Meet the Hong Kong Athletes Selected to be Lululemon’s Newest Ambassadors

Why are we still so afraid to talk about sex in Hong Kong? It’s a question that sexual educator and wellness practitioner Vera Lui has been asking for over a decade.

As the co-founder of Sally Coco, an intimate lifestyle store that has grown into a sex-positive community space, Vera is one of the city’s leading voices in sexual wellness and empowerment. She also championed the Women’s Festival at Eaton Workshop in 2018, Hong Kong's first annual festival celebrating the power and complexity of women.

Her YouTube channel Sally’s Toy has racked up over 22 million views and 106K subscribers, offering everything from sex toy reviews to real talk about intimacy and desire, injected with Vera’s refreshing sense of humor and candor. 

Drawing from her storied career, Vera brings unique expertise to the frequent workshops she hosts, which blend counselling with sexuality education to inform and empower each individual.

Vera was recently invited to speak at Asia Society's Women’s Health in Focus Summit last June, where she continued to inspire many women to embrace intimacy, self-love, and pleasure without shame. 

The Beat Asia caught up with Vera to chat about her mission to promote sexual wellness in Hong Kong.

How did it feel to be participating in Asia's first summit dedicated to women's health?

I was really excited! I haven't seen this happen in Hong Kong before, and I've been in the women's empowerment field for quite some time, so it's amazing that there was a summit focused on women's health.

The Women’s Health in Focus Summit has a focus on femtech. Can you share more about your brand Sally Coco and how it aligns with femtech?

Sally Coco is Hong Kong's first sex-positive intimate lifestyle store, and we focus on raising awareness of sex education and intimate care — basically, what a woman is going through in life, but intimately. 

In our shop, we have different kinds of products that are more focused on women's health, like the LV Kegel exerciser, which is focused on women's pelvic floor training. We treasure women's health and their mental health and advocate for their identity as well as their sexuality. 

Can you tell us about your brand Sally Coco?

I grew up here in Hong Kong. When I was growing up, there wasn’t much sexuality education. When I started learning more about it, I realized that no one ever told me about female pleasure or anatomy, or how to take care of ourselves intimately.

It was out of this personal necessity and curiosity. I wanted to know more, and as I learned more, I also brought more people along with me to learn more about this topic, and that’s how the business came to be.

How do you develop your products at Sally Coco?

We are retailers and we import our products from different brands.

A lot of people think our store is very sexy and product-based; however, what I’ve found out in the past 15 years is that the support we give them is the essence of our product. It’s not just a transaction, it's a transformation.

We recently held workshops with a physiotherapist, to educate about pelvic floor training and the release of sexual pain. It was a good turnout because a lot of people struggle with those issues.

What's the meaning behind the name Sally Coco?

When I was growing up, I didn't have anyone to talk to about sexuality, and I didn't learn from anyone. So when we first started, I created this fictional figure called Sally, who is like a big sister you can talk to about these topics. Coco is the more adventurous side of her.     

I always say to my colleagues when they come on board that every one of us is Sally. Sally’s character and personality are shaped by how we support our clients.

Why is it so important to educate people on sex? Does it affect other people other wellness aspects?

I think the mindset in Hong Kong is very narrow. If they can expand their horizons and see from different perspectives, they can release themselves from the suffering that they have with their own identity. I think the reason why they struggle is because they can’t see from a different perspective. 

Personally, in my philosophy, sexual wellness is not just about the genitals — it’s holistic. When you think about your own sexuality, it's about identity, gender, how you see yourself and your body, and how you communicate your needs to others. 

Sexuality is a mind and body connection. These soft skills can be applied to everyday life. If someone can feel good about themselves and their body, they’ll have more confidence, and if they can communicate their needs, they can also use these skills and apply them to their everyday life. The things you learn in sexuality education are not just about sex. It's about how you are as a person. 

How has Sally Coco evolved since you first launched it?

