[RFlush]

Just curious, who is currently living in hk at the moment? Which district in hk and if you are renting or own or living with parents. Thanks!
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[too_slow]

Hyde's probably mansion hopping in the peak/stanley area.. LOL

[Sky_High]

Not in the Mid-Levels like OP :lawl:

[SkinnyPupp]

Renting a village home in the boonies of Sai Kung district. Used to rent in Kwun Tong. I like the boonies better ;)
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[saiko]

does Guangzhou count?

:alone:

[Eastwood]

For people who live in HK, what do you do there? Are the job opportunities anything like Canada?

[SkinnyPupp]

I work for myself, but based on what friends say, the market is better here. I know one person who wants to move back to Canada but can't find a decent job compared to here.

[FerrariEnzo]

are there any jobs for people who can converse basic cantonese and whats the pay like?

[RFlush]

Does anyone live in Po Lam, specifically Metro City Phase 2?

[gearshifter]

I will be moving back to HK to work in a year.
Currently interning in Asia...
Anyone know of any popular HK forums? Moreso lifestyles / general chat threads?

[MoBettah]

Renting a village home in the boonies of Sai Kung district. Used to rent in Kwun Tong. I like the boonies better ;)
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How's rent/pricing out there?

[SkinnyPupp]

How's rent/pricing out there?
Cheaper than an apartment, and a bigger space. Open view and everything, cleaner, cooler air.. Only major downside is transportation isn't as handy as living right on top of an MTR. But I have direct minibus routes to various parts of the city, even Causeway Bay and MK.

[danned]

what good excuse you use for customs if you are working right now
and planning to return to canada?

[asian_XL]

if you work in the commerical district, no way you want to live in the village side. 2-3hrs on bus or train everyday is pain in the ass, take into account work live balance is horrible in Hong Kong, once you get home it's 11 at night already.

[gearshifter]

Just curious, what company do you guys work in HK?

[SkinnyPupp]

if you work in the commerical district, no way you want to live in the village side. 2-3hrs on bus or train everyday is pain in the ass, take into account work live balance is horrible in Hong Kong, once you get home it's 11 at night already.
True, but I wouldn't want to work in the commercial district no matter where I live :fuckthatshit: . My wife's sister lived in TKO for a year and works on the island, and just moved to CWB because of the commute. I can't really relate since I don't commute, but I wouldn't want to live right in the city.

[RFlush]

I was thinking of buying a flat in TKO but still considering there or Cheung Sha Wan. Where do you live Asian_xl

[SkinnyPupp]

If you're thinking about Kowloon, I like east better than west. The air seems cleaner, and there is more greenery out this way. Cheung Sha Wan is basically an industrial district with a few residential buildings thrown in. I remember looking there (actually it was by the lai chi kok station IIRC) when we first came here in 06 and while the buildings were brand new, the neighbourhood sucked.

But if it's for an investment only, who knows, there are probably other things to consider that I wouldn't care about :)

[RFlush]

Kowloon West prices are getting too high. You are right, it is Lai Chi Kok that I am looking at, but considered part of Cheung Sha Wan district. Was looking at Liberte, Banyan Garden or The Pacifica. Olympic is too costly right now so only thing is east in TKO.

I was there last week, its a nice area, still developing but a lot of land and the recent land sales majority has been in TKO which is not good for future resell.

[CP.AR]

probably be moving back in the coming year if my interviews go to plan.
If anything I'll be living in Tung Chung

[RFlush]

Anyone want to do a meet up for a drink and meal? Skinnypup said he will treat.

[SkinnyPupp]

:fuckthatshit:

Yeah Banyan is one of the buildings I looked at. The rooms are much smaller than 10-15 year old buildings... they usually have 3 tiny bedrooms instead of 2 decent sized ones. I didn't really like the phony 'resort' like common area, it reminds me too much of... well phony resort areas.. but I am guessing most new developments are like that. Again I guess it depends on whether you are buying for yourself to live in, or as an investment property.

Have you looked into Lohas Park? There are new developments being added every other year I think. It has its own MTR line that juts off of the main TKO line. There isn't anything there yet, but eventually all of TKO is going to become one big urban sprawl like the rest of kowloon. Maybe now is the time to get in?

[ntan]

When I was in HK, I was living in West Kowloon. Currently renting the flat out (565sq ft at 80% utilization) for roughly 30k a month.
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[artmotion]

I just got back from HK in June and have been missing it since. During my stay there, I lived at Sham Wan Towers in Ap Lei Chau for the majority of it and I loved it. Great amenities, super nice buildings and I started my lease at a time when I only had to pay 9500 a month (raised to 10k later on) for a 650-700sq ft 2br on the 49th floor. Plus it's still pretty close to Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

[RabidRat]

I just got back from HK in June and have been missing it since. During my stay there, I lived at Sham Wan Towers in Ap Lei Chau for the majority of it and I loved it. Great amenities, super nice buildings and I started my lease at a time when I only had to pay 9500 a month (raised to 10k later on) for a 650-700sq ft 2br on the 49th floor. Plus it's still pretty close to Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

Hmm. $1200 CAD/mo for a 2br? People keep telling me it's almost impossible to afford to live in HK, but that doesn't seem bad at all. Cheaper than Vancouver anyway.

[Drow]

question for skinny:

how come youre living in HK? if youre working for yourself and all... cuz of the wifey or what?

[ntan]

Hmm. $1200 CAD/mo for a 2br? People keep telling me it's almost impossible to afford to live in HK, but that doesn't seem bad at all. Cheaper than Vancouver anyway.

From my perspective, Ap Lei Chau is not the most convenient location as there are no MTR stations nearby. It's in the southern part of Hong Kong Island which is accessible via mini-bus / bus. The bus ride to Aberdeen (very close to Ap Lei Chau) from West Kowloon takes over an hour long. Nonetheless, it is convenient and definitely a viable option if you work in Central / Wan Chai etc.

In comparison, my friend located in Prince Edward (Near Mong Kok) is in a 300sq-ft 1 bedroom flat in an older building, next to an hourly motel, and rent costs ~$6000 because of its convenience near MTR station.

Other friend who rents a 120 sq-ft 1 bedroom flat in TST pays around $4000.

[saiko]

I think TKO is a really good place. I go there about twice a month staying at an Aunts place. Specifically Hang Hau. The area is developed imo, everything is nearby. MTR, shopping, groceries, schools, bus station, doctors office etc..

Where as when I stayed in Mong Kok (Ladies Street), it was horrible. So crowded, noisy, and relatively dirty.

How much is the typical salary for a newly grad in HK? In China it is a measly 2000-2500RMB/month. Which is barely enough to cover rent/food/utilities/and entertainment.

[RFlush]

I have a few friends at LOHAS Park, and although the price per sq feet is lower, the sizes are bigger and out of my budget. It's still developing, but the land there is just too much for my liking. And it's still in construction so it's a 5-10min walk to the MTR station. It does have it's own direct line, but it shares a train with Po Lam. As there are less people in LOHAS, it's roughly 1 train for every 3 for Po Lam meaning you might have to wait a bit at TKO station.

I guess I will just have to see how the property market goes this year. Hope the expected 15% drop will come true :D

As for wages in HK, as a friend grad you are most likely going to make $10,000HKD or under per month depending on your field. The average income is also $10,000HKD per month. Taxes are low, but the indirect tax of property is the killer.

[ntan]

#'s are just estimates. Give-or-take depending on individual's credentials / experience / market etc.

$11,000 Big 4, ~$20,000 bank management-trainee, $40,000+ i-banks, $16,000 - $20,000 engineer new-grad

I know for i-banks, reg bonus would be 2-4 months, good being 6-12 months; banks less, not sure about big 4. Engineer depends firm-to-firm; I've heard i-bank type bonus to very little.

[trancehead]

any computer scientists in HK? lol

and Skinny, im curious as to what you do exactly. i see you run that hardware review site among other things...is that keeping you afloat comfortably?

[ntan]

any computer scientists in HK? lol

and Skinny, im curious as to what you do exactly. i see you run that hardware review site among other things...is that keeping you afloat comfortably?

