HKSAR's leap toward a digital tomorrow
In the bustling heart of Asia, a new vision unfolds for Hong Kong, one that seeks to transform the city into a hub of technological innovation. The central government's national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) lends its unequivocal backing to this vision, heralding a fresh positioning and mission for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the robust support of both the central and the HKSAR governments, we have witnessed an acceleration in the city's developmental stride, particularly in the cultivation of the digital economy — a realm where Hong Kong's unique strengths are now meeting unprecedented opportunities.
The digital revolution is reshaping the way we produce, operate businesses, and conceive commercial models. It's an era in which efficiency and competitiveness are bolstered, and new business prospects are nurtured. In step with these transformative times, the HKSAR government has been vigorously championing the digital economy and the construction of a smart city. A recent policy declaration on data circulation and security has laid the groundwork for robust data governance. Beyond this, plans are afoot to establish a Digital Policy Office to fast-track the development of a digital government infrastructure.
In addition to local efforts, the central government's support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector has been overwhelming. Not only have Hong Kong residents been given the chance to participate in the country's manned space missions, but for the first time, payload specialists are being selected directly from Hong Kong. This is a resounding endorsement of the city's scientific community by the nation. Additionally, Hong Kong has inked pivotal agreements with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments to accelerate the establishment of an international innovation and technology center. These agreements, along with multiple cooperative accords with various provinces and cities, are propelling Hong Kong's integration into the nation's overall development strategy.
Positioned uniquely as a city that enjoys the motherland's consistent support while maintaining global connectivity, Hong Kong is primed to become a metropolis of innovation. This is exemplified by the Digital Economy Summit 2024, a hallmark event jointly hosted by the HKSAR government and Cyberport, scheduled for April 12-13 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. This summit will convene global leaders from technology, politics, business, and academia to discuss topics spanning smart cities, the digital economy, intelligent mobility, smart buildings, Web3, new energy and sustainable development. Over two days, extending into the weekend to engage the public, the event will also invite high school and university students on guided tours, instilling in our youth an early connection to the digital economy sector.
This year's summit, themed "Smarter Technovation for All: Forging a Sustainable Future", underscores how digital technology can be interwoven with sustainable development. By extending into the weekend, it hopes to involve residents directly, allowing them to grasp the applications of digital technology in both the economy and daily life, and to experience firsthand the benefits of the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, a focus of the summit, is expected to drive advanced production technologies and foster industry exchange, thus enhancing Hong Kong's productive capabilities.
It is also important to note that the digital economy is not just a trend but a driving force in the global economic narrative. Looking ahead, a collaborative synergy between government, industry, academia and research should be strengthened. By nurturing talent, advancing technology applications, and enhancing public awareness, we can propel the growth of the digital economy. These efforts will open new business and investment opportunities, positioning Hong Kong as a leading smart city and digital financial center, contributing to the nation's needs.
Hong Kong's journey toward this sustainable digital future is more than a strategic move; it is a commitment to innovation, a pledge to the city's youth, and a cornerstone for a thriving, tech-led economy. As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
The tireless efforts the government is making to reboot Hong Kong’s economy will be futile if the city’s leaders fail to grasp the challenge of integration within the Greater Bay Area and come up with strategies to turn the challenges into opportunities.
A framework agreement for deepening cooperation between Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau was signed on July 1, 2017. Almost seven years on, development in the bay area plan is bringing about profound changes to Hongkongers’ lifestyle and the economy.
Soon after the reopening of mainland China early last year, Hongkongers discovered that cities in the Greater Bay Area have made giant strides in urban planning and the service economy. As a result, they have been flocking to the bay area to spend their consumption dollars.
Between March 28 and April 8, which includes the extended Easter weekend and Ching Ming Festival, a staggering 3.6 million Hong Kong residents went north via land control points, compared to about 860,000 mainland residents who visited Hong Kong.
Other cities in the Greater Bay Area have become Hongkongers’ go-to playground in the same way that mainland residents poured into Hong Kong after the Individual Visit Scheme was launched 21 years ago.
The economic impact of this reversed travel pattern being felt across the Greater Bay Area. Last year, Shenzhen authorities announced that “social consumption and retail spending” rose by 7.8 per cent while its gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6 per cent, exceeding Hong Kong’s and other first-tier cities on the mainland.
