The past year will be remembered as one in which the expectations of Hong Kong people about their livelihood and quality of life crystallised in a way that the government and big business could no longer ignore.
Across society, from low-paid workers demanding a statutory minimum wage, to unionists striking for better salaries, to environmental campaigners demanding an end to massive wall-like buildings that block air and light, people were unequivocal in voicing their aspirations - and their demands began to be met.
And even as the financial turmoil turned hopes into fears, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen gave a nod to those expectations, saying he would try to preserve Hongkongers' way of life and living standards during the crisis.
Mr Tsang, battered by falling popularity ratings, had already shown unprecedented willingness to heed public opinion, with a series of policy U-turns in response to pressure from the people.
Chan Kin-man, associate professor in Chinese University's department of sociology, said there had been a rising demand among members of the public about non-material issues such as environmental protection and quality of life in recent years. 'As Hong Kong society becomes more affluent, people's concerns are no longer confined to bread-and-butter issues,' he said. 'There are strong social bases behind these appeals and the government can't afford to turn a blind eye to them.'
On the environmental front, while leading campaigners remained sceptical, saying the government had not gone far enough, floors were falling off planned skyscrapers as though someone had swept a great scythe through them.