When I first started Sally Coco, I always thought that sexuality education was about teaching people about the anatomy of the body and how to achieve pleasure. 

But as I talked to clients along the way about their struggles with their sexuality, I found that if you want to have a holistic well-being in the sexual wellness field, you need to support that person as a whole. 

So now my approach is more comprehensive and holistic. When my clients come and talk to us, we don't just say: this is the product for you. We will explore: What is their perspective on sex? Why does she think that way? Why is she struggling? What education did she have in the past? And as we dig deeper, we'll find out more about the psychological side of things and be able to truly help them. 

Were there any setbacks or challenges you faced when you started the brand?

So many! When you talk about sexuality in Hong Kong, you're not just fighting how society thinks about sex; you’re also fighting how the meta-algorithm thinks about sex. 

The rent is really high in Hong Kong, so we're also struggling with that. 

And I got into an industry that is really taboo and biased. I've never felt any kind of discrimination in Hong Kong, but after I got into this field, I felt a lot of discrimination. Public insults are another thing we have to deal with, because when I talk about sex online, people have a lot of comments on what a woman should do in public.

Do you think some Asian women still find it difficult to talk about their sexual needs?

It's getting better, but there is still a lot of stigma. It's not just about how society thinks; it’s also about how your household raised you as a woman, and how your personal experience has shaped you. 

Even though I've been doing this for 15 years, I still meet people who have difficulty talking about their sexual needs or establishing their own boundaries and finding a lover who can truly respect them without sacrificing their own needs. So I think there's still a lot of room to work on these things. 

What do you think are the most common misconceptions around sex?

If I can only say one, I think it’s the misconception that when you are with someone, you need to sacrifice yourself. That’s the concept we were raised on as Chinese women: that you need to sacrifice yourself for the family. 

When you’re growing up, you're always in pleasing mode. You need to please your parents, your teachers, etc. Then, when you get into an intimate relationship, you don't know how to stay true to yourself. 

All the problems of one’s sexuality can be traced back to giving and receiving in a relationship. The first step is that women don't know what their needs are, they're not honest with themselves, or they have never explored that part of their desire.

Secondly, women also neglect their own needs once they're with a partner. Either that or they don't know how to communicate, and they boil up inside.

How does Sally Coco help with these issues?

Our community is very strong. We have videos on social media to raise awareness about understanding your own needs and talking about them.

I also share my own personal struggles so people can resonate with them and know that there's another person who is also like that, who has come this far.

Offline, we do workshops and events to create a community that can support each other. 

I think community building is very important. We provide a very safe space for different genders to come and express themselves authentically and explore their own identity.

You've spoken a lot about supporting women's wellness. How does your overall wellness approach at Sally Coco embrace the LGBTQIA+ community?

We are an inclusive environment, so everyone can come. I’m bisexual and really active in the LGBTQ community. We tailor-make workshops, and we hold celebrations in our store every Pride Month. Fundamentally, we provide a judgment-free environment; we receive whoever comes and we don’t label anyone. 

You have a new book coming out soon, what can you tell us about it?

"A Place for Pleasure, A Space for Healing" is 25 intimate stories about Hong Kong people and their struggles.  

When the book comes out in July, we're going to have a mini exhibition in our store. The stories in the book happened in our store, so at each corner we're going to have a little exhibit to show you how the story came to life.

These are the stories that shaped my philosophy and how I think about these topics. I hope that by reading the book, people can see a different perspective and free themselves. That’s the key because the learning I got from those stories freed me, and I would hope that after they read it, they can free themselves too.

We are trapped by our own thoughts and our own limited knowledge. So if we can expand the knowledge, then we won't feel as trapped and know there are different ways to approach life.

What's next for you and Sally Coco?

I'll still keep doing what I do. This is my life purpose: to continue to care and support the Hong Kong community or whoever needs us.

For more information, visit Sally Coco on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. Check out Vera's YouTube Channel Sally's Toy here. 

