International knowledge and standards keys for HK to move forward, HSBC head says
Globalisation has remained an important theme for HSBC since the bank’s founding
For HSBC’s Peter Wong Tung-shun, the way for Hong Kong’s young to prepare themselves for a key role in maintaining the city’s place as a link between the mainland and the world could be as simple as turning a page.
“Young people should read more international newspapers to have a strong understanding of international affairs and developments,” Wong, HSBC’s head of Asia Pacific, told the South China Morning Post.
“They should read the international newspapers to understand what is happening around the world and assess what are the implications of international affairs,” he said.
Only when they can say what the implications are of a drop of oil price for various countries and industry sectors can they help advise Chinese firms looking to invest overseas and to develop yuan usage globally.
The globalisation of Chinese firms and the yuan are two key themes for Hong Kong in coming years, with the city ideally placed to capture a big share of the opportunities to be created.
But, Wong said, as well as young people taking up the challenge, the city’s government must work to make sure Hong Kong keeps abreast of the best international standards in banking and professional services including accountancy, legal and tourism.
