This year, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and for high school seniors, these students experienced a senior year unlike any we’ve ever seen before. But life goes on, and despite the chaos COVID-19 has caused, students at international schools all over Beijing are graduating in good spirits and high hopes for the future. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Meet Jessica F from Singapore, a recent graduate from the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi.

“BSB helped shape me become who I am today.”

I got accepted by a few universities and am currently deciding between going to New York University or Yale-NUS College. I’ll major in Economics.

Some of my favorite memories from my time in high school must be serving as BSB’s Head Girl this past year, attending the Prom, and Vienna Ball.

“The progressive nature of the IB course that BSB offers constantly requires me to walk out of my comfort zone.”

BSB helped shape me to become who I am today. I transferred to BSB 5 years ago from a local Chinese school which had a different teaching style and environment. Not only in terms of the curriculum, but the whole atmosphere here at BSB is much more open and free, which contributes to my well-rounded personal development.

Also, the progressive nature of the IB course that BSB offers continually requires me to walk out of my comfort zone, which has made me a better person.

I think I have found the style of learning that suits me the most here at BSB – self-orientated but with close interaction with our teachers; being able to choose subjects within a broad range but based on our interests. These have contributed to my academic success.

Jessica with friends on a hike

My favorite teacher was Mr. Brigstock, both his lessons and who he is as a teacher and a person that has inspired me to pursue a future in economics. His lessons were always well-prepared, fun, and informative. Every class had something I could take away. Apart from preparing us for exams, he taught us how to think like economists.

My parting shot to the great BSB community would have to be; we have a relatively small community at BSB. This means we interact much more closely with our peers and teachers, which gives me lots of warmth. Thank you, BSB!

KEEP READING: “You Know What Is Best for You, Trust Yourself, You Will Go Far.”

Photos: BSB Shunyi 

The night before my flight to Beijing, my mother sat me down and we had a very serious one-sided conversation with her talking and me listening. Even though I was an adult, she felt the need to remind me of the golden rules for survival she drilled into me when I was a child. She reminded me that I was going to a foreign country where, as a black man, not everyone would be too pleased to see me. She reminded me that racism is real and that people like me die daily for just being who they are. She reminded me to toe the line, to never assume that anyone was on my side, to always have my own back, and to always watch out for trouble.

On a recent call with Geena Asiedu, an African American mom of three and an attorney based in Beijing, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and subsequent global protests, I was reminded of that conversation with my mother. Truth be told, what my mother told me is far from the exception, but the rule for black parents to their black children. At some point in time or another, all-black parents are faced with the daunting task of having ‘the talk’ with their children, because their survival might well depend on it.

“Societal pressures faced by people of color around the world have been pushed to the fore.”

George Floyd’s murder in the states has served as a global catalyst for a movement against systemic racism and police brutality. Societal pressures faced by people of color around the world have been pushed to the fore. Black people the world over are coming out, sharing their experiences on social media platforms, and demanding change. People of color from countries like America have even chosen to move abroad, seeking respite from racial turmoil in their country, and countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and even China have become popular destinations for those wishing to escape prejudice and violence on account of their race. This is one of the reasons why Asiedu and her family decided to move to China ten years ago, as she wished to expose her daughters to a more international upbringing, with a plurality of cultures and races. But even Asiedu admits that the America her daughters might return to could be a far cry from their international upbringing in Beijing.

Asiedu has had to prepare her daughters for their eventual return to the States, a task that’s easier said than done. Whether learning to navigate macro aggressions such as overt racism, to microaggressions such as back-handed compliments, Asiedu admits it is a difficult but not entirely hopeless task to prepare her girls. Like all of our mothers, she has had to emphasize the importance of being above reproach to her three daughters. “If the mark is 100% then I would say to them, for you should work as if the bar was 110 to make it difficult for anyone to overlook you. Even if you get to the 110%, it’s not a guarantee to get what you deserve,” explains Asiedu, confessing that her daughters found this sort of pressure difficult to deal with at first. But it is this sort of pressure that is exerted by society on black people across the world, with perceived acts of wrongdoing by black people being met with excessive force, often ending in tragedy as it did for George Floyd.

