Proposal for Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan: Comprehensively and Accurately Implement the Principle of “Patriots Administering Hong Kong” to Bring Political and Economic Development to New Heights

by HKRFIin 15th Five-Year Plan, Economics, Politics, Uncategorizedon Posted on

August 14, 2026 | 15th Five-Year Plan | Politics | Economics

I. Introduction

In 2021, Hong Kong began implementing the principle of “Patriots Administering Hong Kong,” marking the start of a new phase in its development. Many Hong Kong citizens have high expectations for the city under the new circumstances. Having bid farewell to the extreme political turmoil of the past, can Hong Kong make great strides in all areas of development and present a renewed image? As Hong Kong prepares to formulate its Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong Reform Institute hereby presents preliminary recommendations in the dual areas of politics & public administration as well as economic & social development. In doing so, we hope to spark further discussion and jointly contribute to the comprehensive progress of Hong Kong society.

II. Politics & Public Administration

Although the Hong Kong Government’s public consultation document on the Five-Year Plan has not specifically discussed political and public administration issues, this does not mean that nothing warrants our attention in this important area. Over the next five years, we believe that concrete steps should be taken to attract talent broadly, further promote equitable political participation, and improve the efficiency of public administration, so as to achieve the goal of “enhancing the effectiveness of governance in Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law” as outlined in the national 15th Five-Year Plan.

2.1. Political Affairs

Since the implementation of the National Security Law, the overall situation in Hong Kong has remained stable, and Hong Kong citizens have been provided with more solid safeguards for living and working in a generally peaceful environment—a development that deserves recognition. However, at the local political level, there are still some issues that need to be addressed.

Currently, a common view among the public regarding Hong Kong’s political scene is that it is “overly quiet and relatively lacking in vitality.” This perception can be quantified as follows:

In terms of electoral politics, competition for seats that, by design, should be filled through elections has noticeably declined. Taking the previous Election Committee election as an example, 603 candidates from 23 subsectors were automatically elected in uncontested races, while only 412 candidates from 13 subsectors had to compete in elections, accounting for a small portion of the total [1];

With regard to advisory and statutory bodies, although the number of government-appointed posts reserved for members of the public has grown in recent years, the actual number of people  so appointed has declined compared to the situation in previous years. For example, currently there are about 4,800 members of the public appointed by the Hong Kong Government to serve on approximately 480 advisory and statutory bodies [2], whereas in 2010, there were only slightly more than 400 such advisory and statutory bodies, but the number of members of the public actually appointed by the Government was approximately 4,900 [3], which is higher than the current number;

With regard to public consultation, district forums held in recent years—such as those for the Policy Address—have generally not been open to the public for self-registration; instead, participation requires an invitation from the relevant government department, marking a significant departure from past practices.

In light of these phenomena, to promote more equitable political participation and incorporate voices from all sectors of society more broadly, HKRFI recommends that the Hong Kong Government consider the following measures:

2.1.1. Reducing the Rate of Overlapping Appointments Across Advisory and Statutory Bodies

Currently, the Hong Kong Government follows the “6-6 Principle” for appointment to advisory and statutory bodies, which means the same non-official member should not serve in the same role within an advisory or statutory body for more than 6 years, nor should he or she serve on more than 6 advisory and statutory bodies simultaneously. In practice, this principle has not been strictly adhered to. For example, as of June 2025, 231 members of the public were appointed by the Hong Kong Government to serve in the same role for more than 6 years [4]. Excluding a small number of special cases (such as family members of a prominent figure serving as long-term committee members on funds named after that figure), the number is not insignificant. In addition, statistics show that 10 individuals simultaneously serve on more than 6 advisory and statutory bodies [5].

One of the purposes of establishing advisory and statutory bodies is to broadly solicit relevant opinions from all sectors of society. Therefore, we recommended that in future appointments of members of the public, the actual number of citizens who are appointed to participate be further increased, and the number of duplicate appointments be reduced. A viable way to achieve this would be by changing the current practice (where individuals may not hold the same position for more than 6 years) to one where they may not hold the same position for more than two terms (the terms of most advisory and statutory bodies are 2-3 years).

