Customised according to your tastes and preferences, these high-end works of art are hand-crafted individually for the ultimate hand-feel, by the same artisans who work for renowned French luxury houses. As a result, each piece is unique. There’s a wide range of colours and limited edition designs to choose from, and the best part is: all the leathers – including water-resistant alligator skin – are sustainably sourced and certified REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). You can also emboss names and initials onto the leather or engrave onto the metal casing upon special request.
In case you’re thinking of just switching up your iPhone case, it’s worth nothing that Connexion d’Art does not accept pre-owned phones due to insurance and shipping costs. The Parisian brand only modifies brand-new devices, and the process includes embedding the leather into the metal. Every iPhone by Connexion d’Art also comes in a lovely handmade box, and you can add on a pair of Listen headphones from French luxury audio brand Focal.
Connexion d’Art smartphones are available in selected outlets in Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Note that customisations requires a lead time between four to five weeks. Prices start from 2,750 euros for the second edition, which includes the iPhone 7 and 7Plus.
With 16 galleries spread over three different continents, Galeries Bartoux has come a long way since its inception in 1993. Specialising in contemporary art, Galeries Bartoux prides itself in constantly being at the forefront of the art world.
Art Republik sat down with co-founder Robert Bartoux to discuss the spirit of Galeries Bartoux, and the art it represents.
It’s been 24 years since you opened your first gallery in Honfleur. How has your experience been as a gallerist?
It has been very enlightening. Each day, we learn something different, and we’re always meeting new people, collectors and artists.
How about here in Southeast Asia? Has it been different operating here in comparison to in Europe, or in the U.S.?
There has been some adaptation, of course, but the essence is always the same. It’s interesting, because when I began to develop my company outside of France — for example, in New York or in Singapore — I was surprised to discover the exact same spirit as we have in France. Art is an international language, and although sometimes we may not understand each others’ language or lifestyle, we can always find a meeting point in a piece of art.
So is there a certain kind of art you feature in your gallery?
We have a style here in Galeries Bartoux: modern art, pop art, street art. The spirit of Galeries Bartoux is not to be an antique gallery. It is to be a gallery of the time, and so we want to always feature artists of the time. You’ll notice we don’t have a lot of Chinese artists here. About 90% of the art here is done by European artists, and you will find that I am not alone in this.
In Asia, there is a lot of very beautiful Chinese art that I admire, and it sells well. But while art is international, we do still have a certain style. We are not in this business only for money, and I do not want to be different for the sake of being different. My wish to support the art that I believe in, and it is because of this that I present this generation of street artists.
Bernard Buffet, ‘Clown’, 1993. Image courtesy Galeries Bartoux
So what differentiates Asian art from European art?
The culture in Asia is very different from Europe. It’s slowly beginning to open up to more different styles of art, but in countries like China, it is still difficult. There isn’t a lot of street art there, because doing street art in China can be bad for you.
While we’re on the topic of street art — the upcoming issue of Art Republik is centred around the theme ‘Champions’, particularly the idea of rebels with a cause. What do you think sets street artists apart from commercial artists?
Street artists are very interesting because they have different motives from commercial artists. They work with no authorisations and sometimes, they get in trouble with the police. But because of that, they learn to work fast. And when you have to work fast and want to make things good, you end up developing excellent technique. The first of these was Banksy, and now there’s an entire generation of artists with incredible talent. Artists like Noe Two, Mr Brainwash; it’s the next big movement after pop art with Andy Warhol, 45 years ago, and it’s a big business.
Speaking of business, could you tell us a bit about how you go about your day-to-day business? Do you visit your galleries often?
In the past I would visit the galleries every month, but now I visit every two months. I also do spend a lot of time with my artists. My week is very full, but I love it. My father was in the business as well — not as a gallerist, but he made beautiful art books that were incredible. I started to work in this business when I was 18, and I always say that I was born into business, and I will die in this business.
Do you have any plans for the future of Galeries Bartoux?
Yes, we have a lot of projects. We’ve had success in the Asian market so far with our Singapore gallery, so we’ll be opening one in Hong Kong. We’re also looking at Dubai, in the Middle East. And we’ll be looking to expand within Europe, because there’s a big market there — perhaps Venice. After that, we’ll see.
