Think of world-class facilities and infrastructure and you envision Chek Lap Kok with an annual passenger capacity of 45 million people; the 2.2-kilometre Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's longest-span suspension bridge; even the world's fifth Disney theme park, which will open here next year.
What you probably didn't imagine was the government's plan for another world-class facility - a 'super jail' capable of accommodating more than 7,000 inmates on the island of Hei Ling Chau. Opposition to the proposal has been broad - from civil-rights groups to residents with more vested interests.
The proposal's critics are saying that instead of spending $12 billion on building a new jail, the government should treat the issue of law and order in a more constructive manner, by improving its rehabilitation programme to lower the re-offending rate - which stands at about 50 per cent - and strengthening crime prevention to control the number of new offenders.
The government explains the rationale behind the plan with convincing numbers. The total inmate population in Hong Kong is now 13,598 - 18 per cent in excess of capacity.
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) also gave the example of Tai Lam Centre for Women, which has exceeded its capacity (278) by a staggering 158 per cent, to house 719 inmates.
Others disagree. 'The government is completely illogical ...We believe that the number of offenders would drastically decrease if the government were willing to pay out one- 10th of that $12-billion price tag and improve its rehabilitation services,' said Ho Hei-wah, director of the Society for Community Organisation. Since 2001, the society has launched an after-care programme including job-seeking, temporary financial assistance and housing facilities to help about 500 former inmates.