Bah, I lumped engineering with comp-sci. I actually interviewed for an Embedded Systems Eng. (C-programming) position which I guess relates to comp-sci... so that salary range might be applicable

[gearshifter]

Anyone know of the salary range in PwC from the starting to say senior manager?

[RFlush]

Just FYI, if you require a working visa for HK, most likely you won't get it unless you are very specialized in your field or highly sought after with your unique talents.

[ntan]

Anyone know of the salary range in PwC from the starting to say senior manager?

As I already mentioned, PwC 11k starting. Not sure about senior positions.

[trancehead]

Bah, I lumped engineering with comp-sci. I actually interviewed for an Embedded Systems Eng. (C-programming) position which I guess relates to comp-sci... so that salary range might be applicable

haha C-programming is definitely comp sci.

i asked because my friend who is in HK tells me the comp sci industry is crap there...generally because people treat it the same as IT ?

[artmotion]

From my perspective, Ap Lei Chau is not the most convenient location as there are no MTR stations nearby. It's in the southern part of Hong Kong Island which is accessible via mini-bus / bus. The bus ride to Aberdeen (very close to Ap Lei Chau) from West Kowloon takes over an hour long. Nonetheless, it is convenient and definitely a viable option if you work in Central / Wan Chai etc.

In comparison, my friend located in Prince Edward (Near Mong Kok) is in a 300sq-ft 1 bedroom flat in an older building, next to an hourly motel, and rent costs ~$6000 because of its convenience near MTR station.

Other friend who rents a 120 sq-ft 1 bedroom flat in TST pays around $4000.

Yeah it's not the greatest if you need to spend a lot of time away from HK island. It should be better in a couple years when the MTR construction finishes but I found it was really nice for me since I did spend most of my time on the island and worked in Cyberport. Also, my gf lived in CWB for a while and I honestly wouldn't be able to handle walking downstairs straight into mayhem like she did...

And for those who haven't tried yet, I'm sure there are a lot of these around but Ap Lei Chau has a great wet market! I would load up with seafood downstairs and bring it upstairs to get it cooked. All in all, we would spend around 100HKD per person getting totally full on only seafood and it was delicious! Highly recommended!

[artmotion]

Just FYI, if you require a working visa for HK, most likely you won't get it unless you are very specialized in your field or highly sought after with your unique talents.

Yeah I suppose I got mine pretty easily since there aren't a ton of experienced game designers in HK. I heard that they're starting to tighten up on the whole Macau deal too. Some people in my old company were staying in HK without a visa and would head to Macau for the day, resetting their allowable time to stay (I think this is pretty common). Apparently a couple people who tried that recently came back and they never reset their allowable time... Not sure though... Might be because they were from the Philippines or something.

[HonestTea]

Yeah it's not the greatest if you need to spend a lot of time away from HK island. It should be better in a couple years when the MTR construction finishes but I found it was really nice for me since I did spend most of my time on the island and worked in Cyberport. Also, my gf lived in CWB for a while and I honestly wouldn't be able to handle walking downstairs straight into mayhem like she did...

And for those who haven't tried yet, I'm sure there are a lot of these around but Ap Lei Chau has a great wet market! I would load up with seafood downstairs and bring it upstairs to get it cooked. All in all, we would spend around 100HKD per person getting totally full on only seafood and it was delicious! Highly recommended!

What...?!! That's pretty fucking cheap! If I remember correctly, everytime we ate, our bill was over 1000+ HKD for 7-10 people and that's before any seafood, after seafood our bills are usually above 2k+ easily.

[artmotion]

What...?!! That's pretty fucking cheap! If I remember correctly, everytime we ate, our bill was over 1000+ HKD for 7-10 people and that's before any seafood, after seafood our bills are usually above 2k+ easily.

Well, keep in mind that it's basically a cooked food market which I think you can find in most districts. Here's the place I'm talking about:

Ap Lei Chau Market And Cooked Food Market, Hung Shing Street, Hong Kong - Google Maps

Just make sure you buy your seafood from the market below and get it cooked upstairs. The fresh scallops steamed with fun si and garlic are my fav.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/34897_453309699387_542314387_6242721_83526_n.jpg
:sweetjesus:

[HonestTea]

probably be moving back in the coming year if my interviews go to plan.
If anything I'll be living in Tung Chung

Are you gonna live near the newer developments next to the Airport? It's pretty nice all around and when you're bored, you can just sit on the balcony and watch planes land LOL

I did that a few times last year but it's still pretty fucking hot at 3am..

[RFlush]

Yeah I suppose I got mine pretty easily since there aren't a ton of experienced game designers in HK. I heard that they're starting to tighten up on the whole Macau deal too. Some people in my old company were staying in HK without a visa and would head to Macau for the day, resetting their allowable time to stay (I think this is pretty common). Apparently a couple people who tried that recently came back and they never reset their allowable time... Not sure though... Might be because they were from the Philippines or something.

Sounds like a pretty sketchy company :pokerface:

Having people employed without the proper visa is a huge risk for the company. But I guess having idiots willing to work without the right visa fits the company rofl.

[ntan]

There's a similar place in Tuen Mun I went to. Picked up seafood from the local market, then brought it to the nearby restaurants to cook.

https://photos-3.dropbox.com/i/xl/hC7dVk9YATdU8cqBRuuJWUazCygs5bcMHmGpE-NKBxw/10988832/1332396000/26a6030/Photo%202011-12-20%203%2047%2000%20AM.jpg

Spoiler for food pics

https://photos-5.dropbox.com/i/xl/dRRxI7FcQJxDVQU9LaMQOOfCSJKbiC6JgDbMrlQY7HE/10988832/1332396000/37c1af1/Photo%202011-12-20%204%2012%2055%20AM.jpg
https://photos-4.dropbox.com/i/xl/7NdNhn7H_oGLelrHaGSXXd3VLPn1h_xrz2t-XnzLLdg/10988832/1332396000/4156358/Photo%202011-12-20%203%2050%2053%20AM.jpg
https://photos-1.dropbox.com/i/xl/JYW7Tz4kJOeQpkWYm4UO1kZ6eRnz85DLXtDKvEVHJR8/10988832/1332396000/32986db/Photo%202011-12-20%203%2024%2039%20AM.jpg
https://photos-2.dropbox.com/i/xl/idHweFdD2cRQRYkhitlhyNvvPD2S5Sypir8N-Vd50kM/10988832/1332396000/8f4abac/Photo%202011-12-20%203%2030%2008%20AM.jpg

[artmotion]

Sounds like a pretty sketchy company :pokerface:

Having people employed without the proper visa is a huge risk for the company. But I guess having idiots willing to work without the right visa fits the company rofl.

Yeah tell me about it haha. There's a reason why I left the company.

[gearshifter]

Curious to know, aside from rent, if you live by yourself and only need to support yourself, around what kind of expense budget are you looking at?

[ae101]

my aunt lives in NT tai wo, its quite nice over there with fresh air & stuff but i work in china so there isn't much living in hk for me but i might consider tuen mun (but not too far out cuz i like the city) if i need to buy house in hk since i hear its much cheaper there

but seriously hk is run by evil big corp real estate company so its quite expensive to live there now

[SkinnyPupp]

any computer scientists in HK? lol

and Skinny, im curious as to what you do exactly. i see you run that hardware review site among other things...is that keeping you afloat comfortably?
I'm doing OK by living in a cheaper village house instead of a 30K apartment others are living in.

People say it's expensive to live here, but actually aside from rent, just about everything is cheaper than Vancouver. I probably wouldn't be able to do what I am doing living in Van, especially since I would need a car.

question for skinny:

how come youre living in HK? if youre working for yourself and all... cuz of the wifey or what?

It's just because I like it here. That and the aforementioned lower cost of living...

Just FYI, if you require a working visa for HK, most likely you won't get it unless you are very specialized in your field or highly sought after with your unique talents.
This is true, but not in all cases. There seem to be ways to get in the back door, because i know someone who just got a work visa as an IT specialist even though he has zero IT experience, and the job isn't even in IT, it's basically bartending. He had ONE credential, an MS certification from 10 years ago, that he didn't even know he had. But they went through some solicitor, and it got approved somehow :rukidding:

[CP.AR]

Hmm. $1200 CAD/mo for a 2br? People keep telling me it's almost impossible to afford to live in HK, but that doesn't seem bad at all. Cheaper than Vancouver anyway.

well... the size of the "bedroom" in HK will pass off as the size of a washroom here.

