Number 8 Typhoon Signal

When people in different countries hear the word hurricane or typhoon, fear strikes the hearts of locals alike. Not in Hong Kong. In fact, typhoon is a welcomed word in Hong Kong mainly because of the possibility of the government's hoisting of the Number 8 Typhoon Signal warning, which means that strong devastating winds will hit the city signalling what locals crave for: an immediate seizure of school sessions, financial markets, and most private/public sector operations. Yes, that's right. Once the number 8 signal is hoisted, everyone gets to go home early!

Since the early colonial days, the government has installed a typhoon warning system to warn of locals to take shelter to protect from typhoons formed in the South China Sea. Back in those days, the buildings and infrastructure were not as sturdy to that of today's, therefore, falling debris frequently occurs, causing injuries and sometimes death to pedestrians below.

A numerical system had been installed which help indicate the severity of the winds which was revised several times during its history. The system today uses the 1, 3, 8, 9, 10 signal; the larger the number, the more severe the winds.

In a typical manner, if a typhoon was heading Hong Kong's way, the Hong Kong observatory would usually begin issuing a 1 or 3 signal. These are usually standby warnings to warn people that strong wind and rain will hit the city. At this time, a great anticipation and excitement hits the air, similar to children anticipating opening their Christmas presents on Christmas morning.  

The television monitors will all have this signal at the top corner of the screens no matter what the programming. Lobbies in buildings will put up signs signalling that this number has been hoisted by the Hong Kong observatory. In offices across the city, work productivity and efficiency automatically drops by 50% as everyone's mind is now preoccupied with the million dollar question: "Will they hoist the number 8?" SMS messaging and What's App Messaging spikes up between friends and families. All asking the same questions and sharing the latest news.

As the proximity of the typhoon nears the urban areas in Hong Kong, the observatory would then make the decision of hoisting a larger signal. This decision is made by announcing so and so time, the number 8 will be hoisted. The radio is normally the first to announce this news and, usually, whoever among the colleagues is the first to announce the news to fellow colleagues, that person is usually considered a hero in the office as everyone greets this news with joy. The news then spreads like wild fire through telephone, SMS, What's App messaging. Everyone making plans of when they will leave the office.

 

Sometimes the 8 will be hoisted, but sometimes, if the typhoon weakens or begins to blow into another direction away from Hong Kong, then there would be no need to hoist an 8 or above. In contrary to the above, when this news first hits, a great disappointment sets in. Cursing the government or harsh remarks made towards rich tycoons is often heard at different corners of the office, insinuating that they had somehow played a hand in pressuring the Hong Kong Observatory to keep work going in the city so that business can continue.

Typhoons in Hong Kong really make Hong Kong a unique and special place to be in. There is really not a place in the world where a severe tropical storm is so welcomed in a city. As everyone is always busy in this city that never sleeps, the number 8 typhoon signal provides an opportunity for families to get together in the safety and comfort of their homes and spend time together, watching the latest typhoon update on the news and occasionally looking out the window and remarking "Wow, it's crazy out there!" Typhoons usually last over the night and everything is back to normal the next day. Work and school continues and life goes on. The excitement relinquishes until the next typhoon warning comes again...

It is interesting how eight is used as eight is a lucky number for the Chinese because when spoken, eight rhymes with "fa" which means fortune. Everyone wants to have fortune and in the case of typhoon signals, everyone wants the 8.

Number 8 typhoon signs in lobbies of buildings

Typhoon updates



An Explanation to the Ridiculous State of HK Politics

In other countries, politics is about debating and negotiating, but in Hong Kong, when the Pan-Democrats (the group considered as the de-facto opposition party in Legco) are involved, it is more about protesting and rejecting anything proposed by the Special Administrative Government. For outsiders, this is difficult to comprehend because at the end of the day, nothing is accomplished except for the wasting of time and tax payer's money. 

To understand the current state of affairs in Hong Kong politics, one must have an understanding of the psyche of a segment of the current generation of Hong Kongers whose views are represented by the Pan-Democrats. This current group, mostly in the 40-60s age range, represent a second generation of Hong Kongers whom were born and bred in British Colonial Hong Kong. 

Casting aside the original locals "tudi", who settled in Hong Kong before the British arrived, the majority of first generation Hong Kongers are refugees from mainland China. Most had illegally crossed the border or swam through shark-infested waters to Colonial Hong Kong to look for a better life, and more importantly flee from the reins of the China Communist Party--which at that time was under the rule of Mao Zedong. There is obviously a great disdain for Communist China or "Red China"--as it was referred to in the Days of Mao--if one was to risk their lives or risk imprisonment this way.