2.1.2. Opening Up Channels for Citizens to Sign Up Directly for District Forums

In previous administrations, the Hong Kong Government generally provided channels (such as online registration platform) for interested citizens to sign up directly for district forums. We recommend reinstating this practice so that citizens who wish to express their concerns and opinions to the Government can do so in person, enabling the Government to better incorporate public opinion in the policy-making process.

2.1.3. Increasing Competition in Various Types of Elections

One of the primary purposes of elections is to drive progress through competition. In the realm of public policy, electoral competition often enables the public to gain a clearer understanding of candidates’ political platforms and assess the benefits and drawbacks of various policy proposals more comprehensively, which in turn promotes the overall development of society. To encourage electoral competition, provided that prospective candidates meet the statutory requirements, excessive artificial restrictions should not be imposed in order to uphold the fairness of elections.

2.1.4. Standardizing the Selection Process for Appointed Positions

Following changes to the electoral system, the number of appointed positions has increased sharply. For example, 179 seats in the District Councils are directly appointed by the Chief Executive; all members of the district committees (namely the Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees, which are collectively known as the “three committees”) are appointed by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. Standardizing the selection process for appointed positions and enhancing transparency—rather than relying solely on ex post facto announcements—will help the public better understand the selection criteria and broaden the pool of participants.

2.2. Public Administration

In terms of public administration, given the Hong Kong Government’s fiscal deficits in recent years, it has become increasingly important to utilize existing resources more effectively. HKRFI believes that the Government could consider taking measures in the following two areas:

2.2.1. Curbing the Growth of Supernumerary Directorate Posts

A trend in the Hong Kong Government’s administrative work in recent years has been that, when taking on a new policy initiative, the Government often asks the Legislative Council to approve the creation of new supernumerary directorate posts in the relevant bureau or department on top of its original establishment. These posts are generally time-limited (typically 3-5 years), but the relevant bureau or department sometimes applies for extension upon expiration. Data show that from 2022 to 2024, the number of such posts increased from 74 to 95, and relevant annual salary expenditures rose from HKD160 million to HKD237 million [6].

Since the overall budget is limited, an increase in supernumerary directorate-level posts in the bureau or department implies that adjustments may be required for other government staff positions or resources. At the same time, for directorate-level officials assigned to these supernumerary posts, this arrangement itself carries quite some uncertainty, as the continuity of such supernumerary posts is unclear.

In fact, given that policy priorities of bureaus and departments vary at different stages, and that  routine tasks already on track can be handled more efficiently with the aid of AI, it is recommended that the Government encourage bureaus and departments to better utilize existing staff to drive new initiatives, and control the growth of supernumerary directorate posts.

2.2.2. Reviewing the Effectiveness of Existing Mechanisms

Some government mechanisms have been in place for many years; while stability is an advantage, a drawback is that they may not meet the public’s evolving expectations. Take the civil service pay adjustment—which has sparked controversy in recent months—as an example. Previous public discussions have largely focused on how to balance and weigh the “six major factors” (such as the Civil Service Pay Trend Survey, the state of Hong Kong’s economy, and civil service morale), but there has been relatively little discussion on the Civil Service Pay Trend Survey formula itself.

According to the formula established for the Civil Service Pay Trend Survey, the survey sample  only includes large enterprises with 100 or more employees (which must account for approximately 75% of the sample; this year, 80 of the 104 companies surveyed fell into this category) and medium-sized enterprises with 50-99 employees (which must account for approximately 25% of the sample; this year, 24 companies fell into this category) [7]. In other words, the survey does not include small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees, even though such enterprises make up more than 97% of all companies in Hong Kong [8]. The design of this formula is a key reason why some people think the results of the Pay Trend Survey deviate significantly from overall market conditions in Hong Kong.

