Go East, Young Entrepreneur, Go East! The Money Is There
Though Asia and the Orient are considered to be West of North America, they long ago acquired the descriptive term, The Far East. Without going into a lot of deep research, my guess is that since England, in it’s colonial expansion centuries ago, had many ships sailing to those areas, the concept of Far East made sense. They got there by sailing around the tip of South Africa, proceeding east from there. And by sail, that must have indeed seemed a very far voyage eastward.
INVESTMENTS WESTWARD, NEW SOURCE OF PROJECT FUNDING
China is currently very big in the daily news and likely to remain so. Its huge population, rapid economic growth and burgeoning military presence all claim a lot of media attention. Much of that media is specifically investment oriented and billions of dollars are being invested there. That situation is going to expand in the future.
But what about investments reversing direction?
POTENTIAL GOLD MINE FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Hong Kong, for instance, has been a major financial center for over 100 years. And since China has regained control of it from the British in 1999, its influence in the Far East has grown still further. And lately, with the onset of the EU and other countries destroying any form of bank secrecy, more billions of dollars have been heading for Hong Kong and other Far East financial centers. As well, Asian millionaires and billionaires, which is a fast-growing segment, are choosing to place many of their investments “offshore” (outside of China) for tax reasons, much as their Western counterparts have been doing for the last generation or two.
My point?
Virtually every Canadian and US entrpreneur is already delivering his business plans to Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists located in those two countries. And only about one in 10,000 of those submissions is likely to be funded. Doesn’t it make entrepreneurial sense to look elsewhere, even if also submitting to those sources? Don’t creative entrepreneurs keep their eyes open for unusual opportunities to benefit their projects?
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS
If you’re a serious entrepreneur with a great package, a question you must ask yourself is: What do I know about finding funding? If you’re honest with yourself, the answer will probably be: “Next to nothng.” Or: “Not any more than most other entrepreneurs out there.” With that sort of reality check, shouldn’t you also be looking for some help?
There are many financial services and consultants to be found on the net. Beware, however, since many of them will make the most fantastic promises, assure you that they can get you the funding. They will also ask you for up front monies. If you happen into any of those, run, do not walk, to the nearest exit.
Unless you’re asking them to do you some specific service, such as rewriting your executive summary or business plan, do NOT pay out a any fees.
However, if you feel they are very good and want to meet with them for further due diligence on their knowledge and contacts, you will be responsible for their travel and living expenses during the trip, including a per diem allowance to cover food and transportation cost. If they’re really good at what they do, it’s money well spent.
GOT ASIAN CONTACTS?
If you are seeking Asian investors, you will need to find consultants who have those specific connections. Doing business with Asians is very different than doing the same business with Canadians, Asians or Europeans. A good consultant will be able to guide you in precisely what you need to know. Procedures, attitudes, culture, all of these are important. How you present yourself may be critical.
A TALE OF STUPIDITY AND ARROGANCE
Capital Funds Group works with just such an Asian investment group. One client asked to meet with them and offered a good quality Executive Summary. Beyond that, they failed to ask a single question about the investors, assuring us that “we’ve done over a hundred presentations.” Though I’d suggested he come in a day earlier to locate himself in relation to the meeting hotel, he had ignored that advice and arrived late the evening before and had no chance to identify where he was in relation to the meeting hotel.
As a result, on the day of the meeting, he
1. Arrived 45 minutes late
2. Was wearing mismatched pants and slacks, badly in need of a pressing
3. Wore an open throated shirt with no tie
4. And defended all this vigourously, saying that he’d have had no problem if the meeting had been in the Silicon Valley.
I tried, without success, to get through to him that the Asian culture is very different, that his lateness upset a very tight schedule on which the funder worked and that lateness, his dress and his attitude were an insult to the investor.
Needless to say, he was not offered an investment…and blamed me!
CONCLUSION?
If you’re seeking funding for a major project, you’ll have to expand your ideas of where those monies might be found. The Far East is the new contender.
Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show and features 44 buildings that line both sides of the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.
This orchestration of music combined with a dazzling light show takes place everyday at 8:00 PM provided the weather is clear. This audio visual extravaganza lasts around 14 minutes and consists of 5 different scenes.
The first scene is called ‘Awakening’ and consists of brief flashes of lazer light that builds up in to a nuclease of light that begins to illuminate the participating buildings one by one and stands as a symbol of Hong Kong’s gradual growth over the years.