 

As historians and documents have emerged over the years, China under Mao had not been a pleasant place to live. Starvation, forced labor camps, false imprisonment, confiscation of property and rights were rampant during that time, and all was exemplified during the Great Leap Forward and climaxed during the Cultural Revolution. These details had not emerged to the outside world until around the past two decades when China began opening up its doors. However, one group of people outside of China were aware of what was going on--the refugees that fled to Hong Kong. It was this group who had experienced and seen for themselves during their time on the mainland, and also continued hearing stories being passed back to them from family and friends when they settled in Hong Kong.

It is this unwavering hatred for Mao China that these refugees hold in their heart and passed on to their children. Everything considered evil is equated to the Chinese Communist Party; the CCP cannot be trusted; the CCP are devils in disguise. 

The children of these refugees, the second generation Hong Kongers whom make up much of society today, grew up in an environment where they were preached day-in and day-out by their parents that the CCP cannot be trusted. The CCP are devils in disguise. It is no wonder that they are unable to slip out of this mentality to this date, even though the CCP is led by a totally different group of leaders whom have totally transformed the social, political, and economical ideology of the party to uproot a country out of starvation and poverty and become the second largest economy in the world in a span of the years from which Mao left power. This impressive accomplishment or what many observers deem "economic miracle" had never been witnessed in the history of the world.

The Chinese Communist Party is only by name. Mao Zedong would probably turn in his grave if he was to see what his party has become in the twenty-first century.

But to this second generation group of Hong Kongers, the CCP's achievements of the past 30 plus years do not mean anything. They are still firm in their belief passed on to them by their parents, that the CCP has not changed. Modern China is still Mao China, and with the unfortunate incident in Tiananmen Square in 1989, they were all too happy to use as proof that what their parents preached to them was the truth, no matter how biased or "westernized" their source had been.

It is a sad state in current Hong Kong politics as the Pan-Democrats hold some power in Legco and therefore, the state of confrontation and hatred towards the CCP will continue to obstruct the progress of Hong Kong society. Making decisions guided by hatred and distrust will never benefit anyone. They have already turned Hong Kong politics into a laughing stock through their continual protests and filibustering and it is under their leadership that, unfortunately, is breeding a third generation of Hong Kong youths, who are guided by hate and distrust leading to actions that are increasingly radical and violent. This group of radical youths blindly believe that they are the future of Hong Kong, but what they don't realize is that the real future of Hong Kong are those that are willing to work with the CCP. Those that embrace the relationship with China.

This group of second and third generation Hong Kongers show that the power of what is learnt in their youths cannot be overlooked. "Brainwash" is a term they conveniently use to attack others that have differing views from them; but one should re-examine who is the group that has been brainwashed? Who is the group that refuses to look at the facts and the present?

Like the youth in the Cultural Revolution, the misguided radical youths that make up some of HK's third generation is already a lost generation. They naively believe that the fight is for "democracy" and "universal suffrage", abstract terms they learnt in school and heard on television. They throw away their future not knowing that they had been used as pawns for the ultimate agenda of eternal struggle and ultimate overthrow of the CCP. They have morphed into a radical group that now, the Pan-Democrats no longer can control.

If we are to transform the state of affairs in Hong Kong politics and lead to a harmonious and progressive society, the key is National Education.

The HKSAR made a huge mistake by shelving the National Education program in Hong Kong and should restart drafting laws to implement it as soon as possible. Every modern country in the world has their own National Education. Hong Kong, being part of China, needs to follow.  




Lost Generation

Anti-Mainland Protests

Fight for "Democracy"

Caged Homes

Some people in Hong Kong say that you can never go wrong with purchasing property. Due to the lack of space in Hong Kong and the ever growing population, eventually, the value of the property will rise.

Hong Kong's richest have made their fortunes from property. With the continual migration of mainlanders coming to Hong Kong each year and the return of many overseas Chinese, Hong Kong has become increasingly over-populated; and land and property will continue to play a dominating role in the Hong Kong economy. Since Hong Kong's tax system is a low income and capital tax rate system, the Hong Kong government's main stream of revenue is selling its most precious commodity, land. The government therefore must make a killing on all their land sales and as a result, only the largest property developers with the deepest pockets will have the resources to purchase land. The land, once developed into residential, office, or retail buildings, are then sold to the market at even higher premiums.

Like many capitalistic societies, the wealth gap between the rich and poor is omnipresent. It is especially prevalent in Hong Kong where only money can buy space. Many middle class families cannot afford a home in Hong Kong, so you can imagine the plight of the poor. Hong Kong has subsidized public housing for the poor, but the queue for them are long; and for those that are still waiting, many have settled living in a caged home.

