Anti-mainland sentiment allowed to fester for too long in HK

The Cathy Pacific discrimination scandal is a big wake-up call for Hong Kong. Why has discrimination against mainland residents been allowed to go on for so long? If we do not get to the bottom of it, Hong Kong people, especially the younger generations, will suffer for sure in the long term.

The sad thing is many on the mainland have lost their affection towards the city. While the mainland is developing at high speed and provides many opportunities for growth and prosperity, both in and outside China, Hong Kong is seriously lagging behind with its short-sightedness and narrow-mindedness.

Hong Kong has to revamp its school education and nurture students with a broader mindset and inclusive values. Students must make more effort to understand Chinese history and current developments in the country for their own sake. China’s influence will overtake other nations’ in the next 20 years or even less, whether you like it or not.

One of my clients in Shenzhen has a big operation in Kenya and its young executives are busy travelling between China and Africa. Another client is expanding its business in central China and is recruiting more scientists.

Wake up, Hong Kong. We have wasted so much time in the past and are now seeing the damaging consequences. Let us continue to educate our young people and remind ourselves it is a long journey.

Having said that, I applaud the Hong Kong government’s recent efforts to bring the city closer to the mainland. We have seen a series of visits to the Greater Bay Area and other mainland cities by Hong Kong officials and other organisations. Keep up the good work and do more.

Fion Yip, Guangzhou