The new face of corporate activism in Hong Kong? Firms grapple with how much is too much
HSBC’s determination to keep its pro-LGBTI lions despite some public opposition may not represent a change in the cultural tide, commentators say
In December, a pair of rainbow lions installed outside a bank caused a stir in Hong Kong.
At the time, a bank spokeswoman said the lions were an important symbol of the company’s commitment to diversity.
“Having a workforce that reflects the diversity of our millions of customers in Hong Kong and which draws on a wide range of perspectives makes us better able to serve the whole community,” she said.
Fern Ngai, chief executive of local non-profit organisation Community Business, which works with companies to advance responsible and inclusive business practices, said the move marked a victory for corporate activism in the city.
“We applaud HSBC’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion with its rainbow lions, which were placed on one of the busiest streets in Central,” she said. “Generally in Hong Kong, corporate activism is not very prominent in the business sector. Companies tend to be more traditional and stick to business rather than use their businesses as a platform for social change, especially on issues that are potentially seen as politically charged or controversial such as LGBTI rights.”