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SCMP Series
Top 10 most-read Letters to the Editor 2020
7 of 10
1
China’s coronavirus numbers just don’t seem to add up
A worker walks among beds in a convention centre that has been converted into a temporary hospital in Wuhan, Hubei, on February 4. Photo: AP
2
What is China not telling us about the novel coronavirus?
A woman walks past statues wearing face masks, as the snow falls in Beijing on February 5. Photo: AP
3
Singapore deserves to be blamed for failing migrant workers
Migrant workers wear masks while queuing at a meal distribution point in the Little India district of Singapore on May 6. Photo: EPA-EFE
4
Could Singapore offer migrant workers a path to citizenship?
Migrant workers wait in line at a meal distribution point in the Little India district of Singapore, on May 6. A majority of Singapore’s Covid-19 cases are from the foreign worker community, who live in crowded dormitories. Photo: EPA-EFE
5
Does Chinese arrogance make some people turn against them?
Chinese tourists take souvenir photos with the national flag on Quanfu, one of the Paracel Islands, in Sansha prefecture of Hainan province in the South China Sea, in September 2014. Photo: AP
6
What I know about Lee Suet Fern
Lee Suet Fern (far left) and other family members of the late Lee Kuan Yew arrive with his portrait at the start of the state funeral at the University Cultural Centre in Singapore on March 29, 2015. Photo: AP
7
Singapore is now home, but Hong Kong is where the heart is
The people of Hong Kong left an indelible mark with their silent, stoic belief in doing the right thing the right way. Photo: Winson Wong
8
Three ways for China to win back the world’s trust
A security officer walks past a display at the PT Expo in Beijing last October. Photo: AP
9
Lee Kuan Yew was proof autocratic government can be good
Founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew addresses delegates at the Global Brand Forum in Singapore in August 2004. Lee was autocratic but revered as a statesman and nation builder. Photo: AFP
10
Cathay fate shows how Hong Kong is now toxic for businesses
Hong Kong’s popular tourist and shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui on October 17. Photo: AFP
The people of Hong Kong left an indelible mark with their silent, stoic belief in doing the right thing the right way. Photo: Winson Wong
CommentLetters

Letters | Singapore is now home, but Hong Kong is where the heart is

  • Hong Kong can grow on you in mysterious ways, with its natural splendour, ease of movement and, most of all, its warm, friendly people. I left with a heavy heart, but I will always be praying for you
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Singapore transfer orders were in, and it was time to bid adieu to Hong Kong – my home for the last two and a half years.

The moment I set foot in Hong Kong, it had been love at first sight. The abundance and beauty of nature took me by surprise, as I found water, mountains, promenades, sunsets, hikes, trails, beaches and sleepy islands – all within a stone’s throw from the city’s urban heart.

The best public transport, always available and supporting the hectic pace of life; the MTR that lets you cover many miles within minutes; the double-decker bus rides to Repulse Bay, minibus rides to Prince Edward, the tram rides from Admiralty to Happy Valley, ferry rides to the different islands. The taxis doing a Formula One in the narrow lanes. The long walks that could go on forever in the chilly weather.

03:55

Sounds of the city: a Hong Kong audio engineer’s eye-opening mission to capture moments of life

Sounds of the city: a Hong Kong audio engineer’s eye-opening mission to capture moments of life

Hong Kong grows on you in strange ways. However, what I will miss most are the people, those with whom I shared not many words but lots of smiles and warmth. The backpack stall lady at Sham Sui Po who hugged me and gave me a bag as a gift. The fabric stall owner who smiled with recognition and threw in some mask holders.

The people of Hong Kong have left an indelible mark on me. The silent, stoic belief in doing the right thing the right way. I saw the way they went about life the day after the fierce Typhoon Mangkhut hit the city. Then there were the thousands who walked in silent protest. People like all of us. My heart ached each time they joined a march. They taught me what patriotism truly meant –wanting the best for the common good.

The day after the first Covid-19 case was announced, everyone was wearing a mask. Through all these months, they kept Hong Kong safe and the coronavirus at bay. I was moved by their concern for the safety of the community. In all instances no one told them what to do – the people knew what was best for the community.

As a befitting finale, I spent the most serene and poignant hours at the Tsz Shan Monastery the last Saturday before I left. Tears formed at the love pouring down from the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. I know she will always protect Hong Kong and her people.

As we waited for the packers to arrive, the T8 signal was issued. Hong Kong said goodbye in its own unique way. I’m really glad I had this time to get to know you. I left with a heavy heart, but I will always be praying for you.

Shobha Krishnaswamy, Singapore

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