Head in the game: While players get treatment for injuries, there has been little or no protection against brain damage

The thrills and spills, rough and tumble of elite competitive sports are all part of the attraction for those who pursue them professionally, as well as for spectators who cheer on from the sidelines or the couch. But what is becoming increasingly clear is that the very competitive nature of high-level contact sports can exact a severe price on players through the onset of debilitating brain damage.

This health issue, which is now more widely recognised, has hit home particularly in the likes of football, rugby, American football, ice hockey, boxing and wrestling, where repeated blows to the head and concussions may occur. Constant, crunching tackles are also a concern due to the whiplash-like effect of this impact reverberating through the body to the head. Many parents are discouraging their offspring from participating in sports where head injuries are likely.

Injury blows

Respected BBC rugby commentator Chris Jones has suggested that this effect on brain health is an existential crisis for his sport. More than 300 retired rugby union players in England and Wales are pursuing legal proceedings over brain damage they say was sustained during their years in the game. They accuse the rugby authorities of being negligent and failing to protect them from permanent injury.

The number of claimants has risen rapidly since England World Cup winner Steve Thompson and other former players initiated the lawsuit in December 2020. They say part of their motivation in taking legal action is to save the game for future generations by securing new protective measures.

Failures levelled at rugby union’s world and national governing bodies include taking inadequate steps to inform, educate or warn players about the risks of permanent brain damage; conducting insufficient research into the effects of multiple concussive and subconcussive impacts on the brain and the prevention of permanent brain injury; and not reducing the amount of contact allowed in training or the number of matches per season.

Brain damage hits

This ongoing litigation in the UK has been compared with a successful American football class-action lawsuit brought against the National Football League (NFL). In this case, more than 4,500 former players and their families sued the NFL for misleading them over the long-term dangers of concussions and head injuries. It ended in a 2013 settlement worth about US$765 million (HK$5.9 billion).

This lawsuit highlighted the prevalence in American football of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. Brain-related injury had been detected in boxers as early as 1928 when US doctor Harrison Martland linked signs of being ‘punch drunk’ – mild mental confusion and a staggering gait – with serial head punches. The condition was given the name dementia pugilistica.

More than 75 years later, in 2005, NFL hero Mike Webster became the first in his sport to be diagnosed with CTE; after retiring from the game, he suffered from dementia, cognitive impairment and mood changes, and brain damage was identified following his sudden death.

Post-mortem revelations

Sadly, a number of American footballers have committed suicide in recent years, most likely triggered by the neurological effects of playing their sport. One of them, Dave Duerson, who took his own life in 2011, had asked for his brain to be donated to the Boston University School of Medicine; subsequent tests found CTE. The autopsy of Australian Rules footballer Heather Anderson, who struggled with depression and killed herself in 2022, also detected this incurable disease of the brain.

England’s Thompson, who suffers from early onset dementia, has talked of being put on suicide watch as a result of his illness – as have other former rugby players involved in the ongoing legal action.

Carrying on with concussion

Ex-Wales international Alix Popham, who was diagnosed with probable CTE and early onset dementia in 2020 at the age of 40, shares in a BBC podcast some of his experiences of playing professional rugby and the lack of concern at the time about head injuries.

“Concussion was a bit of a joke; if somebody got knocked out or had ‘Bambi legs’ … players would have a laugh,” he says, explaining that teammates did not want to show any sign of weakness. “You were expected to chuck some water in your face and sniff some salts and just carry on. That was the way we did it.”

Popham believes most of his brain damage was inflicted during training because of the amount and length of contact required. He says these sessions might last as long as two hours and physios or doctors were not in attendance.

“My neurologists described subconcussive hits like a dripping tap on a piece of mud. [If it drips] once or twice, there will be no mark at the end of the day. But if it dripped for 14 years, there will be a big hole, and that is what is happening with every hit that a player is taking, not just to the head but to the body as well.”

Popham adds that some current players he has spoken to remain hesitant to quit the sport despite being advised that brain scans they have had are not “great”. It was perhaps this lack of clarity surrounding the issue that prompted him – along with his wife, Melanie Bramwell-Popham, and Sally Tucker, an NHS surgeon with a special interest in medical ethics and law – to set up Head for Change. Dedicated to pioneering positive change for brain health in sport, the charitable foundation provides a supportive space for sportspeople with neurodegenerative disease.

Heading for disaster

These laudable goals cannot come a moment too soon. Tucker’s father is a former professional footballer who has been diagnosed with dementia, probably caused by repetitive head injury from heading the ball during his career. Research published in 2019 found that footballers were three and a half times more likely than the general population to die from a neurodegenerative disease.

Just last month two former Premier League football players shared their health concerns after years of heading a ball for a living. Former England defender Gary Pallister talked of how sickening migraines would blur his vision, affect his speech and leave him unable to train for two days. Along with many ex-players, he harbours fears for his future wellbeing.

As for Pallister’s ex-England colleague Steve Howey – who at 53 sometimes struggles to express himself and suffers from short-term memory loss – scans have revealed that his brain is in cognitive decline. The British charity Head Safe Football is campaigning for heading to be declared a national health issue, and the harmful skill is now being phased out at grassroots youth level.

Howey is one of a number of ex-professional players in England who are taking legal action against football’s governing bodies. The group includes the family of former 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, who had advanced dementia in later life; he was diagnosed with CTE after his death in 2020.

More severe for women?

Sportswomen are feared to be at greater risk from concussion than their male counterparts. Research conducted by SidelinesDr in Australia and others suggest that women are not only more likely to sustain concussion in any given sport, but their symptoms tend to be more severe and their recovery time longer. Some medics have speculated that this is down to weaker neck muscles.

Other research in Australia found that 79 percent of jockeys have had at least one concussion during their horseracing career, and a quarter have suffered four or more.

Last year, World Rugby launched a call for applications to fund player welfare research projects into concussion, injury surveillance and prevention at all levels of the game. It also established a steering group to examine player welfare in the women’s sport. 