On the other hand, some human resources consultants have pointed out that the current Pay Trend Survey formula, which includes corporate bonuses in its calculations, tends to amplify pay increases for senior management in years when the overall economy is performing well (since bonuses for senior management generally account for a higher proportion of their income), thereby further widening the gap in pay growth between senior management and middle- and lower-level employees.

The Civil Service Pay Trend Survey formula underwent revision in 2007. That year, based on the report “Establishing a More Comprehensive Civil Service Pay Adjustment Mechanism—Improved Methodology for the Annual Pay Trend Survey”, the Hong Kong Government decided to include a portion of medium-sized enterprises (50-99 employees) in the Pay Trend Survey for the first time, rather than surveying only large enterprises (100 or more employees), in order to better reflect the overall situation in society [9].

Given that civil service pay adjustments have repeatedly sparked public controversy in recent years, it is worth the Hong Kong Government’s consideration whether the relevant formula requires further adjustment. Of course, any such adjustment would affect not only the magnitude of pay changes for civil servants at different levels, but also public perception as a whole, and thus requires careful consideration.

III. Economic and Social Development

“Promoting the economic and social development of Hong Kong and Macao” is also one of the expectations for Hong Kong set forth in the national 15th Five-Year Plan. Currently, some of the prominent issues Hong Kong faces in the economic and social development realm include: the widening wealth gap and a need to improve the employment structure.

According to research by renowned French economist Thomas Piketty and co-author Li Yang, Hong Kong exhibits extreme levels of economic inequality—whether measured by income or wealth—the degree of which is rarely seen among developed economies worldwide [10]. Furthermore, in the post-pandemic era, this trend has not changed, and even shows signs of further intensifying. A research report by Oxfam Hong Kong points out that when comparing the top 10 percent of households by income with the bottom 10 percent of households in Hong Kong, the ratio between their median monthly income rose from 34.3 times in 2019 to 81.9 times in the first quarter of 2024 [11], exhibiting a worrying trend.

On the other hand, although the Hong Kong Government is committed to promoting high-quality economic growth, there is still considerable room for improvement. Data from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government show that in 2025, Hong Kong’s largest industry in terms of the number of people employed was the construction industry (10.8%), followed by import and export (10.2%), and property management, security, and cleaning services (9%) [12]. At the same time, the fact that top-scoring students in Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education Examination in recent years have flocked to medical schools is also an indirect reflection of Hong Kong’s narrow economic structure and scarcity of high-quality employment options.

In light of this situation, HKRFI recommends that the Hong Kong Government take the following measures to promote healthy economic and social development:

3.1. Reintroducing the Poverty Line and Better Supporting the Poor

Facing the problem directly is the first step toward solving it. At a time when Hong Kong’s wealth disparity continues to be severe, the Hong Kong Government Commission on Poverty’s recent proposal to abolish the poverty line and instead engage in “targeted poverty alleviation” is questionable.

The Commission on Poverty cited “many shortcomings” in the calculation method of the poverty line as the reason for abolishing it. For example, it notes that the poverty line does not account for assets. Some individuals may have low income but substantial assets, and therefore should not be classified as poor [13]. While the small proportion of cases cited by the Commission on Poverty certainly exist, rather than abolishing the poverty line—which serves as a valuable general reference—altogether, a better approach would be to refine the method for calculating the poverty line (for example, some social service organizations suggest that the assets of the elderly could be converted into income for measurement purposes) [14]. After all, only with comprehensive data can we better understand trends in Hong Kong’s social landscape regarding wealth inequality. Doing so will also help reduce the chance of overlooking certain groups that need support while the Government engages in “targeted poverty alleviation.”