Geena with family in a picture from the June issue of beijingkids magazine

The prevalence of this sort of violence against black people could cause emotional and psychological exhaustion as people of color adopt it as the new normal. “I don’t know how to describe it beyond disappointment, but it doesn’t fully capture the feeling. I was surprised that I felt so disappointed given that I knew the history of racial violence in the States. The lack of basic humanity the cop displayed with his knee on another man’s neck. Watching it on the screen, I couldn’t believe it,” explains Asiedu on her state after watching the footage of George Floyd’s murder, adding “I had to take a couple of days to harness my emotions, to remind myself to be hopeful and not to succumb to hopelessness and anger.”

Though she says she has never been a victim of racial profiling or discrimination in Beijing, she couldn’t escape the horror with which black and African people across China watched mass evictions of African migrants in Guangzhou. “My sentiment was that of sadness, ‘here we go again’. It makes you think okay, perhaps America doesn’t have a monopoly on racial discrepancy. Geography hasn’t got anything to do with it. We, humans, get very creative at mistreating others,” she says.

“I had to take a couple of days to harness my emotions, to remind myself to be hopeful and not to succumb to hopelessness and anger”

So in the wake of all these disturbing developments both in China and abroad, what is a mother to do? How does a mother reassure her children that the world is not as horrible a place as it is being portrayed to be, especially for people of color? The simple answer is honesty. “You have to put yourself in a situation where you are speaking your truth, moving in love, set your bar much higher, you make it fairly difficult for someone to take away the opportunity you deserve,” Asiedu says.

And to Beijing’s Black and African families she offers words of wisdom. “I believe it was Malcom X who said ‘There is pain in truth’ but you have to wrestle with the truth and feel the pain. Have those conversations not wanting to feel right, not wanting to feel better as a person, but with the hope of learning and listening more.”

KEEP READING: What Happens When Students Are Culturally Insensitive?

Photos: Uni You, Unsplash

At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

We talked to Seda Sakaoglu, General Manager of Café Zarah in Gulou, and her husband Deniz Sakaoglu, Co-Owner of Q Mex about their COVID-19 experiences as business owners in the capital.

Seda Sakaoglu with her husband, Deniz Sakaoglu

How long have your businesses been in operation?

Zarah first opened in 2007 as a small coffee place. In 2014 after renovation it became the Zarah that you know today with an outdoor courtyard and second floor.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

I came to China exactly 10 years ago in April 2010. Deniz, my now husband came to China six months before me in 2009. So I would say that a combination of career ambition and romance made me move to China.

I had just finished my International Marketing studies when the economic crisis hit Europe in 2009. It was difficult to find a job in Germany during that time. So, I decided to fly to China to gain some work experience first and started a six-month Management Traineeship at the Commune by the Great Wall Hotel in Badaling and then kept extending my stay every year. That’s how I have spent one-third of my life in Beijing without realizing it. Of course, the fact that Deniz was also somewhere in China played an important role in my decision and made me choose Beijing over Istanbul for example where I already had a job offer which I turned down. Anyway, our paths cross passed again, and we got married seven years later!

“A combination of career ambition and romance made me move to China”

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

We started to get worried when the Wuhan lockdown was announced, followed by airlines canceling their flights and so forth. I remember there was one morning we were still in bed when we read the news that Germany was sending a plane to fly out its citizens from Wuhan followed by messages from the German Embassy advising German citizens to leave China, in the face of the increasing restrictions in movement. That morning we realized that we had to make a decision before it was too late: to either leave China as the situation and the involved restrictions were increasing; or stay here regardless of what happens. We chose the second option because neither of us was ready to leave their team and business behind which we had created with a lot of effort and love over the years. And also because China is home to us! Instead, we decided to stay here, and face all difficulties together with our teams and make a lot of hard decisions to find ways to ensure our businesses and teams would survive the crisis.

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business?

I had expected there to be special measures and new regulations to control the spread of the epidemic such as temperature checks and the mandatory use of masks in public areas. I also expected that some airlines would cancel their routes to and from Beijing and a few countries might close their borders.

Fort Zarah, I had the feeling that we might be closed for a couple of weeks, and that even after the re-opening we might face a lot of restrictions since we are located in the old hood of Beijing which is usually more sensitive than other areas. But I thought that things might go back to normal by April and that’s it!

