#Hong Kong sustainability

[k00299471]

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Beads are an interesting way to add a 3D to a design, it is glitzy and eye catching and will flow with the models walk, to me it almost going back to ancient Asian tradition with such detail added to each piece.

[sustainabilitytravel]

Paving the Way for a Greener Future: Cathay Supports Hong Kong’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plan

Cathay backs Hong Kong’s push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), embracing policy recommendations to strengthen the city as a global green aviation hub. Continue reading Paving the Way for a Greener Future: Cathay Supports Hong Kong’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plan

[aention123]

Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Aention's Expert Gardening Services

Transforming your garden into a vibrant and inviting outdoor space can significantly enhance the beauty and value of your home. At Aention, we understand the importance of a well-maintained garden, and our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized gardening services tailored to your specific needs. Based in Hong Kong, we specialize in creating lush, thriving gardens that reflect your style and complement your lifestyle.

Our process begins with a comprehensive consultation where we listen to your vision and assess your outdoor space. We consider factors such as sunlight, soil quality, and local climate conditions to design a garden that thrives year-round. Whether you desire a colorful flower bed, a serene landscape, or a functional vegetable garden, our skilled team works closely with you to bring your ideas to life.

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Aention. We believe that a beautiful garden should also be environmentally friendly. Our team utilizes eco-friendly practices, selecting native plants that require less water and maintenance while promoting local biodiversity. We implement sustainable gardening techniques, such as organic fertilizers and natural pest control, ensuring that your garden flourishes without harming the environment.

In addition to our design services, Aention offers comprehensive maintenance packages to keep your garden in top shape. Our dedicated team handles all aspects of garden care, including weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and seasonal planting. With our expert maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without the stress of managing it yourself.

At Aention, we pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. Our goal is to create outdoor spaces that not only meet your expectations but exceed them. We understand that each garden is unique, and we take the time to develop tailored solutions that suit your preferences and lifestyle.

Let Aention help you elevate your outdoor space into a stunning garden that enhances the beauty of your home. With our expertise and passion for gardening, you can enjoy a thriving, eco-friendly oasis right outside your door. Contact us today to begin your gardening journey!

[interpreterhongkong]

ESG 行銷在香港企業界的影響

近年來，環境、社會和治理（ESG）的概念已成為全球企業關注的焦點，香港也不例外。隨著企業和投資者越來越認識到可持續和負責任的實踐的重要性，ESG 行銷已成為提升企業聲譽和推動業務增長的重要工具。但是，ESG 行銷在香港的企業界真的有影響嗎？公司如何利用 ESG 行動獲得競爭優勢，這對其整體成功有何影響？

ESG 在香港的重要性不斷提升

由於多種因素，包括監管變革、投資者需求和社會期望，香港的 ESG 重要性顯著提升。香港交易及結算所有限公司（HKEX）實施了嚴格的 ESG 報告要求，要求上市公司披露其環境、社會和治理實踐。這些法規旨在促進企業部門的透明度、問責制和可持續性。

此外，投資者在投資決策中越來越重視 ESG 因素，認識到具有強大 ESG 表現的公司更能管理風險並抓住機會。這種投資者行為的轉變促使許多公司加強其 ESG 行動，並通過 ESG 行銷有效地傳達這些努力。

ESG 行銷的角色

ESG 行銷涉及向投資者、顧客、員工和社區等利益相關者推廣公司的 ESG 行動。有效的 ESG 行銷可以幫助公司建立信任，提升其聲譽，並在競爭中脫穎而出。以下是 ESG 行銷在香港企業界帶來影響的方式：

建立信任和可信度：

透明地傳達 ESG 努力的公司更容易贏得利益相關者的信任。例如，一家公司如果強調其減少碳排放、支持本地社區和確保倫理治理的承��，就可以建立積極形象並建立可信度。這種信任對吸引和留住顧客、投資者和人才至關重要。

吸引投資：

投資者越來越尋找具有強大 ESG 資質的公司。有效的 ESG 行銷可以突顯公司的可持續實踐和長期價值主張，使其對 ESG 專注的投資者更具吸引力。通過展示其可持續性的承諾，公司可以接觸更廣泛的資金來源並提高估值。

增強顧客忠誠度：

香港及全球的消費者越來越關注其購買行為的環境和社會影響。有效地行銷其 ESG 行動的公司可以區分自己並吸引優先考慮可持續性的顧客。例如，一家推廣其使用環保材料和公平勞動實踐的時裝品牌，可以吸引道德消費者。

改善員工參與度：

員工越來越希望為與其價值觀一致的公司工作。有效的 ESG 行銷可以通過展示公司對產生積極影響的承諾來提高員工士氣並吸引頂尖人才。例如，一家科技公司強調其減少碳足跡和促進多樣性和包容性的行動，可以創造一個更有動力和忠誠的工作團隊。

案例分析：香港的 ESG 行銷成功

幾家公司在香港成功利用 ESG 行銷來提升其聲譽並推動業務增長。以下是一些例子：

太古地產（Swire Properties）： 太古地產在可持續發展方面一直是領導者，其行動集中於能效、綠建築認證和社區參與。通過有效的 ESG 行銷，該公司傳達了其可持續成就，贏得了利益相關者的認可和信任。

中電控股（CLP Holdings）： 作為主要能源公司，中電控股強調其向低碳經濟過渡的承諾。該公司的 ESG 行銷努力突顯了其在可再生能源和創新技術方面的投資，使其成為能源行業的前瞻性領導者。

滙豐（HSBC）： 滙豐將 ESG 因素整合到其業務策略和投資決策中。通過推廣其可持續金融行動和支持綠色項目，滙豐加強了其作為負責金融機構的品牌。

ESG 行銷的挑戰

儘管 ESG 行銷帶來諸多好處，但也存在挑戰。公司必須確保其 ESG 聲明可信且有實際行動支撐。綠色洗白（greenwashing）——即公司誇大或���造其 ESG 努力——可能損害聲譽並侵蝕信任。因此，透明度和真實性對於 ESG 行銷至關重要。