Location: Sally Coco | Sally’s Toy, Room 302, 3/F, Winning House, 10-16 Cochrane Street, Central

Opening Hours: Daily from 1 PM to 9 PM

This summer, Hopewell Hotel is offering exciting activities, family packages, and seasonal culinary delights to start off a vigorous and vivid summer vacation. 

Hopewell Hotel’s Summer Family Experience Package

Hopewell Hotel kicks off the summer season with the “Summer Family Experience” accommodation package — think spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and some hands-on culinary fun! 

The family fun includes:

• A Premium City Room (38 m², from HK$1,980 per room per night) where guests can choose between a king or twin beds, with an 80-centimetre-long sofa bed, breathtaking views of the Wan Chai neighbourhood.
• Eco-friendly toiletries from my forest FRIENDS for children
• A One-Hour Family Culinary Experience, where parents and kids transform into little chefs and bake cookies and make mocktails together
• A Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for three (2 adults and 1 child), 15% off at the Hopewell Inn and Lobby Café, and Complimentary Access to the In-house Fitness Centre. 

Booking period for the Summer Family Experience accommodation package is from now to Aug. 28, 2025, with stays through Aug. 31, 2025.

Hopewell Inn’s Seasonal Set Menus to Beat the Summer Heat

Executive Chef Larry Ng of Hopewell Inn has creatively prepared seasonal set menus and lunch and dinner options for sharing, offering diverse choices for a summer feast. 

• A Six-Course Seasonal Set Menu: Highlights include the Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup, Pan-fried Threadfin with Black Bean Sauce, Juicy Beef Tenderloin with Yunnan Termite Mushrooms, and a Green Tea Panna Cotta finale.
• Set Lunch and Dinner Menus: The Hopewell Inn Seasonal Set Menu (HK$638 per person, minimum 2 persons), New Set Lunch Menu (HK$968 for 4 persons, HK$1,338 for 7 persons, HK$1,788 for 8 persons), New Set Dinner (HKD$1,338 for 4 persons), and Hopewell Inn Home Style Dinner Menu (HK$418 per person, minimum for 2 persons) feature Cantonese fares and luxurious add-ons like lobster, oysters, and garoupa.
• The Hopewell Inn Summer Seasonal Set Menu is available from now until Aug. 31, 2025, with the other set menus available from now until further notice. 

Fruit-full Extravaganza Semi Buffet at Lobby Café

Chef Mak Kam Kui, Executive Chef – Western Cuisine has curated seasonal fruits for Lobby Café to create a variety of refreshing and nutritious fruit salads and desserts that offer a cool respite from the summer heat. 

• Over 10 different salads at the Semi Buffet: Fruit Sushi; Crab Meat; Mango, Papaya, Avocado Salad; Roasted Pumpkin, Apple Quinoa Salad; Thai Beef Green Mango Salad; Pineapple, Seafood Salad; Mild Curry Mayo; Beetroot, Orange, Feta Cheese Salad, and more.
• Desserts: Lemon Ginger Honey Cake, Mango Sticky Rice, Fig Tart, Coconut Passion Fruit Tart, and Lychee Raspberry Cup.
• Semi Lunch Buffet (Monday to Saturday): 12 NN to 2:30 PM, for HK$238 per person; Summer Fiesta Buffet (Sundays): 12 NN to 2:30 PM, (Daily): 6 to 9:30 PM, for HK$318 per person.
• The Fruit-Themed Semi Buffet will be available from July 14 to Aug. 31, 2025

Summer Cakes from the Patisserie

Executive Pastry Chef Killua Cheung draws inspiration from seasonal fruits to create a collection of fruit cakes, offering sweet lovers a light and refreshing summer indulgence. These selections include:

• White Chocolate Kumquat Mousse Cake (HK$400 for one pound)
• Mango Napoleon (HK$400 for one pound)
• Caramel Pineapple Cake (HK$360 for one pound)
• Chili Black Forest Cake (HK$360 for one pound)
• Tiramisu (HK$400 for one pound)
• Strawberry Cream Cake (HK$360 for one pound)

Signature Summer Sips at the Lobby Bar

Sip your way through summer and cool down from the heat with a selection of fruity cocktails and mocktails like the Tropical Margarita, Summer Punch, Apear, Shisojito, PaPaNaNa, and Popping Pop. 