“I had the feeling that we might be closed for a couple of weeks”

What has been the reality for you and your family during the virus?

The situation was unfortunately more serious and worse than I initially thought. Most of my friends had left China, our families back home were constantly calling us because they were very worried about our health as well as our financial situation.

Zarah was closed for over two months, much longer than I had expected. That was a very depressing period. I was at home and did not know, when, whether, and how we would re-open, what would happen to our team, and whether everyone was safe. We would have regular WeChat calls with our team and also discussions with the owners of Zarah to evaluate the situation weekly. But since the circumstances were still unstable and the outbreak not under control yet, we told our employees to stay in their hometowns where most of them spent CNY.

Another big problem was that everything we needed to re-open Zarah, to protect ourselves as a family at home and to run Q Mex which has never closed during the outbreak, was sold out: no masks, no hand sanitizers, no thermometer, no disinfectant cleaning supplies!

Luckily, we had some masks and sanitizers shipped by our families and friends from Germany and Cambodia to get us at least past the peak of the virus.

Q Mex was also hit heavily like all other restaurants in Beijing, sales collapsed by 80%. Deniz was more worried than me since Q Mex had many more employees to feed and overall fixed costs to cover. So, on the other side, during those two months, when Zarah was closed I could at least support him and my family because I had the time and I was at home.

“Q Mex had many more employees to feed and overall fixed costs to cover”

How has your business been affected by the current situation?

We re-opened Zarah on April 1^st and are operating on limited opening hours from 11am – 10pm. All Zarah events including our popular Sunday Brunch buffets are canceled until further notice. We are not allowed to host any events involving big groups which include customer events. This is a big loss for Zarah since a big percentage of our revenue comes from events. Therefore, unfortunately, the whole Zarah team including our management is facing salary cuts to help Zarah survive this crisis.

Q Mex has similar issues and is only allowed to run at limited capacity with restrictions on guest numbers. For each location, the rules are different and constantly changing which is very confusing.

What form of support have you received from the expat community?

We have appreciated the Wechat group Safe & Sane which fed us with valuable and reliable information during the peak of the virus until now.

Also, when Zarah was closed I received a lot of beautiful, motivating messages from customers including expats who were checking on us, and promising their support once we were back open!

Do you believe the current situation will permanently change the face of business in Beijing?

Yes, definitely! For example, even after the outbreak, I believe that hygiene and sanitation will still play an important role for customers and the Government like never before which will force Beijing businesses to maintain high hygiene standards. This will lead inevitably to an upgrade of the Beijing F&B scene in terms of quality, service, training and so forth.

In the long run, I think there will be even bigger changes such as in customers’ habits and perceptions caused by the re-discovery of the preciousness of our health. I believe that this will influence the food choices in the future leading to more health-conscious and mindful consumerism.

As the city returns to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business?

Well, that is difficult for Zarah! Maybe to save all the masks, hand sanitizers and disinfectant cleaning supplies we can get until the next epidemic outbreak hits us? I joke of course, but more to the point,  I think bigger groups should take into consideration running their businesses with cash reserves of up to 3 months’ operating expenses. Of course, that slows down a company’s growth, which seems to be the top priority for many F&B groups in our times but on the other hand, it can save a company during this kind of unexpected revenue collapse.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Patience, calmness, and a positive attitude which also gives hope and strength to your team. If you are strong, hopeful, and positive, your team will follow and go through this situation together with you. So, your attitude is the key and will reflect upon your team!

“A positive attitude also gives hope and strength to your team!”

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

“Together we are strong!”

I have learned the importance of emotional support which I received and gave back to my family that helped me to be strong and go through the crisis.

Has the current situation deterred you from Beijing or are you here to stay?

Of course not – I am here to stay!

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

We have survived the worst part and better days are going to come soon. So, my advice is trying to stay calm and patient which probably sounds sarcastic to businesses that don’t have the time to be patient anymore, because they are on the brink of bankruptcy. Businesses can for example check whether they are entitled to get a loan with reduced lending rates which are currently being offered by many Chinese banks to support coronavirus-hit businesses in Beijing.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

Showing support by frequenting our businesses, by respecting the COVID-19-related regulations which we have to implement, by being nice to our staff, by being more understanding instead of angry, in instances when we cannot serve certain items from our menus or cannot seat you due to limited capacity for example.  Stay safe and kind!

