This year marks the 25th year since the handover of Hong Kong on 1st July, 1997. In the past 25 years, the world around us has certainly changed a lot. We experienced the exponential growth of the Chinese economy while we also embraced the devastating events of a global financial crisis. Similarly, just as the world seems to be getting back on our feet from an unprecedented pandemic, a war broke out in Ukraine which is closely tied to the energy crisis that the whole world is experiencing right now. So, what exactly does this has to do with how the way of living changed for the people of Hong Kong? The reality is that Hong Kong has always been closely connected with the rest of the world, and in many ways, such close connectivity also helps shaping not only how the way the seven million people of Hong Kong live, but also what makes this city so special. For instance, despite the allegations and attacks by certain foreign press on the “demise” of Hong Kong’s judicial independence; the past 25 years have shown us Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to both the Common Law system and an independent Judiciary. In that sense, the way of living has not changed a bit in the past 25 years, where the people of Hong Kong, from any walks of life, are free to protect themselves and their interests in the independent and impartial court of law. Yes, new laws and regulations have since passed, including the National Security Law, which was portraited as this all-evil monster by certain interested groups. Yet, what many failed to emphasis is how it only concerns a tiny group of individuals who sets out to commit serious crime against the security of the society; and last time I checked, the majority of the people of Hong Kong do not belong in this category and hence, are free to continue with their daily lives as they have always been. Similarly, another aspect that is closely connected to the Hong Kong people’s way of living is its free and vibrant economy, which for years has been ranked among the most competitive economies around the world. This is not something that only concerns the ultra-rich and those high paid individuals in shiny shoes and well pressed suits, it is something that every single individual in Hong Kong; from the hard-working mechanics working in the container terminals to the cleaners working in hotels that welcomes international travelers have benefited from. Moreover, as it did in the last 25 years, as we emerge from this pandemic, this economy will continue to provide for the many who have enjoyed such standard of living as Hong Kong continues to serve not only as the bridge between China and the world, but also as a hub for international commerce and trade. However, there are other aspects which have not changed in the past 25 years, which in fact put the people of Hong Kong in a worse situation. The most obvious example is the devastating and frankly shambolic situation of Hong Kong’s housing crisis, where after all these years, the waiting time for public housing continues to increase while many are still forced to call subdivided flats and even shocking ‘caged houses’ their home. I can confidently say that this is a change to Hong Kong people’s way of living that none of us should be proud of. Fortunately, this has now been placed as one of the new government’s top issues to tackle, and with new mindsets and new tools; I am hopeful that in the not-so-distant future, the way of living for those in the bottom end of Hong Kong’s society can change for the better and for good. Another example of something that is so deeply intertwined with Hong Kong people’s way of living in the past 25 years is the Octopus Card, which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Whilst it symbolized Hong Kong’s world leading position in electronic payments years ago, the reality is that the society has become complacent with it, resulting in the emergence of various advancements in such fields only having a small impact on Hong Kong people’s way of living. In conclusion, we should be proud of what we have persisted on, including the independent Judiciary and the vibrant economy that has been pillars that support Hong Kong people’s unique way of living. However, in the next 25 years and beyond, we must also face the ugly and the entrenched aspects of Hong Kong people’s ways of living. I am confident that with courage and determination, the next 25 years will see a change to the way of living for all Hong Kong people, where everyone in society can be proud to call Hong Kong their home.

A student from Queen Mary, University of London

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