The man connecting Chinese with the legend of Monaco

As part of our focus on China and the State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Monaco Life caught up with Alexandre Heng, a local businessman connecting HNWI Chinese with the luxuries of Monaco and its legendary experiences.

Alexandre Heng

Alexandre Heng is a French-born Chinese, and has been living in China for 18 years. He specialises in the luxury lifestyle business.

He is the former Managing Director of Blu Inc. Media, Asia’s leading luxury media group, and is co-founder of China Boating and JET Asia-Pacific magazines, the first and most authoritative yachting and business aviation publications in the region.

Alexandre is the founding member of the Hainan Rendez-Vous, China’s most high-end exhibition and glamourous social event. He is also Strategic Advisor to the Embassy of Monaco to China, Strategic Advisor for Luxelakes Yacht Club in Chengdu, and founder and CEO of Blisstank.

Thank you for your time Alexandre. We have just had a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping in Monaco, a historic moment for both parties. Based on your extensive experience, can you tell us what triggers business between Chinese investors and the Principality?

Although very different, China and Monaco are two complementary and synergistic marketplaces. China is obviously is characterised by its humongous size and population, while Monaco is a small but important financial stronghold providing a certain prestige and an easy access to the European markets for Chinese companies.

The economic prosperity of the Principality and its solid diplomatic ties with China inspire great confidence and constitute a favourable investment environment.

What are Chinese investors looking for?

Chinese investors are constantly looking at generating more business opportunities. For the majority of the most mature and successful companies in China, the priority now is to increase their brand recognition and establish new relays of growth especially outside of their home country. Internationalisation is key to gaining new revenues and market shares.

When it comes to Monaco, the fact that the Principality adopts transparent and well-regulated practice is a great advantage. Not to mention the attractiveness of both personal income and the non-inheritance tax policies. And the Principality is equipped with top notch professionals able to advise on the best practice for companies’ structure and taxation strategies.

Also, the high quality of life offered in Monaco is an important factor for business owners considering relocating their families who will be able to benefit from a safe and international living environment.

What are Chinese tourists looking for in Monaco?

Monaco is surely on the bucket list of Chinese tourists. Travelers tend to transit a few days in Monaco when traveling to France or Italy. They are mostly eager to discover how such a confined place can be ranked as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. This is the first question that comes to mind for new visitors. Then, Monaco is also perceived by Chinese as a place of superlatives (the most luxurious, the most glamourous, the most delicious, the most famous etc…) that make it a ‘must experience’ destination.

Looking at future opportunities, especially in the hospitality sector, I believe Monaco has some room to play to launch tailor-made experiences and services catered to Chinese customers.

For those that can’t travel to the French Riviera and Monaco, what stories about our region interest them?

In short, the legendary glamour of the French Riviera and its vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.

Chinese are very culture oriented and are eager to experience the vibes and inspiration that shape the “western lifestyle”. They make plans to visit the Riviera to feel like a star during the time of their vacation, or for some of them, they regularly travel to Monaco for the Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Tennis Open and other important social events.

A visit to the Prince’s Palace is a must for first-time visitors. The story of the Royal Family is a fascinating element that captivates Chinese visitors’ curiosity. The heritage and stories of Princes and Princesses contribute to this utopian image of Monaco that attract Chinese.

Yachting and the nautical lifestyle are also becoming an emblematic element that Chinese want to discover. As an example, the Yacht Club de Monaco as well as the Oceanographic Museum have become must-visit institutions.

And usually, Chinese would tend to try their luck at the Casino before leaving the Principality.

Monte Carlo Casino

What does it mean for the China-Europe relationship to have President Xi Jinping officially visit the region, and Monaco in particular?

The State visit is a highlight in the China-Europe diplomacy calendar this year. President Xi is clearly showcasing his will to reinforce sino-european ties. Timing wise, it is also a great opportunity to pursue an inclusive dialogue in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative which aims to promote cooperation in trade, infrastructures, financial and environmental sectors with more European countries. I personally see the Belt and Road Initiative as a win-win situation for all participating countries.

As the first visit of a Chinese president to the Principality, President Xi’s visit will crystalise the prosperous diplomatic relationship between China and Monaco that have been ongoing for the last 24 years and keep growing stronger and stronger. Being one the world’s largest and smallest nations, China and Monaco have a lot to learn and to complement from each other. For example, sports and the environmental protection initiatives are some of the topics that President Xi and Prince Albert like to exchange on. I look forward to concrete initiatives as a result of this exciting visit.