此外，公司必須跟上不斷變化的 ESG 標準和法規。聘請 ESG 顧問（ESG 顧問）可以幫助公司制定健全的 ESG 策略並有效地傳達其努力。ESG 顧問提供有價值的見解和指導，確保公司的 ESG 行動符合最佳實踐和利益相關者的期望。

精英亞洲的全面 ESG 行銷服務

精英亞洲（Elite Asia）可以幫助您提供全面的 ESG 行銷服務，從 ESG 行銷策略、品牌知名度、ESG 品牌訊息、ESG 活動推廣等方面，協助您的公司在這一領域取得成功。

結論

ESG 行銷對香港的企業界產生了重大影響。通過有效地傳達其 ESG 行動，公司可以建立信任，吸引投資，增強顧客忠誠度，並改善員工參與度。然而，成功的 ESG 行銷需要真實性、透明度和對可持續性的真正承諾。隨著 ESG 重要性的持續提升，香港的公司必須利用 ESG 行銷來應對不斷變化的環境，實現長期成功。您的公司準備好利用 ESG 行銷的力量來產生影響嗎？邁向可持續未來的旅程始於對負責任實踐和有效溝通的承諾。

[notanannoyingfangirl]

Challenges of Corporate Secretarial Duties in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, with its unique position as a global financial center, presents a dynamic yet challenging landscape for Corporate Secretaries. Their role, pivotal in ensuring corporate compliance and governance, faces several specific hurdles in this vibrant business hub.

One of the main challenges is keeping up with the ever-evolving legal and regulatory frameworks. Hong Kong's legal system, while robust, is subject to frequent changes, often influenced by both local and international economic climates. For Corporate Secretaries, this means constant vigilance and continuous education to stay abreast of these changes and understand their implications for their organizations.

Another significant challenge is the complexity of corporate governance in a diverse and international environment. Hong Kong's position as a gateway between the East and the West means that Corporate Secretaries must navigate a business culture that blends various international practices. This requires a deep understanding of different corporate governance models and the ability to adapt and apply them effectively in the Hong Kong context.

Furthermore, the role of the Corporate Secretary in Hong Kong is expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Today, they are expected to play a more strategic role in the boardroom, contributing to major decisions and policies. This requires them to have a broader skill set, including strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of business operations and risks.

Managing shareholder relations is another area that poses challenges. Corporate Secretaries are responsible for ensuring effective communication between the company and its shareholders, which can be particularly challenging in a market as diverse as Hong Kong's. They must navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and varying expectations to maintain transparent and productive relations with all stakeholders.

Moreover, the increasing focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability presents new challenges. Corporate Secretaries are often tasked with ensuring that their companies not only comply with relevant laws and regulations but also operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. This adds another layer to their role, requiring them to be knowledgeable about CSR practices and sustainability issues.

In conclusion, Corporate Secretaries in Hong Kong face a unique set of challenges. From staying up-to-date with changing legal requirements to playing a strategic role in corporate governance and managing complex shareholder relations, their role is multifaceted and demanding. As Hong Kong continues to thrive as a global financial hub, the abilities and skills of Corporate Secretaries will remain crucial in navigating the complexities of this dynamic business environment.

[emilywongchuenfung]

AGNES B - TARA EXHIBITION HONG KONG 2021

[reasonsforhope]

"Discarded shells from restaurants and hotels are being used to restore damaged oyster ecosystems, promote biodiversity and lower pollution in the city’s bays...

Nestled in between the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong has been seen historically as an oyster hotspot. “They have been supporting our livelihood since ancient times,” says Anniqa Law Chung-kiu, a project manager at the Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Hong Kong. “Both oysters and their shells are treasures to humans.”

Over the past five decades, however, the city’s sprawling urban development, water pollution, as well as the over-harvesting and frequent seafloor dredging by the lime industry – which uses the crushed shells to make construction material – have destroyed Hong Kong’s oyster habitats and made the waters less hospitable for biodiversity.

The more oyster colonies falter, the worse the problem gets: oysters are filter feeders and purify water by gobbling up impurities. Just one Hong Kong oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water a day, more than any other known oyster species. But decades of rapid industrialisation have largely halted their water-purifying services.

The depletion of Hong Kong’s natural oyster reefs also affects the ability of local farmers to sustainably cultivate their oysters in a healthy environment, denting the reputation of the city’s 700-year oyster farming tradition, designated by Unesco as an “intangible cultural heritage”.

Inhabitants of the coast feel abandoned, says Ken Cheng Wai-kwan, the community leader of Ha Pak Nai on Hong Kong’s Deep Bay, facing the commercial city of Shenzhen in China. “This place is forgotten,” Cheng says. “Oysters have been rooted here for over 400 years. I ask the question: do we want to lose it, or not?”

A group of activists and scientists are taking up the challenge by collecting discarded oyster shells and recycling them to rebuild some of the reefs that have been destroyed and forgotten in the hope the oysters may make a comeback. They’ve selected locations around the island where data they’ve collected suggests ecosystems still have the potential to be rebooted, and there are still enough oyster larvae to recolonise and repopulate reefs. Ideally, this will have a positive effect on local biodiversity as a whole, and farming communities.

Farmers from Ha Pak Nai were among the first to hand over their discarded shells to the TNC team for recycling. Law’s team works with eight oyster farmers from Deep Bay to recycle up to 10 tonnes of shells every year [over 22,000 pounds]. They collect an average of 870kg every week [over 1,900 pounds] from 12 hotels, supermarkets, clubhouses and seafood restaurants in the city, including some of its most fashionable establishments. About 80 tonnes of shells [over 176,000 pounds] have been recycled since the project began in 2020.

Restaurants will soon be further incentivised to recycle the shells when Hong Kong introduces a new fee for waste removal – something that is routine in many countries, but only became law in Hong Kong in July and remains controversial...

Preliminary data shows some of the restored reefs have started to increase the levels of biodiversity, but more research is needed to determine to what extent they are contributing to the filtering of the water, says Law.

