The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

Message from the President on World Press Freedom Day

3 May 2022

As we mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, we should pause and remember the many journalists and media workers killed so far this year in Ukraine while covering the conflict and in other trouble spots including Afghanistan, Mexico, Myanmar and around the world. They sacrificed their lives for the mere act of reporting, which should never be a crime and should never cost a journalist their life.

The past year has also seen an erosion of press freedom globally, with increases in threats against journalists, the use of legal tools to target legitimate reporting, online threats and harassment against journalists, a tsunami of disinformation aimed at undermining truthful reporting, and of course censorship. Here in Hong Kong, some news outlets have been forced to close and journalists arrested because of the application of the colonial-era sedition ordinance.

What do we do now and how do we face the future?

As a press organization, we will continue to try to hold the S.A.R. government officials to their word that Hong Kong continues to enjoy press freedom. That means we will continue to speak out on issues directly impacting the media, when it is appropriate and always within the law — since the Basic Law also allows for free expression. We will issue public statements when we feel our voice can make a difference, and we may at times send private letters to government officials expressing our concerns and seeking clarification or seeking to meet.

We will continue to express our deep concerns over any type of “fake news” law in Hong Kong and how such a law might be used to hinder legitimate reporting, and to offer our expertise on the subject. We will push for journalists to have access to public records and databases. We will continue having speaking events about press freedom, to which we invite government officials to attend. And we will continue holding workshops for journalists, including on matters involving physical safety, online threats and harassment, data protection, as well as mental health and trauma.

Hong Kong authorities should be willing to accept legitimate comment and criticism without resorting to automatic claims that the FCC is somehow “interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs” or “smearing one country, two systems.” I respectfully remind them that the FCC has been in Hong Kong for 73 years, and its members include many Hong Kong natives, permanent residents and long-time residents. The FCC is Hong Kong. We are a part of the fabric of the city and adding our voice to the discussion should be welcomed, not maligned. Moreover, what makes “one country, two systems” more than just a vacant slogan is that unlike elsewhere, Hong Kong has a diversity of voices and views, and everyone is allowed to voice those within the law, and without being subjected to veiled threats, intimidation and reprisals. As George Orwell said; “Freedom of the press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose.”

I know a few members who disagree with the decision of the FCC Board of Governors to suspend the Human Rights Press Award, even though there are clear and acknowledged concerns that continuing the Award in the current political climate would have posed a real and an immediate risk. I am thrilled the HRPA will continue in the future under a new administrator, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and new regional co-sponsors. But I’m saddened the FCC will no longer have any involvement or affiliation.

Some suggest that if you cannot speak out on every issue, then the Club should not speak on any issue. I disagree. I believe the majority of our members, as well as our friends, supporters and absentee members around the world, all understand that it is still better, indeed imperative, that we continue to speak up as forcefully as we can when we can. This means that we can continue to discharge our journalistic duties and maintain the level of civic discourse for which Hong Kong is rightly proud.

We do not plan to give up. Walking away now, when we can still try to have some impact and when we have something very much worth protecting, would be a betrayal to all those who have made great sacrifices for the profession of journalism, and for trying to seek the truth.

Keith Richburg
President

FCC Board of Governors Election 2022

To All Members,

The ballot has been sent to your correspondence address on 13 April 2022.

Please find the bio & policy statements from nominees for the election of the Board of Governors 2022-2023 at https://www.fcchk.org/nominees-for-the-election-of-the-board-of-governors-2022-2023/.

Mr Dan Strumpf has informed the club that he wishes to withdraw his candidacy for the post of correspondent governor in the election to the 2022/23 Board of Governors. As the ballots for the election had already been printed at the time this notification was received and as reprinting would not allow the ballots to be distributed to members within the schedule required by the Articles of Association, Mr Strumpf’s name remains on the ballot for correspondent governor.

For your information, the ballot will close at 3pm on Thursday, 19 May 2022.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Best regards,

Election Committee

30 April 2022

Important notice from the President

Dear Members,

I write to inform you that the FCC Board met on Saturday, 23 April, and, after a lengthy discussion, regretfully decided to suspend the Human Rights Press Awards pending further review.

