https://www.scmp.com/rss/14299/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com [Sponsored Article] A new chapter in Macau’s higher education history has unfolded with the relocation of the University of Macau (UMacau) to a spectacular new campus on Hengqin Island, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province that was completed in August 2014. Rector of UMacau, Professor Wei Zhao describes the University’s milestone development as a successful embodiment of the one-country, two-systems principle upheld by the Macau SAR Government and the Central Government. With the campus equal in size to... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689091/university-macaus-launch-pad-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689091/university-macaus-launch-pad-success?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:13:37 +0000 [Sponsored Article]  With experience of world-class universities in various countries and regions, Rector of the University of Macau (UMacau), Professor Wei Zhao maintains that a top-notch comprehensive academic institution can’t sustain an organic growth, if it only focuses on medical and natural sciences, plus engineering and technology disciplines. It also needs strong faculties of humanities and language arts to strike a balance. With that in mind, UMacau has formed an academic alliance with... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689085/umacaus-new-hengqin-campus-home-initiatives-aimed-sustained-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689085/umacaus-new-hengqin-campus-home-initiatives-aimed-sustained-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:08:32 +0000 [Sponsored Article] Without the backing of a strong intellectual, research and teaching tradition, a university is unlikely to attract top notch academic staff and students that are needed to compete globally. Well aware of the importance of teaching and research, the University of Macau’s (UMacau) senior management has pulled out all the stops to create an environment that will support its evolution into an outstanding research-led institution of learning. Over the last two decades, UMacau has... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689081/creating-research-culture-university-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689081/creating-research-culture-university-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:04:31 +0000 [Sponsored Article] In addition to science and technology, the University of Macau (UMacau) also places great emphasis on research in social sciences and humanities. The University launched a new research area called Macaology several years ago, to study Macau’s unique heritage, culture and history, and several conferences were organised at venues including Macau, Lisbon and Beijing, with the fourth one to take place in Brazil in 2015. As Macau’s leading public university, UMacau takes a central... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689080/generous-funding-supporting-plethora-new-research-projects-umacau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689080/generous-funding-supporting-plethora-new-research-projects-umacau?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:01:11 +0000 [Sponsored Article] The University of Macau (UMacau) promotes a “4-in-1” pedagogical model that consists of a discipline-specific education; general education; research and internship education; and community and peer education. Modelled after the English and US residential hall traditions of universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Yale, UMacau’s residential college system is geared towards fostering students’ learning and whole person development within a community and through interaction... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689075/learning-through-college-life-umacau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689075/learning-through-college-life-umacau?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:57:24 +0000 [Sponsored Article] With financial strength, appropriate strategies, effective implementation of such strategies, and strong policies for recruiting, retaining and developing staff, the University of Macau (UMacau) can go far and will be able to compete in a globalised environment, according to Professor Dahsuan Feng, Director of the Global Affairs and Special Advisor to the Rector. Trained as a physicist with years of experience working at US universities and the US government leading science... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689070/university-macau-aims-internationalise-and-diversify-its-growing-campus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689070/university-macau-aims-internationalise-and-diversify-its-growing-campus?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:53:33 +0000 [Sponsored Article] It is widely acknowledged that science and technology are the driving forces of human advancement and improvement in the quality of life. Well aware of such power, world-class universities devote massive resources to enhancing their research capability in an attempt to achieve scientific breakthroughs. For the University of Macau (UMacau), the research objective is clear and focused: “to enhance our impact on the development of science and technology, and to reinforce our... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689065/hunt-new-knowledge-umacau-remains-cutting-edge-science?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689065/hunt-new-knowledge-umacau-remains-cutting-edge-science?