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Suzanne Harrison

HEW CHOW-TOW IS PROBABLY one of the longest-serving public relations consultants in Asia. After 27 years in the business, the Kuala-Lumpur-born, Hong Kong-based executive is now managing director for Hong Kong at Golin/Harris Forrest - and is still enjoying the work.

'Enjoyment is the key. The industry has gone through a few wrenches, but it's still the right thing for me,' CT, as he is known, said recently.

Mr Hew joined Burson-Marsteller in Malaysia in 1975 and stayed with the firm for 21 years. He was managing director of the company's Malaysian operations for 10 years and regional director for Southeast Asia.

That was before relocating to Hong Kong as president for Asia in August 1993. He then spent five years as managing partner of Scotchbrook-BSMG Worldwide.

The Informer  tracked down the PR exec to get his take on the best and worst things about living and working in Hong Kong, and how to unwind when the working day is done.

He also has probably one of the most heartwarming airport stories ever told.

Best restaurant in Hong Kong for a business lunch

The Dynasty Restaurant at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in Wan Chai offers excellent food as well as unobtrusive and efficient service. The restaurant is relatively quiet because of its high ceiling. It is also spacious, with a decent view of the harbour.

Favourite hotel in Asia

The Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong. It offers space, grace and the right level of indulgence.

Favourite watering hole in Asia

No particular one. I prefer to try out different places and enjoy the diversity.

Choice is also driven by mood. Boisterous carousing can be fun but there are times when a quiet, reflective environment can be restorative.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong, because of its strategic location (a stone's throw from my office), gets visited most.

The best tailor for suits and shirts in Hong Kong

My attire is all off the rack, which is more convenient as such purchases tend to coincide with occasional family shopping excursions.

Ultimate holiday destination in Asia for the stressed executive.

Penang in Malaysia offers a combination of old-style charm, excellent local and cheap food, a friendly and laid-back population, as well as the usual beaches and tourist sights. Something for each member of the family.

Best and worst service in Hong Kong

It's hard to single out a particular place for best service but most retail outlets, restaurants and department stores offer friendly and helpful service these days. Taxi drivers are generally polite too but, on occasion, still take the prize for absolute indifference.

Best Hong Kong experience

A slow and relaxed al fresco Sunday brunch at the Peak Lookout restaurant - enjoyed on a clear day, with a blue sky and nary a hurried or harassed tourist in sight. The view is outstanding.

How to impress a client in Hong Kong

It's not so much a question of trying to superficially impress a client.

Most business people are well-travelled and even somewhat jaded these days.

The need is really to find something that has a special appeal to the person.

Some visitors are awed by a meal at the China Club in Central, others prefer a pleasant al fresco evening, either on the Peak or out in Sai Kung (right), while yet others are equally thrilled by any of the numerous fine restaurants in Hong Kong.

An evening ferry ride across the harbour also has its moments, while an evening at the races can be a winning option.

Where to go/what to do when the work day is done

Home - for more good food, some quality family time, music to unwind with and a good book that helps enrich the mind.

Best service/experience from an airline

Many years ago, my son Yang-wahn and I were late for a connecting flight at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

The plane was already taxiing when one of the attendants, impressed by our dismayed faces, offered to radio the pilot about our plight.

We were stunned when the pilot actually brought back the aircraft and the door was re-opened for us to board the plane.

That incredible, and probably never-to-be-repeated experience, was with American Airlines.

Graphic: TAXI19gwz

Graphic: KUNG19gwz

Graphic: HUNG19gwz



CT finds himself well catered for in Asia's world city