Illegal renovations on a flat only surfaced after a video was posted online, raising the question: just how many similarly compromised flats exist in a housing market that remains one of the world’s most expensive?
The offer of HK$30 movie tickets will boost the cinema business, but the campaign should have done more for the local film industry. Not only are classic Hong Kong films far from forgotten, recent releases depicting local issues show that the industry is worthy of support.
The relaxation of travel curbs will bring tourists, including those from the mainland, back to the city. Hong Kong must try to avoid a repeat of the post-Sars problems, such as a flood of parallel traders.
Why did the UAE emerge unscathed from the Arab spring? The country has a tax and welfare system that prioritises citizens. In Hong Kong, however, the common perception is that its policies benefit tycoons, immigrants – everyone but Hongkongers.
Might the protests be a symptom of Hong Kong’s identity crisis? The future of Cantonese, a key piece of residents’ identities, seems to be in doubt as schools focus on Mandarin. One way forward is to consider the case of Québec.
Hong Kong is going through a divisive time and both mass and social media can concentrate feelings of hate and discrimination. It can be hard to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.
The government’s rush to push through the extradition bill was in stark contrast to its lack of progress on the biggest issue facing Hong Kong – unaffordable housing.
When we were young, we were often taught to solve problems with only one clear and correct answer. However, while this method is a cost-efficient way of testing, real-life problems are never solved in such a fashion.
With the Occupy Central crisis now in its third week, one might think Hong Kong officials would be doing anything in their power to ensure its immediate and peaceful resolution.