Scientists from the City University of Hong Kong are also looking to use oyster shells to increase biodiversity on the city’s concrete seawalls. They hope to provide tiny, wet shelter spots around the seawall in which organisms can find refuge during low tide.

“It’s a form of soft engineering, like a nature-based solution,” says Charlene Lai, a research assistant on the team."

-via The Guardian, December 22, 2023

[mybeingthere]

Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire in 1965, Alison Crowther is a sculptor and furniture maker working exclusively with English Oak. Having first studied 3D design at Buckinghamshire College and then Furniture design at the Royal College of Art, her first notable commission were the pews she created for the Prior Silkstede Chapel at Winchester Cathedral (1996) followed by Lover’s Seat at Chatsworth in 1999. Over the last twenty years, she has produced significant, site-specific works for international, corporate clients such as Swire Properties in Hong Kong: the Sheraton Hotel at Ghuangzhou, China; and the Shangri-La Hotel’s iconic Ting restaurant at The Shard in London. She has also undertaken many private commissions throughout Europe and the USA, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island.

The way Crowther observes and responds to her material, taking cues from the density, grain and growth pattern creates what Madeleine Bunting described as a ‘dialogue between material and human intervention'. Using tools that range from chainsaws to chisels, she produces work that is sometimes domestic in scale and functional in use, such as Glyndebourne Kissing Benches and sometimes monumental, as with Scale Tree I, created for One Shenzhen Bay. All her work is painstakingly hand-carved from great trunks of unseasoned oak, taken from responsibly managed woodlands within the South Downs National Park. Guided by the natural characteristics of the wood - often embracing the gnarly surface texture - her forms are true to the organic nature of the oak, while also complementing the environments in which they are to be ultimately used and displayed. The wood itself is on a continuous process of change and refinement as the timber ages and weathers, adding to its beauty and character.

[plagueddead]

Technoverse - A guide for interaction roleplay and insert wise.

This was EXTREMELY requested

This blog exceeds to help newcomers to my AU environment. This blog will be updated over time if I see fit to change how this works interacts with itself. This blogs images will be updated over time if I find more suitable matches.

Photos have been found through Pinterest and art station. I will try and credit the source if I can.

This is an AU inspired by Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This is a free to join au. Major canon characters are prohibited from being claimed. Villains are up to discussion.

This is a isn't the backstory post of the turtles but the world they live in.

THIS AU CONTAINS TOPICS OF RACISM, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES AND ACTIONS, AND VIOLENCE. Though I've done my best to try and make it as friendly as possible. This AU is a 16+ story due to these warnings.

Current AU time

25 years after the ROTTMNT movie.

AU Theme

Cyberpunk dystopia

Fantasy

Dark fantasy

Major city settings within AU

New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London

City Summary

After the integration of Yokai as independent civilians and free citizens world wide, and with the collaboration of their technology as well as krang salvage, a new system of buildings and interlinks have been created to accommodate citizens. Buildings stacked overhead that pierce the clouds, the old world was left to turn into slums and poor living areas on ground zero. Due to permanent clouds caused by pollution and overhead cities, these major empires are in a permanent state of darkness. Neon signs often light these cities to create a spectacular aroura of lights and designs. Though with a permanent overcast comes with a cost, as rain clouds mix with polluted smog to create a toxic like rain that causes many illnesses. It's common among every citizen to keep an oxygen mask at all times in case of rain.

City main inspiration and reference: Altered Carbon

Major cities as listed above are unique as floating SSC (Solar System Cosmopolis) Cities cover most of the dense populated area. These floating cities serve as purpose as secured homing for politicians, celebrities, and mostly the rich. Though they are also engineered mega labs founded by Barron Draxum and Donatello Hamato. They serve to bring back and study extinct species, cultivate cures for major diseases, and help improve on already futuristic technology. They spin very slowly and resemble that of a solar system. Hense the nickname.

These cities are held afloat by a self sustainable gravity generator that uses the gravity of a man made miniature star; created by Donatello Hamato (age 20).

Main inspiration from CMD Studios recent project!!!

Hidden cities

These main cities are focused world points for another reason. They rest above other hidden cities in which they have their own theme and setting.

New Yorks hidden city belongs to Big Mama, a spider Yokai who deals in illegal gambling and the distribution of illegal mystic items. NY Hidden city remains as a hub for traveling species of Yokai from all around the world.

Hong Kongs hidden city belongs to [REDACTED TBA]- A Dragon Yokai who deals in illegal sales of mystic items and krang salvage from the old battle.

This hidden city is less developed than the others, as most accomodation plans have been denied to preserve its pristine buildings and history. This hidden city resembles deep mountain caverns with buildings built into the sides. Common mystical creatures from Chinese mythology live within this city and rarely travel. Humans are not allowed.

Main inspiration by David Noren!

London's hidden city belongs to [REDACTED TBA] A plant like fairy Yokai who often helps with creating forged ID's to help Yokai find a better place to live. She also is known to sell potions that aren't approved by the hidden cities overlords and FDA.

This hidden city has developed slowly over time, but due to quick overgrowth of plants and trees. Most buildings have been built into large glowing trees that hang over the city in beautiful rainbow colors. The ground is a great hub for growing fruits and herbs for medicines. The Yokai in this hidden city are spirits from English folklore. They have spread over different cities over time.

Main inspiration found on Thin blue line on Pinterest!

Seouls hidden city belongs to [REDACTED] a Polar Bear Yokai who deals in illegal weapon distribution and species trafficking.

This hidden city is up to date and mostly in an indoor environment due to this hidden city being within a freezing temperature climate. More artic themed Yokai live within, but this hidden city is popular as a summar retreat by humans and other Yokai looking to stay cool for the summer. But this hidden city isn't as welcoming to humans as the others.

Main inspiration by Annabale Siconolfi!

Tokyos hidden city belongs to Yeosobai. A jellyfish Yokai who deals with handles most black markets and distribution of illegal substances.

This hidden city is completely underwater. Surrounded on a deep voided ocean under Japan, pod cities have been added to accommodate air breathing citizens, though most buildings were air tight even before. This hidden city is also a large hub for tourists due to its underwater appeal. This city distributes most seafood around the county. Known for its large amount of attractions and adult clubs, it's also a very crime ridden city.

