Editor’s Note
This month’s issue brings together the editors from each of Tatler Asia Group’s media brands in a unique collaboration that demonstrates how all of the individuals who work throughout our company ultimately inform and shape the contents of Tatler
Hong Kong. Our cover story, as a case in point, highlights four remarkable women who appear amongst the hundreds of honourees in the Gen.t List 2021, which is included with this issue.
Many of our readers wait anxiously each year to find out which entrepreneurs, creative talents and rising stars will be included on the list, which features individuals under the age of 40 who have made notable impacts on their respective fields, from health care to technology to music and finance. But the editors here are also focused on the bigger picture, studying the newcomers to the list each year to better understand the trends that are shaping innovation across Asia. Looking through the pages of this year’s Gen.t edition, led by its regional editorial director Lee Williamson, we were struck by the number of impressive Hongkongers who are breaking cultural taboos with their initiatives that focus on women’s health, sexuality and mental wellness.
Kate Appleton, the editorial director of Front & Female, our newest initiative at Tatler Asia Group that celebrates women with an eye on tackling some of the day’s most provocative topics with smart and insightful commentary, identified the women from the list who best illustrate this attitude of fearless trailblazing. Olivia Cotes-james, the founder and CEO of Luüna Naturals, is determined to destigmatise the conversation around periods. Megan Lam, founder of Ai-driven company Neurum Health, is developing mental health data tracking resources to help people identify problems sooner. Artist Claudia Chanhoi creates playfully risqué works that embrace the female body and sexual pleasure. And Anca Griffiths, co-founder and CEO of OM, is focused on health concerns like postpartum healing and menopause.
The great thing about these women, as reflected in Appleton’s skilful profiles, is that none of their work should make you blush. These are all fascinating and critical topics.
“I think people in general are quite shy in Hong Kong, but I hope they will have an open heart to look into the issues I bring up and discuss them,” says Chanhoi of her art, in which pickles and avocados fornicate freely. So it may take some time for the population to catch up, but the purpose of Gen.t is to identify the changemakers before the changes have been made.
To that end, this issue includes another special feature on someone who will likely fit that description, at least once he graduates from high school. Climate activist Lance Lau Hin-yi, age 12, has been drawing global attention to pollution and climate change through his Friday school strikes, beach clean-ups and demonstrations. He’s already had a profound influence on the region, as Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development notes, citing Lance in the company’s decision to join the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. As our colleagues at Gen.t like to say, these are the leaders of tomorrow.