Prince Albert and President Xi Jinping in 2018

 

I believe you are starting a new business about water recreation, are you able to tell us more about that and how it will appeal to Monaco?

I started my career in China in 2003 by promoting the yachting lifestyle. Our media platform rapidly became the authoritative source of inspiration and knowledge for Chinese HNWI who were looking at acquiring a luxury yacht. Throughout the years, we’ve contributed to bridge the most famous international yacht brands with new Chinese boat owners.

Fast-forward to today, the vision with my new venture Blisstank, is to take profit of the sharing economy values to democratise access to the nautical lifestyle for the considerable population of affluent Chinese millennial travellers. Mainly catered to this specific demographic of more than 400 million persons, our message is simple: “You don’t need to own a yacht to enjoy the nautical lifestyle”. We aim to be the first Chinese online and offline platform providing a wide range of recreational water activities from all around the world and for all types of budget. There is also a strong eco-tourism DNA that is attached to Blisstank because we want to promote responsible tourism and reinforce the necessity of protecting our oceans in the hearts and minds of our partners and customers. Blisstank is all about spreading positive energy and offering blissful experiences.

Our strength is that we are backed by a truly international team which operates with a perfect understanding of the Chinese clientele and with a hardcore focus on customer service. These particular characteristics generate lots of interest from European partners when considering to invest in businesses in China.

My dream is to build and spread the joys of the nautical culture and lifestyle, especially to the Chinese audience and for the future generations.

And as the capital of yachting, Monaco and the French Riviera will definitely have a special place on our platform.

You also are in the business of bringing HNWI Chinese to the Monaco Yacht Show. What is the value of this and what has it achieved in the past?

It is more of a “by invitation only” trip configuration rather than a business. We run this activity in order to bring a targeted Chinese clientele to the Principality. So every year during the Monaco Yacht Show, we organise a group of Chinese business representatives and HNWI who want to discover and visit the Principality in a privileged setting.

As the key super yachting industry event, the yacht show is the perfect showcase of the ultimate lifestyle. With the support of our corporate partners in Monaco, we are able to open the doors of the authentic “Monegasque culture” and facilitate access to a world of incredible experiences, from dining at the best tables, meeting influential people, visiting the world’s most expensive penthouse to visiting the most breath-taking superyachts on earth. It’s a unique VIP experience package for a happy few.

Since 2004, we have attracted hundreds of Chinese HNWI to Monaco and I certainly have so many stories to share. To relate on some particular “achievements”, after visiting the Principality with us a couple of years ago, a prominent Chinese real estate developer got so inspired by the quality of life in Monaco that he decided to buy over and rejuvenate a whole marina in Southern China and build beautiful Mediterranean-style villas all around it. Monaco inspired him to build one of the first mixed property and marina projects in China. Also, after trying sailing in the Med, once back in China many tycoons start to give up their golfing time and pick up sailing with their friends and families whenever they can.

After living the experience, our guests become “natural ambassadors”, promoting Monaco to their friends and business partners. And this is exactly the impact we want to keep creating.

Ambassador to China Catherine Foutrier

Last week, we interviewed Chinese Ambassador Catherine Fautrier. Can you tell us about your relationship?

We met for the first time in China in 2012. It was an encounter that was meant to happen as we both already shared the same passion to foster relationships at all levels between the Principality and our network of Chinese HNWI.

Since then, we co-created two iconic events which are the Monaco Week and the China Night and fostered cooperation between Monegasque and Chinese entities at all levels.

It is a delight to partner with H.E Mrs Fautrier as she has a relentless energy in carrying the flag of Monaco in China. We will keep building impactful projects that will cement this bilateral relationship for the long term.

For the love of art! Hublot and Marc Ferrero collaboration

What better way to celebrate women than with art? And with that idea, luxury Swiss watchmaker HUBLOT and Marc Ferrero cultivated the art of storytelling in their respective fields. A story of timeless adventures is embodied by a truly unique timepiece.

Big Bang One Click, unveiled last week at Baselworld, pays homage to the 21st century woman who distinguishes herself through the multiplicity of her roles. A wife, mother, friend, lover, business woman, femme fatale, fashion icon or night owl She is embodied as the heroine of modern times. She is disarming and makes light of the simple or complex adventures that she comes up against.

The dial tells the story of this heroine of modern times with Lipstickan iconic work by local artist Marc Ferrero. Enigmatic behind her dark glasses, she remains majestic in the face of the unexpected and affirms her femininity, armed with her lipstick.

