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HKSAR govt must think strategically about what GBA integration really means
文章
2024 年 5 月 7 日
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Integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has been a top priority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government ever since the signing of the framework agreement for deepening cooperation between Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong in July 2017. The prolonged riots from 2019 to early 2020, followed by three years of COVID-19 pandemic-induced closures, forcibly disrupted the process. But soon after Hong Kong reopened to the mainland in early 2023, the cross-boundary movement of people increased by leaps and bounds. The enthusiastic way Hong Kong residents embraced the joys of visiting Shenzhen and other GBA cities upended the local economy.
During the period from March 28 to April 2, a record 3.6 million Hong Kong residents went north via land control points, compared with 860,000 mainland residents who traveled south. On May 1, at the start of the Golden Week, 167,894 Hong Kong residents traveled north compared with 160,559 mainland residents who visited our city, way below pre-pandemic levels. The “hollowing out” effect of mainland attractions has reached crisis proportions for Hong Kong’s retail and low-end catering industries.
The government is pulling out all the stops to increase Hong Kong’s attractiveness. Yet, apart from coping with daily pressures, the government ought to sit back and think strategically about what GBA integration means to Hong Kong.
The government needs to think hard about three questions: How will GBA integration transform Hong Kong? What are the challenges and opportunities posed by GBA integration? How will the government maximize the benefits of GBA integration?
Such pivoting to the GBA would require a radical rethink on the part of the HKSAR government of its population policy, urban and social welfare planning. The private sector would also need to adjust its development plans to adapt to new trends of living and spending
GBA integration will have a long-term transformation effect on Hong Kong. Under the government’s Northern Metropolis development plan, three more railways will be constructed to connect Hong Kong’s northern districts to the mainland. When the construction of these railways is completed, many among the estimated 2.5 million residents in the Northern Metropolis will find it more convenient to travel to the mainland than to Hong Kong Island. As the mainland GBA cities become more sophisticated, more Hong Kong residents might wish to move to the mainland, or live there and commute to Hong Kong on a daily basis.
While some people might worry about the “hollowing out” of Hong Kong, the migration of Hong Kong’s population to the mainland is no bad thing. For a long time, Hong Kong residents have been stuck in congested and expensive housing conditions because they are boxed in by Hong Kong’s artificial boundary, and unable to take advantage of better housing conditions in nearby suburbs. The improvement of transport links, coupled with better medical and schooling facilities in nearby GBA cities, would enable more Hong Kong residents to live comfortably north of the boundary.
Such pivoting to the GBA would require a radical rethink on the part of the HKSAR government of its population policy, urban and social welfare planning. The private sector would also need to adjust its development plans to adapt to new trends of living and spending.
With a total population of 86 million and a combined GDP of $2 trillion, there have been high hopes that the GBA will become the world’s most dynamic region. Given the barriers to the free movement of goods, services, people, capital and data because of Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs and immigration area under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong needs to work out how to overcome these constraints to take advantage of the abundant resources of GBA cities. The process has not been easy, but the HKSAR government appears to have found ways to work around these constraints to achieve win-win solutions.
To enable more elderly living on social security payments to retire in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, the government relaxed the Hong Kong residential period required under the Guangdong and Fujian retirement programs
The key to unlocking the potential of the region lies in working out ways to complement Hong Kong and the mainland GBA cities in their developmental strategies. For example, Hong Kong lacks land to build residential care homes for the elderly. Both Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities stand to benefit by enabling more elderly people from Hong Kong to retire on the mainland.
To enable more elderly living on social security payments to retire in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, the government relaxed the Hong Kong residential period required under the Guangdong and Fujian retirement programs. The government has taken a further step forward by adding residential care homes jointly operated by Hong Kong and mainland service providers in Guangdong to serve as “recognized service providers” under the “Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong”. As of May 6, two more such homes in Foshan and Shenzhen were added, bringing the total of such homes to four. The government is planning to bring residential care homes operated solely by mainland service providers under this program.
The HKSAR government also lacks land to provide quarters for retired junior members of the Disciplined Services and other civil servants. As more junior civil servants are prepared to retire in nearby GBA cities, the government should explore the possibility of buying land or readily available housing units in mainland GBA cities to provide homes for those willing to retire on the mainland.
To relieve our acute labor shortage in many occupations, the government has relaxed labor import programs to enable the Airport Authority, transport operators and the construction industry to import labor from the mainland. Mainland GBA cities can help Hong Kong build the innovation and technology hubs in the Northern Metropolis by sending us their tech talents, engineers, and tech enterprises that want to use Hong Kong as a launchpad for their international operations. These tech entrepreneurs can draw on the deep pool of research in medical and life sciences and other disciplines in Hong Kong’s top universities to enhance their competitiveness.
