The Hong Kong Spirit: Vision and Can-Do Attitude

David T.C. Lie SBS OM JP August 05, 2025 12:26

In a heartfelt letter from a dear friend — the visionary force behind an ambitious urban redevelopment initiative in Hong Kong — I found a spark of inspiration that reignited my faith in our city's enduring resilience. This friend, whose innovative drive has shaped what promises to be a meaningful example of community revitalization, reminded me of the "can-do" attitude that has long defined Hongkongers. To be clear, my intention here is not to market or promote any specific project; rather, I draw upon this story purely as an illustrative example to inspire fellow Hongkongers, highlighting how such endeavours reflect our collective spirit and encourage us all to embrace vision and determination in our own lives.

The initiative began taking shape in 2019, right as Hong Kong entered one of its most challenging eras, marked by social upheavals, a global pandemic, and economic strains. These were years that tested everyone's limits, compounded by the practical hurdles of construction in our city — like erecting structures on unyielding granite bedrock. Yet, it's a reminder of the sheer determination required to build anything worthwhile here, mirroring the broader challenges we've faced as a community. This example, much like Hong Kong itself today, stands at a crossroads — blending the old with the new, the local with the global. It urges us to be acutely aware of who we are as a people and what we do to shape our future, respecting our heritage while inspiring what comes next. By sharing this as an inspiration, I hope to motivate other Hongkongers to apply similar resilience in their personal and professional pursuits.

This "Hong Kong Can-Do attitude" is rooted in key qualities that have propelled us forward: discipline to stay the course amid obstacles; creativity to innovate in blending diverse influences; perseverance to push through adversity; and execution to turn bold visions into reality. These elements shine through in real-life examples like this one, showing that even in trying times, we can navigate crossroads with purpose and grit. Again, my goal is not to advertise; it's to use this as a motivational case study for all Hongkongers, encouraging us to foster these qualities in our daily lives and community efforts.

During a recent visit to the mainland, I heard a recurring sentiment: that Hongkongers had become too complacent, our once-famed vision dimmed by rapid changes around us. It was a critique that lingered, prompting self-examination. But then, reflecting on descriptions of such urban renewal efforts shifted my perspective. For instance, concepts that emphasize a landmark born out of the "vibrant spirit and soul of Hong Kong," located in the diverse and dynamic heart of Central, offer a glimpse of optimism. They portray a "crossing of global cultures and communities," where the best of Hong Kong mixes with influences from around the world — blending commerce and leisure, art and green oases, day and night. This isn't about selling anything; it's about drawing inspiration from how such initiatives reaffirm that innovative thinking and bold action are still alive in our midst, helping us reclaim our edge as Asia's World City. I share this to inspire other Hongkongers to seek out and create similar examples of cultural fusion and renewal in their own neighbourhoods or careers.

This isn't the first time such inspiration has struck. Not long ago, after coming across early concepts for urban revitalization in Central, I wrote an article in a Chinese newspaper titled "Let Hong Kong be Hong Kong." It was a plea to reconnect with our core identity — who we are and what drives us forward. We are, after all, a hub where East meets West in a global tapestry woven with heritage, where daily commerce blends seamlessly with moments of leisure, art, and even pockets of green serenity amid the urban hustle. Examples like the final phase of the Peel Street / Graham Street redevelopment embody this perfectly: a place where people and inspiration meet, honouring the past while forging a future full of possibility. By referencing this as an example, my aim is solely to encourage fellow Hongkongers to draw from it as a source of motivation, applying its lessons to preserve and innovate in our unique Hong Kong way.

In essence, stories like my friend's illustrate that Hong Kong's spirit endures. Amid doubts and crossroads, it's heartening to see evidence of our vision and tenacity — through discipline, creativity, perseverance, and execution. Let's draw from such examples to ensure our city continues to thrive as the dynamic force it's always been, aware of our roots and ready to inspire the world. This article is not intended as marketing; it's a call to action for all Hongkongers to use these inspirations as blueprints for personal growth and community betterment.

The author is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of China New Era Foundation.

David T.C. Lie SBS OM JP