Tatler community news in April: A memorial exhibition honouring Lee Shau Kee opens in Hong Kong

Cirque du Soleil’s globally acclaimed production, Kooza, is making a triumphant return to Hong Kong after seven years. In collaboration with entertainment producers Great Entertainment Group, this stunning show will take place at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from May 21, marking the first stop of its multi-destination Asia tour this year.

Kooza is a breathtaking celebration of Cirque du Soleil’s origins, combining the physical mastery of acrobatic performance with the timeless humour of clowning. Since its premiere in Montréal in 2007, Kooza has toured more than 70 cities across 23 countries and mesmerised nearly eight million spectators worldwide. This large-scale production requires 70 trailers to transport over 2,000 tons of equipment, making it one of Cirque du Soleil’s most ambitious shows yet.

The Hong Kong show will explore themes of human connection and the duality of existence. With a cast of 54 international artists, including six musicians and two singers, Kooza promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of live music, dazzling costumes and inspiring stunts.

Acts to watch:

Wheel of Death: A 1,600-pound rotating apparatus powered by fearless acrobats
High Wire: Tightrope walkers performing daring feats 25 feet above the stage with incredible precision
Balancing on chairs: An artist will balance on an astonishing 23-foot tower made of chairs
Silks: Aerialists will soar, spin and swing

André Fu has once again proven his knack for redefining luxury with the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, one of 2025’s most talked-about hotel debuts. Tucked into the city’s buzzing Umekita district, the property is a masterclass in harmonising the East and the West, with Fu’s signature style elevating the brand’s heritage to new heights.

Fu, an internationally celebrated architect and a member of the Tatler community, has reimagined the Art Deco glamour of the original Waldorf Astoria New York through a contemporary Japanese lens. The result is a striking yet intimate space replete with bespoke furnishings, subtle cultural nods and elegant textures.

The 252 rooms and suites on the upper floors of the South Park Tower provide sweeping views of Osaka Bay and the Hyogo mountains. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Peacock Alley lounge is a standout feature, combining Fu’s understated grandeur with Osaka’s vibrant energy. The hotel’s opening is timed to welcome international travellers for the Osaka-Kansai Expo as well as the sakura season—and that’s the icing on the cake. 

Joanne Zhou has founded In Lieu, a premium sustainable water brand focused on promoting mindful choices for health and eco-friendliness. Zhou’s family, whose history is rooted in China’s Ta-pieh Mountains, had discovered a natural artesian water source rich in minerals, which they have valued for generations.

In Lieu is meant for those who prioritise their well-being and the planet’s future. The brand offers signature hydrogen-enriched water, known for its antioxidant benefits, which may aid in workout recovery and help ease morning fatigue. Its natural mineral water and sparkling water also provide essential minerals and electrolytes.

The water is sourced from a pristine aquifer and packaged in recyclable aluminium, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Risky Women, a network dedicated to connecting, celebrating and championing women in the risk and compliance industry is hosting an event on April 16 at Soho House. Founded in Hong Kong in 2014, Risky Women has become a significant platform for highlighting female talent through initiatives such as the Women to Watch list and the Risky Women Radio podcast.

The upcoming event will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and compliance, a topic of increasing relevance in today's regulatory landscape.

The line-up of speakers includes:

Kimberley Cole, chief risky woman at Risky Women, who will discuss the importance of female representation in the industry.
Trinnie So, managing director of 3Points Compliance, who brings over 20 years of experience in compliance and will share insights into navigating the evolving landscape.
Andy Green, chief technology officer and founder of 3Points Compliance, recognised for his expertise in using AI technologies in compliance.
Debra Au, co-chair of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime APAC chapter and a prominent figure in the fight against financial crime, who will offer perspectives on governance and compliance.

Each ticket purchased will include a donation to Talk Hong Kong, a charity helmed by Front & Female Awards Hong Kong 2023 winner Taura Edgar, focused on preventing child sexual abuse and supporting survivors.

Siobhán Haughey's iconic swimsuit and cap have made waves in the auction world, setting a record-breaking benchmark for Olympic swim memorabilia. The items, worn by Haughey during her historic silver medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, sold for HK$180,000 (approximately US$23,165) at the Splash Foundation’s tenth-anniversary fundraising gala on March 1. For context, Michael Phelps’ Beijing Olympics speedo, sold for HK$155,437.72 (US$20,000) in 2024.

Haughey’s achievement at the Tokyo Games was monumental; she became the first swimmer from Hong Kong to secure an Olympic medal, setting a new Asian record in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:53.92. This performance has inspired countless young swimmers in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of sports in personal development and community engagement. 

The proceeds from this record-breaking auction will fund Splash Foundation's vital programmes, which aim to teach swimming to individuals who may otherwise lack access to such opportunities. With a goal to teach 25,000 people by 2030, the foundation focuses on empowering children and adults from low-income communities, migrant domestic workers and ethnic minorities. 

This May, a special event will spotlight a group of unsung heroes: migrant domestic worker mothers. On May 24, PathFinders is hosting a Moms for Moms lunch at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. The event, featuring a performance by award-winning artist Crisel Consunji, aims to raise awareness and support for migrant mothers who play indispensable roles in our communities.

Hong Kong is home to approximately 400,000 migrant domestic workers, many of whom are mothers navigating the complexities of raising children while working far from home. The proceeds from this lunch will directly fund PathFinders’ crisis intervention services, which provide vital support to migrant mothers and their children. From healthcare access and emergency shelter to education and legal referrals, these services address the unique challenges faced by this often-overlooked community.

PathFinders’ CEO Catherine Gurtin, a champion for marginalised mothers and children aims to curate an event that is not just a celebration of motherhood but a call to action to recognise, support and uplift the women who enable so much of our everyday lives.

Multilingual singer-songwriter Jodie Chan who goes by the stage name, Joya, is set to enchant audiences with her sophomore EP, Afterglow, which was released globally on March 7.  Joya offers an emotional journey across six tracks that blend heartbreak, hope and healing.

To celebrate the EP’s launch, Joya will perform live at Soho House Hong Kong on April 17 coinciding with her birthday. This event promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring exclusive merchandise, including her debut vinyl, custom lino stamp prints and stylish tees. 

“Afterglow is about the marks we leave on each other—some radiant, some bittersweet,” says Joya. “These songs are timestamps of relationships, reminding us that even fleeting moments shape who we become.” The evening will not only spotlight her new work but also commemorate a full-circle moment for Joya, who launched her first EP at the same venue in 2023.  

Joya’s collaborations with producers like Cody Fitzgerald and Lushroom infuse the EP with indie-pop influences. In 2025, Joya aims to expand her global presence, with her European debut on the horizon. 

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