Technology is playing a part to help limit head injuries. For instance, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US are working on a new protective foam that could revolutionise helmets in contact sports. Many sports governing bodies are also finally supplying guidelines, education and awareness about the long-term hazards of concussion and repeated blows to the head.

Lombardy Sparkle: Franciacorta’s quality bubbles are sparking a real buzz in the wine world

Located in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, the spectacular wine region of Franciacorta has blossomed into one of the gems of global viticulture. This tiny area is famed for the quality of its sparkling wines, whose most enthusiastic devotees say are a match for some of the finest Champagnes. It is exactly 30 years since these remarkable bubbles – produced using the traditional method – were awarded full DOCG classification, Italy’s top rank of wine-producing regions.

Though the area is situated in southern Europe, which is generally blessed with a warm climate, many of the vineyards are planted near the southern shores of Lake Iseo in the foothills of the Alps. Temperatures here are dampened by cold air descending from the mountain slopes, preventing the fruit from over-ripening in the sun. The lakeside locale is crucial in moderating this effect, providing a micro-climate suited to making some of the world’s best sparkling wines. Ultimately, the unique geography of the area enables the high level of acidity required for top-quality fizz.

Sparkling star

Alex Wai, Sommelier at Grissini, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious Italian restaurants, reveals the area’s rolling hills were shaped by glacial action. He praises its glacial moraine soil, comprising gravel and sand over limestone, as ideal for the cultivation of grapes.

Wai says the reputation of the Franciacorta wine region has surged over recent years. He is fond of Franciacorta’s graceful ‘blanc de blancs’ style bubbles, which showcase the unique regional style. His favourite, though, is Essence Noir produced by Antica Fratta.

Describing the character of this wine, he notes: “It is a pure expression of Pinot Nero from the Franciacorta area – complex on the palate but offering an underlying elegance in style.”

Ancient modernity

The Antica Fratta project was launched in 1979 by Franco Ziliani, who pioneered the first Franciacorta winery, Guido Berlucchi. Desiring to create a new high-quality sparkling wine that would be distinct from the original estate and not interfere with existing operations, Ziliani drew upon the splendours of the newly renovated 19th-century cellars of a beautiful villa in the Fratta area of Monticelli Brusati.

Realising his vision, Antica Fratta has evolved to produce superior sparkling wines. The delicate Essence Satèn is particularly noteworthy, being made entirely from white grapes – Chardonnay, albeit with the allowance of some Pinot Bianco.

“Our Essence line is a vintage wine that has spent a minimum of three to four years in contact with the yeast before its dégorgement, and more than a year in bottle,” says Cristian Maddelana, a leading Italy-based wine consultant who has long advised the estate.

Black magic

In Franciacorta like other regions around the world, the pervasive effect of climate change and warming temperatures is threatening the fine balance that enables great wines to be produced. Careful management of the vines and harvest times has been necessary to maintain quality, but one side effect has been that black grapes such as Pinot Nero now fare better than before. Antica Fratta now produces a ‘blanc de noirs’ style made entirely from this famous Bourgogne varietal (where it is called Pinot Noir), the aptly named Essence Noir.

Maddelana says the production at the Antica Fratta estate is now focused on this style made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. “This technical characteristic, combined with the terroir-driven expression of the Pinot Noir from our region, makes the wine creamy and structured on the nose, with a golden colour, yet expressing with freshness and finesse on the palate – all of this underpinned by its minerality and acidity,” he enthuses.

Rise of the Titans: Watches crafted from titanium meld lustrous, lightweight allure with great strength

Used by the finest watchmakers for more than 50 years, titanium is blessed with many highly desirable characteristics. While possessing the hardness of stainless steel, titanium is far lighter and it offers excellent resistance to corrosion and hypoallergenic qualities. Sophisticated craftsmanship enables the metal’s precise honing into cases and bracelets of the desired specifications. Its range of hues provides an appealing – and much utilised – extra layer of versatility, too

A combination of strength, lightness and rust resistance explains why titanium is widely used in other precision industries including the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors. Medical instruments, like quality watches, benefit from its skin-friendly properties. Pure, grade 2 titanium or the harder, grade 5, a titanium alloy including vanadium and aluminium, is the metal of choice in watchmaking.

Vacheron Constantin utilised the noble qualities of the metal in a new all-titanium version of the Overseas Tourbillon. By incorporating the robust, featherweight and hypoallergenic qualities of grade 5 titanium into its Overseas catalogue, the Maison gave a further fillip to the sporty and hard-wearing characteristics of the collection.

Unveiled at last year’s Watches and Wonders, the new timepiece is distinguished by the aesthetics of its translucent blue-lacquered dial – emblematic of the line – featuring a sunburst satin-finished base complete with velvet-finished flange. Given the rigidity of the material, the titanium-hewn case, bracelet, crown and bezel required extremely careful workmanship. Powered by the in-house, ultra-thin, self-winding Calibre 2160, the watch is further enhanced by a tourbillon regulator visible at six o’clock through an aperture in the dial.

Chopard has also harnessed the outstanding resistance and aesthetics of this metal to accentuate the signature qualities of some of its finest watches. For instance, the ultra-thin Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT (technical titanium) in grade 5 titanium radiates a darker hue than steel and attributes like lightness of feel and supreme resistance to corrosion will strike a chord with outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Its latest limited-edition L.U.C Full Strike, meanwhile, utilises the enhanced qualities of ceramicised titanium to house its famous minute-repeater movement. Achieved by the oxidation of the surface layers of titanium at extreme temperatures, ceramicised titanium is even harder than grade 5 titanium and in no way compromises the quality of chime emitted from the solid sapphire gongs attached to a sapphire crystal resonator. Joining other special editions crafted from gold, steel, platinum and sapphire respectively, the anthracite hue of its ceramicised case contrasts beautifully with a verdigris (grey-green) brass dial with a finely frosted centre.

