Pre-Event Press Release "Light Up and Enliven Aberdeen" rebuilds Hong Kong’s floating restaurant culture as the jewel in the crown.

Date: December 26, 2024 (Thu), Boxing Day.

Location: Space near Shum Wan Jumbo Pier, Southern District.

Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

"Light Up and Enliven Aberdeen" is organised by New Bond Limited, co-organised by Aberdeen Kai-Fong Welfare Association Limited (AKA), Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), Engineering Discipline of Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE Engineering) and Hong Kong Ap Lei Chau Women’s Association, and supported by the Southern District Office, the Invigorating Island South Office, and many organisations.

Booths at the Tai Pak Bazaar will showcase technology, innovation and creativity, arts and culture, environmental protection, marine science, green and sustainable development, with street performances, Naamyam Narrative Songs and Cantonese opera karaoke. Take a retro sightseeing boat to Aberdeen or Ap Lei Chau to continue exploring the culture and fun on both sides of the typhoon shelter. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate. Admission is free, and tickets can be obtained from the organiser, co-organisers or supporting organisations. All proceeds from the event, after cost deduction, will be donated to the AKA.

This event, set in a lively venue for cultural activities, leisure, and entertainment, is the ideal occasion to honour the hard work and commitment involved in restoring landmarks and revitalising the harbour.

Event Highlights:

• Tai Pak Bazaar: Explore a vibrant Bazaar showcasing local vendors and unique offerings. Enjoy a scenic trip aboard the original ferries that once carried passengers from the piers to the floating restaurants.

• Sampan Ride: Climb aboard an authentic sampan to explore the culture of the people on the water and appreciate the past and present on both sides of the Aberdeen shelter.

• The Harbour Lab: Get ready to learn about the fascinating wonders of Marine Ecosystems and Sustainability within Hong Kong’s waters on board The Harbour Lab!

• The Algae Green: Introducing an Innovative new Microalgae Project for a greener future, contributing to carbon neutrality and combating climate change.

• Bahaba taipingensis – referred to as Tai O fish by local fishermen and a unique “Giant Panda” fish species in China.

• Fun Accelerator: Powered by MOBO, the mobile EV charger won the Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, it operates on Hong Kong's first AVC successfully licensed by the Transport Department for pedestrian pathways, highlighting advancements in the area.

• Lighting Ceremony: Celebrate the revitalisation of the Restored piers as the harbour comes to life! The ceremony will start at 5:00 p.m.

• Tai Pak—God of Cookery Dinner: Savor gourmet dishes, including the famous Buddha Jumps Over the Wall from the film God of Cookery, which was shot on board the Tai Pak Floating Restaurant.
  

  
  

Supplementary Information:

Shum Wan Pier is a vibrant location for cultural activities, leisure and entertainment! In August 2022, New Bond Limited took over the remaining assets of Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises Limited at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. After months of renovation, Shum Wan Tai Pak Pier, Shum Wan Sea Palace Pier and Aberdeen Tai Pak Pier have returned. The upcoming lighting ceremony will illuminate Shum Wan Pier, restoring the aesthetic glory that the harbour once enjoyed under Jumbo Kingdom.

New Bond Limited will host this event to signify their renewal, marking the beginning of a new journey for the harbour and Southside of Hong Kong.

Join us for a beautiful journey around the Harbour on the original ferries that once carried passengers from the piers to the floating restaurants. These integral vessels of the Historic Jumbo Kingdom played a significant role in shaping the harbour's image. After months of meticulous repair for both the Piers and Ferries, their restored design and functionality offer passengers and visitors a unique experience, blending nostalgia with modern comfort as they gaze in awe and glide through the iconic waters of Aberdeen.

Accompanied by the Tai Pak Bazaar: A Bazaar consisting of 15 booths hosting and showcasing a multitude of local vendors and engaging stalls. We invite all participants to join us in celebrating this milestone and embark on an unforgettable journey as we showcase the unique charm of this vibrant destination.

The Harbour Lab: The Harbour Lab is a groundbreaking partnership between New Bond Limited and The Harbour School, combining the school’s acclaimed expertise in hands-on

experiential science and history education with the Jumbo Kingdom’s close proximity to the harbour and its rich heritage.

