https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/322228/feed Ken Chu (LLD) is the chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group, with businesses in hospitality, leisure, entertainment, sports, wellness and education in China. Born in Hong Kong, he graduated from the Western University in Canada. He feels fortunate to have witnessed the success of China’s economic reform, and firmly believes Hong Kong will continue to be a leading global metropolis. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Ken Chu Ken Chu Over the coming weeks, Hong Kong and Shenzhen will host two major gatherings of Asia-Pacific decision-makers. Hong Kong’s first Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting takes place on October 20-21, with around 500 visitors expected, while Shenzhen hosts the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week next month. These Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meetings will bring international visitors to two neighbouring cities at the centre of China’s Apec year. For Hong Kong’s tourism industry, they offer a timely... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3370399/apec-chance-hong-kong-earn-its-place-chinas-tourism-boom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3370399/apec-chance-hong-kong-earn-its-place-chinas-tourism-boom?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2026 01:30:07 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s first five-year plan marks a new chapter for the city and will prompt discussion about individual priorities and initiatives. But there is another question worth asking: what can Hong Kong bring to the national journey over the next five years? As China begins its 15th five-year plan, Hong Kong has an opportunity to think more deliberately about its distinctive contribution to national development. Much has been said about Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector”. The description... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu When Cathay Pacific Airways announced direct flights to Almaty starting next January, the significance went beyond adding another destination. The service will be Cathay Pacific’s first to Central Asia and the only non-stop passenger connection between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Another announcement pointed to Hong Kong’s growing aviation reach from a different direction. Qatar Airways Cargo relocated its regional office to Hong Kong and agreed with the Airport Authority to increase frequencies... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3366027/hong-kong-aviation-success-today-means-more-just-adding-routes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3366027/hong-kong-aviation-success-today-means-more-just-adding-routes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu More than 86,000 football fans passed through Kai Tak Stadium over two nights recently as Manchester City faced Inter Milan and Chelsea took on Juventus. Supporters filled nearby malls and restaurants, with some merchants reporting foot traffic three to four times higher than usual. For those few hours, Kai Tak offered a glimpse of what Hong Kong’s day-to-night economy could become: international visitors and local residents arriving early and extending the occasion beyond the stadium. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3363676/hong-kongs-night-economy-must-focus-after-dark-vibes-not-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3363676/hong-kongs-night-economy-must-focus-after-dark-vibes-not-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Aug 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Earlier this month, the first batch of 14,000 free tickets to visit the People’s Liberation Army’s naval vessels during their stopover in Hong Kong was claimed within minutes of being released. Families queued online for the opportunity to step aboard the ships, and the open days quickly became one of the most talked-about events of this year’s handover anniversary. The scenes stood in contrast to those of July 1997. When the PLA Hong Kong Garrison was first stationed following the handover,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3360452/hong-kong-wont-see-bright-future-constantly-looking-its-past?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3360452/hong-kong-wont-see-bright-future-constantly-looking-its-past?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for the city. The public consultation launched last month covers a range of issues, such as economic development, innovation and technology, housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and regional cooperation. The exercise offers a chance not only to discuss what Hong Kong hopes to achieve by 2030, but also how its success should be measured. That second question is perhaps the more important one. Hong Kong has... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3358491/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-will-hinge-how-it-measures-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3358491/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-will-hinge-how-it-measures-success?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s first astronaut may have travelled into space, but the significance of the moment extends far beyond the mission itself. Lai Ka-ying became our first home-grown astronaut to reach space, as part of China’s Shenzhou-23 mission to the Tiangong space station, marking a historic milestone for the city and its role within the country’s scientific ambitions. For many, the moment naturally evokes pride and excitement. Yet, beyond science and national achievement, this milestone may also... