It is the responsibility of the society to protect children from harm and violence, regardless of the setting. This includes taking action to prevent abuse and mistreatment in the home, as well as outside of the home and in institutional settings. Save the Children Hong Kong commissioned Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey, the Chinese University of Hong Kong to conduct public opinion polling on physical and humiliating punishment and Mandatory Reporting Requirement for suspected child abuse cases, gathering responses from 1,008 adults in Hong Kong.

In photo. Ms. Winnie Ng, Spokesperson of Save the Children Hong Kong (Middle) and Mr. Ian Li, Advocacy Manager of Save the Children Hong Kong (Left) released the "Public view on Corporal Punishment" Survey Report.

Majority Reluctant to Intervene in Corporal Punishment on Children

In the polling, only 23% of respondents acted upon witnessing other adults beating, slapping or verbally humiliating their children on the street. There are several reasons why individuals may choose not to act, including a reluctance to intervene in other families' personal matters (54.5%), a belief that the incident is not severe enough to warrant intervention (30.7%), and uncertainty about whether the situation constitutes child abuse (30.4%). This potentially delays the identification of child abuse cases, which could lead to serious violence and harm to child victims.

Misconception of Corporal Punishment as a Private Family Matter

One-third of respondents (31.1%) agreed that disciplining children is an internal matter of the family, and outsiders should not interfere. Among those who did not intervene when witnessing parents or caregivers exercising corporal punishment, more than half of them (54.5%) saw it as a private family matter. Save the Children Hong Kong believes this reflects a traditional and cultural norm contributing to corporal punishment.

Ms. Winnie Ng, Spokesperson of Save the Children Hong Kong, expresses that, "Corporal punishment is not a private family matter, as it violates children's rights and can have long-lasting negative effects on their well-being. It is the society's responsibility to ensure that all children are protected from harm. Positive parenting needs to be reinforced through public education to fulfil this responsibility. We also encourage bystanders to step up and protect children from violence they witness." She emphasises the need to strengthen support for positive parenting and prioritise the best interests of the child.

Ms. Sylvia Chung, Chairperson of Division of Counselling Psychology of Hong Kong Psychology Society, also concerns about the report's finding, " Corporal punishment causes a collective trauma that can have a devastating impact on children and parents. Corporal punishment can cause trauma to children physically and psychologically, which distorts the nature of children's need to be nurtured and loved. Preventing children from addressing their unmet emotional needs may cause them to question the potential for building relationships in a non-violent manner. This, in turn, can have negative effects on their interactions with others and their self-image, and even impact the way they treat their own children in the future."

Polling Shows Strong Public Support for Legislating Mandatory Reporting Requirement

83.2% of respondents support the government legislating a mandatory reporting mechanism to ensure professionals who have regular contact with children report suspected child abuse and neglect cases. This level of public support creates a favourable environment for the government to move forward with the legislative process. Legislators should consider stakeholders' opinions, including children's suggestions, and initiate the legislative process as soon as possible.

Ms. Winnie Ng, highlights that the poll findings support an urgency to legislate Mandatory Reporting. The mandatory reporting requirement is a significant step to strengthen child protection. Save the Children Hong Kong also recommends the government to mandate Child Safeguarding policies for organisations that frequently interact with children. This would support mandated reporters and streamline cooperation with local authorities during investigations.

Building the Path Towards a Ban on Corporal Punishment of Children in All Settings

The study also shows 64.2% of respondents support legislation to prohibit any form of corporal punishment towards children in all settings, including at home. However, the current legislation in Hong Kong only prohibits corporal punishment in certain public settings, such as schools and organisations.

Across the world, 65 countries have already legally prohibited physical punishment of children in all settings, including Sweden, Germany, Spain, Japan, and South Korea. To create a culture that prioritises the best interests of the child, the government, child-facing institutions, and parents must continue the conversation on developing a supportive environment, and build a path towards a ban on corporal punishment of children in all settings.

Harbour City, Hong Kong's largest shopping mall invited the renowned French artist JR to create his first "GIANTS" artwork in Asia, titled "GIANTS: Rising Up" from 13 March to 23 April 2023 at Ocean Terminal Deck. The gigantic art installation depicts a larger-than-life high jumper floating in mid-air adjacent to Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour, with her body bending gracefully and her head back facing the fabulous skyline.

Famed artist JR, who has amassed over 1.7 million Instagram followers, comes back to Hong Kong with his towering art installation after his last visit ten years ago. This 12-meter-high and 12-meter-wide installation cleverly interacts with the surroundings. The high-jumping athlete appears to jump off the ground and enjoys the sensation of free fall. This athletic gesture, JR shares, "is an invitation to take off, to achieve more, in reference to the GIANTS installation at the 2016 Rio Olympics", which depicted three anonymous athletes with their perfect gestures across the city and were well-received by the public.

The immense installation is made by canvassing the iconic black-and-white portraits onto the intricate arrangement of scaffolding. JR specially adds a touch of Hong Kong to this artwork, fusing the traditional architectural craftsmanship - bamboo scaffolding for the first time, instead of relying purely on metal scaffolding.

JR is notably known for his over-sized black and white installation of displaying his profound optical illusion art and photographic installations in public spaces to engage people in the community. His works have been shown in over 40 cities with more than 80 impressive exhibitions, including Musée du Louvre in Paris, Palazzo Farnese in Rome, Pyramid of Khafre in Giza and so on.

As overseas tourists and large-scale events return to Hong Kong, Lan Kwai Fong has partnered with The Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of Royal Thai Government (DITP) to present a sensational Thai cultural celebration unlike any other. During mid-April each year, families and friends gather around to celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year) by having water blessing ceremonies and paying gratitude to their elders. The inaugural Thai SELECT Carnival 2023 will transform the streets of Lan Kwai Fong into a mini Thailand for one day only on Saturday, 22 April.

