The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

2022 HUMAN RIGHTS PRESS AWARDS – Open for Entries on January 1, 2022

Update: The Human Rights Press Awards have been suspended.

2022 HUMAN RIGHTS PRESS AWARDS

Open for Entries on January 1, 2022

(Scroll down for Chinese version)

As the world marks Human Rights Day, Asia’s most prestigious awards honouring outstanding human rights reporting is announcing that it will be open for entries from January 1, 2022 to February 1, 2022 (11:59 PM, HKT).

The Human Rights Press Awards, now in their 26th year, are organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong.

Showcasing this work has become more important than ever as governments around the region step up threats to basic freedoms since the pandemic broke out, whether it be locking up journalists, carrying out arbitrary detentions or silencing political opponents.

Submissions must have been reported about the Asia region and been published or broadcast during the 2021 calendar year. Entries must be in either English or Chinese.

Categories include Breaking News, Feature, Commentary, Multimedia, Video, Audio and Photography. Please go to the website for more details.

Each entry must cite the article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the work seeks to address. This landmark document sets out the inalienable rights to which every person is entitled. The full text is available here: https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

Please mark your calendars and be ready to submit your work!

The online entry form will be open on January 1, 2022 at:
https://humanrightspress.awardsplatform.com/

For further information, please visit:
http://humanrightspressawards.org

And follow us on:
Twitter https://twitter.com/HRPressAwards
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HumanRightsPA

For queries, please contact the awards administrator:

Telegram: https://t.me/iHRPA
Email: [email protected]

二零二二年人權新聞獎

2022年1月1日起接受報名

亞洲矚目的新聞界盛事、二零二二年人權新聞獎將於2022年1月1日起接受報名，誠邀新聞工作者踴躍參與，截止日期為2022年2月1日（香港時間23:59）。

人權新聞獎由香港外國記者會主辦，以表彰亞洲區的卓越人權新聞報道，今年已是第二十六屆。獎項旨在增加公眾對人類基本權利尊重，並令大眾關注任何對這些權利之威脅。

自新冠疫情爆發以來，區內多個政府對基本人權自由之侵害不斷加劇，以防控疫情為由打壓言論自由、集會自由等事件時有發生，令舉辦此獎項更顯重要。

參選作品必須為亞洲區的人權議題採訪報道，並於二零二一年內刊出或公開播放。參賽作品須以中文或英文提交，今屆參賽類別包括：突發新聞、特寫、評論、多媒體、錄像、電台廣播和錄音及攝影。詳情請瀏覽人權新聞獎官方網站。

參加者必須註明參選作品與《世界人權宣言》中哪一條人權宣言相關。
《世界人權宣言》全文：https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

網上報名平台將於2022年1月1日正式開放：
https://humanrightspress.awardsplatform.com/

有關比賽詳情請瀏覽新聞獎官方網站：
http://humanrightspressawards.org

亦可追蹤我們的社交平台以獲得最新資訊：
推特： https://twitter.com/HRPressAwards
臉書： https://www.facebook.com/HumanRightsPA


如有查詢，請聯絡新聞獎秘書處：

Telegram: https://t.me/iHRPA
電郵：[email protected]

Visit our new Members’ Area in our FCC Website!

Dear Members,

Since the launch of our newly developed FCC Website www.fcchk.org early this year, the site is now faster loading, more secure and has a mobile version to cater for accessing everything on the site via all smartphones and tablet devices. The website's new features include a scrolling social media feed and easier-to-find archives of our speaker events. It also provides easily accessible and searchable news about the Club, our press freedom statements, and notices about our upcoming luncheon talks and our food and beverage promotions.

Now we are delighted to announce that the Members' Area is ready. It enables members to check their account statements and manage their own account. The online booking function and the E-Shop is still being tested and will be released soon, so stay tuned.

To use the Members' Area, you will first need a one-time registration. An introduction on ‘How to register the members’ area’ is attached here. If you have any questions on how to register, feel free to contact the Concierge team at 2521 1511 or [email protected] on weekdays from 0900 to 2100.

The unveiling of this site is a culmination of months of work from the tireless staff along with the Board. We are proud of all their contributions and we thank everyone for their efforts.