In comparison, tourist arrivals from the mainland that have failed to reach pre-pandemic levels, plus weaker spending, as well as the “leakage” of our consumption dollars to the mainland, means our economic recovery crawled to an anaemic 3.2 per cent last year, from a low base in 2022.
Restaurant and shop closures forced the government to organise the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign to stimulate local consumption. Yet, the downtrend is likely to continue until and unless Hong Kong’s restaurant and retail services are able to catch up to Greater Bay Area standards of value and service quality.
In case all the blame is laid at the door of our service providers, it’s worth saying that macroeconomic forces have played a big part in the downtrend. The strong Hong Kong dollar, being linked to the US dollar, makes the city incredibly expensive for Japanese, Korean and mainland visitors.
Given our strong currency, Hong Kong ought to devalue. But sticky wages, caused more by labour shortages than an uptick in prices, make it hard for Hong Kong to deflate. Even though commercial rentals have come down, the city’s high wages and property values make it almost impossible for it to compete on price.
The northbound trend is set to increase as more convenient transport links with the mainland develop as part of the Northern Metropolis project, an ambitious plan to develop Hong Kong’s northern districts into a technology hub that will accommodate 2.5 million people. As that happens, more Hongkongers may well choose to live on the mainland, and commute daily to work in Hong Kong, or simply work in other mainland cities.
A fundamental problem with Greater Bay Area development is that it is far from being a single market, even though integration is one of the objectives of the 2017 framework agreement.
Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, there is no free movement of people, goods, services and data between the mainland and Hong Kong. As separate custom and immigration areas, both sides have instituted controls that make market integration a slow and difficult process.
In the short term, Hong Kong needs to overcome the asymmetry of movement and spending by urging the central authorities to allow residents of more remote mainland cities to visit, as well as approve multiple-visit permits and increase the duty-free allowance for mainland residents returning from Hong Kong.
In the long term, the government must develop a strategy for mainland cities and Hong Kong to complement each other. Officials must work out how to make use of the abundant resources mainland cities have to offer to remedy our shortages.
As more Hongkongers choose to live in nearby mainland cities, why can’t we build our residential care homes in those cities? Cross-border transport is now far more convenient. After all, our residential care homes depend heavily on the import of workers from Guangdong and Guangxi.
Instead of spending billions to reclaim a small area of land, why don’t we buy good-quality housing that’s readily available in nearby mainland cities, to provide more options for those who live in the northern districts? Now is a good time to buy on the cheap.
We should also take more vigorous measures to phase out hindrances for mainland professionals to work in Hong Kong, bring in more talent and import more mainland labour.
Only by leveraging the mainland’s resources, and combining our strengths with theirs, can we turn the process of Greater Bay Area integration into a win-win formula. The government ought to remould Hong Kong into a metropolis like London or New York, with some of its population dispersing into nearby suburbs.
The Hong Kong diaspora on the mainland will make Hong Kong more influential while relieving the pressure of the cost of living in this city. The government needs to think outside the box and move fast.
The observance of National Security Education Day in Hong Kong has gained increased significance since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). This year, the day is particularly notable as it not only marks the fourth National Security Education Day since the introduction of the NSL but is also the first since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. National security is a pillar of the State, essential for maintaining societal stability and the prosperity that comes with it. Education about national security is crucial in fostering a widespread awareness among residents, ensuring a stable and prosperous society under "one country, two systems".
The importance of national security extends to every family and indeed to the future of the nation. Without national security, Hong Kong residents cannot enjoy a stable life. The riots in 2019-20 made residents aware of the importance of safeguarding national security. During that period, external anti-China forces and local disruptors nearly pushed Hong Kong into the abyss, paralyzing its business operations. In response, the central government enacted the NSL to rectify the chaotic situation, transitioning Hong Kong from turmoil to governance. Life has since returned to normal, and the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, along with the NSL, has effectively deterred external hostile and separatist forces, safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's well-being.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, which will work closely with related policy bureaus and departments to roll out a series of patriotism education activities, encouraging all sectors of society to organize relevant events voluntarily. Such collective efforts aimed at fostering a patriotic atmosphere throughout society is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The proactive promotion of patriotic education by the government represents a huge step forward from the past, when the focus was solely on providing facts about our nation without stressing the need to be patriotic. Undoubtedly, only through fostering a love for the country can residents naturally and conscientiously safeguard national security. Through education that instills a sense of national honor and identity among students, the government hopes to build a deeper national consciousness that inherently protects national security against disruptive forces from within and outside Hong Kong.
