HOT’ N’ HIP GIGI LEUNG PROMOTES CITY OF LIFE IN KUALA LUMPUR, SINGAPORE

One of Hong Kong’s most popular young stars, Gigi Leung, joined the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) in Kuala Lumpur Saturday, 22 July to introduce the latest and diverse attractions of the City of Life to young female travellers of Malaysia and Singapore.

The hot ’n’ hip 24-year-old actress/singer — who personifies the new generation of young Asian females who are trendy, professional and relish new experiences, products and services — performed at a show entitled “Hong Kong City of Life - presents an afternoon with Gigi Leung” at the Star Hill Centre. She sang several songs from her latest album, Today; gave away prizes to the winners of the Female/Nuyou New Age Woman contest, and held a quiz session with the public.

At a press conference Friday, 21 July, Ms Leung spoke to the media about her own personal experiences, views on women in Asia, and unique aspects of her hometown Hong Kong, which she believes encapsulates the modern Asian city. She said she was honoured she was chosen to represent Hong Kong’s New Age woman: “In my view, we’re not just interested in shopping and dining, but have diverse interests, an international outlook and very knowledgeable about trends.”

Ms Leung also recommended some of her favourite spots to visit in Hong Kong including her favourite boutiques, places of interest and where she likes to hang out after work, which she believes would equally appeal to female visitors from other Asian countries.

The HKTA’s Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia, Mr David Leung, said that Malaysia and Singapore are two of the top source markets for Hong Kong in Southeast Asia. “In 1999, ranked fifth and eighth respectively in terms of visitors arrivals from all countries around the world,” he said.

“Moreover, out of more than 262,000 Malaysian visitors to Hong Kong, over 50% are female travellers. Notably, young ladies aged between 20 and 30 make up 20% (52,400) of the total visitor arrival figures from Malaysia,” he added.

Mr Leung added that latest research revealed that Malaysian visitors are drawn to a diverse range of special interest activities in Hong Kong. These include Chinese and other gourmet dining, visits to film studios and television stations, Chinese performing arts, eco-tourism, arts and culture exhibits, and canto-pop concerts.

Based on these trends and findings, the HKTA assisted MPH Publishers to launch IN: A New Age Woman Guide to Hong Kong, particularly for Malaysian and Singaporean female travellers. It is available free with the purchase of the July editions of Female or Nuyou magazines in Singapore and Malaysia. Cathay Pacific Airways is giving special discounts off its Supercity Packages to readers of these two magazines in July and August.

The publication highlights the latest, newest and trendiest aspects of Hong Kong in four main themes: In Vogue (fashion), In Sync (beauty and leisure activities), In Place (dining venues and nightspots), and In Touch (cultural activities). It also showcases the candid views and feelings of four outstanding Hong Kong women: about love, friendship, career, relationship and family. They are fashion designer Flora Cheong Leen, film director Mabel Cheung Wan Ting, and celebrities Michele Reis and Hsuan Jessica Hester.