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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.
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.
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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.
As the city borrows money to fund development, it risks depleting its savings unless policymakers act decisively to find new sources of revenue.
Policy errors made by previous leaders need to be acknowledged, so the city can course-correct and achieve savings immediately.
If the project’s strategy is sound, economic development will come in time. Meanwhile, taxpayers will carry the financial load.
Hong Kong’s health system is creaking under an ageing population, and we must ask if it’s fair for non-residents to be treated like locals.
It has a great legal system, and the constant harping on security only creates a false impression of the city as a hotbed of dissension.
To get the city’s finances in order, officials must ask what could be cut to pursue attractive new proposals.
Less red tape would spare those who survive us some pain and confusion, as would setting out our wishes early and clearly.
The weak response to a government bond sale and deficit woes should spur leaders into urgent, resolute action.
Could we send a brigade of transport planners, engineers and experts from Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation to help organise and run their systems?
Free societies might blanch at the thought of restricting media, but adults owe young people a duty of care when it comes to hard issues.
There is no justification for curbing the freedoms of thousands of young people who have not been found guilty of any offence following the 2019 unrest.
Action on subdivided flats, however modest, is welcome but the city’s reputation for very expensive and tiny flats remains a problem.
Even if the city doesn’t rise to being an ‘events capital’, the right focus can take its tourism economy to new heights.
The chief executive’s next policy address is best used to unify the city and address housing concerns while leaving geopolitics to Beijing.
Over the decades, I didn’t panic when my house was worth HK$5 million and I didn’t celebrate at HK$50 million. This concrete box is my home.
If Hong Kong is to return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, it must go beyond pandas and seek out bona fide mega events.
The licensing overhaul sounds worthy of praise, but won’t win over the public if it’s just for vested interests and holding back Uber.
Many arriving mainlanders have the overseas exposure we need to maintain our cosmopolitan flavour and this is good – but not good enough.
Stop masking true scale of budget deficits with bond proceeds. Hongkongers are not stupid. They know the government must balance the books.
The government is building more flats for the future while offering temporary public housing and trying to improve conditions in subdivided flats.
The presence of foreign judges is a vital part of the appeal of doing business in Hong Kong. Why give up what makes us special?
