The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

FCC given new 3-year lease

Dear Members,

I am very pleased to inform you that the FCC has secured an extension to the lease on our Clubhouse for a further three years from 2 January 2023 until 1 January 2026.

We have received an offer from our landlord, the Government Property Agency, which is subject to contract, and the Board has confirmed our acceptance of this offer. This means we can continue in our home and provide security of employment to our loyal staff. We expect to sign the new lease in the coming days.

The lease contains other provisions that are now standard in all government leases, including allowing the Government to terminate the lease at any time with 3 months notice, or immediately if in the interest of national security.

With our immediate future now secure, we can continue to be the world’s best press club and we look forward to welcoming all members to continue enjoying our unrivalled ambience and hospitality. The past few years have been extremely challenging for the Club, and I want to thank all of you for your support and patronage. I also would like to thank all the Members of the Board of Governors who worked tirelessly with me to help achieve this positive outcome, with a special thanks to our Treasurer, Tim Huxley.

With our future settled, we also now need to ensure that our financial position is strengthened. We will therefore be making some amendments to our fees. From January 1st 2023, monthly subscriptions for all categories of membership will rise by HK$ 100 per month to HK$ 1200. This will be the first increase in monthly subscriptions in seven years and the FCC remains one of the best value Clubs in Hong Kong.

In addition, from Lunar New Year’s Eve 2023 (21 January), joining fees for Associate Members will rise to HK$ 45,000 while for new Correspondent and Journalist members, the joining fee will rise by a similar percentage to HK$ 3,850. Our discounted scheme for early career journalists will remain unchanged. All membership applications received before that date will be eligible for the current joining fees, regardless of when membership is approved.

These changes are necessary to help us to begin to restore the financial health of the Club after the uncertainties of the past few years. In addition, the Board will be considering other proposals, such as the introduction of a spouse fee and possible amendments to the Silver Membership category. However these changes would require an amendment to the Articles and hence need further discussion and consultation with the members.

I am happy to answer any questions you have. And I look forward to seeing you around the bar.

Yours faithfully,

Keith Richburg
President

30 November 2022

The Club’s opening hour is back to normal from next Monday Nov 7!

Dear Members,

I would like to update you that the Government has further relaxed some social distancing measures effective from next Monday, November 7. The latest club policies will be updated as follows;

•

The opening hours of all restaurants and bars will be back to normal (as per the chart below). Last orders for food will be at 10:50 p.m., while last orders for drinks will be 30 minutes before the Club’s closure.

Venue	Monday – Saturday	Sundays	Public Holidays
Bert’s	Mon–Thu/Sat: 12:00–24:00 Fri: 12:00–01:00	closed	closed
Main Bar & Lounge	Mon–Wed: 07:30–24:00 Thu–Sat: 07:30–02:00	10:00–24:00	Sun–Wed: 10:00–24:00 Thu–Sat: 10:00–02:00
Dining Room, Verandah & Chinese Restaurant	Luncheon: 12:00–14:30 Dinner: 18:30–24:00	12:00–21:00 (Dining Room)	Luncheon: 12:00–14:30 Dinner: 18:30–24:00

•

Maximum number per table at 12 people is allowed; however, subject to outlets’ booking policy, pre-order is highly recommended for big groups.

•

Negative RAT test/ PCR test result is still required before entering the Club for participating in a banquet/ event.

•

Private functions and meetings with no more than 240 persons are allowed, subject to outlets’ maximum capacity. Please contact our team at [email protected] for more details.

•

Music performances at Bert’s are now back. More live events will be coming soon.

•

The health club remains open, although the sauna and steam room remain closed. No more than 6 people are allowed in the health club at one time. Pre-registration is required with the gym attendant at 2844 2849.

•

All persons must wear a face mask at all times within Club premises, except when eating or drinking at the table.

•

Staff continue to complete a COVID-19 rapid test every 3 days.

Children aged 5 to 11 are required to comply with the specified vaccination requirements under the Vaccine Pass when entering any applicable premises of the Vaccine Pass. Children ages 5 to 11 must have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, or within three months after receiving the first dose of vaccine. As for persons aged 12 or above, the grace period for receiving the third dose after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine has been shortened from six months to five months under the Vaccine Pass. Since the Club is subject to active checking of the Vaccine Pass, those who do not follow these measures will not be admitted. Click here to see more details on dosage schedule of Vaccines Pass.

Thanks for your continued understanding and support. I look forward to seeing you all at the Club!

Keith Richburg

President

3 November 2022

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards Clare Hollingworth Fellowships

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards
Clare Hollingworth Fellowships

FELLOWS

Teele Rebane

Teele Rebane is an award-winning podcast producer and host who currently works as a news desk researcher and producer at CNN. She is a graduate of the University of Hong Kong’s journalism program.

Simran Vaswani

Simran Vaswani is a reporter at DealStreetAsia who previously interned at Bloomberg, Forbes and CNN. She recently graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University’s international journalism program.