As for the washroom... maybe your closet?
TV/Living room will fit MAYBE a civic

Are you gonna live near the newer developments next to the Airport? It's pretty nice all around and when you're bored, you can just sit on the balcony and watch planes land LOL

I did that a few times last year but it's still pretty fucking hot at 3am..
Yeah well.. I'll be working AT the airport if it all goes to plan

[SkinnyPupp]

My village home is 600 square feet, and unlike an apartment which is usually only 60-70% of their claimed footage (seriously), it really is 600 square feet. And we also have a nice roof top with a nice view, which itself is another 600 square feet, and a balcony with a BBQ, etc. I pay around $1000 CAD a month for rent.

[TRDood]

I don't live in HK but do have family there and stay with them when I go back. I still have my own bedroom in my grandma's house which is in Sai Wan Ho. I think it's a 650 sq ft 3 br flat.

MTR is convenient. 15-20 mins ride to Central/CWB. Buses in HK are slow due to traffic. And it's expensive to bus from the "rural" areas to the city (I think).

My aunt also has a 800sq ft 3br in Sai Wan Ho currently for rent. I think it's going for $20k a month. This is not the new developments. It's the ones built back around 1985-1990.

For my field (economist), going back to HK to work is not really an option because I can't really write in Chinese anymore. And working in a bank or i-banking is more competitive in HK.
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[ShyGuy]

I just moved to HK a few months ago. I'm currently living in TST. The place I'm at is around $14500 for a 700sq ft 2 bed room.

[asian_XL]

^ cool. I am living in TST as well.
Free rent...coz my fiance owns it. "Eating Slipper Rice".

[RFlush]

Are you guys living in Victoria Towers or Elements side?

[ntan]

I lived Elements side. Not very convenient after 11PM in terms of food. Relied heavily on 24小時麥麥送
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[CP.AR]

^ lol mcdonalds for dinner everyday?

[achiam]

Hmm. $1200 CAD/mo for a 2br? People keep telling me it's almost impossible to afford to live in HK, but that doesn't seem bad at all. Cheaper than Vancouver anyway.

That is correct. Many people in Vancouver don't realize this, and assume other world cities are more pricey to live in. Many of my friends rent pads in Downtown that cost 1500+ /mth. This is easily enough to live in a decent place in many other big cities around the world.

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah most people don't realize how ridiculously expensive Vancouver is compared to most other cities in the world. If you can live in Van, you can live pretty much anywhere.

[impactX]

I have been working and living in Hong Kong for almost 5 years now.

Where you choose to live really depends on where you will work. Eg: if you live in TKO and you have to commute to work in western Kowloon or southern New Territories, it is a pain in the arse.

I live at the eastern tip of HK Island and I also work on this side, I pretty much wake up at the last minute and drive/ride to work. The traffic in the morning, again, is a PITA or if you are on the MTR, you will not enjoy others' body odor especially in the summer. Po Lam is a great location as it's the last MTR stop and you will most probably get to have a seat if you take the MTR. Avoid Lohas Park due to its proximity with the landfills, you will realize that there are huge flies flying around there ALL THE TIME. Besides, it's not THAT convenient. It supposedly sits on top of MTR station but it is actually a 10-minute walk with no air conditioning. The air quality is crappy as heck because of the landfill AND the diesel garbage trucks that don't meet any European emission standard.

Choosing the Kowloon side is wise as the electricity is supplied by the CLP group and you will enjoy a lower charge on the electricity compared to living on the HK Island.

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah I heard about lohas park being smelly, and I guess it would depend on what side you're on. I used to walk around the TKO area a lot, and would often smell the garbage dump, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

I also go to po lam a lot (actually I can see it from my balcony from up in the boonies) and the bad thing about po lam is that it is missing a post office and none of the Watsons or Mannings have pharmacies. Although in that case, it's not a big deal to walk 10 mins to Hang Hau or take the mtr 1 stop.

[impactX]

^ hehe would probably be a biatch to receive registered mail that is redirected to the post office...

The prices of properties in TKO really went up A LOT, couple years ago it's more reasonable. If CY Leung really becomes CE, then it will be time to wait for the property prices to drop.

[SkinnyPupp]

Yes prices everywhere went up like crazy. When I first moved here in 2006, I was paying $8300 for a flat in Kwun Tong. The same price went up every year until eventually the landlords wanted $12,500 which is when we moved to the village.

50% increase in 5 years :fulloffuck:

[RFlush]

That is correct. Many people in Vancouver don't realize this, and assume other world cities are more pricey to live in. Many of my friends rent pads in Downtown that cost 1500+ /mth. This is easily enough to live in a decent place in many other big cities around the world.

Huh?!
$1500 per month downtown Vancouver is $11,730HKD which for a 2bedroom place would get you no where near Central unless you want to live in a 400sq foot apartment that looks like it belongs in DTES.

HK housing is very expensive, more so compared to Vancouver per sq foot. This is an indirect tax which is why there are low taxes in HK.

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah when comparing prices, you have to consider that for the same price, you are not going to get nearly the same size. And living right downtown in HK would be impossible for the same budget.

[achiam]

Huh?!
$1500 per month downtown Vancouver is $11,730HKD which for a 2bedroom place would get you no where near Central unless you want to live in a 400sq foot apartment that looks like it belongs in DTES.

HK housing is very expensive, more so compared to Vancouver per sq foot. This is an indirect tax which is why there are low taxes in HK.

No, I realize this, what I meant was that many people able to survive in Vancouver in a decent place could also survive elsewhere. I have plenty of friends in HK living in a wide range from village houses near Ma On Shan to Vancouver sized detached homes on the Peak with an infinity pool. It's the same for Vancouver. Not everyone lives in the British Properties, but still survive fine.

[ae101]

housing is expensive in HK cuz those evil big corp real estate companies that calculates everything in gross sq ft instend of net sq ft

i also heard that if CY Leung dun become CE housing is gonna rise again since none of the big real estate companies support CY

[asian_XL]

If in HK downtown...

1500cdn might get you a 500sq ft 40yrs old apartment
3000cdn will get you a 500sq ft service apartment
3500cdn maybe K11 or those 600-700sq ft above kowloon station
10000cdn...Hyde's maid storage room

[SkinnyPupp]

Some of those 40 year old apartments can be really nice though

[Sky_High]

You probably get better living conditions from some of those 40 yrs old apartment...then Hyde's maid storage room :troll:

For $200/month....you can live in one of these:

http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68125F00000578-805_634x9841.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68126300000578-872_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68125300000578-754_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68120300000578-201_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F6811FF00000578-951_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F6811F700000578-728_634x4811.jpg

[impactX]

Skinnypupp do you live at Yau Yue Wan Village?

[belaud]

i live right next to yau yut sing (festive walk), be goin back next year, spent my vacation money on car! :D

[ae101]

You probably get better living conditions from some of those 40 yrs old apartment...then Hyde's maid storage room :troll:

For $200/month....you can live in one of these:

http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68125F00000578-805_634x9841.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68126300000578-872_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68125300000578-754_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F68120300000578-201_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F6811FF00000578-951_634x4211.jpg
http://ax3battery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/article-2084971-0F6811F700000578-728_634x4811.jpg

sorry dude this is just sad, HK really need to do the pubic housing thing ASAP cuz this is just sad each time i look at it
im young & i dun mind staying in places like this but these ppl should not

[SkinnyPupp]

Skinnypupp do you live at Yau Yue Wan Village?

No but even if I did, I probably wouldn't be that specific on the Internets about where I live. Especially after recent events :heckno:
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[SkinnyPupp]

sorry dude this is just sad, HK really need to do the pubic housing thing ASAP cuz this is just sad each time i look at it
im young & i dun mind staying in places like this but these ppl should not

They'd rather have $6000 to blow on massage chairs and Galaxy Notes :rukidding:
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[asian_XL]

^ They have no where to spend but personal luxuries like Galaxy Notes and iPads. On the other side of this planet, kids spend money on modding cars and road trips.



