Oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh competes in Hong Kong

'Oldest marathon runner' competes in Hong Kong
(AFP)
2/05/2012

HONG KONG — A 100-year-old British Indian man who claims to be the world's oldest marathoner was all smiles after completing a 10-kilometre run at the Hong Kong marathon on Sunday.

Born in 1911 and affectionately nicknamed the "Turbaned Torpedo", Fauja Singh finished the race in just over one hour and 34 minutes, organisers told AFP, raising HK$200,000 ($25,800) for the charity Seeing Is Believing.

Running 

"The weather was very pleasant, I enjoyed the race very much," he was quoted by local media as saying, as he crossed the finishing line, arms in the air.

The centenarian attributed his physical fitness to his healthy lifestyle, including abstaining from smoking and alcohol and to following a vegetarian diet, according to local reports.

The Guinness World Records has reportedly refused to accept him as the world's oldest marathon runner because he could not provide them with a birth certificate.

Singh claimed to be the first centenarian to complete a marathon after finishing the Toronto Waterfront event last October.

A record number of 70,000 runners took part in this year's Hong Kong marathon, which includes the full 42-kilometre marathon race, a half marathon and a 10 kilometre race.

A 26-year-old male runner collapsed after crossing the finishing line of the half-marathon race, and was certified dead after being sent to hospital.

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon Course records tumble in Hong Kong

Course records tumble in Hong Kong
2/05/2012

Dejere Abera (l) outsprints Eliud Cheptei in Hong Kong (Organisers)

Hong Kong - Losing a Marathon by one second last year taught Dejere Abera of Ethiopia a lesson that he put to good use this morning (5), when he won the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon – an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race - by less than a second. Indeed so tight and exciting was the men’s finish that Eliud Cheptei in second place shared Dejere’s winning time of 2:11:27, while two more Kenyans, Cosmas Kyeva and Julius Maisei were just one second each further back.

Dejere improved the long standing course record by one minute and 42 seconds, but his colleague, Misiker Demissie took pride of place in that department when her runaway victory in the women’s race, in 2:30:12, took all of three and a half minutes from last year’s course record.

Running 

Given the tough course here, and the inevitable humidity, around 90% at one stage, albeit with reasonable temperatures of 16-19C (61-66F), the times were never going to be of the order of last week’s Dubai record breaking spree. But, like Dubai this was another Ethiopian double header to relish, and remind the Kenyans that they’re not going to get all their own way in Olympic year.

The Hong Kong organisers eschew pacing, but with over a dozen men together at halfway, and eight still in contention past 35 kilometres, combined with some of the most clement conditions in race history, a men’s record was always on the cards. And not before time some would say, Ethiopian Belay Wolashe’s 2:13:09 had lasted since the second edition of the event, in 1998.

When the leading quartet broke away with 40K in sight, it was always Dereje who was forcing it from the front, mindful he said later of that one second defeat in Ottawa last year to Laban Moiben of Kenya. Dereje managed to get a 10 metres lead two or three times in the last kilometre, but though he was pulled back each time, and then balked by an errant cyclist on the last turn into the finish in Victoria Park, he never looked like losing at that point.

“It wasn’t a problem,” said an ebullient Dereje, though it wasn’t clear whether he was talking of the cyclist or the three close pursuers. “I knew by then I could win. This is my first time in Hong Kong, but I love it.” And so he should, his win netted him $50,000 with a five figure time bonuses.

Though Cheptei shadowed him through the finish line, the Kenyan admitted he never felt he could win. “He was too strong, I was trying to go with him, but that was to make sure I stayed ahead of the third guy.” Like several of his compatriots last year, Cheptei paid his own way here, but the $1500 investment paid off handsomely, when he picked up $20,000 and a share of the time bonus.

There was more confusion over Misiker’s change of name than her running tactics. It seems that the Ethiopian had an unhappy time running for Bahrain under the name of Teyba Naser and has reverted to a full Ethiopian name of Misiker Mekonnin Demissie, and has been living with husband Zereu Kelele in Albuquerque, New Mexico for some time.

There was no debate about her victory though. She led from the start, and though she had colleague Shitaye Gemechu and Kenyan Winfred Nyansikera right behind until past halfway, when she accelerated at 30 kilometres, she ran right away from them.

“It’s a very hard course, and it was a little humid, but I thought I could win from 30k,” she said, “I’d like to run Boston now (April), because last year I had to drop out. I’d like to run in the Olympics eventually, but Ethiopia has many strong women. It will have to be the next one in Brazil.”

Both her pursuers had other problems, Shitaye finished with a one shoe full of blood from a toe injury, and Nyansikera had to stop for a vomiting fit. But Shitaye just managed to stay ahead to take second, 2:31:44, to Nyansikera’s 2:31:47.