Hayley Wong

Hayley Wong is a recent graduate from the journalism school at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was previously an intern at Bloomberg News, where she covered politics across the region, and a reporter at Stand News.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is pleased to announce that it has chosen Teele Rebane, Simran Vaswani and Hayley Wong as recipients of the fourth annual Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named in honor of the preeminent and path-breaking journalist.

The panel of judges noted the winners offer clear potential as future leaders both within the FCC and the wider Hong Kong journalism community.

The Fellowship is focused on early-career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong.

The open competition drew significant interest from a cross spectrum of applicants. The adjudicators noted the high standard of applicants and encouraged all to apply again next year.

For further information on the Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, please visit https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-clare-hollingworth-fellowship-applications-open/

A Message from the President

A Message from the President

Dear Members,

I wanted to give you an update about the topic I know is on everyone’s mind — the status of the lease of our Clubhouse.

Our current lease, which is administered by Hong Kong’s Government Property Agency, expires on 1 January 2023, which means we are less than 70 days from the end of the lease. We first engaged the Hong Kong government in December 2021, to express our interest in a renewal, giving one year’s notice of our desire to stay. Our request was formally acknowledged then.

Much has happened over the last year, including the awful Covid fifth wave, and the change of administration on July 1. But at every opportunity, in my position as President, and on behalf of the Board, I have reiterated our request for a lease renewal to various relevant departments of the Government. In all of my communications, I have mentioned the urgency of the matter, so as to end the uncertainty, provide some security to our members and our staff, and to allow us to conduct needed maintenance work on our Clubhouse, a Grade 1 historic building, of which we are the proud custodians.

I have received recent assurances from the Government that they are aware of our concerns, and that the Government is actively working on our request for a renewal. I remain in constant contact, but at this point, we just have to wait for the official response.

I know the lack of a firm response so far has left many of you anxious and with many questions, but I remain very optimistic. While it may be frustrating to not have clarity immediately, given the tight timeframe, this process actually does not seem unusual; the current lease was signed on 29 December 2015, after the process started in August. Previous leases were also signed in December.

Please rest assured that I and all members of the Board have made this our top priority. We will keep you updated the moment anything changes.

In the meantime, as you can see from our events listing, we are going full steam ahead with planning, including a return to live music after a long wait. And I want to thank you for your continued support of the Club.

Keith Richburg

President

24 October 2022

Further Relaxation of Social Distancing Measures

Further Relaxation of Social Distancing Measures

Dear Members,

I would like to update you that the Government has further relaxed some social distancing measures effective from October 6. The latest club policies will be updated as follows;

•	All restaurants will be open until 11:59 p.m. every day. Last orders for food will be at 10:50 p.m., while last orders for drinks will be at 11:30 p.m.
•	Maximum number per table is extended to 12 people from 8, and each member can bring 3 guests. .
•	Negative RAT test/ PCR test result is required before entering the Club for participating in a banquet/ event.
•	Private functions and meetings can now accommodate up to 240 persons. Please contact our team at [email protected] to discuss.
•	Music performances at Bert’s are unfortunately still not allowed at this time.
•	The health club remains open, although the sauna and steam room remain closed. No more than 6 people are allowed in the health club at one time. Pre-registration is required with the gym attendant at 2844 2849.
•	All persons must wear a face mask at all times within Club premises, except when eating or drinking at the table.
•	Staff continue to complete a COVID-19 rapid test every 3 days.

Thanks for your continued understanding and support. I look forward to seeing you all at the Club!

Keith Richburg

President

6 October 2022

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FCC Influenza Vaccination 2022

Dear Members,

All FCC staff will participate in an influenza immunization programme in October 2022. 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 Friday, October 7, 2022.

Remarks:

Before entering the clinic, you must produce negative RAT photo with name, date and time, conducted within the proceeding 24 hours per the request from the clinic.
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.
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 October 2022.
Booking period: October 10–15, 2022 (Weekdays, 10am-12nn; 2:30pm-5pm / Saturday, 10am-12nn / Sunday & Public holiday will be closed)

Click here to download the form

Updated Vaccine Pass arrangement for children aged 5 to 11

Updated Vaccine Pass arrangement for children aged 5 to 11

Dear Members,

I would like to update you that the Government has announced new regulations to (i) lower the applicable age of the Vaccine Pass arrangements to cover children aged 5 to 11; (ii) adjust the vaccination requirements applicable to persons aged 12 and above. The updated arrangement is as follows:

Children aged 5 to 11

•	Starting from September 30, children aged 5 to 11 are required to have received at least the first vaccine dose within three months. If they received their first dose three months ago or earlier, they are required to receive the second dose.
•	Starting from November 30, the vaccination requirement for all children aged 5 to 11 under the Vaccine Pass will be to have received the second dose.