In return, Hong Kong can help mainland GBA cities further develop their service economies, especially in the financial, business and other professional sectors.
The Shenzhen government reported in January that the city’s “social and consumption expenditure” grew by 7.8 percent and topped 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in 2023. Fang Zhou, a noted scholar, estimated that Hong Kong consumers contributed to the growth. Let Hong Kong, Shenzhen and other GBA cities grow together, complementing each other, helping each other remedy their respective shortfalls and weaknesses. By combining their strengths, the GBA stands a good chance of becoming the nation’s dynamo for growth.
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當南北戰爭在1865年結束後，美國走上了快速發展的道路，並且不斷對外擴張。為適應國內資本市場對外擴張的需要，美國在那時期開始仿效其他老牌西方強國，透過成立海外基督教會，積極傳教及擴張。
來華的傳教士除了本職傳教工作外，亦有份參與美國在華的外交事務，協助美方官員與中方進行交涉。美國不少早期的對華政策都是受這些傳教士影響而制訂的，稱為「傳教士思維的外交政策」（missionary's mind）。
部分傳教士回美後繼續推動漢學研究。比方說，作為美國早期漢學家之一的傳教士裨治文（Elijah Coleman Bridgman）及對華外交官顧盛（Caleb Cushing）就有份牽頭成立美國第一個東方學研究組織「美國東方學會」（American Oriental Society）。受到創會成員影響，學會成立之初已肩負起為美國國家利益服務的政治任務。學會成立的第二年，華府委任顧盛作專使，與清朝談判，迫使其與美國簽訂中美史上第一個不平等條約《望廈條約》。
由上述例子可看出，自草創時期開始，美國漢學研究的主基調就是協助華府制訂對華政策，以便美國進一步向東擴張。與歐洲漢學的純學術研究相比，美國漢學研究有着強烈的政治色彩，研究多聚焦於中國的政經軍事和教育民生等社會領域。
同時，由於美國漢學界崇尚跨學科研究，加上學術氛圍較自由，美國漢學家往往較能提出嶄新的觀點及理論，使其傳播力及影響力亦更為廣泛。得益於此，美國曾一度雲集大批中國專家，成為中國研究的海外重鎮。
The Integration of Academia and Politics in American Sinology
After the end of the American Civil War in 1865, the United States embarked on a path of rapid development and continuous expansion outward. To meet the needs of the domestic capital market's expansion abroad at that time, the US began to establish overseas Christian churches like other established Western powers, actively promoting missionary work and expansion.
In addition to their missionary work in China, the missionaries also participated in the US diplomatic affairs in China, assisting American officials in negotiations with the Chinese side. Many of the US's early China policies were influenced by these missionaries, known as the "missionary's mind" in diplomacy.
Some missionaries continued to promote Chinese studies after returning to the US. For example, Elijah Coleman Bridgman, one of the early American sinologists, and Caleb Cushing, a US diplomat to China, co-led the establishment of the first Oriental studies organization in the US - the American Oriental Society. Influenced by the founding members, the society shouldered the political mission of serving US national interests from the outset. The second year after its establishment, Washington appointed Caleb Cushing as special envoy to negotiate with the Qing Dynasty, forcing it to sign the first unequal treaty between China and the US - the Treaty of Wangxia.
From the above examples, it can be seen that since its inception, the main tone of American Chinese studies has been to assist Washington in formulating policies towards China in order to further expand the US influence eastward. Compared to the pure academic research nature of European Sinology, American Sinology had a strong political color and research tended to focus on China's politics, economy, military and social fields such as education and livelihood.
At the same time, due to the interdisciplinary research favored in the American Chinese studies circle and the relatively free academic atmosphere, American Sinologists were often able to propose new viewpoints and theories, making their influence and dissemination even more extensive. Thanks to this, the US once gathered a large number of Chinese experts and became an overseas stronghold of Chinese studies.