A brand with strong aviation roots, Longines has recently added a model adorned with titanium to its Pilot Majetek range. The Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition pairs a 43mm cushion-shaped case in grade 5 titanium with a signature bidirectional rotating bezel with Starting Time Indicator – details, along with the recessed dial at six o’clock, that betray a flying tradition. At back, the inhouse calibre L893.6 offers high resistance to magnetism and the case is engraved with the words “Pioneer Edition / One of 1935”.

Maurice Lacroix combines the fine qualities of both grades of this light metal for its new 42mm Aikon Automatic and 44mm Aikon Automatic Chronograph timepieces. Some sport dials of incredibly rich colours that perfectly offset the titanium hues of the case, while an intriguing interplay of finishes between grade 2 and grade 5 is also conjured.

Richard Mille uses the tensile and aesthetic properties of the grade 5 alloy to enhance and project the taut features of its RM 17-02 Manual Winding Tourbillon. The showcase tourbillon movement is housed in a titanium case; skeletonised baseplate and bridges come in the same choice of metal with black PVD treatment. In a show of modern and technical sophistication, the finely textured satin-finished alloy accentuates the three-part tonneau shape and line configuration of the timepiece.

Krayon’s workshops in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, have released their first titanium watch in the form of Anywhere Aurora. Powered by the Calibre C030 movement designed by brand founder Rémi Maillat, this ultra-slim watch weighs just 50g thanks to its titanium construction and the light but super-hard material is shaped and polished assiduously by hand.

The smooth glow of the shimmering case contrasts superbly with an emerald-green dial that changes radiance – from pale to iridescent tones – according to the angle of the sun’s rays. This feat is enabled by an Atomic Layer Deposition process, which coats the dial with ultrathin films of select compounds that can interact with the light. Underscoring the technical marvels of this watch, a peripheral ring around edge of the dial is split into day (mother-of-pearl white) and night (deep green) sections which change length as the days pass and seasons change – a masterstroke that can be altered as the wearer moves around the globe.

A satin-finished and polished titanium case, case back and bezel sets off the masterful visual imagery of Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon. An amazing three-dimensional, multi-level dial recreates the traditional Chinese paper-cutting art of Chen Fenwan, morphing the watch face into a silhouette of a dragon. This fantastical motif continues its journey along the scale-like marquetry bracelet.

By introducing the Chronodate Titanium Magnetic Silver watch, Angelus embellishes its Chronodate range with a new tone-on-tone colour scheme. Bezel, bracelet, folding buckle, crown and monobloc middle case are all crafted from titanium, projecting a grey hue which extends into the sunray-brushed ‘magnetic silver’ dial. The design of the latest timepiece is deliberately configured to offer enticing colour contrasts.

Ressence’s Type 3 Eucalyptus watch features a unique titanium dial in an attractive soft green hue and a futuristic look. Backed by a patented automatic movement offering 36 hours of power reserve, its 44mm case – also crafted from grade 5 titanium – is partly filled with oil to ensure that the floating hands-free dial can be read from all angles through indicators for days, seconds, minutes and hours. A textile strap is fashioned from plush Alcantara.

The Born Intensity: Baby boom turns to gloom, as nations face prosperity dips from declining populations

It was not so many decades ago that alarming stories of a global population explosion were commonplace and books such as Paul Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb prophesised doom. The latest insights based on annual figures published by the United Nations paint a different story, however. Population implosion is now front and centre of many countries’ concerns.

World Population Prospects 2024 outlines a predicted peak in the population on Earth within the current century at about 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion last year. Indeed, one in four people globally now lives in a country where numbers have already reached their highest point – a statistic embracing 63 countries and areas containing 28 per cent of the world’s population. Some analysts believe this could have damaging consequences for social and economic progress in the likes of China, Japan, South Korea and many European nations that are already experiencing severe demographic challenges.

Fertility fall

A major cause of population decline is the low birth rate across many countries, a trend that has existed for decades in some cases, especially in Europe. As early as 1970, demographers had noted total fertility rates in 19 countries had fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 births per women – the number required for a population to maintain a constant size without migration.

According to the latest UN estimates, women today bear one child fewer, on average, than they did three decades ago, and more than half of all countries and areas globally have fertility below the replacement level. Currently, the global fertility rate stands at 2.3 live births per woman, down from 3.3 births in 1990.

Reduced fertility generally occurs as countries become industrialised and experience a fall in mortality and a consequent population growth, a cycle that ends when the population implements fertility control. Leading demographers such as Tim Dyson note that fertility decline has liberated women from the domestic domain. As such, their lives have become increasingly similar to those lived by men, and marriage in the sense of a life-long commitment to have and rear children is seen as increasingly unattractive. In summary, demographic history suggests that as societies become richer, people tend to have fewer children.

Ageing expensively

Highlighting the pressing nature of declining population, the number of babies born in the European Union hit a record low in 2023. The 5.5 per cent drop from the previous year was the sharpest ever – a scenario expected to heap pressure on state finances due to the shrinking size of the working population, coupled with the rising cost of healthcare and pensions in an ageing population. According to demographic experts, the trend of lower birth rates in Europe since the mid-’60s has been exacerbated by fears over climate change, inflationary pressures, and political and job uncertainty.

Willem Adema, a Senior Economist at the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), notes that some young people have difficulties establishing themselves in the labour market, the housing market and “perhaps also in the dating market”. This comment will have particular resonance in Japan, which is experiencing a similar, if not worse, demographic timebomb than Europe.

Dating decline

Despite increased numbers of foreign residents, Japan’s total population has declined for 15 years in a row. In 2022, when the number of newborns fell below 800,000 for the first time since records began, the figure was 122.42 million and it is expected to drop further over the coming decades. The government has gone to the extraordinary lengths of consulting young people in a bid to understand their reasons for not marrying. It recently set up a Children and Families Agency to help young people find the love of their life through dating, matchmaking and other services.