I know this is an unusual step to take so late in the process, just weeks before we were set to announce the winners. It is likely to be deeply disappointing to all those who took time to enter, and to the judges and everyone else who invested their time and energy into this project.

Over the last two years, journalists in Hong Kong have been operating under new “red lines” on what is and is not permissible, but there remain significant areas of uncertainty and we do not wish unintentionally to violate the law. This is the context in which we decided to suspend the Awards.

This decision in no way reflects the FCC Board’s view of the content of any of the entries or the work of the independent judges.

The FCC intends to continue promoting press freedom in Hong Kong, while recognising that recent developments might also require changes to our approach.

This was a very tough decision to reach. We explored a variety of other options, but could not find a feasible way forward. It is particularly painful coming less than two weeks before May 3, World Press Freedom Day, when we normally announce the HRPA winners and celebrate their journalism.

We would like to thank and apologise to all the entrants, the judges, the staff members and others who gave their time.

Keith Richburg
President

25 April 2022

FCC resumes evening dine-in service on April 21 and fully implements “Vaccine Pass”

FCC resumes evening dine-in service on April 21 and fully implements “Vaccine Pass”

Dear Members:

In line with the government’s easing of pandemic restrictions starting April 21, FCC policies will be updated as follows:

•	All restaurants will be open for dine-in service until 10 p.m. every day. Last orders for food will be at 9 p.m., while last orders for drinks will be at 9:30 p.m.
•	Maximum 4 persons are allowed per table, each member can bring 3 guests.
•	The takeaway menu is available from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The menu can be downloaded from our website at fcchk.org. Please place orders with the FCC Restaurant at 2844 2806 or [email protected]. All orders will be confirmed by a phone call.
•	Private functions and meetings for a maximum of 20 persons can be arranged. Please contact our team at [email protected] to discuss.
•	No music performances at Bert’s will be held at this time.
•	The health club will reopen, although the sauna and steam room will remain closed. No more than 4 people are allowed in the health club at a time and masks are required while exercising. Please pre-register 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 will complete a COVID-19 rapid test every 3 days.

Please also be aware that the Club is now fully implementing the government’s “Vaccine Pass,” meaning that anyone 12 or older must scan a QR code that shows either their vaccination record or a medical exemption certificate. Anyone who is unable to provide valid proof of vaccination will be denied entry to the Club, according to the government’s regulation. You can visit here to learn how to obtain a QR code version of a medical exemption certificate. See below for more details on the number of doses the pass requires.
(https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/20/P2022032000438.htm?f_ontSize_=1)

Except for the three types of specified persons, all Members and their guests must scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code before entering the Club, including to use the workroom.

Please be aware that mask wearing is a government requirement except when eating and drinking, and anyone not wearing a mask faces a $5,000 fine. In case of an inspection and a fine being issued, the Club is not responsible.

Our Members’ health, along with that of our team, remains our most important priority. We thank all Members for their understanding and your continued support. Please stay safe, everyone.

Keith Richburg
President

14 April 2022

Nominees for the Election of The Board of Governors 2022-2023

Here are the nominations for the FCC Board of Governors 2022-2023. Below are links to each nominee’s bio and policy statement. Please read them before voting.

	Note:
	a.	Please indicate your vote by putting a “✓” in the appropriate bracket. Any mark other than a “✓” shall invalidate this Ballot paper.
	b.	If vote(s) casted exceed(s) the number allowed in respective capacity, this Ballot paper shall be invalid.
	c.	Bio & policy statements of the candidates are available at the FCC website <www.fcchk.org>.
	d.	The completed Ballot paper must be received by the Club, either by mail or in the Ballot box, not later than 3pm on Thursday, 19 May 2022.