在當今數碼時代，人工智能（AI）已成為重塑全球金融版圖的關鍵力量。財經事務及庫務局局長許正宇於4月29日中關村論壇中發表的演說，突顯了AI對金融行業帶來的影響，揭示了其在國家以及香港金融領域中的核心地位。
如許局長所述，金融業作為高度依賴數據的產業，與AI的深度學習和自動化處理能力自然契合。AI能夠通過複雜的算法，迅速解析龐大的數據集，達致精確的風險評估、智能化的投資策略制訂及高效的交易執行，從而大幅度提高金融運作的效率。此外AI技術的應用促進了金融產品的創新，增強了個性化服務的能力，使金融機構能在激烈的市場競賽中突圍而出，建立新的競爭優勢。
我們認識到，隨著數據成為新時代的石油，其管理和保護的方式對於維護金融穩定及國家安全十分重要。因此，我們如何在保障數據安全及主權的前提下，充分利用AI賦能金融業的潛能呢？
數據本地儲存與處理是維護國家安全的基本防線。在全球一體化的背景下，數據流動無處不在，而金融數據常涉及國家經濟命脈及個人隱私，一旦外洩或遭惡意使用，將對國家安全構成嚴重威脅。因此，選用確保數據不跨越國界的AI模型，確保數據在國家主權範圍內儲存與處理，是防止數據洩露、維護數據主權的有效策略。國家政策層面應增加對本地儲存解決方案的支持，並制訂相關法律法規，明確數據跨境流動的限制條款，為數據安全提供法律保障。
AI模型的透明度及可解釋性是監管和風險管理不可或缺的要素。隨著AI技術日趨複雜，黑箱模型的決策過程往往難以被人直接理解，這為監管帶來重大挑戰。國家需推動建立科學合理的評估體系，鼓勵開發高透明度和可解釋性的AI模型，讓監管機構能清晰追溯及審核模型的決策邏輯，及時發現並修正潛在的誤差或偏見，進而預防系統性風險，維護金融市場的公正與穩定。
另外，關鍵技術的自主可控是國家安全戰略的重心，過度依賴外國技術可能使國家面臨被封鎖或操縱的風險，特別是在金融這一敏感領域。因此，我們應該傾向支援本土研發的AI技術，這不僅基於技術安全的考慮，更旨在構建獨立、安全的技術供應鏈，確保在國際競賽中掌握主動。通過政策引導、資金扶持及產學研合作，加速國內AI技術的創新與突破，逐步取代海外技術，是實現該目標的關鍵路徑。
國家還需建立一個涵蓋技術研發、應用實施、風險監控等多個環節的全方位AI安全生態系統。這包括設立多層次的安全審查機制，加強對AI系統的安全測試與認證；培育專業人才，提升國家在AI安全領域的技術實力和應對能力；以及加強國際合作，在尊重各國數據主權的前提下，共同制訂國際規範，促進全球AI安全治理。
人工智能已成為驅動全球金融變革的關鍵動力，許局長的演講強調了AI在金融業的影響。國家正積極構建健全的AI生態，旨在平衡創新與安全，既促進金融產品和服務的革新，又牢固掌控關鍵技術，確保數據主權和市場穩定。由此可見，人工智能不僅是金融業提效的催化劑，更是維護國家金融安全、驅動經濟可持續發展的戰略支點，標誌著一個融合創新與安全的金融新時代的到來。在不斷探索與規範的過程中，AI將持續為金融創新注入能量，開啟國家金融的新時代。
Integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has been a top priority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government ever since the signing of the framework agreement for deepening cooperation between Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong in July 2017. The prolonged riots from 2019 to early 2020, followed by three years of COVID-19 pandemic-induced closures, forcibly disrupted the process. But soon after Hong Kong reopened to the mainland in early 2023, the cross-boundary movement of people increased by leaps and bounds. The enthusiastic way Hong Kong residents embraced the joys of visiting Shenzhen and other GBA cities upended the local economy.
During the period from March 28 to April 2, a record 3.6 million Hong Kong residents went north via land control points, compared with 860,000 mainland residents who traveled south. On May 1, at the start of the Golden Week, 167,894 Hong Kong residents traveled north compared with 160,559 mainland residents who visited our city, way below pre-pandemic levels. The “hollowing out” effect of mainland attractions has reached crisis proportions for Hong Kong’s retail and low-end catering industries.
The government is pulling out all the stops to increase Hong Kong’s attractiveness. Yet, apart from coping with daily pressures, the government ought to sit back and think strategically about what GBA integration means to Hong Kong.
The government needs to think hard about three questions: How will GBA integration transform Hong Kong? What are the challenges and opportunities posed by GBA integration? How will the government maximize the benefits of GBA integration?
Such pivoting to the GBA would require a radical rethink on the part of the HKSAR government of its population policy, urban and social welfare planning. The private sector would also need to adjust its development plans to adapt to new trends of living and spending
GBA integration will have a long-term transformation effect on Hong Kong. Under the government’s Northern Metropolis development plan, three more railways will be constructed to connect Hong Kong’s northern districts to the mainland. When the construction of these railways is completed, many among the estimated 2.5 million residents in the Northern Metropolis will find it more convenient to travel to the mainland than to Hong Kong Island. As the mainland GBA cities become more sophisticated, more Hong Kong residents might wish to move to the mainland, or live there and commute to Hong Kong on a daily basis.