Pat Butcher (organisers) for the IAAF

Leading Results:

MEN -
1. Dereje ABERA, ETH       2.11.27 (course record)
2. Eliud CHEPTEI, KEN     2.11.27
3. Cosmas KYEVA, KEN       2.11.28
4. Julius MAISEI, KEN     2.11.28
5. George NGETICH, KEN     2.12.19
6. Lilan KIPROP, KEN       2.12.42
7. Haile HAJA, ETH         2.12.43
8. Nigussie CHALA, ETH     2.13.17
9. Patrick KOECH, KEN     2.13.19
10. Nelson ROTICH, KE     2.13.33

WOMEN -
1. Misiker DEMISSIE, ETH       2.30.12 (course record)
2. Shitaye GEMECHU, ETH       2.31.44
3. Winfred NYANSIKERA, KEN     2.31.47
4. KIM Kum-Ok, DPR KOREA       2.32.48
5. Datu Zehara KEDIR, ETH     2.34.14
6. Viola BOR CHEPKETING, KEN  2.37.11
7. Goitetom HAFTU, ETH         2.39.43
8. Malika BENLAFKIR, MAR       2.41.22
9. Mariia TSKAIA, KRG         2.49.41
10. THI Bin Pham, VTN         2.56.11

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Japan Kobe Beef now available in Hong Kong

Kobe Beef now available in Hong Kong
By Radhika Seth  
July 26, 2012  
The Japan Daily Press


Kobe beef is famous for its evenly distributed fatty tissue and is sourced from cows that are bred with select feed, music and muscle massage sessions. The premium meat was exclusive to Japan but now can be savored in Hong Kong. It made its debut in Macau earlier this year and as the export market continues to improve after the earthquake and nuclear disaster, Japanese beef exporters want to cash in on the trend.


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Tetsuya Ishii, deputy consul general of Japan in Hong Kong, announced the launch of Kobe beef midst much fanfare. Hiroshi Onomura, director general of the Japan External Trade Organization, said Hong Kong’s stricter requirement for beef imports was the reason for the delay. Apparently the Hong Kong government accepts import of Kobe beef from one butcher, in Kyushu. Essentially the cows have to be shipped from Kobe to Kyushu for butchering before the meat can be shipped to Hong Kong.


Around 3,000 Kobe cows are marketed every year so the limited supply is mostly like to cause traction in its demand. Since its debut in January, Macau had imported meat from 51 Kobe cows, or about 2,500 kg of beef. Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association say that so far Hong Kong has imported meat from seven cows. The beef is being priced at a modest 350 Hong Kong dollars (about $45 or 3,515 yen) per 100 grams at a discount rate for the first week of promotion, which is much cheaper than what it sells in Japan. Singapore can expect their Kobe Beef shipment to arrive sometime in September.

Brooks Brothers Hong Kong Location Store Address

Brooks Brothers 

Hong Kong Location Store Address Phone


Causeway Bay
Times Square
Shop 323, 3/F
(852) 2506 0833


Causeway Bay
Sogo Women's
1/F Sogo Department Store 555 Hennessy Road
(852) 2834 7667


Causeway Bay
Sogo Men's
5/F Sogo Department Store 555 Hennessy Road
(852) 2882 6960


Admiralty
Pacific Place
Corner Level 2 Pacific Place Seibu
(852) 2918 1722


Tsimshatsui
Ocean Terminal
Shop OT317, Level 3
(852) 2175 4288


Central
Prince's Building G4 & M17 
Central
(852) 2523 3366


Kowloon Tong
Festival Walk
Shop LG1-57
(852) 2778 0200

Brooks Brothers store, collection of fine, classic American clothing. The stores houses Brooks Brothers’ full collection of men’s and women’s clothing in the utmost quality and a myriad of styles which includes business wear, casual wear, leather goods and accessories etc.


For nearly two centuries, Brooks Brothers has set the standard for American style. Since opening its doors in 1818, Brooks Brothers has become an American icon revered for the quality and classic elegance of its merchandise and services, and has grown to become the single greatest influence on men’s fashion in America.


Quality, Elegant & Classy.

Volkswagen Passat Variant Hong Kong

Volkswagen VWHK 本周車展
日期：2/12/2012
地點：九龍灣宏照道企業廣場三期陳列室
時間：10:00am-8:00pm


推介：Passat Variant 情人節限量版售$348,800起，比原價節省$70,000，限量15輛，Tiguan Track同場售$296,800，試車送法國甜心Macaron一盒。


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Expat Parents in Hong Kong Feel School Squeeze

ASIA BUSINESS 
Expat Parents in Hong Kong Feel School Squeeze
By MARIKO SANCHANTA
DECEMBER 29, 2011
WSJ
Reuters


As global companies expand in Asia, financial hubs such as Hong Kong are suffering a shortage of international school places that may blunt the city's competitive edge against regional rivals including Singapore. Above, a teacher shows the Chinese character "Four" to Level One students during a Mandarin lesson at an international school in Hong Kong in September.


http://ramsss.com/hk


HONG KONG—Over the past two years, the number of expatriates moving to Hong Kong has surged, lured by China's booming economy. But the steady influx of newcomers has created a huge bottleneck in another area: the region's international educational system.