A caged home is a metal cage the size of a single bed where people sleep in and keep their few belongings in. At night, they would lock themselves in these cages to prevent theft. Caged homes are located at Hong Kong's most impoverished neighborhoods and are often rented to the elderly at sums of around HK$1,500/month. (not a small amount for the amount of space you are actually occupying). There will be several caged homes in a room and the space in the room are shared by all the occupants.

When one enters one of these premises, it is difficult not to be overwhelmed by the depressing notion that these people are living waiting to die, similar to animals in a wet market waiting their turn to be slaughtered and sold.

Hong Kong's Youth

Hong Kong's youth, nowadays, have chosen to take to the streets to protest as a means to gain attention (and a brief moment of fame) upon themselves, rather than rely on brains and hard work through academics, business, or arts.

The most popular issue of protest these days is universal suffrage, but other issues such as high property prices, poverty, pollution are all favorite issues. As long as it can be blamed on the government or big businesses, Hong Kong's youth will show up in protests. 

My problem with this is not that they should not care for these issues, but it is the prevalent attitude in Hong Kong-- to firstly put blame on others rather than choosing to do something more constructive for the betterment of society. It is easy to wave a sign, lie on the streets, and hurl obscenties to officials (the more extreme, the better your chances are those actions will be noticed and shown on the nightly news). It is not so easy to start a business or volunteer your time and money.

The protests gives the youth a sense of importance in society; a sense of accomplishment which they are unable--or too lazy-- to obtain through academics, entrepreneurship, or other laborious achievements.

If you start a business, you actually have to use your brain and rely on yourself and your finances. There is risk and in the event of failure, there is no one to blame but yourself. Hong Kong's youth would rather choose an easier way to gain fame. To blame will get you fame.

Unfortunately, many adults choose to encourage the toddlers to protest; thinking in their own distorted way that it is good for them at an early age to take part in showing concern for society's problems--the earlier the better. Hence, it is not uncommon to see young children who have just learnt to walk to take part in any one of Hong Kong's weekly protests.

Today's youth simply do not have enough life experience to step out and criticize and blame others--many of whom are professionals and experts in that particular issue. The youth should go out and try new things, see more things, read more, and go through more ups and downs of life before they make a judgement on something. If they still feel ungratified, then go out to protest.

Instead, their early lesson in life is that if things don't go their way, they should blame, blame, and blame.

http://youtu.be/iNtwPlIiRro

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, the most celebrated holiday for the Chinese and many Asian countries, is all the holidays packed into one. First and foremost, it is a time for family gathering when families gather together for the most important (and most extravagant) meals of the year; a time for gift giving and passing out lucky red pocket money when visiting family and friends; a time for fun and festivities in the form of flower markets, lion dances, and firecrackers; and a time for optimism as a new lunar year begins and people hope for health, luck, and prosperity.

In today's China, Chinese New Year takes on increased importance due to the phenomenon of the migrant worker--a population of China's youth whom have left their rural homes in the countryside and moved to southern and eastern coastal cities in search of work with higher wages. This group of workers are the backbone of China's economic machine as a majority of them work in China's factories that produce exports to the rest of the world and helped propel China's economy in the last thirty plus years to the world's second largest economy.

All year they are separated from their loved ones, and Chinese New Year is the one time where they make the exodus back home to visit family and friends. It is the most joyous time for the migrant workers when they are reunited with parents and/or children and it is also the most joyous time for those left behind as well, as all year long they look forward to the 1-2 weeks where their loved ones return home. It is not surprising that everyone place great importance to this time of year and must make the journey back--regardless of expense and hardships in the form of climate or travelling conditions.

China's economic miracle has come in the expense of breaking a sacred Chinese ideal of family, and Chinese New Year is the glue that reunites families together.

Unlike some holidays where the anticipation build up lasts for months, but the actual holiday comes and pasts after one day; festivities for Chinese New Year lasts for 1-2 weeks after the New Year's day. The days after New Year's day are spent visiting the homes of family and friends, exchanging gifts, worshipping in temples, and of course alot of eating. The holiday is never a let down and always lives up to the billing.

With China's growing importance and overseas Chinese scattered in all corners of the world, perhaps one day we will see Chinese New Year holiday as an official holiday in the west. It is truly a unique part of China's long and rich history and an inherent part of Chinese culture that should be shared to all who values the importance of family, friends, optimism, and thanksgiving.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Worcestershire sauce

I wonder if the two chemists from Worcester, England,  John Wheely Lea and William Henry Perrins (better known as Lea and Perrins) had in mind their famous Worcestershire sauce would be a regular staple in Chinese cuisine.

If you go in any Chinese restaurant or Chinese household in the world, chances are there will be some brand of Worcestershire sauce found in the kitchens. 

