Four key areas of healing for Hong Kong
It would be a miracle if the political and generational differences of seven million people in Hong Kong could be successfully managed. The would-be chief executive and his team have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve this feat.
There are four areas of opportunities in education, housing, government credibility and the ageing population.
First, the Education Bureau needs to nurture talent with global skills and good character. It has to set policy for the school curriculum to support both knowledge and curiosity. The young need to be guided to learn critical thinking skills to be able to fact-check the internet ocean of misinformation while respecting and embracing diversity. General education is about creating a space to develop such skills and knowledge.
Second, address housing as a basic human need. Governor Murray MacLehose transformed Hong Kong in the 1970s; half a century later, the city’s top brass can once again turn housing from a source of grief to one of hope. The government has the financial leeway to build affordable rental flats as a way out of poverty for the many living in cage homes.
Third, the government can become the best employer in the city. It needs to better manage the morale and stress of public servants, and attract top talent with a clear mission – to serve Hongkongers under “one country, two systems”.
Last but not least, address Hong Kong’s ageing population and their needs. Old people should have comfortable living spaces with a sense of community and reliable medical care. The Greater Bay Area enables the city government to craft a vision for old people to spend their sunset years comfortably and happily in the city and maybe beyond.
Olivia Tam, California