Author: Alice Wu

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has successfully tackled brain drain in Hong Kong, as evident in the city’s rise to ninth place in the World Talent Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development. Following this achievement, a government spokesman commended the efforts in education and talent admission. The Top Talent Pass Scheme saw over 360,000 applications, with nearly 230,000 approvals by August. Hong Kong’s ability to attract and retain talent contributed to its jump to 14th place out of 67 economies. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced plans to expand the scheme to include graduates from universities outside the…

The new school year in Hong Kong has begun, with authorities facing challenges due to a declining birth rate. With 70 Primary One classes in 66 schools being scrapped, and some schools having only one class or none at all, the threat of closures looms. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin anticipates three to four schools shutting down in the next five years, citing a structural problem. Despite this bleak outlook for public schools, there is a stark contrast in the rise of international school enrollments. The census report reveals an 11-year high in students attending international schools, with a…

Is Cathay Pacific really to blame for Hong Kong airport’s slow recovery post-pandemic? The government seems eager to shift responsibility, but the facts tell a different story. Despite Cathay’s slower-than-expected recovery, passenger traffic has reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels, showing promising progress. With pressure from Beijing to establish Hong Kong as an aviation hub, government concerns may be misplaced. Cathay’s recent buyback of shares and positive outlook on future growth indicate confidence in the city’s aviation potential. As Hong Kong gradually reopens, both Cathay and the airport face challenges, but blaming the airline for delays in the airport’s recovery may…

Witnessing Kong’s triumph over adversity in the Olympics and Cheung’s historic win displays the Hong Kong fighting spirit and resilience. Despite challenges and controversy, their dedication and mental fortitude are inspiring. Their achievements offer valuable lessons on perseverance and overcoming obstacles, applicable to daily life struggles. Haughey’s success, despite settling for bronze, showcases humility and determination, motivating Hongkongers to dream big. The government can learn from the Olympics’ unifying impact and prioritize supporting elite athletes. By connecting with the community and focusing on people, the government can breathe life into initiatives like the “Lion Rock spirit” and Temple Street campaigns.…

America and Japan both have histories of deadly political violence, with recent incidents involving threats against judges and the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. These events reflect a broader trend of escalating political tensions that can have dangerous consequences. Former President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric has fueled fear and violence, particularly targeting minority communities. The Asian-American community, in particular, has faced increased anxiety and discrimination, exacerbated by misleading media reports and derogatory language. The power of words cannot be underestimated, as they can incite violence and create a toxic political environment. It is essential to choose our words…

According to a recent survey by the Employees Retraining Board, half of the respondents expressed little interest in working, including homemakers and recent retirees. It’s no surprise that those who have recently retired want to enjoy life without going back to work, while homemakers are already working full-time jobs. However, the survey also found that more than 36% of young people not in school or employed have no intention of finding a job, even with good salaries and benefits on offer. Stress seems to be a key factor, with workplace stress affecting many individuals regardless of pay. Young people are…

Lee’s Government: Achieving Key Performance Indicators In a recent report, Lee proudly announced that his team successfully met over 200 key performance indicators (KPIs) set for the government. This achievement reflects a positive shift in the government’s culture towards becoming result-oriented. Despite some setbacks, like the scrapped waste charging scheme, Lee remains focused on continuous improvement and learning. However, the real measure of success lies in how these achievements impact the lives of Hongkongers. Surveys on happiness, mental health reports, and addressing daily concerns are crucial indicators of well-being. With a strong emphasis on national security, Lee must ensure his…

Power outages in Hong Kong have become a serious concern, endangering lives and disrupting daily activities. With the recent incidents of power failures, the government has demanded accountability from CLP Power, one of the major electricity providers in the region. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan has called for detailed reports on the outages and improvement measures to prevent future disruptions. The government is now stepping in to monitor CLP Power’s operations more closely, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework. While Hongkongers enjoy relatively low electricity rates, safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental policies are…

In Hong Kong, cab drivers are taking matters into their own hands by posing as passengers, hailing Uber rides, and then calling the police on the Uber drivers. Despite these sting operations, no arrests have been made yet. The taxi industry in Hong Kong has long seen Uber as a direct competitor and has been at odds with the ride-hailing service. The recent rise in flag-fall rates, far below what taxi operators had requested, has added fuel to the fire. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has cautioned against vigilante actions by taxi drivers. The taxi industry’s negative image, combined with…

The latest pay trend survey indicates that civil servants in Hong Kong could see salary increases of up to 5.47 per cent, sparking debate and concern among the public. The survey, based on data from over 130,000 employees in 113 private-sector companies, suggests pay rises of 4.01 per cent for high-ranking civil servants, 4.32 per cent for mid-ranking officials, and 5.47 per cent for junior staff. This potential increase comes amidst challenges in recruiting and retaining talent due to an exodus of civil servants in recent years. However, the government faces dilemmas in balancing fiscal constraints, public expectations, and economic…