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Opinion

Hong Kong’s ailing film industry can play a leading role in a hi-tech economy

Albert Cheng says the next chief executive should focus on transforming the city into a world leader in virtual reality and a post-production hub, to boost the economy

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Actor and entrepreneur Nicholas Tse launched Post Production Office in 2003 to focus on post-production work for commercials and movies. He branched out in Shanghai and Beijing before selling 60 per cent of the firm to a listed company. Now he has teamed up with Digital Domain Holdings, which operates the world’s biggest independent special-effects company, to drive the company’s expansion into mainland China. Photo: Dickson Lee
Albert Cheng
After three weeks of electioneering to be Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has a comfortable lead ahead of her two opponents in terms of support from the small circle of 1,194 electors – despite being unpopular among ordinary Hongkongers. There is little doubt the former chief secretary will emerge as the winner on Sunday.

However, it would be difficult for her to lead a government when her credibility is low. She can secure enough votes to win, but not the hearts and minds of the people.

Carrie Lam faces social media backlash after final debate

If elected, the first thing Lam must do is restore people’s trust. For this, she should focus her attention on one vital subject: the Hong Kong economy. I would advise her to steer public attention back to how to keep the city prosperous. How Hong Kong can ride the global wave of innovation and technology should feature prominently in her first 100 days.

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When it comes to innovation and technology, people often think of fintech, start-ups, and research and development. They overlook one important opportunity here: the film industry. In her manifesto, Lam states that in the face of competition, the city “should continue to nurture talents in the film industry by providing training to those involved in film production and post-production, and provide assistance in the further development of the industry”.

This is probably one of the very few issues where I agree with her. The government should invest in the future of Hong Kong by transforming this creative and energetic city into a post-production hub and world leader in virtual reality technology.

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A man watches VR amusement products at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market in Hong Kong this month. The trade event featured over 800 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions. Photo: Xinhua
A man watches VR amusement products at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market in Hong Kong this month. The trade event featured over 800 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions. Photo: Xinhua

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