2013-02-25

A recent discussion of the Friends of Bauhinia pointed out that Hong Kong should first diversify its industries before it could map out a comprehensive population policy, as deepened and expanded industries can raise the average income of people and reduce unemployment, which will eventually benefit Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness.

Key points of the discussion are summarised in the Bauhinia analysis for this week.

2013-02-22

At the Forum on Primary Care Services in the PRD jointly organised by the Centre and the Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council today, the Centre released a research study to call for closer working relations and cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in the healthcare sector.

Covering six major PRD cities, the study aims to enable Hong Kong residents working, studying or retiring in the PRD to have a better understanding of the primary care services in the region, as well as to provide an overview of the current situation and prospects relating to Hong Kong doctors operating in the region.

2013-02-22

2013-02-19

The shrinking and even disappearing middle-class is more than just a problem of income distribution, but also about a lack of opportunities and upward social mobility, which will eventually threaten the long-term competitiveness of a city and intensify brain drain.

The Bauhinia analysis for this week discusses the challenges facing Hong Kong by making reference to the examples of western countries.

2013-02-14

A recent survey by the Lingnan University found Hong Kong people as a whole less happy last year – with the university’s annual happiness index dropping from 71.3 in 2011 to 70.5. Among all income groups, middle-class families earning HK$30,000 to HK$40,000 per month were the least satisfied. Apart from financial pressure and the tense social environment, what were the main causes for unhappiness?

The Bauhinia analysis for this week looks into the issue and discusses whether Hong Kong is emerging into an M-shaped society, an observation first put forward by the Japanese business strategist Kenichi Ohmae.

2013-02-06

The trading and logistics industry, accounting for 25.3% of our GDP in 2010, is one of Hong Kong’s four traditional pillar industries. However, its development has to face certain challenges from within apart from external competitions.

The Bauhinia analysis for this week looks into the current situation and prospect of the logistics industry. Issues discussed include how Hong Kong should gradually evolve towards greater emphasis on high value added logistics, and how to further tap the Mainland market.

2013-01-31

A report released by the Taskforce on Population Policy in 2003 stated the need to nurture and attract talent and professional manpower to support Hong Kong’s transformation to a knowledge-based economy. This was further elaborated by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in his election platform, which highlighted the importance of attracting overseas talent to meet the shortage of labour and professionals.

The commentary for this week, second article of a series, summarises the discussion of Friends of Bauhinia on how Hong Kong could nurture, attract and retain talents.

2013-01-28

According to the recently released ‘Hong Kong Domestic Household Projections up to 2041’ by the Census and Statistics Department, the total number of households in Hong Kong will increase by 30% in the next 30 years. There will be a declining trend of average household size and an increase in the number of households with elderly aged 60 or over.

The analysis of this week discusses a few policy recommendations to cater for the above household trends, which include increasing supply of small-to-medium size flats and promoting ageing in place.

2013-01-22

The Chief Executive pledged in his Policy Address to promote industrial diversification and map out a comprehensive plan for the development of industries through the newly established Economic Development Commission.

In response to this initiative, the Centre’s Chairman Dr Donald Li shared his views on the opportunities and challenges of industrial diversification in an article in Ta Kung Pao.

2013-01-21

The Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre attaches great importance to population issues. To tackle the problem of an ageing population, the Centre believes Hong Kong has to do more on recruiting and nurturing talents, reviewing its industrial structure, as well as increasing birth rate and addressing the ageing population issue. The commentary for this week, first article of a series, discusses how Hong Kong could take better care of the elderly and boost fertility.