While some people might worry about the “hollowing out” of Hong Kong, the migration of Hong Kong’s population to the mainland is no bad thing. For a long time, Hong Kong residents have been stuck in congested and expensive housing conditions because they are boxed in by Hong Kong’s artificial boundary, and unable to take advantage of better housing conditions in nearby suburbs. The improvement of transport links, coupled with better medical and schooling facilities in nearby GBA cities, would enable more Hong Kong residents to live comfortably north of the boundary.
Such pivoting to the GBA would require a radical rethink on the part of the HKSAR government of its population policy, urban and social welfare planning. The private sector would also need to adjust its development plans to adapt to new trends of living and spending.
With a total population of 86 million and a combined GDP of $2 trillion, there have been high hopes that the GBA will become the world’s most dynamic region. Given the barriers to the free movement of goods, services, people, capital and data because of Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs and immigration area under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong needs to work out how to overcome these constraints to take advantage of the abundant resources of GBA cities. The process has not been easy, but the HKSAR government appears to have found ways to work around these constraints to achieve win-win solutions.
To enable more elderly living on social security payments to retire in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, the government relaxed the Hong Kong residential period required under the Guangdong and Fujian retirement programs
The key to unlocking the potential of the region lies in working out ways to complement Hong Kong and the mainland GBA cities in their developmental strategies. For example, Hong Kong lacks land to build residential care homes for the elderly. Both Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities stand to benefit by enabling more elderly people from Hong Kong to retire on the mainland.
To enable more elderly living on social security payments to retire in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, the government relaxed the Hong Kong residential period required under the Guangdong and Fujian retirement programs. The government has taken a further step forward by adding residential care homes jointly operated by Hong Kong and mainland service providers in Guangdong to serve as “recognized service providers” under the “Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong”. As of May 6, two more such homes in Foshan and Shenzhen were added, bringing the total of such homes to four. The government is planning to bring residential care homes operated solely by mainland service providers under this program.
The HKSAR government also lacks land to provide quarters for retired junior members of the Disciplined Services and other civil servants. As more junior civil servants are prepared to retire in nearby GBA cities, the government should explore the possibility of buying land or readily available housing units in mainland GBA cities to provide homes for those willing to retire on the mainland.
To relieve our acute labor shortage in many occupations, the government has relaxed labor import programs to enable the Airport Authority, transport operators and the construction industry to import labor from the mainland. Mainland GBA cities can help Hong Kong build the innovation and technology hubs in the Northern Metropolis by sending us their tech talents, engineers, and tech enterprises that want to use Hong Kong as a launchpad for their international operations. These tech entrepreneurs can draw on the deep pool of research in medical and life sciences and other disciplines in Hong Kong’s top universities to enhance their competitiveness.
In return, Hong Kong can help mainland GBA cities further develop their service economies, especially in the financial, business and other professional sectors.
The Shenzhen government reported in January that the city’s “social and consumption expenditure” grew by 7.8 percent and topped 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in 2023. Fang Zhou, a noted scholar, estimated that Hong Kong consumers contributed to the growth. Let Hong Kong, Shenzhen and other GBA cities grow together, complementing each other, helping each other remedy their respective shortfalls and weaknesses. By combining their strengths, the GBA stands a good chance of becoming the nation’s dynamo for growth.
As the world gradually emerges from the shadows of COVID-19, cities across the globe are exploring innovative pathways to economic rejuvenation. Hong Kong, known for its dynamic economy and vibrant culture, has embarked on an ambitious journey to revitalize its community and economy with a series of mega events aimed at boosting tourism and local businesses.
This initiative comes as part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s commitment to focus on improving the economy and the livelihood of the people. The tourism sector -- a significant pillar of the local economy -- has received particular attention with the government going all-in on what could be termed the “events economy”.
During this year’s Labor Day “golden week”, a strategy that perfectly illustrates this new focus was implemented. The government organized a spectacular fireworks display, a visual feast that not only lit up the sky but also the faces of hundreds of thousands of visitors. The first day of the Chinese mainland’s five-day holiday break alone saw a record-breaking arrival of about 181,000 mainland visitors, a clear signal of the event’s magnetic appeal.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the display proceeded as planned, drawing crowds that packed the waterfront areas from Tsim Sha Tsui East to the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui District. It wasn’t just about the fireworks. It was well coordinated with the “Symphony of Lights” -- a multimedia show that adds to Victoria Harbour’s nightly allure -- provoking cheers from locals and tourists alike. Although some spectators noted that smoke from the fireworks had partially obscured the views, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive.
