Let's show we will always care
The people of Hong Kong have opened their hearts and wallets following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Now it is the government's turn. The generosity Hong Kong has displayed and the empathy expressed run contrary to the international stereotype that we are a commercial city without a 'heart'; where making money is valued above all else. One of my Indian friends who visited last week said that our response had completely changed his views about the city, especially when Hong Kong did not have a political axe to grind in contributing to the international relief efforts.
The impact of the tsunami is so unprecedented that it is perhaps not surprising we have, like many others in the world, responded generously. What I find interesting is that our sense of global citizenship is probably stronger than generally perceived in Hong Kong. If we look at the recent record of our contributions to major humanitarian efforts through the major charities, it is remarkable that they have increased significantly - even during times of economic downturn. The positive response to the administration's initiative in organising a fund-raising concert also demonstrates that Hong Kong people are willing to support government-led relief efforts to help both fellow Hongkongers and others in the region.
As many have pointed out, rebuilding and rehabilitation for disaster-struck communities throughout the region are longer-term projects. There will be much to do to support those made homeless or orphaned by the disaster, and to rebuild where facilities have been destroyed, long after the television images have faded.
As we reflect on the disaster and how we should assist fellow Hongkongers and contribute further to the international relief efforts, perhaps it is also time to rethink our role in the region. Hong Kong is a developed economy surrounded by poorer nations. We are 10 to 15 times wealthier than some of our neighbours. According to the World Bank, 30 per cent of the more than 2 billion people in the region live below the poverty line of US$1 a day.
Southeast Asian countries have been our economic partners, and often the playgrounds of many Hongkongers. To what extent should we also pay attention to the social and economic problems in the region? As 'Asia's World City', it is appropriate for us to care about global problems and those who are in need in the region.
I believe that the government should build on public support by taking the lead in developing dialogue on a number of issues with the community and those involved in relief work. First, there is a need to expand the scope of the Disaster Relief Fund to include rehabilitation work and rebuilding efforts, and be more proactive in addressing humanitarian problems in different parts of the world, particularly in Asia.
Second, we should support the efforts of Hong-Kong-based non-governmental organisations to obtain more international exposure, training and resources in their overseas work, and attract more international relief agencies to establish a presence here.
Finally, there is also a need to build developmental and technical assistance for our regional neighbours, especially in the fields where Hong Kong has the expertise, for example, management, education, health care and information technology.
In addition to helping others, such efforts will enhance Hong Kong's image as a caring society.
The people have acted and spoken in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster. It is now up to the government to provide the strategic thinking to promote Hong Kong as a city that cares. We need long-term vision and sustainable relief efforts that can help our less fortunate neighbours and also support Hong Kong people who are prepared to contribute more as global citizens.
James Tang is dean of the faculty of social sciences at the University of Hong Kong
