Dear fellow Hongkongers,
 
Hong Kong is my home, and it is also your home.
 
I was born, and brought up in a middle-class family in Hong Kong.   I truly love Hong Kong and have lived here all my life. I was fortunate enough to have been able to go abroad for further education and professional training. But whenever my homebound plane lands at our International Airport, my heart feels a sense of warmth.
 
In fact, Hong Kong always had, and has over time, become increasingly strategic, as the gateway to Mainland China, and a window for her to the rest of the World. In Hong Kong , we know our business and we do it well.
 
I have no doubt that our economic and international status of today, is the result of the hard work of many generations of Hong Kong people, and also the opportunities from the opening up of the Mainland over the past forty years, and that these will continue.
 
I feel saddened, because of my love for Hong Kong, to see that our home has, over the last two years, become divided. I believe that we all, in one way or the other, feel a sense of helplessness. There may also be anxiety over our future, and some may even question if the “one country two systems” principle is being maintained. For me, I resolutely know that this policy continues, and stands us apart from other Mainland cities, with our special status.
 
I hold the strong view that, with the enactment of the National Security Legislation last June, and the recent National People’s Congress’s decision on improving the electoral system of Hong Kong, these will in fact help strengthen the “one country two systems”. This is because they will meet the realities of Hong Kong and to bring back harmony, and it will also serve to ensure that Hong Kong is administered by those who love our country and our home. This will in turn safeguard our national sovereignty, essential to maintaining our long term prosperity.
 
I know some would say that these recent developments amount to the second return of sovereignty. Rather, I see it as Hong Kong being welcomed back on track, with open arms under our Motherland’s loving embrace. We are blessed that we are at a stage where China is rising politically and economically in the global arena. This is perfect timing for us, where the Mainland is in a position to nurture, guide and protect us even more.
 
Despite the media narratives in certain quarters, the “one country two systems” is an everyday reality in Hong Kong. The Rule of Law, and independence of the judiciary, which are so vital to Hong Kong’s success, remain strong. In short, we are having the best of both worlds. Our Hong Kong system, and the care and support of our Motherland.
 
I have many Chinese friends living overseas – they work hard, and whilst they do advance in their careers, there somehow seems to be a glass ceiling because of their ethnic background. We also know that the Asian community has also recently been subject to hate crimes in the US.
 
In contrast, being here in Hong Kong, this is our home. We don’t need to wrestle with these issues and the sky is the limit. Although we may have been through a rough patch over the last two years, I sincerely believe that we can reclaim our profile on the international stage, and continue to strengthen ourselves as a leading international financial centre.
 
The Central Government is about to embark on the “14th Five-Year Plan” this year. Hong Kong is now on track on its law and order, as well as renew governance. We are in a unique position. We only need to partake of the realities in this new era of our history. Our role will evolve. Whether we have the “most favoured nation” status under US law is not as important as it may seem when weighed against the fact that we are running a trade surplus with the US, and the opportunities from the developments of our Motherland provided to us.
 
In any case, let us not be disillusioned by the slew of Western news. These are no more than geopolitical tactics and we just have to believe in our core values and strength, and continue to realise the far wider opportunities that our Motherland has provided us.
 
Let us remind ourselves that China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and we are fortunate enough to be part of this.
The Central Government would not want us to fail and we certainly don’t want to fail. There is no conflict of interests in what we all want as a city. We both want HK to prosper.
 
Let us widen our horizon and make the most of what Hong Kong has got, both as an international metropolis and as a major city in a country containing one fifth of humanity and which has the biggest consumer market. So thrive on the opportunities that we have got.
 
Let us see what Greater Bay Area offers in terms of commercial, financial or professional opportunities. Don't ignore and waste such opportunities.
 
Let us make the best from what we have whilst being here. We are not going to get any help from other countries but we are not alone, we have all the support we need from the Central Government.
 
With the above perspectives as the background, I would like to propose, especially to young professionals, in the midst of this changing era to:
 
Firstly, let us build a bridge, by forming a strategic partnership between Mainland institutions and international counterparts. We can take advantage of the imminent economic success of the Greater Bay Area. The key to success is that for us, as Hong Kongers, to be a connector, by adopting a pragmatic approach and a professional attitude. Let’s put Hong Kong’s interest above our own personal ambition and be an invaluable asset to all.
 
Secondly,          Cultivate an open mind to understand, and make connections with the fast evolving Mainland’s businesses and professional services, and make known our internationally renowned integrity and ethical standards.
 
Thirdly,          Keep in view of Mainland’s technological advancement for future integration to Hong Kong’s local economy.
 
Lastly,          Be aware of the latest news and perspectives of the Mainland, whilst retaining the ability to critically analyse local and international information.
 
We all love Hong Kong, and I believe we have a common goal – to build our home for ourselves, our children, our youths, our elderly parents, friends & relatives, to thrive in peace and prosperity. Let us work together to build a safe, stable and successful Hong Kong that we are all proud to call home. Let’s put aside our differences and reevaluate the best strategy for Hong Kong as a whole. See the realities for what it is. The Central Government wants Hong Kong to succeed and this has always been their policy.
 
Finally, I have a dream to share with you all. In my dream, Hong Kong is back on the global stage as a politically stable, prosperous international financial centre where everyone in Hong Kong has a roof over their heads; where every young person can see their career dreams fulfilled; families can build secure livelihoods for their children and support their parents lovingly; and where the elderly can retire into a respectable lifestyle, reaping the rewards of all their hard work.
 
 
Eugene Chan, signing off treasuring your support and always remember,
UNITY IS STRENGTH