This is also where Current Donatello resides.

Main inspiration creator unknown

Human and Yokai stances

With the sudden booming population of mutants and Yokai integrating into human society, of course tensions and protests by humans were bound to happen. A world they were so used to was building into something unknown before their very eyes after all. And so, tensions between species rose.

Humans with a deep dislike towards other species either hide their hate, or become extremists. Often getting tag as cultists as over years hate crimes toward Yokai and mutants became a world wide situation. Yokai were often kidnapped from their homes to be found barley recognizable by their attackers. Yokai would retaliate, and after much tension, civil wars broke out. Protests for safer living for both species were in demand, and so most governments integrated an artificial intelligence police force that contained mostly droids to prevent race picking. Most countries have adapted this form of law enforcement.

Cultists are still a major problem though their numbers have thinned.

The term Mutant has become a word to target Yokai and mutants in a hateful way, and this word soon became outdated. All non humans are now under the identification of Yokai. This includes mixed races between the two.

It's common for Yokai and humans relationships! Often by now the first generations of Yokai and humans hybrid children are born!

There are even schools for these rare breeds as they are still being studied as a new species.

It is illegal for most countries to have discrimination between species. No Yokai only or human only living spaces, restaurants, or shops.

Though within most slums there is a secret rule to separate the species as mostly disgrunted humans and Yokai live here.

And now we're here!

I want my character to join the au, but I don't know what's allowed!

This part of the blog aims to help you adapt your character into this new universe.

What should my character wear?!

It's really up to you! Most humans and Yokai wear mostly cyberpunk themed clothing! Often I find Pinterest as a source of inspiration. I think your character would fit better if it comes from a certain part of the world. Armor and glowing clothes are welcome and encouraged! Get creative!

I want my character to have cool robotic limbs and mods in their body! Is this allowed?

Yep! And encouraged! This is a futuristic setting! So modifications to the body aren't uncommon!

Can my characters have cool unique weapons?

Of course! And I'd love to see them!! 🔥🔥🔥

Do I have to ask before joining this AU?

Nope! But I'd love to see/read your creation! Or see that you're inspired to join!

Does my character have to be human?

Nope! Any species welcome!

Can my character already know personally main characters?

That's up for discussion. Current time Donatello isn't open to being known nor talkative to strangers. I'd like it if you didnt. He's playing dead unlike the rest of his brothers. Leo's up for discussion but with Mikey and Raph, they are more social and I can see them having multiple friends. Leo's treated more as a police officer and doesn't have a lot of friends due to his work.

Can my character work for the main boss Yokai of the hidden city.

Yes! I'd like you to stay close to what they do in terms of how they run things!

Can I claim ships with these characters?

NO.

Claiming ships with only your characters and main cast is prohibited. That's why Y/N is created as a medium for all 18+ participants that want to ship their characters with main cast. Ships are fun and welcome! But you cannot claim it as a you only ship.

Thank you for reading what I have for now! More to be added!

[groupchatbrain]

Kowloon Walled City (九龍城寨) in Hong Kong, at its height in the 1970s, was home to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people, all crammed into just 6.4 acres of land—making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Often referred to as the City of Darkness, it was a place where sunlight barely reached the ground due to the densely packed buildings that stretched skyward in a chaotic maze of makeshift structures.

People living there operated small businesses like fabric shops, hair salons, food vendors, and workshops. These were often run without licenses or official oversight, making it a largely informal economy. There was also a significant presence of illegal businesses, such as drug dealing, gambling, and prostitution, often controlled by the Triads. The residents were largely self-reliant, with local businesses serving the immediate needs of the community, such as food, healthcare, and other basic services. It was an environment where people had to find ways to make a living with little help from the outside world. This underground economy was fueled by the lack of governmental control. Kowloon Walled City existed in a legal gray zone, neither fully under the control of the British colonial government nor China.

For much of its existence, the area was lawless and ruled by the Triads, Hong Kong’s notorious criminal organizations. In the absence of government intervention, the Triads became the de facto authority. Ironically, despite its reputation as a lawless slum, Kowloon Walled City was remarkably safe—thanks to the Triads' influence, it had lower crime rates compared to other areas of Hong Kong. The tightly-knit community, though surrounded by chaos, developed a sense of security and mutual reliance, where, even though the environment was harsh, the people kept to their own and protected each other.

However, by the late 1980s, the city’s dangerous living conditions and lack of basic infrastructure led to mounting concerns. The Hong Kong government decided to demolish the Walled City. It was cleared to make way for the Kowloon Walled City Park, a public space that preserved some remnants of the original structures. By 1994, the area was completely transformed from one of the densest slums in the world to a green park.

Today, Kowloon Walled City is a symbol of both the resilience of its residents and the dangers of a society left unchecked by law. The park stands as a reminder of a place that, while controversial, was a unique, self-sustaining world that existed on the edge of civilization, governed by its own set of rules.

[aretheydriftcompatible]

On this day in Pacific Rim cinematic history

Newton Geiszler drifts with a kaiju brain in the lab, which likely leads, in part, to the events that follow:

Kaiju Leatherback and Otachi emerge from the breach and make their way to Hong Kong. The latter is pregnant.

Jaegers Cherno Alpha, Crimson Typhoon, and Striker Eureka are deployed to fight the two kaiju.

CA, CT, and their respective pilots are killed. SE narrowly misses the same fate when

Lady Danger is deployed as backup. She kills both Otachi and Leatherback, but not before they reach CITY. The city sustains major damage from both kaiju and Jaeger.

Meanwhile, Newton Geiszler has been traversing the city, looking to procure a kaiju's secondary brain. He aims to drift with it and learn how they operate.

In the rubble, dead Otachi gives birth to a baby kaiju with neotenously similar features to itself. The baby chases down several personnel, but just before it can reach Geiszler, it chokes on its umbilical cord and dies. Newton has his second brain.

[southeastasianists]

In a renewed critique, Cherian George, Professor of Media Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, called for the Singapore government to reconsider its approach, advocating for more collaborative and trust-building engagement with social issues, rather than imposing top-down authority for genuine community solidarity.

