As Hong Kong prepares for the 8th Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election on December 7, both the government and the private sector have a role to play in encouraging civic participation. While the HKSAR government has promoted voting among civil servants, several major institutions have also stepped up, offering half-day leave to support their employees in fulfilling their civic duty.
Companies such as Bank of East Asia, Henderson Land Development, and PCCW have announced these measures, emphasizing the importance of a well-functioning legislature to Hong Kong's governance, business environment, and social well-being. The Bank of East Asia emphasized that a stable and effective Legislative Council (LegCo) is crucial for good governance and sustainable development, urging its staff to participate in shaping Hong Kong's future.
Henderson Land encouraged all employees to cast their votes for patriotic, capable candidates, stating that it would also provide half-day leave to facilitate participation. Other organizations, including the Sino Group and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have also responded positively to the government's call by implementing supportive voting policies.
Three Key Reasons for Corporate Support
Civic Responsibility: Employees are citizens first. Their participation in elections helps ensure a legislature that reflects the public's voice and effectively monitors government policy and spending.
Shared Future: The development of enterprises is deeply tied to the prosperity of Hong Kong. A stable political environment enhances the city's competitiveness and economic opportunities, which in turn benefits businesses.
Business Stability: Compared to the unrest of 2019–2020, today's Hong Kong enjoys greater stability and a more favorable business climate. Supporting the electoral process is a way for companies to safeguard this progress and contribute to the city's continued recovery.
The government's Hong Kong Business Environment Report affirms that post-pandemic Hong Kong has improved in competitiveness, capital inflows, and talent attraction—making it crucial for citizens and companies to protect this momentum through active civic engagement.
Voting Is for Everyone
Ultimately, voting is not just about choosing someone else; it's about choosing for yourself. The LegCo election offers a platform for every citizen to express their vision for Hong Kong. With a diverse range of candidates—some with free-market ideals, others advocating more government involvement—voters must assess who best represents their interests.
Whether one supports a party or an independent voice, every vote counts, and every employer has a role to play in empowering that voice.
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