The dearth of places at the top preschool, primary and secondary international schools is acute and has prompted warnings from business groups that it could erode Hong Kong's position as the international financial hub of Asia. Some people have had to cancel or delay moves because their children couldn't get into schools, while others are planning to move elsewhere.


Michael Chae, who covers Asia for an asset management company in Tokyo, was gearing up to move to Hong Kong a few months ago. One hitch: After applying to several international schools, he was told that it was impossible for his four-year-old daughter to secure a place this year. Now he's aiming to move to Singapore, Hong Kong's archrival, next year.


Samantha Sin for The Wall Street Journal
Hong Kong Academy, a private international school, has seen a 35% increase in applications this year.


From December 2009 to September 2011, the number of U.K. nationals moving to Hong Kong jumped 53% to 15,300; the number of Americans increased 18% to 31,500; Indians are up 21% to 29,200 and the number of Japanese has increased 22% to 8,900, according to the Immigration Department. Meanwhile, there are 36,000 mainly English-speaking international school positions—a figure that has remained more or less constant over the years—and hundreds of parents jockeying to get their kids into the most prestigious ones.


"There is a big British bank that won't post people here with school-aged children. The HR director at a British multinational had to be based in Singapore" while the rest of the team is in Hong Kong, said Christopher Hammerbeck, the executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. "This is a reputational issue for Hong Kong. It is a problem that stems directly from the success of Hong Kong, not its failure."


The Hong Kong government has vowed to solve the problem by creating 5,000 new international school places for next year and the year after and limiting the number of local students who can be enrolled in some international schools in the future. The new spaces will add to the 36,000 existing international school slots by providing new "greenfield" sites for schools.


Despite the long waiting lists for schools in Hong Kong, the situation in China is much better, primarily because international schools cannot accept Chinese nationals. The same applies to Singapore, where the Compulsory Education Act requires children to attend a "national primary school," which refers to government schools and government-aided schools.


The biggest factor, as with everything in this crowded city, is space, plus the fact that since the government derives most of its revenues from land sales, it's not likely to offer prime real estate on Hong Kong island to nonprofit schools. "In Hong Kong, the issue fundamentally comes down to land—there just isn't any," says Robyn Joseph, former chairwoman of the board of trustees at the Hong Kong Academy, a private international school that has seen a 35% increase in applications this year. "Sure, it's a frustrating issue, but there's only so much the government can do."


The new schools, including the prestigious British institutions Harrow International School and the Kellett School, won't be located on Hong Kong island, home to the iconic skyline and most expats. Instead they will be across the harbor and miles away in Kowloon or the New Territories—the only areas where sizable plots of land are readily available.


The Hong Kong Academy, which has 470 students in kindergarten through grade 12, is moving in 2013 from a temporary location on Hong Kong island to a campus in the New Territories. While the new school boasts a nearby beach for windsurfing and kayaking and a rooftop courtyard for exhibiting art, it is far from the center of Hong Kong. The school says that parents embraced the decision after many years of uncertainty about whether the school's lease would be renewed.


The irony of the long waiting lists for these international schools is that there are fewer children overall in the city. The fertility rate in 2009 in Hong Kong was 1.04 births per woman, according to the World Bank, roughly half the level of the U.S. and U.K. As a result, public schools in Hong Kong are slowly closing.


But parents in Hong Kong take their children's education seriously, and many try to get their children into international schools. In addition, after the epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, befell the city in 2003, the international schools lost students when families fled Hong Kong. To stabilize their numbers, the schools started accepting more locals.


"One of the reasons the schools are getting so full is that local Hong Kong families are pushing their kids into these schools," said Andrew Work, the executive director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. 


Local families provide schools with a more stable student body compared with expats, who tend to leave after a few years or when times get tough.


The demand for space has exposed a surprising wealth gap among expats, who are themselves usually paid far more than the local population. Some schools are selling what are known as debentures, which are typically interest-free loans, to parents costing upward of US$80,000. The attraction is that debenture holders often can leapfrog waiting lists.


But expats who don't earn big salaries are frustrated. Dawn Stout relocated to Hong Kong late this summer from Atlanta, after her husband, a sourcing manager, had trouble finding work in the U.S. "We had to come out here for the job," says Ms. Stout, who is homeschooling her seven-year-old because she's wait-listed at an international school. "We're not with a big company, so we don't get any debentures for these schools," she says.


—Chester Yung contributed to this article.