Lan Kwai Fong Association has partnered with DITP present the first "Thai SELECT Carnival" which received full support from the Hong Kong-Thailand Business Council.

The street festival will bring together over 30 curated Thai brands and a host of cultural awarding of certificates performances taking stage along Lan Kwai Fong and Wo On Lane. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the beloved tropical destination by immersing in various experiences spanning F&B (featuring fresh fruits and local delicacies), health and wellness, travel, local traditions, and more.

Satisfy Your Cravings With Thai Culinary Delights

One of Hong Kong's most popular travel destinations, Thailand not only boasts tranquil beaches and magnificent temples and scenery. The country is widely known for its delicious cuisine and produce such as Thai Hom Mali Rice. To help Hong Kong people find Thai restaurants providing exceptional quality food, the DITP awards the Thai SELECT certificate to those that use original ingredients to offer an authentic taste of Thailand. Currently, there are 43 Thai SELECT restaurants in Hong Kong.

Thailand is also well-known for the rich diversity of its rice varieties. To boost the confidence of local and international consumers and promote "Think Rice, Think Thailand", the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government grants qualified rice products with the Thai Hom Mali Rice certificate. Look out for this green logo next time you're shopping for rice!

Mrs. Chanunpat Pisanapipong, Thai Trade Commissioner & Consul and Executive Director of DITP HK says, "Thailand is renowned as the 'Kitchen of the World' and our New Year is always a joyous affair. We're excited to partner up with Lan Kwai Fong to showcase our foods and products from Thailand, and introduce the Thai SELECT certificate for Thai restaurants and Thai Hom Mali Rice logo to more people in Hong Kong."

Visitors of the Thai SELECT Carnival can learn more about the local culinary culture and treat their taste buds to gourmet tastings highlighted by the DITP. Indulge in mouth-watering Thai grub like chicken rice, papaya salad, and grilled satay skewers at the carnival's dedicated F&B brands; and satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert staples such as mango sticky rice, coconut sago cake, and steamed pandan layer cake. Sip on Thai beer or crack open a fresh coconut to wash everything down. For those hankering for more, you can even bring home delicious snacks like dried mango, durian crisps, and rice crackers from different Thai brands available in Hong Kong.

Browse 30+ Thai Brands at Lan Kwai Fong's Street Carnival

Besides the abundance of F&B offerings, the Thai SELECT Carnival also features a host of Thai brands highlighting various wellness and travel products and services. Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group says, "As Hong Kong's leading cultural and entertainment destination, Lan Kwai Fong continues to bring innovative new experiences to locals and tourists. Thai SELECT Carnival is a truly unique cultural celebration as it brings together more than 30 Thai brands from F&B, health and wellness, and travel under one roof."

Learn more about Thailand's state-of-the-art healthcare services with Bumrungrad International Hospital, which is ranked by Newsweek as Thailand's best hospital in 2021. Browse natural balms and bug sprays formulated with herbal extracts and plant oils at Green Herb. If you're planning a tropical getaway to Phuket, take the opportunity to book the special accommodation packages offered at the carnival. Andara Resort and Villas offers discerning travellers a home away from home on a luscious hillside above powdery stretches of sand; while Aquella Golf and Country Club takes their guests to a whole new level of tranquillity overlooking the unspoiled Andaman Sea coastline.

Immerse Yourself in Local Thai Culture

To bring the Thai SELECT Carnival to life, Lan Kwai Fong will deliver an exciting line-up of cultural performances and activities throughout the day. Visitors to the carnival will experience the unique culture of Thailand through traditional song and dance performances, Muay Thai demonstrations, parades and much more. The highlight of the programming will surely be the water blessing ceremony, an ancient Songkran (Thai New Year) tradition that brings good luck and fortune to everyone around. Carnival goers can also look forward to the Thai dress contest where participants will show off beautiful traditional clothing on the streets of Lan Kwai Fong.

Following on from the introduction of its newly enhanced guest rooms and suites, Island Shangri-La has launched a series of unique themed experiences that are sure to delight guests of all ages.

As well as enjoying a host of upgraded features and amenities, families checking into the newly renovated rooms can choose from four themed experiences—Princess World, Space Travel, Safari Park and Northern Lights—each of which features a captivating set-up that includes an in-room tent, special decorations and an overhead projector, transforming the room into a magical wonderland that kids will be thrilled to explore.

The recent renovation of the rooms and suites was led by renowned French designer Tristan Auer, whose previous projects include the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, the Mahanakon Sky Bar in Bangkok and the Cotton House hotel on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean. Drawing inspiration from Hong Kong architecture and culture while deftly blending contemporary Asian and Parisian aesthetics, Auer has succeeded in creating rooms and suites that are as distinctive as they are sophisticated, and which inspire an exalted sense of calm and well-being.

Perfectly reflecting the modern traveller's desire for luxury and convenience, the generously proportioned rooms and suites include multifunctional in-room pantries, adaptable desk tables and seamlessly integrated technology, all of which help to create a versatile space that is ideal for families. Each room also has a beautifully upholstered, made-to-measure daybed that provides the ideal space for parents and kids to unwind upon while also offering the flexibility to accommodate two additional guests.

Colour palettes, meanwhile, have been chosen to harmonise with the different vistas visible from the windows, with each room "Framing the View" in a way that heightens the interplay between the exterior landscape and the interior decor.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are available from HK$ 4,800+ per night, which includes a complimentary hotel credit of up to HK$ 2,000 (depending on room type) and a free upgrade to a themed experience.