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Hong Kong protests
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Spike in demand for security guards built like bouncers, to protect Hong Kong’s protest-prone sites

  • Muscular men can earn as much as HK$2,000 (US$255) a day
  • Security sector is one of few winners despite the city’s economic downturn

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A security guard at a jewellery shop in Central. Photo: Edmond So
Cannix Yau

Hong Kong needs more security guards, and demand has shot up for sturdily built men with the physique of nightclub bouncers.

Muscular men are commanding a premium, earning as much as HK$2,000 (US$255) a day to be assigned to locations at risk of violence by anti-government protesters. The normal daily rate is HK$700 to HK$800.

The security sector has emerged as one of the few winners in Hong Kong despite the economic downturn, after nearly six months of anti-government protests have resulted in severe damage and vandalism at MTR stations, businesses, banks, shopping centres and universities.

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Several security firms told the Post there has been a sharp rise in demand for security guards, and many firms have increased their manpower.

MTR stations have been vandalised during anti-government protests. Photo: Dickson Lee
MTR stations have been vandalised during anti-government protests. Photo: Dickson Lee
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One firm’s general manager, who preferred to remain anonymous, said South Asian men with sturdy builds had become especially sought after to work on university campuses.

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