Hong Kong

Hong Kong, known as”Pearl of the Orient” which enjoys the freedom of speech, the freedom of economy and the finest legal system. However, discrimination is everywhere. It is because people are not equally. It would always be inequality among people referring to physical and mental processes. Of course the two sexes are not equal, so that sex discrimination is always an issue in a society, especially in workplace. Background:

It is a matter of fact that a employer will base on their education background, belief, own interest and preference to hire the staffs and even for the promotion, benefits, bonus. And women have the traditionally and historically been subjected to legal discrimination form their gender. Some of this mind set still on cultural stereotypes that treats women primarity in the roles of wives and mothers. Futher women have been bench-marked as the “weaker sex” than male which might need protection from the third party.

Such beliefs were used in the job market, both in public and private sector. The situation In the past practice of government, for example, Anson Chan(Post Chief Secretary for Administration) had employed with a lower salary than male civil servant in the same position. It is because she is not a man and did not count on her ability to work. The other example is Bank of China group did not ever have a female as a CEO position which also is another kind of in-direct sex discrimination. Form Hong Kong already had Sex Discrimination Ordinance which passed in 1995.

Discrimination on the basis of sex, marital status and pregnancy and are make to unlawful under this legal law. According to SDO which both is protecting of men and women. However, There is a law does not mean that sex discrimination is non-extistent. Employers still can get full control of the employment because they will not disclose the truth to the candidates due to the gender issue, like the secretary post is always a woman. In fact, the other kind of in-direct discrimination because some think woman will soon leave the osition to a house-wives or woman will get pregnancy, so that some of employers are not willing to promote a female as a top management to save the parental leave. The other common Sex discrimination is sexual harassment in workplace. Sexual harassment is intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Surely sexual harassment is illegal. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

In many listed companies, most of staffs are male and always claim that woman is even cheap or criticize woman who is not wise enough.. In my workplace often would happen such issue. I have heard my boss said” Secretary should be a virgin” and I will make a promotion or raise salary only base on her appearance and good shape of body. This is a sexual harassment cannot easily valid. The other example is a Legislative Councillor Mr Kam Nai Wai was suspected sexual harassment to a female assistant and also had fired her eventually. And this case even cannot make a charge at first stage.

So that a lot of things cannot be protected by law. Limitations Sex discrimination not only will affect the economic growth but also will harm the organization image. First, human capital is a key source of a company if cannot let the capable people to the right position that would decrease the human capital. Corporate image also is another huge resource that goodwill can make the brand name growth. It is remind that enterprises do not under-estimate the consequence of sex discrimination because once involves on a lawsuit can be a huge loss.

Recommendation Sex discrimination should be a key issue of an organization and should imply to all work force to obey. Many of organizations can gain form avoiding sex discrimination, like some international business, HSBC, Cheung Kong Holdings Limited It will definitely increase the productively and should put a effort like training program and re-enforcement on daily operation. Information form Hong Kong Labour department, there is still uneven distribution on job nature and income of male and female in 2010 as below: Leading Occupations for Women, in 2010 | |Occupation |Total Employed (Men and Women)|Percent Women |Ratio of Women’s Earnings to Men’s | | | | |Earnings | |source: HK. Labor department, Women’s Bureau, 20 Leading Occupations of Employed Women, 2010 | |Managers and administrators |8,018 |31. 0 |65. | |Secretaries |2,404 |98. 9 |N. A. | |Cashiers |2,974 |77. 9 |89. 4 | |Registered nurses |2,162 |93. 1 |88. 9 | |Sales supervisors and proprietors |4,836 |43. 3 |71. 5 | |Nursing aides, orderlies, and |2,081 |91. |90. 1 | |attendants | | | | |Elementary school teachers |2,216 |82. 5 |94. 9 | |Bookkeepers, accounting and auditing |1,621 |932 |93. 7 | |clerks | | | | Conclusion

Although there is a big improvement in female employment, some of industries still focus in male or female work force only. Towards to Twenty-one century, there should be more and more equal job opportunities to both gender and also need to decrease the chance of sex harassment. Finally, people in Hong Kong will gain form the revolution. Bibliography Why market don’t stop discrimination by Cass R Sunstein HK Labour department information 2010 by GOVHK Sex discrimination ordinance by Equal Opportunities Commission Sex harassment by Wikipedia Total word(1050 words)

The image of Hong Kong is well known as “shopper’s paradise” and “Pearl of the Orient”. Further, according to the International Market Research Study, it shows that the lack of new appeals in Hong Kong is a significant reason for it not being considered as a vacation destination. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the appeals of Hong Kong. Why not use our existing natural resources as tourist attractions? To maintain the competitiveness, Hong Kong should build up its own unique and special character. Natural wonders of the territory provide a chance to show the uniqueness and international significance of Hong Kong ecology.

