ReflectionsHong Kong should learn from rival Singapore, not sneer at it. Chinese King Wuling shows us why
Hong Kong should take heed of Singapore’s housing policies, much like King Wuling, whose state was besieged by attacks until he adopted the ways of its adversaries
Hong Kong has always felt the need to compare itself with Singapore. Whenever something is ranked internationally – be it economic competitiveness, airports or universities – Hong Kong and the Lion City will inevitably be pitted against one another. The most recent issue to be subject to scrutiny is housing.
Following Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s announcement that she wanted to apply some of Singapore’s housing strategies in Hong Kong, there have been news articles and television programmes commenting on the issue. Naturally, the sneering at Singapore started almost at once but, by and large, the attitude in Hong Kong seems to be a willingness to learn. And learn it should, not just from Singapore, but from anywhere that can offer solutions to Hong Kong’s housing woes.
There’s no shame in emulating others. Japan learned and adopted modern government, laws and industry from the West in the late 19th century. Singapore learned, and is still learning, best practices from all over the world, including Hong Kong.
So did King Wuling of Zhao during the Warring States period (475-221BC). The sizeable state of Zhao, which covered parts of present-day Hebei, Shanxi and Shaanxi, was so weak that even small neighbouring states were making incursions into its territory. To its northwest, north and northeast were various nomadic peoples who often raided Zhao’s borders.
Observing the battles between the nomads and his own troops, Wuling came to the conclusion that the invaders always won because they had two advantages over Zhao’s soldiers. The first was sartorial; in battle, the nomads wore narrow sleeves and short tunics with belts. In contrast, the Zhao battle gear had billowing sleeves and cumbersome robes that stymied mobility.