City Seen

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to think about your New Year's Eve plans. If another overpriced countdown dinner at a hotel or fancy restaurant sounds really boring, then read on and check out what various local personalities consider their all-time most memorable ways to bring in a new year

Patrick Lau Sau-shing

Legislator

'The Hong Kong Dental Association's annual charity dental ball is absolutely marvellous. I go every year at the Convention and Exhibition Centre or wherever the dentists fancy. Thanks to their countless number of prizes and souvenirs, one can take home almost a whole year's supply of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and many other dental products. It's guaranteed to kick-start a new year with a clean, bright smile!'

David Hong Kin-hay

Director, The Swank Group

'My New Year's Eve celebration 10 years ago was certainly my most unforgettable one, though not exactly my best. After helping myself to my plate of fresh oysters as well as my partner's portion, I was enjoying the festivities when my stomach decided it had had enough and a sudden cramp seized me. Not wanting to miss out on any midnight merriment, I tried to expedite my bathroom procedures but to no avail - I could already hear the countdown through the walls of my bathroom stall. I made my New Year's resolution easily enough that night: no more oysters ... until the next party, that is.'

Joanne Ooi

Creative director, Shanghai Tang

'My absolute favourite was on the mainland. For New Year's Eve, I was on a party on a boat sailing down the Huangpu. At midnight there were fireworks - from the boat. It was amazing to be sailing down the river calmly, in our own world, watching the festivities and mayhem from afar. Of course, we had our own mayhem on the boat too.'

Michael Chue

Managing director, Symantec Hong Kong & Taiwan

'I remember one year I had to go on a business trip over the Christmas and New Year period and told my children I would not be able to spend the holiday with them. They were obviously very disappointed as we always tried to do something nice together over the holidays. I had a packed schedule on the business trip, with a lot of meetings. It was an exhausting time. However, I managed to get an earlier flight than planned and arrived back late on New Year's Eve. My children were already in bed when I got home. This set the scene for a nice surprise. I'll never forget the look on their faces when they woke up and saw that I was home. Suddenly the fatigue I felt was forgotten. It was a great way to start a new year.'