Green tourism, outdoors, hiking and nature are some of the new and promising products most needed by consumers. Building ecotourism could attract special interest tourists. It was found that nature-based activities or scenery is one of the top attractions which the visitors to Hong Kong are interested in. These natural attractions include trips to outlying islands, nature reserves (Mai Po), beaches, mountain hiking, urban nature trails and dolphin-watching. Hong Kong’s remote, unpolluted outlying islands are an attraction for tourists.

Many tourists are surprised that Hong Kong has dolphins in one of the world busiest harbors. In addition, a survey completed by the HKTA found that about 15% of tourists are interested in taking part in outdoor and hiking activities in Hong Kong. Since many overseas tourists are interested in seeing wildlife and beauty natural scenic, there is a potential market for ecotourism. About 70% of Hong Kong is rural area. Nature is right on the city’s doorstep. They are mostly accessible by buses and minibuses. Hiking, swimming, scubas-diving and sailing are all possible just a short journey from urban area.

A total of 24 country parks have been designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education. There are 22 special areas created mainly for the purpose of nature conservation. The country parks and special areas cover a total area of 44 239 hectares. The country parks comprise scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs and coastline in all parts of Hong Kong. The country parks are very popular with all sectors of the community and spending a day in a country park is one of the best recreational choices. About 12. million visitors were recorded in 2012 and most visitors engaged in leisure walking, hiking, barbecuing and camping. Hong Kong has glory and outstanding scenic beauty, and also rich ecology. These are striking advantages for promoting ecotourism. Besides, Hong Kong is characterized by hilly topography with less low flat land areas. It consists of undeveloped and unspoiled steep hills, some 230 outlying islands and also other geographical and ecological features of high scenic and amenity value on Government lands with unrestricted public access and proximity to the urban areas.

There is a wide variety of scenic views, landscape features and habitats including sandy beaches, rocky foreshores, mountain ranges, grasslands, valleys, shrub lands and so on. The sub-tropical climatic environment and extensive undeveloped tracts of natural landscapes provide a wide range of habitats, and supports high biodiversity of flora and fauna, both resident and migratory. There are about 500 species of birds, one-third of all species of birds in China. More than 230 species of butterflies and over 100 species of dragonflies can be found.

There are more than 2600 species of vascular plants, 50 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles and more than 20 species of amphibians in Hong Kong (AFCD 2013). A high proportion of birds in Hong Kong are winter visitors and passage migrants in spring and autumn, followed by resident birds and summer visitors. Migration is a strong instinct, and birds (particularly water birds) are often able to traverse immense natural barriers, frequently migrating and making one or more stopovers en route.

In Hong Kong, we can watch butterflies in all seasons due to warm climate and the presence of a variety of habitats. There are over 230 butterfly species in Hong Kong and more than 130 species have been recorded in Hong Kong Wetland Park. The Butterfly Garden in the Hong Kong Wetland Park is planted with various larval food plants and nectar plants. It is an ideal place for learning butterflies. Dragonflies and damselflies are among the most beautiful and spectacular insects in the world.

Their lives are closely intertwined with wetlands. Up to April 2009, there are 115 species of dragonfly officially recorded in Hong Kong. During the Dragonfly Festival, Hong Kong Wetland Park will organize a series of activities for public to broaden their knowledge of dragonflies. These activities also aimed to promote dragonflies watching and encourage the public to engage in the conservation works of wetlands and dragonflies. Our bustling metropolis has more than 40% of its land designated as protected green areas.

Apart from providing habitats for our myriad wildlife, this verdant countryside is also home to world-class rock formations and geological features. A geopark is a unique natural area with special geological significance and natural and cultural landscapes, and can serve the three objectives of conservation, education and sustained development. The Marine Parks Ordinance protects and conserves the marine environment and a rich collection of aquatic animals and plants, such as corals, sea grasses and dolphins. In Hong Kong, there are 84 species of reef-building corals.