3.2. Vigorously Promoting Industrial Diversification

In addition to reinforcing existing competitive industries such as finance, the Hong Kong Government should also intensify its efforts to promote industrial diversification in order to create a wider variety of high-quality job opportunities for citizens. In this regard, both the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries as well as the cultivation and expansion of emerging industries are necessary:

3.2.1. Promoting the Transformation and Upgrading of Traditional Industries

Take the shipping industry as an example. Hong Kong’s main port has long been the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal. The Hong Kong shipping industry flourished in the 1980s. However, since 2008, Hong Kong’s port cargo throughput has gradually declined, and by 2023, Hong Kong had fallen to the 11th place in the global ranking of international container ports [15]. The primary reasons for this decline include changes in international supply chains, relaxation of the mainland’s cabotage laws, and competition from neighboring ports, which have led to the loss of transshipment cargo. Additionally, infrastructure and waterway constraints—such as the relatively small size of berths in the Kwai Tsing Port area, as well as limitations on channel depth and height restriction of the Tsing Ma Bridge (53 meters)—have hindered the entry and exit of modern ultra-large container ships, and slowed down progress in modernization of facilities.

Planning for the development of Hong Kong’s shipping industry must be grounded in reality and tailored to local conditions. HKRFI believes that Hong Kong should abandon the old approach of competing solely based on throughput, and instead pursue a path of division of labor and collaboration. By integrating into the Greater Bay Area’s efficiency coordination mechanisms and transitioning toward digitalization, green practices, and high-value-added services, Hong Kong should strive to become a “global shipping hub” with the highest service value, the greenest and most advanced technology, and the most attractive regulatory framework. Recommended measures include:

(A) Enhancing Regional Coordination

Steer the relationship between Hong Kong and other ports in the Greater Bay Area away from competition and toward the forming of a “combined port.” Aim to increase Hong Kong’s container throughout to 15 million TEUs by having certain high-value cargo flows redirected to Hong Kong, thereby reestablishing Hong Kong’s role as a regional transshipment hub. Additionally, accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis and press ahead with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link project so as to open up new channels for transshipment cargo.

(B) Building a “Light-Asset” Smart Port

Leverage the Port Community System (PCS) to construct a comprehensive digital platform that integrates functions including vessel entry and exit, intelligent berth allocation, customs clearance, real-time tracking of cargo by sea, land, and air, financing and insurance, and carbon footprint monitoring etc. This platform should be interconnected and shared with other ports in the Greater Bay Area to realize cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

(C) Seizing the Green Market Opportunity

Use green shipping as a breakthrough point to establish a fuel bunkering and trading center. Explore setting up a spot and futures trading platform for green fuels, jointly build a green shipping corridor, and strive to rank among the top in Asia in terms of fuel bunkering volume.

(D) Focusing on the Development of High-Value-Added Services

Evolve from “transporting goods” to “delivering services,” and shift from competition based on throughput to competition along the value chain. Prioritize the development of professional services such as maritime finance, ship leasing, maritime insurance, and legal arbitration to enhance risk pricing and dispute resolution capabilities. Additionally, focus on attracting high-value-added cargo such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and cold-chain goods, while setting quality metrics such as value-added per TEU.

(E) Strengthening Policy Support and Talent Development

Leverage the advantages of Hong Kong’s common law system and free port status, and provide tax incentives and subsidies for automation upgrades. Consider establishing a shipping technology R&D fund and a Shipping Technology and Service Innovation Research Institute to better cultivate multidisciplinary talent that the industry needs.

(F) Accelerating the Development of Cruise Ports

Cruise ports are integral components of Hong Kong’s port system. In recent years, the cruise ports have moved beyond the framework of being merely “passenger transport hubs” and are transitioning toward a comprehensive model combining “cultural and entertainment landmarks, green hubs, and regional collaboration.” HKRFI recommends accelerating the infrastructure and green upgrades of Hong Kong’s cruise ports, including introducing “shore power” facilities and enhancing the commercial value of terminal space. Similar to cargo ports, cruise ports also need to pursue regional collaboration. In particular, the Nansha Port in Guangzhou and the Prince Bay Cruise Homeport in Shenzhen are both accelerating the development of their cruise port facilities, presenting opportunities for cooperation in passenger flow. Additionally, we recommend actively expanding into the Southeast Asian market and collaborating with mainland ports to develop diverse routes.

