Hong Kong CE Policy Address Submission

SINCE OUR INCEPTION, APAC FOCUS FOCUSED ON PROMOTING CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC EXCHANGE AMONG PEOPLE FROM ASIA PACIFIC REGIONS.

Society of Asia Pacific Focus (APAC Focus) is a non-profit, independent and learned scholarly platform founded in 2023 that is dedicated to promoting the development and intellectual exchange of the Asia Pacific region Our organization comprises a diverse group of individuals and professionals who share a common interest in the region's sustainable development

Our mission is to facilitate collaboration among young people across the Asia Pacific region by creating platforms for dialogue knowledge exchange and networking By bringing together individuals and organizations from different sectors and backgrounds, we can promote best practices foster innovation and enhance the well-being of the region's people and environment

Through our various programs and initiatives we aim to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing pressing regional challenges such as poverty inequality climate change, and biodiversity loss Join us in our efforts to promote a sustainable and prosperous Asia Pacific region

As a platform, it is important for us to follow the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because we have the potential to impact society and the environment positively By aligning our research and development initiatives with the SDGs, we can contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality By following the SDGs, we can become powerful agents of change and contribute to building a more sustainable future for all

Content

I. “One Country, Two Systems” & Beyond

II.Education&ResearchforSustainableDevelopment

III.Economy

IV.Crimes&Security

V.LegalAffairs

One Country, Two Systems” & Beyond

1.Promoting“twosystems”andconnectingHongKongmorewiththeWorld

IIt is more important than ever that the Hong Kong government maintains the "One country, two systems"policy.ThispolicyhasbeenthecornerstoneofHongKong'shighdegreeofautonomyand economicprosperityfordecades,anditmustcontinuetobeupheld.

APACFOCUSarguesthatonewaythegovernmentcansupportthispolicyisbyworkingtoconnect HongKongmorewiththeworldthroughexternalaffairs Relationswithothercountriesareessential forHongKong'seconomicprosperityandstability.Thegovernmentcanworktostrengthenexisting tieswithothereconomiesandexpanditsnetworktoforgenewrelationshipswithothers

Furthermore,thegovernmentshouldprioritizepromotingHongKongasamodelofgoodgovernance, transparency,andtheruleoflaw Thiscanbeachievedbycreatinganenvironmentthatisconduciveto doingbusiness,promotingfreedomofspeechandexpression,andensuringthatthelegalsystemisfair andimpartial

2.ConsolidatingtheuniquenessandvaluesofHongKong’s"OneCountry,TwoSystems"

Considering the ongoing Sino-US rivalry, it is becoming increasingly crucial for the government to consolidatetheuniquenessandvaluesof“OneCountry,TwoSystems”HongKong'shighdegreeof autonomyanddistinctidentityofeast-meet-west.Theyarekeytoitssuccessasagloballyconnectedcity, and the government must take steps to preserve and promote these qualities and consolidate the uniquenessandvaluesof“OneCountry,TwoSystems”.

One way to achieve this is by encouraging cross-border exchanges and collaborations Hong Kong's locationandstatusasaSpecialAdministrativeRegionmakeitanidealgatewaybetweenChinaandthe restoftheworld Byfosteringclosertieswithneighboringregionsandcountries,thegovernmentcan helptoreinforceHongKong'spositionasahubforsocialexchanges,businessandinnovationinthe area

3. Enhancing international engagements by attracting international organizations to set up offices in HongKong

APACFOCUSadvocatesthatglobalengagementisoneofthekeystoadvancing"OneCountry,Two Systems"toanotherlevel AttractinginternationalorganizationstosetupofficesinHongKongcan helppromotethe"OneCountry,TwoSystems"principleinseveralways.

Firstly, it can demonstrate Hong Kong's status as an international hub and showcase its unique advantages,suchasitsstrategiclocationandworld-classinfrastructure Thepresenceofinternational organizations can create a positive image of Hong Kong and Mainland China in the international community,whichisessentialforpromotingthe"OneCountry,TwoSystems"principle.

