View on the waterfront

Hong Kong one year later
S.S.Lau
June 20,1998.

    Last year about this time, I sent an e-mail to the Lighters with a title of " Sunset for the Union Jack". The message was to commemorate the " return" of HK to China after some 150 years of British rules. The e-mail was later "published" in Lighters' Homepage : "let us Talk". In fact this particular e-mail may have prompted Tony Kwok to construct our website for more efficient communication purposes.

    In that "paper", it was expressed that Hong Kong became the Jewel of the Orient because it had the Chinese people and a British administration. The combination of the two ( very resourceful and hardworking people and a relatively clean and efficient government) made Hong Kong a winner.

    In about 10 days, HK will have been a Chinese SAR ( special administrative Region, I think) for one year. In the language of American politics, the question to ask is: Is Hong Kong better or worse off one year later?

    From Hong Kong's point of view, things are not going well, largely due to the Asian flu that affects the HK economic conditions. I was led to believe that The HK Jockey Club may be losing money. This has, apparently, not happened before. The former Royal jockey Club almost single-handedly financed the founding of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The club was rich enough to want a good name; and it is losing now money. What has the world come to? The University seemingly has problems keeping its faculty and in recruiting new faculty. Have they not heard of the lucrative HK academic salary?

    Does the downturn of the HK prosperity have anything to do China? It does not seem to have an obvious correlation. China is probably not to blame. The Chinese seem to leave HK alone for the most part, except it makes sure the HK government is kept in line within tolerance.

    From a tourist's point view, it cannot be a better time to visit Hong Kong, and enjoy the former colony with plenty of hotels room and restaurant seats available.

    At this junction in time, it remains to be seen what China would and could do to, and for Hong Kong in this economic crisis. These are my views, what are yours?