Let me know what you think — I'll see you at the Main Bar.

Cheers,

Keith Richburg
President

24 September 2021

FCC Minimum Spend

Dear Members,

With the lifting of many of the restrictions which have limited FCC activities for so long, we have been delighted to welcome back more members to the Club's expanded offering of speaker events, film nights, musical events and our extensive F&B promotions. As a result of the Club being more accessible, the minimum spend requirement will now revert to being charged to Member's accounts on a quarterly basis and hence will be charged to Member's September accounts which will be sent in early October. We will continue to offer the opportunity for Members to purchase vouchers to be used in subsequent months if you are unable to utilise the Club before the end of September.

21 September 2021

FCC Influenza Vaccination 2021

Dear Members,

All FCC staff will participate in an influenza immunization programme in October 2021. The vaccination will be administered by a registered doctor from a reputable clinic in Central.

There will be 50 doses available for FCC members on specific dates at a discount price HK$220.

Anyone who is interested please complete the reply slip and reserve with the FCC concierge at (tel) 2521 1511, (fax) 2868 4092 or (email) [email protected] on or before Thursday, October 7, 2021.

Remarks:

The influenza vaccine is only available for the child above 6 months.
Any person who is hypersensitive to egg protein, suffer from acute severe febrile illness or previous severe allergic reaction to flu vaccine etc. is not suitable to take the influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine can only be taken after the completion of 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and that 14 days have passed from the date of receiving the 2nd dose.
Most people achieve protection from influenza vaccine approximately 2-3 weeks after receiving the immunization, so travelers should allow adequate time for vaccination before departure.
It is recommended to consult your personal doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking the vaccine.
Confirmation will be sent to you once your booking is accepted. If you do not receive a confirmation within two working days, please contact our Concierge.
The amount shown below will charge to your FCC membership account in November 2021.
Booking period: October 11–22, 2021 (Weekdays, 10am-12nn; 2:30pm-5pm / Saturday, 10am-12nn / Sunday & Public holiday will be closed)

Click here to download the form

Moving to “Type D” — Bringing Back Live Events

Dear Fellow Members,

I’m pleased to be able to report to you that the Club is running smoothly since we moved to the government’s “Type C” category on July 1. The success is because of all of you and the broad cooperation we have received. And I’m also happy to report that all of our staff have completed the vaccine program. You will have noticed that the Club has been full and buzzing of late.

As the next step, we are planning next week to move forward to “Type D” category, which means bringing back live events like our regular Club luncheon speakers, live music in Bert’s, our popular film nights, and of course banqueting at full capacity — all to bring back more of the atmosphere and buzz that has made the Club such a magnet for us all.

Starting from Monday August 2, we will go to “Type D” category upstairs on the first floor and downstairs in Bert’s. With this move, we will be able to operate those venues at 100% capacity and with 12 people seated together at a table.

Please note: those venues will continue to operate under “Type C” when there are no private functions or Club events, but will temporarily shift to “Type D” during events. To operate those facilities under “Type D”, some further steps are needed from all of us planning to attend events.

What is “Type D” operation?

•	Mandatory use of “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app
•	At least two-thirds of the total number of participants must have received the first vaccine jab and can show proof (through a QR code or on paper).
•	Capacity up to 100%
•	Maximum 12 persons per table

Please be aware that use of the “LeaveHomeSafe” app is a government requirement, and anyone not using it faces a $5000 fine. There is no exception for not having a smartphone. The only exception is for visitors under the age of 16, and those 65 or older, who will be allowed fill out a form. Individuals – that is, members and their guests – bear responsibility for using the app. In case of an inspection and a fine being issued, the Club is not responsible.

I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and willingness to adapt to these varying restrictions and regulations. And I will of course be in touch if anything changes as we monitor the situation and follow the government’s announcements.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you around the Main Bar.

Keith Richburg

President

27 July 2021

FCC Minimum Spend

Please be advised that FCC Minimum Spend, which was rolled over from March, will now appear on members' June statements which will be sent in early July. We are hopeful that current restrictions will be eased in the coming weeks allowing for greater enjoyment of the Club, with a return of popular events such as guest speaker lunches, quiz night, increased banqueting options and longer opening hours. Please remember the minimum spend can be used for the club's extensive take-away menu, including drinks. Additionally, vouchers equivalent to any outstanding minimum spend can be purchased and will be valid for use through to September 2021.