According to a 2023 survey, more than 40 per cent of marriages in Japan were sexless, and fears are mounting that this apparent lack of sexual desire has percolated down to the younger population, further endangering the deteriorating birth rate. Izumi Tsuji, a Professor of the Sociology of Culture at Tokyo’s Chuo University, cited the many other distractions and hobbies of the younger generation as one reason for the decreasing value placed in dating. This latest revelation could compound concerns about a seeming unwillingness by Japanese people to marry, despite a government raft of child support packages.

Baby boost

A reluctance to get married and falling birth rates in Hong Kong have also prompted much debate. Just 32,500 births were registered in 2022, the lowest number since records began more than 60 years ago; in 2019 that figure totalled 52,900. In one particularly inventive plan to address the problem, lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu suggested that the prominent display of baby pictures in government offices would spark procreation among the city’s civil servants.

Hong Kong’s declining birth rate has been attributed to factors including current restrictions on in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the prevalence of divorce and a lack of supportive measures for single parents. A HK$20,000 cash bonus introduced by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu for parents of new-born children appears to be helping reverse the trend: the number of births increased by 9.8 per cent year on year following the October 2023 launch of the handout.

Such concerns are being played out across much of the developed world. In the United States, the fertility rate is 2.08 children per woman, which is creating issues in this vast country. As people internally migrate to more prosperous areas, some places are being catapulted into ghost towns. Caught in a so-called death spiral, fewer locals then remain to pay local taxes, which exacerbates a worsening situation for those left behind.

One no longer enough

China famously introduced a one-child policy in 1979 in a bid to control a burgeoning population. Overpopulation was then viewed as a threat to economic growth and a harbinger of social and environmental problems. Beijing’s population control measures were successful in the sense that demographers suggest that by the year 2000 there were 300 million fewer people in the country than otherwise would have been the case.

The one-child policy was abandoned in 2016, and like many parts of the West, China is faced by major demographic challenges as its population ages and shrinks. In 2023, only about nine million births were recorded, the lowest since 1949, and the total number of inhabitants fell for the second consecutive year. With a fertility rate of about 1.0, far short of the 2.1 replacement level, the national government has rolled out numerous incentives for families with multiple children.

Benefits of youth

According to Jeffrey Wu, Director of Hong Kong-based firm Mindworks Capital, how China navigates its demographic shift will define its economic future – it is that fundamental. To cope with the challenge, a huge boost in productivity will be needed, aided by technological innovation and capital and human capital investment. Automation and artificial intelligence, it is hoped, could potentially be a boon to productivity.

This is a noble aspiration because one potential effect of a nation having fewer young people is weaker innovation and growth. A 2021 study into patents by US research organisation NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research) highlighted that the youngest inventors were those most likely to produce novel, groundbreaking work that could raise productivity substantially.

Ultimately, many countries will use immigration to mitigate the demographic shortfall. As the UN suggests, those still with youthful populations but declining fertility have limited time to benefit economically from an increasing concentration of working-age citizens. In order to capitalise on this opportunity, investing in education, health and infrastructure, and implementing reforms to create jobs and improve government efficiency are essential.

Of course, population decline also has its benefits, particularly in reducing the pressure on global resources and the environment – something China’s President Xi Jinping, among others, has alluded to. This is a theme that will undoubtedly be taken up in the years to follow.

Espresso Excellence: CEO Enzo Cheng pours a double shot of passion into his empowering leadership of NOC Coffee Co.

On a dynamic Friday night in Central, working millennials might find themselves immersed in the pulsating beats of a DJ set, where the man behind the turntables is none other than Enzo Cheng, the young and charismatic CEO of NOC Coffee Co. As the crowd sways to his music and cheers his name, he shares the arena with his friend, an up-and-coming local DJ.

It is hard to imagine that come Monday, this same individual is quietly overseeing operations in his naturally well-lit office space at NOC’s Tseung Kwan O branch, one of the popular coffeehouse chain’s 15 outlets across the city. Comfortably ensconced within the brand’s signature minimalist and clean aesthetics, he savours his favourite salmon taglionlini before diving into the day’s challenges.

“I haven’t worn a suit in ages,” chuckles Cheng, reflecting on his sleeves up, hands-on leadership style that contrasts sharply with the traditional image of a corporate CEO. This relaxed demeanour seems fundamental in his approach to both music and business – a blend of creativity and strategic vision that has propelled NOC into the spotlight. The nifty acronym, for the non-caffeine-inclined, stands for ‘Not Only Coffee’.

Seeds of ambition

Growing up in the vibrant yet fiercely competitive landscape of Hong Kong, Cheng’s early experiences shaped his vision of what a successful business could be. “World-class businesses don’t have to be the loudest,” he remarks. “But they have to find their value in this noisy marketplace. The everchanging dynamic and brutal honesty of Hong Kong’s market force businesses to be on their A-game at all times, helping me redefine what a world-class business should look like every day.” This understanding of clarity and competition permeates his leadership at NOC.

One of the pivotal moments in his childhood was a school project where he built a pinhole camera. “Designing and assembling something functional from scratch was incredibly rewarding,” he recalls. This early foray into technology sparked his interest in business and innovation, leading him to explore one of his first business case study of Kodak and its rise and fall.

Cheng’s entrepreneurial spirit was further nurtured by his family ¬– his father and cousin are successful entrepreneurs who encouraged him to pursue bold aspirations. “They challenged me to find solutions rather than quit,” he shares, crediting them as indispensable influences in his career.

From banking to brews

His journey took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from a promising career in investment banking to co-leading Coding Rooms, a SaaS (software as a service) company. “Entrepreneurship has always been part of my vision,” he explains, emphasising how his experiences with high-profile executives ignited a passion for operational roles.

“Investment banking taught me many transferable skills,” he notes, listing critical thinking, empathy and the ability to simplify complex problems as key tools he brought to NOC upon joining a year ago. He has transformed the high-pressure lessons of banking into a strategic approach that embraces discomfort and innovation.