During a panel discussion titled “Community and the State” at the Institute of Policy Studies’ Singapore Perspectives conference on 20 January, George revisited the banyan tree metaphor, which was first introduced by former Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo in his 1991 speech.

At the time, Yeo had argued that for ground-up civic institutions to flourish, the state needed to “withdraw a little and provide more space for local initiative.”

Comparing the state to a banyan tree, Yeo, a fig tree that spreads outward indefinitely, stated:

“The problem now is that under a banyan tree very little else can grow. ” “When state institutions are too pervasive, civic institutions cannot thrive. Therefore, it is necessary to prune the banyan tree so that other plants can also grow.”

However, George countered that the banyan tree does not inherently stifle growth beneath it.

Instead, the banyan “remains close to the ground,” sustaining diverse life around it, “The banyan is strong and majestic, but it sustains diverse life beneath it, within it, and on it, unlike the giant redwood.”

In contrast to Yeo’s argument, George contended that “the state does not need to retreat from its engagement with social issues.”

Rather, he argued, “The state overwhelms society, not because it is too large or capable, but because it suppresses the vibrancy of civil society.”

He proposed that the PAP should be viewed as the gardener, rather than the banyan tree itself, suggesting that the government has been too focused on controlling and correcting citizens’ behaviour.

“Unwittingly, George Yeo highlighted the problem: he reflected the PAP’s techno-authoritarian impulse, deeply distrustful of life around them, believing that educated elites must use their superior capacities to correct citizens’ ways.”

George Highlights Overestimation of Societal Divides and Misperceptions of Others in Political Polarisation

In his address at the event, discussing political polarisation, George clarified that polarisation is not about differences in views or beliefs but about deep “us-them” divides, where opposing groups see each other as enemies rather than competitors. This lack of mutual respect undermines negotiation, compromise, and, ultimately, democracy.

He believed that the antidote to polarisation lies in building a larger “we” that recognises shared needs and cross-cutting identities, without erasing differences or imposing forced consensus.

George shared lessons from projects across different countries and highlighted the potential of dialogue and deliberation over traditional debates, which focus on settling arguments and declaring winners.

Properly designed conversations encourage listening and understanding, fostering collective learning and empathy.

George Highlights Media, Social Media, and Politicians as Drivers of Polarisation

George explained that deliberative forums, typically organised in small groups with trained facilitators, foster empathy and reduce animosity, even if participants do not change their views.

The most institutionalised form, citizens’ assemblies, involve diverse groups discussing controversial issues and presenting recommendations to lawmakers.

George further noted that people tend to overestimate how divided their own societies are, and how unreasonable and even immoral others may be.

Most people trust themselves to make responsible decisions for the common good but are less confident in others, especially those outside their immediate circle, he said.

He pointed out that these perceptions of others are shaped by three main sources: news media, social media, and political representatives, which tend to highlight conflict and amplify negative portrayals of groups.

Politicians and elites often drive top-down polarisation to create distinctions for their own advantage, further influencing public perceptions of others.

“Face-to-face dialogue and deliberation work because they bypass the political representatives and media that usually filter and distort our social relations,” George remarked.

George Emphasises Need for Balance Between a High-Capacity State and Vibrant Society

In analysing Singapore’s polarisation, George explained that the country has been spared the worst for two key reasons.

First, Singapore has a long tradition of responsive government, which has prevented communities from experiencing the prolonged insecurity that often drives them toward populism.

Second, because the major political parties are not ethnic-based, the risk of sectarian or religious-secular conflict is significantly lowered.

George acknowledged the concerns about the state of community in Singapore, noting that the country lacks the horizontal, people-to-people trust necessary for community to flourish.

Reflecting on the question of whether the government has “crowded out” opportunities for organic engagement, he recalled George Yeo’s metaphor of “pruning the banyan tree” from over 30 years ago but disagreed with the idea of pruning.

In the book PAP v PAP, co-authored with Donald Low, George argued that while Singapore’s capable state has proven vital during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, the issue lies in the assumption that such a state must be autocratic and suppress competition or dissent within civil society.

Drawing from Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson’s The Narrow Corridor, George emphasised the need for a high-capacity state and a vibrant society to complement each other, a balance that Singapore has yet to achieve, as the state currently overwhelms society.

Activist Groups Not a Threat to Singapore’s National Security

George also criticised the government’s approach to managing differing views, arguing that groups advocating for causes like Palestinian rights, migrant worker welfare, the abolition of the death penalty, or stronger climate action are not threats to national security or parliamentary authority.

Instead, they aim to shift public attitudes and values, yet are often excluded from mainstream media and academic spaces, pushed to adopt unconventional methods to gain attention, only to face legal penalties and blacklisting.

“They are just trying to persuade their fellow citizens and shift public attitudes and values in ways that policymakers cannot ignore,” said George.

He highlighted the government’s overregulation of areas like theatre, where even plays discussing environmental or political issues are flagged for potential public harm, reinforcing the idea that citizens need state protection from alternative viewpoints.

This approach has been internalized by the media, which has grown more averse to controversy over the past three decades, and by universities like NUS, which now require faculty to assess the controversial nature of talks before they proceed.

Geroge warned the indirect cost of the government’s approach to managing differing views, oting that it has led to a perception among Singaporeans that minority opinions and controversial views are dangerous and should be excluded.

He argued that the state has fostered a culture of vertical trust in leaders but horizontal distrust among citizens, creating a societal divide where the people are viewed as self-centered and untrustworthy.

This pattern, he said, echoes colonial-era divide-and-rule tactics, which have left Singaporeans with little trust in one another and a reliance on the state to manage relationships.

[xxxdragonfucker69xxx]

Hey! I've just started playing ttdfts and I've got some questions on behalf of my group. How do you think solely knowledge based rolls should be resolved? At this stage we're just rolling Yin + Metal but it doesn't feel quite right. Should I just hand out that info without a roll? I'm also interested in what direction you intend to take the dock district, I've got some players that are interested and I have some ideas but I wanted to know first what you're intending. Finally, do you pay the qi cost of sustained forms every time you invoke their effect, or is the qi cost just for sustained forms just for technique activation? Thanks!