Reef-building Corals in Hong Kong with the splendid colors and graceful growth forms and they also build “homes” for a wide range of marine animals. At present, there are four marine parks and one marine reserve, including Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, Tung Ping Chau Marine Park and Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. They cover a total area of 2 430 hectares and comprise scenic coastal areas, seascapes and important marine habitats. Marine parks and reserve can be managed for conservation, education, recreation and scientific studies.

In marine parks, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, canoeing, sailing, underwater photography and school visits are popular activities in marine parks. Educational activities such as guided tours, beach clean-ups, seabed clean-ups and public lectures are regularly organized. Tourists can take part in them. To conclude, there is a great potential for the further development of ecotourism in Hong Kong since the territory is rich in ecology with outstanding natural beauty.

Pure Ecotourism can include as one of the attractions in the trip to experience the green side of Hong Kong and to show the compact and variety of the territory. However, it is unsuitable to promote ecotourism without any development strategy. To ensure the ecological sustainability of nature and ecotourism, conversation should be in the first priority when developing ecotourism. For the sustainable development of ecotourism, it is important to let tourism industry, government, tourists and residents know what is the meaning of ecotourism.

1. Introduction Hong Kong is an exceptional region: a previous British-ruled colony constituted of a majority of Chinese and now a special administrative region on the Chinese soil practising “One Country, Two System”. Despite the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong continues to enjoy a relatively competitive economy and stable environment as compared with other regions in East Asia. It was not until recently that that the discussion over protection of minorities rights[1] attracted more public concern within the territory. So what is it hiding behind the veil of the apparent prosperity in the society?

What and who are being ignored by the general public or the “majority” in the society? This article is going to discuss some aspects whether the rights of minorities are being sufficiently protected by the public institutions and the provisions of legislations and conclude with suggestions to secure minority rights in Hong Kong. 2. History When the British took over Hong Kong in 1840s, it brought in the Brigade of Gurkhas. Western investors as well as people from regional countries migrated since then because of the stability in Hong Kong, which eventually developed into a hub where East meets West[2].

Blending incoming ideas from the West into the traditional ideas from China, the product is a society interwoven with peoples of different traditions and beliefs towards a certain issues, for instance, customs, religions and, more controversially, sexual orientation. Despite the establishment of Legal Aid Department, Equal Opportunities Commission and other social institutions, there exist reported cases of discrimination against the minority groups in work and at school, in public and private sectors, let alone many more unreported.

Are the minority being well protected? 3. Performance of the Protection of the Minority There are different bodies in Hong Kong that are devoted to protecting the rights of the minority groups. International Human Rights Regimes and Basic Law list out what rights are to be protected; other local Legislations deliver obligations of people not to discriminate against others; public and social institutions take a more active role in making Hong Kong a city which do not tolerate discrimination[3]. 1. International Human Rights Regime

Different Human Rights Regimes such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (“ICESCR”) as applied in Hong Kong shall remain in force. Others like the Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (“CEDAW”) is also binding on Hong Kong. 1. The ICCPR The ICCPR guarantees some basic civil and political rights. There are provisions that especially protect the minorities such as ethnic and sexual minorities from being discriminated against.

It recognizes the state’s duty to guarantee the rights protected by the ICCPR without distinction of any kind[4]. It guarantees the equality of all persons before the law and equal protection of the law against discrimination on various grounds[5] and the rights enjoyed by minorities shall not be denied[6]. 2. The ICESCR The ICESCR recognizes economic, social and cultural rights enjoyed by every human beings. For instance it guarantees the rights of everyone to education[7], so discrimination on grounds like race nor sex on admission policy of schools is to be prohibited. 3.

The CEDAW The CEDAW promotes equality between men and women. The Government of Hong Kong submitted periodic reports under CEDAW to detail the protective measures to women in Hong Kong. A Women’s Commission is also set up to deal with interest of women in society. The society has quite successfully observe these international treaties and by enforcing these provisions in the treaties, Hong Kong fulfils its duty as required by the treaties to recognize the rights of women, ethnic and sexual minorities and to eliminate discrimination on grounds of sex, races and other status. . The Basic Law The Basic Law brings into force the rights guaranteed by the Joint Declaration. It also implements provisions of the ICCPR and ICESCR through Article 39. It guarantees rights for some minorities, for instance, rights of the indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories[8]. The supremacy of Basic Law and its ability to override other laws in Hong Kong that are inconsistent with it[9] assure the minority groups that they would not be deprived of their basic rights.

