HARVEY LAW GROUP REVEALS HIDDEN PATHWAYS TO SLOVAK CITIZENSHIP FOR DESCENDANTS Many people are surprised to learn that it is possible to obtain European Union (EU) citizenship without having been born in Europe or ever having lived there. For those with European roots, this opportunity often comes through Citizenship by Ancestry programs. Among them, Slovakia now offers one of the most generous and accessible options in the EU. Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is a culturally rich country known for its beautiful natural scenery, particularly the High Tatras mountains, and laid-back lifestyle. Rich folk traditions are evident in Slovakia’s music, traditional crafts and well-preserved medieval towns, and it has the highest density of castles per capita in the world. Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, straddles both banks of the Danube River; it’s just an hour from Vienna and about two hours from Budapest, making it a well-connected hub with easy access to major European cities. In Slovakia, citizenship can be granted through jus sanguinis, or the right of blood. This means eligibility may be granted based on ancestry, regardless of where you were born, what language you speak, or how closely you’ve remained connected to Slovak culture. If you have a parent, grandparent, or even a great-grandparent who was a Czechoslovak citizen born in the modern-day territory of Slovakia, you may qualify to apply for Slovak citizenship by ancestry. You are not required to pass any language, history, or cultural tests. Even if your ancestor lost or renounced Czechoslovak citizenship due to emigration, you may still be eligible. Obtaining Slovak citizenship offers significant benefits, particularly in terms of mobility and opportunities within the EU. You can live, work, or study in any of the EU member states without needing a visa or meeting strict stay requirements. A Slovak passport also opens up visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 164 countries around the world. And because Slovakia allows dual citizenship, you can keep your current nationality while enjoying the freedoms that come with being an EU citizen. Slovakia is currently ranked number 7 in the world on the Global Ancestry Index (https://globalancestryindex.org), reflecting its strong Citizenship by Ancestry program. This ranking emphasises Slovakia’s commitment to inclusivity, enabling descendants of Slovak nationals to apply for citizenship even if several generations have passed since their ancestors left the country. Many individuals may not realise that they qualify for Slovak citizenship. With over 1.7 million Slovaks and their descendants living overseas, as reported by the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad, a vast global diaspora exists. Many of these individuals may be eligible for citizenship through their ancestry, even if they have never set foot in Slovakia. A thorough examination of family records, such as birth certificates or citizenship documents, can often uncover an ancestor who qualifies them for this opportunity. DNA tests provided by consumer ancestry websites like MyHeritage are not accepted by Slovakian authorities as legal proof to claim citizenship by descent. Instead, establishing ancestral legitimacy requires official documents that prove a direct bloodline to a Czechoslovak citizen born within the territory of present-day Slovakia. The processing time for ancestral citizenship applications can take up to two years. For those unsure where to begin or how to navigate the application process, seeking legal guidance can make all the difference. Harvey Law Group, with over 30 years of experience in global residency and citizenship programs, can assist in confirming your eligibility, preparing the necessary paperwork, and guiding you through each step toward obtaining Slovak citizenship. What sets Harvey Law Group apart is its partnerships with genealogy companies that specialise in locating historical documents across more than 100 countries. This support helps individuals without lineage documents find essential evidence for their applications. Additionally, Harvey Law Group works closely with apostille companies and government-approved translators in Slovakia, ensuring that all documents comply with application standards and are accurately translated. With the support of the dedicated team at Harvey Law Group, those interested in exploring their Slovak roots and unlocking new opportunities in the EU can embark on the exciting journey of applying for Slovak citizenship by ancestry with confidence. SHOUT-OUT TO READERS: In the coming months, Harvey Law Group will be sharing a series of articles with Around DB readers exploring popular CBA programs. These articles will delve into various aspects, from eligibility criteria to the application process, p roviding ins ight s to help you navigate the often complex landscape of citizenship options and discover how your heritage might open new doors.

