Finances, downturn weigh heavily on Hongkongers

More than two in three Hong Kong residents are worried about what 2025 holds for them, with finances and the slowing economy foremost on their minds, a survey shows.

In contrast, half of Singaporeans are upbeat about what the year holds for them, the survey by business insights firm MDRi showed.

MDRi surveyed 1,000 people from Hong Kong and Singapore to assess their outlook and shifting life priorities for 2025.

It found only 29 percent of Hong Kong respondents are optimistic about 2025 compared to 51 percent of Singaporeans.

Meanwhile, 57 percent of Singaporeans are confident in achieving their personal goals compared to only 34 percent of Hong Kong residents who feel the same.

Singapore's economy is set to grow by 2.8 percent in 2025, driven by a strong 2024 performance and rising external demand.

In contrast, Hong Kong's gross domestic growth is expected to drop to 2 percent, weighed down by high interest rates and trade tensions with the US.

The survey also showed that Hong Kong's Generation Z and millennials face significant financial pressure amid the downturn, whereas in Singapore, family and health are key to happiness, alongside financial stability.

GORDON YANG