Joyce Pan: City Can't Rest on 'Internationality' Laurels

The new “Asian Cities Internationality Index” ranks Hong Kong first, narrowly ahead of Singapore. Yet being a truly international city requires introspection.

First, there is the matter of cultural diversity. While Singapore’s multicultural fabric is woven into its national identity, Hong Kong’s expatriate communities, once a vibrant force, are shrinking. The city must ask: how can it revive openness to global talent without clinging to nostalgia? Enhancing English skills would demonstrate commitment.

Second, infrastructure. Hong Kong’s public transport, recently crowned the world’s best by Time Out, is an unsung strength. But to future-proof physical infrastructure, next-generation solutions are necessary, an area where investment will define  competitiveness.

Finally, relevance. The new International Organization for Mediation may bolster Hong Kong’s role in global dispute resolution, but soft power requires trust. As geopolitical tensions rise, the city must prove it can bridge divides. Hong Kong’s ranking is a reminder of its legacy and the evolutionary challenge facing it.

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