The case Secretary for Justice v Yau Yuk Lung Zigo and Another[10] demonstrated the supremacy of the Basic Law: the law that contravenes the provision of rights (of the homosexual in this case) guaranteed by the Basic Law would be declared unconstitutional. The Basic Law has shown an unequivocal intention to protect rights of every residents including the minority of course. 3. Local Legislation The Bill of Rights Ordinance (“BOR”) Enacted since the Tiananmen Square Incident, BOR incorporates the ICCPR to strengthen the regime of rights.

The BOR also brought about legal reform where laws are revised to ensure compatibility with BOR. Anti-discrimination Ordinances Legislator Anna Wu introduced the Equal Opportunities Bill[11] (“EOB”) in 1994 but Governor Chris Patten declined to give permission to it. Instead the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (“SDO”), Disability Discrimination Ordinance and later Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and Racial Discrimination Ordinance are introduced by the government. These anti-discrimination laws are mainly to prohibit discrimination on respective grounds. 4. Public Institutions 1.

Legal Aid Department (“LAD”) Although the LAD is not devoted to eliminating discrimination in the society, it assists parties being discriminated against to seek for justice provided that the party is qualified for legal aid. That said LAD also protects minority rights in the sense that it helps minorities who cannot afford to bring a legal action when they need to. Through implementing the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme and Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme, LAD caters the needs for minority groups which have different financial resources[12] and sustains the people’s rights to access to Court. . Equal Opportunities Commission (“EOC”)[13] Although the EOC is an institution delegated to promote equality and empowered by law to take action against those discriminate against others, it has taken a limited role in that sense[14]. The EOC has taken legal action, by means of representation, appearing as amicus, starting a litigation in just about half of the claims under the anti-discrimination laws[15]. As a result many claimants who cannot afford the legal costs thus cannot seek for equality and justice.

Even where the claimant first tries conciliation but fails to resolve the dispute, there is no warranty that they would get legal assistance from the EOC. This makes it possible for the respondent, who is usually a bigger enterprise or a more powerful body than the claimant, to reach a settlement under duress outside the court with the complaint to prevent the publication of the dispute in the course of litigation. Also the EOC would not disclose the information of the claims such as the identity of the parties and the outcome.

The perpetrators might continue their wrongful conduct as they are not reported nor publicized. On the other hand, the EOC has adopted a restricted role in eliminating sexual orientation discrimination. Such cases are not unheard of and persistently exist[16]. Chairman of EOC responded but merely explained that the existing anti-discrimination laws do not pertain to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation discrimination. But the Korean Human Rights Commission (“KHRC”) has taken a far more active approach than the EOC, urging the Korean Government to pass legislation on this nature.

The EOC should have considered the approach of KHRC and revised its own policy if not directly copy what KHRC has done. 5. Common Law model As Hong Kong practises a common law system, the cases concerning discrimination against minority groups become precedent for and are binding on later cases. The following are a few examples of how discrimination against minorities rights is treated in Courts of Hong Kong. 1. Secretary for Justice v Yau Yuk Lung Zigo and Another[17]. Homosexual buggery committed otherwise than in private has been criminalized by the Crime Ordinance under Section 118F[18], at least before his case. The relevant section (s. 118F) was held unconstitutional by the Court of Final Appeal in this case on the ground that it constitutes violations to both Article 25 of the Basic Law and Article 22 of BOR[19]. The outcome of this case reasserts the equality of all Hong Kong residents before the Law. 2. Secretary for Justice and Others v Chan Wah and Others[20] In this case, it is held that the exclusion of non-indigenous residents and women from voting and participating an election is discriminatory and violates the BOR and SDO[21].

This case has also reminded the public that the society of Hong Kong endeavours to eliminate discrimination even in customary and traditional practices. 3. EOC v Director of Education[22] In this case, the operation of Secondary School Places Allocation System is held to be amounted to discrimination against certain pupils by sex under Section 5(1) of the SDO. This case demonstrates the principle of substantive equality that should be achieved in Hong Kong. 4. W v. Registrar of Marriages[23] In this case, it is held that transsexuals could not marry a person of the same biological sex.

I would agree that the judgment is not discriminatory because not all differential treatments constitute discrimination. Only those without a justifiable aim or those whose aim does not justify its means constitute a discrimination[24]. When there is no indication on whether the society is ready to genuinely accept the transsexuals, it is reasonable and justifiable to adopt a conservative approach. The first three cases showed the determination of the society, especially the Courts, in striving to eliminate discrimination within the territory, although the determination might be weak at times.

