August Newsletter of the Irish Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong

September 18, 2025

A Chara   As you may know, and if you don’t where here to remind you, September is associated with Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, which falls on September 29th.   It marked the end of the harvest season, when workers who had gone off to find work came home for family reunions and was known as Fómhar nGéanna, the goose harvest, as they tended to make up the main item on the family menu. Nice for the families, not so great for the geese.   In local folklore it was also believed that if one of the Damhán alla (small spiders) happened to land on you, you’d get new clothing. So we suggest that if a spider does land on you perhaps you should avoid squishing it, you never know. We’re not sure what exactly constitutes a small spider in this regard, but we’re guessing anything big, hairy and with fangs probably doesn’t.  Now on with the news, and there’s a fair bit coming up.   But first …

Looking Back   Hong Kong's ambitious SMEs are eager to expand globally, but many face complex challenges like foreign transactions, limited resources, and knowledge gaps, according to a recent Airwallex study. How can businesses turn these obstacles into opportunities?   We were delighted to join with Airwallex, and the German Chamber of Commerce (HK), for “Distinctive Paths to Unlocking Global Commerce," an exclusive event which provided insights into the challenges and strategies of overseas expansion and payment.   This included a special panellist from MyMyPanda which outlined their China Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) and bonded warehouse solution, offering cost-efficient direct selling (B2C channel) for overseas products entering the Chinese market.   Thanks to all those who helped create this instructive event.

Coming Up   Still on the topic of money, we have a webinar coming up in association with Acuma. Whether you’re planning for a retirement abroad, or simply unsure of how to plan your future, this promises to show how you can transfer your Irish pension overseas with confidence, combine multiple pensions into one plan and safeguard your family legacy.

Register and join with the following link: Webinar Registration - Zoom

And looking even further ahead…   If it Works Don’t Fix It

Working on the tried and trusted principle that if the first one is a success you should definitely have a sequel, we're planning another (Even More) Fun Family Day Out on October 11th at Ona, Discovery Bay.   From 12 pm to 3 pm you and the kids can sit by the beach and indulge yourselves in free flow drinks including red and white house wine, a wide selection of draft and bottled beers and house spirits, with Shirley Temples, milk shakes and soft drinks if you prefer. (Oh and yes and for the kids.)   And we haven't even got to the best part.   There will be lashings of the great food Ona is noted for, including Greek salad, crispy fried calamari, chicken wings, falafel, garlic butter prawns, spring rolls, baby back ribs, cheeseburgers and more.   All for the remarkable price of just HK$500 for adults and HK$100 for kids (under 16).   But be warned! Spaces are limited on a first-come-first-served basis so sign up now.   Once they're gone, that's it. Nada. No More. Begging won't help.   Where: Ona, Shop G09, Lantau Island, DB Plaza, 1 Discovery Bay Rd, Discovery Bay. When: Saturday, 12 pm to 3 pm, October 11.

And Before We Go   As you know, we care about the welfare of our members, so as Hong Kong heads towards the dry winter weather (well, we’re expecting it to, but these days you never know,) we’d like to introduce you to a product we think will make the dry months a lot less, well, itchy.   Suu Balm, co-founded by Irishman John O’Shea and his colleague Jason Humphries in Singapore, was developed in collaboration with a leading dermatologist at the National Skin Centre, Singapore’s main public teaching dermatology hospital.   The idea behind Suu Balm is simple: provide rapid relief for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin, issues that become especially relevant as temperatures fall and the air dries out. The focused range includes creams, sprays, and gentle cleansers designed to calm irritation while helping to protect and repair the skin barrier.  Suu Balm has quietly built a following since its founding in 2013 to become the second biggest brand of moisturiser in pharmacies in Singapore, and is now available in Hong Kong at Mannings stores and online platforms

Happy Michaelmas!

Slán go fóill

P.S. if you’ve enjoyed reading this …   Then why not join our Whatsapp group, providing members with an easy way to stay up to date on the latest news, events, and updates from the Chamber?

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P.P.S. Oh, and one more thing… If you haven’t already, why not join us?   The Irish Chamber can offer you the kind of support, advice and network you won’t get anywhere else.   Sure, we understand you simply may not have time to go to events.   But we offer far more than that.   You know good business is about connections and opportunities, but without the first, you won’t get the second.   Our members have a wealth of experience in a wide range of fields across international borders, all of which can help you save time, energy, and money.   So join us, you know it makes sense.