• Single Drinks: HK$88 each or two for HK$138
• Two-Hour Free Flow Promotion: Enjoy house red and white wines, Prosecco, and bottled beers for HK$128. For an additional HK$30, guests can upgrade to unlimited house spirits.
• Available daily until Sept. 30 (drinks) and Dec. 31 (free flow)

A Summer Must-Do for the Family

The Hopewell Hotel is blending family bonding, seasonal indulgence, and so much more into one summery package! Whether you’re into baking cookies, savouring gourmet delights, or unwinding with fruity cocktails and sips, the Hopewell Hotel is offering the ultimate staycation fit for all ages! 

For bookings and reservations, visit the Hopewell Hotel’s website here. Book the “Summer Family Experience Package” here.

Follow the Hopewell Hotel on Facebook and Instagram. 

The results of the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) were released on Sunday, July 6, revealing another year of stellar performances by Hong Kong students.

While 202,103 students worldwide sat the exams with a global average score of 30.58, Hong Kong scholars significantly surpassed this with an impressive average of 36.72. Over 30 Hong Kong students earned the maximum score of 45, placing them among global top achievers (out of 2,630 total number of candidates).

“I’m inspired by the dedication, resilience, and compassion shown by IB students during such a complex time in the world. As IB graduates move forward—into higher education, careers, or service to their communities—they carry with them the competencies, values, and global mindset needed to thrive and make a meaningful difference.” Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate, said in a statement.

“IB graduates leave not only with knowledge, but also with the perspective and purpose to lead, serve, and shape a better world. We are proud of who they are and the impact they’re already making,” he added.

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) reported 15 perfect scorers among its 936 candidates, who achieved an average of 36.1 and a pass rate of 97.6%. Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) saw two students score 45 points, with a cohort average of 37.7.

Singapore International School (Hong Kong) (SISHK), Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK), St Paul’s Co-Educational College, and Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School each celebrated one top scorer and highest scores of 45 and 40.8 points. Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) also saw five students achieve 45 points, with an average of 37.6.

Among the city's top schools reporting exemplary scores were Carmel School Hong Kong, reporting a 100% pass rate and a cohort average of 38.1, Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College posting an average of 38.8, with two perfect scorers, St. Stephen’s College with seven students score 44 points and one student score 43 points, and Creative Secondary School (CSS) recording an average of 36.2.

IB is a globally recognized pre-university qualification designed to prepare students for higher education and beyond. 

The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are two of its senior-level offerings, requiring students aged 16 to 19 to complete six subjects along with three core elements: the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

This year’s exams marked the first major session under new IBO rules aimed at preventing academic dishonesty, including adjusted exam start times, a two-hour supervision requirement, and strict calculator memory clearing protocols.

For more details, visit the International Baccalaureate® website or follow their Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

This summer, Ngong Ping 360 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) are teaming up for the first time to launch the "Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Teaser Party @ Ngong Ping 360," running from June 21 to Aug. 31, 2025. 

As part of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th Anniversary celebration this year, Ngong Ping Village will host a range of themed experiences, including a striking 5.5-meter Castle of Magical Dreams installation with figurines of Mickey and Friends, alongside Duffy and Friends, all dressed in exclusive 20th Anniversary costumes. 

11 of Ngong PIng's iconic Crystal Cabin Cable Cars have also been transformed into Disney-themed rides, featuring characters and designs inspired by HKDL's newest and largest parade, "Friendtastic!," including Disney and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Disney Princesses, Up, Encanto, and many more! 

The themed Crystal Cable Car Package, priced the same as a regular ticket, includes priority boarding and a souvenir ticket to take back home. 