But with these cases as precedents, equality would more likely be done in the fields where the precedents are concerned. 4. Conclusion Despite occasional inability of the EOC to cope with the discriminatory cases; despite cases where discrimination against others persists; despite voicing concerns over issues relating to same-sex relationships and rights to education, Hong Kong’s legal system has fulfilled its basic duty to secure minority rights in Hong Kong.

We can see that International Human Rights Regimes remain in force; legislations are introduced to prohibit discrimination based on the grounds of sex, race, colour or other status; public institutions are set up to transform Hong Kong into a society which preserves equality. All these has demonstrated the efforts of the Government, the public institutions and the Public in protecting minority rights. But facing claims to further protect the minorities, the fundamental way with a view to building Hong Kong into a society where minority would be well-respected is to resort to education.

Only by correcting the mindset of people can minority rights be fully protected. ———————– [1] Puja Kapai argued in her article that to be committed to equality within the society, same-sex marriage shall be included in the purview of the Domestic Violence Ordinance. See The Same Difference: Protecting Same-Sex Couples Under The Domestic Violence Ordinance, (2009) 4(1) Asian Journal of Comparative Law, Article 9, pp. 237-269. Kelley Loper suggested in her article that it is necessary to have legal reform in order to ensure inclusive education and substantive equality.

See Equality and inclusion in education for persons with disabilities: Article 24 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and its implementation in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Law Journal, 2010, v. 40 n. 2, p. 419-447 [2] Non-Chinese citizens constitute more than 8 percent of the Hong Kong’s population. See http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Hong-Kong. html [3] Puja Kapai, “The Hong Kong Equal Opportunity Commission: Calling for a New Avatar” (2009)HKLJ P. 40 [4] Article 2(1), ICCPR [5] Article 26, ICCPR. It guarantees effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. [6] Article 27, ICCPR [7] Article 13, ICESCR [8] Article 40, Basic Law [9] Article 11, Basic Law [10] (2007) 10 HKCFAR 335, dated 17 July 2007 [11] The EOB sought to prohibit discrimination on grounds like sex, race, disability, age and sexuality. 12] The Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme provides legal assistance to the “sandwich class” whose financial resources exceed HK$260,000 (the upper limit allowed under the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme) but not HK$1,300,000. [13] The EOC is an independent body which promotes rights and eliminates discrimination of citizens under the anti-discrimination laws in Hong Kong, receives and looks into complaints from the society and helps to conciliate to resolve disputes and provides legal assistance to complaints in need when the dispute cannot be resolved by conciliation. 14] For those who seek for legal assistance in their cases, over half of the requests are turned down by the EOC. See Kapai, P “Calling for a New Avatar” (n 3 above) P. 343 [15] Kapai, P “Calling for a New Avatar” (n 3 above) P. 342 [16] Such as the turning away of homosexual couples in love motels, Criminalizing homosexual buggery. See Kapai, P “Calling for a New Avatar” (n 3 above) P. 350 [17] See Yau Yuk Lung, (n 10 above) 18] Section 118F of the Crime Ordinance states that ” A man who commits buggery with another man otherwise than in private shall be guilty of an offence” [19] Art 22 of BOR provides that “the law shall … guarantee to all persons … effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as … sex, … or other status. ” Chief Justice Li held that sexual orientation is within the phrase “other status”. [20] [2000] 4 HKC 429, dated 22 December 2000 [21] Against Art. 21 and 26 of the BOR and s. 35 of SDO [22] [2001] 2 HKLRD 690, dated 22 June 2001 [23] [2010] HKCFI 55 [24] See The Belgian Linguistic case (No 2) (1968) 1 EHRR 252

The social and legal aspects of homosexuality in Hong Kong In 1988, there was an intense argument on whether to legalize homosexuality. Different groups expressed their views on public discussion hold in Victoria Park. A group of homosexual men declared that they have the same contribution to the society as others. The existed law infringes on their human right. On the other hand, Dr. Philemon Choi who opposed decriminalization was afraid of the impacts of decriminalization such as the increase of male prostitution although he agreed to lower the penalties.