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:48:33 +0000 [Sponsored Article]  To produce top students and create a scholarly learning environment, university faculties are always on the lookout for renowned academics, who are skilled at teaching and committed to research. “It is important that faculty members are knowledgeable in their own specific subjects and also passionate about transmitting their knowledge and research results to students, thereby helping them compete globally,” says Professor Honggang Jin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1689059/umacau-building-strong-talent-pool-established-academics-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1689059/umacau-building-strong-talent-pool-established-academics-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:39:23 +0000 For many hotel brands, hiring the right people is only one part of the equation. For Langham Hotels International, an emphasis on games and real-life applications in training is what keeps staff motivated. 'People are assets in the hotel industry. When people come to work for us, we don't offer them a job, but a career. That is the principle guiding our staff development, and that's why we offer people opportunities to grow, as well as equip them with the ability to grow,' says Debbie Leung,... https://www.scmp.com/article/705593/fun-training-keeps-hotel-staff-motivated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/705593/fun-training-keeps-hotel-staff-motivated?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Like people, companies need to have a unique character to help separate them from the pack. This is crucial in shaping the way a company operates. Fuji Xerox (HK), which develops, produces and sells xerographic and document-related products and services, has based its corporate culture on a business and people-driven philosophy known as the 'Good Company Concept', which is a three-pronged approach to being strong, kind and interesting. 'The Good Company Concept is the pivot around which our... https://www.scmp.com/article/704981/market-leader-stands-out-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/704981/market-leader-stands-out-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The sky's the limit for anyone aspiring to become an air-traffic controller working in one of the world's busiest airports. The Civil Aviation Department will begin its annual recruitment drive, starting in April, to hire 30 cadet air-traffic control officers. Successful candidates will go to a 14-week air-traffic control course in Britain or New Zealand as part of their training. According to Fiona Kam, assistant senior training officer at the Civil Aviation Department, the course aims... https://www.scmp.com/article/704447/cadet-air-traffic-controllers-have-opportunity-reach-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/704447/cadet-air-traffic-controllers-have-opportunity-reach-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000 For many university students it may seem too early in the year to be thinking about applying for summer internships. However, for high-flyers, who want to pursue a career in the government, this could be a last-minute call to action. The Civil Service Bureau is accepting applications for its administrative service summer internship programme which is aimed at giving university students some hands-on experience of working in administrative roles in the government. 'Students participating in... https://www.scmp.com/article/704449/students-gain-hands-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/704449/students-gain-hands-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Talent development is high on the agenda for companies looking to thrive. This is crucial when the business of an organisation revolves around consultancy service. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), a key industrial support statutory organisation, is running a trainee consultant programme to support its talent development in advanced manufacturing technology, environmental technology, information technology and management systems. 'We need to groom our own talent so we will be able... https://www.scmp.com/article/704448/council-seeks-best-help-hk-prosper?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/704448/council-seeks-best-help-hk-prosper?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000 In uncertain times, many opportunities in the employment market are not immediately apparent. According to some human resources specialists and others in the field, only half of employment opportunities are advertised through public recruitment channels or released to recruitment and executive research firms. There can be a string of reasons for this. Some hiring managers tend to hire by referral because it is easier and less risky to hire someone who they know or have contact with,... https://www.scmp.com/article/694318/seek-out-markets-hidden-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/694318/seek-out-markets-hidden-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000 With the economy showing signs of recovery, it may be time to start considering a career move and get prepared for exciting opportunities, whether within or outside your company. However, while there is no quick and fast rule for the length of time one should stay in a job, people should take into account the opportunities, prospects and satisfaction they get from their jobs before sending out those applications. The economic turndown has put many employees under increased stress, working... https://www.scmp.com/article/693646/consider-all-options-jumping-ship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/693646/consider-all-options-jumping-ship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Investing in coins and notes can be a money-spinning business only if you have a discerning eye and patience. Collecting and trading valuable mainland and Hong Kong coins has been a major activity in Chinese communities over the years due to strong market demand. 