Eventually the show moves on to the second scene known as ‘Energy’. This scene involves a display of rising colour patterns as well as a sweeping of lasers and search lights that dazzle the night sky of Hong Kong and symbolize the vibrant heart and energy of Hong Kong.
The third scene is known as ‘Heritage’ and involves the traditional colours of Hong Kong, Red and Gold which are displayed on the participating buildings while traditional Chinese orchestral music is played. This serves to represent the rich history of culture and tradition of Hong Kong.
‘Partnership’ is the fourth scene of the show and features beams of light that reach across the bay to form a symbolic connection with the other side. This symbolism serves to show the connection between both sides that unite together to form a powerful economic bond and a sign of strength.
The show comes to a colossal finish with the final act entitled ‘Celebration’. This act involves a powerful and rhythmic display of light that moves in a lively, swirling and kaleidoscopic motion. This flurrying of movement of beautiful lights dances across the harbour and serves to symbolize the continuing bond between both sides and the even brighter future that is in store for Hong Kong.
Visitors to the city of Hong Kong should definitely not miss out on this lightshow extravaganza and staying in a Kowloon hotel that is located near the bay will provide an ideal opportunity for witnessing this dazzling light show. Langham Hotel in Hong Kong is located near the harbour and its guests will not only have convenient access to this spectacular show but also enjoy a comfortable stay.
Copper is building the world
This afternoon, "Jiangxi (Hong Kong) China Merchants Copper brass fitting Industry Fair" in the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, which is the first time in Jiangxi Province held in Hong Kong such a high standard of the copper industry introduced the topic, the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee, deputy secretary and governor Wu-hsiung attended and spoke at the Fair, from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries, regions and the mainland enterprises are responsible for more than 20 people participated in the negotiations. Wu-hsiung said, Jiangxi Copper is the priority industries, rational utilization of mineral resources, science and economic development of mining has become a rise in Jiangxi realized the brass fitting urgent need for a new leap forward. Jiangxi province of Jiangxi Copper Group Company, and other support leading enterprises through the fissile expansion, joint ventures, mergers and reorganizations, industrial extension, and other forms of cooperation expand, enhance comprehensive competitiveness; support Yingtan city planning, and building good , Operation, and good administration of the dismantling of copper processing zones, and strive to achieve Yingtan City, the comprehensive strength of the copper industry first, Jiangxi Copper Group’s consolidated production capacity of copper industry in the world top three goals. Copper high level of industrial technology, broad market prospects, a strong ability to promote the advantages of the fair attracted many customers. In the fair, the red flag Group, HKR International Copper Group Co., Ltd., Guangdong Holdings Ltd. Wei-qiang, Tongchuang Copper Company Limited, the Bank of five investment companies and other enterprises and Jiangxi respectively, signed the agreement, the total amount of investment Reached 270 million yuan. This reporter learned that, Yingtan City, identified 20 major brass fitting copper industry investment projects, total investment scale of 23 billion yuan, is expected upon the completion of all these projects can be realized 208 billion yuan in sales revenue.
When the Gates of Hell are Left Open
The Hungry Ghost Festival is an important Buddhist and Taoist festival in Hong Kong, according to Chinese Buddhist tradition the Hungry Ghosts are described as restless sprits mostly those who were not afforded a proper burial. To stop these restless spirits from causing trouble to the living community the Chinese conduct an elaborate festival that offers gifts to appease the spirits.
Every year during the seventh lunar month, which corresponds to July or August on the western calendar, locals believe that the gates of hell are open, which allows these ghosts to travel to realm of the living. During this period the Hungry Ghost Festival or Yue Lan is held for a period of three days all over Hong Kong. The festival is similar to the South American tradition of holding a parade for dead souls and is sometimes referred to as the Chinese Halloween.
Paper models of television sets and radios are made with a lot of attention to detail, paper money is printed and sometimes even large papier-mâché cars and bikes are built. The people of Hong Kong later burn these creations as offerings and believe that the fumes reach the realm of the dead. They believe that this will help the spirits live comfortably, sometimes presents are sent to the spirits through fire thus items of clothing and food are burnt.