It's sad to see what is happening in Hong Kong. It is no longer the "golden" land for local people. All the new generation working class suffers the most...you are the baller if you could afford the down payment of a 500sq ft apartment, they say you are ridiculous if you could afford to have more than one kid at home.

In the last decade, we go to shenzhen to get massaged. Sooner of later, Hongers will massage the rich mainlanders.

[RabidRat]

^ They have no where to spend but personal luxuries like Galaxy Notes and iPads. On the other side of this planet, kids spend money on modding cars and road trips.



It's sad to see what is happening in Hong Kong. It is no longer the "golden" land for local people. All the new generation working class suffers the most...you are the baller if you could afford the down payment of a 500sq ft apartment, they say you are ridiculous if you could afford to have more than one kid at home.

In the last decade, we go to shenzhen to get massaged. Sooner of later, Hongers will massage the rich mainlanders.

Ever think about coming back? =D

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

mid levels baby.

but if i actually had to pay for myself, i'd live in TST somewhere, around jordan station... perhaps kowloon station area.

[Gumby]

Totally off topic, but can someone tell me how much an average pair of mens plain black dress pants from G2000 costs?

[saiko]

199$ HKD give or take $50 when on sale. Ofcourse they have higher ones too.
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[asian_XL]

Ever think about coming back? =D

only if cdn:hkd goes back to 1:6, and house price goes back to 400K or something :rukidding:

mid levels baby.


once you have lived in the downtown area or TKO or Olympic, you will think mid level is very remoted and populated. Sure if you are gwai lo enough, and think LKF is the only place to hang out, then that's fine.

Kowloon side is better, the habour view is much nicer, I think.

[RFlush]

only if cdn:hkd goes back to 1:6, and house price goes back to 400K or something :rukidding:



once you have lived in the downtown area or TKO or Olympic, you will think mid level is very remoted and populated. Sure if you are gwai lo enough, and think LKF is the only place to hang out, then that's fine.

Kowloon side is better, the habour view is much nicer, I think.

I would say only a handful of places can get a "harbour view" and if you get one, you're paying high prices lol.

[ntan]

Harbour view for free on Austin road or the sky walk connecting elements with Austin station. ;)
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[cspec]

I live in Wanchai right now at Star Street precinct. It's really quiet and pretty convenient at the same time. I'd stick to Hong Kong Island if you can, it's much more convenient in comparison to Kowloon side or New Territories side.

[saiko]

Sorry to be a noob, but what's considered HK Island? I always read about it, but am not sure which region it is.

I mainly stay in TKO (Hang Hau) or Mong Kok (Ladies St).

[double0seven]

Sorry to be a noob, but what's considered HK Island? I always read about it, but am not sure which region it is.

I mainly stay in TKO (Hang Hau) or Mong Kok (Ladies St).

North point, Wan chai, chai wan, central, admiralty, etc. etc.

[Rev]

Am in HK for a week long conference

Visited a balling friend and his pad is $3M CDN for 1400 sq ft. Upper levels, rents out for about $8K CDN a month.

Top that with 15% max bracket tax and finance professionals doing well over $150K/CDN a year + expat benefits, it's no wonder the segregation is growing between the haves and have-nots so fast!

I guess Vancouver's not that bad after all with our $1k/sq ft condos :p

[achiam]

i live right next to yau yut sing (festive walk), be goin back next year, spent my vacation money on car! :D

Is there still a feminine looking boy in pink who ice skates alone everyday?

[ZenZa]

Anyone know of the salary range in PwC from the starting to say senior manager?

These are not the most accurate numbers but i think it's around there

Associate (Yr 1-2) $11k to $15k
Senior Associate (Yr 3-5+) $15k to $30k+ (CPA qualified)
Manager $30k+ to $40k+
Senior Manager $60+

[ZenZa]

Kowloon West prices are getting too high. You are right, it is Lai Chi Kok that I am looking at, but considered part of Cheung Sha Wan district. Was looking at Liberte, Banyan Garden or The Pacifica. Olympic is too costly right now so only thing is east in TKO.



My brother lives in The Pacifica, I think it's a pretty good area to live now. They finally have a tunnel going straight into the MTR, so you wouldn't have to walk past the industrial area anymore and avoid the heat/rain.

JUSCO just opened up across the street, +1 for convenience, -1 for added human traffic. Also quite a few restaurants to choose from in the mall, and there are shops for pretty much all your necessities.

If you drive or plan on driving, it's actually pretty convenient starting point as there's roads heading in every direction.

But it's a bit crowded and a lot of younger families live there, so there are a lot of kids.

[RFlush]

My brother lives in The Pacifica, I think it's a pretty good area to live now. They finally have a tunnel going straight into the MTR, so you wouldn't have to walk past the industrial area anymore and avoid the heat/rain.

JUSCO just opened up across the street, +1 for convenience, -1 for added human traffic. Also quite a few restaurants to choose from in the mall, and there are shops for pretty much all your necessities.

If you drive or plan on driving, it's actually pretty convenient starting point as there's roads heading in every direction.

But it's a bit crowded and a lot of younger families live there, so there are a lot of kids.

Thanks, ya was looking at the 3 residential buildings there. There is a Jusco inside the mall, not sure if that's the one you are talking about. The mall itself is a bit dead. Just education centers, a Park N Shop, Watsons etc. Nothing for shopping and nothing special.

I don't mind the kids, actually, I prefer that.

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you mind me asking when he bought?

[ntan]

Am in HK for a week long conference

Visited a balling friend and his pad is $3M CDN for 1400 sq ft. Upper levels, rents out for about $8K CDN a month.

Top that with 15% max bracket tax and finance professionals doing well over $150K/CDN a year + expat benefits, it's no wonder the segregation is growing between the haves and have-nots so fast!

I guess Vancouver's not that bad after all with our $1k/sq ft condos :p

That's not outrageous as it's less than $20k/sq ft.

It sure puts perspective as to how expensive Hong Kong is when we ourselves already complain of how Vancouver is expensive.
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[PiuYi]

I will be moving back to HK to work in a year.
Currently interning in Asia...
Anyone know of any popular HK forums? Moreso lifestyles / general chat threads?

Hong Kong Forums - Hong Kong (http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/88/)

this ones pretty good and lively

[ZenZa]

Thanks, ya was looking at the 3 residential buildings there. There is a Jusco inside the mall, not sure if that's the one you are talking about. The mall itself is a bit dead. Just education centers, a Park N Shop, Watsons etc. Nothing for shopping and nothing special.

I don't mind the kids, actually, I prefer that.

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you mind me asking when he bought?

Not the $10 Jusco, but the huge supermarket/department store, like the one in Kornhill and Hung Hom. It's across the street where there used to be a used car mall, on the ground floor of the Aqua Marine Towers.

Yea, the mall's not really good for shopping, but just for daily necessities. But there's actually a decent choice of restaurants.

I don't remember exactly when he bought it, I think 3 or 4 years ago.

[ZenZa]

Hong Kong Forums - Hong Kong (http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/88/)

this ones pretty good and lively

Skinny should just make a HK subforum on revscene.

Revscene is still my most frequented forum even after moving away from Vancouver for so so long.

[asian_XL]

I would say only a handful of places can get a "harbour view" and if you get one, you're paying high prices lol.

My office has 180deg kowloon view. It's not as good as the hong kong view.
Also 90% of the days are SMOGGY:heckno:

[gearshifter]

HK forum on RS is a great idea!

[SkinnyPupp]

A HK forum actually makes more sense than an island forum and an okanagan forum :suspicious:

[RFlush]

Hong Kong Forums - Hong Kong (http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/88/)

this ones pretty good and lively

Im on Geoexpat a lot and after reading most of the post there, you realize that people on RS are really just young kids lol.

[mx100]

Living by myself in TST right now and work in Central.