Secondly,attractinginternationalorganizationscanhelpfostermoreoutstandingcommunicationand cooperationbetweenHongKongandotherregions Thiscanincreaseunderstandingandsupportfor the"OneCountry,TwoSystems"concept,asdifferentperspectivesandideasareshared.

Furthermore, it can promote closer ties between China and other countries and regions, and foster greaterunderstandingandcooperation.Thiscanhelpbuildtrust,encouragepeaceandstabilityinthe area,andadvanceChina'seconomicanddiplomaticinterests ThiscanalsohelpChinatoaddressits challengesandachievesustainabledevelopmentinthelongterm.

Finally,attractinginternationalorganizationscanhelpHongKongmaintainitsstatusasanopenand vibrantsociety,whichisessentialforthesuccessofthe"OneCountry,TwoSystems"principle The presenceofdiverseinternationalorganizationscanenrichHongKong'sculturalandintellectuallifeand promote tolerance and understanding of different cultures. This, in turn, can help to prevent social tensionsandconflictsandpromotesocialharmonyandstabilityinHongKong

Inaddition,attractinginternationalorganizationstosetupofficesinHongKongcanhelplocalNGOs engageininternationalaffairsinseveralways.Thepresenceofinternationalorganizationscancreate opportunitiesforlocalNGOstocollaboratewiththemonprojectsandinitiativesandcanprovidelocal NGOs with access to global networks and resources, as well as new ideas and perspectives. The communicationandcooperationfacilitatedbyinternationalorganizationscanhelplocalNGOstolearn fromtheirinternationalcounterpartsandimprovetheirownpracticesandstrategies

HongKonggovernmentcantakereferenceofJapan Therearearound45internationalorganizations set up in Japan, including the ASEAN-japan Centre, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the InternationalLabourOrganization,theUnitedNationsOfficefortheCoordinationofHumanitarian Affairs, the United Nations University, etc. Over 400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are estimatedtobeengagedininternationalcooperationactivities.

I I Education & Research for sustainable development

APACFOCUSsuggeststhatthegovernmentshouldtakefurtherstepstopromotepeaceandtherule oflaweducationinbothprimaryandsecondaryschoolsacrossthecountry.

Educatingyoungstudentsabouttheimportanceofpeacefulconflictresolutionandadherencetothe ruleoflawisessential,asthesevaluesarethefoundationofaharmoniousandjustsociety.

Byintroducingpeaceandtheruleoflaweducationinschools,wecancreateagenerationofyoung peoplewhoareequippedwiththeskillsandknowledgenecessarytodealwithconflictsinanonviolentandconstructivemanner.Theywilllearntolistentoothers,respectdiverseperspectives,and workcollaborativelytowardscommongoals Thiswillnotonlybenefitthemasindividualsbutwill alsohaveapositiveimpactontheirfamilies,communities,andthecountryasawhole.

Moreover, instilling these values in young minds can help prevent and reduce crime, violence, radicalization, extremism and other critical social problems. When students understand the importanceoftheruleoflaw,theyarelesslikelytoengageinillegalactivitiesorbecomevictimsof crime. They will also be more likely to advocate for justice and equality, and to stand up against corruptionandabuseofpowerthatcanquicklyerodethecity’svalue

2.EncouragingESGandSDGs-relatedsustainabilityeducationandresearchintertiaryeducation

APAC FOCUS strongly suggests that the government should prioritize education and research relatedtoenvironmental,social,andgovernance(ESG)andsustainabledevelopmentgoals(SDGs)in tertiaryeducation.ThisalignswiththeUnitedNationsDevelopmentAgenda,whichrecognizesthe importanceofsustainabledevelopmentandtheneedtoaddressenvironmentalandsocialchallenges

The world is facing numerous environmental and social challenges that require urgent action. Climatechange,pollution,andbiodiversitylossarejustsomeoftheissuesthatneedtobeaddressed inordertoensureasustainablefutureforall.