KEEP READING: How the Third Culture Kids Stuck Abroad are Coping 

Images courtesy of Seda Sakaoglu

This year, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and for high school seniors, these students experienced a senior year unlike any we’ve ever seen before. But life goes on and despite the chaos, COVID-19 has caused, students at international schools all over Beijing are graduating in good spirits and high hopes for the future. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Meet Alex Y, senior at The British School of Beijing BSB, Shunyi from Taiwan.

Alex Y in his graduation robes

I’ll be studying at University College London UCL, majoring in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

One of my best memories from my time at BSB is the help that Mr. Finn gave me when I first came to BSB. I had skipped one unit of Chemistry because my previous school’s chemistry class schedule was different from that of BSB. When Mr. Finn heard about this, he used his break time to help me learn the units I had missed. With his help, I successfully caught in a short amount of time.

The second one was the motivational breakfast we had before the IB mock exam. We knew that after breakfast, we were all about to have our mock exam, but everyone was happy at the meal. It was a rare chance for everyone in the whole year to sit down and have breakfast together.

Alex at his high school graduation ceremony

The teachers at BSB have helped me achieve many things, both academically and in college admissions. The teachers at BSB are full of enthusiasm for the students all the time. The teachers here do not abandon any students because of their poor academic performance; they will do their best to help all students and encourage them. When I first joined the community, I was very introverted and did not dare to have too much contact with my classmates, nor did I dare to ask the teacher questions. But BSB’s teachers found this out, and they often asked me if there was anything I didn’t understand after class to help me consolidate what I learned during the day. Sometimes I even had one-on-one teaching with my teacher after school, which helped me achieve academic success.

BSB has a very professional University Counselor Mr. Chesher. Although he is very busy every day, if you want to consult him about college application or life goals, he will do his best to help you. With the help of these excellent teachers from BSB, I succeeded in both academic and college admission, obtaining the admission letters from many world-renowned universities including UCL, King’s College London, University of Toronto, and UBC.

“The teachers at BSB are full of enthusiasm for their students”

For the students who are about to enter IB Diploma next year, you must think carefully about what you want to study in the future when choosing courses. Because if you choose the wrong subject, there will be a lot of restrictions on the majors you can apply for when you apply to a university.

KEEP READING: “2020 Has Been a Weird One… but I Was Used to Weird Already”

Photos courtesy of BSB Shunyi

The sun is out, and the kids are itching to play! Frankly, after the last couple of difficult months, even the adults want to gallivant and frolic in the sun. But despite the continually decreasing threat of COVID-19 in Beijing, with schools and businesses reopening and more and more families braving the outside world for the first time in as many months, there are still prevailing concerns over the safety in playgrounds and other sports arenas.

YIYA Academy is a fully immersive, English Activities Center and Library.

That is where YIYA academy comes in. As a premier full immersion English youth football and language training center, YIYA wishes to offer to Beijing’s aspiring football starts what the likes of David Beckham are giving trainees at their own world-class football academies, with an added emphasis on learning, offering their Chinese students complimentary English lessons, and availing a fully stocked three-story English book library to all its trainees. Earlier this year, in a bid to increase recognition and community engagement, YIYA had planned on partnering with various international schools, offering free football camps for students at their beautiful Chang Ying Sports Park location. Unfortunately, with the advent of COVID-19, these plans had to be shelved.

For YIYA, the goal is to gets kids out and safely playing again

No matter. YIYA is back with a bigger, better, more interactive, and fun-filled plan for Beijing’s kids, with a picnic and soccer day lined up for Beijing’s teachers on May 30, and a huge day of fun planned for the upcoming International Children’s Day on May 31. The day of fun shall include treasure hunts, face painting, balloon models, craft activities, gingerbread decorations plus an hour and a half access pass to V-FLY Trampoline World. 