Recognizing the importance of such events, the Hong Kong Tourism Board did not stop at merely organizing the show. It set up a comprehensive one-stop online platform with information on where to eat, play and shop, paving the way for visitors to truly immerse themselves in what Hong Kong has to offer. Huge crowds packed the streets and long queues formed outside high-end stores in Tsim Sha Tsui as local restaurants and retail stores saw a noticeable increase in business during the “golden week”.
This is just the beginning. The SAR government has decided to expand and continue investing in the events economy. By setting up a Mega Events Coordination Group led by the deputy secretary for financial services, the administration aims to create a citywide atmosphere ripe for major events. In the first half of this year alone, more than 80 mega events covering culture, arts, sports, economics, trade and finance are scheduled. They’re expected not only to attract tourists, but also significantly benefit the hotel, dining and retail sectors, injecting new vitality into the city’s growth and elevating its international profile.
Statistics have shown the positive impact of these efforts. The Census and Statistics Department said Hong Kong’s gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2024 had grown by 2.7 percent year-on-year, surpassing market expectations. The growth is attributed largely to the increase in tourist arrivals and a significant rise in overall service output.
Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a travel destination is irreplaceable. With continued collaboration among all sectors, it’s believed the tourism business will only continue to thrive, driving the recovery and prosperity of other industries as well.
The SAR’s economic trajectory is promising. The strategic focus on leveraging Hong Kong’s cultural festivities not only enriches the city’s cultural tapestry but also plays a critical role in its economic resurgence. In the post-pandemic world, Hong Kong is setting a vibrant example of how integrating cultural events with economic strategy can spark considerable economic and social benefits. As the city continues to innovate and unite in these efforts, the future looks not only bright, but dazzling.
The author is convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
關於沙田T4主幹路的最新進展，立法會財務委員會昨天審議了運輸及物流局提出的計劃。我們知道這個計劃的造價高達71億元，引起了不少市民的關注和討論。
事實上，這個項目背後有其複雜性和長遠的歷史背景。早在2004年，土木工程拓展署就已提出建議興建這條隧道和公路，當時的預算為6億元。到了2006年正式刊憲時，預算已調整至11億元。經過近20年，由於人手短缺和材料成本上漲，造價自然水漲船高。
新民黨和公民力量一直密切關注T4路段的建設，並提出建議將道路延伸至馬鞍山，以期緩解區域交通擁堵。而政府多年來一直持續收集市民意見，並在設計上就附近居民居住環境、雀鳥棲息地等方面作出相應調整。
我們十分欣賞政府在解說工作中提供的實際數據，並期待政府能進一步強化此方面的努力，以更清晰地解答市民的疑問。也希望這項重要工程能夠加快進度，早日完成，為市民帶來便利。
謝謝大家的關注，讓我們一起期待T4帶來的正面改變。🌐🛣️
