There is one area where Hong Kong can benefit by catching up with Singapore - in the understanding and practice of international relations beyond trade. Perhaps 2009 is the year to take stock and for Hong Kong to start advancing. As a sovereign state, though tiny in size and population, Singapore has always been able to punch way above its weight because its leaders have invested time and effort in ensuring the city state participates fully and vigorously in diplomacy.
It has taken the fullest possible advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads of Southeast Asia to position itself as a major regional player. It participates actively in regional diplomatic and military affairs, and is an active member of the Commonwealth and United Nations.
Singapore has shown an interest not only in the practical, but also the intellectual, side of international relations. It has had to train a corp of skilled diplomats and also has people who are knowledgable about military affairs. Its schools, think-tanks and public-policy institutes are well populated by people with hands-on expertise.
Hong Kong, a former British colony and now a special administrative region of China, has a very different experience. In diplomatic affairs, we have the sovereign to deal with other nations on our behalf, except in economic and trade issues.
A part of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that dealt with the transfer of sovereignty provided for Hong Kong to continue to deal with 'external affairs' on its own, and this was reflected in a separate chapter of the Basic Law. Hong Kong has numerous economic and trade offices on the mainland and overseas, and it has a handful of officials who have solid experience in trade negotiations. Hong Kong also punches way above its weight because of its strategic location, and economic influence - a function of a highly entrepreneurial tradition and a large group of fast-thinking and swift-footed businesspeople.
More recently, our universities have produced a range of research on trade and export production, and modest funding has also added to our understanding of the history of trade in South China and the activities of its entrepreneurs. There is a treasure trove of issues still to research if funding were available.