Besides, the Law Reform Commission had also discussed on this topic for 8 years but the progress was very slow. The main consideration was that homosexuality was not about legal issues but morality; therefore, the commission suggested loosening the law. However, it did not mean the Acceptance of homosexuality. Many people still thought some criminal offences were related to homosexuality and it was against the morality. Moreover, Despite the relation between Hong Kong and Britain, the liberation movement of homosexual laws was restricted because of the International Covenant.

One of the options from consultation paper from LRC was maintaining the existed law. It argued that it was a waste for the police to put so much focus on homosexuality instead of other more serious cases. What I think is totally different from the essay since there is about 20 years culture gap. People now are open-minded and more willing to accept others. The discrimination is less common in the modern society, and I hope all the people will accept homosexuality. REF: Louis Lee. “The social and legal aspects of homosexuality in Hong Kong” The HKU scholar Hub, (1988) 117-122,web. 9 Apr 2013

Stanley Ho Hung Sun : the ‘King of Gambling’ ,from his multiethnic identity to the contribution to society Introduction Macao is known to the world for its casino industry. Macao’s richest man, Ho Hung Sun, is an entrepreneur in Asia. Ho is also known as “The King of Gambling”, showing the monopoly he held of the Macau gambling industry for over 40 years. Behind Stanley Ho’s successful career is a story of ordeals and adventures that will inspire everyone. This essay focuses on the contribution of Stanley Ho as a multiethnic entrepreneur in laying the foundations for Macao to become a world-know gambling place.

The factors that explain Stanley Ho’s success is complex . Ranging from his multiethnic identity, family connections, to the historical background (particularly the Second World War and the Handover to China), have all played a vital role. Background Stanley Ho’s Multi-ethnicity Stanley Ho was born in a well-known and influential family in Hong Kong on November 25, 1921. His grandfather Ho Fok was the younger brother of Sir Robert Ho Tung, an influential figure in Hong Kong’s political and commercial circles at that time. While Sir Robert Ho Tung, was an influential businessman in British Hong Kong.

He was an multiethnic person, born to a man of Dutch and Jewish ancestry named Charles Henri Maurice Bosman and Madame Sze, a Han Chinese woman of Bao An heritage. It has often been claimed that he was the “first Chinese to be allowed to live on Victoria Peak” in 1906. Stanley Ho’s father, Ho Sai Kwong, was a business who made great fortunes. Stanley Ho was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. But his father lost his fortune when he was only 12, after an adverse stock market investment and abandoned his family. It shown that Stanley Ho is Portuguese, Jewish, British and Chinese multi-ethnic mixed. Fortunes may not follow you a lifetime, only knowledge will. ” By Stanley Ho Stanley Ho studied at Queen’s College, Hong Kong. Owing to his unsatisfactory academic results, he attended Class D, which is the lowest class level. After realizing studying was the only path to improve his social status, he worked hard and earned himself a scholarship to the University of Hong Kong. He was the first student from Class D to be granted a scholarship. But unfortunately he couldn’t finish the studies due to the broke out of World War II in1942. Stanley Ho’s Career

Stanley Ho left Hong Kong for Macao with only 10 Hong Kong dollars in his pocket. Fortunately, He soon found a job in the biggest company in Macao. The company was jointly controlled by the most influential groups in Macao, the Portuguese Macao government and the Japanese army. Thanks to his hard work and command of four different languages (Portuguese, Japanese, British and Chinese) . Ho became a partner of the company and got a million dividends at the end of the second year he joined. When the war ended, Ho returned to Hong Kong and started the real estate business.

As the industry in Hong Kong was experiencing a period of rapid growth, Ho made huge profits from the business and became one of the richest men in the region. In 1961, the Portuguese Macau government planned to develop Macao’s casino industry and placed bids for its operation. Ho teamed up with Henry Fok Ying Tung, a businessman in Hong Kong, and won the bid. They promised the government to open a new port in Macao, and secondly, bought efficient ships which could shortened the commuting time between Hong Kong and Macao to about one and a half hours.

More importantly, they committed to spend 90%of the income they earned on charities. Offering such favorable conditions, their rivals could not compete at all. At the end of 1990, Ho had already control the entire casino industry in Macao with his nine casino companies. It is estimated that about 1/4 of residents in Macau were worked for his companies. This explains why Ho received the glory of the “Gambling King” though he never gambled himself. In 2003, Ho lost his monopoly on Macao’s casino industry due to the stricter government’s policy. But his influence in Macao’s economy and his status as the Gambling King do not end.