The annual National Security Education Day is a focal point of patriotism education. Every year, the HKSAR government organizes a series of promotional and educational activities to deepen understanding of national security across society. This year is no exception. Activities planned include flag-raising ceremonies, open days for disciplinary forces, demonstrations of the Chinese-style foot drill, tactical or rescue exercises, and displays of firearms and equipment. These activities are designed to educate the public about the efforts made by various disciplinary forces to prevent and counter national security risks. Additionally, carnivals focused on national security education are held across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
As we continue to observe National Security Education Day each year, it remains a pivotal component of our broader efforts to instill a deep sense of patriotism and awareness of national security among residents. Such initiatives are vital for nurturing a lasting commitment to national security and patriotism among all residents. As we move forward, these sustained educational efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring enduring stability, security and prosperity of Hong Kong, fostering a hopeful and resilient society ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
In the bustling heart of Asia, a new vision unfolds for Hong Kong, one that seeks to transform the city into a hub of technological innovation. The central government's national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) lends its unequivocal backing to this vision, heralding a fresh positioning and mission for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the robust support of both the central and the HKSAR governments, we have witnessed an acceleration in the city's developmental stride, particularly in the cultivation of the digital economy — a realm where Hong Kong's unique strengths are now meeting unprecedented opportunities.
The digital revolution is reshaping the way we produce, operate businesses, and conceive commercial models. It's an era in which efficiency and competitiveness are bolstered, and new business prospects are nurtured. In step with these transformative times, the HKSAR government has been vigorously championing the digital economy and the construction of a smart city. A recent policy declaration on data circulation and security has laid the groundwork for robust data governance. Beyond this, plans are afoot to establish a Digital Policy Office to fast-track the development of a digital government infrastructure.
In addition to local efforts, the central government's support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector has been overwhelming. Not only have Hong Kong residents been given the chance to participate in the country's manned space missions, but for the first time, payload specialists are being selected directly from Hong Kong. This is a resounding endorsement of the city's scientific community by the nation. Additionally, Hong Kong has inked pivotal agreements with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments to accelerate the establishment of an international innovation and technology center. These agreements, along with multiple cooperative accords with various provinces and cities, are propelling Hong Kong's integration into the nation's overall development strategy.
Positioned uniquely as a city that enjoys the motherland's consistent support while maintaining global connectivity, Hong Kong is primed to become a metropolis of innovation. This is exemplified by the Digital Economy Summit 2024, a hallmark event jointly hosted by the HKSAR government and Cyberport, scheduled for April 12-13 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre and online. This summit will convene global leaders from technology, politics, business, and academia to discuss topics spanning smart cities, the digital economy, intelligent mobility, smart buildings, Web3, new energy and sustainable development. Over two days, extending into the weekend to engage the public, the event will also invite high school and university students on guided tours, instilling in our youth an early connection to the digital economy sector.
This year's summit, themed "Smarter Technovation for All: Forging a Sustainable Future", underscores how digital technology can be interwoven with sustainable development. By extending into the weekend, it hopes to involve residents directly, allowing them to grasp the applications of digital technology in both the economy and daily life, and to experience firsthand the benefits of the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, a focus of the summit, is expected to drive advanced production technologies and foster industry exchange, thus enhancing Hong Kong's productive capabilities.
It is also important to note that the digital economy is not just a trend but a driving force in the global economic narrative. Looking ahead, a collaborative synergy between government, industry, academia and research should be strengthened. By nurturing talent, advancing technology applications, and enhancing public awareness, we can propel the growth of the digital economy. These efforts will open new business and investment opportunities, positioning Hong Kong as a leading smart city and digital financial center, contributing to the nation's needs.
Hong Kong's journey toward this sustainable digital future is more than a strategic move; it is a commitment to innovation, a pledge to the city's youth, and a cornerstone for a thriving, tech-led economy. As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
As the city leverages its unique vantage point, it is poised not only to embrace the digital age but to lead it, forging a path that others may follow toward a sustainable and prosperous digital tomorrow.