LettersForget Singapore, Hong Kong is being left in the dust by mainland China cities

From the port to sporting events to liveability, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong in the areas we used to take pride in

But other rivals closer to home are now snapping at Hong Kong’s heels

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Hong Kong’s prospects have dimmed in recent years, with its rankings for liveability sliding, and now followed by activity at its once-renowned port. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:26am, 19 Feb 2019Updated: 6:49pm, 20 Feb 2019

I read David Dowell’s article, KKK’s threat to business (February 16), and suppose that the term “kakistocracy” can now be applied to Hong Kong, as since 1997 we have lost our mojo. We used to proudly look down on Singapore as a second-rate competitor, but how the tables have turned. Pride usually comes before a fall, and now they have spanked us three times in a week – “City’s port out of world’s top five for the first time” (February 15), with Singapore ranked second; “Singapore Sevens ‘better than HK’ in series ranking” (February 15); “Lion City tops ranking for millennials”(February 16).

Singapore can now rightfully claim our self-awarded crown of “Asia’s world city”. Our officials have forgotten how to implement projects, while Singapore steams ahead. The impressive Marina Bay Sands project started about the same time as our West Kowloon Cultural District but was opened in 2010. Our major new sports stadium was planned at Kai Tak soon after the airport moved to Chek Lap Kok. However, construction work has not yet started and it is not scheduled for completion until 2023. Meanwhile, the Singapore Sports Hub opened in 2015 and is already successfully handling major international events.

Singapore’s port surpassed Hong Kong’s as the world’s busiest in 2004, and remains No 2 behind Shanghai. Photo: Reuters

Who could imagine that Singapore could challenge “our Sevens”? This is a real slap in the face for Hongkongers. It seems our officials sit on their hands looking northwards dreaming of leading the Greater Bay Area.

If we do not wake up and get our act together, Guangzhou and Shenzhen will steal what little remains of our thunder.

Frank Lee, Wan Chai

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} From the port to sporting events to liveability, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong in the areas we used to take pride in But other rivals closer to home are now snapping at Hong Kong’s heels

From the port to sporting events to liveability, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong in the areas we used to take pride in

But other rivals closer to home are now snapping at Hong Kong’s heels