Candidate

PRESIDENT: (The position of President can be voted by Correspondent members only) (Vote for not more than one)
	1. Keith RICHBURG – Journalism and Media Studies Centre The University of Hong Kong

	FIRST-VICE PRESIDENT: (The position of First Vice President can be voted by Correspondent members only) (Vote for not more than one)
	2. Hannamiina TANNINEN – Kauppalehti, Hong Kong Correspondent

	SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT: (The position of Second Vice President can be voted by Correspondent, Journalist or Associate members) (Vote for not more than one)
	3. Tim HUXLEY – Mandarin Shipping

	CORRESPONDENT MEMBER GOVERNORS: (The position of Correspondent Governor can be voted by Correspondent members only) (Vote for not more than eight)
	4. Rebecca BAILEY – AFP
	5. Jennifer JETT – Asia Digital Editor, NBC News
	6. Kari Soo LINDBERG – Bloomberg News
	7. Kristie LU STOUT – CNN INTERNATIONAL
	8. Shai OSTER – The Information
	9. Olivia PARKER – The New York Times
	10. Peter PARKS – AFP
	11. Dan STRUMPF – The Wall Street Journal

	JOURNALIST MEMBER GOVERNORS: (The position of Journalist Governor can be voted by Correspondent or Journalist members) (Vote for not more than two)
	12. Zela CHIN – TVB
	13. Joe PAN – ImpactNFT Alliance and News

	ASSOCIATE MEMBER GOVERNORS: (The position of Associate Governor can be voted by Correspondent, Journalist or Associate members) (Vote for not more than four)
	14. Genavieve ALEXANDER – Genavieve Co. Ltd
	15. LIU Kin-ming – KM & Associates
	16. Christopher SLAUGHTER – Consultant
	17. Richard WINTER – China Tonghai International Financial Limited

FCC Minimum Spend

FCC Minimum Spend

Dear Members:

Whilst the FCC has continued to operate despite the COVID-19 related restrictions, the Board is aware that some members have not been able to fully utilise their membership in recent months. In consideration of this, it has been agreed that the minimum spend requirement which would normally be charged to members at the end of March will be rolled over for three months and will now appear on members’ June accounts. The facility to purchase vouchers for later use will also continue to be available. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their continued support of the FCC.

16 March 2022

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors 2022 – 2023

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors
2022 – 2023

Dear Members:

The FCC Annual Nomination Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 6 April 2022 for the purpose of accepting oral nominations for the Board of Governors for the 2022 – 2023 Term.

Under the provisions of the Articles of Association, nominations may also be made in writing.

For those who wish to make a written nomination or nominations, please use the form(s) we are sending to you by mail or you can ask from the office. The written nominations should be delivered to the Club office, either in person or by registered letter, no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 6 April 2022.

Nominations are invited for the following positions:

	A President who shall be a Correspondent Member. The nomination must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.
	A First Vice-President who shall be a Correspondent Member. The nomination must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.
	A Second Vice-President who may be a Journalist Member or an Associate Member. The nominations may be made and seconded by Correspondent Members, Journalist Members or Associate Members.
	Eight (8) Correspondent Member Governors who shall be Correspondent Members. The nominations must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.
	Two (2) Journalist Member Governors who shall be Journalist Members. The nominations may be made and seconded by Correspondent Members or Journalist Members.
	Four (4) Associate Member Governors who shall be Associate Members. The nominations may be made and seconded by any Voting Member.

A Member being nominated does not mean that he or she is elected a Club Officer. An election by mail ballot will be held subsequently and the mail ballot papers together with a list of candidates accepted will be sent to all Members of the Club one week after the Nomination Meeting.

A candidate for election to the Board of Governors can accept nomination for only one position on the Board of Governors.

By order of the Board of Governors,

Keith RICHBURG
President

FCC helps the community during the pandemic

FCC helps the community during the pandemic

Dear Members:

I would like to update you that FCC is joining hands with the community in the fight against the covid pandemic. We hope our small acts can help relieve the mounting pressure on some social welfare organizations.

Currently, FCC has collaborated with HELP for Domestic Workers to donate meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and water to those having to quarantine.

Furthermore, we are working with China Coast Community, which provides residential care for English-speaking elderly persons regardless of their financial circumstances, to donate food, face masks and rapid test kits. To make a direct donation please get in touch with Rita at [email protected]

I strongly encourage all members and your friends to show support to the community during this crisis. Here is a list of the many charities that support Hong Kong’s most vulnerable that you can donate to, whether it’s through financial means, your time by volunteering, or giving items that people might need like rapid test kits or household items to battle the pandemic.

