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SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | More focused ‘M’ Mark scheme will hone Hong Kong’s mega-event appeal

While there is a need to strike a balance between public cost and benefit, it is good to see a commitment to hosting major sporting events

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Hong Kong’s To Kwa Wan waterfront near King Wan Street Leisure Path, with a view of Kai Tak Stadium. Photo: Jelly Tse
SCMP Editorial
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Major Sports Events Committee’s “M” Mark scheme to promote mega-events helped boost the city’s recovery and spread the message that “Hong Kong is back”. Up to HK$15 million (US$1.9 million) in public funding was up for grabs for events accorded “M” Mark status. In the past three financial years the committee, an advisory body under the Sports Commission, doled out HK$624.4 million.
But the scheme drew increasing scrutiny amid the fallout from the Lionel Messi saga last year. Thousands of fans paid to see the football superstar turn out with Inter Miami in a highly publicised mega-event, only for him to sit out the game with an injury. The ensuing uproar prompted organisers to announce the withdrawal of a HK$16 million funding application to the Major Sports Events Committee.

Now a government review has tightened the funding process across the board, ruling that money should be spent only on world-class and international occasions, aimed at bringing the city an economic boost. It also ruled that the system should be more focused and multilayered instead of taking a “one size fits all” approach. This is a welcome attempt to ensure value for public spending and maintain confidence in sport funding. “[We] understand the public’s expectation for effective use of public funds,” Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said.

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But there is also a need to strike a balance between public cost and benefit. The government has credited mega-events generally with attracting about 840,000 visitors and generating about HK$3.3 billion in consumer spending in the first half of the year. A research report from Our Hong Kong Foundation, a think tank, has called for the development of the city into a mega-sports capital, including funding of emerging events for all ages that could eventually become mega-events entitled to millions in grants.

That said, it is good that the government is reaffirming a commitment to support major sports events just when the success of the new Kai Tak Sports Park has cemented the city’s claim to offer world-class venues and a safe, attractive environment for visitors.

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The refocused “M” mark scheme will help identify flagship events with potential, enabling early planning and enhanced marketing.

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