The article discusses the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on Hong Kong's businesses, particularly in the nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong. Despite avoiding a complete lockdown, Hong Kong has seen a surge in cases, leading to new government measures such as a ban on foreign visitors and the closure of gyms and bars. Business owners like Imran Shawkat of Al Dente Group and David McEwan of Bobby's Rabble have faced significant challenges, with plummeting sales and the need to adapt to social distancing guidelines. The Hong Kong government has announced relief measures, but the efficacy of these measures is uncertain as businesses struggle with high costs and reduced customer turnout. Food blogger Vivian Gu comments on the dire situation for restaurants that have been suffering since the social unrest and now face additional hardship due to the pandemic.

The article discusses the decline in life expectancy in the United States, noting that a baby born in 2017 is expected to live to be 78.6 years old, a slight decrease from the previous year. This marks the longest consecutive decline since the time of World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted three main factors contributing to this decline: a rise in drug overdoses, particularly from opioids; an increase in liver disease, especially among young adults; and a rise in suicide rates, which contrasts with the global trend of decreasing suicide rates. The article also mentions that while life expectancy is still rising in some European countries, the pace has slowed down, and the U.K. is projected to see a decrease.

The Starbucks Reserve Dewata in Bali, Indonesia, is the largest Starbucks in Southeast Asia and offers a luxury experience akin to a high-end hotel. Opened in January, the store provides an interactive journey for customers to learn about coffee, particularly highlighting the Sumatra region. It features a nursery, greenhouse, and a coffee farm, which is unique to this location. The store also offers educational classes about coffee. Scott Keller, senior vice president of store development and design in Asia Pacific at Starbucks, emphasizes the immersive learning experience for visitors. The store is still under development, with plans to include conference facilities and a separate restaurant. Customer reactions are mixed, with some appreciating the unique experience and others finding it too expensive.

The article discusses Alibaba's venture into the hospitality industry with its FlyZoo hotel, which is located next to its headquarters in Hangzhou, China. The hotel is designed to be futuristic, featuring facial recognition for room access, cashless transactions, robotic bartenders, and delivery robots. The check-in process is automated, with kiosks for Chinese nationals and a mobile device check-in for foreigners. Andy Wang, CEO of Alibaba Future Hotel, assures that the data collected for facial recognition is only kept for the duration of the stay. Alibaba's payment platform, Alipay, is also highlighted for its ease of use and wide adoption.

The article discusses the surge in interest among Hong Kong investors in U.K. property, driven by social unrest in Hong Kong and the U.K.'s offer of a path to citizenship for up to 3 million Hong Kong residents through the BNO passport. Real estate investment ads targeting Hong Kong residents have increased on social media platforms, promoting opportunities in the U.K., U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Investment consultants like Mohamad Nasir from NPP Investments and James Dempsey from BuyAssociation have noted a significant rise in inquiries from Hong Kong, with a shift in focus from rental income to lifestyle and immigration. The article also mentions the Asia Bankers Club, which educates investors on overseas property investments, and EB5 United, which has seen interest in Canadian programs and U.K. opportunities.

The article discusses the rising trend of plant-based diets and the meatless revolution, exemplified by companies like Beyond Meat going public, Burger King's plant-based burger, and Tyson Foods' plant-based nuggets. The journalist, Uptin Saiidi, undertook a three-week experiment to follow a vegetarian diet in Asia, starting with Bali, Indonesia, where he found it easy due to the abundance of vegetarian and vegan options. In contrast, Hong Kong presented more challenges due to its high meat consumption culture. The article also introduces Sophia Made, owner of Plant Cartel, and Manav Gupta, founder of Brinc, who share their insights on the plant-based food market and societal perceptions of meat consumption. The journalist concludes by reflecting on the 'flexitarian' diet and the potential shift towards reduced meat consumption, despite the current low percentage of vegetarians in the U.S.

The article discusses the impact of trade uncertainties on Hong Kong property investors, highlighting their growing interest in residential properties in the U.S. and U.K. The National Association of Realtors reports that Chinese investors have been the top foreign buyers in the U.S. for six years. Asia Bankers Club has successfully sold units in the 125 Greenwich Street building in New York and continues to promote these investments. Real estate broker Scott Allison from Douglas Elliman notes that New York real estate is seen as a bargain compared to Hong Kong and the U.K. Kingston Lai, CEO of Asia Bankers Club, mentions that investors are seeking safe haven assets to preserve wealth, with a focus on the U.S. and the U.S. dollar. The article also covers a sales event in Hong Kong aimed at educating potential buyers about the New York real estate market.

The creator economy, consisting of over 50 million content creators, influencers, and videographers, is a burgeoning business sector with a market value exceeding 92 billion euros. Influencers like Abdullah Al-Ghafri leverage social media to build their brand and generate income, emphasizing the importance of respectful and positive content. The pandemic has fueled market growth, attracting significant investment. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are essential for brands to stay relevant. Alessandro Bogliari of The Influencer Marketing Factory predicts continued growth in influencer marketing, urging brands to adapt to social media trends. The article highlights the shift in marketing strategies and the rise of full-time influencers, underscoring the blend of creativity, business acumen, and social responsibility in the digital age.

The article discusses the continuing trend of remote work and the rise of digital nomads, individuals who travel while working remotely. Companies like Spotify, Twitter, and Salesforce are allowing employees to work remotely indefinitely. A Pew Research survey and a PwC survey indicate a significant desire among workers to continue working from home post-pandemic. The article provides seven tips from experienced digital nomads, including staying at least one month in each location, joining co-working spaces, using apps to meet new people, signing up for 'nomad insurance', setting boundaries with employers, carrying multiple debit and credit cards, and maintaining mental and physical routines. It also highlights the experiences of several individuals who have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle.

The article discusses the continuing trend of remote work and the rise of digital nomads post-pandemic. Companies like Spotify, Twitter, and Salesforce are allowing employees to work remotely indefinitely. Surveys by Pew Research and PwC show a significant preference for remote work among employees. The article provides seven tips from experienced digital nomads, including spending at least a month in each location, joining co-working spaces, using apps to meet new people, getting 'nomad insurance', setting boundaries with work, carrying multiple bank cards, and maintaining mental and physical routines. It features insights from individuals like Ashleigh Ramshaw, Lindsay Maisel, Glenn Emery, and William Griffin, who share their experiences and advice for adapting to a nomadic lifestyle while working remotely.