3.2.2. Cultivating and Expanding Emerging Industries

Take the innovation and technology industry as an example. The Hong Kong Government has invested about HKD200 billion in the industry over the past decade to support its development [16]. Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem today is considerably more vibrant than before. With the development of the Northern Metropolis, the innovation and technology industry will gain greater room for expansion in terms of “hardware” such as land and infrastructure. However, to establish itself as an international innovation and technology hub, the city still needs to strengthen various “software” supporting measures:

(A) Better Retention of Talent

Innovation and technology companies generally agree that one of the main challenges they face in Hong Kong is the shortage of tech talent. In recent years, the Hong Kong Government has launched the “Top Talent Pass Scheme” to attract talent from the mainland and overseas to work in industries such as innovation and technology in Hong Kong; however, continued efforts are still needed to retain talent. Data show that as of the end of July 2025, among the three categories of talent recruitment programs established under the “Top Talent Pass Scheme,” Category A (those with annual incomes of HKD2.5 million or more) had the highest visa renewal rate, at approximately 77%; Category B talent (i.e., graduates of “Top 100 Universities” with at least three years of work experience) had a moderate visa renewal rate of about 50%; Category C talent (i.e., graduates of “Top 100 Universities” with less than three years of work experience) had the lowest visa renewal rate, at approximately 40% [17]. In other words, already well-established individuals (Category A) are generally more willing to remain in Hong Kong, while talent who are still in the career development stage are less willing to stay. However, it is precisely the latter type of talent that serves as the driving force for emerging industries such as innovation and technology.

To better retain talent, the Hong Kong Government should conduct follow-up surveys on the reasons why “Top Talent Pass” holders choose not to renew their visas, in order to further enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness. In addition, for “Top Talent Pass” holders from industries such as innovation and technology who are already in Hong Kong, it would be advisable to help  them integrate into Hong Kong society as quickly as possible through various community groups and organizations, so as to enhance their sense of belonging.

(B) Strengthening Hong Kong’s Status as a “Gateway to Global Markets”

With the rapid development of the mainland’s AI industry, an increasing number of mainland tech companies are choosing to “go global” via Hong Kong—an opportunity that Hong Kong can capitalize on to further develop its innovation and technology industry. It should be noted that one of the main reasons that mainland companies are willing to choose Hong Kong as their first stop for “going global” is because of Hong Kong’s high degree of internationalization. In particular, its common law system, accounting standards, and information disclosure requirements align with international practices, making it convenient for tech companies to conduct adjustments and arrange financing as they prepare to expand into overseas markets. Furthermore, operating in Hong Kong generally makes it easier to meet overseas compliance requirements regarding data transmission and relevant matters. Geographically and culturally, Hong Kong’s proximity to Guangdong, together with the biliteracy and trilingualism of the general population, facilitate the provision of R&D support, team collaboration, and supply chain coordination.

To strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a “Gateway to Global Markets,” it would be necessary to further reduce the costs for tech companies to expand into Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government established the “Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global”last year, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has launched an online platform providing basic information to help connect mainland enterprises with one-stop support for developing their businesses in Hong Kong. Building on this foundation, it would be advisable to refine relevant services further and cover a wider range of support categories. In addition, the Government could also consider providing more overseas visit and project matching opportunities to tech companies operating in Hong Kong, so as to make it easier for them to access opportunities in markets such as the “Belt and Road” countries and the Middle East through Hong Kong.

Finally, computing power is particularly important for the development of AI-related enterprises. While advancing the construction of the new data center, the Hong Kong Government should also set out and refine relevant legal frameworks simultaneously, so as to lay a solid foundation for the sustained development of tech companies in Hong Kong.