The day will include treasure hunts, face painting, balloon models, craft activities, gingerbread decorations and more

Even though Beijing seems to be out of the woods as far as COVID-19 is concerned, YIYA promises to continue maintaining the highest levels of caution for all those who choose to attend by following government guidelines and wearing masks. So this International Children’s day shouldn’t be anything less than bouncing, kicking, safe fun for both kids and adults alike. All of the proceeds from the two-day event will go towards YIYA’s local school outreach program, offering soccer training camps to local schools free of charge.

KEEP READING: Top 5 Video Games Played in Beijing: A Parent’s Guide

 Photos: YIYA Academy, Unsplash

When I was a kid, the idea of being branded the idiot of the class was far worse than the prospect of falling out of a tree and breaking an arm or a leg. We kids were tasked with one responsibility – to make the top grade by hook or by crook. Parents of poorly performing children were often berated by teachers and experienced shame and guilt, which resulted in increasingly pressuring their children to do better; regardless of whether they may have had legitimate learning difficulties.

As an adult, I realize how damaging this environment was, and how many students lost confidence in themselves, and would later drop out of school, never to pursue an academic future. This was a cruel blow to those who needed psychological assistance. 

Thankfully, things have changed a lot. Parents no longer accept statements like “your child doesn’t have what it takes to be a genius”, and more questions are being answered each day due to the tireless work of professionals in the mental health field, who are constantly redefining ‘normal’. Conditions that were once brushed off as learners refusing to apply themselves at school have now been identified as learning difficulties. But how can you, as a parent, be able to tell whether your child has learning difficulties? We consulted Elly Wong, a mental health psychologist at OASIS International Hospital to walk us through the topic. With over 14 years’ experience, she both provides Beijing families with solutions to their mental health needs, and much needed answers to our burning questions.  

Difficulties recognizing patters or sorting items by size or shape can be a sign of a learning difficulty

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a problem that affects how a child receives and processes information. A child with a learning disability may have trouble with reading, writing, doing mathematics, or understanding directions or instructions. A child with a learning disability usually has difficulties with academic achievement and may require more help at school. 

Examples of learning disabilities include:

• Dyslexia – difficulty with reading
• Dyscalculia – difficulty with mathematics
• Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing
• Dyspraxia – difficulty with motor skills

What are some early signs that my child might have a learning disability?

If you observe your child is having problems with performing some of the tasks listed below, they may be early signs of learning disability.

• Difficulty telling right from left
• Reversing letters, words or numbers after first or second grade
• Difficulties recognizing patters or sorting items by size or shape
• Difficulty understanding and following instructions or staying organized
• Difficulty remembering what was just said or what was just read
• Difficulty understanding the concept of numbers
• Lacking coordination when moving around
• Difficulty doing tasks with the hands like writing, cutting or drawing

At what age does a learning disability start to show?

It is important to pay attention to the child’s developmental milestones. Delays such as late walking or talking may indicate early signs of learning disabilities. Once the child begins to engage in learning activities, parents may observe the child has difficulty performing what appears to be normal for other kids.  

There is a higher probability of boys than girls having learning disabilities

What should I do if I think my child has a learning disability?

Proper diagnosis of the learning disability is crucial for the child to get the right kind of help. Find out more about his or her learning problems at school and work with the teacher to help the child. Get professional help at an early stage to help the child work through the difficulties. 

Do learning disabilities run in families?

There may be a higher possibility of genetic hereditary factors. More research is been conducted to find the causes of the problem.  

Are people who have learning disabilities often gifted?

There is no direct correlation that people with learning disabilities are often gifted. However, there may be instances of people with learning disabilities being successful in life having overcome disabilities. One of the primary characteristics of learning disability is a significant difference between a child’s achievement in some areas and his or her overall intelligence.   

Do more boys than girls have learning disabilities?

There is a higher probability of boys than girls having learning disabilities as boys tend to mature more slowly as compared to girls. 

My child writes letters back to front. Does this mean my child has dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. It affects how a child processes language therefore reading and writing may present greater difficulties for them. When a child writes letters back to front, it may indicate difficulties with language processing and it is best to go for an assessment. 

My child has trouble reading. Does my child have a learning disability like dyslexia?

If the child has difficulties reading, it is important to go for an evaluation to assess the problem. 

Can a learning disability be ‘cured’?

Special education is the most common treatment for learning disabilities. With therapy or treatment, the child will be able to cope with disabilities and learn more effectively. 