In 2008, Ho was 113th on “Forbes” magazine’s list of the world’s richest people. According to the report by Hong Kong media in 2010, Ho’s four listed companies shares held by the hand, including the Casino, the Shun Tak group and MELCO international and VC holdings, the market value at that time a total of about HK $35 billion dollars. His properties, plus the sum of the market value of the non-listed companies, conservatively estimated that they worth more than 60 billion Hong Kong dollars. Honours ; Awards With his international profile, Ho received a number of honours from overnments around the world, including Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Spain, Japan, Malaysia, the Papal Insignia and others. Macau   | A Medalha de Honra Lotus de Ouro (Golden Lotus Medal of Honour) (2001)A Medalha de Honra Grande Lotus (Grand Lotus Medal of Honour) (2007)A new avenue in Macau was named after Dr. Ho as “Avenida Doutor Stanley Ho” (Dr. Stanley Ho Avenue) in May 1998. He is the first Chinese in the history of Macau who has an avenue to be named after during lifetime. G2E Asia Visionary Award (2009) | Hong Kong | Gold Bauhinia Star (G. B. S. ) (2003) |

China     | Honorary Citizen gGuangzhou, Guangdong Province (1993)Honorary Citizen of Nanhai, Guangdong Province (1994)Honorary Citizen of Foshan, Guangdong Province (1995)Honorary Citizen of Sanshui, Guangdong Province (1995)Guangzhou City – Award for Outstanding Achievement (1996)Honorary Citizen of Jiangmen, Guangdong Province (1997)Honorary Citizen of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province (1998)Honorary Citizen of Beijing (2000)Chinese Charity Award (2005 ; 2008)Beijing Olympics Honour (2008) | Portugal | Comendador da Ordem de Benemerencia (Commander of the Order of Benefaction) (1970)Comendador da Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique (Commander of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator) (1981)Grande-Oficial da Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique (Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator) (1985)Gra-Cruz da Ordem do Merito (Grand Cross of the Order of Merit) (1990) Medalha Naval de Vasco da Gama (Naval Medal, Vasco da Gama) (1991)Gra-Cruz da Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique (Order of the Grand Cross of Prince Henry the Navigator) (1995)Nuno Goncalo Vieira Matias (Medal of the Naval Cross, First Class) (1999)Medalha de Merito Turistico No Grau Ouro (Gold Medal of Merit in Tourism) (2001)Medal of Corporate Merit by the Municipality of Cascais (2008)An avenue in Cascais was named after Dr. Ho as “Avenida Dr. Stanley Ho” (Dr. Stanley Ho Avenue) in October 2008. He is the first Chinese in the history of Portugal who has an avenue to be named after during lifetime. | United Kingdom | Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem (1983) Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O. B. E. ) (1990) | France| Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (1983) Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur (2004)| Spain | Cruz de Plata de la Orden Civil de la Solidaridad Social (Silver Cross Medal of Social Solidarity) (1993) |

Belgium| Commandeur de L’ordre de la Couronne (Commander of the Order of the Crown) (2007) | Japan | Insignia of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1987) | Malaysia   | Darjah Dato Seri’ Paduka Mahkota Perak (S. P. M. P. ) (Honourable Order of the Crown of Perak) (1990) Darjah Seri’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu (S. P. M. T. ) (Honourable Order of the Crown of Terengganu) (1997) | Papal Insignia| Eqvitem Commendatorem Ordinis Sancti Gregorii Magni by His Holiness Pope John Paul II (1989)| Contribution to Society Adhering to the principle of “from society to society”, Ho supports many activities for the benefit of Macau’s people and society. As a responsible entrepreneur, he places special emphasis on improving social welfare, medical services and education in Macau and Hong Kong.

Because during those years of managing the casino business, he admitted that many families were ruined by gambling. So he did a lot of charity works to make up for it and live up to the expectations of society. In Social Aspect Ho worked to strengthen the foundations of Macau, including enhancement of Macau’s basic infrastructure, transportation and tourism amenities. Examples of developments that demonstrate Ho’s contribution to Macau include the Friendship Bridge, Macau Maritime Terminal, Macau container port, Macau International Airport, Macau Tower, urbanization of the Outer Harbour District, reclamation of the Nam Van Lakes District, high speed ferries, hotels and many others.

