In the realm of Chinese mythology, the phoenix symbolizes resilience, duty, propriety, and virtue. It could well serve as an apt allegory for these times, as Hongkongers must assume greater individual and collective responsibility for the city’s economic future.
The past cannot serve as a blueprint for Hong Kong’s future. The private sector must take the initiative, identifying and seizing the vastly different economic opportunities that exist today. Comparisons to a pre-2020 Hong Kong may distort our assessment of the city’s new economic trajectory.
The question arises, why is Hong Kong’s private sector not fully capitalizing on the growing number of visitors to generate significant economic benefit? The answer may lie in private-sector attitudes, as exemplified by the recent characterization of Hong Kong as having ‘structural problems.’ I reject this notion. Yes, structural changes have occurred, and we have entered a new era. However, viewing the new environment as an insurmountable problem contradicts the message conveyed by the increasing number of visitors to Hong Kong: ‘We love to visit, but our needs have evolved.’
Such laws are found in nearly every advanced country, striking a delicate balance between national security objectives and individual rights. For example, in Australia, the Human Rights Law Centre recently proposed 13 changes to the country’s national secrecy laws, which criminalize whistle-blowers and journalists under certain circumstances.
While we in Hong Kong may have limited influence over external propaganda machines, we can embrace our evolving but still positive economic fundamentals and take action to create value for the city and its people. It is not the time for passivity or reliance on the Hong Kong government to provide solutions for the private sector in this inherently market-driven city. It is time to act.
