Journalist Laura Westbrook speaks with Tim Huxley, CEO and director of Hong Kong-based shipowner Mandarin Shipping along with Mithun Varkey, editor-in-chief of Insurance Asia News, about the escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and its global fallout. Since the Israel/US war upon Iran and Iran's subsequent attacks upon shipping and mining of the Strait of Hormuz blockade halting 20% of the world’s crude oil and LNG flows, shipping lanes have stalled and insurance premiums have surged by up to 1,000%. Over 800 stranded vessels and 10,000 crew members face mounting risk as fuel prices soar and inflation ripples through global trade. The conversation explores how the energy crisis, war risk coverage, and potential toll systems could reshape international shipping and supply chains for years to come.

Follow Laura Westbrook's work for Al-Jazeera, CBC and more on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurawestynews/

Hear Mithun Varkey on the Between the Lines podcast for Insurance Asia News:

https://shows.acast.com/between-the-lines-insurance-asia

Find out more abut the upcoming FCC panel discussion and lunch:

Club Lunch – The Shipping Forecast: Holding The World To Ransom

https://www.fcchk.org/event/club-lunch-the-shipping-forecast-holding-the-world-to-ransom

Produced by Jarrod Watt

Theme music by Allen Youngblood

Cover image: USS Hawes, USS William H. Standley and USS Guadalcanal escort a tanker in the Persian Gullf on 21 October 1987. National Archives. Public Domain.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FCC Hong Kong Vice President and veteran broadcaster Karen Koh sits down with photojournalist Ben Marans in the Hughes Room to talk about a powerful new exhibition at the FCC main bar this April. The show features images captured by individuals who learned photography through workshops run by ImpactHK, an FCC charity partner, and led by Marans.

Through street photography, participants—many facing homelessness or economic hardship—share their personal perspectives on life in Hong Kong. Karen and Ben explore how the project gave them a platform to tell their own stories, build creative skills, and highlight the human side of social struggle.

This podcast has used generative AI to give voice to the stories written by participants which accompany each photo.

View the images of the exhibition at the FCC website as you listen:

https://www.fcchk.org/event/wall-exhibition-the-first-night-by-impacthk-and-ben-marans/

(15:50) Water - "I Never Thought I'd Be One of Them"

(23:21) Rhoda - "I Had Applied With Hope But I Left With Anger"

(29:09) Lee Jai - "Let It All Drift Away"

(34:09) Yong - "Empty Pockets and a Heavy Heart"

(40:17) Purple - "I Found Strength"

(45:21) Poon - "Is This Place Safe?"

(49:14) Hung Hung - "First Night at Mong Kok Civic Triangle"

(53:07) Ah Choi - "The Turning Point"

The exhibition, on display throughout April, invites the public to see Hong Kong and those dealing with homelessness - being unhoused - intense personal economic hardship - through new, compassionate eyes.

ImpactHK is one of the FCC Hong Kong's charity partners

- read more about their work here:

https://www.fcchk.org/charity/

Cover image by Ben Marans: https://www.instagram.com/benmaransphotography/

FCC podcast theme music composed by Allen Youngblood

Episode written, recorded and edited by Jarrod Watt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran art critic John Batten takes a fresh look at Art Basel Hong Kong, cutting through the usual headlines about record auction prices and celebrity artists. He explores the wider Hong Kong art scene—from the city’s evolving art market history and the rise of regional art fairs to how global trends are reshaping the market. Batten also shares insider tips on where to look beyond the Basel spotlight, including Tsuen Wan, Wong Chuk Hang, and Hong Kong’s growing network of public art spaces. Plus, practical advice for navigating art fairs like a pro—what to wear, how to connect, and where to explore.

Cover image courtesy John Batten

John Batten’s Art Week links:

Art Basel: www.artbasel.com/hong-kong

Magazines:

Artomity: artomity.art/

Art Asia Pacific: www.artasiapacific.com/

Art in Tsuen Wan:

CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Art & Textile): www.mill6chat.org/

Art in Wong Chuk Hang:

Rossi & Rossi: www.rossirossi.com/

Blindspot Gallery: blindspotgallery.com/

de Sarthe Gallery: www.desarthe.com/

Gold: www.serakai.studio/gold

Art in Tin Wan (Pokfulam side of Aberdeen)

Empty Gallery: emptygallery.com/exhibitions/eg38-jutta-koether/

Gallery Exit: www.galleryexit.com/

Art in North Point: www.para-site.art/

Written, produced and presented by Jarrod Watt

Theme music composed and performed by Allen Youngblood

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.