(import - may 17) Give me Money, I am Hungry

Just wanted to share the article I was asked to write on "any current issue in HK" for a potential employer. I was inspired by something that happened in Wan Chai yesterday on the street. An old woman grabbed my shirt sleeve and asked for money. Since I heard the best way to get rid of random people harrassing you on the street (such as those viscous surveyers who have speed walking and fast talking capabilities and don't let go of their victim once they latch onto you) is to speak to them in English, I instinctively spouted, "Sorry I don't understand chinese." To my surprise, this old woman cackled out, "Give me money. I am hungry."

Here it is:

"Give me money. I am hungry"
an Introspective on the widening poverty gap in Hong Kong

It is a bright Sunday morning. Hong Kong residents are seen going to church, milling around in the streets and obsessing over freshness at wet markets, protected from the sun by their UV umbrellas. Some are seen littered on the ground poring over betting cards and newspapers near the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), an organization that enjoys monopoly in horse racing, sporting and betting. It is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong, reflecting its sheer size and involvement in Hong Kong society. Many of these people seen hanging out at HKJC are old, as are those seen picking up cardboard boxes for a living.

My observation this Sunday corroborates the facts. The gap between the rich and poor is greatest in Hong Kong amongst developed countries in the world. The tragic reality is that this gap is still growing in our affluent country. In the 1997-2003 economic downturn, salaries were slashed, and unemployment rose to around 9%. In 2005, the economy improved and salaries rose along with it, but not for the unskilled and semi-skilled workers. This is an issue because Hong Kong is primarily service sector (especially financial) driven, requiring skilled labour; the service sector makes up over 90% of Hong Kong's GDP. Poverty issues seem to be left to the individual or the individual's family to solve. For instance, my grandfather is mostly supported by his three children, including all of his health care needs. Since the population in HK is aging, this places a huge burden on the next generation, who is probably taking care of their own children. By the time this "sandwich generation" hits retirement age, they may find themselves having to accept minimal living standards, be forced to continue to work, or rely on their children. Faced with costly life expenses such as marriage, childcare and elderly care, they did not have extra resources to plan for retirement.

In Canada, the elderly praise their pension plan, old age security and especially their health care benefits. Canada provides universal health insurance. That being said, Canada has its own issues. It is not as capitalistic as Hong Kong; government intervention distributes equality at the expense of efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. Social services also mean high tax, encouraging talent to drain across the border (aka the brain drain).

The HK government has instigated MPF, but it does not protect housewives or those who are not on the scheme. Comprehensive social security assistance does not seem to be providing enough to help people lead decent lives. This stinginess is because of the Donald Tsang government's emphasis on building wealth for businesses and increasing their efficiency and competitiveness. I believe that the government should take bold, courageous action and instigate effective social welfare programs. A free market protected by law is important for a society to remain competitive and developing in this world, but I believe that capitalism should not have to happen at the expense of increasing poverty. Affluent Hong Kong citizens have a responsibility as well. As human beings, we should be involved in philantrophy and help a fellow member of society in need. Large institutions should take social corporate responsibility to help the masses directly such as providing insurance services in honesty and good faith, and indirectly, through education.

All that being said, the government or society as a whole should not bear all responsibility. I believe that each individual is ultimately responsible for their own future. Organisations such as the HKJC are so popular because people are in desperate situations and want a miracle--a hope that they place in their gambling. To put it bluntly, people should save money and live within their means.

It was both heartbreaking and scary when yesterday, along the streets of Wan Chai, an elderly woman begged me for money, hanging onto my shirt sleave. I instinctively spoke to her in English and she replied in English, "Give me money. I am hungry." A person was reported to dump acid into Sai Yeung Choi Street from his window, hurting pedestrians. They did not catch this criminal yet, so I don't know his motives, but this piece of news reminds me that people actually go insane and commit crimes because they lost their life savings. We need to teach people how to budget and encourage them to use their time for more productive activities than spending time at HKJC or speculating in the stock market.