Letters | Hong Kong has much more personality than ‘Singabore’

Readers discuss the suggestion that Hong Kong give up on attracting tourists, argue in favour of the city’s economic prospects, and question the implementation of Covid-19 rules

Hong Kong

Letters

Published: 2:30pm, 18 Oct 2022

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I would like to respond to two letters published on October 13. Let me start with the letter, “Let’s face it, Hong Kong is just not that appealing to tourists”.

While Hong Kong has many things that can be found around the world, this city is the only place where these things get rolled into one convenient package, along with what is the world’s best public transport system. How many cities have examples of both ancient Chinese and Victorian architecture? We have every world cuisine imaginable here, far from simply Cantonese food.

Also, to compare Hong Kong to “Singabore” in tourism is laughable. We’re talking about a city state that bans chewing gum and makes having a drink an expensive exercise of self-regulation. Singapore sacrifices its soul in return for order and cleanliness; even a square foot of Hong Kong has more personality than Singapore could ever hope to have.

Next, I would like to address the letter, “Keep pandemic lunchtime rules for pupils in place”.

I find it hard to believe that someone in Hong Kong refuses to acknowledge the reality of the situation in front of them, but that reality is that Covid-19 is simply no longer a severe health threat to us in Hong Kong any more. A large number of our vulnerable people died during the fifth wave, and just about everyone else has had a booster dose of the vaccine.

Frankly, China has had the patience of saints with the stubborn and irrational anti-vaxxers who have consistently been dragging not just this city but the entire country down by refusing to protect themselves. That patience is wearing thin and, at least in Hong Kong, there is no longer any scientific justification for most people here to fear Covid-19.

Scott Hegarty, Tseung Kwan O

Hong Kong is still an attractive business destination

Snooker world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan put on his jogging shoes to explore Hong Kong recently, after he won the Hong Kong Masters. He enjoyed the city’s running trails and is looking forward to returning to Hong Kong for a holiday, perhaps with his family. He praised Hong Kong, and left with many good memories.

Hong Kong is hosting more international events soon. Top executives from financial giants have committed to attending Hong Kong’s financial summit in early November, and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament will follow. The city is also preparing to hold a marathon in February next year.

The events will reinforce a positive image of Hong Kong, as our guests from overseas will have good experiences. We can expect a boost to Hong Kong’s economy in the post-pandemic era. Investors and talented individuals will once again consider Hong Kong a city of opportunities, as businesses generate profits, investors see considerable returns, and young professionals realise their dreams here.

One advantage we have over our Southeast Asian competitor is that we are backed by our motherland. Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area offer Hong Kong residents, especially those in the field of science and innovation, tax incentives and other intangible benefits.

Hong Kong remains attractive to foreign and mainland investors. Our tax system is simple, transparent and concise. Our common law system boosts business confidence. Hong Kong has an antitrust law enhancing a competitive business culture. Our Independent Commission Against Corruption safeguards the city against corruption and bribery.

In the long run, Hong Kong should nurture and attract talent. More educational resources should be allocated to training the local youth, while newcomers should be granted equal opportunities. The chief executive should focus on encouraging innovation and providing incentives to entrepreneurs when he delivers his policy address this week.

Chu Kar-kin, Ho Man Tin

If we can have live music, why not barbecues?

I am following on from the letter regarding live music in bars (“As music returns, time to let bands back in bars”, October 11).

I would be very interested in an explanation for why barbecue areas are still closed.

In addition, along the Central Pier waterfront, it seems Covid-19 only spreads between Piers 3 and 4, as this is the only sitting area regularly taped off.

Duncan Hancock, Lamma Island