Editorial | No ducking the issue, we all need to smile

There is no question the government is trying hard to boost confidence at home and restore the city’s appeal abroad as a place to visit, live, work and do business. But it is not all plain sailing as Hong Kong plays catch-up with rival destinations that rolled out the post-pandemic welcome mat a lot sooner. It is taking a while for dividends to flow through to the local economy, but just when it feels there is little reason to smile, a simple, unexpected thing can lift our spirits and generate positive sentiment. A giant inflatable rubber duck art installation – Double Ducks – by Florentijn Hofman, whose work made its acclaimed debut local appearance as a single duck 10 years ago, is occupying prime position in Victoria Harbour.

The work has stirred much excitement, and a little good-natured scepticism, especially when the local organiser briefly withdrew one of the ducks for maintenance. More importantly, it has generated smiles all round and given off a more positive vibe than the “Hello Hong Kong” promotional drive that aims to attract tourists and business visitors to the city following the pandemic, and “Happy Hong Kong”, a series of fun and interesting activities that strives to put a smile on the faces of local people. We need the installation here, not only because the government is selling the Hong Kong story, but also because it comes at a time when we need some genuine cheer.

Two ducks may not solve our social problems, but they are a welcome distraction from weeks of depressing headlines. They are a reminder to take time to savour the small things in life, appreciate one another, reach out to those whom we think might be in need of company or kind words, pause to smell the roses for ourselves, or just watch the ducks go by. It is all about taking care of our mental, inner well-being, so easily neglected when we are dealing individually and collectively with unrelenting external stress.

It was hard to believe how much excitement the first rubber duck caused in 2013, when the city was still facing headwinds to economic growth following the global financial crisis. Now, with the crowd appeal of two ducks, seeing is believing, to the extent that even a copycat, or should we say copy duck, emerged in Sai Kung waters until the authorities ordered its removal for safety reasons.