1.Promotingpeace,ruleoflawandconflictmanagementeducationinbothprimaryandsecondary schools

At the same time, social inequality, radicalization, extremism, anti-science movement and poverty continue to affect many places worldwide As the next generation of leaders, students in tertiary education have an essential role to play in addressing these challenges. By equipping them with the knowledgeandskillsneededtotackletheseissues,wecanensureabrighterfutureforfuturegenerations.

StrengtheningESGandSDGsintertiaryeducationwillhelpcreateacultureofsustainabilitythatis essentialforbuildingamoresustainablefuture Thiswillenablestudentstodevelopanunderstanding oftheinterconnectednessofenvironmental,social,andeconomicissuesandhowtoaddressthemina holisticmanner

Moreover,byprioritizingsustainabilityeducationandresearchintertiaryeducation,wecanalsofoster innovationandcreativityinfindingsolutionstoenvironmental,social,andgovernancechallenges This willnotonlybenefitstudents,butalsothebroadercommunitybycontributingtoamoresustainable andprosperousfutureforall

3.Encouragingmoreprofessionalsoutheastasianstudiesandtraininginhighereducation

ThegovernmentshouldencouragehighereducationinstitutionstodevelopnewcoursesinSoutheast Asianstudies,withafocusonprofessionalfieldssuchasinternationaltrade,finance,andIslamiclaw This will help prepare students for careers in an increasingly globalized world, where knowledge of Southeast Asian markets and legal systems will be highly valuable By providing funding and other resourcestosupportthedevelopmentoftheseprograms,thegovernmentcanhelpensurethatstudents haveaccesstotheknowledgeandskillstheyneedtosucceedinthefuture

4.Promotingmentalhealtheducationandtraininginschoolsandcommunities

Accordingtorecentestimates,oneinsevenpeopleinHongKongwillexperienceacommonmental disorderatanytime Thismeansthatmanypeopleinthecommunityarelikelystrugglingwithmental healthissuesyetarenotreceivingthesupportandtreatmenttheyneed.

Oneofthemainreasonsforthelackofsupportandtreatmentisthestigmasurroundingmentalhealth. Manypeoplefeelashamedorembarrassedtoseekhelpformentalhealthissues,leadingtofeelingsof isolationandhopelessness Additionally,thereisalackofawarenessaboutthesignsandsymptomsof mentalhealthproblemsandashortageofaccessibleprofessionalsupport.

To address these issues, the government should prioritize mental health education and training for teachersinschools Teachersareuniquelypositionedtohelpidentifyandsupportstudentsstruggling withmentalhealthissues.

By promoting mental health education and training, the government can help reduce mental health stigma,increaseawarenessabouttheimportanceofseekingprofessionalhelp,andprovideteacherswith thetoolstheyneedtocreateasupportiveandinclusiveclassroomenvironment

Thiscouldincludetrainingonhowtorecognizesignsofmentaldistress,howtoprovidesupportand referral to professional help, and how to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotesgoodmentalhealth.Byinvestinginmentalhealtheducationandtrainingforteachers,the governmentcanhelptoimprovetheoverallmentalwell-beingofHongKong'spopulation.

Moreover,theprevalenceofmentalhealthproblemsarisesfrommanycommonenvironmental,social, and personal stressors, including stressful life events, lack of regular exercise, alcohol and substance misuse,financialdifficulties,livinginpublichousing,andchronicillness.Therefore,itiscrucialforthe government to provide sufficient resources and support to ensure that teachers have the necessary knowledgeandskillstohelpstudentscopewiththesestressors.