Ways & beans

So what sets NOC Coffee apart in the crowded café market? According to Cheng, who had just embarked on a business degree at the University of Michigan when the brand was born, it’s their commitment to being the most recognised neighbourhood coffeehouse. “We focus on maintaining high standards of customer care and product quality,” he states. This dedication ensures that every outlet embodies the same spirit and reliability, avoiding the pitfalls of either scaling up too quickly or remaining too small.

Angelled by Hong Kong-based venture fund, KD Capital, it’s a proudly local brand, as the CEO emphasises while gesturing an air-quote on the importance of embodying the “Hong Kong spirit”, a resilient and innovative mindset. “We aim to redefine lifestyle cafés,” he explains, with plans to expand internationally while maintaining the essence of what makes NOC special.

Percolating innovation

As technology continues to evolve, Cheng is keen to leverage cutting-edge advancements within the coffee industry. “From bean sourcing to espresso machines, technology plays a critical role,” he says, envisioning a future where AI and big data can enhance consistency across multiple locations.

This forward-thinking approach is not just about efficiency; it’s about enhancing the customer experience. “If we can standardise quality while maintaining the unique touch of each barista, we’ll create a better product for everyone,” he says, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon. “I can’t say much now, but it’s going to happen soon.”

For Cheng, success is defined by providing unparalleled value. “We constantly ask how we can do more with less,” he shares, highlighting a philosophy that drives decision-making at NOC. His vision for the company includes purposeful expansion and continuous innovation, ensuring that quality and service remain at the forefront.

Cup of life

There’s a growing trend among young professionals to balance ambition with personal fulfilment – unheard of in previous working generations but crucial to Cheng’s modern brand of leadership. “Happiness comes from the people I work with and the progress we make together,” he states, underscoring the importance of team culture in fostering a positive work environment. Ultimately, it’s this blend of camaraderie and ambition that fuels his drive.

With a busy schedule that balances the demands of running a growing business, he makes it a point to prioritise health and wellbeing. “Finding time to exercise and reconnect with family is essential,” he remarks, underscoring the need for balance amid a bustling lifestyle.

The day after our interview, Cheng flew to New Zealand and Shanghai with family to attend coffee fairs and visit cafes around the world – a testament to his belief that life and work can coexist. Living is about finding work in life and also life in work,” he affirms.

Drinking out of the box

As he looks to the future, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Hong Kong is clear: “Challenge the status quo. Don’t box yourself in.” He believes that resilience and a willingness to adapt are vital in today’s ever-changing market.

Much like a well-brewed cup of coffee, Enzo Cheng’s journey is about finding purpose and joy in everyday moments. As he continues to lead NOC towards new horizons, his story serves as a reminder that success is best enjoyed when shared with others, and that every day offers a new reason to wake up with enthusiasm.

Switching into reflective mode, the youthful CEO is quick to acknowledge the lessons learned and the importance of seeking diverse perspectives. Recognising the value of listening to the experiences of others, he laughs: “I wish I had more coffee chats!”

Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Windows To The World: With Amsterdam’s attractions in full view, this masterful apartment reflects a quiet modern beauty

A beautiful home in Amsterdam, the charming capital of the Netherlands renowned for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene and breathtaking architecture, has been designed as a reflection of its surroundings. Nestled in a grand building at a prime location overlooking the bustling wharf on one side and the old town on the other, this expansive apartment is a haven of elegance and refinement. The interiors embrace Dutch vernacular design and modern aesthetics in a way that is both harmonious and outstanding.

The designers at Studio Piet Boon devised a logical and functional plan for the home that offers plenty of room for not just living but work and play, with an evident emphasis on the spaciousness of its 2,500 square feet, a luxury in the city. The décor is a masterclass in understated elegance, with a neutral colour palette, clean lines and an emphasis on natural light.

As you step inside the apartment, you are immediately struck by the sleek modernism that pervades every aspect of the living space. The entrance welcomes you with a majestic floral vase on a centre table surrounded by contemporary artwork. Spotlights trained on the painting and a central pendant light give the feeling of entering an art gallery instead of a home. This expansive gallery hall affords a clear separation between quarters for living and sleeping.

The capacious open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows to create a feeling of bright airiness that is nothing short of breathtaking. The palette of the walls and upholstery is kept rather monotone, allowing the colour-rich artwork to pop out by contrast. The owners boast a large art collection that can be spied on almost every wall and encompasses an eclectic mix of abstract work, figure drawing, silhouettes and sculptures, hinting at their diverse tastes.

Connecting doors from the hall are crafted from glass to encourage the entry of optimum light for an open and congenial living experience. As the banks of windows stretch right across the hall and living area, views of the cityscape are mesmerising. The colour story in the main lounge is shades of grey, giving the space a restful solemnity.

At one end, facing a TV wall, a large leather sectional sofa sits on a plush grey carpet, with two grey cube-shaped minimalist coffee tables placed in the middle like enormous dice. On the other side, facing the windows, two commodious recliners are paired with a large wooden coffee table formed of two overlapping discs, allowing for moments of contemplation while enjoying morning coffee.

The windows extend into a bright kitchen, where cooking is a delight set against the city vista. The area is dominated by a dappled-marble central island equipped with a smart cooking hob, while its functionality is enhanced by an enclosed pantry and ample storage space within the minimal lines of cabinets above the sink.

Positioning the dining area on the other side of the kitchen island makes food service a breeze at dinner parties. A long grey rectangular dining table with plush chairs is highlighted by a beautiful abstract hanging light that sprouts a series of fish-bowl-like lamps – an attention-grabbing statement piece as guests sit down to dine.

Adjacent to the pantry is the entrance to the study. Like every area of the flat, this is a pleasingly spacious and minimally furnished space. The lack of visual clutter here serves to curtail potential distractions from work – though gorgeous views of the city and the water may easily grab the eye and occupy the mind. The adjoining balcony, set with a pair of casual chairs, is an enchanting spot to take a breather from a busy schedule and reflect on the tranquillity found in this wholesome, well-balanced home, even in the midst of a bustling metropolitan city.