I'll answer these backwards:

you pay qi cost of all forms once, upon activating technique

babble alley is based both on admiralty in hong kong and on the foreigners street in dali, and also on chinatowns around the world. it borders buntin, so there's this tension between all these foreigners washing up and forming these tight knit little enclaves, vs the island's earlier settlers who consider most of this lot blow-ins. but the every living thing clan's ancestral hall is probably on the border between these, because ultimately both groups are driven by identity and community. 鬼話街 is a great place to find someone and a great place to get lost

ok this answers gonna be a bit longer

so when you're resolving an action, like "knowing things", there's a ladder of resolutions:

does knowing or not knowing play into my current arc? would knowing fit one of my highlights? or not knowing? if so, i have the option to automatically know or fail

if that says nothing, then do i have a skill that would reasonably know, or a treasure, or can i get in contact with a connection who knows? if so, you know

if not, then you can roll, and you can pick whatever suits your method of knowledge. yin + metal would be a very common one and an easy default, but if you are drawing on ancient tradition you might use earth, if you're canvassing the phonebooks you might use wood, if you're throwing yourself into a risky gamble it might be fire or metal.

and if you're in a contest, either someone's trying to stop you from knowing this or racing you to learn it, you can turn it into a kung fu battle.

[hrodvitnon]

Don’t want to bother you with Godzilla stuff since you’re burnt out but did want to do one final (for now) “how would X kaiju fit into the Abraxasverse” thing. So here goes nothing:

Jet Jaguar: after APEX Cybernetics escapades in Hong Kong, many of their assets and technology was seized by Monarch. Amongst these assets were early designs for a humanoid robot. Engineer Goro Ibuki took particular interest in this design and, behind his employers back, began construction on a mechanical automaton designed to communicate with and care for Titans. He unveiled the project to Monarch’s directors in late 2023, alongside an advanced operating system known as PELOPS. Despite facing initial pushback from some members, Madison Russell in particular was enthusiastic about the project and vouched for him.

As the prototype was constructed, it would sent on a test run to the Hollow Earth. Intending for the robot to meet up with and attempt to communicate with Kong, it would be sidetracked turning its travel by an attack by Shimidah, knocking it into a repository of mysterious energy. While no serious damage would be sustained, Ibuki and his staff began to notice strange actions by JJ during subsequent trials. But they had not the slightest idea of just what was occurring.

They would soon find out. When the sub-terrain Titan Megalon was summoned to the service by a cultist, Jet Jaguar would unexpectedly take off from the facility in which it was stored. Despite attempts by Ibuki and his crew to recall the Mecha, they were unable to do so. Arriving in the Philippines to combat Megalon, JJ would put up a valiant fight, seemingly having a mind of its own. While it was unable to defeat the beetle-like monster by itself, it displayed another new ability, shifting in size. The timely arrival of Godzilla would soon lead to Megalon’s hasty retreat and Jet Jaguar would return to Monarch, completely of its own volition. Research by Ibuki and other scientists soon discovered the Hollow Earth energy had affected both the PELOPS system and JJ’s nanotechnology. A heated debate would occur amongst staff over the mecha could possibly now be sentient, particularly with its origins as a purely mechanical creation, unlike the mixture of biology and technology seen in Kiryu and Mechagodzilla.

The debate would soon be put to rest when Abraxas interacted with the mecha, which would eventually result in the mecha speaking directly to the staff as well as the Titans. For the first time a fully sentient artificial intelligence had been created, albeit accidentally. Those in Monarch are now grappling with this reality, while Jet Jaguar has began interacting with Titans on its own terms, particularly Abraxas, Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra, learning who it is and where it belongs in this new era of Gods and Monsters.

Zilla: unlike most Titans, Zilla is well and truly of the modern age. An ancient species of marine megafauna somewhat resembling iguanas, they would be exposed to large amounts of waste from French nuclear testing, mutating them from simple megafauna to titans. The initial progenitor of this new evolution would meet its end at the hands of G-Team after it attempted to nest in Sydney Harbour and attacked ships entering the port. One of its offspring would survive and emerge a few years later. With early sightings mistakingly identifying the young Titan as Godzilla, its emergence in New York City would see it recognized as a member of the same species as the Sydney creature. In homage to the initial reports misidentifying the beats as Godzilla, which had sent Monarch into a temporary panic, Rick Stanton would suggest the new Titan be classified as “Zilla”. Despite initial apprehension, the name would stay.

Headstrong and hotheaded, Zilla would soon encounter its namesake and attempt to battle the King of the Monsters. Despite being soundly defeated, Goji would sense much of himself in the young Titan and taking pity on him, offered to train him to be a better fighter. Zilla agreed and while he has made many attempts, he still has a hard time fitting in with the other Titans. Despite this, many of the younger titans have taken a liking to him and attempt to break his solemn exterior so that he may join them. Ladon in particular has taken to doing what he can to make Zilla soften up and become his friend. His father, despite the initial bad foot him and Zilla got off on, approves.

Amongst Monarch’s staff, Doctor Niko Tatopoulos has taken an interest in him and cares for him at the Monarch outpost near his home in Melbourne. Madison Russell also enjoys visiting the young titan, treating him almost like a pet. She particularly enjoys feeding him exotic fish as a treat. “He’s like a very large cat sometimes”.

King Caesar: Some titans are defenders of humanity. Some are protectors of specific sites or areas. King Caesar is both. When the Kingdom of Mu was first attacked by the spiteful Megalon, many of its residents fled in order to avoid the threat. Amongst those who attempted to escape was the islands High Priest, who eventually gave his life doing what he could to distract Megalon. Those who had fled would soon set up shop in Okinawa, where they began to build a new society. The priest would be revered and honored with a statue of a Shisa.

