OpinionHong Kong as Asia’s cultural hub. How’s that for a policy address suggestion for Carrie Lam?

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has been asking the public to submit ideas for her upcoming policy address. This is a good opportunity for everybody to take part in the affairs of this community.

My proposal is in the form of an open letter: Hong Kong has been able to punch well above its weight because its leaders have been able to seize upon the right opportunities. Our recent troubles have distracted the government from focusing on the larger picture. A lack of shared vision will reduce our hope for a brighter future, resulting in more discontent. Such a downward spiral would be tragic, considering the fantastic opportunities ahead.

China is on the cusp of playing a dominant role in world terms. Its military and financial strength is on the rise, yet its cultural influence is yet to really take off. Shanghai is poised to be the financial hub of China, Beijing the political hub and Hong Kong could play the role of China’s centre for soft power.

There is no city in this part of the world that can claim to be a cultural hub like New York or London. Hong Kong has many advantages. Geographically, we are in the middle of Asia. We have freedom of expression. We enjoy the rule of law. We have a large international community. We border an industrial hinterland, and we have great infrastructure.