Onwards and upwards
Jeffrey Ngai is the very epitome of a rising star. After co-starring with Mirror’s Edan Lui in ViuTV’s television drama I Swim in 2022, the Hong Kong actor and Canto-pop singer has just released his new song Before Sunset this September. Tatler caught up with Ngai recently to discuss inclusivity in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, why he feels AI can’t easily replace him, his creative process, fashion choices and more.
Ngai isn’t the one one from our stories this past week who is shooting for the stars and constantly striving to be more. Don’t miss our chat with Manisha Wijesinghe, executive director of Help for Domestic Workers, on why the well-being of domestic helpers benefits society at large; or our feature on Bryan Johnson, the tech billionaire who is biohacking his body and mind in pursuit of immortality. Also, we spent some time with Ashley Sutton, the Australian-born miner-turned-designer who has brought Maggie Choo’s, a cabaret-inspired bar, to Hong Kong.
Other newsletter highlights this week:
- Nutritionist Lisa Tarquini talks to Tatler about the taboo surrounding menopause and Hong Kong’s first Menopause Festival
- Next week starts off with a New Moon solar eclipse on October 15—here’s what that means for your star sign
- What to look out for from the new additions to Hong Kong’s dining scene this month
- Autumn beauty launches are here! Here are our picks of what you want to add to your shopping cart
As you read these stories about the many stars in our world and community, Tatler readers, don’t forget you’re also a star—for getting through another week. Have a happy Friday!
Heidi Yeung
Digital Editor
FRONT & FEMALE
We need to talk about Hong Kong domestic workers’ mental health
Manisha Wijesinghe, the executive director of Help for Domestic Workers (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Asia)
In our 10 Minutes With … Manisha Wijesinghe, the executive director of Help for Domestic Workers shares with us why the well-being of domestic helpers benefits society at large.
Wijesinghe’s NGO not only provides legal help and an emergency shelter, but also mental health support to domestic workers—considering the pressures involved in their relocation to Hong Kong, that support is of paramount importance.
MORE FROM FRONT & FEMALE
International Day of the Girl 2023 marks the first stage of the release of She Creates Change, a short-film series about real girl heroes.
How the taboo surrounding menopause is affecting women’s mental health and companies’ ability to retain talent—and what should be done.
Ahead of the India by the Bay festival, we talk to Indian folk dancer Nazm Kaur on how dance can be a medium of female empowerment.
STYLE
Fala Chen shares skincare secrets from movie sets
Fala Chen shooting a campaign for Helena Rubinstein in Switzerland (Photo: courtesy of Helena Rubinstein)
From her career to her self-care routine, Fala Chen is always seeking self-improvement.
The Chinese American actress, who has starred in Hong Kong television shows de la Chen as well as Hollywood projects— including Irma Vep (2022) and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)—has a similar approach to her skincare.
MORE FROM STYLE
Best new beauty product launches of October: Here are the skincare and make-up items you’ll want this month.
Seven short hairstyles inspired by Asian stars whose chic cuts show long tresses isn’t the only way to go.
A series of contemporary artists lend their creative expressions to Louis Vuitton’s latest Artycapucines collection of bags.
LIFESTYLE
Beyond Frieze London, here are five exhibitions highlighting Asian artists
Dreamscape Estuary (Photo: courtesy of Unit London)
Annual art fair Frieze London—one of the buzziest events in the UK’s arts calendar—is back this month, which means numerous exhibitions and art performances have also been launched around this time at several galleries, art spaces and museums across the city.
So if you’re headed to London for Frieze week, don’t miss these exhibitions at Barbican Conservatory, David Zwirner and other galleries that highlight Asian artists.
MORE FROM LIFESTYLE
Recently, Blackpink’s Lisa’s Crazy Horse performance made headlines—here is a quick break down and history lesson on French cabaret.
With a New Moon solar eclipse taking place at the start of next week, Tatler’s astrologer Casey Chan explains what it means for each star sign.
Veuve Cliquot will open a pop-up hotel in Australia that will feature cuisine by Chris Hemsworth's private chef, sunrise yoga and more.
DINING
Meet Ashley Sutton, miner-turned-designer behind Maggie Choo’s
Ashley Sutton (Photo: courtesy of Michael Perini)
After the successes of The Iron Fairies, The Mixing Room and Dragonfly, Australian-born miner-turned-designer Ashley Sutton has brought Maggie Choo’s, a cabaret-inspired bar, to Hong Kong.
Billed as a cocktail bar and cabaret venue, the establishment is named after a fictional character, and features Sutton’s signature whimsical style of interiors, complete with details like an antique-style bank vault door and iron spiral staircases.
MORE FROM DINING
From vegetarian fine-dining to alchemy-inspired molecular mixology, here are the new additions to Hong Kong's dining scene this month.
For a taste of traditional Hong Kong, here are the dai pai dongs that the team at Tatler Hong Kong go to for their street-side food fix.
From Brazil to Hong Kong, some of these McDonald’s have LEED Platinum certifications while other’s are net-zero energy.
POWER & PURPOSE
Meet the man who is trying to live forever
Tech billionaire Bryan Johnson (right) and his teenage son Talmage (Photo: Bryan Johnson/ Instagram)
Bryan Johnson isn’t your average middle-aged entrepreneur. He created and sold successful tech companies such as Braintree, which was later bought by PayPal for $800 million. But he is probably most famous now for wanting to cheat death and achieve immortality.
The self-proclaimed biohacker has invested in startups that aim to rewrite life’s operating systems. And he will be speaking virtually at the Tatler Gen.T Summit on November 9.
MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE
A legend on and off the field, David Beckham empowers the communities he supports through his commitment and philanthropic efforts.
Juan Pablo Escobar, now known as Sebastián Marroquín and is the son of notorious cartel leader of the same name, on choosing a life of peace.
President and founder of All-Star Agency Jack Leung discusses leadership and company culture, as the brand celebrates two years in the recruitment business.
AROUND ASIA
SINGAPORE | Entrepreneur Charmaine Seah-Ong emerged from a difficult year with a fresh outlook on life and a renewed legacy of love.
PHILIPPINES | Construction magnate and philanthropist Alice Eduardo reveals a glimpse into her bustling routine.
MALAYSIA | We caught up with performer Kumar to find out how he distinguishes between his stage persona, life as a performer and more.