Other than the rush hour crowd during the morning for MTR i got no complaints. TST is quite convenient for most occasions. After work I usually take the ferry back, save some money and enjoy the view. :)

[SkinnyPupp]

Im on Geoexpat a lot and after reading most of the post there, you realize that people on RS are really just young kids lol.
Yes but reading Geoexpat, you realize that most expats do a lot of whining about stuff

[ntan]

Do expats typically go to HK by choice or forcibly sent there by their employers?

[RabidRat]

#'s are just estimates. Give-or-take depending on individual's credentials / experience / market etc.

$11,000 Big 4, ~$20,000 bank management-trainee, $40,000+ i-banks, $16,000 - $20,000 engineer new-grad

I know for i-banks, reg bonus would be 2-4 months, good being 6-12 months; banks less, not sure about big 4. Engineer depends firm-to-firm; I've heard i-bank type bonus to very little.

Hang on this is all in HKD? Monthly gross salary? Damn..

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

once you have lived in the downtown area or TKO or Olympic, you will think mid level is very remoted and populated. Sure if you are gwai lo enough, and think LKF is the only place to hang out, then that's fine.

Kowloon side is better, the habour view is much nicer, I think.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309936_10100251600058471_21004126_47926704_7798487 38_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405107_10100251596625351_1247227945_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/483558_10100251596685231_2145319722_n.jpg

cant beat this view man..

yeah ill be honest, i hang out in LKF a lot when im in hk.

dragoni, play, and beijing... volar after LOL.

if i go to kowloon side, it's to eat and hang out with friends, and go to bars.

but you cant beat that view man.

on a nice chill day, on the balcony smoking a doobie staring at the ants below.

[ntan]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309936_10100251600058471_21004126_47926704_7798487 38_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405107_10100251596625351_1247227945_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/483558_10100251596685231_2145319722_n.jpg

cant beat this view man..

yeah ill be honest, i hang out in LKF a lot when im in hk.

dragoni, play, and beijing... volar after LOL.

if i go to kowloon side, it's to eat and hang out with friends, and go to bars.

but you cant beat that view man.

on a nice chill day, on the balcony smoking a doobie staring at the ants below.

I guess it's a difference in opinion. Waking up / looking at the skyline at night from Kowloon was second-to-none. Apologize for crap quality, all taken with iPhone.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_1932.JPG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_2145.JPG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_3125.JPG

Hang on this is all in HKD? Monthly gross salary? Damn..
Yeah, all in HKD. Damn in a good way or bad way? haha.

[turb0triX]

^ your pics don't work. i think you need to copy them to your "public" folder in your dropbox for others to see

[ntan]

^ your pics don't work. i think you need to copy them to your "public" folder in your dropbox for others to see

Hope that works now 8) Dropbox noob. Thought Photo folder was public as well.

[gearshifter]

curious to ask, how does LKF compare to vancouver clubs?

[SkinnyPupp]

Do expats typically go to HK by choice or forcibly sent there by their employers?
Generally they go to take advantage of huge salary bonuses, and packages that cover most expensive living costs (rent, school, etc), but often have no interest in the country they are going to or the culture. That is probably why they complain so much, and rarely leave their segregated communities...

Of course that is a HORRIBLE oversimplification and gross generalization, and I feel rotten for even typing that, but you get the idea ;)

[asian_XL]

can skinny speak fluent cantonese? just curious.
Not a single white guy in my company "attempts" to learn how to speak the language. They don't go to Kowloon, they don't eat wun ton noodles, they hang out with english speaking people only etc. Maybe Asian women who speak English.

[SkinnyPupp]

I am not fluent, no. I learned that if you want to be fluent, you need to actively take lessons, and speak it every day... I don't take lessons, and the only time I speak it is when ordering food or other small things like that :okay:

I am picking up a bit, I can follow some conversations a bit, I get a general sense of what people are talking about, and it often surprises them when I chime in in English :lol

Other than that, I am nothing like your coworkers. I go to the island about once a month if that, I have never been to LKF in my life, and I don't hang out with anyone, English or otherwise :alone: :troll:

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

I guess it's a difference in opinion. Waking up / looking at the skyline at night from Kowloon was second-to-none. Apologize for crap quality, all taken with iPhone.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_1932.JPG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_2145.JPG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10988832/IMG_3125.JPG


Yeah, all in HKD. Damn in a good way or bad way? haha.

lol actually your view is pretty awesome too.

anything by the water or where u can see all the buildings is good in my opinion.

i just dont wanna be looking out my window at another building.

i love buildings most, but secondly i love watchign activity.. the boats and cars moving around

[artmotion]

curious to ask, how does LKF compare to vancouver clubs?

Vancouver clubs? :fuckthatshit:

[artmotion]

lol actually your view is pretty awesome too.

anything by the water or where u can see all the buildings is good in my opinion.

i just dont wanna be looking out my window at another building.

i love buildings most, but secondly i love watchign activity.. the boats and cars moving around

I still remember when I first got to HK, I was living in Kennedy Town and I woke up one morning with an aircraft carrier or something outside. So crazy!

[achiam]

curious to ask, how does LKF compare to vancouver clubs?

LOL. I haven't been everywhere in the world, but I am fortunate enough to have a group of close friends in 6 world cities. If clubbing was akin to Pho, Vancouver's Pho would be the equivalent of Kim Pehn Xe Lua at 3AM (my 2003 memory of it, where cockroaches were on the ground and the soup was salted out to the max in MSG).

[asian_XL]

you do not want to go to those low end clubs in HK, chicks there are older than your mom probably, my co-worker brought me to one in Jordan many year ago, it feels likes in one of those young and dangerous scene "midnight club". Then those highend ones, you will see a lot more CBC or white dude there, but generally a lot more expensive and members only, gold digging chickes love these places.

the ones that I usually go in Central are usually packed with people, bouncer has zero control, they just take your money and let you in. It feels like being in the train during rush hour. It is awesome to bring some chicks friends along with you.
Japanese train station during rush hour - YouTube

If in LKF, I like Fongs in the basement.

[ntan]

lol actually your view is pretty awesome too.

anything by the water or where u can see all the buildings is good in my opinion.

i just dont wanna be looking out my window at another building.

i love buildings most, but secondly i love watchign activity.. the boats and cars moving around

That's actually my sister's place. I lived in the building next to hers but I didn't have waterfront view; my view was towards the inside, looking at the gardens, though I did have a crack of ocean view (westward though, so looking into the abyssal plains) between buildings.

The bad thing about that area is the noise. Yes it's nice to see boats and whatnot, but with the construction of the new cultural centre in the front, it gets really loud in the morning.

[PiuYi]

Yes but reading Geoexpat, you realize that most expats do a lot of whining about stuff

True story. Expats are never happy, always makes comparisons with how hk isn't as good as home

curious to ask, how does LKF compare to vancouver clubs?

no comparison
last time i went to LKF, walked into a club, no cover, chicks handing me XO :fuckyea:

[.Renn.Sport]

nobody pays cover at a club in hk...

if you do, u are probably a local
:lawl:

[.Renn.Sport]

That's actually my sister's place. I lived in the building next to hers but I didn't have waterfront view; my view was towards the inside, looking at the gardens, though I did have a crack of ocean view (westward though, so looking into the abyssal plains) between buildings.

The bad thing about that area is the noise. Yes it's nice to see boats and whatnot, but with the construction of the new cultural centre in the front, it gets really loud in the morning.

kowloon station was better a few years ago, now its just infested with mainlanders

its just not the traditional luxury residence area like the mid-levels, happy valley, kowloon tong, homantin etc

[Sky_High]

nobody pays cover at a club in hk...

if you do, u are probably a local
:lawl:

Just go clubbing at Hyde's place :troll:

Hyde Members Club opens in Central Hong Kong Lyndhurst Terrace - LifestyleAsia.com - Key to your city (http://www.lifestyleasia.com/en/features/entertainment/hyde-members-club-opens-in-central-hong-kong-lyndhurst-terrace-5326/)

[ntan]

kowloon station was better a few years ago, now its just infested with mainlanders

its just not the traditional luxury residence area like the mid-levels, happy valley, kowloon tong, homantin etc

Only really at The Arch. The Harbourside has a more diversified crowd- Lotta Japanese people actually.