COMO The Halkin is the brainchild of Christina Ong, a successful Singaporean businesswoman
I have had the privilege of enjoying the hospitality and amenities provided by some of the finest hotels in the world. Travelling as much as I do, I sometimes feel like I overlook the beauty in the architecture or the hospitable staff who make my stay that much more enjoyable. With my most recent trip to London however, I was truly amazed by the service and accommodation options at COMO The Halkin. During my stay, I was able to enjoy one of the 41 rooms and suites available at the hotel and it is safe to say that I have found my new haven in London.
The Hotel
Sitting on the grounds of what was once a car park, COMO The Halkin is the brainchild of Christina Ong, a successful Singaporean businesswoman. Named, not after the famous lake in Italy but instead, thanks to the acronyms of herself and her daughter, Melissa Ong, the hotel has an interesting beginning. Gifted to her as a birthday present by her husband, Ong Beng Seng, in the 90s (The man has set the bar for us all, who think that diamonds and pearls will suffice!) the hotel was the start of what is now a wildly successful hotel chain. With her acute business sense and vision, COMO The Halkin is now one of 13 resorts and hotels by the COMO Group around the world.
With its discreet yet centralised location at the heart of London, Belgravia to be exact, the hotel offers guests access to areas such as Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, Sloan Street, Piccadilly Theatres and the restaurants at Mayfair. A perfect location, paired with luxurious interiors designed by Laboratorio Associati of Italy, COMO The Halkin is the epitome of luxury living. Apart from the luxurious interiors, which I will delve into in a bit, the hotel also houses a Michelin-starred restaurant which serves up a gastronomic feast for the senses. With such tasteful interiors, the hotel leaves no detail to chance. Impeccably dressed in Armani suits, the staff are trained to ensure that guests are well taken care of enjoy their stay even before they check-in.
The Interior
A myriad of Eastern art and sculptures adorns the various spaces in the COMO The Halkin including the Belgravia Suite
The black and corrugated wood panelling that lines the curved corridor
Don’t let the Georgian-Styled façade fool you for the weathered bricks, Portland stone and arched windows give way to a minimalist aesthetic that is peppered by the use of timber in the details. Step through the doors of the hotel and you will be greeted by a concept that is called “Expansion of Space”. In the lobby, the atrium’s ceiling is decorated with a mural ‘skyscape’ created by Italian painter Valentino Vago. The light and airy lobby is just a hint of what is in store for guests as they begin their stay.
Split into six categories namely City Rooms, Garden Rooms, Halkin Rooms, Studio Suites, Belgravia Suites and COMO Suites, the rooms are individually designed and decorated, making each room unique in its own right. Walking towards my suite, I was struck by the black and corrugated wood panelling that line the curved corridor — a contrast to the light airy lobby, yet still elegant and refined. I was not able to view all the options available but if the Belgravia suite is any indication then the key to its success, at least in terms of design, is simplicity.
The Rooms
A myriad of Eastern art and sculptures adorns the various spaces in the COMO The Halkin including the Belgravia Suite
The Belgravia Suite
The Belgravia Suite with a balcony
The Belgravia Suite (Open Plan)
The suite of the COMO The Halkin Belgravia opens up into the balcony.
Interior of a 5th floor suite at COMO, the Halkin, Belgravia, London
The Belgravia Suite Bathroom (Open Plan)
The Belgravia Suite Bathroom
Being housed in one of the hotels nine Belgravia Suites I was treated to simplistic Italian elegance in all its contemporary glory. Opting for a colour scheme that featured pale cream fabrics and warm Pomelé Sapele veneers, the designers chose to keep things simple with a semi-partitioned layout. In the sitting area, which has lush Italian carpets, the uncluttered space was decorated by Eastern art and sculptures that made for an interesting break from the modern European style interiors. Guests can also choose to have views over the private garden or high ceilings with unique curved walls. An added bonus are the spacious private balconies that are equipped with tables and chairs, a perfect spot to enjoy some fresh air should the weather permit.
As most frequent traveller can attest, the highlight of any hotel room is in its ability to provide guests with comfort and COMO The Halkin does not skimp on that. After a long bout of travelling around Europe, I could not wait for a sojourn on the king-sized bed fitted with Egyptian cotton linen. Paired with fine goosedown duvets and pillows, I had to fight the temptation to let myself be enveloped in comfort before I had completed the tour of my suite.