There is no shortage of ways to stay active in Discovery Bay and in a place that loves both sport and being by the water, it simply makes sense to combine the two. Mervyn Black outlines how best to take the watersports plunge PHOTOS COURTESY OF DB YC, LBC & by P. Nishizawa Discovery Bay’s most visible and wide-ranging watersports hub has to be Lantau Boat Club (LBC, www.lantauboatclub.com), right on Tai Pak Beach. There are thriving paddling, rowing and sailing sections, plus opportunities for surf-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding and the like. Founded in the 1980s and run entirely on a voluntary, non-profit basis, the club offers a welcoming community for all, secure storage for equipment and a refurbished boutique clubhouse. “Being a member at Lantau Boat Club provides great access to both on-water and off-water activities,” opens rowing section chairman Gareth Hart. “Whether you're new to watersports or have previous experience, the energy is contagious and with a fleet of top-notch boats and beautiful routes to discover around Hong Kong, there’s no better time to get involved! “Each of our three sections has regular training schedules during the week and on weekends,” Gareth adds. “We also encourage friendly competitions amongst sections, particularly on Saturday mornings. Each section has its own events and thriving social side: we host regular barbecues on our lovely oceanside terrace.” For coastal rowing, popular routes include trips around Peng Chau, over to Mui Wo and around the local bays. The section boasts a first-class fleet of recently purchased boats including singles, doubles and a quad. There’s also a coastal rowing youth programme, held on Saturday mornings, focused on ensuring kids enjoy the sport in a stress-free and fun environment. LBC’s paddling section currently boasts 56 members and offers competitive and recreational paddling in outrigger canoes and dragon boats with sessions every day but Mondays. The section is always looking to help potential new members trial the six-man outrigger canoes and dragon boats, with no experience or equipment needed. On the horizon for LBC’s coastal rowing and paddling sections are this month’s Around the Island Race, a 45km race circumventing Hong Kong Island, and the 20km Round Lamma Race, with members currently training in earnest. Finally, the sailing section of the LBC consists of over 100 active sailors and 60 beach catamarans. There are regular casual sails over to Mui Wo and other nearby beach destinations for lunch and family fun, as well as spring and autumn racing series. This month’s Asian Open Regatta is the club’s annual flagship event, with boats from other Hong Kong clubs joining forces with LBC to create a fleet size approaching 40 boats. SAIL AWAY WITH ME Whether you prefer heading out for a cruise or a more competitive day at sea, Discovery Bay Yacht Club (DBYC, www.dbyc.net) has been the heart of big boat sailing in DB since 1999. The club prides itself on bringing local sailors together and providing beginners with the chance to enjoy the beauty of a day on the water. “When it comes to recruiting, we hold an annual open day in March,” opens DBYC commodore of three years Stephen Hart. “Usually, we take four or five members’ boats out and 20 to 25 people who are interested in joining the club. We tend to get 10 to 15 new members from the day. “New crew don’t have to have any experience – they can just come on board and learn the ropes. They don’t even have to join to start with, they can just contact us and come along to one of our events. Or if one of the boats is going out one afternoon, skippers can link up with crew on the members’ WhatsApp group.” Stephen says that while membership shrunk to around 60 during the pandemic, it has rebuilt to over 100 and the club is thriving both socially and competitively. “We cruise to Lamma or to The Outpost on South Lantau, have a nice meal and then sail home. And we join racing series held by other sailing clubs in Hong Kong – some of those races are offshore, to the Philippines for example, so the opportunities for crew are varied. “Our boats often do well in the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Around the Island Race, proving that for a little club we punch above our weight,” Stephen adds, pointing out that DBYC is separate from the Lantau Yacht Club and does not have a club premises. DBYC holds a series of events each year ranging from the Johnny Phillips Lamma Rally in May to this month’s Sokos Under The Stars, one of the marquee weekends on the club’s calendar. “We sail down to the Soko Islands, anchor in one of the bays, and spend the night. Typically we have about 15 boats