To top it all off, HKDL's year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, "The Most Magical Party of All," will kick off on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with all-new experiences like the castle stage show "Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!" the grand parade "Friendtastic!" and the nighttime show "Momentous: Party in the Night Sky." 

From now until July 26, 2025, KLOOK is offering a combo package that includes:

• The NP360 Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary-themed Crystal Cable Car round-trip ticket
• Hong Kong Disneyland 1-Day ticket
• Complimentary 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat. 

Visit the event link below for more details! 

To plan your magical celebration ahead, check out The Beat Asia's HKDL guides on where to stay, where to eat, and a special guide for parents! 

Don't miss out on this unique and immersive experience! For more information and updates, visit Hong Kong Disneyland's website or Ngong Ping 360's website. 

Trail runners, get ready to conquer new heights, because The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge Hong Kong (TNF 100) is making a thrilling return this December!

In its 11th iteration, the iconic race returns for three days from Dec. 19 to 21, 2025, at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square in Tai Po.

This annual competition has something for everyone, whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned ultra warrior. This year, channeling the spirit of "Dare to Summit," the race invites participants to take part in an exciting off-road adventure, push beyond their comfort zones, and experience the unmatched beauty of trail running!

Whether you're chasing your first finish line or eyeing a podium spot, TNF 100 has you covered with 14K, 55K, 100K solo races and the ever-popular 100K Team Relay, which has expanded to host 100 teams this year.

New to the trail? The 14K race is your perfect intro, open to runners aged 15 and up. Looking to push your endurance? The 55K and 100K routes will take you deep into Hong Kong’s most awe-inspiring terrain — and then some.

The 100K runners (solo and relay) will kick off under the stars at 10 PM on Dec. 19, tackling a punishing but picturesque route that winds through ten iconic peaks.

Expect steep climbs, hidden villages, endless stairs, and jaw-dropping views — from Pat Sin Leng to the towering Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak. Runners will face the hilly cliffs of Tai To Yan as they sprint the Ngau Kwu Leng Trail to make it to the finish line. Think a scenic tour of the diverse landscapes of Hong Kong, with extra sweat!

The 55K race launches 8 AM on Dec. 20, offering a condensed but equally brutal slice of the action, starting with Pak Tai To Yan and Butterfly Hill, before ascending the Thousand-Step Stairway of Cloudy Hill, Lung Mun and Tai Mo Shan, culminating in the Ng Tung Chai and Pak Tai To Yan route to the finish line. 

And the 14K runners, hitting the trails on Dec. 21 at 9 AM, can enjoy a bite-sized adventure through Butterfly Hill and beyond, towards the scenic Pak Tai To Yan. 

This year’s 100K solo champions (male & female) will enter a HK$60,000 prize pool, while podium finishers and relay teams score gear and vouchers from The North Face.

Registration is now open on the Race Time Solution website. It’s first-come, first-served, and early birds save big before Sept. 1. Race fees range from HK$380 to HK$1,800, depending on your chosen challenge. Get ready to lace up and test your limits! 

For more information, visit The North Face on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: The Wishing Square, Fong Ma Po, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s first grand summit dedicated solely to women’s health has finally arrived!

Taking place over two days — June 16 and 17, 2025 — at Asia Society, this landmark event brings together 40 international leaders and some of the most revolutionary minds to reimagine the future of women’s health, championed by Anca Griffiths and Maaike Steinebach.

“We are excited to showcase a wide range of businesses and startups at the forefront of women's health innovation. These companies are not only advancing technology and research, but are also redefining how we approach women's health, making it more accessible and impactful for all,” said Maaike Steinbach, Founder of Femtech Future and Co-Founder of the Summit.

Panel discussions addressed a broad spectrum of critical concerns in women’s wellness, including women’s longevity, disease prevention, and workplace wellness. The summit also tackled critical topics such as medical gaslighting — the systemic dismissal of women’s health concerns — while emphasizing the importance of equity, evidence-based care, and empowerment. 