[gearshifter]

wow lfk sounds crazy good...

how about the crowd there? what's it like?

[Sky_High]

you do not want to go to those low end clubs in HK, chicks there are older than your mom probably, my co-worker brought me to one in Jordan many year ago, it feels likes in one of those young and dangerous scene "midnight club". Then those highend ones, you will see a lot more CBC or white dude there, but generally a lot more expensive and members only, gold digging chickes love these places.

the ones that I usually go in Central are usually packed with people, bouncer has zero control, they just take your money and let you in. It feels like being in the train during rush hour. It is awesome to bring some chicks friends along with you.

If in LKF, I like Fongs in the basement.

Other than those ones in Jordan and the "high end" ones at Central..... what are some good ones in between?

Anything beside Fongs?

[flagella]

Yeah, all in HKD. Damn in a good way or bad way? haha.

Very bad way.

[drunkrussian]

can skinny speak fluent cantonese? just curious.
Not a single white guy in my company "attempts" to learn how to speak the language. They don't go to Kowloon, they don't eat wun ton noodles, they hang out with english speaking people only etc. Maybe Asian women who speak English.

u can live in hk and work there and not speak chinese?!?!

[ntan]

u can live in hk and work there and not speak chinese?!?!

No different from living and working in Vancouver and speaking limited English if you stay within Richmond.

[RFlush]

I am not fluent, no. I learned that if you want to be fluent, you need to actively take lessons, and speak it every day... I don't take lessons, and the only time I speak it is when ordering food or other small things like that :okay:

I am picking up a bit, I can follow some conversations a bit, I get a general sense of what people are talking about, and it often surprises them when I chime in in English :lol

So basically you are like similar to the people who can't speak English in Canada, except for the reverse.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/646952-can-your-parents-speak-english.html

[SkinnyPupp]

So basically you are like similar to the people who can't speak English in Canada, except for the reverse.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/646952-can-your-parents-speak-english.html
Pretty much, that's why I have no problem with them. Never have. A lot of my friends growing up had parents and grandparents like that, from all over the world.

But unlike many them, I don't specifically remove myself from local culture. You can't do that here unless you are a true expat or truly :alone:. Most HK people my age that I have come across socially can speak some English, and it's technically an official language here IIRC, so I am not as segregated as the people discussed in that thread.

Also, I want to learn canto. I am just really dumb, and lazy, and it's a fucken tough language to pick up. One day, I will have the motivation to put forth a LOT of effort to learn it fluently. Maybe once I get my full residency, some time in the future

[RabidRat]

Yeah, all in HKD. Damn in a good way or bad way? haha.

I have no idea about the other fields you listed, but for a new grad engineer, that is absolutely terrible.

To confirm, $20,000 HKD is $2570 CAD? So $30,840 a year?
And rent is about $1250 CAD a month? How could you afford to live?!

Starting salary in Vancouver for a new grad engineer is around $45,000.
Ontario: $60,000
California: $70,000

And that's being conservative. So I guess HK doesn't make sense for engineers then haha.

[too_slow]

A HK forum actually makes more sense than an island forum and an okanagan forum :suspicious:

Should make an "Australasia Forum" since I will be moving to Australia soon.. :alone:

[ntan]

I have no idea about the other fields you listed, but for a new grad engineer, that is absolutely terrible.

To confirm, $20,000 HKD is $2570 CAD? So $30,840 a year?
And rent is about $1250 CAD a month? How could you afford to live?!

Starting salary in Vancouver for a new grad engineer is around $45,000.
Ontario: $60,000
California: $70,000

And that's being conservative. So I guess HK doesn't make sense for engineers then haha.

This is especially true if the amount you make is NOT significant because the advantage of the lower income tax rate (flat 15%) in Hong Kong is not fully realized. If said person was making substantially more, then it'll be even more beneficial to work in Hong Kong as we have a progressive tax system here. At $20,000 HKD / month, it doesn't make much difference (Both post-tax income is roughly the same). Once you make more than ~$42,000 CAD /year (or $27,000 HKD / month), it starts becoming more and more attractive to work in Hong Kong vs. Canada.

And Hong Kong is not a "tech" city; it's finance-centric. Furthermore, a lot of the R&D for tech companies in Hong Kong gets outsourced to China, where it's significantly cheaper. This is the reason why I decided to decline a new-grad position at an engineering firm in Hong Kong as the salary was definitely unfavourable.

Starting salary for new-grad engineers vary by discipline. I have personally found that high-tech companies pay more vs. traditional engineering disciplines / fields.

[asian_XL]

Apartment rent and price in Hong Kong used to be affordable, we all know that. In 2006, the first year I came back here, $20,000hkd salary ($2940cdn when 1:6.7) is not a bad number, you can get a decent 2 bed room apartment for $2mil ($294Kcdn). Things went down hill when the RMB went up like crazy and HK real estate become the prime investment tool for the mainlanders. No one did anything about it. Like ntan mentioned, income tax rate is low, 15% is only the annouced number. After all possible deductions, last year my rate was a very low 7-8% number + that $6000 scheme, ending up I paid almost nothing.

All the jobs in Hong Kong do not pay their new grads or trainees that well. Maybe 15,000 or something for the first few years, then it goes double or triple afterward. That's one reason why Hongers switch jobs every several years to get a better compensation package.

You might consider Macau if your career does not go so well in Hong Kong.

[.Renn.Sport]

Hong Kong is finished anyways

Might as well just move back to Canada or China

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

I love chin... ese girls.

[Bahhbeehhaaaa]

my fucking god... CY Leung won... R.I.P. hk..

[top_gear]

what happened to elites ruling hong kong?

hk is really done

[Bahhbeehhaaaa]

yupp.. hk is done.. =(((

[RFlush]

And how is hk done?

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah I don't get how it's "finished". It's not like anyone has a say in who is the Chief Executive... It's basically a fixed election, so how is the outcome today relevant?

[yray]

^HK People tend to whine about everything :troll:


From Tung to Donald, the whining hasn't stopped :P, even when Patton was here we were whining.

[pure.life]

I think they voted for a city official that is pro-China. Hence, communism. For those who are well in touch with hk, please educate us more. I'm interested to see how this affects the city

[ntan]

my fucking god... CY Leung won... R.I.P. hk..

This year's chief executive election was hilarious!

[HonestTea]

my fucking god... CY Leung won... R.I.P. hk..

what happened to elites ruling hong kong?

hk is really done

yupp.. hk is done.. =(((

For those of us that don't know the situation in HK could you guys explain why?

[Sky_High]

Hong Kong is finished anyways

Might as well just move back to Canada or China

Please don't. :rukidding:

[SkinnyPupp]

I don't know why they call it an election, as only about 1100 people participate in the vote. And most of those, of course, have close ties to China. So basically HK's leader is chosen in the best interest of 0.014% of the population.

But we all knew that going in. We also knew that they were going to chose Tang, who somehow managed to botch a fixed election, which is amazing in itself. So then, we all knew that CY was going to be chosen.. so what's the 'new' thing that is causing HK to be "finished"?

Seems like nothing more than status quo to me. If anything, this may hopefully lead to more opposition, and more support to fight for universal suffrage.

This July 1 will be interesting

[ntan]

Aren't they changing it to a general public election in 2017?

[qoopoo]

Which website do you guys use to read about HK news in English? My chinese is not fluent so I am unable to read the chinese websites, but I would like to keep up with the current events in HK

[.Renn.Sport]

Say goodbye to democracy in Hk.

Plus the whole election was just a puppet show, he was chosen a year ago by the Chinese gov

[twitchyzero]

^ feel free to educate the rest of RS but i didn't see HK being very democratic the last decade and half

an Election Committee is almost ironic as the name Democratic People's Republic of Korea

[SkinnyPupp]

Say goodbye to democracy in Hk.

Plus the whole election was just a puppet show, he was chosen a year ago by the Chinese gov
But this is nothing new. It's been this way since 97.