Does using a computer help?

There are specific treatments for certain disabilities that the computer may help in learning. But this is to be tailored to the child’s needs. 

How can I know whether a treatment or therapy I saw advertised will be useful?

Depending on the diagnosis of the learning disability, it is important to have a good understanding of the disability and the treatment or therapy required. Children with learning disabilities often need extra help at school. It is important to work with the school to find the right referral and treatment for the child. 

How can I help my child with a learning disability succeed?

Research indicates that parental reaction to the child’s learning disability is an important factor in helping the child to cope with the disability. Early diagnosis and intervention are also important in helping the child to succeed in school. Take time to listen to them and understand the difficulties they are facing. Encouragement and acceptance of the disabilities by parents will help the child to work through the problems.

Elly Wong, a mental health psychologist at OASIS

KEEP READING: Parents Raise Concerns Over Prolonged N95 Use

Photos: Courtesy of Elly Wong, Unsplash

Growing up, Mother’s Day was the one day of the year that my mother would allow herself some ‘me time’. The personalized cards and the burned pancakes were all well appreciated, but I knew it was the prospect of putting her feet up and disconnecting from the world which she relished above all else.

Whatever your family’s Mother’s Day traditions, I would wager this year things are going to be slightly different. Many of us rediscovering small joys we had hitherto taken for granted, while others are only just emerging back into the world, and taking advantage of the great early summer weather, as the worst of the COVID-19 restrictions continue to be been lifted in the capital. 

All things considered, moms all over Beijing might get some extra pleasure out of a day out on the town, where they can be appreciated for their tireless efforts while sampling the best of what Beijing has to offer.

Here are just a few top picks for a delicious and memorable Mother’s Day. Click the link in the description for full address and contact details.

The Opposite House

Treat your mom and yourself to a delicious four-course brunch set menu at Frasca. Start with four kinds of antipasti and a choice of comfit egg with bell pepper or homemade Carbonara. For the main course, choose between Pinsa capreses, Josper grilled spring chicken, roasted marinated pork ribs, or pan-seared turbot fish, and end the meal with either a traditional apple tart or Sicilian style cannoli, as well as homemade macaroons to take home. Free flow packages are also available for mums to sip on during this special day. RMB 268 per person. The Opposite House

Mommy & Me at Moka Bros

Take a healthy leap this Mother’s Day at Moka bros and get rewarded with a free smoothie for all moms and their precious little ones with every meal, who also get a chance to color their mom’s mother’s day card. This offer is available in all Moka Bros branches. From 10.30am. Moka Bros

Grand Hyatt Celebrate Mother’s Day at Made in China

Treat your mom to a relaxing and elegant Chinese meal at the renowned Made in China restaurant. Sample a range of dishes including signature Peking duck, classic local food, and limited spring selections presented by Michelin Guide Beijing-recommended culinary and service team. All moms who dine on the day will have their photos taken by the team as a souvenir. Each mom will also receive a chocolate gift box prepared by Made in China to take home and relive the wonderful memories of this Mother’s Day. Advance reservation is required. 11.30am-8pm. Grand Hyatt

Feast’s Mother’s Day Brunch

This Mother’s Day, Feast (Food by East) will be hosting a mother’s day brunch and surf and turf set comprising of a two-course meal. Each mom will get a rose and a complimentary drink, and everyone will also have a chance to make a personalized fridge magnet while you enjoy free-flowing drinks. Kids will also have full access to the kid’s corner throughout brunch and dinner. Surf & Turf – RMB 198. 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-9pm. Feast

A White Asparagus Symphony Composed by TRB

This mother’s day weekend, treat yourself to a white asparagus symphony five-course tasting menu by TRB Forbidden City. Enjoy the white asparagus platter with a white asparagus salad. You can also order a freshly peeled and cooked white asparagus easy cooking kit and have it delivered the next day. Available in both the Taikooli and the brand new Shunyi Hulu branches. From RMB 65. Hulu Taikooli & Shunyi

Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch by The Great Wall

For an out-of-city experience, the Brickyard retreat at Mutianyu Great wall has prepared an easy, smooth Jazz Brunch to celebrate mother’s day. Enjoy the scenic views along with the relaxing ambiance of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take advantage of the facilities on offer at Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall. Please call or email to book your spot. RMB 298 per adult, RMB 158 children 4-12 years old, free for children under 4 years. 12-3pm. Brickyard at Mutianyu