“How is it that we’re sitting in Hong Kong with access to all kinds of information and the best healthcare in the world, and this is the first time we've heard about some of these issues? What do women need to know about their health and bodies?” asked Anca Griffiths, Co-Founder of the summit and Founder of OM Health Hub. 

At the heart of the summit is a focus on Femtech — technology dedicated to women’s health. Femtech is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest sectors of innovation, largely led by women. 

On the first day of the Summit, a panel of experts gave insight access to medical breakthroughs in women's health. Panelists such as hormone optimization expert Dr. Christopher Asandra, MD, entrepreneur Lindsay Jang, Co-founder of Jellytime Isabelle Daza, and Founder of 10x Longevity Jill Van Vugt, were invited to discuss longevity therapies, hormone-related healthcare, and lifestyle shifts — all through a female lens.

A second panel, featuring Professor Ava Kwong, Vera Lui, and Dr. Rica Cruz, explored the harmful effects of silence surrounding women's health issues. Vera Lui, founder of Sally Coco, addressed cultural issues and societal taboos, discussing how internalized shame can affect one’s ability to voice boundaries in relationships later in life.

A major highlight of the summit is the global launch of the Women’s Longevity Blueprint, a pioneering initiative aimed at offering tools and strategies to help women prevent disease and enhance their health span.

Featured speakers include Dr. Christopher Asandra, MD, Dr. Lisa Larkin, and Dr. Cassandra Szoeke, a leading brain health researcher and author of "The Secrets of Women’s Healthy Aging."

Beyond the talks, the Summit features screenings, including a compelling video by Dr. Lisa Larkin, a globally respected thought leader in women’s health, who outlined a proactive roadmap for disease prevention. 

Meanwhile, the Femtech Solutions Space showcases some of the most revolutionary companies and technologies in women’s health today, highlighting women-led ventures poised to transform women’s health. 

Dr. Farideh Bischoff unveils her long-awaited non-invasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis, and Ariella Herffernan-Marks will demonstrate how AI can amplify health equity, turning algorithms into actionable insights.

Attendees will receive curated Goodie Bags filled with health and wellness treats, including free Jellytime condoms up for grabs, showing how everyday wellness starts simple. 

For more ticket information, visit Asia Society's website here. For more information, visit Asia Society on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Location: Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty

Registration 8:30 AM daily, Program starts from 9 AM to 4:15 PM  

TuniTuni, a South Korean children’s gym brand, just opened its second branch in Hong Kong in Shek Mun on June 1, 2025. Located at Unit N, P. 19/F Kings Wing Plaza 2, No.1 on Kwan Street, Shatin, the new facility follows the phenomenal success of its first location, TuniTuni Lohas, which opened in 2024. 

This expansion is set to bring their unique storytelling gym experience to even more children across the city. 

TuniTuni Lohas made waves in its first year, with over 2,500 students experiencing the TuniTuni program since its opening. The center has since been in great demand, with a long waiting list of eager families. Parents have also consistently praised the excellent program and the joy it brings their children, highlighting how TuniTuni’s innovative approach promotes a love for movement through “learn and jiggle, play and giggle.”

Building on this success, the newest center is already off to a remarkable success, with more than 300 trial students registered even before the official opening. This overwhelming response emphasizes TuniTuni’s reputation for delivering fun, engaging, and educational experiences that attract young minds and bodies. 

At TuniTuni, every class is a story, and every movement is a moment of delight. Targeting children between the ages of 1 and 7 years old, TuniTuni’s programmes are designed to foster physical development and a love for movement through story and play. 

Kids will experience a diverse range of 17 essential movements, enhancing their physical development systematically. 

For more information about TuniTuni Shek Mun, including class schedules and registration details, you may visit TuniTuni’s website here. Follow TuniTuni Hong Kong on Facebook and Instagram for announcements!

Location: Unit N, P. 19/F Kings Wing Plaza 2, No.1 on Kwan Street, Shatin