[RFlush]

Really? Considering in 97 the CE was just appointed in hk, and more at least 1200 people can vote, I think its much better now. Also, it was Henry Tang that was originally backed by Beijing, everyone thought he would be the clear winner. Then the scandals happen and the public tight he was scum and it was the majority of hk who wanted CY Leung I think that shows that there is a somewhat democracy. The public got what they wanted and they were able to change the minds of those who are able to vote, I think thats great.

[ae101]

Say goodbye to democracy in Hk.

Plus the whole election was just a puppet show, he was chosen a year ago by the Chinese gov

really, cuz henry tang was chosen 9 years ago cuz chairman jiang & henry tang father were close friends

henry tang was gonna win its just that he screwed up REALLY REALLY badly, plus CY was really smart getting close to public people of HK hoping that would help him by forcing his way it using the pubic peoples power

also how is CY that bad, cuz i know he looks evil (like a cartoon vulture) but he for the public & since most of the real estate big corp did not support him, they went all to humilate CY which is not a gentlemens way at all

so most likely CY will take care of housing problem right now just to get to give these guys a taste of whats up

[SkinnyPupp]

it was the majority of hk who wanted CY Leung I think that shows that there is a somewhat democracy.
:rukidding:

I like you man, but that made my heart skip a beat when I read that :heckno:

I hope you don't seriously think like that

[RFlush]

:rukidding:

I like you man, but that made my heart skip a beat when I read that :heckno:

I hope you don't seriously think like that

Was CY Leung not leading the polls before the election?
Also in the Popvote he had the most non blank votes:

Total votes：222,990

Leung：39,614 (17.8%)
Ho：25,452 (11.4%)
Tang：36,226 (16.3%)
Blank votes：121,580 (54.6%)

Maybe the word majority was wrong, I just meant I think people did NOT want Henry Tang in, and the only alternative was CY.

[sh0n]

Can someone chim in about the whole Tang vs Leung as CE

The pro's and con's. Skip the scandel part. I just want to know which guy would have been better.

I heard so many different opinions from both sides. I just want to hear from someone that is from HK and how it affects them.

[RFlush]

Well for me, I am not originally from HK. I just came here 3 years ago so I am not sure how the "local" people think or those who have been here for a while.

To me, the way I see it is that whether CY, Henry or Albert, they are all pretty much the same. Most of the hongers just like to complain about everything. Mainland mothers, $6000, universal suffrage, D&G, just about anything. No matter what happens, people will be complaining.

I think both their platforms were somewhat similar. More social housing, more this more that, less pollution etc. I didn't really pay attention much to be honest. I just know from what I heard, that if CY Leung gets elected, property prices should drop to a more stable level (he was responsible for the social housing that led to the crash in 98). For myself looking to purchase a flat in HK, I was hoping he gets elected and I hope prices drop so they can be more affordable. On the other hand, I am sure those who have property don't want this to ever happen, so like I said, can never please all the hongers.

[.Renn.Sport]

The first thing CY will do now is to get article 23 passed.

Once thats passed, it wouldn't take long before you'll see youtube and facebook banned in HK!

and a public election? that will never happen

[RFlush]

The first thing CY will do now is to get article 23 passed.

Once thats passed, it wouldn't take long before you'll see youtube and facebook banned in HK!

and a public election? that will never happen

Come on man, do you think the locals will really allow that to happen? Last time they tried, there was mass protest and Regina Ip had to resign. The people in HK are more powerful than you think.

If they can get the first CE to step down, I am sure now with the post 80's they can get any law stopped if needed. China won't allow for it as well. As much as they dislike democracy, they promised that in 2017 it will happen. Especially with the disruptions and the change of power within Mainland, they don't want HK to become chaotic. Isn't that why they backed CY Leung instead of Henry Tang? At first everyone knew Beijing wanted Henry in power, but after public uproar, they decided to back CY to please the public. China can't allow for HK to be divided.

[SkinnyPupp]

Was CY Leung not leading the polls before the election?
Also in the Popvote he had the most non blank votes:

Total votes：222,990

Leung：39,614 (17.8%)
Ho：25,452 (11.4%)
Tang：36,226 (16.3%)
Blank votes：121,580 (54.6%)

Maybe the word majority was wrong, I just meant I think people did NOT want Henry Tang in, and the only alternative was CY.
I think the majority want to be able to nominate and vote for their own people. Why do you think the winner of the popvote poll was "WE DON'T WANT ANY OF THESE COMMIE CUNTS RUNNING OUR COUNTRY"

This is more than just people complaining.. they have every right to be upset when their 'leader' is chosen by 0.14% of the population! And it is so blatantly fixed, when the top 2 choices are two complete scumbags.

Complaining about not being able to take pictures of D&G is one thing, but complaining about universal suffrage is quite another.

I do agree that article 23 won't be passed as easily as hyde seems to think. That is a worst case scenario, and the protests will be bigger and bigger each time it is brought up. It will get VERY messy if it comes close to passing through.

[.Renn.Sport]

Do you think the locals have any power over the communist? Especially CY is already known as a underground communist member and also a member of Sun Yee On.

Henry Tang was never a candidate, he was only a tool to compete with CY so that it doesn't look like a one horse run.

and remember, this is china, they can promise you anything but never happens. Democracy is finished in hk. so is the 1 country 2 system.

[RFlush]

I think the majority want to be able to nominate and vote for their own people. Why do you think the winner of the popvote poll was "WE DON'T WANT ANY OF THESE COMMIE CUNTS RUNNING OUR COUNTRY"

This is more than just people complaining.. they have every right to be upset when their 'leader' is chosen by 0.14% of the population! And it is so blatantly fixed, when the top 2 choices are two complete scumbags.

Complaining about not being able to take pictures of D&G is one thing, but complaining about universal suffrage is quite another.

I do agree that article 23 won't be passed as easily as hyde seems to think. That is a worst case scenario, and the protests will be bigger and bigger each time it is brought up. It will get VERY messy if it comes close to passing through.

True, people want to be able to vote for themselves but the matter of the fact is, they can't. So taking that out of the equation, CY Leung was the most "popular" non blank vote. Even if people COULD vote, who would they vote for?

Do you think the locals have any power over the communist? Especially CY is already known as a underground communist member and also a member of Sun Yee On.

Henry Tang was never a candidate, he was only a tool to compete with CY so that it doesn't look like a one horse run.

and remember, this is china, they can promise you anything but never happens. Democracy is finished in hk. so is the 1 country 2 system.
I think you are abusing the word "communist" too much. First, let's say he IS an underground CPC member, so what? What does that mean? You really think that after 15 years, then all of a sudden CY will turn HK into mainland China? In 1997, Beijing appointed Tung Chee Hwa as the first CE of HK. There was no 1200 party election, nothing, just him being placed by the Communist Part of China. You really think that if China wanted to turn HK more into a mainland city, they wouldn't of done it before? Why now? Why CY?

China won't let it happen. The second anything remotely close happens, there will be mass protest and riots in HK. China can't allow that to happen as it will create anarchy, especially now during a crucial time of power change.

[SkinnyPupp]

True, people want to be able to vote for themselves but the matter of the fact is, they can't. So taking that out of the equation, CY Leung was the most "popular" non blank vote.

That is a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way from saying what you said before: "it was the majority of hk who wanted CY Leung I think that shows that there is a somewhat democracy."

Also, he only beat the other guy by 1.5%. But none of that really matters when the BLANK VOTE wins the vast majority.


Even if people COULD vote, who would they vote for?

Guess we'll never know until universal suffrage happens (if it does)

[RabidRat]

..income tax rate (flat 15%) in Hong Kong..

Once you make more than ~$42,000 CAD /year (or $27,000 HKD / month), it starts becoming more and more attractive to work in Hong Kong vs. Canada.

Ahh makes sense, thanks.

[ae101]

so henry tangs father being BEST BUDDIES with chairman jiang makes him a tool to compete this years CE race eh! :rukidding:

[PiuYi]

Especially with the disruptions and the change of power within Mainland, they don't want HK to become chaotic. Isn't that why they backed CY Leung instead of Henry Tang? At first everyone knew Beijing wanted Henry in power, but after public uproar, they decided to back CY to please the public. China can't allow for HK to be divided.