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3355945/hong-kongs-first-astronaut-shows-world-different-side-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3355945/hong-kongs-first-astronaut-shows-world-different-side-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s tourism sectors have entered 2026 with renewed momentum. The broader economy has strengthened, expanding by 5.9 per cent in the first quarter, its fastest pace in nearly five years. Visitor arrivals also reached 14.3 million in the first quarter, up 17 per cent year on year. The recent Labour Day “golden week” holiday offered a further boost, with the city receiving more than 1 million mainland visitors. Across the border, travel volumes reached unprecedented levels, with an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353276/how-prevent-hong-kong-becoming-just-another-asian-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353276/how-prevent-hong-kong-becoming-just-another-asian-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Last month, Hong Kong completed its first green methanol bunkering operation, a significant step in its efforts to support the decarbonisation of global shipping. As the maritime industry accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, this milestone signals Hong Kong’s intent to remain relevant. The global blue economy, defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and environmental health, is gaining urgency. No longer confined to environmental discussions, it is... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350737/hong-kong-recalibrates-blue-economy-offers-anchor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350737/hong-kong-recalibrates-blue-economy-offers-anchor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong is preparing its own medium-term development blueprint alongside China’s coming 15th five-year plan, which officials have described as a “golden strategic period” for the city. This is more than a procedural shift. For the first time, Hong Kong is attempting to align its policy cycle in advance with national planning priorities, yet alignment on its own is not a strategy. The more pressing question is whether the city can define a role that is distinct, necessary and difficult to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348403/hong-kongs-next-five-years-must-take-city-alignment-action?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348403/hong-kongs-next-five-years-must-take-city-alignment-action?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu China’s commercial space sector has entered a new frontier. In January, a private Chinese aerospace company unveiled the test capsule of what is set to become the country’s first commercially developed crewed spacecraft, with plans for crewed flights by 2028 and bookings already taken from private space tourists. The project reflects a decisive shift in national policy, where commercial players are no longer peripheral participants but integral contributors to major space missions. This... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3341977/china-opens-its-space-sector-hong-kong-should-reach-stars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3341977/china-opens-its-space-sector-hong-kong-should-reach-stars?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Previously, I put forward the argument that Hong Kong’s relevance in China’s opening up lies less in guarding its gateway role and more in developing new forms of partnership. Since then, Hainan has set up distinct island-wide customs operations from December 18. This is a turning point – one that invites Hong Kong to think not only about how to cooperate, but how to co-design the next phase of China’s engagement with the world. Hainan’s transformation is ambitious. Around 6,600 types of goods... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338196/how-hong-kong-can-work-hainan-ease-entry-chinas-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338196/how-hong-kong-can-work-hainan-ease-entry-chinas-market?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 08:30:10 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu The Nobel Prize may not seem very relevant to many, but we can certainly draw lessons from its winners. Earlier this year, Peter Howitt – an honorary professor and fellow alumnus of Canada’s Western University – was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with two other professors for work on innovation-driven economic growth. Howitt’s work helped formalise the concept of creative destruction, which explains how economies evolve through cycles of renewal, where new companies and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335769/how-hong-kong-can-capitalise-chinese-creative-destruction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335769/how-hong-kong-can-capitalise-chinese-creative-destruction?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Recent discussions on the financial sustainability of the West Kowloon Cultural District have raised broader questions about the direction of cultural development in Hong Kong. While flagship institutions play an important role in shaping the city’s international profile, they are only one part of the wider cultural landscape. Across Hong Kong, smaller community-based venues have been steadily gaining momentum. These spaces are making culture part of everyday life and contributing to a more... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3331642/hong-kongs-small-cultural-venues-can-pack-big-punch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3331642/hong-kongs-small-cultural-venues-can-pack-big-punch?