https://www.scmp.com/rss/521019/feed Rachel Chan is a policy entrepreneur and an innovation ecosystem builder, working to align public policy, business interests and social impact goals. She is the founder and chief catalyst of InnoFoco, a strategy consulting company and co-founder of the NGO Esperanza. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Rachel Chan Rachel Chan Hong Kong stands at a definitive demographic crossroads. With one-third of our population projected to be over 65 by the 2040s, the city can either treat ageing as a fiscal burden or it can transform longevity into a sustainable growth engine. Drawing inspiration from Andrew Scott and Lynda Gratton’s work on the 100-Year Life project, Hong Kong should boldly embrace longevity as a new development frontier. By leveraging our unique strengths in finance, world-class regulatory frameworks and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3343200/hong-kong-should-see-silver-economy-golden-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3343200/hong-kong-should-see-silver-economy-golden-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:30:10 +0000 Rachel Chan Rachel Chan Hong Kong stands at a crossroads in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. With advanced digital infrastructure, world-class universities and proximity to the mainland’s fast-moving AI industry, the city is well-positioned to serve as a bridge between East and West AI ecosystems. The 2025 budget has set aside HK$1 billion (US$128.4 million) for the establishment of an AI Research and Development Institute, which is set to launch next year. Recent AI studies provide a sobering... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3323290/what-hong-kongs-coming-ai-institute-must-do-make-difference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3323290/what-hong-kongs-coming-ai-institute-must-do-make-difference?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 01:30:10 +0000 Rachel Chan Rachel Chan By 2046, an estimated 36 per cent of Hong Kong’s population will be over 65. The Hong Kong government has announced 30 measures to promote the silver economy. While targeting the consumption power of the elderly may provide a much-needed boost to the economy, it is far from a solution to the mounting challenges posed by our rapidly ageing society. As a carer for two wheelchair-bound parents, I face daily struggles that underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to ageing. These... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3314105/silver-economy-far-enough-rapidly-ageing-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3314105/silver-economy-far-enough-rapidly-ageing-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Jun 2025 01:30:07 +0000 Rachel Chan Rachel Chan During the recent “two sessions”, Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” framework and called on the city to deepen international exchanges and cooperation. It was a timely reminder of Hong Kong’s unique value to the mainland and how the city can assert its relevance in an increasingly polarised world. Back in 2001, Hong Kong was branded “Asia’s world city”. In the last few years, the Hong Kong government has positioned the city as a “superconnector” and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3309532/can-hong-kong-truly-live-its-asias-world-city-brand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3309532/can-hong-kong-truly-live-its-asias-world-city-brand?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s announcement, in his latest budget speech, of Hong Kong’s aspiration to become an international exchange and cooperation hub for artificial intelligence (AI) is bold and timely. As one of the world’s most connected cities, Hong Kong has the potential to play a pivotal role in the global AI conversation. However, the path to achieving this requires strategic planning and concrete action. According to the 2024 Global AI Index, Hong Kong ranks 16th, which is... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3302984/hong-kongs-vision-becoming-ai-hub-demands-clear-road-map?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3302984/hong-kongs-vision-becoming-ai-hub-demands-clear-road-map?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 21:30:08 +0000