Advertisement
Hong Kong economy
OpinionLetters

LettersTaylor Swift’s concerts shouldn’t fuel Singapore-Hong Kong comparisons

  • Readers discuss the constant comparisons between the two places, and China’s political system

2-MIN READ2-MIN
1
Taylor Swift performs at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 2. Photo: Getty Images/TAS Rights Management
Letters
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.
Singer Taylor Swift was proudly hosted by Singapore, performing six concerts from March 2 to 9 and drawing fans from all over Asia. Meanwhile, the predictable reaction in Hong Kong was the cultural, sports and tourism secretary being grilled for missing an opportunity and failing to secure top-notch artists. Some even went further by criticising Hong Kong’s competitiveness compared to Singapore. We’ve heard this before – the loss of business, talent and prestige to the Lion City. But is Singapore really Hong Kong’s rival?

Historically, Hong Kong and Singapore have had much in common. Both are former British colonies and international financial centres that practice common law. Recently, it has become a ritual for the media to unfavourably compare Hong Kong with Singapore. Some have the tendency to exaggerate “Hong Kong’s decline” and Singapore’s rise. However, such comparisons are subjective and unsound.

Advertisement

Despite all their similarities, Hong Kong and Singapore are fundamentally different. One is an independent sovereign state while the other is not. When it comes to decision-making, Hong Kong has to take national interests into consideration. Being a part of China, Hong Kong enjoys the full support of an Asian superpower while maintaining a high level of autonomy. By contrast, Singapore has few natural resources and is surrounded by neighbours that could potentially threaten its interests.

Hong Kong is best for connecting to the rest of China. Singapore is a superconnector for emerging markets in Southeast Asia. Despite facing economic challenges and geopolitical risks, China remains a global superpower with the potential to grow its gross domestic product (GDP) by 5 per cent. Therefore, it is absurd to compare Singapore with Hong Kong just for the sake of discrediting Hong Kong and China.
Advertisement

As a designated special administrative region, Hong Kong has a unique system. Instead of pointless comparisons with Singapore, Hong Kong should focus on itself and find its own way to prosperity, progress and prestige.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x