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis is no longer a distant blueprint but a defining project of our times. In his policy address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made clear that its delivery will be a top priority, with new structures, legislation and transport links to ensure momentum. This marks a significant step forward for Hong Kong, signalling a determination to transform vision into reality. The creation of a committee tasked with developing the Northern Metropolis, backed by working groups... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3325941/northern-metropolis-can-be-hong-kongs-new-growth-engine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3325941/northern-metropolis-can-be-hong-kongs-new-growth-engine?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:30:08 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu The memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between Hainan province and Hong Kong is more than a mere policy document. It’s a signal that two of China’s key gateways have entered a new phase of two-way coordination and shared ambition. Spanning multiple sectors such as finance, trade and investment, data, tourism and talent exchange, the memorandum underscores the deeply intertwined future of both places. In August, China launched a cross-border asset management pilot in the Hainan... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3325041/how-hainan-and-hong-kong-can-build-each-others-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3325041/how-hainan-and-hong-kong-can-build-each-others-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Sep 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu The Greater Bay Area development zone is one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. With a population of over 86 million and a gross domestic product of around US$2 trillion, it connects global manufacturing hubs, financial centres, technology clusters and tourism destinations. As Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province become more integrated, they are also becoming more exposed to shared risks from extreme weather events. A disruption in one jurisdiction can quickly cascade... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3322506/hong-kong-can-find-its-niche-greater-bay-area-climate-resilience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3322506/hong-kong-can-find-its-niche-greater-bay-area-climate-resilience?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Earlier this year, Hong Kong launched its first fully electric ferry. In June, jurisdictions within the Greater Bay Area development zone marked a national event for the environment. Against this backdrop, a quiet but important shift is under way. Policymakers in the Greater Bay Area are no longer just thinking about sustainability; they are setting it in motion. With the development zone becoming a hub for experimentation in smart infrastructure and climate innovation, the time is ripe to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319224/when-travellers-think-sustainability-make-them-think-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319224/when-travellers-think-sustainability-make-them-think-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Jul 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s return to the top three in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook is more than a statistical milestone; it is a testament to the collective efforts of our entire society. Our government, business, academia and civil society have all played a part in restoring confidence, stability and ambition. This resurgence has not come easily, and would not have been possible without a clear-eyed reassessment of Hong Kong’s place in a changing world. There are several key reasons behind this... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3315894/now-hong-kong-has-its-mojo-back-what-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3315894/now-hong-kong-has-its-mojo-back-what-next?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Jun 2025 01:30:07 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu With China’s 15th National Games set for November, Hong Kong’s preparations are well under way. From Kai Tak Sports Park cutting its teeth on international events to the mobilisation of 15,000 local volunteers with training and test events, the city’s preparations signal that the Games are more than a sporting event. It is a platform for rethinking how Hong Kong engages with its Greater Bay Area neighbours, the city’s youth and the nation as a whole. This year marks the first time that Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313213/hong-kongs-co-hosting-national-games-about-much-more-sport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313213/hong-kongs-co-hosting-national-games-about-much-more-sport?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Jun 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Even as geopolitical tensions rise, cities across Asia are competing for global travellers and Hong Kong must lean into what makes it truly irreplaceable. Beyond relying on the city’s signature skyline and retail scene to draw visitors, we need a unique blending of grass-roots traditions and youthful creative energy to further bolster the tourism sector. This year’s Labour Day “golden week” could be an indication that Hong Kong is heading in the right direction. According to the Immigration... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3310002/how-melding-hong-kongs-traditions-and-youthful-energy-can-lift-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3310002/how-melding-hong-kongs-traditions-and-youthful-energy-can-lift-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Recent figures from the Hong Kong Tourism Board suggest a robust recovery of our city’s tourism sector, with a surge in both the number and diversity of visitors. Last year brought the city close to 45 million visitors, representing a 31 per cent increase over 2023. Mainland China remains the dominant market, while non-mainland visitors reached 10.5 million, an increase of 44 per cent from the previous year. Long-haul arrivals rose by over 50 per cent, while among short-haul visitors, those from... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3295648/how-hong-kong-can-ride-china-travel-wave-boost-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3295648/how-hong-kong-can-ride-china-travel-wave-boost-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:30:10 +0000 Hong Kong’s economy is expanding, and the outlook remains positive as we close the year. In recent months, the term “low-altitude economy” has taken on prominence in development discussions. At present, about 30 mainland provinces have incorporated low-altitude economy initiatives into their government work reports or launched related policies. Hong Kong has also taken significant steps, establishing a working group on low-altitude economy development and sending a dedicated team to Shenzhen to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3289150/how-hong-kong-can-help-bay-area-sky-take-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3289150/how-hong-kong-can-help-bay-area-sky-take-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 01:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong has slipped out of the top 10 on a list of the world’s busiest ports compiled by shipping industry data provider Alphaliner. The city’s port now ranks 11th, after Dubai’s Jebel Ali port. This marks a significant departure from Hong Kong’s prominence as the world’s top container port during much of the 1980s and 1990s. While the decline in container traffic at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal is striking, the pertinent question for a mature economy like Hong Kong amid these challenges... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3261718/hong-kongs-struggling-port-opportunity-disguise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3261718/hong-kongs-struggling-port-opportunity-disguise?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 00:15:15 +0000 Nearly seven years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of the framework agreement on deepening cooperation between Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province as part of the Greater Bay Area, which was envisioned as a world-class cluster of cities in the Pearl River Delta. Some two years later, in 2019, the central government released a document outlining the direction for the bay area scheme as a unified economic hub. Since then, the Greater Bay Area has become one of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3253238/how-hong-kong-can-avoid-being-sidelined-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3253238/how-hong-kong-can-avoid-being-sidelined-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Feb 2024 01:30:11 +0000 Over the past two years, Hong Kong’s stock and initial public offering markets have underperformed compared to global peers. Last week, the Hang Seng Index plunged below the psychological 15,000-point mark, sending jitters across the market. Naysayers and those hostile to the mainland authorities and Hong Kong administration seized on the opportunity to peddle the story of a doomsday market crash. This has echoes of the “demise of Hong Kong” narrative painted by some before the 1997 handover.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3249974/beijings-support-aside-hong-kong-must-shine-financial-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3249974/beijings-support-aside-hong-kong-must-shine-financial-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:30:13 +0000 On December 1, the Centa-City Leading Index, which is the de facto benchmark for secondary private home prices in Hong Kong, reached a six-and-a-half-year low of 151.06. Local housing prices have fallen considerably since the index rose to a record high of 185.62 points in September 2021. Before Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his policy address in October this year, there were calls by developers for property cooling measures to be scrapped. These so-called spicy measures included... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3243810/two-creative-ways-hong-kong-keep-its-property-market-even-keel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3243810/two-creative-ways-hong-kong-keep-its-property-market-even-keel?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:32:20 +0000 The third Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing last week marked the 10th anniversary of the initiative, a massive strategic infrastructure project and bold foreign policy undertaking, ushered in by President Xi Jinping. In rolling out the event after a devastating pandemic, and amid geopolitical instability, regional strife and global economic uncertainty, China sent an unmistakable message that it wishes to see the world return to growth and stability through cooperation. Arguably Xi’s most... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3238719/abundant-belt-and-road-opportunities-await-hong-kong-it-ready?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3238719/abundant-belt-and-road-opportunities-await-hong-kong-it-ready?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:30:17 +0000 Even as Hong Kong’s tourist arrivals signal a slower than expected recovery, more Hongkongers are crossing over to Shenzhen to spend money than the other way around. Last month, 2.75 million tourists visited Hong Kong, with mainlanders making up 2.15 million, according to preliminary Tourism Board data. For the half-year total of nearly 13 million, more than 10 million came from the mainland. Although arrivals have improved, mainland visitors remain lower than many had anticipated. Meanwhile,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3228763/hong-kong-tourism-desperately-needs-boost-changed-post-covid-landscape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3228763/hong-kong-tourism-desperately-needs-boost-changed-post-covid-landscape?