All would not stay peaceful for long those, as after a few years Megalon would find those who had fled the Kingdom he’d ravaged. During this attack, the Shisa statue miraculously began to animate and flight back against the massive monster. Driving Megalon back, he would chase him all the way to Mu, where he would force the bastard beetle to abandon the area he had called home for the last several years. Soon after, he would return to Okinawa and rest. Both Okinawa and Mu were now safe and able to rebuild.

Over the centuries, the statue would awaken multiple times to defend Okinawa from various titans which posed a threat. Many began to believe the spirit of the high priest which had gave his life so many years ago had someone been reincarnated into the strange entity. It soon gained a name, King Caesar, and took on a status as a sort of divine protector. Battling many threats throughout the ages, he would eventually be grievously wounded in a battle at Mount Aso and forced into slumber.

During the battle in Hong Kong, Monarch researchers observed a strange phenomenon occurring near Okinawa. It would soon be discovered that King Caesar had, after long last, finally been awakened. Unable to participate in the battle, he would soon be amongst those who challenged Abbadon’s attempted takeover of the ruined city. All was not well however, as the would he had sustained so many years ago still plagued him. After some thorough analysis, it was discovered that the wound could prove fatal if exasperated such as in battle, essentially forcing Caesar onto the sidelines.

All was not lost, as under advice from Mothra and Abraxas he has taken up the role of a teacher for several young titans, instructing them in the ways of fighting and in how to interact with humanity. Very rough around the edges and rather cranky, he nevertheless cares deeply about his allies and the little ones, seeing them as his responsibility perhaps more than any titan aside from the divine moth. Extremely spiritual, he is willing to join the fight should it be requested of him, even with the risk to his health. Should he perish in battle, he would be happy to have gone out defending those he cared for, though he’d never let you know it.

Megalon: Scheming, brutish, and unfortunately rather stupid, Megalon is best described as perhaps the Titan community’s biggest annoyance. Once worshipped as a god by an advanced civilization, his own childlike petulance resulted in the destruction of much of his followers and his home. Desiring a new abode, he would go on a crusade in which he attempted to conquer many places, seeking out civilizations which were similarly advanced as his had been. Despite initially conquering Mu, he would soon be driven from it by King Caesar and Manda, leading him to seek out alternatives. At every turn however, he would find himself encountering opposition, as he constantly attempted to encroach on the territory of other titans. Eventually he would be knocked out by Mothra, Anguirus, and Godzilla, slumbering for Millenia.

Sometime after the Many Crisis, Megalon would once again awaken and venture to the outside world again. After a chance encounter with Mandazawa and Rodan, he would lay low for a few years until being summoned by a cult descended from his old worshippers. Facing Jet Jaguar and Godzilla, he soon retreated and instead wandered aimlessly, eventually settling on Sollgel Island in an uneasy truce with Kumonga and Kamacuras.

Despite his aggressive and rather unpleasant personality, Megalon does have a softer side to him. After his brother disappeared eons ago, he has silently mourned him ever since. Upon the arrival of Gigan’s fleet to Earth, he would discover that his brother had long since been inducted into the abhorrent admirals ranks. Seeking to free his beloved sibling, he has secretly assisted the other Titans in driving back Gigan’s forces, choosing not to draw attention to himself due to his past transgressions.

Servum: The Servum are an odd bunch. Even by Titan standards they are unique, as they are plant-like organisms that are closely related to reptiles and have large wings. They can best be described as “Skullcrawlers that can fly”, being rather feral and chaotic. Incredibly difficult to reason with, Monarch’s mech division is often tasked with dealing with them. Oddly enough, they seem to have an affinity for Madison Russell. As to why this is the case is anyone guess, but ancient cave paintings to point to the Servum submitting to a large reptilian/plant titan with buds which resemble roses.

Salunga: One of the inspirations for the Oni of Japanese mythology, Salunga is amongst the nastiest of the Titans. Cruel and malevolent, he was amongst the few titans who killed simply for pleasure. He wreaked terror across Japan, devouring thousands and destroying many locales. This would eventually come to an end however, at the hands of King Caesar. The defender titan would battle Salunga fiercely near Mount Aso, eventually winning the battle after wounding him following an eruption. Despite this, Salunga was able to somewhat get the last laugh, as he managed to leave a deep wound in Caesar’s chest, forcing him to retreat and go into suspended animation.

Unlike many Titans, Monarch was entirely unwarranted of his whereabouts for many years. Since the Mass Awakening however, Salunga has set up shop in Mumbai, seemingly laying dormant beneath the city. With a Monarch outpost now constructed on the site, some staff members believe that the barbaric brute is not actually dormant, but is simply biding its time.

Ookondoru: a titan in name only, Ookondoru is a member of a species of condor like megafauna native to Leichi Island. Exposed to toxic waste, he would soon mutate and gain increased intelligence as well as becoming quite large. Despite this, he gained no abilities and is essentially just a giant sized condor. He once made the mistake of attempting to attack Godzilla and nearly paid for it with his life. Ebirah, who often roams near the island, finds him amusing and does his best to antagonize the large bird.

Kamanaga, Hanenga, & Zenbunga: Millenia ago, Sollgel Island was home to a cult which worshipped the gigantic Kumonga. The isle of the spider Titan would see prosperity and growth for quite some time. Not just for its people, but for its Titan protector too. Kumonga would give birth to a trio of children. Kamanga, the eldest and heir, was fiery and stalwart and was held in great respect as her mother’s successor. Hanenga, the middle child, was shy and reserved, but very close with her elder sister and became seen as a sort of leader fertility goddess by the islands people. By contrast the youngest, Zenbunga, was rebellious and troublesome, considered a god of mischief by the people of the island. Regardless of their differences, Kumonga loved her children and the island’s prosperity would continue for decades to come. It was, however, not to last.

Abbadon, a titan infamous for encroaching on territory not his own, would eventually emerge into Sollgel Island and attempt to claim it for himself. Using his parasitic drones, he would consume and control the islands people, wiping them out. Kumonga and her children fought bravely, but were soon overwhelmed. Desperate to protect their mother, the triplets would battle fiercely, before falling one by one to Abbadon’s parasitic control. With her home in tatters and her children under her enemies thrall, Kumonga was forced to slay her offspring during the battle. After driving Abbadon off, she would take their bodies and bury them beneath large constructs of webbing, mourning them for some time before entering hibernation. Unbeknownst to her however, the parasitic spawn within her children was only dormant, not dead.

