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Mike Rowse
Mike Rowse has lived in Hong Kong since 1972, and is a naturalised Chinese citizen. He spent six years in the ICAC from 1974 to 1980, then 28 years in the government as an administrative officer until retirement in December 2008. He hosts a radio talk show, writes regularly for both English and Chinese media and lectures occasionally at different local universities.
Mike Rowse has lived in Hong Kong since 1972, and is a naturalised Chinese citizen. He spent six years in the ICAC from 1974 to 1980, then 28 years in the government as an administrative officer until retirement in December 2008. He hosts a radio talk show, writes regularly for both English and Chinese media and lectures occasionally at different local universities.
With Hongkongers living longer, there is no reason they should stop working at 65 when they can still contribute to the city’s economy.
As climate change intensifies and urban space dwindles, migrant workers’ needs must be prioritised.
The hearings of the committee looking into the Tai Po fire and the Fire Services Department’s inspections show there is much room for improvement.
The administration’s views on how to best regulate ride-hailing are mostly sound, with one glaring exception.
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Rather than encourage energy consumption amid the effects of the Iran war, the city should also speed up the move to greener public transport.
As prediction platforms rise, the problem is not so much gambling but sports corruption. Unregulated betting offers temptingly large sums.
Efforts to cut growing costs of transport subsidy must not lose sight of the reasons behind scheme’s success.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the tournament has grown from humble beginnings into a sporting spectacle at Kai Tak Sports Park.
The budget outlines support for Hong Kong’s role in the nation’s innovation drive. Now the city must deliver the innovation.
Instead of growing the population at all costs, governments should be practically addressing longer life expectancies.
Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.
Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.
Thousands of ageing high-rises will need repair work over the next few years. Responsibility for the projects amid reports of bid-rigging needs to be addressed.
A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy.
The enthusiasm of volunteers at the National Games, the energy of the city’s football fans and the dedication of unpaid coaches at the club level are truly impressive.
A survey on smartphone use underlines the need to protect children from the harmful effects of too much time spent on electronic devices.
There is a case for refreshing stock by having a reasonable turnover, but it needs to be tempered by the benefits of retaining experience.
Unlike ministers, civil servants forced out do not have another career to fall back on but must start again.
A sizeable minority of Hongkongers have been denied rights the courts have ruled they should have by law, and the government must fix this.
Corruption or not, once malpractice takes hold, good contractors will be driven out, with serious consequences for public costs and safety.
With transport services largely available and several stores open during storms, it’s unclear why most white-collar workers need to stay home.
As a number of economic initiatives mark significant anniversaries, it is worth looking back on the development strategy of a previous era.
With strong backing from the mainland, the city has a good chance to host the event and boost its global profile in the process.
The promised regulation could finally make Uber and similar operations part of the authorised transport network – or it could be another policy fudge.
John Lee’s invitation to Harvard’s students is a great start but let’s also open our doors to the university itself.
The city would do well to bring forward the draft of 2047 lease extension legislation and assuage the business community’s fears.
The city doesn’t need slogans with ephemeral lifespans but, instead, carefully thought-out long-term strategies.
US tariffs are bound to damage the city’s economy, including through potential job losses and further price rises.
The Sevens experience suggests Kai Tak Sports Park can be a draw for many more international sporting events.