III. Economy

APACFOCUSrecommendsthatthegovernmentshouldstartplanningstrategiestoattractprofessional talentsfromASEANandSoutheastAsia,allowingHongKongbetterpreparefortheneweconomic engines

Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to seize business opportunities during a week-long trip to ASEAN countriesandtoconsolidatesupportforthecitytojointheworld’slargestfree-tradepact.HongKong's ChiefExecutive,JohnLeeKa-Chiu,hasbegunaweek-longtriptoSingapore,Indonesia,andMalaysia toconsolidatesupportforHongKongtojointheworld'smostsignificantfree-tradepact,theRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and to seize business opportunities in ASEAN countries

LeepointedoutthatASEANandthewiderregionarepoisedtobecometheworld'sbiggesteconomic engineandunderlinedtheimportanceofunderstandingthetargetaudience'sneeds.Inordertoprepare fortheupcomingeconomicopportunityfromSoutheastAsia,APACFOCUSurgedthegovernmentto quicklyimplementstrategiestoattractprofessionaltalentsfromASEANandSoutheastAsia.

OnepotentialstrategyistofocusonattractingyoungtalentsfromSoutheastAsia,giventheregion's growingpoolofskilledprofessionalsandproximitytoHongKong.SoutheastAsiaishometoadiverse and highly skilled workforce, with many young professionals seeking new opportunities and growth prospects.Bytappingintothistalentpool,theHongKonggovernmentcanbenefitfromafreshinflux of skills, knowledge, and perspectives that can enrich the local workforce and help drive economic growthinthelongrun.

InadditiontotheeconomicbenefitsofattractingyoungtalentsfromSoutheastAsia,thisstrategycan also improve Hong Kong's relationship with the region and increase its role in Southeast Asia. By welcomingyoungtalentsfromSoutheastAsia,HongKongcandemonstrateitscommitmenttoregional cooperationandestablishstrongerconnectionswithitsneighbors.Thiscanbeespeciallyimportantfor sectorssuchastechnology,finance,andotherprofessionalcross-borderbusinessactivities,wherecrossborderpartnershipsandknowledgesharingcanhelptospurinnovationanddriveprogress.

Overall, attracting young talents from Southeast Asia is not only a practical solution to address the decreasingnumberofyoungtalentsinthelaborforcebutalsoastrategicmovetostrengthenHong Kong'sregionalstandingandcontributetothedevelopmentofSoutheastAsiaasawhole Bytaking boldandforward-thinkingactions,thegovernmentcanpositionHongKongforamoreprosperousand sustainablefuture

1.PlanningstrategiestoattractprofessionaltalentsfromASEANandSoutheastAsia.

PrioritizingInnovationandTechnologyinHongKongEconomicDevelopment

In our contemporary, globalized economy, talent is the cornerstone of competition among cities, regions,andevennations.Thus,thequestionofattracting,cultivating,andretaininghigh-calibertalent isacriticalissuethatdemandstheattentionofdecision-makersandgovernmentsateverylevel

Indeed,numerouscitiesinthemainlandbeyondthefirsttierhavemadeconcertedeffortstoenhance theirtalentpolicies,optingforreformandinnovationtocraftmoreappealingenvironmentsfortalent. TheChina-SCOInstituteofEconomyandTradebasedinQingdaoisacaseinpoint AsofJune2023, on its fifth anniversary, the "Entrepreneurship Harbor" initiative has fostered 217 innovative startup projectsandhassuccessfullyregistered142enterprises.InthecontextofHongKong,advancingurban development necessitates not only revitalizing and invigorating the industries but also focusing on "nurturing","attracting",and"utilizing"talent.

Firstly, "nurturing". The government of Hong Kong is poised to offer more investment and policy support for scientific research institutions and universities conducting tech-oriented research By bolsteringtechnologyeducation,itensuresboththequalityandquantityoftechtalents.Enhancing cooperation and communication between enterprises and universities will stimulate mutual collaboration,providingmoretechnicalsupportandsharedresourcesfortech-innovationenterprises

Secondly, "attracting" The government can establish dedicated accelerators for innovation and entrepreneurship,providingspecializedsupportandservicesforbothlocalandoverseasentrepreneurs. These accelerators can supply a plethora of resources, such as funds, venues, training, mentors, and investors, thus facilitating swift development and growth for entrepreneurs. Collaborating with tech enterprises from other countries and regions to introduce and absorb external resources and technologies is also an effective approach This expands Hong Kong's tech-innovation network and influence and attracts outstanding tech projects and talents, fostering technological innovation cooperationandexchangeinternationally