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:15:12 +0000 The controversy over building public housing on the 112-year-old Fanling golf course erupted again last week after the Planning Department proposed a temporary change to the use of the earmarked 32-hectare site from “residential” to “undetermined”. This set off a barrage of debate on both social and mainstream media. It was only in May that the Environmental Protection Department approved an environmental impact report on partial development of the course for public housing. Because of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3223700/hong-kong-doesnt-need-homes-fanling-golf-course-big-housing-projects-under-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3223700/hong-kong-doesnt-need-homes-fanling-golf-course-big-housing-projects-under-way?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:15:13 +0000 In the past six months or so, ChatGPT, the chatbot driven by artificial intelligence (AI), has taken the world by storm, so much so that there are calls to restrict its use. From undergraduates to professionals, many around the world have boasted of how helpful this superintelligent AI chatbot has been, from resolving complex mathematical problems to producing a decent proposal or school essay in under a minute in response to a question or series of statements or inquiries. No wonder it has... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3220367/rather-fear-godlike-ai-lets-put-tech-we-invented-good-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3220367/rather-fear-godlike-ai-lets-put-tech-we-invented-good-use?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 May 2023 17:00:09 +0000 A number of significant messages delivered by China’s leadership at the “two sessions” of the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference have further shed light on how Hong Kong can chart its course for the future in an increasingly competitive and intensely unsettled world. There is no question that the world has embarked on a new era, one characterised by growing global geopolitical tension, shaky international financial markets, regional military... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3214454/signs-hong-kong-chinas-two-sessions-were-promising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3214454/signs-hong-kong-chinas-two-sessions-were-promising?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Mar 2023 22:45:09 +0000 With the government launching a global “Hello Hong Kong” promotion campaign featuring videos broadcast on different platforms worldwide and 500,000 free air tickets to be distributed globally, Hong Kong is ready to receive a surge in “revenge” travellers seeking to get away after lengthy lockdowns and social restrictions. Under the campaign, delegations spearheaded by the government will reach out to various parts of the world, including the mainland. They aim to foster cultural exchanges and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3210149/hong-kongs-brand-must-keep-times-draw-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3210149/hong-kongs-brand-must-keep-times-draw-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:15:09 +0000 After nearly three years, the border between mainland China and Hong Kong has been reopened, following an announcement by the Hong Kong government. As of January 8, a daily quota of 50,000 Hongkongers are able to head to the mainland quarantine-free via one of the three designated checkpoints, through which a daily quota of 60,000 mainlanders can also enter Hong Kong. Residents from both sides of the border have to apply in advance through an online system to obtain a slot, although those... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3206353/hong-kong-must-prioritise-economic-recovery-following-border-reopening?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3206353/hong-kong-must-prioritise-economic-recovery-following-border-reopening?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Jan 2023 02:15:09 +0000 At COP26, the UN climate change conference held at Glasgow last year, countries agreed that the world needed to keep the global temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, to prevent an imminent catastrophe. One of the gravest consequences of unchecked global warming and carbon emissions is a rapid rise in the sea level, which could leave major coastal cities, including Hong Kong, submerged before the end of this century. The recent COP27, held in Sharm el-Sheikh,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3200764/cop27-loss-and-damage-deal-throwing-money-climate-change-not-enough?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3200764/cop27-loss-and-damage-deal-throwing-money-climate-change-not-enough?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:15:10 +0000 The global race to attract and retain talent has intensified in the last few years with the rapid development of the innovation and technology sector, which has come to be seen as a key driver of economic growth. Many developing countries have joined this race by rolling out measures and policies to lure talent with specialised knowledge and skills in an effort to jump-start their technology sector. Hong Kong, with its mature economy, cannot afford to lose out in this global battle for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3196644/policy-address-puts-hong-kong-back-race-global-talent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3196644/policy-address-puts-hong-kong-back-race-global-talent?