As Hong Kong’s economy charts a steady course of recovery with various efforts focusing on the development of eight major hubs and economic transformation, the special administrative region government is gearing up to address the heart of grassroots needs with pragmatic policies targeting employment, housing, education, and youth issues. These initiatives, like a beacon of hope, tackle immediate challenges while weaving a tapestry of long-term planning, instilling confidence in residents, and embodying the governance philosophy of a proactive government paired with an efficient market.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.5 percent in the April-June period of 2025, with the underemployment rate remaining unchanged at 1.4 percent, signaling a robust job-market recovery. Driven by a gradual recovery in sectors like tourism, retail, and logistics, grassroots job opportunities have surged, and youth unemployment has notably improved, thanks to the government’s proactive efforts in employment matching, training subsidies, and skills enhancement programs. Under the dual-track vocational-academic framework, young people are gaining workplace skills through internships, apprenticeships, and short courses, opening doors to career advancement and sowing seeds for a vibrant future.
I firmly believe that young people are the bedrock of Hong Kong’s future. In recent years, some young people, grappling with the pandemic, economic downturn, and shifting social dynamics, have faced uncertainty and anxiety. The government’s Youth Development Blueprint has responded with targeted measures: subsidies for exchanges within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, entrepreneurship encouragement, community internships, and innovation programs. Over the past several years, thousands of young people in Hong Kong have participated in entrepreneurship initiatives, leading to numerous innovative ideas being generated — a testament to the policy’s efficacy. I propose further support through a Youth Innovation and Employment Fund to bolster startups hiring young people, alongside partnerships with social enterprises and civil groups to cultivate a diverse employment ecosystem, like nurturing a flourishing garden of opportunity.
On housing, the challenge of affordability for young people and grassroots families remains a pressing concern. The government’s innovative models, such as simplified public housing and transitional housing, are addressing prolonged public housing wait times. Around 9,500 units of light public housing are expected to be completed and made ready for occupancy by year-end, with the longer-term goal of completing about 30,000 LPH units by 2027-28, alleviating urgent needs. I support the government’s multipronged approach — composite housing, transitional housing, and urban renewal — to accelerate land supply and housing construction. Strengthening tenant protections will ensure these transitions flow smoothly, preventing stagnation and building a sturdy bridge to homeownership.
I urge all sectors to set aside differences and collaborate, finding their roles within the nation’s development to build a brighter tomorrow. Like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore, Hong Kong’s policies are reigniting hope, ensuring a future of prosperity and opportunity for all
The government’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the capillaries of Hong Kong’s economy, is equally commendable. SMEs, comprising over 98 percent of businesses and providing nearly 45 percent of jobs, have benefited from technology vouchers, digital transformation subsidies, online store support, and overseas market expansion platforms, aiding over 18,000 enterprises in navigating post-recovery pressures. I suggest streamlining application processes further, creating simplified channels for microenterprises with 10 or fewer employees, and establishing a one-stop consultancy support center to enhance resource integration, empowering SMEs to thrive like resilient streams feeding the economic river.
In community building, the government is rekindling residents’ sense of belonging and cohesion. Beyond physical upgrades, community revitalization fosters human connections and participation. Since 2025, optimized regional governance, revitalized district councils, and strengthened district-level administration have empowered residents to engage in decision-making and planning. This bottom-up approach, like roots anchoring a thriving tree, enhances community facilities and nurtures a deep sense of home and responsibility among residents.
I particularly applaud the three-year action plan for grassroots healthcare, which strengthens community healthcare networks and promotes proactive health management. By advancing the family-doctor system, establishing health management centers, and accelerating electronic health record interoperability and intelligent diagnostics, this plan alleviates public healthcare pressures and lays a foundation for sustainable medical systems. These citizen-centric measures reflect a governance philosophy that flows from macrovision to microcare, ensuring health and well-being for all.
Admittedly, Hong Kong faces medium- and long-term challenges: external economic volatility, limited upward mobility for young people, and a shortage of digital-transformation talent. Yet, with clear policy leadership, a robust market foundation, and a society on the mend, Hong Kong is charting a path of steady innovation. By adhering to a citizen-centered approach, grounded in the rule of law and driven by development, Hong Kong will radiate vitality and confidence in this new era.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s moment demands pragmatic governance and collective unity. I commend the government’s efforts to enhance livelihoods, boost employment, secure housing, and support industries, while looking forward to further efforts in the upcoming Policy Address. I urge all sectors to set aside differences and collaborate, finding their roles within the nation’s development to build a brighter tomorrow. Like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore, Hong Kong’s policies are reigniting hope, ensuring a future of prosperity and opportunity for all.
The author is a specialist in radiology, founding convenor of Hong Kong Global Youth Professional Advocacy Action, and an adviser of the Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
