Public-private partnerships could play an important role in making Hong Kong more pedestrian-friendly. Such collaboration between businesses and the government can lessen the economic burden of pedestrian schemes while driving more foot traffic to tourist destinations.
The city can learn from Shinzo Abe’s initiative to boost the number of working women in Japan, given its ageing population. Improving child care support and challenging traditional gender norms would encourage more women to bring their skills to the workforce.
Microinsurance, previously the domain of NGOs, is gaining critical mass as a market and starting to attract big banks and tech start-ups, including in Hong Kong. This is good news for the poor, whose needs for insurance have increased with climate change and the pandemic.
In Hong Kong, there is access to clean water, vaccinations and pre- and postnatal services for all residents, which helps prevent disease before it can strike. This is not the case for many of our neighbours in Asia, whose poorest suffer the most.
Children and adults from underprivileged households are being left behind because of a lack of access to computers and internet connectivity at home. Ensuring inclusive computer ownership would help accelerate Hong Kong’s economic recovery once the pandemic abates.
Hong Kong’s poor and lesser educated could be left behind in the digital revolution unless creative ways to involve them are found
The government must polish its worker adjustment programme so that it is tailored to meet the unique challenges of China-Hong Kong trade