join, some from other clubs around Hong Kong. On Sunday morning, one of our members, Richard Winter, leads a tour of the island, introducing people to its history as a camp for Vietnamese refugees, as well as its current status as a marine park,” says Stephen. DBYC is also community-focused, providing full support to boat owners. “We can help someone wanting to bring a new boat to DB to find a swing mooring and a place to put a tender,” Stephen says. “And we look out for each other’s boats when there’s a typhoon – if a boat owner is out of town, we all do what we can to help.” HIGH AS A KITE One of the more exhilarating watersports you can sink your teeth into in DB is kiteboarding, with the wide-open spaces offering some of the best conditions in Hong Kong. Martin MacRobert and fellow DB resident Warwick Kendall are the founders of DB Kiteboarders, which has over 60 members who eagerly keep an eye on wind and weather forecasts to ensure they don’t miss a chance to hit the water. Martin, who has been kiteboarding off DB since 2009, points to the quality of the adventure on offer. “One of the things I aspire to do every single time I’m on the water is depart the north beach, head straight up to the rocks next to Disney, take a breather and zip back. You’re rewarded with what’s called a down-winder, which is 2.5km of a lot of fun. With a 4-foot fetch in the bay, there are some really big jumps to be had “We benefit from having a really spectacular location and when it’s on, it’s unsurpassed,” Martin adds. “It’s really good compared to any venue in Hong Kong.” All this does come with a kicker, however: kiteboarding off DB isn’t an option for beginners. “The risks are very real and if you don’t know what you’re doing, if you don’t have some essential skills mastered, you will get hurt,” says Martin. “You need to know what you’re doing in DB – you must have the ability to sail upwind and you must be able to self-rescue.” From too much wind from the storms that often roll through Hong Kong to not enough wind, there’s a lot to take into account. Warwick explains: “The wind can be fickle and all of a sudden just stop. Then you drop your kite and, if you don’t know how to self-rescue, or know how to use a little bit of wind to get yourself back in, you’re in trouble. Landing is also risky if the wind dies. You’ve got the two north beaches and, if you really get caught out, you’ve got Tai Pak Beach but there are a lot of rocks everywhere.” Martin adds: “There are also some hidden aerodynamic hazards largely caused by the hotel and built-up areas at DB North. Within a 100m zone in front of the esplanade, there’s a dead-wind area and, if you put your kite in there, that’s it. You have to roll up your gear and swim back.” Before joining DB Kiteboarders, you’re well advised to master your skill set somewhere safer: South Lantau, for instance. “Or I tell people to go for a holiday,” Warwick says. “I learnt in Phuket and you can do it in Bali. Vietnam is really growing and Sri Lanka’s an excellent spot.”

How much do you know about the month of November? 01. Black Friday, the start of Xmas shopping season, kicks off in November: where did it originate? A. China B. Britain C. United States 02. What is November’s full moon called? A. Beaver Moon B. Badger Moon C. Bee Moon 03. Which Agatha Christie play opened in November 1952 and became the longest-running West End show? A. Go Back for Murder B. Murder on the Nile C. The Mousetrap 04. How do the British celebrate Guy Fawkes Night on November 5? A. Bonfires are lit B. Kites are flown C. Street parties are held 05. What is November’s birthstone? A. Ruby B. Emerald C. Topaz 06. Which meteor shower is active in November? A. Perseids B. Leonids C. Geminids 07. Which US non-profit made November National Novel Writing Month? A. NaPoWriMo B. NaNoWriMo C. NaNaHeyHey 08. What is celebrated on November 14 in India? A. Children's Day B. Independence Day C. Republic Day 09. The Berlin Wall fell on November 9 of which year? A. 1978 B. 1980 C. 1989 10. In the US, when is Thanksgiving celebrated? A. The fourth Thursday of November B. The first Thursday of November C. The first Friday of November 11. Where on the moon did Apollo 12 land on November 14, 1969? A. The Dark Side B. Mare Orientale C. Ocean of Storms 12. Which bird is commonly associated with Thanksgiving celebrations in the US? A. Turkey B. Chicken C. Goose 13. In November 1928, who made his debut in the animated short Steamboat Willie? A. Donald Duck B. Mickey Mouse C. Bugs Bunny 14. What is the focus of Movember, held annually in November? A. Men’s fashion B. Men’s facial hair C. Men’s health 15. Which race is held annually in Melbourne on the first Tuesday of November? A. Australian Grand Prix B. Melbourne Marathon C. Melbourne Cup 16. What are November’s zodiac signs? A. Scorpio and Sagittarius B. Virgo and Libra C. Cancer and Leo 17. Which US rock band released the mega hit November Rain on September 17, 1991? A. Aerosmith B. Guns N’ Roses C. Van Halen 18. Which author was born on November 29, 1832? A. Zora Neale Hurston B. Louisa May Alcott C. Gertrude Stein 19. Who stars in the Hollywood romance Sweet November? A. Gong Li and Colin Farrell B. Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn C. Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves 20. What is celebrated in Thailand during November’s Loy Krathong Festival? A. New beginnings B. Buddha’s bir thday C. Fishermen

How much do you know about the month of August? BY Kayli Liebenberg 01. Martin Luther King Jr gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on August 28 of which year? A. 1958 B. 1960 C. 1963 02. What is August’s full moon called? A. Pigeon Moon B. Sturgeon Moon C. Bludgeon Moon 03. Which national day is celebrated in the US on August 5? A. National Underwear Day B. National Mountain Day C. National Kindness Day 04. Which iconic Hollywood actress died on August 4, 1962? A. Marilyn Monroe B. Audrey Hepburn C. Grace Kelly 05. Who opened the first-ever Woodstock on August 15, 1969? A. Richie Havens B. Arlo Guthrie C. Joan Baez 06. Where is the 1956 movie Teahouse of the August Moon set? A. Okinawa B. Hokkaido C. Honshu 07. Which music icon, often called the Queen of Pop, was born on August 16, 1958? A. Whitney Houston B. Madonna C. Kylie Minogue 08. What is August’s birthstone? A. Peridot B. Quartz C. Opal 09. Which Leonardo da Vinci painting was stolen from the Louvre on August 20, 1911? A. The Virgin of the Rocks B. The Last Supper C. Mona Lisa 10. Isabelle Allende was born on August 2, 1942: what is the name of her first novel? A. Eva Luna B. The House of the Spirits C. Violeta 11. Yves Saint Laurent was born on August 1, 1936: which fashion house hired him at age 17? A. Gucci B. Christian Dior C. Fendi 12. On August 24, 79AD, which mountain erupted destroying the ancient Roman city of Pompeii? A. Mount Vesuvius B. Gran Paradiso C. Mont Blanc 13. What are August’s zodiac signs? A. Leo and Virgo B. Pisces and Taurus C. Leo and Scorpio 14. Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977: where was he buried initially? A. Graceland B. Forest Hill Cemetery C. Memphis National Cemetery 15. Which famous sprinter and Olympic gold medallist was born on August 21, 1986? A. Asafa Powell B. Michael Johnson C. Usain Bolt 16. August is the eighth track on which Taylor Swift album? A. Folklore B. Fearless C. Evermore 17. Who plays Tom, a dot-com entrepreneur, in the 2001 movie August? A. James McAvoy B. Josh Hartnett C. Leonardo DiCaprio 18. Which Wiccan sabbat falls in August? A. Litha B. Lughnasadh C. Mabon 19. Which famous explorer set sail on August 3, 1492, in search of a westward route to Asia? A. Ferdinand Magellan B. Marco Polo C. Christopher Columbus 20. John August co-wrote the screenplay of Aladdin (2019) with which British film director? A. Guy Ritchie B. Danny Boyle C. Ridley Scott

01. Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October 6 this year: traditionally, it was a time to give thanks for what? A. A good harvest B. Rain C. The coming of winter 02. Which singer scored a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 19, 2023? A. Gwen Stefani B. Blake Shelton C. Reba McEntire 03. Which of the following Anime characters was not born in October? A. Anna Nishikinomiya B. Reina Kurashiki C. Mafuyu Orifushi 04. Chung Yeung Festival falls on October 29: what is it also known as? A. Double Ninth Festival B. Double Fifth Festival C. Mooncake Festival 05. What is the name of October’s full Moon? A. Pink Moon B. Hunter’s Moon C. Wolf Moon 06. What is Oktoberfest all about? A. Wearing lederhosen B. Nudism C. Beer drinking 07. Halloween falls on October 31: it has its origins in which Wiccan festival? A. Beltane B. Mabon C. Samhain 08. What does October’s birth flower, the marigold, represent? A. Everlasting love B. Grace C. Fascination 09. Diwali falls on October 21 this year: what does it celebrate? A. The victory of light over darkness B. The end of British rule in India C. The bir th of Lord Ganesha 10. What is October’s birthstone? A. Opal B. Ruby C. Topaz 11. Which movie stars were both born on October 28? A. Henry Cavill and Alicia Vikander B. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling C. Julia Roberts and Joaquin Phoenix 12. What are October’s zodiac signs? A. Libra and Scorpio B. Virgo and Libra C. Scorpio and Sagittarius 13. National Day falls on October 1: what do we celebrate it with? A. Rugby sevens matches B. Dragon boat races C. Fireworks on Victoria Harbour 14. When was the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, unveiled? A. October 28, 1886 B. October 29, 1887 C. October 30, 1900 15. Which famous rapper was born on October 17, 1972? A. Lil’ Wayne B. Emimen C. Jay-Z 16. When were Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump and Jurassic Park released? A. October 1984 B. October 1992 C. October 1994 17. Aleister Crowley was born on October 12, 1875: who was he? A. Astronomer B. Mathematician C. Occultist 18. Which fashion designer was born on October 14, 1939? A. Ralph Lauren B. Coco Chanel C. Vivienne Westwood 19. What do we celebrate on October 16? A. World Cat Day B. World Food Day C. World Fossil Day 20. English writer Zadie Smith was born on October 27, 1975: which novel didn’t she write? A. White Teeth B. The Corrections C. Swing Time

Ghost Hunting! Scary places to haunt on October 31 MEET THE PENITENT GHOST of Lord Richard Nugent at 16th-century Ross Castle in County Meath, now a five-bedroom B&B. As the story goes, Richard separated his daughter Sabrina from her husband, and she starved herself to death. In addition to the sightings, raised voices are heard and doors slam shut on their own. Sabrina’s livid! GET FREAKED OUT AT THE TOWER OF LONDON: one of the spookiest places in Britain. Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York play outside the Bloody Tower, and Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII, wanders the grounds – you might also spot the ghosts of Thomas Becket, Sir Walter Raleigh and Lady Jane Grey. TOUR GRUESOME BOGGO ROAD GAOL to spot the ghost of Ernest Austin, the last man to be executed in Brisbane. The prison, which closed in 1989 and reopened as a museum in 1992, was notorious for its inhumane living conditions and was the scene of roughly 100 deaths, including 42 hangings. Austin’s ghost is said to have menaced both prisoners and guards. STAY IN ROOM 2022 at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg and you might wake to see blood dripping down the walls – and an apparition of a cloaked woman, who is said to have committed suicide in the room on hearing of her husband’s death. The horror movie 1408, starring John Cusack, is loosely based on the unnatural occurrences reported at the Fort Garry. ENTER THE DIABOLIC WORLD of sadist and socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie, who committed her atrocities at her New Orleans home in the 1830s – the slaves she tortured and killed haunt the property to this day. In a city known for paranormal activity, voodoo and vampires, the LaLaurie Mansion Ghost Tour is rated the most terrifying. WALK WITH LOST SOULS at Aokigahara on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji, where 100+ people commit suicide each year. The ghost-filled woodland, now known as ‘Suicide Forest’, is one of the world’s most-used suicide sites. Signs are in place urging suicidal visitors to think of their families and seek help. AT ISLAND OF THE DOLLS just south of Mexico City, you’ll see thousands of dolls moving their heads and arms, opening and closing their eyes, and whispering to each other. The dolls reportedly began to wash ashore after a local girl drowned off the island. Visitors bring dolls to add to the collection, hanging them in the trees to appease restless spirits.

Makes 18 140g butter, softened 500g caster sugar 6 eggs 1tsp vanilla extract 150g plain flour 75g self-raising flour 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 50g cocoa powder 200ml buttermilk 120g golden syrup Preheat the oven to 180℃. Line a muffin tray with 12 paper cases. Beat together the butter and 250g caster sugar, add 2 beaten eggs a little at a time, then the vanilla extract. Combine the flours, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa. Gently fold the flour mix into the butter mixture along with the buttermilk. Divide the mixture between the paper cases and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Set aside to cool on a wire rack. For the icing, place the golden syrup, remaining sugar and 4 tablespoons of water in a large saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil and cook for 5-6 minutes. While the syrup is boiling, whisk the remaining eggs (whites only) to form soft peaks. Then, with the mixer on a low speed, add the sugar syrup in a thin steady stream. Increase the speed of the mixer and mix for 10 minutes more until the icing is thick and completely cool. Use the icing to pipe a ghost onto each cupcake. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the icing to harden, then add chocolate shavings to give each ghost a face.