The Chinese also believe in a particularly powerful spirit known as Taai Si Wong, they believe that he looks over the festival to determine whether it is conducted properly. A special effigy of Taai Si Wong is built using perfumed paper and burned at the end of the festival to send back to through the gates of hell to the afterworld. Most of the festival activities are centered on King George V Memorial Park in Kowloon, where large altars of bamboo are erected. Taoist priests recite sacred hymns from their holy books while sitting on these alters to help the passage of the ghosts back to the afterworld. They also pray for peace and ask the ghosts not to disturb the tranquility of the living realm.
A hotel in Hong Kong that is located close to where the festival takes place is Hotel Jen. This is a contemporary hotel in Hong Kong that offers great access to the city’s attractions as well as proving comfortable accommodation.
Finding Cheap Flights Hong Kong Is Easy
With cheap flights Hong Kong, you will be getting more than just a flight. You will be able to get anything that you need from this company. You can bet that you will be happy with the choice that you made in getting your cheap flight Hong Kong. You can be sure that you can afford the tickets and also enjoy the time that you have while on the flight too.
Getting out into the world is not always easy because you might have to take an airplane. This is something that is not for everyone because they are not sure about the quality of service they will get. With the right airline and the right service, they will have the best time and get a good price that they can feel good about.
Finding cheap flights Hong Kong is easy. All you have to do is go online and find the place that you want to go. You will be able to afford the tickets and find the perfect time and day that you want to go. You will not have to wait and you will be impressed with the high standards of quality that you will receive. There is no better way to get to a destination that you want to go.
Finding out about a great deal is something to get excited about. You can feel good about your decision to make this your place of travel. You will have the value that you are looking for as well as the package that you can feel good. There is no reason to try any other airline company when you are getting what you need with cheap flights Hong Kong.
There are other things that you can get with the cheap flights Hong Kong. You will get good deals on car rentals and hotel rooms as well. There is nothing that you have to feel bad about when you are looking on cheap flights Hong Kong. There is nothing else that you will have to do to get a great flight.
You can take the family on a great flight with this airline as well. You will not have to worry about anything when you are with them. You can relax and feel good about traveling with people that care about you and your family. You will have no worries when it comes to flying with the professional and trustworthy skills those cheap flights Hong Kong has for you.
Rubbing Shoulders With Celebreties
Madame Tussauds offers an unique opportunity to hang out with the wax counterparts of all the most famous (and infamous) stars of stage, screen and sport, as well as politicians, religious leaders and a whole host of fictional and historical heroes and villains.
Madame Tussauds invites you to experience what it is like to be famous as one joins a host of the world’s hottest celebrities. With exciting interactive attractions running throughout the year,there’s always something different happening at Madame Tussauds.Try to deliver one’s best chat up lines to see if one can tempt George Clooney into marriage or join stars from Indian film industry dancers on stage and learn moves from the movie Bride and Prejudice.
Madame Tussauds has been enthralling people all over the world for two hundred years – they have attractions in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, New York and Las Vegas to name just a few. Madame Tussauds offers the unique experience to feel famous for a day as one can rub shoulders with the stars, pose for photographs and dance and perform with celebrities including Britney Spears, Beyonce and Kylie.
The spectacular Spirit of London ride takes visitors on a journey through 400 years of the capital’s life, from the Great Fire and the reign of Queen Victoria, to the Blitz and the Swinging Sixties, all courtesy of the wonders of animatronics. There’s also the terrifying Chamber of Horrors to be faced if one is daring enough.
There really was a Madame Tussaud, a collector of wax figures in 1770s France who started her career modeling the heads of guillotine victims during the French Revolution. She brought her collection of wax models to Baker Street in 1885, and visitors have been queuing around the block to see them in the grisly Chamber of Horrors ever since. Nowadays, Madame Tussauds is more about glamour than gore. The life-size models of the famous and infamous change regularly to reflect current celebrity trends, and others are updated as their real counterpart’s age. The Queen, for example, is on her 22nd figure, and Robbie Williams’ figure has been replaced because ardent fans wore out the last one. Tussauds have a refreshingly unstuffy attitude, where visitors can be photographed cuddling up to celebrities or even having a “personal audience” with the Royal family. One can even have a dinner date with George Clooney and he’ll either propose or present one with the bill depending on your responses. It’s highly commercialized, slickly done and highly camp in presentation, but it’s the easiest way to rub shoulders with the rich and famous without taking on their minders.