'Hong Kong has many really rare Chinese coins because they were brought to Hong Kong from the mainland during the 1950s. And the city's vibrant, open market means people can buy and sell numismatic collectables with few restrictions,'... https://www.scmp.com/article/693171/money-talks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/693171/money-talks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Coin collectors and dealers around the world now benchmark the value of a coin based on the 70-point Sheldon Scale, developed in 1949 by William Sheldon, a collector in the United States, to determine different levels of preservation of coins, with one denoting a worn and damaged condition, and 70 the perfect uncirculated condition. According to Michael Chou, chief executive of Champion Hong Kong Auction, only coins graded at least 60 are of value for collecting and trading. Uncirculated... https://www.scmp.com/article/693179/making-grade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/693179/making-grade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong is gradually working its way out of the economic doldrums. Major companies in the banking and finance sectors are taking the lead in boosting manpower in order to catch up with their business needs. It is a sign that the local job market is becoming active, with more job opportunities becoming available. Despite this, job-seekers can still expect competition in the local job market to remain strong and so will need to spend a longer time job-hunting. For those who are seriously... https://www.scmp.com/article/692951/keep-your-resume-date-upturn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/692951/keep-your-resume-date-upturn?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Next to ants, who spend their entire lives toiling for their colonies by carrying food up to 50 times their body weight, Hongkongers are probably the most hard-working creatures, logging long hours under mounting stress. The situation has got even worse since the global financial crisis hit the local economy. According to Professor Stephen Frost, executive director of CSR Asia, a corporate social responsibility consultancy, working hours for Hong Kong employees have noticeably increased in... https://www.scmp.com/article/691580/all-work-and-no-play-damaging-health?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/691580/all-work-and-no-play-damaging-health?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000 The ability to understand the business climate of individual markets and their particular cultural nuances have contributed to the success of ambitious entrepreneur John McLennan in the home furnishings business. At the point when he was heading off to study architecture at university, Mr McLennan was led by fate to Asia 20 years ago and has ended up running his own home furnishings business in Hong Kong, working with interior designers instead of architects. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Mr... https://www.scmp.com/article/689214/fate-leads-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/689214/fate-leads-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Managing a profitable business requires ensuring that all units and functions of a company are interlinked, and making strategic decisions to respond to market conditions and competitors. A team of actuary-major students from Chinese University pulled off a sweeping victory against 24 rivals at the Hong Kong Management Game 2009. The Management Game, introduced by the Hong Kong Management Association in 1971, is a competition based on the Simbusi computer program which simulates a competitive... https://www.scmp.com/article/689213/best-team-carries-away-honours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/689213/best-team-carries-away-honours?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong is seeing positive signs of a pick-up after two consecutive quarters of economic contraction this year, with improved sentiment in the real estate and stocks markets, and unemployment at about 5 per cent. But companies are still cautious about recruitment and are being extra selective in their talent search. Figures from the latest South China Morning Post/admanGo survey (see graph), which tracks job vacancies advertised in six major recruitment publications in Hong Kong, revealed that... https://www.scmp.com/article/687211/hong-kong-road-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/687211/hong-kong-road-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Operators of boutique serviced apartments in Hong Kong are rapidly rethinking their strategies as a result of the financial crisis hitting demand from the banking and finance sectors. 'Hong Kong is experiencing an oversupply of serviced apartments based on the present demand projection and under the overall macroenvironment. Because of the oversupply, competition is getting more intense,' said Alexander Bent, a managing partner of Kush Living, a serviced apartment operator, which entered... https://www.scmp.com/article/687053/tough-economic-times-force-operators-diversify-their-customer-base?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/687053/tough-economic-times-force-operators-diversify-their-customer-base?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Intelligent buildings need to incorporate security that is built into the facility to help identify and mitigate risks. This presents a challenging job for physical security professionals who need to come up with solutions to meet clients' diverse security needs. 'Traditional security consultancies provide a security solution that focuses on the one aspect of a security system such as surveillance cameras. We take a holistic risk-driven approach to security for properties and facilities, and... https://www.scmp.com/article/685038/sophisticated-industry-beats-downturn-and-offers-numerous-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/685038/sophisticated-industry-beats-downturn-and-offers-numerous-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Freelancing probably did not have much appeal to salary earners before the financial crisis when opportunities for career moves were plentiful, but today it is being considered as an interim arrangement for people who find it difficult to secure full-time employment. However, people will be amazed at the diversity of sectors and professions where freelance work is available, such as graphic design, copy editing, accounting, secretarial administration, marketing, hairstyling, image consultation... https://www.scmp.com/article/683537/freelancers-thrive-tough-work-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/683537/freelancers-thrive-tough-work-market?