Open to schools, visitors, and corporate groups, this innovative experience invites participants to engage with Hong Kong's vibrant harbour ecosystems, explore the challenges facing marine life, and hear firsthand stories that connect deeply to the harbour’s history and industries. Through interactive exhibits and workshops, The Harbour Lab will highlight the critical importance of sustainability and cultural preservation, inspiring action for a better future.

“We're excited to work with New Bond to extend our experiential and authentic learning program into Aberdeen Harbour, making it accessible to other schools and visitors to Hong Kong.” (Dr. Jadis Blurton - Head of School - The Harbour School)

The Harbour Lab will be outfitted with touch tanks and scientific equipment, offering participants the chance to collect and analyse water samples, assess pollution levels, investigate and uncover the intricate biodiversity of Hong Kong’s waterfront. Through collaborations, The Harbour Lab will establish opportunities for multi-year student-led research projects on local topics. Workshops aboard The Harbour Lab will delve into Hong Kong’s rich fishing culture and maritime history. These experiences will not only educate but also empower individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives, fostering a personal connection to conservation.

Only a community can take care of a shared resource as vital and precious as the ocean, ensuring its health and sustainability for generations to come. By bringing together schools and their science curriculums, educators seeking professional development in hands-on environmental education, and corporate groups desiring to take part in and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, The Harbour Lab will develop a set of partnerships for active stewardship of our coastal oceans.

The Algae Green: Innovative Microalgae Project for a Greener Future.

The Algae Green will harness the incredible potential of microalgae to tackle pressing environmental issues. This innovative venture harnesses the rapid growth of microalgae to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly enhancing water quality and meeting eco-friendly standards.

By capturing carbon dioxide and absorbing inorganic nitrogen, The Algae Green is not just addressing wastewater challenges—we’re aiming to contribute to carbon neutrality and combating climate change. Transforming microalgae and enriching local biodiversity by suppressing harmful algal blooms!

This project exemplifies the commitment to sustainable practices setting a shining example for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives in Hong Kong. Through innovative biotechnology, we aim to boost aquaculture productivity while nurturing our local marine ecology and aligning with sustainable development goals.

Bahaba taipingensis: Revitalisation of the Chinese bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis).

New Bond Limited aim to raise awareness for this “yellow-lip fish”. Once a common sight in Hong Kong's waters, this remarkable species has faced a dramatic decline over the past 30 years, often caught before they can reach maturity and breeding age. These impressive fish can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh as much as 100 kg, but they are now critically endangered.

We are attempting to remind Hong Kong about the Bahaba taipingensis and its role in the City’s maritime history. Join us at the "Light Up and Enliven Aberdeen" event to shine a light on this remarkable species.

Fun Accelerator: Powered by MOBO, the mobile EV charger won the Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. It operates on Hong Kong's first Autonomous Vending Cart (AVC), which was successfully licensed by the Transport Department for pedestrian pathways, highlighting advancements in the area.

Visitors may take a selfie with the AVC and upload it to social media, visit several booths or spend an amount to redeem a blind box from the AVC. The significance of the blind box is not only to collect and display but also to socialise and communicate. Blind box players can exchange, buy, and share blind boxes to get their favourite styles from each other and connect with other players. This social interaction makes the blind box not only a toy but also a new cultural phenomenon.

Fun and Safe: An online electricity monitoring system will be used to ensure effective safety management at the Tai Pak Bazaar. At the "Light Up and Enliven Aberdeen" event, we are dedicated to promoting efficient and sustainable energy usage while ensuring safety. Our comprehensive Online Electricity Monitoring System will track and analyze the energy consumption of 15 booths at the Tai Pak Bazaar. Equipped with smart circuit breaker panels featuring voltage and current sensors, the system provides real-time monitoring and oversight of the electrical supply. This ensures safe and stable operation, supporting effective safety management throughout the event.

Mr. Aaron Yeung (aaron.yeung@taipak.com.hk)

Mr. D’Artagnan Carroll-Lea (dart.lea@taipak.com.hk)

www.newbond.com.hk