The master bedroom is a serene retreat offering the perfect blend of comfort and style, with plush rugs and elegant artwork. Vertical hardwood panels flank the soft white headboard wall in a play of tones and textures. Spectacular clusters of pendant lights dangle low from the ceiling on both sides of the bed. Matching the disparate designs of the living-room coffee tables, a rectangular side table appears on one side of bed and two round ones on the other; indeed, this interplay of contrasting shapes can be seen across the apartment.

The bedroom has been bestowed with a timeless residential-suite ambience, replete with all the imaginable luxuries. Hallways lead to a magnificent his and hers walk-in closet and a large bathroom, clad completely in natural stone, which benefits from a double shower and yet another astonishing view of Amsterdam.

Leading off the bedroom is a large balcony overlooking the IJ, Amsterdam’s iconic waterfront. Bedecked with a large comfy sofa and planters, it is an ideal space to drink in the night air over a nightcap or two before retiring ahead of another peaceful day ensconced in modern splendour above the restless city.

Photos: Studio Piet Boon

Witch Way Up: The multiple talents of Wicked star Cynthia Erivo have a growing legion of admirers spellbound

With her powerful vocals and dynamic performances, Cynthia Erivo has not only captivated audiences but also redefined what it means to be a leading light in the modern entertainment landscape. From the London stage to the Hollywood silver screen, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born on 8 January 1987, in Stockwell, South London, to Nigerian immigrants, Erivo faced challenges in childhood, particularly after her parents separated when she was still very young. Speaking about her upbringing, she reflects: “My mother has the strongest spirit I’ve ever encountered. She had to go through so much, and yet she still made sure that we had everything we needed, including love.” This early exposure to resilience undoubtedly shaped her identity as an artist.

She attended a Catholic girls’ school, where she began exploring her passion for performance. “The theatre was my escape,” she says. She then enrolled at the University of East London to study music psychology but transferred to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) to pursue her true calling. After graduating in 2010, she broke onto the scene with stage performances that showcased her vocal prowess and emotive range.

Setting the Stage

Erivo’s rise to fame was rapid and remarkable, particularly her portrayal of Celie Harris in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple, when she stepped comfortably into shoes originally filled by Whoopi Goldberg. This performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. “Part of me feels like I’ve always been meant to do this,” she notes, illustrating her profound connection to her craft.

She expertly melded musicality with acting, performing pivotal roles in various productions. Following her Broadway success, she took her talents to film in 2018, making notable impressions in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale. But it was her next role as American abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet (2019) that solidified her status as a lead actor.

“To play Harriet Tubman is to connect with the essence of courage and determination,” she said at the time. “It’s about giving voice to those who fought so hard for their freedom.” The film brought her numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song, further showcasing her indisputable talent.

Musical Reality

That Erivo is a gifted singer-songwriter is also undeniable. Stand Up, which she co-wrote and performed for the film’s credits, resonated with audiences worldwide. “Music is an intrinsic part of who I am; it’s my means of expression,” she says, underscoring her artistic drive.

Her career has flourished further through her recent venture into the musical fantasy realm. Alongside Ariana Grande, she heads the celebrated cast of Wicked, a two-film adaptation of the iconic musical; the first instalment hit cinemas in November 2024, with Wicked Part Two scheduled for release late this year. She embodies the complex character of Elphaba, who is often seen as emblematic of the quest for self-discovery and empowerment. “Elphaba’s story is about embracing who you are, flaws and all,” she shares, echoing her own path in the industry.

Love in the Face of Hate

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erivo’s personal life has become a topic of interest. A proud member of the queer community, she openly identifies as bisexual. “It’s essential for me to live my truth,” she asserts, taking to heart the multitude of identities she navigates.

She is currently in a relationship with US actress and producer Lena Waithe, and it is a partnership is built on mutual support and understanding. She underlines the importance of love and authenticity in one’s life: “No matter the challenges you face, love should always be unfiltered, raw and honest.”

Through her platform, she advocates representation and creates spaces for marginalised voices in the arts. “In a world that often silences marginalised stories, it’s crucial that we raise our voices and share our truths,” she says.

Embracing the Light

Erivo’s journey is a compelling tapestry woven from her identities as a queer individual and a Roman Catholic, both of which shape her understanding of love and faith. She eloquently expresses her belief that “God makes people as they’re meant to be”, challenging the narrow interpretations of faith that some individuals might impose.

“The rules for themselves that people put upon others have nothing to do with me and my faith,” she asserts. “Faith is so big – so much bigger than set rules.” For her, religion is not about stringent doctrines; it encompasses an expansive understanding of love and compassion.

Erivo firmly states the fundamental principle of her beliefs: “The main rule that we’re all supposed to follow is to love one another as you would love yourself.” This guiding tenet informs her actions and relationships, prompting her to cultivate kindness and empathy. She concludes: “If those are the things I’m following, then I think I’m following my faith.”

Legacy Beyond Performing

In embracing both her queerness and Catholicism, she not only navigates her own identity but also illuminates a path for others, inviting everyone to reflect on their own capacity for love and acceptance.

She emphasises the importance of growth and adaptation too, reflecting that “as time changes, we are also meant to change”. This perspective resonates deeply with her role in Wicked, where Elphaba’s journey symbolises a struggle against societal rejection and the quest for true belonging.

The actor and singer’s influence extends beyond her performances; she is also passionate about providing opportunities for emerging artists. Recently appointed as Vice-president of Rada, she sees this role as a chance to shape the future of theatre. “I feel a responsibility to uplift others and share the wisdom I’ve gained throughout my journey,” she notes.

Through her production company – named Edith’s Daughter in homage to her mother – Erivo is committed to developing inclusive projects that empower underrepresented communities. “I often think about how my mother fought for her voice to be heard. It’s a legacy I intend to honour through my work,” she reveals.

Defying Gravity

In a field that values uniformity, she is tearing down barriers and defying expectations. She carries with her the dreams of many who came before her and will emerge after as she plays Elphaba in Wicked, a project that speaks to her own identity and struggle. “Above all else, I want my story to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and defy gravity,” she says.

Cynthia Erivo turns every position, every endeavour and every personal obstacle into a chance for development and transformation because of her genuineness, inventiveness and unshakable dedication to her work. Truly, she is more than just an actor and singer. An Academy Award winner this year? That would be wicked – and well deserved.

Catalan Cool: A centre of culture and culinary creativity, Barcelona beckons with the old, the new and the simply breathtaking

Barcelona is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring cities. This great cauldron of Catalan culture offers something for everyone, from breathtaking monuments to world-class museums, and from Roman ruins and charming Gothic quarters to beautiful beaches. Foodies will delight in the city’s celebrated culinary offerings, and many visitors leave this wonderful enclave on the shores of the Mediterranean craving for more.

High churches

The architecture of the Catalan capital and Spain’s second largest city is one of its many draws. Among a slew of masterpieces of the physical form, Sagrada Familia is considered a defining symbol. A tour de force of the imagination, this fascinating, unfinished basilica is not without its controversy, but it never fails to impress, leaving an indelible mark on all those lucky enough to experience its glorious aspect in person.

Designed in a unique neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Catalan Modernist style by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi, the building is blessed with intricate details and organic shapes. Following his death in a car crash in 1926, other architects with other influences took on the mantle, and completion by the 100th anniversary of his passing was anticipated. But challenges over the years – most recently the pandemic – mean this aspiration is unobtainable.

Amazing features include spiral staircases that wind up bell towers like snail shells, a magnificent façade in which up to 100 species of plants and animals are sculpted in stone, and an apse adorned with serpents. Watch a wonder of the world in the making, as a planned 18 spires will one day jut into the sky, up from the present 13.

Another magnificent image to behold is Barcelona Cathedral, the city’s central place of worship. Erected on the foundations of a Roman temple in the heart of the Old Town, its gorgeous Gothic façade, laced with gargoyles, was added in the 19th century and restored in 2011. The rest of the building was constructed between 1298 and 1460. Marvel at the immense nave with its raised high altar and cloister graced with a fountain, palm trees and roaming geese. Take a lift to the cathedral roof to catch an amazing bird’s-eye view of medieval Barcelona.

Also within the Old Town, Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar boasts a fabulous Catalan-style Gothic interior. Stained glass windows dating back to the 15th-18th centuries allow light to enter the high aisles and wide nave of the ornate church.

Uplifting art

The nearby Palau de la Música Catalana is a fine Modernista building from 1908 adorned with an equally impressive stained-glass inverted dome ceiling. Busts of Beethoven and renowned Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clavé face off across the stage of this lavish concert hall. Of more than 500 concerts held each year, few are as uplifting as the stupendous Orfeó Català choir in full voice. Cafè Palau, which benefits from a terrace, offers modern cuisine and occasional free live performances.

Also located in the Barri Gòtic neighbourhood – a beautifully preserved area of Gothic buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, replete with medieval lanes for meandering – is the Museu Picasso. Housed in five adjoining palaces, the museum charts Pablo Picasso’s artistic career chronologically from his arrival in Barcelona in 1895. It holds one of the world’s largest collections of his early works, including Home amb boina, inked with accomplished brush strokes when he was just a precocious 13-year-old. The artist’s extraordinary neoclassical period is well represented, while masterpieces such as the Seated Man reveal his sublime surreal style. Another painting shows the horse which later appeared in his famous mural, Guernica.

The bold, abstract works of another acclaimed 20th-century Spanish artist can be found in the modern, airy buildings of the Fundació Joan Miró. The output here, amassed by Barcelona native Miró over 60 prolific years, includes sculptures, drawings and textiles.

For those keen to view one of the finest collections of Romanesque art, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is a must. It also houses a superb collection of medieval art, as well as works by Catalan artists originating from the 19th century to the modern day. Here you will also find Picasso’s wonderful 1937 ink of his lover Marie-Thérèse Walter, the magnificent Woman with Hat and Fur Collar.

Aficionados can conclude their inspirational art tour with stops at the Museu d’Art Contemporani and the adjacent Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, which display works by major Spanish and international artists. The latter, in particular, superbly showcases contemporary culture.

Ramble along La Rambla

A good way to start a day in Barcelona is to soak up the vibes of La Rambla, a central pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with cafés, tapas bars, enticing shops, flower stalls and exhibition spaces. After a morning coffee, pop into the city’s best and most famous food market, the Mercat de la Boqueria, to feast your eyes on row upon row of stalls selling everything from stacks of fruit to aromatic seafood to suckling pigs.

If you begin your ramble at the Old Port, Barcelona’s grand opera house – the Gran Teatre del Liceu – is located not far along La Rambla. Situated at this site in 1847, it has twice been gutted by fire, only to re-emerge phoenix-like, and is now fully restored. Today, it is famed for its sterling ballet recitals and symphony concerts. Further on, stop by the splendid Baroque palace known as Palau de la Virreina; it often hosts major art exhibitions and other cultural events.

The pavement of this bustling boulevard is embellished with colourful mosaics, one of which was weaved into beautiful abstract shapes in striking primary colours by the aforementioned Joan Miró. Indeed, many areas of Barcelona are enriched by street art courtesy of world-renowned names. A sip of water from the 19th-century fountain on La Rambla will ensure you fall in love with the city and always return.

Mediterranean treats

Barcelona has become a hotbed of culinary delights and food-scene creativity. Spawning a slew of world-class chefs – Fernando Adrià to name but one – the city has reinvented aspects of haute cuisine over the years. Classic Catalan cuisine often encapsulates the great produce of the Mediterranean – fish, prawns, cuttlefish, clams, pork, rabbit, game, olive oil, peppers and sprinklings of garlic. Striking pairings often feature, such as seafood with meat or fruit with fowl. For foodies craving cuttlefish and chickpeas, cured ham and caviar, or goose and pear, Barcelona is the place to be.