Following Mechagodzilla’s emergence, Hong Kong would be left in tatters. With Abbadon attempting to claim the area for himself, he would summon all those whose bodies remained under his sway, including the three children of the Great Spider. Kumonga has now joined Kong, Abraxas, and other titans to combat Abaddon, hoping desperately that she can somehow restore her long lost children.

Zone Fighter: deep in the centermost regions of space lies the world known as Heiwa. This world was once held in the hands of Garoga, becoming their earliest colony used for genetic experiments known as Terror Beasts. After centuries of oppression, a resistance began to form against their rulers, lead by heroes known only as The Fighters. It would take years, but the Garoga would be driven from Heiwa and its people would become known throughout the galaxy as ambassadors as peace, with the leaders of the resistance fading into myth and legend. Millenia of general prosperity lasted, until two creatures suddenly attacked. A golden hydra and a cybernetic psychopath. The people of Heiwa would fight valiantly, though they lacked the ability to do much. After the initial attacks, they received a message, echoing in the voice of their old oppressors. “We are the Makers and you will submit or die”.

Panic set in. The Garoga had returned with two beings of great destruction under their control. A member of the Zone family, a young man named Ryusei, would discover that his family had been descended from one of The Fighters and uncovered three old devices used by the heroes of legend. He would use these devices to become Zone Fighter, a warrior capable of battling these titanic terrors on even footing. Despite suffering a loss in their initial battle, Ryusei would manage to push back against the Garoga and their two monstrous creations. Unfortunately, it was not to last.

The Garoga soon returned with both creations and an entire armada of Terror Beasts, laying waste to the planet. As Zone Fighter, Ryusei attempted to fight them off. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to stop all of the monstrous menagerie and was heavily wounded. With the planet falling, his family would place him in a spacecraft known as Smokey, alongside his sister and younger brother, and send them as far away as possible, hoping to preserve at least something of their people. However the Garoga would send their golden terror after the craft and damage it, which would cause it to eventually crash on a planet in the Milky Way, millions of light years away. As Heiwa was reduced to ash and molten rock, its people would somewhat get the last laugh. The hydra the Garoga had used to lead the attacks would soon turn against them and reduce most of them to extinction, just as they had done to the planet.

Ryusei and his family would land on the island that would become Japan, staying in stasis for billions of years. This would all change in 2019, when the familiar cry of a golden terror would awaken Ryusei from his slumber. Learning about humanity and taking on the identity of Hikaru Sakimori, Ryusei secretly battled Many instances in 2020 and has joined Monarch as a low level employee. He seeks to learn more about Earth’s titans and whether they are a threat, particularly Abraxas and Godzilla, as well as finding a way to awaken his siblings from stasis.

Well hope you enjoyed these. Went with the few remaining film ones and some more obscure ones (Salunga and the trio are from Singular Point, Servum from the anime trilogy, Zone Fighter from his show, etc) to develop some stuff. I completely understand the Godzilla burnout and I’m happy you’ve found a fun outlet for your boundless creativity in Signalis. Really hoping I can play the game soon as your posting about it has sold me on it. Hope you’re doing well and stay awesome.

Holy crap, lookit 'em all! Good to see King Caesar enter the mix, interesting take on Jet Jaguar, a different interpretation of Megalon; the only one I'm not so sure about is Zone Fighter, since if the Garoga are the Makers then it contradicts with AbraxasVerse canon (Ghidorah destroying them immediately after exterminating its first planet, unless Heiwa was that first planet). But that aside, these are pretty cool!

Oh wow, and if you do play SIGNALIS then I hope you enjoy it! And I hope to god my constant Signalposting won't turn into Hype Aversion, because that's happened to me before!

[talonabraxas]

The Central Galactic Sun Talon Abraxas

The energy of the Central Galactic Sun is concentrated fire energy that can either be extremely repelling (literally burning off disturbances or energy cords into the karmic worlds) or extremely loving (sustaining, nurturing and transmutative) depending on one’s intention and karmic purity. Mysterious Alignment of Stars Near the Galactic Center When the stars align! Planetary nebulae are clouds of gas expelled by stars at the end of their lives. The ejected clouds are ‘ghosts’ of their dying stars, forming beautiful structures such as an hourglass or butterfly shape.

Almost a decade ago, Manchester PhD student Bryan Rees discovered the alignment of planetary nebulae. However, it remained unexplained.

A collaboration of scientists from The University of Manchester and the University of Hong Kong have found a source for the mysterious alignment of stars near the Galactic Centre. Along with confirming the alignment, scientists found a particular group of leads that is responsible, namely close binary stars.

Scientists investigated a collection of so-called planetary nebulae in the Galactic Bulge, close to the Milky Way‘s center. These nebulae are unrelated, originate from distinct stars, were born at various times, and live their entire lives in multiple locations. However, the study discovered that many of these shapes align nearly parallel to the galactic plane (our Milky Way) in the sky and similar patterns.

This is in the same direction as found by Bryan Rees a decade ago.

The alignment is only present in planetary nebulae with a close star companion, according to the latest study directed by University of Hong Kong student Shuyu Tan. A tighter orbit than Mercury has to the Sun is taken by the companion star around the primary star at the planetary nebula’s center.

The alignment is not present in the planetary nebulae that do not exhibit near partners, which suggests that the alignment may be related to the initial separation of the binary components during the star’s formation.

[solariscrescentart]

FINALLY, IT TOOK FOREVER TO FINISH THIS!!  This piece was based off of the Hakka village, Lai Chi Wo, located in Hong Kong and is known for its sustainability and protection of its mangrove forests.

[Image ID: Pixelated artwork of a walled, Hakka village with Chinese-style architecture surrounded by dense forestry. There are mountains in the back, farm fields to the left, and a body of water in front of the village. Within the village, there is a diverse range of people standing outside houses. /END ID]