Rent aid puts startups on firm footing

A local shopping centre is not the first place you would expect to find an indoor soccer pitch, but thanks to a programme run by the Housing Authority, imaginative use of retail spaces is becoming more commonplace.

Soccer starlets: Opened in March, this soccer academy at So Uk Shopping Centre in Sham Shui Po caters mainly to children aged three to six. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Offering soccer classes for children, the soccer academy at So Uk Shopping Centre in Sham Shui Po opened last month.

Holly So, one of the school’s coaches, said it primarily caters to children aged three to six. “We mainly provide them with soccer training, as well as soccer competitions.”

Pursuing dreams

To support young people in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, the Housing Authority’s “Well Being·Start-Up 2.0” programme allows them to trial their business plans rent-free at premises in shopping centres under the authority.

The scheme targets individuals aged 35 or below. After seven rent-free months, the authority offers them discounted rents, with staged increases, for another three years.

Holistic development: Holly So, a coach at the soccer school, hopes to spread the message that soccer and kindergarten education can be effectively integrated. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Ms So added: “We hope that this pitch can become the established Hong Kong kindergarten soccer competition pitch. We can attract more football players from kindergartens, and we can spread the message that football and kindergarten education can actually integrate together.”

Scaling up

To extend the programme’s coverage and impact, the authority has encouraged private shopping centres and landlords in the commercial sector to join it.

Housing Department Chief Estate Surveyor/Commercial Properties Evelyne Fung said the response from the private sector has been positive, supplementing the shop units offered by the Housing Authority.

“Currently, there are altogether 17 private owners joining this programme, offering shop units with varying rent-free periods. Together with the 12 shop units offered by the Housing Authority, this programme now offers more than 70 shop units for young startups to try out their business plans. The scale is more than seven times that of the first phase.”

Broad support: Housing Department Chief Estate Surveyor/Commercial Properties Evelyne Fung says that private shopping centres and commercial landlords have supported the scheme, supplementing the shop units offered by the Housing Authority. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Vital programme

The Housing Society also fully supports “Well Being·Start-Up 2.0” by offering designated retail premises to young entrepreneurs.

One group of youngsters has established Hong Kong's first fitness centre focused on “inclusive” exercise at Health Village in North Point, a property managed by the Housing Society. The facility strives to provide fitness programmes targeted specifically at people with disabilities and the elderly.

Inclusive model: One group of youngsters has established Hong Kong’s first fitness centre focused on “inclusive” exercise at Health Village in North Point, a property managed by the Housing Society. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Fitness centre founder Adonis Chow remarked that the scheme is vital for startups.

“This programme has let us reduce our economic pressures. The Hong Kong Housing Society provided a seven-month rent-free period for us, and we can feel free to provide more services. Nowadays, around 30% of our customers are newcomers.”

The Housing Authority, meanwhile, stressed that the programme has not only helped startups achieve success but has given residents a greater variety of choice and enhanced retail experiences.

Entrepreneurial spirit: Fitness centre founder Adonis Chow says the programme is vital for startups and has reduced economic pressures on his team. Image source: www.news.gov.hk

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.9 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 18) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 3.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million were seized.

A 43-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During Customs clearance, a total of about 3.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found in his check-in suitcase. The male was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (April 20).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.9 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases