Leighton Asia’s Post

Where to go and what to see in Hong Kong

When the wind howls and the sea gets rough the best windsurfers push themselves against the elements, test their limits and seek excellence. It’s the same story in the hills, on bikes or on foot; athletes embrace challenges and grow through them. Hong Kong has taken strides toward creating space for these kinds of outdoor adventures yet we still have a way to go. The recent closure of beaches, for example, highlights a mindset that will hold us back. From limited access to Country Park roads, that are often paved and ideal for cycling to our seas we have an environment that is ideal for sport; there is room for improvement in access. I know emergency services may occasionally be needed if people push themselves too far but learning, testing our limits, sharing our roads and paths or coastlines all means growing as part of the human experience. Instead of limiting access, Hong Kong can foster a culture where more people feel encouraged to take to the waves, to hike the mountains, camp, bicycle and explore our natural world. Banning or limiting activities that are challenging won’t foster growth; adventure tourism and exploring our amazing coastlines and countryside should be a major industry for Hong Kong by now. Deploying police officers to prevent windsurfers, as reported in the SCMP also seems counterintuitive especially if Hong Kong wants to build Olympic success. After all our first Olympic medallist, Lee Lai Shan, didn’t have her beach shut down, she was able to explore her potential to win gold and reportedly said “Hong Kong athletes are not rubbish!”. If in 2024 an ambitious young athlete faces some type of police operation designed to try and stop (or arrest) them whilst they perfect their skills at sea or on land in their quest for sporting glory, something needs to change. #SportsCulture #HongKong #ChallengeYourself #PushYourLimits #OlympicDreams #HKWindsurfing #GrowthMindset #SportingExcellence

Coming soon! I have an unparalleled insider's perspective, accumulated over my many years living in Hong Kong within Chungking Mansions, that has enabled me to author the acclaimed book "Chungking Mansions: Life and Survival in Hong Kong's Global Ghetto." Through this comprehensive work, I share a nuanced and illuminating account of the multifaceted realities of life within this iconic and often misunderstood Hong Kong landmark.

These three things can be applied to not just the leadership of a country but to the leadership in general.....

the interplace complex in singapore

Across many places in East and Southeast Asia such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and various cities in mainland China like Guangzhou and Hangzhou, June 10 marks the much-anticipated Tuen Ng or Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant celebration rooted in tradition and teamwork. Originating over 2,000 years ago in China, this festival is said to commemorate the life and death of the poet and minister Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against corruption. Communities come together to race dragon boats, a practice that symbolizes unity, strength, and the communal spirit. The synchronized paddling of the dragon boat teams highlights the importance of coordination and collaboration, values deeply embedded in the culture and philosophy of the festival. The principles celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival are remarkably applicable to the world of business. Much like the rowing teams that must work in perfect harmony to propel their boats forward, successful businesses rely on the cohesive effort of their teams to achieve their goals. This festival serves as a powerful reminder that in both rowing and business, individual strengths must be aligned towards a common objective to achieve optimal results. As we celebrate Tuen Ng, let's draw inspiration from its lessons on the power of teamwork, the importance of strategic alignment, and the impact of collective effort in driving success. #AsiainOlin #eaSTL

Event planning thrives on preparation, but true success hinges on adaptability and agility. Just days before our recent outdoor teambuilding program at Qiandao Lake, heavy rain triggered a mudslide that blocked our planned route to a key village visit. While cities like Beijing or Shanghai swiftly handle such issues, our small county faced a prolonged road closure. Months of meticulous planning were suddenly upended. Booklets were printed, activities were designed, and expectations were set. Yet, instead of dwelling on setbacks, our team—led by Daizy Dai, Jely huang, and Lucy Liu —swiftly pivoted. We reevaluated our options, shifting to alternative villages and rearranging logistics on the fly. Activities like livestreaming and filmmaking, which showcased local specialties (the area is renowned for its role in the birth of livestreaming), were adapted to indoor settings, receiving enthusiastic feedback. This experience reminded us: never underestimate the weather, but equally, never underestimate our ability to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences, rain or shine. #TeamBuilding #Livestreaming #WildChina #MICE #TravelPlanning

This is a selfie of me with Louisa and Lubin during their first visit to China all the way from New Zealand. I'm really grateful that they chose me as their guide through a random Reddit thread last December. We spent the last 7 days together exploring Shanghai. Their visit meant a lot to me, so I wrote a blog about our story. You can find the link in the comments. 🇳🇿🇨🇳✈️🚄🥟🥢🪷📷 #chinatravel #ChinaTravelGuide #ChinaTravelTips #shanghai #shanghaitravel

Explore The Vibrant City Of Hong Kong

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