Hong Kong has plenty of cash, talent, good-hearted people, and now, politics. What it lacks is hope for the future. It is frankly obvious by now the government is eager to promote the Greater Bay Area , and further integration with the mainland economy, as the future of Hong Kong. The proposal is not perfect. The rising costs to our local community, and uneven growth prospects – some industries are poised to benefit while others will suffer – are among the legitimate concerns that the government must address. The proposal is, however, practical. Our endorsement of a market economy means that money always flows to the places that generate the most value. For better or for worse, money has never cared about our political beliefs. Regardless of one’s position on the matter, at its core, our current debate about Hong Kong’s future boils down to discomfort with our shrinking competitive advantage and lower confidence in the government and economy . To improve the situation, innovative practices, instead of radical political ideology that only sounds good in the short term, must be embraced. Your correspondent (“ Hong Kong elections: can good sense and middle ground prove a winner? ”) is right. A rational moderate party is much needed to bring a vision. Only rational politicians can bridge the different views in our society that alienate us from each other. Hong Kong cannot bear the consequences of having a government that lacks majority approval or is paralysed when it comes to initiating real change. If a moderate party is to gain popularity, it must represent the silent majority yet be willing to take the risk of introducing an unconventional narrative, to break up the political blame game in Hong Kong now. Why radical Legco candidates must look beyond ‘mutual destruction’ Another way to make real change is to raise public awareness and develop an ecosystem that favours entrepreneurship and start-ups. Hong Kong has some of the region’s best universities and infrastructure. The financial market in Hong Kong is also transforming and finding more flexible ways to attract capital and diversify risk. There is no justification for the fact that Hong Kong has yet to become a major leader in innovation in the region. Furthermore, transforming Hong Kong into a major hub for new businesses will not only ensure the city’s prosperity and stability in the long term, but also alleviate the fear and anger among our younger generation at being left out. Samuel Cheng, Yuen Long