Survey reveals higher levels of satisfaction with latest policy address

A majority of respondents are satisfied with the latest policy address, with nearly 62 percent reporting it boosted their confidence in Hong Kong's future, according to a survey conducted by the Sing Tao News Corporation.

The online survey, which ran from September 17 to 22, gathered 7,450 responses and assessed public opinion across seven questions focusing on economic and livelihood measures.

Participants were asked to select up to three measures from the policy address that could most improve the citizenry's livelihoods.

The top choice was employment priority for local workers, selected by 25 percent of respondents.

It was followed by strengthening the public healthcare system and enhancing cancer screening at 24 percent and increasing the ratio of larger units in Home Ownership Scheme and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme projects at 16 percent.

Regarding policies that could best boost the local economy, 22 percent identified measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises as the most impactful.

This was closely followed by the promotion of life technology and artificial intelligence industry development at 20 percent, and the development of the Northern Metropolis, along with policies to attract investment, at 18 percent.

In terms of overall satisfaction with the policy address, 52 percent of respondents reported being satisfied, with 9.7 percent indicating strong satisfaction, totaling 61.7 percent.

Conversely, 18.7 percent expressed dissatisfaction, with 8.2 percent being very dissatisfied.

As for whether the policy address had increased respondents' confidence in Hong Kong's prospects, 61.7 percent agreed or strongly agreed.

Notably, this year's satisfaction rate mirrors last year's 62 percent, with confidence in Hong Kong's future rising from 60.6 percent in the previous year.

Lawmaker Lam Chun-sing, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, rated the policy address as a 90 out of 100, especially for measures to combat the misuse of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme and efforts to protect food delivery workers on digital platforms.

To achieve a "perfect score," Lam noted that effective implementation is essential to transform the government's vision into tangible results for the city's economic transformation and social development.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong lawmaker Edward Leung Hei said the high ranking of healthcare policies was expected, given the public's deep concern and the challenges posed by an aging population.

He stressed the need for clear public communication, especially for the elderly, who are the primary beneficiaries of new initiatives such as enhanced cancer screening and stroke and integrated cardiovascular disease centers.

Benson Luk Hon-man, a lawmaker from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, welcomed the strategic "industry-linked" approach to the Northern Metropolis development, which ensures that projects align with Hong Kong's overall economic goals.

Luk also shed light on the 11 measures introduced to support SMEs, including extending the "SME Financing Guarantee Scheme" for another year and reducing water and sewage charges. He believes these steps will significantly alleviate pressure on businesses and are crucial for their survival, provided governmental and banking support continues.