The degree of resemblance between wax figure and celebrity ranges from uncanny to a little bit Stars In Their Eyes, but one can be sure that no effort or expense has been spared. Each figure costs around £100,000 to create and takes around three months to make. What follows is much more than a bunch of dummies. It’s an all-round multimedia experience, as you can swoon over James Dean, ogle Marilyn Monroe and bow at the feet of the Dalai Lama. The unforgettable experience.
Much Ado About Hotel Ratings
For some people, a five-star hotel would mean a luxurious bed, high-end toiletries (preferably the brand names also patronized by celebrities), and large towels. For others, it would mean having at least 200 TV channels, CD and DVD players, and high-speed internet access. While these factors are taken into consideration in hotel ratings, things are not quite as comfortably standardized as we would like them to be.
A hotel rated as a four-star by one online travel guide could turn out to be a dud when it comes to 24-hour service or wireless internet connection. And it could just as well be rated as a mere three-star by another travel site. On the other hand, a one-star hotel could offer charming accommodation with a helpful staff and adequate amenities all for a much cheaper rate.
So why the disparity in hotel ratings? The answer lies in the varying criteria used by different agencies. There simply isn’t a standard rating system that is applied universally. Hotel ratings also vary according to each country and/or city. In European countries, the star ratings are usually given by local governments and private agencies and may include such extraneous factors (as far as the customer is concerned anyway) as the amount of tax that a particular hotel pays. In France, the government-sanctioned rating system only gives a maximum of four stars, that’s for a luxury hotel, and a minimum of one star for a modest inn. Hotels are judged according to room size, amenities, plumbing, renovations, elevators, dining options, etc. Germany and other Scandinavian countries adhere to the one- to five-star scale and the ratings are only valid for a period of three years, after which hotels must undergo another round of inspection.
In the United Kingdom, steps were taken to produce a more uniform hotel rating system and a complete standardization is aimed for by 2008. All grading agencies are expected to adhere to the criteria called the National Quality Assurance Standards, which follows the five-star system and further categorizes hotels into full service formal accommodations, country houses, small hotels, town houses, and metro hotels. Some of the basis for scoring the accommodations are cleanliness and housekeeping, service, common rooms, guest rooms, bathrooms, food quality, safety and security, interior and exterior design, and maintenance.
Hotels in Latin America are also rated according to government-sanctioned rankings. The ratings range from zero to five stars although in some countries such as Mexico, six stars may given to ultra-luxury hotels (read: personal butler, private pool, and limousine or even helicopter service). Unfortunately, these government ratings are often not reviewed periodically so a hotel may still retain a four-star grade and yet deteriorate in quality.
Asian hotels are just as diversely rated as in other continents. In China, the government gives the ratings and includes the English-speaking capabilities of hotel staff in its criteria. In Hong Kong, meanwhile, hotels are grouped according to their respective tariff brackets. Singapore also follows the star-rating system while in the Middle East, two hotels defied standard grading and declared themselves as seven-star accommodations. The first one to do so is the Burj Al Arab in Dubai which currently holds the record as the world’s tallest hotel and is constructed on its own private artificial island. The other one is The Centaurus in Islamabad, Pakistan which is still under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2010. Hotels in Asia generally have a higher staff-to-guest ratio compared with their counterparts in Europe and North America due to lower labor costs.
In the United States, one of the most popular grading body is the American Automobile Association which employs diamonds to express its ratings instead of stars. Its hotel ratings are based on management style, exterior and interior appearance, furnishing and fixtures, security, service and maintenance, ambiance, and supplies. Hotel booking websites and online travel guides also have their own ratings. The more popular ones are Sidestep.com, Expedia, Hotwire.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Priceline, Travelweb, and Orbitz.
Though considerably confusing, hotel ratings still function as a guide for travelers and vacationers. They provide an overview of a hotel’s amenities as well as its price range. When combined with other helpful information and a little common sense, these grading systems enable customers to make intelligent hotel booking decisions.
Choosing a good real estate investment
Investing In Chinese Real Estate Investment Trusts
One of the investment instruments is a Real Estate Investment Trust or REIT. One can control real estate through these. Thus is one does not have a large amount of money, he or she can still participate in the ownership of real estate through REITs. These can generate income and capital appreciation over a period of time.
Due to the ensuing Olympics in Beijing, China, there is an excellent opportunity to invest in China REITs for a short period and quick profits.