All these help turning Macau into an integrated tourism city and benefits of its people. As Ho said in 1962, “The view that our enterprise is merely focus on gambling is a misconception. Our purpose is to bring a new prosperity to Macau and to improve the welfare and living standard of Macau citizens”. History proves his promise. Over the years, Ho has also contributed to the promotion of Macau as a platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries for economic and cultural exchange by means of his investment presence and networks in Macau, Hong Kong, China and Portugal. In Educational Aspect Ho’s charitable contributions on educational field are extensive.

Donations to schools and education funds are set up to encourage students from the low-income family to continue their studies. For example, The Stanley Ho Scholarship is available to the new graduate accepted for a research degree at Oxford University in the area of Chinese studies. He also supports the Girl Guides and the Boy Scouts, and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Workers’ Children Schools in Hong Kong and Macau, to the Police Children’s Education Trust. Conclusion Relation between his identity and career During the days Ho escaped to Macau in 1942, he joined the Macau Cooperative Company, the ownership of which was shared between Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese interest parties.

Ho was well command of four languages, Portuguese, Japanese, English and Chinese due to his multi-ethnicity. Then he could be well communicated with different parties at that time. He soon became successful in Macau, he then returned to Hong Kong in 1947. His company, the Agencia Commercial Progresso, engaged in ship-breaking and dealt in piece goods. From 1948, he was Managing Director of the Hong Kong Match Factory. He traded with Korea during the Korean War. As Ho’s eldest daughter Angela mentioned, thanks to her late mother, Clementina Leitao. Her connections in Portugal and Macau were the biggest single factor for Ho in winning the gambling monopoly in 1961.

Ho’s business interests extend from Macau, Hong Kong, China and Portugal to across the world and cover a spectrum of industry sectors including gaming, hospitality, real estate, shipping. Relation between his identity and contribution “One must study hard. Nothing is better than a good education,” said Ho. Upon success in career, Stanley Ho has paid much attention to the development of education in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, including sponsoring and funding various research and educational programs. As a member of the Court of the University of Hong Kong, Stanley Ho offered financial assistance to the construction of its new academic building and facilities, for example the University of Hong Kong Stanley Ho Sports Centre.

For his contributions to the Hong Kong economy and to the promotion of education, The University of Hong Kong conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences in 1987. Ho is the Honorary Lifetime Chairman of The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development and Research, and a founding member of the Court of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as well. The reason why Stanley Ho contributes so much on the educational fields of Hong Kong is obvious. Across several studies (Renn, 2004; Wallace, 2003), how a multiracial individual looks, including skin color, hair texture and color, eye and nose shape, and so ,could strongly influences his or her identity.

For Stanley Ho, he has big blond eyes with long and tall nose like foreigners. But to a certain extent, Ho treated his identity as a Hong Kong citizen. Although Stanley Ho is a multiethnic person with Portuguese, Jewish, British and Chinese multi-ethnic mixed. Ho was born and raised in Hong Kong. He studied at the Queen’s College and the University of Hong Kong. Ho believes that fulfilling his obligations to society is such a source of happiness and satisfaction. So he donates much to support students in Hong Kong. Probably majority of them goes to the University of Hong Kong, which is the mother school of Stanley Ho. To a certain extent, the ecological approach described by Brunsma helps explaining such case.

It predicts mixed-raced individuals will choose one race or other to identify with depending where they are in live- in other words, the different situation or physical location they may find themselves in. As Stanley Ho was born and raised in Hong Kong and worked in Macau for long periods, It is not difficult to explain why he contributes so much on both Hong Kong and Macau’s schools and academic institutions instead of those in India, for example. Future Ho has made extensive contributions to the gambling business of Macau and to the sustainable prosperity of Macau over the past 48 years. Among the six operators, SJM (the one owned by Stanley Ho) is the only company with its roots in Macau, and the largest casino operator in terms of gaming revenue, market share and number of casinos.

Now that the king of gambling Stanley Ho is 92 years old already, his rivals are speculating on who will fill the power vacuum when he eventually dies. Since Macau opened its markets to foreign investors, the era of Stanley Ho has been diminishing gradually. There will not be another figure like Stanley Ho . And the future of Stanley Ho’s holdings has been in question. Words Cited List Renn, K. A. Understanding the Identities of Mixed-Race College Students Through a Developmental Ecology Lens. Journal of College Student Development, 2003. Print Wallace, K. R. Contextual Factors Affecting Identity Among Mixed Heritage College Students. Multiracial Child Resource Book: Living Complex Identities. MAVIN Foundation, 2003. Print