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000 In today's turbulent economic climate, a lot of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be exposed to fraud, as they desperately attempt to boost their cash flow and sales. Businesses can minimise their exposure to fraudulent activities if they exercise vigilance and adhere to established standard practices. According to Nick Robinson, national leader of forensic and dispute services at Deloitte China, there has been an increase in fraud and corruption cases - particularly involving... https://www.scmp.com/article/682797/vigilance-key-countering-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/682797/vigilance-key-countering-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000 The financial crisis has resulted in companies retrenching and requiring employees to take leave without pay on a weekly or monthly basis. With employment opportunities scarce, it may take job seekers much longer to find work. People may get frustrated and demotivated easily, losing direction in their career goals. Many career specialists agree that getting involved in voluntary work can help people to keep motivated in their job search and stay focused on goals. 'The uncertain economic climate... https://www.scmp.com/article/682801/voluntary-work-can-keep-you-motivated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/682801/voluntary-work-can-keep-you-motivated?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000 While most businesses in Hong Kong are freezing or reducing headcount to weather the financial turmoil, forward-thinking companies are making talent development their top priority to ensure long-term growth. 'We understand the importance of nurturing talent to sustain our development,' said Molly Lam, division manager of Maxim's Cakes at Maxim's Group, a catering chain boasting 544 outlets across the city under its 70 brands, including bakeries, fast-food outlets, sushi bars, Chinese and... https://www.scmp.com/article/681205/talent-development-tops-menu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/681205/talent-development-tops-menu?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Companies are implementing drastic cost-cutting measures to conserve resources during the economic crisis, so graduates and those with limited work experience will face a bigger challenge finding employment this year. A difficult economic climate means permanent positions are scarce in the job market and young people need to be more resourceful and proactive in finding work opportunities to gain experience. Graduates must invest time and effort to develop strategies to build and expand a... https://www.scmp.com/article/681202/graduates-must-rise-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/681202/graduates-must-rise-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Managing career risk and staying put in a difficult economic climate is a major concern of many employees these days. It was also the topic of discussion addressed by speakers at Classified Post's reader seminar 'Find out how to recession proof your career' at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last Tuesday. Employees are taking different approaches to keep their jobs, including studying for more qualifications, but the speakers agreed that employees should not use the extra... https://www.scmp.com/article/681113/further-studies-can-save-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/681113/further-studies-can-save-jobs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Employees and job seekers alike can benefit from projecting a positive attitude, Hong Kong image consultant Tina Liu says. Ms Liu, managing director of Tina Liu Image Consultancy and the keynote speaker at Classified Post's reader seminar at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last Tuesday, said such an attitude could help employees to tackle difficult times in the workplace, while boosting the prospects of job seekers. 'It is important to have a positive attitude towards your... https://www.scmp.com/article/681112/positive-attitude-projects-right-image?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/681112/positive-attitude-projects-right-image?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Driven by an increasingly competitive market and rising customer expectations, a new breed of Chinese restaurant operators is discovering how staff training and development can benefit their business. 'The culture of traditional Chinese restaurants does not promote staff loyalty or cherish staff as a valuable asset,' said Caroline Li, human resources director at Tao Heung Holdings, a Chinese restaurant chain with outlets in Hong Kong and the mainland. 'Operators in the traditional Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/article/680504/nourishing-positive-working-relationships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/680504/nourishing-positive-working-relationships?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000 If you are in the mood for tea, this may be the perfect time to invest in a cup. Well, more than just a cup. Like fine wines, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, aged pu-er tea is making investors thirsty to get a piece of the action because its value can soar. Investing in Chinese tea sometimes requires plenty of knowledge, more than that for vintage wines. For the uninitiated, there's a lot to learn. 'I am collecting only quality pu-er tea [that has a good ageing property]. If... https://www.scmp.com/article/678327/brewing-value?