BDL Restaurant at Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel

Enjoy a double helping of delectable Lobster while taking in the glitzy views of Beijing’s CBD at the all-you-can-eat Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel’s Mother’s Day feast. RMB 468 for 2 adults and 1 child under 12. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel

Opera Bombana

Opera Bombana is back with with a five-couse lunch menu for Mother’s Day in celebration of the amazing women in our lives. RMB 688 per person. Opera Bombana

KEEP READING: Happy Home, Happy Business: ‘Be Prepared for Changes’

Photos: Unsplash, Event Organisers, the Beijinger, Trip Advisor

A parent’s job is never done. Even when kids are all grown up, parents still a large amount of time worrying about their children’s safety and future. Ask any empty-Nester and they will tell you. The dynamic also shifts slightly where the children take a parental role, taking care of their parents now advancing in age and unable to do all they were able to do in the past. For a lucky few empty-nesters, quiet retirement can be staved off by pursuing passion projects. Some continue to work well into old age, meaning their children worry less about them and their financial security. But what happens when such passion projects in the way of businesses are affected by an unexpected global pandemic?

For Mr. Kim Loh and his wife Mrs. Ping Ping Loh, operators of Nyonya Kitchen, the silence of their empty-Nester lives were balanced out by the bustling nature of running a popular restaurant in the heart of Beijing. But when COVID-19 struck, it shook the confidence of these Beijing veterans who also lived through the SARS outbreak of 2003. At a time when businesses are facing mass closures despite Beijing slowly returning to normal, Mr. and Mrs. Loh contend with the lasting damage inflicted on Beijing’s expat entrepreneurs, forcing them to reevaluate, re-strategize and even contemplate closing what has now become a mainstay in Beijing’s restaurant scene. Mr. and Mrs. Loh stand as testaments to just how far entrepreneurs are willing to go to salvage what is left of their businesses even when the odds are stacked up against them.

How long has the business been in operation?

Our most recent restaurant opened on 31st March 2017. Our first restaurant started in December of 2004 in GaoJiaYuan, near Lido Hotel, Chaoyang District.

 How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this Far East?

We came here in September 1991 after Kim Loh was seconded here by KFC Malaysia to operate their three joint ventures in China as their Chief of Finance. Our boys were 6, 4, and 1 years old.

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

All our three boys are now married and living in different parts of the world. Our eldest son is living in Lausanne, Switzerland, our second son in Dallas, Texas, and our youngest son in Melbourne, Australia. When COVID 19 first hit China, we had just returned from Melbourne, Australia after visiting with our youngest son’s family over Christmas and New Year.

Initially, we were not too worried as we had gone through the SARS Epidemic in Beijing. As the news from China went out on the seriousness of the Virus, our three sons were rather worried for us. Initially, we were asked to get out and return to Melbourne to live with our youngest son there. However as time went on with flights being canceled and Australia’s restriction on all travelers from China, this plan has to be put on hold.

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

We expect that business will be very badly affected and many will close permanently as people will get used to social distancing and working from home. As the economy goes into recessions, people will have less money to spend and will not be going out to restaurants for meals as much as before. There will be a lot more meals on deliveries and take away.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

As our restaurant was closed during the peak of the virus, we had no income and have had to live on our savings and spend as little as possible. We planned to close the restaurant and leave Beijing as we were not sure how long this situation would last.

How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?

It has been very bad for our business as we were closed for two months and when we reopen sales have dropped to about 30% of our normal takings.

What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s well-being?

As we were planning to close the restaurant, an expat investor offered to take over the operation of the business as he felt it will be such a shame to close down the Nyonya Kitchen which has been serving authentic Malaysian cuisines for so many years in Beijing. When we reopened many expat customers came to patronize our restaurant and we are thankful for their support.

 Do you believe the current situation will permanently change the face of business in Beijing?

We do not think it will permanently change the business situation but it will take a long time to return to normal as before.

As the city continues to return to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?

We have found an investor to take over the operation of our restaurant business as we plan to move to Melbourne to be with our family.

