Policy Address 2024 | Exclusive Interview with John Lee: CE addresses key concerns of HK citizens
How will Hong Kong become a hub for international talent? What steps will be taken to advance the development of the Greater Bay Area? What does it take to make "Hong Kong Everywhere Tourism" a reality? How can subdivide housing issues and youth concerns be addressed? And how should the catering and retail industries adapt to the growing trend of Hongkongers spending in mainland China?
These are just a few of the pressing issues raised following Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's release of his third Policy Address on October 16, which outlined the Hong Kong SAR government's latest governance blueprint. Housing, consumption, and talent policies have sparked significant discussions across society.
On October 18, John Lee visited the Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group for an exclusive interview with Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po, and DotDotNews. He delved deeply into the highlights of his Policy Address, providing insights into his governance vision and answering key questions that matter most to Hong Kong citizens.
A Focus on Reform and Development
About the theme of this year's Policy Address, John Lee explained that reform is the cornerstone of this year's government initiatives. He pointed out that each of his three Policy Addresses reflects the unique challenges of its time.
Lee emphasized that 2023 marks a pivotal time as Hong Kong emerges from the pandemic and focuses on economic recovery and development. With safety and security ensured, the city is now fully transitioning from governance to prosperity, making this year's theme even more relevant. He believes that this straightforward and confident message will boost public trust in the government's vision.
"The purpose of reform is to improve livelihoods and build a better future," Lee said. He highlighted two primary goals of reform: improving governance and achieving tangible results. "This reform isn't just about the government—it's a reform for all citizens to participate in," he added.
Hong Kong is currently undergoing economic transformation and moving steadily toward prosperity. According to Lee, the government's role is to set clear directions, identify issues, and propose solutions while uniting society to maximize the collective strength of its 7.5 million residents. "When we work together, the combined effect is greater than the sum of its parts—1 plus 1 is greater than 2."
Addressing Housing Concerns
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues for Hong Kong citizens, and this year's Policy Address introduced several measures to improve housing conditions. Among these, the newly proposed "Light Public Housing" initiative has garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussion.
Lee explained that regulating subdivided flats (commonly known as "caged homes") will affect around 30% of such units. The remaining units will meet regulatory requirements by introducing minimum standards and eliminating subpar living conditions. Currently, Hong Kong has an estimated 110,000 subdivided flats, and Lee noted that 60% of these tenants will eventually qualify for public housing. "At that point, only 40% of tenants will remain in subdivided flats, and 70% of the flats will be sufficient to meet demand," he said.
He stressed the need for a pragmatic and step-by-step approach to the issue. Enforcement flexibility will also be granted to the Housing Bureau to ensure tenants in subdivided flats have a safety net and are not displaced. Lee expressed hope that the implementation of this initiative could be officially announced before the end of his current term.
Lee also acknowledged the challenges faced by young people in securing housing. He revealed that while youth account for over 60% of public housing applicants, only about 30% are successful. "I firmly believe that Hong Kong's youth are outstanding, and we must give them opportunities," said Lee. He emphasized that young people are the future of Hong Kong, and the government will prioritize policies to help them achieve stable housing.
Adapting to New Consumption Trends
With the post-pandemic surge in Hongkongers spending in mainland China, Lee addressed how the government plans to assist the tourism and retail industries in adapting to this new norm.
According to Lee, this is a period of transformation where consumption and tourism models evolve, making reform essential. He compared the current situation to his experience working summer jobs in Hong Kong factories during his youth. Over time, as factories closed or moved, Hong Kong transitioned from an industrial economy to a service-oriented one, achieving great success. Similarly, Lee said, the current transformation requires industry leadership.
"I have a great script, but it's up to the actors to perform it well," Lee remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including workers, investors, and innovators. He highlighted the unique advantages of each of Hong Kong's 18 districts, suggesting that each district could develop its own distinctive landmarks while contributing to the city's overall tourism and economic ecosystem.
Developing Hong Kong's Sports Economy
The Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong's history, is nearing completion and is set to open in the first quarter of next year. With a capacity of 50,000, the park represents a significant investment in the city's sports development.
Lee noted that the government is committed to addressing the shortage of sports venues, with plans to review and repurpose the Hong Kong Stadium. "The relationship between these two venues is not competitive but complementary. They should enhance each other's utility," he said, emphasizing the need to maximize their combined impact.
Lee also highlighted the concept of a "home-field economy," which involves hosting major international sporting events in Hong Kong to build a strong fan base and create economic benefits. He cited fencing as an example, suggesting that hosting more fencing competitions in Hong Kong could showcase the city's strengths in the sport while developing it into a home-grown industry.
Fostering Talent and Innovation
Talent development featured prominently in this year's Policy Address. Lee stressed that people come to Hong Kong because they see opportunities. Data shows that the median monthly income of high-skilled workers in Hong Kong is around HK$50,000, with some earning HK$100,000 or more. However, many talented individuals are unfamiliar with Hong Kong and struggle to connect with local employers.
Lee explained that the government plays a crucial role as a bridge, facilitating connections between talent and employers to ensure the smooth flow of information and opportunities.
In addition to talent, regional collaboration is also key. Discussing the development of the Northern Metropolis and the San Tin Technological Innovation Park, Lee described these areas as demonstration zones and testing grounds for innovative projects. He cited Hong Kong's strengths in advanced medical technology and clinical trials, emphasizing the potential for collaboration with the Greater Bay Area's larger population base of 86 million. "The multiplier effect will be exponential," he said.
A Vision for Hong Kong's Future
Lee concluded the interview by reflecting on what drives him as Chief Executive: "It's about seeing whether citizens are happy and how they live their lives." He shared that words of encouragement from residents during his community visits provided him with the greatest motivation.
He reiterated that Hong Kong's strongest support comes from the central government and expressed confidence in the city's collective ability to reform and progress. "With a shared consensus and united efforts, we can build a brighter future for Hong Kong," he said passionately.
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