HandsOn Hong Kong
https://www.handsonhongkong.org/Our-NGO-Partners

Some other voluntary groups, NGOs and charities
https://www.angloinfo.com/hong-kong/directory/hong-kong-voluntary-groups-ngoscharities-551

NGOs providing subvented services
https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_links/page_ngowebsite/

Your participation means a lot to the people in need in this time of crisis. Stay healthy and safe.

Keith Richburg
President

Update on COVID-19 Preventive Measures

Update on COVID-19 Preventive Measures

Dear Members:

Further to my communication of 26 February 2022, I would like to update you on the Club's current policy in light of the current situation with COVID-19.

Going forward, we will adopt a policy of remaining open even if there are cases of infections found among Staff or Members/Guests, albeit with reduced services. This policy is in line with the government regulations, details of which are provided in the regular "What’s On" communications.

Every evening, we will undertake enhanced cleaning of the Club Premises. If we have any reports of infection from Staff or Members/Guests, then the affected areas will be subjected to a further deep cleaning overnight. We do not intend to advise Members every time there is an infection, after obtaining medical advice and because it is clear that the omicron variant, while more contagious than past strains, is less virulent.

Please bear in mind that:

(i)	All Staff are double vaccinated, and currently undertaking their Booster shots.
(ii)	All Members and their Guests must swipe the "LeaveHomeSafe" application and show proof of vaccination in order to gain entry to the Club, in line with Government regulations.

Our Members' health, along with that of our team, remains our most important priority. We thank all Members for their understanding and support of the Club. Please stay safe.

Keith Richburg
President

1 March 2022

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The FCC Lounge & Main Bar will reopen on Sunday Feb 27 with limited food service & implementation of “Vaccine Pass”

The FCC Lounge & Main Bar will reopen on Sunday Feb 27 with limited food service & implementation of “Vaccine Pass”

Dear Members:

I am writing to update you that, following our closure due to a preliminary positive Covid infection of a staff member, we will be reopening the Club Lounge & Main Bar on Sunday Feb 27 with limited food service. During the closure, we took the opportunity to deep clean the entire Club premises. There will be no booking available for Feb 27 and the office will resume service on Feb 28. We will ensure that all staff members have completed the rapid test and have a negative result before returning to work. The rest of our outlets will be back to normal operation gradually in the next couple days, so please be patient and stay tuned.

The FCC restrictions will continue as follows:

•	All restaurants will close at 6 p.m. every day. Last food orders must be made by 5 p.m. and last drinks orders by 5:30 p.m. Maximum 2 persons are allowed per table, each member can bring 1 guest.
•	The takeaway menu is available from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. The menu can be downloaded from our website at fcchk.org. Please place orders with the FCC Restaurant at 2844 2806 or [email protected]. All orders will be confirmed by a phone call.
•	No banqueting is available. There will be no in person club luncheon talks but the Club will organize some zoom talks to members.
•	No music performances will be held at this time.
•	The gym is closed.
•	All persons must wear a face mask at all times within Club premises, except when eating or drinking at the table.

Please also be aware that the Club is now fully implementing the government's “Vaccine Pass", meaning that anyone aged 12 or above must present a QR code of their vaccination record (at least the 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine) or an exemption certificate for scanning. Anyone who is unable provide valid proof of vaccination will be denied entry to the Club, according to the government’s regulation. You can visit here to know how to obtain a QR code version of a medical exemption certificate.

The “Vaccine Pass” has 3 phrases based on vaccination status. Please refer to the table here.

Members and their guests must scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code before entering the Club, including to use the workroom. Only the specific three groups of persons have the option to either using either the “LeaveHomeSafe” apps or completing a specified form.

Please be aware that mask wearing is a government requirement except when eating and drinking, and anyone not wearing a mask faces a $5000 fine. In case of an inspection and a fine being issued, the Club is not responsible.

Our Members' health, along with that of our team, remains our most important priority. We thank all Members for their understanding and your continued support. Please stay safe, everyone.

Keith Richburg
President

26 February 2022