David Yeung, Tatler 500 lister and founder of sustainable start-up Green Monday, is a pioneer in eco-friendly plant-based eating in Hong Kong. He's also the author of several best-selling books on Zen wisdom. We spoke to the entrepreneur about mindfulness and why living simply is the key to a balanced, happy life.


Tell us a bit about you and what you do.

I am an environmental advocate and a social entrepreneur trying to mobilise the world towards a plant-based diet, as meat consumption is a major cause of climate change, food insecurity and global health issues. 

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about food, with a specific focus on global innovation in the plant-based space. 

What makes you smile?

Every moment I spend with my daughters and my family. Every occasion I meet a kindred spirit. Every milestone we achieve in creating a better world.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler

The one thing you can’t live without?

Like many people, in today’s digital and connected world, my phone has indeed become an absolute essential.

On the flip side, what is one thing you could do or have less of in order to improve your life?

Well, also my phone. I want to be on my phone less so that I can live more in the moment.

How do you find balance in busy Hong Kong?

Hiking is one of my favourite activities.  Making time for my family also is key in helping me achieve balance in life. 

What are some of your self-care rituals (when it comes to beauty & skincare)?

Meditation, rest and of course, eating healthy plant-based food.  

How do you spend your free time?

Allocating time for reading is a must.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler

Why do you believe it’s important to take some time out for yourself?

We are already bombarded in our day-to-day lives. If we don’t take care of ourselves, there is no chance we can take care of others.

What are some of the simple things in life that you enjoy?

Family time. Quality time with good friends. And quality sleep.

What does the term “less is more” mean to you?

Most people strive to achieve more, accomplish more, gain more. What they tend to overlook and forget is that we actually already have a lot. So one way to interpret “less is more” is to look outward less, and to look inward more. We will discover a whole universe inside us that has not been explored.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler | Styling: Morning Lau

FANCL Recommends: 

  • Vitamin B Complex helps to maintain energy metabolism and the health of the nervous system with 8 kinds of Vitamin B
  • Calcium/Magnesium contains active ingredients which help to maintain bone metabolism. A source of calcium an essential nutrient to keep bones and teeth healthy
  • Multiple Amino Acid replenishes balanced nutrition absorption for people who consume less meat in their diets.

Just like their skincare products, FANCL provides health supplements that contain no preservatives that aim to offer complete health and nutritional support for those leading a hectic city life. These health supplements are ideal for hardworking yet health-conscious individuals, like David, to help him replenish nutrition absorption in the blink of an eye.


The ‘Less Is More’ series is brought to you by FANCL, the industry pioneer of preservative-free skincare. With two state-of-the-art research and development facilities in Japan, FANCL is the only skincare brand that offers science-backed skincare products and health supplements that are completely free of harmful preservatives, resulting in long-lasting beauty, inside and out.

See also: Less Is More: Patricia Tung-Gaw Of Ferastyle

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