6 sizzling novels to take on holiday A ROOM WITH A VIEW: E.M. FORSTER (1908) Lucy has her horizons broadened on a trip to Florence where she meets George, a radical freethinker. The pair share a passionate kiss in Fiesole. Whisked back to England by her chaperone, Lucy gets engaged to a ‘suitable’ – and suitably wealthy – suitor, Cecil. At the end of the novel, Lucy returns to Florence on her honeymoon. But who is she married to? BRIDESHEAD REVISITED: EVELYN WAUGH (1945) The first time Charles stays at Brideshead, he and Sebastian have the Flyte family’s opulent stately home to themselves. They spend a hedonistic summer exploring the estate and raiding the wine cellar, before taking the train to Venice where Charles is introduced to Sebastian’s enigmatic father. In the autumn, the young men return to Oxford to face some harsh realities. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME: ANDRÉ ACIMAN (2007) A sudden and powerful attraction develops between 17-year-old Elio and Oliver, a 24-year-old archaeology student, who are holidaying with Elio’s parents on the Italian Riviera. At first each feigns indifference but during the restless summer weeks that follow, undercurrents of obsession and fear, fascination and desire intensify their passion. TIGERS IN RED WEATHER: LIZA KLAUSSMANN (2012) Nick and her cousin, Helena, have grown up together, sharing long hot summers at Tiger House, the family’s estate on Martha’s Vineyard. With husbands and children of their own, they keep returning. But beneath the familiar buzz of parties, cocktails, moonlight and jazz, all is not what it seems. This year the glamourous façade finally begins to crack. THE BEACH: ALEX GARLAND (1996) Richard, a backpacker in Thailand, is given a map to a hidden island beach that is said to be a heaven on earth, inhabited by a select few. He sets out to find the beach and discovers a small community of travellers who have left the outside world to live a largely self-sufficient life of leisure. Richard finds the lifestyle idyllic. Then things start to unravel. THE MAGUS: JOHN FOWLES (1965) Nicholas breaks up with his girlfriend and accepts a teaching position on a remote Greek island, where he meets Maurice, a wealthy Greek recluse with interests in art, psychiatry, theatre and perhaps the supernatural. As the school term unfolds, Nicholas is drawn into an elaborate psychological game, which gradually unravels his sense of reality.

My businessis the DB martial-arts club, MGK Fight Club. Our private classes and high-level open training sessions cater to members of all ages, backgrounds and levels (from beginner to professional fighter). More than a school or academy, MGK is a family; a real club where each of us helps others to grow. We focus on mixed martial arts, which I’ve been studying since I was 15 years old. Myself and many of the other MGK coaches are professional MMA fighters, and our programmes cover all aspects of martial arts from combat sports to self-defence, while also focusing on health and lifestyle. By booking private sessions, club members get a personalised training plan adapted to their schedule and objectives, and an instructor fully focused on their specific needs. MGK is a success because it has been continuously growing and positively changing people’s lives for over six years. As a former white-collar worker, I understand that people want to perform at their peak in everything they do. I’m on a mission to prove that everyone can be a high-level athlete, even the busy office worker. The thing thatinterests me the most about my business is helping people win… in training, in competition and in life. Aside from the martial-arts training, my areas of expertise include life coaching and team building. I like to help people develop their mental strength, self-confidence, and ability to work hard and under pressure. Providing classes for kids also interests me, seeing them grow as martial artists becomes a passion. Children develop key skills such as coordination, balance, concentration, discipline, how to respect others, and how to achieve a healthy lifestyle. My advice for anyone looking to start up a business is to know what you’re doing, formulate a solid plan, and take that first step forward. Don’t be afraid to take risks. In setting up MGK, I listened to my intuition and gave up financial stability and security to look for fulfilment. As a breadwinner, I found the initial uncertainty of outcome a challenge. But the risk paid off. To succeed in business, you needto be hard working, pragmatic and visionary. My greatest achievement is deciding to dedicate myself full time to my passion for martial arts. When hiring staff, I always ask why they believe they can make their passion their full-time job. My plan for the future isto grow MGK. I want to continue to train my staff to the highest skill-level possible, and develop the quality and quantity of our services. We are also about to make the leap to a bigger and better space in DB Plaza. Residents who are interested in helping us achieve this can contribute to the project, and become founding members. The entrepreneur I most admire is Walt Disney. Like he said, “Dream, Believe, Dare, Do! All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” My personal motto iswork hard, stay dedicated and remain loyal Photo byBaljit Gidwani