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Oct 2022 05:30:08 +0000 Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the global battle for talent rages on – because human capital is now considered the most crucial factor in driving competitiveness, innovation and productivity in the increasingly digitalised and technology-based world economy. Hong Kong must double down on its efforts to retain, nurture and attract talent, particularly as the 14th five-year plan clearly declares Beijing’s commitment to supporting this city in developing as an international innovation and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3192813/how-hong-kong-can-stem-brain-drain-and-compete-global?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3192813/how-hong-kong-can-stem-brain-drain-and-compete-global?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Sep 2022 22:45:08 +0000 Recently, public debate on whether golf courses, green belts or peripheral areas of country parks should be converted into land for housing has resurfaced. If such debate is anything to go by, this reflects one issue: land use and housing are still thorny issues in Hong Kong. There are several yardsticks usually used to demonstrate the severity of the city’s land and housing problems. They include the long waiting time for general applicants for public housing – six years on average now – the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3189420/hong-kong-has-land-solve-its-housing-crisis-it-just-needs-courage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3189420/hong-kong-has-land-solve-its-housing-crisis-it-just-needs-courage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:15:11 +0000 This year’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education results were released recently. As has been the case for the past 10 years, the media descended on a handful of candidates who attained perfect scores, considered essential for youngsters seeking to secure a subsidised place in one of Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities. However, what is striking is that, over the years, more than 50 per cent of those achieving perfect scores have chosen to study medicine at one of the city’s two medical... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3186561/hong-kongs-brightest-should-explore-mainland-science-and-technology?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3186561/hong-kongs-brightest-should-explore-mainland-science-and-technology?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:15:16 +0000 There has been a flurry of great news for sport enthusiasts in Hong Kong. The city’s golden boy in fencing, Olympic gold medallist Edgar Cheung Ka-long, continued his winning streak to clinch gold in the Asian Championships, firmly establishing himself as the world’s No 1. Following this was the exciting news that Hong Kong’s football team has qualified for next year’s Asian Cup finals after a 55-year hiatus. At the Tokyo Olympic Games, our athletes proved they could hold their own in an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3182363/how-hong-kong-can-build-sports-industry-thats-profitable?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3182363/how-hong-kong-can-build-sports-industry-thats-profitable?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jun 2022 22:45:22 +0000 In last year’s policy address, incumbent Chief Executive Carrie Lam unveiled a plan to restructure several government policy bureaus. She proposed breaking up the present Transport and Housing Bureau, enlarging the current Innovation and Technology Bureau to become the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and forming a brand new Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu has expressed his support for this restructuring plan, in addition to proposing to add... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3178462/hong-kongs-government-restructuring-can-achieve-more-efficiency-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3178462/hong-kongs-government-restructuring-can-achieve-more-efficiency-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2022 01:15:13 +0000 John Lee Ka-chiu, the sole candidate in next month’s chief executive election, has made three broad pledges for his term, namely, to adopt a “results-oriented” approach to governance, to harness Hong Kong’s global competitiveness and to build a stronger foundation for the city’s future development. Public reaction to Lee’s election bid has been positive. Business and political heavyweights have hailed Lee as the most suitable candidate for Hong Kong’s top position, especially when the city is in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3175527/how-john-lee-can-boost-hong-kong-unlocking-its-potential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3175527/how-john-lee-can-boost-hong-kong-unlocking-its-potential?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Apr 2022 22:45:22 +0000 Many like to compare Hong Kong with Shanghai because the two cities share many similarities. But they also differ in a number of ways. Shanghai is, for instance, six times the size of Hong Kong, with more than three times as many people. Hong Kong is also more international in its lifestyle and outlook, with an estimated 10 per cent of its residents being foreigners, as opposed to less than 1 per cent in Shanghai. But both are thriving modern metropolises and key financial hubs in China,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3172453/lessons-hong-kong-shanghais-lockdown-extraordinary-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3172453/lessons-hong-kong-shanghais-lockdown-extraordinary-times?