Till very recently China was quite a closed economy. Investment in Chinese real estate possible was possible only through Hong Kong companies. GZI REIT operating from Hong Kong was the first successful REIT to have established control over REITs in mainland China. Now others have followed.
There is a great demand for real estate in China and will be strong during coming years, more so during 2008. Moreover, China is opening up and its economy is booming. Chi8nese middle class is also on swelling. All this bodes well for real estate in China.
Two major areas where REITs are going to be lucrative are hotels and resorts. So investors may do well investing in these REITs. According to Beijing Tourism Bureau, there will be 110 new hotels coming up for accommodating about 550,000 guests during Beijing Olympics.
Beijing and Shanghai REITs may provide opportunities for quick bucks. One can do good even in the long run.
One needs to be clear about investment objectives in China REITs. For short run profits, Beijing Olympics provides a good outlet for excellent returns. These may continue to be so even in the long run though at a reduced rate.
While investing in Chinese markets, one has to be careful about certain conditions which are peculiar to China only. For example it is still not considered a transparent country. Its laws are obscure and complex. There are many language and cultural barriers. In view of these problems, it might be advisable to invest in Hong Kong or Singapore REITs which have a stake in real estate of mainland China. These are more open and subject to international law.
International investing provides a mechanism for diversification and a hedge against US recession. Therefore, China and other Asian countries need to be given serious attention.
All of these markets need to be researched and explored.
Industry stalwart to lead Oasis Hong Kong in Canada
Oasis Hong Kong Airlines (Oasis) today further boosted the strength of its management team, with the appointment of seasoned aviation management professional, Mr David Solloway.
Mr Solloway takes up the position of General Manager – North America, reporting to Fritz Blayney, Senior Vice President – North America. Solloway is primarily responsible for providing strategic leadership to regional staff to achieve established revenue targets, passenger goals, and service standards.
Based in Vancouver Mr. Solloway will also ensure Oasis’ high benchmarks of safety and efficiency continue to be met in the Canadian port.
From there he will also serve as company representative to civic and community organizations, as well as involvement with government affairs relating to the airline.
Mr Solloway has a plethora of international aviation management experience, most recently serving as the director of marketing for Sangster International Airport, at Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Prior to that he worked in a variety of positions at United Airlines over eight years – traveling the globe as the airline’s general manager in New Delhi, India; the divisional manager of marketing and sales in Hong Kong, as well as general manager in Hong Kong; and as general manager, Thailand/Indochina in Bangkok, Thailand.
For nine years preceding that, Mr Solloway worked for Canadian Airlines International, in similar senior management roles based in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.
Mr Solloway has affiliation with many professional organizations, including the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in Jamaica; Rotary, and the Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders in Vancouver; he was chairman of the Travel Industry Association of America in India; chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and vice-chairman of the Board of Airlines Representatives – both in Hong Kong.
He also sat on the board of directors for the Hong Kong Government Aviation Security Council.
Mr Solloway is a Canadian citizen with an Associate of Arts – Commerce, Marketing, Retail Merchandising from Douglas College, Richmond, BC.
Goldfish Market
The Goldfish Market is a haven for fish lovers and features an impressive and vast Array of different fish types. Opening very early in the morning, this market isn’t a market in the conventional sense and is actually a series of streets around Tung Choi Street.
In an interesting and unusual fashion guests will find fish hanging outside the many stores in small plastic bags ready to be purchased and taken home by their new owners. Goldfish themselves are considered to be very lucky creatures by the Chinese and is it for this reason that an entire market can be dedicated to them. However the market area also provides opportunities to find several other kinds of fish as well including colourful tropical fish, but there are also a range of other sea creatures such as jelly-fish, Brazilian tortoises and sea horses.
One of the best things about this market is that the prices of all the goods that are found here are well below the market prices you might expect to find in many parts of the world.
Of course another essential item that is absolutely vital for fish lovers is the fish tank and in this regard the market does not disappoint. Guests can find everything from the standard fishbowl to a range of exotic and unusual shaped homes for their beloved pets.
The market also features range of different fish related products, and no matter what fish related product you are searching for, you can be assured that you will find it here in this market.
Staying in one of the hotels in Hong Kong that is located close to this destination such as Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong will provide easy access to this destination and several others in the area.