#沙田T4主幹路 #立法會財務委員會 #運輸及物流
5月3日財委會上，我就政府申請撥款興建沙田T4公路發言提問，運輸及物流局回應：
感謝局方聆聽我哋議員以至地區對T4號主幹路造價嘅意見同關注，首先，起T4路嘅其中一個重要目的就係要消除長久以來沙田區嘅塞車黑點，但我亦關注新路設計會唔會將塞車點轉移，反而造成新嘅塞車點？以及，現時嘅道路設計包括有高架橋同隧道，即係路段會有一定上落斜度，請問工程上有冇因應路面情況，設有減少超速或者意外發生嘅措施？
第二，我見到造價下調3.5億嘅代價就係少咗部升降機同一條單車天橋，我想提出一點就係，有需要嘅建設就最好一次過做好佢，否則雖然呢一刻慳咗少少，但遲啲都係要起而到時嘅工程費用更加大筆就唔係咁好。
最後我想了解下，呢項工程嘅顧問費用開超過5000萬，請問政府喺同顧問公司傾合作時能否開發一啲議價空間，畢竟一直以來香港都唔缺乏工務工程顧問項目，當局有冇利用呢啲優勢去提高議價力，從而降低顧問費及環境影響評估嘅相關費用佔整體工程嘅百分比？
以色列侵略巴勒斯坦，由去年十月到現在，已經造成加沙地帶超過3萬5千多巴勒斯坦人喪生，同時導致數十萬人陷入饑荒等人道危機。國際上要求停戰的聲音愈來愈響，美國高校也爆發聲援巴勒斯坦人民的反戰抗議活動，但反戰示威卻遭到美國軍警暴力鎮壓，引發美國年輕人的憤怒，亦暴露美國政府在人權、言論自由方面的雙重標準，凸顯西方價值的衰敗。
美國大學近日爆發的反戰示威，源於長春藤名校哥倫比亞大學校長在一個多星期前，召喚警察進入校園，搗毀示威學生營地，大規模拘捕逾百名示威者，引爆多間大學聲援，令反戰的學運席捲約40間高校。美國政客紛出來譴責學生，部分州政府與校方火上加油，用暴力手法聯手遏制示威，導致超過900人被捕。就在當地時間上月25日，警方便闖入著名的埃默里大學，除了破壞示威者搭建的帳篷、強行清場外，還發射橡膠子彈、用電擊槍、放催淚彈驅散示威者。從媒體拍攝到的影片所見，警察向一名行動已經被限制的黑人女學生使用電擊槍，明顯使用過分暴力。
美國大學生勇敢站出來，譴責以色列在加沙濫殺，學生們以和平方式表達意見，訴求也很溫和，理應獲得支持和鼓勵，沒想到美國政府和大學當局連這樣也容忍不了，可見他們平時宣揚的所謂民主自由人權，全是騙人的鬼話。美國憲法一向稱高度重視人民言論和集會自由，表明國會不能立法干預，但大學生支持巴人、反對以色列濫殺的言論和集會自由，明顯遭到大學校方和州政府剝奪，西方一直引以為傲的所謂道德價值走向衰亡。
猶記得2019年的時候，大批黑暴「佔領」香港理工大學與香港中文大學校園，在學校裏面自製刀、弓箭、汽油彈等等攻擊性武器，並向警方投擲武器，他們的目的是要推翻特區政府，以暴力手段分裂香港。相比之下，美國大學學生在今次示威活動中明顯和平及克制，只在校園紮營表達反戰的訴求，他們爭取的是和平，是巴以停火，不滿的是美國煽風點火的外交政策，出發點是為了人道立場。但美國警察闖入多間大學用過分暴力清場，襲擊一些手無寸鐵的示威者。一些曾經表態支持香港黑暴，形容暴徒為所謂「自由鬥士」的美國政客，包括共和黨眾議員科頓、霍利、克魯茲等等，就即刻說美國的示威者是「暴徒」。這說明對美國政府而言，所謂人權、自由、民主不過是口號，只要涉及到自身利益，什麼也可以不理，和平示威的學生也變成了敵人，這正是美國的雙重標準。
去年9月，國家主席習近平在黑龍江考察研究期間，首次提到「新質生產力」這個新詞彙，並指出是整合科技創新資源，引領發展戰略新興產業和未來產業，加速形成新質生產力。筆者認為，新質生產力不僅是國家邁向建設現代化強國的關鍵，也為香港經濟發展帶來指引作用，未來香港必須致力配合國家發展方向，抓緊推動新質生產力的發展勢頭。
香港是國際金融中心和亞洲商業樞紐，一直致力於推動經濟發展和創新，同時也是國家對外“門戶”，因此更需要積極推動和發展新質生產力。
數碼港和科學園區是其中一個發展新質生產力的關鍵。數碼港早前獲國家科學技術部認可為“國家級科技企業孵化器”，多年來發展企業已突破了2000家企業；至於科學園則透過三個創新園區，積極推動新型工業化發展。筆者建議，相關部門可與他們保持緊密聯繫與溝通，了解其發展所需，並提供適當的協助。
此外，北部都會區核心地帶新田科技城將成為創科發展群聚的樞紐，與深圳科技園區產生協同效應。由此可見，香港在發展新質生產力方面已具備「天時、地利、人和」的優勢，政府需持續推進創新驅動發展的策略，加強科技成果轉化的機制，建立科技成果評估和推廣機構，做到促進科技成果商業化和應用。
筆者建議，政府可研究加大對科研機構和高等院校的資金支持，鼓勵科研成果轉化和商業應用，建立科技創新中心和“孵化器”，提供資源和支持給新創企業。同時建立合作平台，促進產研合作進行研發專案和技術轉移，透過資金支持和稅務優惠推動產學研合作發展。
人才培育也是發展新質生產力的重要一環，政府可加強創新創業教育、提供創新創業培訓和指導，鼓勵年輕人參與並投身科創事業，建立創業孵化基地和創投機構，提供資金和資源支持新創企業，從本地培養創新創業人才。同時政府需進一步簡化行政審核程序，降低創業投資的門檻，提供更多便利的創業環境，加強知識權保護，提高法律保障水平，以吸引內地及海外的專才及投資者落戶香港，打造便利創科企業發展的環境。
宏觀而言，特區政府也要加強數位經濟的推動力度，促進網路、大數據、人工智慧等領域發展，提供數位化技術培訓與支持，協助推動傳統產業的數位轉型。目前數碼港正全速推動「人工智慧超算中心」落成，預計首階段將在今年年底啟用，筆者建議政府可研究開放部分設施予業界使用，及早協助業界發展，做到更全面的數據整合與應用。
總括而言，香港需要以技術創新為核心，透過加強人才培育、產學合作、營商環境優化和國際合作等方面的努力，配合製定和實施一系列創新政策和支援措施，加速推進新質生產力的發展，更好地融入國家發展大局，推動自身經濟的轉型升級，實現數位經濟，並為全面建成社會主義現代化強國作出貢獻。
19 世紀，得益於傳教士及外交家衛三畏（Samuel Wells Williams）的積極推動，漢學課程得以在美國的大學扎根並培育出多位傑出漢學家，為日後中美兩國關係的發展作出重大貢獻。
美國的漢學研究起步雖較歐洲晚，卻集了歐洲漢學家研究的大成，成為海外漢學研究的重鎮。其中，美國漢學界採納了「威妥瑪拼音」這個歐洲漢學研究的一大重要成果，對後來的美國漢學發展影響深遠。