In Chinese dim sum, the deep fried spring roll and steamed beef ball are two most notable dishes that are served with a small round plate of Worcestershire sauce. Some people like me cannot imagine eating those two dishes without drowning each with Worcestershire sauce.

I am not sure when and how this practice of dipping spring rolls and beef balls in Worcestershire sauce started; but if I was to guess, it would probably be in Hong Kong or perhaps some Chinatown restaurant overseas where English influence and thus, English products are found. I doubt that it first started in China.

I can imagine it already; some waiter who doesn’t speak a word of English mistaken the bottle of Worcestershire sauce as soy sauce and served it with a plate of beef ball or spring roll. The customer, without a second thought, stabs the beef ball, dips it in the sauce, and shoves it in his already greasy mouth. Expecting a salty taste of the beef ball, his taste buds are instead greeted with a sour, tangy taste of Worcestershire sauce. His initial reaction would have been anger and discontent as if he had been tricked into eating something against his will. Just when he is about to scold the waiter, he takes another second to savor the taste and upon second thought, he concludes the taste to be quite unique. He inquires about the sauce and in due time, he begins to confidently introduce this combination to family and friends as if it was a secret stock tip that would make them a fortune. Quickly, word of this combination spreads to other restaurants in the city and then to Chinatowns all over the world until to this date, every restaurant that serves dim sum is required to stock up on this sauce.

Personally, I love Worcestershire sauce; I find it to be such a versatile sauce—used to spice up meats, pastas, salads, sauces, and cocktails. I really cannot imagine another sauce that is used for so many varieties of food. I myself use it for all of the above as well as anything which I deem needs more flavoring. Rather than pulling out the soy sauce or salt, I always grab the Worcestershire sauce instead.

I really wonder what the reaction of Lea and Perrins would be if you went to their little laboratory in Worcester and told them that the little secret sauce they were testing would be a necessity for Chinese cuisine recipes all over the world. I am pretty sure that the Chinese market was the last market they had in mind when they created this sauce—but thank goodness they did. Who would have thought Chinese spring rolls and Worcestershire sauce would be a match made in heaven.   

                                steamed beefball w/worcestershire sauce

Entrepreneural Spirit

It is sad how the local property market has sapped the entrepreneurial spirit in a city famous for sprouting out businesses. Hong Kong people’s reputation for taking risks and starting business is global.  Every corner of the world, there are Hong Kong businessmen from all eras who set up their own businesses and worked diligently to provide for their families in their newly adopted land. If one is willing to take a risk and work hard, there is nothing that cannot be achieved.

That is why it is such a pity to see that the spirit has been extinguished from these entrepreneurs’ homeland.  Nowadays, everyone shuns the idea of starting your own business. Even if you have a grand idea and manage to make a profit, the majority of that profit will be used to pay the rent of your shop. The rent increase (which will eventually come—the only question is by how much) will dry up all profits that you have and eventually leave you in the red.
Landlords take advantage of your business’s profitability.  If they see that business is good, they will increase you even more to try to play on your reluctance to move because they know you will not quit a profitable business. It is a vicious cycle and at a time where rising costs and inflation is omnipresent, it is a losing battle. Why bother put your life’s savings into something which will ultimately founder.

All businesses require time for its product and reputation to mature. Starting a business is a long term plan, but due to the normal 2 year contract system that is prevalent in the Hong Kong property market, businesses simply do not have the time to develop and mature.  Even if you decide to continue your business after the first rental increase, you may not survive the second or third increase. Some choose to move shop, but again a new location requires time for the business to be developed. Once the new location’s contract is due and a rent increase is looming, business owners are again faced with the decision to close down or relocate.
Buying your own property is out of the question for most aspiring entrepreneurs. The selling costs are astronomical; and even if you have that kind of resource, it would be more prudent to rent out the property rather than use it to start a business. It's just a safer bet.

Businesses that have been established for a long time have the luxury of an established reputation and thus die-hard, loyal customers. Famous local restaurants are a good example. Because of their reputation, customers do not mind paying that extra sum just to say they’ve been to that restaurant and tried their famous dish. As a result, we have fifty dollar wonton noodles or five hundred dollar barbecue goose. These businesses have the luxury of charging more to customers, but new businesses – not a chance.  

I am not a big fan of blaming the government. I don’t believe the government is solely responsible for the high property price problem in Hong Kong; there are many outside factors such as growing mainland wealth and hot money from overseas. However, this problem is the source to almost all Hong Kong’s economic and social problems. It is stifling Hong Kong’s economic growth and depressing the spirit of would-be entrepreneurs. If we can somehow free this spirit once again, Hong Kong will see better days ahead.