Lastly,"utilizing" Itissuggestedthateachgovernmentdepartmentshouldannuallypurchaseatleast fourlocallydevelopedprojects.The13policyandtworesourcebureauscouldthuscollectivelyacquire atleast60itemsperyear.Byimplementingthispractice,thepioneeringroleoflocalR&Dachievements isunderscored,boostinglocalR&DresultsanddrivinganincreaseinR&Dexpenditureasashareof regional GDP. The key to success lies in effectively delivering and completing business transactions. When a company possesses independent capacity for self-sustaining growth, it can spur continuous investmentinR&D.

Talent is an essential driver of technological advancement and socio-economic development. Cultivating, attracting, and retaining talent is increasingly pivotal, especially in today's globalized backdrop GivenHongKong'slong-standingstatusandadvantages,ithasuniqueopportunitiesinterms oftalentpolicy.However,tokeeppacewiththeintensecompetitionfrommainlandcitiesandother regionsworldwide,HongKongmustadaptandoptimizeitstalentdevelopmentstrategies,positioning itselftobetterwelcomeandattracttalentfromacrosstheglobe.

IV. Crimes & Security

1.Combatinguprisingcrimetrendintriad-related,organizedanddeceptioncrimes

HongKonghasalwaysbeenconsideredasafecitywithalowcrimerateandawell-functioninglegal system However,crimerateshaveincreasedinrecentyears,particularlyintriad-relatedanddeception crimes.TheriseinthesecrimesisasignificantconcernforthegovernmentandcitizensofHongKong, astheyposeathreattopersonalandpublicsafetyandtheruleoflaw

Thegovernmentmusttakeswiftanddecisiveactiontoaddresstheseissuesandprotectthewell-beingof itscitizens Thiswillrequireacomprehensiveandcoordinatedapproachthatinvolveslawenforcement agencies,communityorganizations,andotherstakeholders.

Therefore,APACFOCUSstronglyrecommendsthatthegovernmenttakeswiftanddecisiveactionto address these issues and protect the well-being of its citizens This will require a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Thelawenforcementagenciesshouldprioritizeanti-fraudasthetopagendaandincreasetheireffortsto warn the public about the dangers of scams and deception It should also increase the resources to educatethepubliconrecognizingandreportingscamsanddeceptioncrimes.Thiscouldincludepublic awarenesscampaigns,workshops,andtrainingsessionsforcitizens

Furthermore,thepoliceforceshouldenhanceitseffortstocombattriad-relatedcrimesbyinvestigating anddismantlingtriadsocietiesandstrengtheningthepenaltiesforthosewhoengageinsuchactivities Additionally,theforceshouldworkwithcommunityorganizationsandotherstakeholderstopromote awarenessofthenegativeimpactoftriadsocietiesonsociety Thiscouldincludecommunityoutreach programs,youtheducationinitiatives,andsupportforat-riskindividuals.

It is also vital for the government to take a proactive approach and partner with private sector organizationstocreateinnovativesolutionstocounterthesecrimes,ratherthanrelyingsolelyonreactive measures ThiscouldincludeusingnewtechnologieslikeAI-poweredchatbotsandvoiceassistantsto combat social engineering attacks, as well as developing new legislation and strategic plan to address emergingthreats

2.Strengtheningcommunitypolice,improvingthePolice-publicco-operation

Thepolice-publiccooperationisavitalpartofincreasingcrimepreventionandinterventionactivities. Although the overall popularity rating of the Hong Kong Police Force has recorded a significant improvement since 2019, the Police Force shall redirect more resources to enhancing community resilienceagainstcrimesbyimprovingpolice-publicco-operation.Thepoliceagenciesmustpartnerwell withdistrictorganizationstobuildstronger,moreself-sufficientcommunitieswherecrimeanddisorder willnotthrive.