Spinels in shades of red, topazes for the turquoise version, and 42 fine stones decorate the bezel of the new 39mm case. With its One Clickpatented fastening system, the leather strap makes way for a version in alligator and rubber, a touch of sophistication appropriate for the moment.

As a painter, Marc Ferrero is recognised for a his signature style that distinguishes him from other Provencal artists. Using unmixed primary colors, he works the canvas to explode into near-abstract images. Expansive Provencal skies, vibrant bouquets of sunflowers, or lush lavender fields.

Available in red and turquoise, the special series will be available in 50 copies of each tone at Hublot Monaco.

 

Artcurial unveils new gallery

Four years after opening its first permanent office in the Principality, Artcurial has revealed a new exhibition space which includes a 100sqm gallery located at the top of the Casino gardens, in the Monte Carlo Palace. The gallery compliments the two traditional auction sessions held in January and July each year, events which drew in over €20 million in 2018.

From 24th to 28th April, during Monaco Art Week, the Salons Art Monte Carlo and PAD Monaco, Artcurial will inaugurate their new showroom with a 20th century sculpture exhibition. These works, presented as an avant-premiere, are part of Monaco Sculptures, an artistic and cultural project developed by Artcurial and in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, to be held during the summer of 2019. Sculptures will be sold as part of an auction in July of 2019.

“Monaco is strategic for Artcurial and we are pleased to strengthen our presence, while continuing to propose ambitious artistic projects outside the walls, such as during the Monaco Sculptures circuit that we will implement this summer,” said François Tajan, Deputy Administrator of Artcurial SAM.

“This new exhibition space, open to the public, will allow us to more effectively host Monaco’s cultural life throughout the year,” added Louise Gréther, Director of Artcurial Monaco. “It is an additional opportunity to present major works which will be put up for auction, but also to welcome collectors for confidential appraisals.”

Monaco Sculptures

Artcurial, a historical player in the Principality, will hold the first edition of Monaco Sculptures in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, owner and operator of the most prestigious tourist establishments in the Principality.

Over the course of the summer, this cultural event will be open to the general public and will bring together a selection of sculptures from 20th and 21st century artists such as Takis, Caesar, Arman, Bernar Venet, Wang Du and Richard Deacon. During an artistic walk through the streets of the Principality, visitors will discover a panorama of modern and contemporary sculptural creation, both monumental and non-monumental.

Hans Arp La Dame de Délos 1959 bronze © Artcurial

The sculptures will be gathered together as early as the end of the month of April during Monaco Art Week, forming an outdoor circuit throughout the Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hermitage Hotel Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach. The smaller dimension sculptures will be exhibited at 3/9 Boulevard des Moulins in Monaco, Artcurial Monaco’s new address.

The presented pieces will be the subject of an auction on 19th of July, in parallel with the Jewellery, Fine Watches and Hermès Summer Collection auction which will take place at Hotel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo.

To hear more about Artcurial, see our previous interview with Louise Gréther.

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters: Roger Federer is out, Nadal and Djokovic are in

Roger Federer may be out, but Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverez and Stefanos Tsitsipas will all be fighting it out on the clay court at the next Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. This year’s lineup has just been revealed in Paris, with 25 out of the 30 best world players heading to Monte-Carlo.

Nadal won his 11th consecutive Rolex Monte Carlo Masters in 2018. Photo: Monaco Life

It was during a press lunch on Thursday 21st March in Paris, on board ‘Excellence’, that Tournament Director Zeljko Franulovic presented the highlights of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2019 and revealed the list of 45 players directly accepted into the Main Draw.

Following the first two American ATP World Tour Masters 1000 of the year, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, organised from 13th to 21st April by the S.M.E.T.T. (Société Monégasque pour l’Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis), is the first major tournament of the European season. A centenary event which, for its 113th edition, will benefit from brand new infrastructures to enhance player and media hospitality.

The kick-off will take place in the Mediterranean gardens of the Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort, the official tournament hotel, with the Main Draw on Friday 12th April at 6.30 pm, in the presence of the title-holder Rafael Nadal. In 2018, the Spaniard won his 11th title on the Monaco clay courts before going on to win in Barcelona, Madrid and, above all, his 11th title at Roland-Garros.