3.3. Expanding Channels for Hong Kong Citizens to Participate in National Affairs

It has been 29 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Compared to mainland citizens, Hong Kong citizens generally have broader international exposure as well as stronger biliterate and trilingual capabilities. The Hong Kong Government may consider expanding channels for capable and motivated Hong Kong permanent residents to participate in national affairs, which would provide talent from various fields with more opportunities to contribute. Doing so would also help Hong Kong better integrate into the broader national development landscape.

Currently, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Department of Justice run a collaborative project that arranges for young Hong Kong legal professionals to be seconded to international legal organizations every year. The scope includes lawyers working in government and public institutions, as well as those in private practice. The project not only helps young legal professionals broaden their horizons, but also supports the country’s efforts in cultivating talent with experience in international law. On the other hand, Guangdong Province has conducted annual targeted recruitment of civil servants and public institution staff from Hong Kong and Macao since 2019. Although the number of available positions is limited, this remains a beneficial initiative. Going forward, we recommend the Hong Kong Government to actively collaborate with relevant ministries and local governments to explore allowing Hong Kong permanent residents from different sectors to participate in relevant work across a wider range of fields and at multiple levels, thereby enabling them to better contribute to national development with their expertise.

3.4. Sharing the Dividends of Social Development

The rapid development of AI has made a significant impact on society, and presents an issue that governments everywhere need to address. On the one hand, AI brings great convenience to society; on the other hand, as a result of its impact, labor demand in many industries has declined sharply. Since the development of new business models takes time, there is an overall reduction in job opportunities available. Data show that the number of full-time job openings for university graduates in Hong Kong has plummeted from approximately 80,000 in 2022 to about 31,000 in 2025—a decline of more than 60 percent [18]. To address this situation, we recommend that the Hong Kong Government:

3.4.1. Systematically Assessing the Impact of AI Development on the Labor Market

Planning for future labor needs cannot rely on mere speculation; it requires solid data foundation. Although there is still much uncertainty regarding the development of AI, initiating relevant research as early as possible can help mitigate its negative impact on the job market and enable more targeted retraining to be provided to the affected workforce, thereby facilitating a smoother transition for society as a whole.

3.4.2. Considering the Possibility of Distributing Universal Social Dividends in the Long Run

AI has been able to advance so rapidly in part thanks to individuals and institutions across society providing it with raw data and feedback. In the U.S., Senator Bernie Sanders recently proposed imposing a one-time 50% equity tax on AI companies to establish an AI sovereign wealth fund. The fund would be shared by all citizens, giving out regular dividends to them and providing support for public projects. The Trump administration has expressed an open attitude toward such proposals [19]. Officials from the South Korean Government have also previously indicated that they are considering using the payoffs from the AI industry to distribute a “citizen dividend” [20]. Of course, it may be premature to discuss such proposals at this stage, as there remains significant uncertainty regarding the actual profitability of AI companies. However, in the long run, given that the wealth generated by the AI industry is likely to be highly concentrated, governments around the world need to seriously consider how to use “redistribution” as a means to prevent the wealth gap from widening further and ensure that the fruits of development benefit all people to a greater extent.

IV. Conclusion

At the 2022 ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to support Hong Kong in “actively and steadily advancing reform, breaking down barriers of entrenched interests, and fully unleashing the immense creativity and vitality inherent in Hong Kong society.” Ultimately, the aim of implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” is to enable Hong Kong citizens to lead better lives and achieve further development together with the motherland. As Hong Kong embarks on the formulation of its first Five-Year Plan, a systematic review of the current political and economic challenges will help us better explore viable solutions to enhance the overall well-being of Hong Kong citizens, and lay a more solid foundation for “one country, two systems” in the long run.

Translated with AI, with subsequent editing done manually.