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/678327/brewing-value?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Economists and recruitment specialists warn that the employment market in Hong Kong will remain weak in the second quarter, following a recession-plagued first quarter. They say the economic woes surrounding the city will linger as the global outlook remains grim. Hiring expectations will continue to be slow, with companies becoming more cautious and selective in filling positions while resorting to cost-cutting measures to weather the difficult time. According to Frederic Neumann, senior... https://www.scmp.com/article/677234/city-set-endure-more-pain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/677234/city-set-endure-more-pain?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Premises boasting a dash of colour combined with competitive rents and innovation are likely to stand out as the economic crisis makes the office market even more competitive. And packing a punch in this direction with a 'Ki-shiing ... swiissh ... thud' is The Factory, K.Wah's project in Wong Chuk Hang. You'd be right to think that all this gets the thought bubbles ascending as they would in a comic strip. For K.Wah brought in a leading comic-book artist to add character to the former... https://www.scmp.com/article/674750/ki-shiingswiissh-and-move-right?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/674750/ki-shiingswiissh-and-move-right?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's leading developers are optimistic about the office leasing market on the back of the city's fundamentally healthy economy, despite property analysts anticipating a correction. Allan Chan, associate director of Sino Group, said large tenants such as banks and multinational companies were attracted by the more reasonable rents and modern office specifications offered by new grade A commercial buildings in newly renovated areas such as Kowloon East for their support units. Seeing... https://www.scmp.com/article/674752/businesses-moving-new-locations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/674752/businesses-moving-new-locations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +0000 The government's commitment to developing a Hong Kong-wide electronic medical-record system is expected to significantly improve health care in the city. The Hospital Authority (HA) has been active in applying information technology (IT) to create and maintain a system to store and access patients' medical records. One of its pilot projects is the Public-Private Interface electronic Patient Record (PPIePR), which allows general practitioners and hospitals in the private sector, and... https://www.scmp.com/article/673299/prescription-progress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/673299/prescription-progress?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +0000 The key to landing a job is to sell yourself. This means you have to plan and prepare a superb resume?and cover letter to introduce yourself. The main purpose of a resume?is to summarise your personal, educational and professional qualifications in a written document, whereas the cover letter is the first point of contact and accompanies your resume? It gives you the opportunity to establish why the employer should consider you for the advertised vacancy and, hopefully, interest them enough to... https://www.scmp.com/article/670428/charm-offensive-key-securing-post?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/670428/charm-offensive-key-securing-post?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000 In tiny Hong Kong, urban planning plays a crucial role in making sure the population can live in a healthy environment. It's a tricky task as 'urban planning is not just about buildings. It is more about how buildings are integrated into the surroundings and how they serve the people and enhance the environment in which they are situated', said Gavin Erasmus, director at TFP Farrells, a British-based architectural company which concentrates on urban planning and design. 'Our office in Britain... https://www.scmp.com/article/669846/hk-begins-process-healthy-regeneration?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/669846/hk-begins-process-healthy-regeneration?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000 In a service-oriented economy such as Hong Kong, quality assurance of services and products rendered to customers is a key issue that companies have to tackle, especially when the local economy is in a tailspin and firms are fighting for survival. 'Quality is tied up with the organisation, and a good knowledge of it can guarantee success,' said Sam Ho Kong-ming, founder and chairman of Hong Kong 5S Association, which promotes quality assurance across industries through a management... https://www.scmp.com/article/669850/quality-programme-can-lead-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/669850/quality-programme-can-lead-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Making It All Work by David Allen To lead an effective life, executives and managers in the business world need to be able to make things happen at their volition. This book explains that making choices and ensuring their efficient execution are key elements of success in the corporate world. While there are individual techniques and tools introduced by professionals and consultants to train people to get better at managing their time and improving work efficiency, the author argues that... https://www.scmp.com/article/668397/take-two?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/668397/take-two?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +0000 The global credit crunch has begun to squeeze businesses - conglomerates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Every company is feeling the pinch of the financial crisis. Slowing growth, grim consumer sentiment, weakening demand and reduced lending by banks have pushed companies to the edge of a breakdown. The uncertainties in the economic outlook mean it is imperative that companies review their business practices and conserve their financial resources to brave the financial storm. 