Walking into the marble-tiled bathroom, I expected nothing less that the best and was happy to be proven right as I saw the COMO Shambala bathroom amenities, which are made exclusively for the COMO Hotels and Resorts. The anti-mist bathroom mirrors are a welcome as I didn’t have to fight condensation each time I stepped into the walk-in shower. With mood lighting available in the shower, it provides guests with several interesting options as they wash up after a long journey.
Guests staying at COMO The Halkin will also be able to enjoy Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi access as well as over 80 free channels to choose from. While the wide selection of movies on demand and internet radio were welcome, what caught my attention were the yoga and meditation TV channels. I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised by how helpful they were. While there was no cathartic release, they certainly helped to unclutter my mind and regroup for the work I had ahead of me.
Those who know me may still be reeling from the fact that I managed to sit still for more than 10 seconds to practice some much-needed meditation. They may want to prepare themselves for a stay at COMO The Halkin has acquainted me with one thing that I have never quite enjoyed: Granola. Made fresh by the hotel and accompanied by a fine selection of teas, the granola and meditation session made me feel like I was ready to adopt a new, healthy lifestyle — as long as COMO The Halkin was willing to keep that delicious granola coming my way. It must be said that the ambience of the hotel may have had something to do with my urge to turn over a new leaf. From the scent in the lobby to the healthy snacks made readily available, they made a healthy lifestyle sound so stylish and effortless.
Dining
The Halkin Bar
The Halkin Bar
The Halkin Bar
An epicurean adventure awaits at the COMO The Halkin’s Ametsa restaurant.
The Ametsa restuarant in COMO The Halkin
Dessert served by COMO The Halkin
Presca Ibérica Melocoton Mareado or Iberian Pork ‘Presa’ and Clumsy Peach at COMO The Halkin’s Ametsa Restaurant
Guests can look forward to a restaurant and a bar at COMO The Halkin that offer unique experiences. The first is the Halkin Bar that can be used both as a meeting space in the day and a relaxing spot come nightfall where you can enjoy a carefully crafted martini. The bar boasts an inventive tapas menu that is available from Mondays to Saturdays.
For food lovers, I suggest making your way to Ametsa with Arzak Instruction. Having taken over the space that was once occupied by David Thompson’s Nahm, this One Michelin Star restaurant is one dining venue that many would love to try. Bringing the flavours and traditions that helped propel the Arzak name from San Sebastian to International acclaim, you need not have to travel further than London to enjoy a meal thought up by three-Michelin-star chef Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena Arzak.
The menu which saw traditional New Basque cuisine blend with ingredients farmed in Britain, that made for an interesting mix of Europe’s finest. By not shipping the ingredients from San Sebastian and sourcing locally instead, the restaurant supports COMO’s responsible business practices. The result was earthy flavours and techniques that are derived from the Spanish countryside albeit with a few twists. One example was that of the appetiser called Empanadilla de Langostino which was, in fact, a Prawn ‘Gyoza’. For the mains, the menu offered up Presca Ibérica Melocoton Mareado or Iberian Pork ‘Presa’ and Clumsy Peach. There is no question that the dinging options at COMO The Halkin will leave you satisfied.
In a world where modes of payment are no longer limited to cash or credit cards, we see cryptocurrencies gaining popularity. Met with mixed reactions by industry insiders and those who utilise it. While many are sceptical of what many call the currency of the future, others such as Eric Ceret, co-founder of Jetcoin Institute have embraced it and found success in the venture. We sit down with him to learn more about the currency system that has got banks, governments and companies on their toes.
Current cryptocurrrencies available in the market place today.
What are cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies are an alternative to traditional currencies and are complementary to our traditional banking system. Unlike traditional banking, cryptos enable you to record data transactions and can be transferred at the speed of light at a fraction of the cost. These will be factors that will motivate mass adoption. In fact, banks have already adopted digital technology in their online transactions, although it is a totally centralised system.