An exceptional player field for the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
Heading the list are Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, world ranked 1 and 2, as well as no. 3 Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem no. 4, the recent winner of Indian Wells, followed by Kei Nishikori no. 6, Kevin Anderson no. 7 and all the best French players, led by Gaël Monfils, Lucas Pouille and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga who have all confirmed their excellent form since the Australian Open.

Also not to be forgotten is the young, upcoming generation with Stefanos Tsitsipas no. 10 and Karen Khachanov no. 12. In all, 25 out of the 30 best world players will be in Monte-Carlo this year.

The Main Draw will also include seven players from the qualifying rounds and four wild cards.

Humanitarian exhibition in aid of the Monaco Red Cross
Pursuing its charity and humanitarian commitment, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is organising an event for the benefit of the Monaco Red Cross, on Court Rainier III, on Saturday 13th April, with the participation of the best tournament players committed to supporting the actions of this world renowned humanitarian association.

 

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot football clubs come together for Friendly Football Day

The Friendly Football Day, organised by the Monaco-based Peace and Sport, in partnership with the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, has been hailed a success. The event brought together Nea Salamina Football Club and the Mağusa Türk Gücü Football Club in a symbolic match in Pyla, on the island of Cyprus, to foster dialogue and cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities through sport.

The event was the second of its kind in 64 years, inviting fans from the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities to rally around the positive values of football. In partnership with the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the Friendly Football Day gathered children, clubs, families, athletes and leaders of both communities.

In the presence of football star and Vice-President of Peace and Sport Didier Drogba, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Elizabeth Spehar, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, leader of Greek Cypriot community and the two local leaders from both communities in Pyla Veysal Güden and Simos Mitides, the two teams played against each other in the first half of the game. For the second half of the game they played in mixed teams to demonstrate bi-communal cooperation.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic power of sport,” said Joël Bouzou, Peace and Sport President and Founder. “Sport is a neutral language that has the capacity to bring people together. Pyla is one of the two remaining bi-communal villages of the island. It is very symbolic to hold an event aimed at fostering bi-communal dialogue and intercultural exchange in such a place.”

Earlier in the day, Didier Drogba and Laurence Fischer, Champion for Peace, three-time World Champion, Karate icon and Founder of ‘Fight for Dignity’, animated peace-through-sport activities for children.

“Today, on Friendly Football Day, we celebrate the uniting power of sport, and Peace and Sport want to send a message from Cyprus. A message of peace, of hope and of solidarity,” said Didier Drogba

The 2019 #WhiteCard campaign, a global initiative promoting the positive role of sport, was launched during the event. More than 1,000 children, spectators, athletes and officials raised a #WhiteCard in Pyla stadium as a gesture of inclusion and peace. The #WhiteCard is the symbol of the peace-through-sport movement and aims to promote the positive role of sport. Last year, the digital campaign reached 90 million people worldwide.

“We are looking at sport as a way to bring people together, to eliminate barriers and to cement reconciliation,” said Elizabeth Spehar, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. “We are very proud to be part of this event organised by Peace and Sport here in Pyla.”

Peace and Sport is an organisation anchored in the neutrality of Monaco that uses sport as a tool to gather people, athletes and officials in order to foster dialogue and cooperation. Peace and Sport is actively engaged in the promotion of sport diplomacy events. Last year, the organisation helped to bring together North Korea and South Korea athletes in mixed teams at Liebherr 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championship and the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s mission is to support a diverse range of charitable activities, primarily in places where the founder has lived and worked – the UK, Greece, Cyprus and Monaco.

ASM unveils new corporate Skyboxes

AS Monaco has officially presented its impressive ‘Legends’ Skyboxes at the Louis II stadium. The ‘lodges’ form part of major modernisation plans that ASM unveiled earlier in the year.

The corporate boxes are equipped with the latest technology and will be launched this August, in time for the 2019-2020 season.

ASM Commercial Director Juli Ferre officially presented the Skyboxes during a Business Club event on Wednesday 20th March at the Salon Honneur, in the presence of Vice-President and CEO Oleg Petrov.

The new state-of-the-art boxes will have a breathtaking, open view of the pitch and include folding glass partitions with direct access from the car park. There will be new reception areas with all the necessary comfort for VIP clients.

Referred to as ‘Legends’, each box has been designed to represent a memorable time in the club’s history.

There are 18 boxes in total, each measuring 16m2 and accommodating up to eight guests. The club revealed that six boxes have been reserved already.

The presentation of the new Skyboxes is part of #TheNextLevel, which incorporates all the long-term developments of the club.