Restoring Hong Kong’s reputation is a critical task
- The city is on a post-pandemic drive to attract the brightest and the best. Two studies on Hong Kong’s livability and quality of life suggest this will be an uphill task
Hong Kong’s ability to attract talent was severely curtailed during the pandemic, with travel restrictions and social-distancing rules disrupting everyday life. Now, with life returning to normal, the city is on a drive to attract the brightest and the best. Two recent international studies suggest it will be an uphill task.
Last week, ECA international, a global human resources consultancy, revealed Hong Kong plunged 15 places last year in its annual index gauging the livability of more than 500 locations for East Asian expatriates. The city fell from 77th place in 2021 to 92nd last year. It was in 58th position in 2020. Singapore holds first place.
Hong Kong’s slide was mostly attributed to its strict Covid-19 restrictions remaining long after other places had lifted them. Changes to the political environment were also cited.
Another survey, conducted by networking site InterNations, put Hong Kong in 46th place out of 50 for quality of life in 2022. Among concerns of respondents were a poor work-life balance, environmental issues and political instability. Hong Kong has since moved on from the pandemic.
The lifting of restrictions has paved the way for new schemes to attract talent, a campaign to draw visitors and the staging of numerous international events and exhibitions. The living environment is already different from last year.
The city has much to offer residents from overseas. It is business-friendly and enjoys low taxes. There are efficient travel and health services and highly rated schools and universities. The city is proud of its shops, restaurants, country parks and cultural attractions.
It does, however, face challenges in bouncing back to pre-pandemic days. Much work will be needed not only to bring the talent in, but to ensure people stay and contribute for years to come. That will depend on ensuring an enjoyable living environment. Complaints about high rents, small flats, working conditions and political changes should not, therefore, be brushed aside.
Hong Kong can be confident of moving up the livability charts in the surveys this year as normality returns. But efforts to restore the reputation the city once enjoyed for dynamism, tolerance and vibrancy must proceed at full pace.
