruth-chao" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ruth Chao</strong>, Founder of RCS</a></em></li>
<li><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/female-entrepreneurs-mentorship-ruth-chao-how-to-10-tips-find-a-mentor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Diana Chou</em></strong><em>, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)</em></a></li>
</ul>


Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu female entrepreneur total circle alison chan el azar 600x337

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