Good morning,
I start the day with sad news. An important member of the HK has left the city, “joined the great exodus” as he put it. For years, this individual has given joy daily just by sharing what he sees, and helping build a community by sharing back out what other people see.
I’m speaking of course of HKnumberplates.



If you don’t already follow him, I suggest you still do (the goodbyes themselves are worth it)
~ Cyril
On Today’s Tide
Education | President Xi’s important speech but like for kids
COVID | Investors vs Quarantine
Society | Police upgrade PR branch to PR WING
Events | Schol! Belgian Beer Week comes to HK!
Behind the paywall:
Politics | 47 democrats, one NSL case
Culture | Goodbye Chikeeduck
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Xi’s speech but for kids
The EDB announced yesterday that copies of President Xi’s speech will be given to all local schools from kindergarten up to secondary. The announcement was made due to the “great importance” of the speech - clearly something agreed upon by all government groups, as there were 60 study sessions on the speech even before August. (More have been held since then, but who’s counting?)
The copies are planned to be used for curriculum development, rather than given to students as schools will get limited copies - kindergartens get 7 copies, primary schools get 30-60 copies depending on their number of students, secondary schools get 60 copies and special schools get 30.
The EDB hopes that students may
“study and learn the key messages of President Xi's important speech, accurately comprehend the constitutional order under one country, two systems, deepen the awareness of the trends in both the country and the world, and understand the importance of Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of our country”
International schools are expempt.
COVID in Hong Kong


COVID-19 in Hong Kong
New cases: 5162 (272 imported)
Total cases: 1,427,080
New deaths: 11
Total deaths: 9,580
Compulsory Testing locations: 65
Investors vs quarantine
Results from a survey undertaken by the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association (HKIFA) have found that 24/36 investment firms interviewed - a whole two thirds - found it difficult to keep and attract international staff due to Hong Kong’s COVID restrictions.
Seeing as a major banking conference, and the Rugby 7s are set to happen in November, the association has urged the government to scrap mandatory quarantine.
Police Public Relations WING
To boost the image of the poice, the Force have upgraded their Police PR branch to the PR WING which will be led DIRECTLY by ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER JOE CHAN.
And their first act? Setting up a 24 hour monitoring system for debates and words that “smear” the Force so they can “clarify in a timely manner”.
In particular, Karen Tsang of the PR WING said “there are still those who believe that people died in Prince Edward Station, or that a rape occurred in San Uk Ling” Tsang said.
This, among other issues, is seen by the Force as a fight against “fake news”. Joe Chan said":
“The aim of the mechanism is to understand what's being escalated online or what kind of smearing is going on that needs clarification. [Fake news] may cause misunderstanding among the people, especially young people, about the government or the police, or even generate hatred."
Events and deals
Support Harbour Times, our friends and partners by attending these events! Let everyone know who sent you by tagging @harbourtimes
Schol! Belgium Beer Week: 22 - 28 Aug
Belgium Beer Week’s first foray outside of their home country sees them expanding across the world and Hong Kong is leading by example, having a whooping 11 venues to celebrate in - one of the highest number in the world.
Each bar will host their own events during the week.
See our full coverage for details on location, timings and events!
Lifeline Mental Health Livefest at The Wanch
The uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic has made it exceedingly difficult for the music industry, particularly live music. Indefinite restrictions have taken a heavy toll on the mental health of not only the artists, but also the thousands of people who work alongside them.
On 20th August 2022, Musicians Foundation will be conducting an afternoon of TedX-style talks focusing on raising awareness on music and mental health.
When: Sat 20 Aug, 3-5pm
Where: The Wanch
Cost: Free
Sign up here (places limited for COVID regulations)
Official media partner: ReThink HK returns 5-6 Oct
HT is proud to once again be a media partner for ReThink - HK’s biggest and most exciting sustainability conference. This year’s conference invites more than 300 expert speakers to share their visions and insights, covering important topics like economic progression while coexisting with nature harmoniously, efficient use of resources, transformation to a low-carbon society, and circular economy for future generations.
Sign up here using the code HTP22 for 40% off!
For more local events, check out yesterday’s High Tide.
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