23 June 2021

The Club is moving to “Type C” under “Vaccine Bubble” on July 1

The Club is moving to “Type C” under “Vaccine Bubble” on July 1

Dear Fellow Members,

I am pleased to be able to share with you some encouraging news.

More than 90% of our FCC staff have so far begun their vaccinations, including those who are medically exempted. Such a high rate will soon allow the Club to gradually increase our operations as we work to return to something more like our pre-pandemic ‘normal’.

Our next goal is to move to the government’s “Type C” category, which will allow us greater operating flexibility. We will do this effective July 1. Please note: this requires action from members as well as staff.

“Type C” will enable us to increase table size to six persons from the four allowed under our current Type B category, and to extend the closing time from 10pm until midnight. We hope to expand operations further over the next few months.

To get to “Type C”, all of our staff must have received at least first dose of a vaccine. We’re confident we will manage this by the end of June.

The change for members is that they and their guests will have to use the government’s Leave Home Safe app to visit the Club. This is a government stipulation and those who do not do so face a $5000 fine. There is no exception for not having a smartphone. The only exception is for visitors under the age of 16, and those 65 or older, who can still fill out a paper form.

Please be aware that individuals – that is, members and their guests – bear responsibility for using the app, not the Club, in case of an inspection and a fine being issued.

We’re looking forward to welcoming more members back to the Club under “Type C” and also to bringing back more of the atmosphere and buzz that make the Club such a magnet for us all. These measures will also go some way to reducing the financial deficit caused by the restrictions associated with the pandemic.

I expect that in early August, we will be able to go further still and move the first floor to Type D. That would mean the Main Dining Room, the Verandah as well as the Hughes and Burton Rooms could operate with 8 people per table and stay open until 2am. They will also be allowed to have events and functions for up to 100 people. For that to happen, all members using that floor will need to have had at least their first vaccination, or bring a medical exemption certificate along with a negative result from a Covid test taken in the last three days.

We’ll update you on our progress towards that goal in the coming weeks. We plan that the Main Bar and Lounge as well as Bert’s, will continue to operate under “Type C” even if the first floor goes to Type D.

These are important milestones in our efforts to return to normality and improve the Club’s financial performance and they can be met only with your cooperation and support. Thank you!

Keith Richburg

President

致各位會員：

首先，很高興在此與大家分享一個令人鼓舞的消息。

至目前為止，本會已有超過九成員工開始接種疫苗，包括已取得醫生證明書而獲豁免者，有望能夠逐步地回復到疫情前的正常運作。

由7月1日開始，本會將轉換到C類的運作模式，當中需要會員和員工的一定配合。

由B類轉換到C類的運作模式，每枱人數可由最多4人增加到6人，營業時間由晚上10時延長至午夜12時。我們期望在未來數月可以再進一步恢復一切運作。

為達到C類的運作模式，所有員工必須已接種第一劑疫苗，我們有信心員工會在6月底前完成。

根據政府規例，會員和賓客必須使用「安心出行」進入本會，而該程式需在智能電話下載。若違反規定，可處定額罰款5,000元。至於未滿16 歲，及65歲或以上則可選擇填顧客資料記錄表。

就有關巡查或罰款細則，在此提醒各位會員和賓客，使用「安心出行」應用程式屬個人責任，而非本會。

本會希望C類運作模式可以款待更多會員，亦能帶動更多歡樂氣氛，提高本會的吸引力，同時舒緩因社交距離限制而帶來的財政赤字。

預計8月初開始，一樓樓層將進一步轉換到D類的運作模式，即Main Dining Room、Verandah、名仕閣和漾馨廳可以每枱最多8人，營業時間延長至凌晨2時，宴會人數上限亦可增至100人。為此，所有會員和賓客必須已接種第一劑疫苗，或因健康理由不適合接種者需出示醫生證明書及宴會前3日內檢測結果呈陰性證明。

