Progress has been made in tackling Hong Kong’s housing-shortage problem, with the average waiting time for public-rental housing applicants having fallen from its peak of 6.1 years to 5.3 years. The criteria for defining “local students” have been tightened, effectively plugging a loophole. A regulatory framework for ride-hailing services has been presented to the Legislative Council, finally providing a solution to the protracted debate over their legalization. Reforms with three district-level committees have enhanced district-level governance. Proactive measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of typhoons and rainstorms. And nine new tourism hot spots have been developed. These and other progress the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government made recently in tackling the city’s problems are indicative of an effective governance philosophy — proactive governance.
For years, Hong Kong has been beset by deep-seated problems that proved to be too thorny to tackle. The social divide and bickering that prevailed before the promulgation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law in June 2020 significantly contributed to the difficulty of solving these problems.
John Lee Ka-chiu, the incumbent chief executive, promised to adopt a proactive governance philosophy in his election manifesto and has repeatedly talked about it after winning the top post in Hong Kong. Through extensive research and engagement with various sectors, I am convinced that the shift in the SAR government’s governance philosophy is delivering clear results and having a far-reaching impact.
Beyond the widely recognized progress in addressing the housing shortage and enhancing district-level governance, the government has made advances in resolving other social problems. Several recent events illustrate this shift in governance philosophy:
First, on July 15, the Transport and Logistics Bureau submitted a regulatory legislative framework for ride-hailing services to the Legislative Council, proposing a “three-license” management system for ride-hailing platforms, vehicles and drivers. This marked a critical step toward the legalization and regulation of ride-hailing services in Hong Kong.
Conflict between ride-hailing services and taxis has persisted for 11 years. As early as 2014, the first ride-hailing platform entered Hong Kong, sparking protests from taxi drivers and persistent disputes that became a major social issue.
As a product of the internet age, ride-hailing has long existed in a regulatory gray zone. The current administration’s proactive push for legalization reflects its ability to adapt to changing times.
Second, on July 31, the government announced that starting with the 2028-29 academic year, children of families who come to Hong Kong under talent admission programs — including the Top Talent Pass Scheme, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals — must reside continuously in Hong Kong for at least two years before they can take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination as “local students” and apply for government-funded university places. This new rule sends a clear message: Hong Kong rejects “exam migrants”.
In recent years, Hong Kong’s efforts to attract talent have borne fruit. But “exam migrants” have become a contentious issue. Many children of talent-program participants have taken the HKDSE exam and applied for government-funded university places as dependents of immigrants, enjoying the benefits of “local students” although their parents do not actually live in Hong Kong.
The controversy over “exam migrants” hinges on two points: First, it is unfair to local students. The number of subsidized university places is limited, and “exam migrants” further stretch already scarce educational resources. Second, it is unfair to international students. Tuition fees for local students are only a quarter of those for nonlocal students.
The government’s decision to reject “exam migrants” reflects a commitment to social equity as the guiding principle for setting rules.
Every society faces contradictions and problems. The key to successfully tackling them lies in the mindset and strategy employed. The solutions and strategies adopted by the SAR government in the above-mentioned issues indicate that Hong Kong’s governance has entered a new stage
Third, this summer, Hong Kong experienced unpredictable and volatile weather. Late the night of July 9, under the lingering effects of Typhoon Danas, the Hong Kong Observatory repeatedly switched between amber and red rainstorm warnings. The government announced a citywide suspension of classes for the following day and postponed Form 1 school enrollment. When the heavy rain failed to materialize, some people criticized the government’s proactive coping approach and preemptive planning as an “overreaction” and a “waste of resources”.
On July 20, Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong with fierce winds, torrential rains and towering waves, prompting the observatory to issue the No 10 hurricane signal, which remained in force for up to seven hours. In the aftermath, estimated losses were minimal compared to those caused by Super Typhoon Mangkhut and severe Typhoon Haikui some years ago. Many have hailed the government’s preemptive measures as a decisive triumph.
Should authorities plan ahead for natural disasters? It’s all too easy to play Monday-morning quarterback, but making decisions in advance is far more complex and difficult. It is better to overestimate potential risks and prepare more thoroughly than to be caught unprepared.
The government’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates a clear emphasis on preparedness and prevention.
Fourth, the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots has recently launched the first phase of nine projects, including Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism, Victoria Park Bazaar, featured communities for in-depth tourism, one in Central and the other in Kowloon City, Opening of the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, “Four Peaks” Tourism, Disciplinary Services Pioneer Tours, Creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden and Revitalizing the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier.
These nine projects span Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, featuring specialty tourism, eco-tourism and cultural tourism. They are rich in local flavor and highly “Instagrammable”.
Hong Kong tourism faces a glaring issue — crowded streets but sluggish spending. This has sparked broad public debate. In response, the central government has rolled out supportive policies to boost mainland tourist visits and shopping. However, turning visitors into “big spenders” depends largely on Hong Kong’s own efforts.
With the Hong Kong chief executive personally leading the effort, the developing nine signature tourist spots focused on showcasing authentic Hong Kong local culture and enriching visitor experience. By identifying and capitalizing on new travel trends, the government demonstrates its agility and responsiveness.
At a forum marking the fifth anniversary of the promulgation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, called for the “integration of capable government and efficient market mechanisms” when tackling Hong Kong’s deep-seated socioeconomic issues and challenges.
The discernible shift in the SAR government’s governance style is in line with Xia’s expectations, and reflects its growing confidence and maturity in addressing complex issues and challenges.
Every society faces contradictions and problems. The key to successfully tackling them lies in the mindset and strategy employed. The solutions and strategies adopted by the SAR government in the above-mentioned issues indicate that Hong Kong’s governance has entered a new stage.
The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