雖然中國與西方國家早有接觸，但早期的中國人並無意願教授外國人學習中國的語言及文化。即使清朝後來被迫打開國門與西方列強進行貿易，當時官方政策仍然要求所有外國人須由洋行的行商管控，不得進入城內。如外商要進行貿易，需透過地方官吏以「洋涇浜」式英語（pidgin English）代為溝通。但由於雙方都不通曉對方的語言，溝通過程造成不少誤解，往往出現兩方各說各話、爭吵、拘留或各種惡形惡狀的情况。
然而，來華的外商及傳教士很快發現雖然東亞各國的口語並不能互相溝通，但卻可以用漢字互相交流，學習中文對於和東亞人民交流有莫大幫助。這一發現誘使在華外國人開始制訂漢字拼音系統。然而，有關工作困難重重。由於「同音異字」的現象在中文中相當常見，導致漢字和字母間資訊轉換相當困難。
漢學家們一直試圖就有關問題提出自己的解決方案。當中認受性最高的拼音當屬由英國著名漢學家威妥瑪（Thomas Francis Wade）於1859 年推出的威妥瑪拼音。
拼音根據北京話讀音而制訂，主要便於英語人士發音。威妥瑪拼音後由另一名漢學家翟理斯（Herbert Allen Giles）不斷加以修訂完善，最終成為自19 世紀末開始流傳最廣的漢語拼音系統之一。19 世紀末和20 世紀，關於中國的人名、地名及郵政系統等的英文資料，大多都是採用威妥瑪拼音，直至1979 年後才被現時的漢語拼音逐步取代。
Difficulties in Chinese-English Translation
In the 19th century, thanks to the active promotion of missionary and diplomat Samuel Wells Williams, Sinology courses took root in universities in the United States and cultivated many prominent Sinologists, making major contributions to the development of later Sino-American relations.
Although the start of American Sinology research lagged behind Europe, it incorporated the major achievements of European Sinology research and became an important center of overseas Sinology research. Among them, the American Sinology academic circle adopted the "Wade-Giles Romanization" system, an important achievement of European Sinology research, which had a profound impact on the subsequent development of American Sinology.
Although China had early contacts with Western countries, Chinese people at that time had no desire to teach foreigners their language and culture. Even after the Qing Dynasty was later forced to open its doors and conduct trade with Western powers, official policy still required all foreigners to be controlled by trading houses and barred from entering cities. If foreign merchants wanted to trade, they had to communicate through local officials using "Pidgin English." However, due to the lack of a common language, communication between the two sides often resulted in misunderstandings and arguments, detentions, or other unfortunate incidents.
However, foreigners and missionaries in China soon realized that while the spoken languages of East Asian countries could not mutually communicate, writing in Chinese characters allowed for exchange, and learning Chinese was tremendously helpful for communicating with the peoples of East Asia. This discovery prompted foreigners in China to begin devising Chinese character romanization systems. However, the work faced great difficulties. Due to the very common phenomenon of "homophones" in Chinese, converting between Chinese characters and letters proved quite challenging.
Sinologists continued trying to propose their own solutions to these problems. The romanization system that received the highest acceptance was the Wade-Giles Romanization system introduced in 1859 by the famous British Sinologist Thomas Francis Wade.