Notes

  1. “Nomination Period Ends: 603 Candidates from 23 Subsectors Automatically Elected,” Wen Wei Po, August 27, 2021, https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202108/27/AP6128312de4b08d3407d6ae12.html
  2. Advisory and Statutory Bodies, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, https://www.hyab.gov.hk/tc/policy_responsibilities/District_Community_and_Public_Relations/advisory.htm
  3. Hong Kong Yearbook 2010, https://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2010/tc/pdf/C01.pdf
  4. See relevant figures from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, https://www.hyab.gov.hk/file_manager/en/documents/policy_responsibilities/others/ASB_six_year_board_rules.pdf
  5. Ibid.
  6. See “Legislative Council Question No. 13: Creation of Supernumerary Directorate Posts,” June 8, 2022, https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/08/P2022060800568.htm and “Frequent Creation of Supernumerary Directorate Posts Draws Criticism with Last Year’s Expenditures Exceeding HKD200 Million; Scholars Call for Mid-Term Evaluation,” Oriental Daily News, January 1, 2025, https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20250101/bkn-20250101114402521-0101_00822_001.html
  7. “Preliminary Results of the 2026 Pay Trend Survey,” https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/28/P2026052800210.htm
  8. Annual Survey of Economic Activities 2018–2024, Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government, https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/tc/web_table.html?id=660-78001#tableSource
  9. Development of an Improved Civil Service Pay Adjustment Mechanism—Improvements to the Annual Pay Trend Survey Methodology, https://www.csb.gov.hk/tc_chi/info/files/legco070313c.pdf
  10. How Hong Kong Became One of the Most Unequal Places in the World, Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions, sccei.fsi.stanford.edu/china-briefs/how-hong-kong-became-one-most-unequal-places-world.
  11. Hong Kong Poverty Report 2024: Pathways Out of Adversity- Embracing Change Through Transformation, Oxfam Hong Kong, October 2, 2024, https://www.oxfam.org.hk/tc/f/news_and_publication/115439/povertyerport%202024_chi.pdf
  12. Annual Survey on Earnings and Working Hours Report, 2025 Edition, Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government, March 23, 2026
  13. “Government Will No Longer Define ‘Poverty’  Eric Chan: Poverty Line Is Inaccurate Without Considering Assets,” am730, June 20, 2026, https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E4%B8%8D%E5%86%8D%E5%AE%9A% E7%BE%A9-%E8%B2%A7%E7%AA%AE-%E9%99%B3%E5%9C%8B%E5%9F%BA-%E8%B2%A7%E7%AA%AE%E7%B7%9A%E4%B8%8D%E8%A8%88% E8%B3%87%E7%94%A2%E4%B8%8D%E7%B2%BE%E6%BA%96-061400062.html
  14. Hong Kong Poverty Report 2024: Pathways Out of Adversity- Embracing Change Through Transformation, Oxfam Hong Kong, October 2, 2024, https://www.oxfam.org.hk/tc/f/news_and_publication/115439/povertyerport%202024_chi.pdf
  15. “Hong Kong’s Container Throughput Falls Out of the Global Top Ten,” Wen Wei Po, April 19, 2024, https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202404/19/AP6621814ee4b009ba853790ba.html
  16. “Legislative Council Question 1: Projects to Support and Promote Innovation and Technology Development,” May 6, 2026, https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/06/P2026050600304.htm?fontSize=1
  17. “13,000 High-Talent Pass Visas Expired by End of Last Month, with 54% Seeking Renewal and Most Cases Approved; Chris Sun: In Line with Expectations,” Ming Pao, August 15, 2025, https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20250815/s00001/1755250538699
  18. “AI Impact: Job Openings Suitable for Hong Kong University Graduates Decrease by Nearly 50,000 Over Three Years,” May 16, 2026, https://money.udn.com/money/story/6721/9506838
  19. “On Public Ownership in AI, Trump and Bernie Sanders Find Common Ground.” Los Angeles Times, June 6, 2026, https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-06-06/public-ownership-in-ai-trump-sanders-find-common-ground
  20. “Will Everyone Share in the AI Dividends? South Korea Proposes Using Excess Profits from the Industry to Distribute a ‘Citizen Dividend,’” May 12, 2026, https://finance.sina.com.cn/stock/t/2026-05-12/doc-inhxqvat8538216.shtml