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Apr 2022 01:15:15 +0000 In the face of a continued global pandemic, coupled with an increasingly complex and uncertain external environment, China convened its annual central economic conference earlier this month to map out an economic plan for the coming year. The meeting also attempted to address five crucial issues in the hope of achieving a consensus on reforming economic development. The character for “stability” appears 25 times in the official statement issued after the conference. Stability is a high priority... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3160559/why-china-needs-retain-entrepreneurial-spirit-ensure-its-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3160559/why-china-needs-retain-entrepreneurial-spirit-ensure-its-future?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:30:18 +0000 Hong Kong has been in talks with the central government in an attempt to fully open the border with the mainland, which has been practically closed with strict mandatory quarantine measures since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Only limited groups of people have been able to enter Hong Kong. These included, until November 12, senior financial executives, whose presence was deemed to be in the interests of Hong Kong’s economy, as well as Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents eligible for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3155305/hong-kong-mainland-border-reopening-will-be-welcome-boost-lives-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3155305/hong-kong-mainland-border-reopening-will-be-welcome-boost-lives-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:45:15 +0000 Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is reportedly planning to unveil a proposal to build a rail link, connecting Hong Kong with the Qianhai economic zone in Shenzhen, during her policy address on October 6. At present, there is not even a direct, road-based transport connection, let alone a rail link. This is despite the fact that ideas for rail networks linking Hong Kong and the western part of Shenzhen were floated in the early 2000s, when proposals to connect Hong Kong International... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3150724/hong-kong-qianhai-rail-link-vital-realising-greater-bay-areas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3150724/hong-kong-qianhai-rail-link-vital-realising-greater-bay-areas?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Oct 2021 01:30:22 +0000 The government has just proposed more changes to the Medical Registration Ordinance. These amendments, if passed before the end of the current legislative session in October, would open the door wider for non-locally trained doctors to work in Hong Kong, so as to ease the manpower crunch in public hospitals. It goes without saying that Hong Kong faces a chronic shortage of doctors, with a doctor-to-population ratio below the average for OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3147435/solution-hong-kongs-doctor-shortage-should-serve-city-long-run?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3147435/solution-hong-kongs-doctor-shortage-should-serve-city-long-run?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Sep 2021 09:30:21 +0000 Figures released this month show that 2.9 per cent of last year’s graduates from Hong Kong’s eight publicly funded universities are unemployed, the highest rate in 11 years. A poignant statistic is the 5.7 per cent jobless rate among graduates of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I serve on the council. This rate is nearly double the average, and truly concerning. Back in 2019, CUHK was the site of the most violent protests seen on a university campus in Hong Kong. This memory, as well... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3145628/amid-hong-kongs-graduate-job-gloom-greater-bay-area-offers-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3145628/amid-hong-kongs-graduate-job-gloom-greater-bay-area-offers-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Aug 2021 22:45:14 +0000 The Tokyo Olympics are just around the corner. Among the Olympic hopefuls who have started on their journey to Tokyo is our windsurfing team, who became the first batch of Hong Kong athletes to arrive in Japan. But the Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed for a year, are fraught with challenges because of Covid-19. Japan’s minister for the Olympics announced last week that spectators would not be admitted to Olympics venues in Tokyo to curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3141399/tokyo-olympics-should-hong-kong-pour-more-money-quest-medals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3141399/tokyo-olympics-should-hong-kong-pour-more-money-quest-medals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jul 2021 08:30:11 +0000 To most people, a narrative is a story or an account of an event or situation, but to advertising, communications and PR professionals, it is about a strategically articulated vision and all associated messages that bond with the target audience. Marketing and public relations professionals employ narrative communications techniques to flesh out a brand and promote a company or product. This is difficult work, particularly if the branding involves an entire country, rather than a single... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3137694/improve-its-image-china-must-tell-story-appeals-peoples-emotions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/comment/opinion/article/3137694/improve-its-image-china-must-tell-story-appeals-peoples-emotions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:30:00 +0000