3.Legislationagainstmodernslaveryandforcedlabor

HumantraffickersfromBurma,Cambodia,Laos,Malaysia,andthePhilippinesusedfakejoblistingsto recruitadultsandchildrenfromdozensofcountries.HongKongislistedasoneoftheregionsfrom whichresidentsaretraffickedintoothercountries

HongKongwasmovingfromthe“Tier2WatchList”to“Tier2,”intheannualTraffickinginPersons ReportreleasedbytheUSStateDepartment.ItmeansthatthereportseestheHongKonggovernment “donotfullymeettheUSTraffickingVictimsProtectionAct’sminimumstandardsbutaremaking significanteffortstocomplywiththosestandards”

Therefore, APAC FOCUS encourages the government to continue supporting and developing legislationonmodernslaverywhilstreferencingotherwell-establishedpolicies,suchastheUK’sModern SlaveryActof2015 AsAsia’spremierinternationalhub,HongKongshouldhaverelevantlegislationto serveasaviablemodelforitsneighboringcountries.

This could include introducing new requirements for businesses and their supply chains, as well as raisingawarenessamongsttheprivatesectortoincreasetheidentificationofpotentialcasesandmeetthe d d f h l f ff k l d b h T ff k

V.legal affairs

1.EnhancingSentencingTransparency:PublicisingSentencingGuidelines

APAC FOCUS recommends that the government take steps to enhance the transparency of the sentencingprocessinHongKong.

Firstly, it is suggested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) should explicitly classify judgments as sentencingguidelinestogivethemanelevatedstatusintherelevantareas Suchclassificationwillensure that sentencing guideline judgments are clearly distinguished from other judgments and will help to avoidanyconfusionoruncertaintyintheirapplication AconfusingexamplecouldbeseenwhenCA gavenewinstructionsonguiltypleadiscountsinHKSARvNgoVanNam[2016]5HKLRD1.While itwasstatedthatalljudgesoftheCAhadbeenconsultedandagreedtothejudgment,thejudgmenthad not been formally classified as a guideline (despite practically assuming such status) Through clear markingonthejudiciary'sLegalReferenceSystem,authoritativesentencingguidelinecasescanbeeasily identified Thiswillhelptopromoteclarityandconsistencyintheapplicationofsentencingguidelines

Secondly,itissuggestedthatamoreaccessibleplatformformembersofthepublictolookforthese guidelinesinasimplifiedandlayman-friendlycontextshouldbeprovidedbytheDOJ.Currently,Hong Kong’ssentencingguidelinesexistinindividualjudgments,andthelackofsystematiccompilationof guidelinejudgmentscontributestothepublic'sperceptionofsentencingasamysteriousandarbitrary process. To address this issue, an online platform operated by the DOJ that compiles all sentencing guidelinesinHongKongcouldbeestablished,makingthemeasilyaccessibletothepublic

OneclearadvantagedemonstratedbytheestablishmentoftheUKSentencingCouncilwouldbethe enhancement of public accessibility towards sentencing matters. In the UK, the general sentencing principles,aswellasmostoffense-specificsentencingguidelines,areeasilyaccessibletothepubliconthe Sentencing Council’s official website While whether a Sentencing Council should be established in Hong Kong is itself a separate important debate, such enhancement of transparency can be done withoutnecessarilyestablishingit

These measures will help to promote open justice and enhance the transparency of the sentencing process,therebystrengtheningpublictrustinHongKong’scriminaljusticesystem.Byprovidinggreater clarityandaccessibilityofsentencingguidelines,thegovernmentcanensurethatthepublichasgreater confidenceinthejudicialprocess,evenwhentheydisagreewiththedecisionsmade

Founder & Lead Editor

BryanT.W.Luk

Members & Fellows

Derek C. P. Cheung

Taylor Xu

Aaron H. L. Wong & Others

This submission is a collection of opinions and commentaries from APAC FOCUS members, fellows and advisors.

Special thanks to everyone who helped, advised and contributed.