Cryptocurrencies are decentralised by nature and also enable entrepreneurs to create new solutions and share them with the world through social media in full transparency. They empower the users, as the success of a project will be determined by its adoption in the community. The best projects will have their own currencies attached to them, making them independent from the financial institutions and will last based on their true value to the community. When there are huge imbalances in the financial system, cryptocurrencies are there as a counterbalance to keep the system healthy.
Eric Ceret is co-founder of Jetcoin Institute
What is Jetcoin?
Jetcoin is a cryptocurrency I created, influenced by my experience when I was Managing Director of Elite Model Look. At that time, I had several meetings and talks with investors and bankers on the concept of developing a fund for talents. The fund I had envisioned would enable people to directly invest in talent and earn revenues according to the talent’s performance. Shortly after, a close friend of mine involved in both investment and cryptocurrency invited me to a Bitcoin Conference.
It was a real eye-opener for me. I quickly saw the potential of leveraging on the blockchain technology to create a marketplace where anyone in the world could invest and benefit from their favourite talents.
I decided to launch Jetcoin in the fields of sports and entertainment, industries dominated by powerful agents and large international labels and agencies. When starting their careers, aspiring talents can face several challenges, such as getting noticed and signing a contract. In many cases, if a talent hasn’t got the right advisers and financial support, he’ll end up being seriously taken advantage of.
We want to tackle these challenges, ensuring talents receive the right support. Jetcoin intends to encourage this through personal investment in talents, directly from the fans.
Jetcoin envisions driving this fan-to-talent relationship with what we call “Proof of Social Engagement” (POSE). In essence, converting their engagement into real currency.
How do you intend to do this?
Jetcoin provides fans with the opportunity to receive a portion of the talent’s future earnings. The more successful the talent becomes, the more his or her fans benefit financially.
Jetcoin envisions driving this fan-to-talent relationship with what we call “Proof of Social Engagement” (POSE). This rewards fans and supporters with JETS (the Jetcoin currency) when they engage in social media activities.
In the early stages of a newly-signed Jetcoin champion, it helps to create strong and fast social media awareness by creating a buzz, drawing interest from potential sponsors and early investors of the champion. In the second phase, POSE is even more relevant as it gives a true metric of the Jetcoin champion’s social media popularity, hence helping to valuate the Jetcoin champions’ potential contracts with sponsors and brands.
As a champion’s performance improves, the value of their assets increases, which in turn creates revenue for the fans and supporters.
Can you share any exciting news or development of Jetcoin? What can users of Jetcoin look forward to?
JETs are currently in an early sale phase at 10 cents per JET, and early buyers will benefit from competitive prices before market launch. If you compare it to the Bitcoin, now reaching US$2000 and having started at US$0.001, just with user adoption and technology, cryptocurrencies have the potential to reach spectacular growth. Jetcoin adds a unique business model, where the value of the currency is tied to the IP rights of the talents, something concrete and tangible in the digital world.
The Jetcoin Institute has also signed partnerships with established brands and companies that will be helping to support the future Jetcoin Champions.
Currently, the original producer of the Black Eyed Peas has just signed on to the Jetcoin platform to share revenues of his new album with his fan base. That’s something to look forward to!
Will cryptocurrencies kill off our paper notes and metal coins; for example, USD, HKD, SG Dollar, and become the next generation of money/currency?
Currencies won’t die but will take on a more efficient form in a digital space. Younger generations are more open to cryptocurrencies as they see it as the way forward to a more transparent and accountable world. With blockchain technology, every transaction is written and hence traceable, even though it’s encrypted.
Cryptocurrencies will make banks return to their original functions – where they keep the keys to our digital wallets safe without the possibility of speculating with what’s inside without us knowing it. Currently, central banks are lobbying to regulate and control cryptocurrencies, but how can a decentralised protocol based on mutual automated consensus between two clients be regulated?
Panerai let us dunk the Luminor Submersible 1950 BMG-TECH 3 Days Automatic in water for our cover shoot
One would think that a purchase decision was often made on the basis of: there are new Panerai Innovations and the new Luminor Submersible 1950 range has them; but they’re not, instead, you are more likely to get this:
The best watches in the world naturally earn their places on the wrists of the best people. Unsurprisingly, some of these folks are proper heroes. Now, wouldn’t you like to wear the watch of a proper hero? This is a concept in marketing timepieces that goes back decades, perhaps even centuries. In fact, the idea that objects can have an intrinsic value – independent of its origins, its makers or its purveyors – that one might add to oneself by simply possessing them is positively ancient.