I'm not very educated on the topic, but with the rise of cities like Shanghai and Beijing becoming global cities, i would have thought the importance of HK to China has diminished rapidly... it no longer holds special place and value. Shanghai is as much as a commerce centre as HK is nowadays, no?

[RFlush]

I'm not very educated on the topic, but with the rise of cities like Shanghai and Beijing becoming global cities, i would have thought the importance of HK to China has diminished rapidly... it no longer holds special place and value. Shanghai is as much as a commerce centre as HK is nowadays, no?

China has targeted Shanghai to be an international finance city by 2020 and with that, the significance of HK will diminish. HK has been losing their competitive advantage and Singapore is always creeping around the corner.

Hong Kong DOES have the advantage over Shanghai and will always have it with the current currency control China places over the RMB. Without being able to float the Yuan, Shanghai can never become more dominant to HK. Not only this, the laws in China are not as transparent as in HK. HK was recently named the Best Place for Business (Hong Kong Beats Netherlands and U.S. as Best Place for Business - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-20/hong-kong-beats-netherlands-and-u-s-as-best-place-for-business.html)) and it's very easy for anyone to open up a business in HK unlike in China as the controls are tight.

Anyways, Hong Kong was once the gateway to China, but now HK has become to gateway to the west for China. With it's great financial and business stability, HK is important. The only question is, if China will allow Shanghai to be more "free" at the cost of China changing it's economic policies.

China needs a peaceful transition, and it starts in HK.

[fetched]

I see more and more of my friends going back to HK for better opportunities in the finance and engineering field as they can't find any jobs in Van. It was actually really easy for them to find a decent entry level job 10k+ with a lot of future potential. Keep in mind protests happen every where and as long as most people are fine with how things are run, protests won't get anywhere besides some minor temporary changes. HK seems fine to me from all my friends that have since moved back. Good opportunities, livable pay, and easy access to China.

I don't think universal suffrage is ever going to happen in HK. And I also doubt that people care anymore as they already know China would not allow that to happen, the protests I see don't even compare to some rallies in the states.

I was thinking about going to HK to work in a couple years, but then I don't have family there I could stay with to avoid the high cost of rent. I would much rather live in HK than China.

[SkinnyPupp]

I don't think universal suffrage is ever going to happen in HK. And I also doubt that people care anymore as they already know China would not allow that to happen, the protests I see don't even compare to some rallies in the states.
Are you saying that from experience, or are you basing it on what you see on the news, and from your friends?

[RFlush]

From my experience, those who have good jobs don't really give a shit about universal suffrage. They just want to make their money and buy their stuff like which has always been the normal for HK.

Maybe it's my circle of friends, who cannot represent all of HK obviously. I am sure people do care, especially the post 80s. I do think a lot of people are just followers and want to complain (as its a HK thing to do). People just have the idea that democracy is great.

As Karl Marx once said "Democracy is the first step to socialism".

[asian_XL]

^ local people, yes, they care a lot, it's in their mindset not being the communist slave. For those who have the options or passport to live else where like us, probably no.

[impactX]

Will look forward to see CY's policy on housing and whether he can attract talents to be the CS, FS, and the secretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau... Not sure if CY will be able to keep Norman Chan of Monetary Authority, who was the prodigy of Joseph Yam.

We all remember what happened back then when he was in the ExCo during Tung's reign.

Anyway, it will be a land of opportunity if sht hits the fan provided that you don't lose your jobs.

[CP.AR]

hopefully I can afford to move back if I get hired :okay:

[fetched]

Are you saying that from experience, or are you basing it on what you see on the news, and from your friends?

Def not from the news, from my friends, their friends, and my parent's HK friends. They seem to be happy the way it is. As RFlush mentioned, most people just care about money and lifestyle, which wasn't at all affected after 97'. I also base my logic on the frequency and amount of actual protests in HK, which you mentioned in the previous post.

I'm sure if China took away youtube and facebook, there would be more outrage and protests than universal suffrage

[Girl]

I live in Tai Po and lucky enough to live in a house, but it takes a lot of time to travel to the city and parking fees is a bitch here so I rather transit. I worked in Admiralty for a brokerage firm. There's definitely pros and cons to living here vs Van, but it's like that everywhere.

It's funny because I find myself meeting up with friends more in Hong Kong then I do in Vancouver, even if it takes me longer to get to them.

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah Tai Po is waaaaaaay out there. Convenient if you work in china probably

[ae101]

tai po is nice the air is clean & its not super out there with nothing as my aunt lives there

[asian_XL]

maybe another 4-5 yrs, Tai Po can go directly to Admiralty without changing trains and several minutes quicker

[ntan]

Anyone have comments about 九肚山. Don't know much about that area and would love it of some of y'all can chime in

[RabidRat]

hopefully I can afford to move back if I get hired :okay:

:lol what does that mean?? If you get hired you're going to have to move back, whether you can afford to or not. =p

[RabidRat]

Will look forward to see CY's policy on housing and whether he can attract talents to be the CS, FS, and the secretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau... Not sure if CY will be able to keep Norman Chan of Monetary Authority, who was the prodigy of Joseph Yam.

Protege?

[impactX]

Protege?

Thx! My Engrish has deteriorated. :D

[Stormspirit]

Does anyone know is it easy to get a job in HK with a BBA degree? With fluent cantonese and partial mandarin. But my writing is terribly bad, reading newspaper still ok .

[RFlush]

Do you have a hkid?

[Girl]

Does anyone know is it easy to get a job in HK with a BBA degree? With fluent cantonese and partial mandarin. But my writing is terribly bad, reading newspaper still ok .

If you can speak English like a native English speaker without any asian accents, you chances of a job is definitely higher. A BBA is a dime a dozen these days so having good English is a leg up.

[.Renn.Sport]

Anyone have comments about 九肚山. Don't know much about that area and would love it of some of y'all can chime in

used to live in that area a couple years ago. its pretty much like living in west van. it takes at least 10 minutes to drive to shatin. mostly large single houses there and starting price now is probably at least around 80-100m.

[asian_XL]

Does anyone know is it easy to get a job in HK with a BBA degree? With fluent cantonese and partial mandarin. But my writing is terribly bad, reading newspaper still ok .

BBA is the minimum requirement to get a job here. :accepted:
it is difficult to compete with people here who have a couple of undergrad degrees, 3 master degrees and a handful of professional qualification.

Speak fluent English is a must, but native english speakers will not make you much better. Of course it depends on which company you are working for. I used to work for Bank of China, absolutely no English needed.

[Sky_High]

Say you have a BBA / fluent English / etc...

How likely will they hire you if you can't read/write Chinese, but you can fluently speak/understand it?

[gearshifter]

Say you have a BBA / fluent English / etc...

How likely will they hire you if you can't read/write Chinese, but you can fluently speak/understand it?

Chances are... not likely. The only companies you can apply to are the international companies. However, as international companies, the competition is very high. In this case, either your work experience is very good or you have very a network.... if not then..... well... you are out of luck.

[ntan]

used to live in that area a couple years ago. its pretty much like living in west van. it takes at least 10 minutes to drive to shatin. mostly large single houses there and starting price now is probably at least around 80-100m.

Are the detached houses older or relatively new? How is the neighborhood in terms of outside traffic, etc.

Thanks.

[asian_XL]

Say you have a BBA / fluent English / etc...

How likely will they hire you if you can't read/write Chinese, but you can fluently speak/understand it?

do you have local working experience? companies look heavily on your years of experience if only a degree holder.

[.Renn.Sport]

Are the detached houses older or relatively new? How is the neighborhood in terms of outside traffic, etc.

Thanks.

its almost in the middle of no where. houses are relatively new and well kept. given the price of that area, it better be.

if you can afford it, its a great place to live, much better than living at the peak imo... but it takes at least 30 minutes to drive to central.

[urban.boi]

Say you have a BBA / fluent English / etc...

How likely will they hire you if you can't read/write Chinese, but you can fluently speak/understand it?

Not very likely, like others have said a Bachelor degree is just an entry in. I see a lot of people coming back with Masters degree and getting into jobs.

-----
Anyways I'm living in Happy Valley, owning the place. But I sometimes go back to my parents place which is in Sai Kung.