'The... https://www.scmp.com/article/666354/react-quickly-turn-crisis-its-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/666354/react-quickly-turn-crisis-its-head?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +0000 City's growing number of vacant industrial buildings make perfect sites for people who want to stock goods Once home to thousands of manufacturers, vacant industrial buildings have caught the attention of entrepreneurs. They provide storage solutions for Hongkongers who are caught between the lack of living space in their pint-sized flats and a natural love of shopping. 'Hong Kong people don't have a lot of space in their homes to store things and the high price of real estate means you can't... https://www.scmp.com/article/665621/hk-space-mission?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/665621/hk-space-mission?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Caven Fung Kwok-kei, operations manager at Store Friendly in Lai Chi Kok I have worked for Store Friendly for almost two years. Before I joined the company, I worked for an American toy firm for five years as a senior sourcing manager responsible for product sourcing and administration, ensuring that the toys were compliant with health and safety standards and met buyer requirements. Though still new to the storage industry, my role requires me to supervise more than 200 people on a daily... https://www.scmp.com/article/665620/its-hectic-enjoyable?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/665620/its-hectic-enjoyable?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Ensuring vessel and passenger safety is paramount to officers and crew of a jetfoil during a high-speed run In a nod to the seasons and seafaring tradition, Hong Kong Marine Department regulations make sunset the official start of the night shift for officers and crew on the jetfoil run to and from Macau. Shortly before sunset, Tse Kwok-hung, a master mariner with Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management, has to complete preparations that are now almost second nature to him. On reporting for duty,... https://www.scmp.com/article/663591/night-ocean-wave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/663591/night-ocean-wave?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Creativity can save not only the day but also money when it comes to organising a Christmas party. With some clever thought, companies can stage a fun-filled party on a low budget with staff participation. Based on its experience, success and positive feedback from staff last year, Edelman Hong Kong, a leading international public relations company, is organising its party around a 'green' theme. 'The main objective is to make sure everybody has fun and interacts with colleagues while showing... https://www.scmp.com/article/663607/green-themes-cut-down-excesses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/663607/green-themes-cut-down-excesses?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Fancy hotels and restaurants feel pinch as businesses switch to outside caterers for a cheaper way to celebrate festive season Counting down to Christmas Day, many Hong Kong employees may have mixed feelings when humming their favourite carols. The financial crisis has forced businesses to not only retrench their workforce but to trim down on extravagant expenses, such as holding the annual festive party at a fancy hotel or clubhouse. It is believed financial institutions, such as ABN Amro,... https://www.scmp.com/article/663608/tis-season-stay-clear-financial-folly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/663608/tis-season-stay-clear-financial-folly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are realising that their employees are the heart and soul of their businesses - especially as competition intensifies. According to Jason Fitzsimmons, assistant professor at U21 Global, a Singapore-based educational institute offering online professional and degree programmes, talent management is one of the most challenging but essential human resource issues in the modern business world, and is a key part of succession planning even for a... https://www.scmp.com/article/662699/talent-management-crucial-small-firms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/662699/talent-management-crucial-small-firms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Interior designer believes industry should have boundless creativity and measurable professionalism Suzanne Chong, associate for interior design at Hassell, is well attuned to the service nature of the profession and is also good at balancing different views As a little girl, I recognised my creative talent in drawing, even though I didn't really like drawing very much then. However, I sought pleasure in creating advertising slogans occasionally. I had planned to study advertising design, but... https://www.scmp.com/article/662595/designs-perfection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/662595/designs-perfection?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Sustainability is influencing the interior design of modern buildings. And, with more environmentally friendly buildings being planned, interior designers are thinking 'green', and seizing opportunities in Hong Kong and the mainland. 'I will not say sustainable design is a trend in our architectural and interior design regimes. It is the core value and also our future,' said Terry Fan, director of Hassell, a multidisciplinary architectural design firm. Hassell runs projects ranging from... https://www.scmp.com/article/662596/green-and-clean-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/662596/green-and-clean-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000