The Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hong Kong

Counsellor Huang Jingrui is the spokesman of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong and has been posted in the city since September 2022. In his first-ever public address, Counsellor Huang spoke at an FCC Club Lunch to outline China’s Third Plenum and how it will affect Hong Kong. He also used the opportunity to address the international community’s concerns about declining freedoms in the city. “China and Hong Kong’s reputation has been smeared over the years, and actually the media is part of it. Media itself has become a problem, especially Western media,” he said. In full: https://lnkd.in/gE9_xa38

On September 24, we enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the N.I.P Gin Mixology Night, featuring a special guest shift and masterclass led by the esteemed founder, Nicholas Law. Members were treated to an engaging session where Nic shared his expertise in gin crafting, guiding participants through the nuances of mixology and the art of distilling the perfect gin. In exciting news, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a special curated gin cocktail menu by Nic, available from November 1-30. This exclusive menu will feature three innovative cocktails crafted with N.I.P Rare Dry Gin, designed to delight both gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The N.I.P Rare Dry Gin is curated to showcase different aspects and flavours of Hong Kong. These bottles are created using ingredients inspired by the childhood flavours of ‘home’—Hong Kong.

Scenes from our Open House for Early-Career Journalists last week! Journalists with just a few years of experience, as well as current students and recent graduates from university journalism programs, were able to connect with one another and speak directly with FCC Board Members. Attendees learned about how they could join the FCC and the different benefits that come with being a member, including access to our series of engaging speaker events, networking opportunities, and more! Thanks to all the Board members and young journalists who stopped by! For more information about FCC Membership, please visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g5MxY87t

As a part of the FCC's outreach and goal to support global DEI initiatives, President Lee Williamson hosted a tour and sharing session for students visiting Hong Kong from the University of Westminster as a part of the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme. The WWC programme provides students from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds with international mobility opportunities to 11 locations across the world, including Hong Kong. Through these trips, the programme helps Westminster students gain insights into various job markets, cultural awareness, and confidence skills needed for their future careers. Nearly twenty students participated in the WWC's Hong Kong trip, which included a visit to the FCC. President Lee spoke to the students in the Hughes Room for two hours about the FCC, media, and working life in Hong Kong, and answered their many questions. Students also heard directly from Club staff about the FCC's history and how the Club provides opportunities for early career journalists and journalism students across the city. After the talk, the students were taken on a quick tour of the FCC. Thank you President Lee for supporting this community outreach initiative by the WWC and helping the next generation learn more about the FCC and Hong Kong!

Have you seen the latest issue of our magazine The Correspondent? It's here! The October 2024 issue celebrates 100 years of surrealism and highlights the cultural legacies of designer Guo Pei and photographers James Chung Man-Lurk and I. M. Pei. This edition also covers new Club-wide events, such as the FCC’s new charity initiative, upcoming holiday promotions, and more! Pick up a copy at the Club or read online via Issuu: https://lnkd.in/dQFqUaZT

The latest episode of The Correspondent podcast is here! In this edition of our podcast, FCC member Robin Ewing sits down with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis at an FCC Club Lunch to discuss his recent tour across China and Hong Kong, as well as celebrate his 63rd birthday. Listen now on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gsn97Wh5

On June 6th, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied forces conducted history’s largest-ever seaborne invasion on the beaches of Nazi-occupied Normandy. Often referred to as D-Day, the invasion was a decisive operation that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe, as well as the end of WWII. In the 80 years since then, every detail about D-Day was thought to have already been discovered until the exhibit D-Day in Hong Kong by local historians John Mak and Angus Hui revealed the role that China also played in D-Day — a little-known piece of history that adds a new layer of meaning to the international cooperation in WWII and Hong Kong’s relevance to the rest of the world. In full: https://lnkd.in/gJS5JBCn

We are thrilled to welcome the incredible international Australian vocalist Hetty Kate to Bert's Jazz Bar on October 22! Described as "one of the best swing singers on the current scene," Hetty brings not just her stunning voice but also warmth and wit that makes every performance special. With 17 years of experience and a career that spans the globe, Hetty has performed at renowned jazz festivals in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, has released 11 acclaimed jazz albums, and has collaborated with legends like James Morrison. This intimate show will feature classics from "The American Songbook" and beyond, accompanied by the talented Nicholas Bouloukos on piano and Nelson Fung on double bass.🎶 Don't miss this chance to witness a masterful evening filled with enchanting melodies and delightful charm! 🎷 More info: https://lnkd.in/gbwRauUh

This past May, the Hong Kong SAR government announced that the Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme that was set to roll out in April would be indefinitely postponed. This comes after nearly two decades of discussions while other major cities across Asia, like Singapore and Tokyo, were able to solve their own waste and recycling issues. So what’s next? With no clear solution from the government in sight, the FCC organised a panel of three waste management pioneers - Dorothy Lam, Edwin Lau, and Eric Swinton - who gave their opinions on how the private sector could step up and address Hong Kong’s trash dilemma. In full: https://lnkd.in/gxg7h2SP

Our Pinot Noir Blind Tasting Dinner on September 19 was a remarkable #success! We were honored again to have Mr. Suresh Kanji, General Manager of Town House, as our guest speaker, who provided valuable insights into the world of Pinot Noir and the #interaction with the glasses. The evening began with an opening speech from our Club's General Manager, David Brightling (白礼贤) setting the stage for a fantastic night. Members enjoyed an interactive blind tasting of four exceptional #wines, sparking lively discussions about their flavors and aromas. To top it off, each member received a complimentary set of 4 #Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir glasses, enhancing their tasting experience. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a memorable celebration of wine and community!