Bernard Chan says civilian platforms can better promote Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s international status descended over the past couple of years because it was targeted by certain countries with bias, said Our Hong Kong Foundation’s chairman Bernard Chan. 

On an RTHK program on Tuesday, Chan said some government-based promotions may not get done and those in the business sector is worried that they would be attacked under the current sensitive political tensions. 

Chan believes the civilian platform has more room to exchange ideas and hopes to re-introduce Hong Kong to the world through Our Hong Kong Foundation. 

He noted that Hong Kong opened the border relatively slower and talent that left for Singapore is unlikely to return to the SAR in short term. Still, both regions can play to their own advantages, he said. 

Also the vice chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Chan hopes the government can allow the district to enjoy some flexibility when it comes to the use of land, including commercial and residential, so that the district can have some short-term revenues. 

Still, Chan admitted that the commercial office market is facing challenges and home prices are at a low level. Now may not be the best time to conduct any activities relating to property and real estate. 

He added that he spoke to the family of the city’s first Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and believes Tung doesn’t have any major health issues.