Implementation of Vaccine Pass

•	Considering that children may not possess a smart mobile phone for displaying their Vaccine Pass QR code, children or their family members may bring along and present a paper record printed with the QR code or present a photo of the QR code saved in a mobile phone.
•	Parents may also add their children as “My Family Member” in the eHealth mobile application so that they can retrieve and present their own Vaccine Pass as well as that of their children at the same time. Feel free to visit the relevant webpage to learn more.
•	A new function will be added to the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application soon to allow parents to save their own Vaccine Pass and that of their children

Persons aged 12 or above

•	Starting from November 30, persons aged 12 or above are required to have received the third vaccine dose.

Since the Club is subject to active checking of the Vaccine Pass, those who do not follow these measures will not be admitted. Click here to see more details on dosage schedule of Vaccines Pass.

Thank you for your continued support of the Club. Please take care, stay safe and healthy.

Keith Richburg
President

23 September 2022

FCC Clare Hollingworth Fellowship – Applications Open

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

Ms. Hollingworth had a remarkable career as a foreign correspondent with the scoop of the century as a 27-year-old when she reported on Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Ms. Hollingworth was also a treasured member of the FCC for more than 40 years who made significant contributions to the intellectual and professional life of the FCC.

The Hollingworth Fellowship honours early career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong. Journalists and journalism students from all fields of professional study are eligible. Applications close on 14 October. The fellowship will run for one calendar year, 1 November 2022 – 31 October 2023.

Overview of key features of the fellowship:

Complimentary access to all FCC professional talks, official gatherings and conferences (subject to pandemic restrictions);
Unlimited access to the FCC facilities including the gym and workroom;
FCC monthly dues and the membership fee are waived for the fellowship period; and
Networking opportunities with senior newsroom leaders

For details on past fellows, please see below:

Fellows Requirements and Expectations

Produce and contribute a piece in their field for the FCC (e.g. long-form article for the FCC magazine, The Correspondent (see examples here and here); photographic exhibition for the Bar, video piece for the website)
Assist in the organization of virtual and in-person events for journalists
Actively contribute to the intellectual and professional life of the FCC

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to apply:

At least two years’ journalism experience with a proven track record of developing stories in any sector or medium. Applications are welcome from candidates from foreign news organisations as well as local news organisations in Hong Kong
Be 30 years of age or under at the time the fellowship begins
Be a resident of Hong Kong at the time of application and a resident of Hong Kong for the duration of the Fellowship

Application Process and Material

Applications must be submitted in English by 14 October, 2022; late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only chosen candidates will be notified by writing. All files must be submitted in either PDF or MS Word format to [email protected] with the subject line Attn: first name/last name of applicant, Clare Hollingworth Fellowship application. Applications should include:

Two pieces of published work, or in the case of a journalism student, two essays of no more than 2000 words each
A 500-word statement of intent for the piece that the Fellow will contribute to the FCC
Please send via post two sealed written references from suitable referees, e.g. senior editor or journalism school dean again with the same subject line: Attn: first name / last name of applicant, Clare Hollingworth Fellowship application. The reference letters should be sent to The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong. When submitting your application, please note in the covering email that the references have been sent via post. Reference letters should specify how long the referee has known the applicant and in what capacity, comments on the applicant’s potential to make an impact in the field of journalism, and any relevant prior experience.
Recent resume of no more than 2 pages
Provide a valid HKID card number.

Update on entry to Private Functions: Negative RAT test/ PCR test required

With the number of COVID-19 Omicron cases in Hong Kong continuing to rise, the Government has announced a new measure starting from Sunday, 28 August 2022.

All Members holding a private function or joining a Club event, and any Members’ guests joining these activities, must before entering show our staff photographic proof of a negative RAT test. The RAT test must be taken within 24 hours of joining the function and must show the person’s name, date, and time the test was taken, as per photo sample. Alternately an SMS notification can be shown containing the result of a negative PCR test received within the 48 hours preceding his/her entry to the Club.

(Sample of RAT test result)

For reasons of hygiene and the safety of all Members and staff, RAT tests must be conducted prior to your arrival at the Club. Tests cannot be taken here at the Club.

If Members are in any doubt as to whether their event or booking is affected by these new conditions, please contact the office at 2521 1511 or email [email protected]. Those who do not follow these measures will not be admitted to the event.

Thank you for your continued support of the Club. Please take care, stay safe and healthy.

Keith Richburg
President
30 August 2022

LeaveHomeSafe App Update: “Red and Amber QR Codes”

LeaveHomeSafe App Update
“Red and Amber QR Codes”

Dear Members:

I would like to update you that the government has announced a new Vaccine Pass Color Code System — blue, red and amber codes. Under the regulations, any persons with the red or amber codes will not be allowed to enter the club. You can find more details here:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/08/P2022080800771.htm?fontSize=1. Please also be reminded to update your LeaveHomeSafe app to version 3.4.0 to access your coloured Vaccine Pass QR Code in the “Vaccination Record” section.

The Club restrictions will remain in place. Feel free to visit our site at: https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-restrictions-update-on-2-june-2022/ for more information.

Once again, I want to thank all Members for your continued patience, understanding and your support.

Keith Richburg
President
12 August 2022