Popular with locals, Vivanda presents superb Catalan cooking with year-round garden dining on a tree-shaded terrace. Making use of regional ingredients, the chef’s preparations include the likes of egg with truffles, rice with cuttlefish and artichokes with romesco sauce. Dishes of the month hark back to traditional plates of yesteryear.

Situated beside an atmospheric square in Barri Gòtic, Cafè de L’Acadèmia has a beamed ceiling and stone walls, with low lighting enhancing the romantic ambience. Offerings such as salt cod gratinée with artichoke mousse and aubergine terrine with goat’s cheese are made from the freshest ingredients. Can Culletetes, dating back to 1786, is the city’s oldest restaurant and something of an institution. Located in an alley just off La Rambla, it serves succulent dishes infused with traditional Catalan cooking techniques.

The nightlife is another enticing feature of this city of many faces. There’s a dizzying assortment of bars to suit every taste, and whether low-key, candle-lit drinking holes in the medieval quarter, throbbing Modernista spaces, wine and cava hangouts, or happening clubs, they all keep the vibes on a high. Settle back, perhaps, in one of the plush green banquettes at Dry Martini to sip some of the best cocktails in town. With bars and eateries aplenty dotted along the beach promenade, Barcelona’s seafront is also a great place to relax and take in the Mediterranean night air.

What’s on? Things to do this January in Hong Kong

January sees a slew of great things to enjoy, including the world’s largest bounce house, a fantastic tennis tournament, arts festivals, great theatre and activities to celebrate Chinese New Year.

The Big Bounce

Billed as the world’s largest bounce house, this feast of inflatable entertainment represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for all the family to get together and have unbridled fun. Have a go on bouncy castles of all shapes and sizes, and an assortment of fantastic and slightly surreal inflatables specifically designed for all age groups. For the over 16s who are young at heart, there’s an after-dark party where you can bounce to the cool sounds of live DJs. Featuring unique custom-made giant inflatables, basketball hoops and massive ball pits, this bounce party will create memories to last a lifetime.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Great Lawn, West Kowloon Art Park

How much: From $179

For more information: thebigbounceasia.com

HKZMB Half Marathon

Runners from around the world will converge on the city once again for a unique sporting contest, a half marathon spanning the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Held for the first time in 2023, this 21-kilometre World Athletics Gold Label Road Race will attract 8,000 participants in various age-range categories, from juniors over 16 to those aged 70 or above. The views along this stretch of the 55km bridge will be breathtaking.

When: 5 Jan

Where: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Link Road, Lantau Island

How much: From $550 (local runners)

For more information: hzmb-halfmarathon.com

Cigarettes After Sex

The popular indie group lands in Hong Kong for a concert to promote their new album X’s, which was launched in the middle of last year. Such was the demand from the city’s music lovers to see the talented trio from Texas perform that the local promoter, Clockenflap Presents, extended the seating capacity at the venue. Cigarettes After Sex has gained a reputation for its dream-like musical style, romantic lyrics and the androgenous quality of founder Greg Gonzalez’s vocals.

When: 9 Jan

Where: Hall 5, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

How much: From $590

For more information: clockenflap.kktix.cc

Inclusive Tea House

Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture for the afternoon as the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe presents a special inclusive performance of their delightful xiqu recital, with tea and dim sum served in the midst of the show. Before the Cantonese opera begins, a ‘Touch Tour’ will enable audience members to caress the colourful costumes and musical instruments used by the cast.

When: 10-11 Jan

Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon

How much: Free (prior booking required)

For more information: westk.hk

The Top Restaurant

Following its award-winning Hong Kong Repertory Theatre run in 2022, this epic tale of ups and downs and business squabbles in a renowned Beijing duck restaurant returns for another spicy dramatic feast. Penned by He Jiping and first performed in the Chinese capital in 1988, The Top Restaurant has wowed live audiences in Europe and the US as well as Asia, and its TV adaptation has captivated millions and created fandom.

When: 18-26 Jan

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, Tsim Sha Tsui

How much: From $200

For more information: hkrep.com

Night Parade

Soak up the carnival atmosphere on the first day of the Lunar New Year, as a seemingly never-ending line of amazing floats and swaying dancers winds its way through the thronging streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. This joyous carnival parade is one of Hong Kong’s star attractions during the holiday, always creating a party atmosphere among onlookers bedazzled by the colourful spectacle put on by an eclectic mix of multicultural performers.

When: 29 Jan

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free

For more information: discoverhongkong.com

Chinese New Year Raceday

Enjoy the thrills and spills of the Sha Tin Races on the third day of the Chinese New Year, and why not see if your luck is in and place a bet on the beautiful beast of your choice? As one of the most important days in the race calendar, the event is guaranteed to raise the spirits, and it would mark an auspicious start to the Year of the Snake for money winners! Keeping the mood on an intoxicating high will be musical performances, lion dances and festive flowers.

When: 31 Jan

Where: Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, New Territories

How much: Entrance fee

For more information: hkjc.com

Hong Kong Tennis Open

Take the chance to admire the deft racquet skills and athletic prowess of some of the top players in elite men’s tennis at this tournament sponsored by Bank of China. The competitive action is sure to be of the highest order, with last year’s winner Andrey Rublev scheduled to defend his hard-fought title. Seven days of competitive action at the ATP 250 event will feature many top-ranked stars.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Victoria Park Tennis Centre, Causeway Bay

How much: From $270

For more information: hkmenstennisopen.com

Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival

Catch the final events of this two-month-long festival showcasing local culture, arts, cuisine and ecology in Sai Kung town, High Island, Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau and Yim Tin Tsai. Why not savour the islands craft non-alcoholic cocktail workshop? This two-hour immersive experience is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, creating drinks that chime with the flavours of Sai Kung Hoi.

When: Until 12 Jan

Where: Various venues

How much: Various prices

For more information: skhartsfestival.hk