在未來數星期，我們會定期向大家更新營運進度。儘管一樓樓層轉換到D類的運作模式， Main Bar、Lounge和Bert’s會繼續在C類的模式下運作。

有賴各會員的攜手合作和支持，本會才能努力回復正常運作及改善財政狀況，共同實現這個重要的里程碑。

特此感謝！

瑞凱德

主席

FCC CLARE HOLLINGWORTH FELLOWSHIP

FCC CLARE HOLLINGWORTH FELLOWSHIP

Applications open until July 14, 2021

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, is accepting applications for the Clare Hollingworth
Fellowship, named after the preeminent and path-breaking journalist.

The Clare Hollingworth Fellowship will honour early career journalists and current journalism school
students in Hong Kong. Journalists and journalism students from all fields of professional study are eligible.

Benefits include full membership, complimentary access to events and networking opportunities. Applications close on July 14. The fellowship will run for one calendar year, 1 September 2021 – 31 August 2022.

Please spread the word and forward to friends and colleagues.

For more details on how to apply, visit our website.

Update of COVID-19 “Vaccine Bubble”

Update of COVID-19 “Vaccine Bubble”

Dear Members,

I wanted to give you an update on where we stand regarding vaccinations since the government introduced its “bubble” program to incentivise people to get inoculated.

We are currently operating what is referred to as Type B catering premises, which means only four allowed to a table and the Club must close at 2200hrs. (Detailed club measures can be found here). To seat larger groups and have longer operating hours under Type C — as well as to increase the capacity for private functions under Type D — our entire Club community will need to play a part. This means everyone getting vaccinated. It will also mean everyone using the Leave Home Safe app as required by the government rules. These steps will allow the Club to gain the most and bring us back to financial stability, which is crucial for our long term future.

The Club has already been encouraging our staff to get vaccinated and supporting them in doing so. Our General Manager this month sent a personal letter to staff sharing his vaccination experience and followed it with a town hall with staff on May 14th. On May 25th and Jun 3rd, we have invited all staff to attend a Covid-19 vaccine talk conducted by a doctor, where concerns and questions can be addressed. HR is talking with those staff who have serious concerns.

With all of this, we hope we will have 100% of our staff having either their first, or both injections, within two months. That will allow us to move from Type B to Type C. Members should note that for Type C, it will also be mandatory for all members and guests, between the ages of 16 to 65 years old, to scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code with their mobile phone when checking in. We would no longer be able to accept paper registrations.

Our goal is to eventually reach Type D, which would allow us to open for longer, seat even larger groups and, perhaps most importantly, resume functions of up to 100 people under some conditions and thus begin generating revenue again from hosting events – a critical step in being able to reduce our current financial deficits. Type D needs all staff to be fully vaccinated and all members and guests to have had at least a first jab, in addition everyone using the “LeaveHomeSafe” app to enter the Club.

To this end, we’d like to understand how members feel about Covid-19 vaccinations and their plans for getting inoculated, so that we can better understand the potential demand for increasing capacity as explained above.

The survey is anonymous and literally takes seconds to complete.

I thank you in advance for participating. The link to the online survey can be found here.

Keith Richburg
President

Enclosure: Restaurants ‘vaccine bubble’ arrangement

FCC Election and AGM Reminders

FCC Election and AGM Reminders

Dear FCC Members:

Please remember to vote in the upcoming election for the Board of Governors. Polling closes on May 20 at 3 p.m. A ballot has been sent to the address you have listed. If your address has changed — if, for instance, you are working from home and your ballot is usually sent to your work address — please let the front office know at [email protected]

Ballots can be returned to the FCC via mail, courier or in person. If you are having trouble returning your ballot please let the front office know.

There are competitive races in all governor categories, so your vote is important. You can review the board of governors’ ballot and policy statements on the FCC website.

It’s also important to return your proxy voting form if you will be unable to attend the club’s annual general meeting, to be held on Tuesday May 25 at 6 p.m. The proxy form allows you to designate the chair of the AGM to vote on your behalf or to designate a member attending the AGM to vote in your place. (Download proxy form)

Thank you and remember to vote and turn in your proxies.

11 May 2021