Opinion | As friend and partner, Singapore welcomes Hong Kong’s moves to reopen

Narratives that put the cities in competition with one another overlook the positive-sum gains from close cooperation

Both Hong Kong and Singapore have unique traits that make them valuable to Asia’s economy, which can easily accommodate two business hubs

Reading Time:4 minutes

People head to work in Hong Kong’s Central district on September 14. The long-term fundamentals that underpin Hong Kong’s success remain unchanged. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 8:30am, 18 Oct 2022

Since assuming office, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his administration have successfully steered Hong Kong around an anticipated sixth wave of Covid-19 infections, with hospital services well-maintained, and caseloads kept under control.

Due credit should be given to the Hong Kong people, who have shown patience, discipline and cooperation with the government’s anti-epidemic measures. Hong Kong’s resilience has inspired enough confidence for the government to relax quarantine measures and social distancing restrictions, and to hope for some form of reopening with the mainland.

These positive trends have greatly lifted spirits in Hong Kong, and renewed hopes that Hong Kong will return to normality soon. More than that, these moves underscore the high degree of autonomy and strong governance vital to Hong Kong’s success.

Meanwhile, there is an ongoing media narrative about Hong Kong’s rivalry with Singapore. Such a narrative leans towards a zero-sum perspective, with commentators cautioning that the outflow of talent and capital to Singapore is damaging to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Some warn that Singapore has been the “winner” and Hong Kong the “loser” through the pandemic in the competition to be Asia’s premier hub.

Such stark views are wide of the mark and overlook the positive-sum gains from close cooperation between the two Asian cities. And while there might be short-term variations in the two cities’ positions in global rankings, one should take a long-term view.

Both Hong Kong and Singapore have distinct advantages that benefit each while supporting the rapidly growing and vibrant Asian economy, which is large enough to accommodate two or even more international business hubs.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x