Ricky Chu Man-kin

Opinion | Hong Kong must do more to build on the strength of its diversity

Qualified, confident and vocal, many from the city’s non-Chinese population could make valuable contributions to the city in various capacities, including governance

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(From the left) Saiksha Gurung, Bidhya Shrestha and Sharon Rai hope to empower marginalised women through their Hong Kong-based NGO Aama Ko Koseli. While members of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority communities can offer valuable input on matters concerning their own societies, they are also willing and able to serve all of Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam

Ricky Chu Man-kin

Published: 6:45am, 28 May 2021Updated: 6:45am, 28 May 2021

The slogan “Nihil de nobis, sine nobis (Nothing about us without us)” has been used by the disability movement and other rights activists to highlight the importance of representation.

Paying attention to representation is not just a matter of political correctness any more, it is an imperative if you want to avoid costly and sometimes embarrassing mistakes. Moreover, diversity of thought has been shown to improve productivity, creativity and business outcomes.

Government policies are an area where decisions can have political, diplomatic, social and economic impact. Hearing all points of view, especially those representing the most affected stakeholders, should be seen as an important first step. Improving representation in policymaking can ensure that the views of those affected are adequately reflected.

Non-Chinese people make up almost 8 per cent of Hong Kong’s population. Foreign domestic workers comprise half the non-Chinese population. For a long time, minority groups have been content to stay on the sidelines and avoid the spotlight for fear of attracting attention to themselves.

However, as their numbers grow and, more importantly, as the proportion of young, locally born and educated members of these communities increases, they want to be included in matters that concern their city.

The changing profile of this community means its members are a valuable, though perhaps underutilised, resource. Qualified, confident and vocal, many from the non-Chinese population can make valuable contributions to the city in various capacities, including governance.