As a business owner/ professional, what has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Our one take-away is that we cannot assume things will continue as expected and we need to be prepared for changes at any moment and therefore always have sufficient reserves and be adaptable to the new situation.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

As always a relationship with family members is of utmost importance more than business or career etc. as these can end at any sudden moment. Therefore take time to spend with family members wherever they may be.

Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

At this stage of our lives, we were already planning to retire from active engagement in our business and this current COVID-19 made us more resolved on this and to spend time with our children and their families.

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

Hang in there, be creative and adaptable, negotiate with your landlord and staff to reduce costs, and be prepared for the business to return.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

In our case, come and support our restaurant business either at our restaurant or order deliveries.

Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?

We still see a bright future for businesses in Beijing, given the size of the market and the Chinese resilience to endure and overcome difficult situations like this.

KEEP READING: Happy Home, Happy Business: ‘The Winter has Passed’

Photos: Mrs. Ping Ping Loh

In many ways, Beijing is my dream city. I’d always wanted to live somewhere that young and the old alike flooded the streets on their bicycles, headed everywhere and nowhere in particular. Then I came to Beijing and that little dream was realized: not only were tons of people cycling everywhere, but I also had my pick of short-term bike rental services and that cost a pittance. I cannot, however, say that the rental bike scene is perfect: they are often left on street corners in various states of disrepair, with many companies such as Ofo going out of business in recent years.

Of course, the alternative to renting sometimes unreliable public share bikes is buying your own, and thanks to a long history of cycling, the Chinese bicycle industry is booming. However, discerning customers these days look for more than just a good value for money when it comes to buying a set of wheels. The ethics behind what’s on offer, and the materials used to make them, also come into play. In light of this, some innovative minds across the globe have taken it upon themselves to not only reinvent production, but also the materials used in the production of quality bikes.

One such innovator is Jing Chuan Hua, otherwise known as ‘Ginger’. After living in Beijing for over 20 years and working as a computer programming lecturer, he decided to seek out a new path in life that combined his passion for bicycles with a quality and unique product. At his workshop in Beijing, Jing creates bamboo bikes, teaches the next generation of riders how to make them themselves, and reminisces on his youthful triumph of cycling from his hometown of Xian to Beijing in 11 days.

Barefoot and fancy-free! Ginger on one of his bamboo creations

What is your history with bikes and biking in general?

When I was a college student, I rode a bike from Xi’an to Beijing and it took all of 11 days to complete the journey. That was my first long-distance riding experience. I also like to ride a bike which I suppose is rather obvious [laughs].

How did you get the idea to make bikes using bamboo?

Bamboo is nature’s steel and a wonderful eco-friendly material. It is especially meaningful in China where bamboo has long been a part of our culture. Bamboo is widely planted in South of China and grows fast and is very cheap to produce. It’s an ideal substitute for steel and wood in many cases, and given the current global climate crisis, it is worth considering further.

“Bamboo is nature’s steel and a wonderful eco-friendly material.”

What is the creative process? How do you come up with your bike frame designs?

You need six steps to complete a bamboo bicycle. There are two key steps to make the bike frame, one is to fix the frame. There is another step to complete the jig for the bike, and another step is to reinforce the joint with carbon fiber.

What sort of clients do you target with your bike creations?

My clients are people from all walks of life and not just students. At my workshop, I encourage everyone to make their own bicycle. It is a wonderful experience. You will “ride with pride” when you build your own bamboo bicycle.

What is your goal with creating these bamboo bikes?

My main goal is to show the versatility of bamboo as a material for bike making. At my workshop, there is a wide variety of bikes which would be surprising to some. And that is what I wish to show. The experience of riding on a bamboo bike is like no other and it is something everyone must experience.

“You will “ride with pride” when you build your own bamboo bicycle”

How can people purchase your bikes or learn how to assemble a bamboo bike for themselves?

It’s quite simple. If you are interested in learning how to assemble a bamboo bike then you can just come to my workshop and learn in person. Alternatively, you can visit my website, purchase a kit, and assemble it. My website is https://www.mybikediy.com. 

KEEP READING: 10 Easy Rides You Can Do Without Leaving Beijing

Photos: Jing ChChuan HuauanHua