Based on Beijing dialect pronunciation and primarily for the convenience of English speakers, Wade-Giles was further revised and refined by another Sinologist, Herbert Allen Giles, eventually becoming one of the most widely circulating Chinese romanization systems since the late 19th century. Up until being gradually replaced by today's Hanyu Pinyin system after 1979, English materials about Chinese names, places and postal systems from the late 19th and early 20th centuries mostly used Wade-Giles romanization.
中美關係緊張對兩國的學術交流造成負面影響。隨着爭端和矛盾尖銳化，學界交流障礙重重，近年學習中國文化的美國大學生人數大幅下降。我憂慮長此下去，美國知華派學者會愈來愈少，美國以至西方對中國的了解會愈加扭曲。
現時，美國大學新生在入學首兩年都要完成規定的通識教育課程，稍有規模的美國大學都會設有東亞研究課程供學生報讀，而美國早期的漢學家對促成大學推動發展東亞研究課程功不可沒。
美國的漢學研究最早可追溯至19 世紀。清朝在第一次鴉片戰爭後被迫開放國門，一批美國傳教士來到中國傳教。他們在過程中學習了中國的語言和文化，為日後美國的漢學研究奠下基礎，當中就包括獲譽為「美國漢學之父」的衛三畏。
衛三畏出生於紐約一個基督教家庭，是一名長老教會的信徒。他於1833 年前來中國，協助美國海外傳道委員會的傳教工作。其間，衛三畏先在《中國叢報》任職，撰寫文章介紹中國的政經歷史和文化習俗。1844 年，美國駐華公使顧盛率團來華，衛三畏作為使團一員，參加了《望廈條約》的談判，為他日後參與外交工作提供機會。往後20 年間，衛三畏直接參與外交事務，多次擔任美國駐華公使館的代理公使，處理中美外交事務。
回美後，衛三畏獲聘為耶魯大學中國語言文學教授。在他的主持下，耶魯大學開設了全美第一個漢學課程、漢語教研室及東方圖書館，直接促進了美國漢學研究發展。
更重要的是，衛三畏一直捍衛中國人民權益，並盡力促進中美雙邊關係發展。比方說，他一直反對華府在1878 年推行的限制中國移民法案，為中國和中國移民發聲；同年中國北方發生大饑荒，衛三畏亦盡力呼籲美國人捐款救濟中國人民，稱得上是中國第一代「大好友」。
下篇詳述更多西方漢學發展的秘史。
‘’Father of American Sinology" Alexander Wylie
The tense China-US relations have negatively impacted academic exchanges between the two countries. As disputes and contradictions intensified, obstacles to scholarly communication have increased significantly in recent years, and the number of American university students studying Chinese culture has declined sharply. I worry that if this continues, China scholars in the US and the Western understanding of China will become increasingly distorted with fewer scholars.
Currently, undergraduate students in American universities are required to complete general education courses in their first two years of study. Most sizable American universities offer East Asian Studies programs for students to enroll in. Early American Sinologists played no small role in driving universities to promote the development of East Asian Studies programs.
The earliest origins of Sinological research in the US can be traced back to the 19th century. After being compelled to open up its borders following the First Opium War, American missionary came to China to evangelize. In the process, they learned the Chinese language and culture, laying the foundation for future American Sinological research, including Alexander Wylie, hailed as the "Father of American Sinology".
Wylie was born in a Christian family in New York and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He came to China in 1833 to assist the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions' missionary work. During this time, Wylie worked for the "Chinese Repository", writing articles introducing China's political, economic and historical culture. In 1844, when American envoy Walter Henry Medhurst led a delegation to China, Wylie participated as a member and was involved in the negotiations of the Treaty of Wangxia, providing opportunities for his later involvement in diplomacy. Over the next 20 years, Wylie directly participated in diplomatic affairs, serving multiple times as the chargé d'affaires of the American Legation in China, handling China-US diplomatic matters.
After returning to the US, Wylie was appointed Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Yale University. Under his leadership, Yale established the first Sinological program, Chinese language teaching and research department, and East Asian library in the US, directly promoting the development of American Sinology.
More importantly, Wylie consistently defended the rights and interests of the Chinese people and strove to promote bilateral relations between China and the US. For example, he long opposed the discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Act passed by Washington in 1878, speaking up for China and Chinese immigrants. The same year, when a severe famine broke out in northern China, Wylie also actively called on Americans to donate relief funds to save the Chinese people, truly being considered the first generation "China's Big Friend" from the West.
The next part will elaborate more on the secret history of the development of Western Sinology.