Historically speaking, Panerai Luminor Submersible users were more likely to be elite commandos who worked under cover of darkness, thus the hero origin story is more than just marketing spiel
Panerai Innovations and New Luminor Submersible 1950 range
So, why do we bother going about this preamble, especially given that we reliably cover Panerai, well, all the time. It is certainly not because we – or you, for that matter – need a reintroduction. Historically speaking, Panerai users were more likely to be elite commandos who worked under cover of darkness; thus, the Panerai story is simply incredible, and to hear it again reminds us how powerful a good origin story can be. Well, there is also a lot of pure marketing noise about the very values Panerai embodies, quite naturally, spread all across every level of watchmaking that one has to leaf through the real story again.
What Makes the Luminor Submersible
Few watches like the wet and cold as much as the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 range, as we discovered when Panerai let us dunk the Luminor Submersible 1950 BMG-TECH 3 Days Automatic in water for our cover shoot. In fact, the brand was a little disappointed that we didn’t go all the way here and just submerge it. After all, the watch is called a Submersible – PAM692 to be specific – so why shouldn’t we get it wet?
The BMG-TECH part of the name indicates that this is the first mechanical wristwatch in the world to use the radical bulk metallic glass material, a Panerai innovation in watchmaking
In any case, there is something pretty important about this watch that we have to address immediately, leaving aside the functions and aesthetics – a real Panerai innovation in watchmaking. The BMG-TECH part of the name indicates that this is the first mechanical wristwatch in the world to use the radical bulk metallic glass material. We have to take a minute to appreciate that before we get to the nuts and bolts of the watch itself. The short version is this: it isn’t metal, it isn’t glass, and it is not both, except that it kind of is.
BMG stands for bulk metallic glass. Materially, it has a disordered atomic structure, obtained through a high-pressure injection process at a high temperature, followed by a cooling process lasting for only a few seconds, so that the atoms do not have enough time to become arranged in an ordered, regular structure. The disordered structure of BMG-TECH™ is the secret to its great robustness and extreme resistance to corrosion, external shocks and magnetic fields, and enables it to preserve its appearance over time.
Looking at PAM692, it is far from apparent what is happening here at the sub-atomic level. The case, bezel, winding crown, and trademarked crown protector look for all the world like some sort of titanium; the solid case back is in titanium and features the famous engraving of the SLC slow speed torpedo and the word Firenze 1860, both of which need no explanation because the action is elsewhere in this ticker. Indeed, the most striking bit about the watch is the delicious shade of blue worn by the dial. It was ridiculously difficult to capture this shade of blue – which looks like the shimmer of some unknown ocean – in our shoot and we commend our photographer for his superlative efforts.
The most striking bit about this Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 with BMG-tech is the delicious shade of blue worn by the dial
The Panerai innovation BMG-TECH of the 47mm case is what makes PAM692 so strong and so light, with a texture that feels distinct from titanium. However, the case still feels like metal unlike the many polymer-cased wonders trotted out by watchmaking firms. This should appeal to purists but, on the other hand, some may indeed feel that the material is too close to titanium in terms of its feel.
Returning to PAM692, the watch achieves an admirable water resistance of 300m, which makes this a proper diving watch and adds to its tool-watch cool. It shares this water resistance rating with all other Submersibles this year, except the red gold version, which is rated to 100m. Of course, like any cool tool watch, PAM692 is equipped with an appropriately reliable in-house movement. This is the in-house automatic P.9010 calibre, which actually unites it with all the other Submersibles in this story. This calibre is itself an evolution of calibre P.9000, which powered the last range of Panerai Submersibles released in 2015.
The Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio, a follow up its first Amagnetic model in 2015, the vaunted PAM389, and it caused quite a stir by shrugging off the effects of magnetic fields of less than 40,000 A/m, a sign of Panerai innovation
This is brings us to PAM1389, the Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio. Panerai introduced its first Amagnetic model in 2015, the vaunted PAM389, and it caused quite a stir by shrugging off the effects of magnetic fields of less than 40,000 A/m (amperes per metre). The industry standard for anti-magnetic measures is a trifling 4,800 A/m and PAM389 easily beats this, meaning X-ray machines don’t threaten it, much less more mundane electronics – all electronic devices generate a magnetic field. The key to Panerai’s accomplishment here is the Faraday cage that surrounds the movement, in the form of a soft iron inner case. This sort of construction will be very familiar to collectors, of course, but PAM389 was actually the first Panerai watch to be so equipped. Take note though that MRI machines are still dangerous to this watch as these generate fields of up to 1,595,250 A/m.
For PAM1389, which replaces PAM389, Panerai tried to streamline matters. The case of the new model is more than 2mm thinner while the movement itself is almost 2mm thinner. In a novel move, the inner case is just below the dial, which is also in the same soft iron.
The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo PAM671 is an update of the first version, the PAM382 released at the SIHH in 2011. Secondary market values for the 2011 edition already exceed the original retail price.
Next up is another evolution, this time the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo PAM671. The first version was PAM382, released at the SIHH in 2011 to audible gasps and general acclaim later that year as collectors got their hands on the actual watches. Well, there were just 1,000 pieces available, and of course, they are all spoken for today. Panerai capitalised on the success with another big bronze model, PAM507, in 2013. PAM671 features a blue dial where the previous bronze models had green dials. The copper-pure tin alloy used in previous models makes a return here, but of course, the movement is the new P.9010.
As expected, PAM671 is a special edition that is limited to 1,000 pieces so, if you are interested, best to get moving, if you haven’t already; PAM382 reportedly sold out within days, so you may already be too late here…
The last of the 47mm Submersibles this year is the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Titanio PAM1305. Alongside the smaller steel model, this watch presents the most classic choice in the range, as far as materials for proper diving watches go. Of course, it shares the same characteristics such as small seconds at nine o’clock and date at three o’clock as the other Submersibles.
Speaking of that smaller model, there are actually two being offered this year that seem perfectly innocuous at first glance. Both the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio PAM682 and the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Oro Rosso PAM684 are 42mm in diameter. This fact has already amazed some observers, and we can testify that it sits well on smaller wrists. In terms of features and such, these two share the same black dial as PAM1305, meaning that there are basically blue and black dials across the collection. The steel model is distinguished by the small seconds hand, which is in Panerai blue, while the red gold version sports a matt black ceramic disc.
Before closing off the story of the Panerai Submersibles this year, a note about Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers that distinguishes the 2017 collection from the 2015 one. Previously, everything glowed a vivid green, as illustrated by our 2015 story. Panerai decided that better legibility called for a mix of colours, so white and blue Super-LumiNova have taken over from green. The stud on the bezel at 12 o’clock glows blue, as does the minute hand. This makes the watch far more legible when it is most crucial, beneath the waves. After all, aesthetics is one thing, but the story of Panerai is defined by the performance of its offerings. Diving watches are such an important part of the Panerai story (see the illustrated chart, Line of Descent) that the Submersible range will only go from strength to strength. We are sure that we will be seeing far more innovations debuting in the range over the years, but perhaps we can finally say that this is the end of the beginning…
Its property prices are famously sky-high but now a Hong Kong parking space has been sold for an eye-watering HK$5.18 million ($664,200) in what local reports said was a world record. The space is on the first floor at a luxury apartment complex near the harbourfront in the west of Hong Kong Island, according to records from the city’s Land Registry.
Measuring 188 square feet (17.5 square metres), it was bought by Kwan Wai-ming, an executive director at an investment firm, said the South China Morning Post which called the sale a world record. It tops the HK$4.8 million paid for a parking space last October at another luxury residential complex.
The sale comes a month after a Hong Kong tycoon paid US$3 billion for a prime commercial lot in the Central business and shopping district, in another record for the city where property prices have become a political issue.
Small businesses are being forced to close due to spiralling rents and many residents cannot afford to buy or rent decent homes, despite a series of measures by the government aimed at cooling runaway prices.
Commercial and residential property prices have been fuelled by an influx of money from wealthy mainland Chinese investors and developers. Critics also accuse the government of having cosy ties with developers, rather than prioritising the construction of more reasonable public housing.
