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新聞稿，焦點
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新民黨 今天7位成員報名 參選2019年區議會選舉
新民黨 今天7位成員報名 參選2019年區議會選舉
日期︰2019 年 10 月 14 日
新民黨7位成員，包括葉沛霖先生、孔永業先生、蘇炤成先生、甘文鋒先生、鄺珉樀先生、陳家正先生及劉文杰先生，今天（14日）正式報名參選2019年區議會選舉，由新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士、常務副主席黎棟國先生，及副主席容海恩女士陪同及支持參選。
陪同多位參選人報名的新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士認為，近日香港的暴力事件令人震驚，多區警署受破壞，甚至有警員被攻擊，生命受威脅，在文明社會暴力情況是不能接受，新民黨全力支持政府壓制暴力。而在當前社會環境下，多位新民黨成員無懼風險，即使部分辦事處被破壞，仍然勇於承擔服務社區的責任，報名參選本屆的區議會選舉，她祝願各位參選的新民黨成員選舉日旗開得勝，順利勝出選舉。
新民黨常務副主席黎棟國先生表示，暴力事件近日越來越激烈，除了攻擊執法人員，部分商店及酒樓都受到破壞，普通市民生活也受很大影響。雖然新民黨多個辦事處受到攻擊，但不影響各參選人服務社區的意志和決心，希望市民支持。
新民黨副主席容海恩女士亦分別到場支持孔永業及劉文杰先生參選，她指出新民黨多個辦事處受破壞，暴徒無法無天，破壞地區設施，支持區議會選出有心為香港做實事的人服務社區，止暴制亂。她讚揚孔永業先生及劉文杰先生分別於所屬社區專注服務，得街坊支持，希望市民多多支持，祝願他們選舉日成功當選。
葉沛霖先生 美孚中選區參選
葉沛霖先生，今早到九龍長沙灣303號長沙灣政府合署報名參選美孚中選區的區選。他表示有十多年社區公共服務的經驗，加上本身是美孚的居民，希望可為本區服務。而美孚新邨今年已有五十年歷史，很多社區問題陸續浮現，如大廈外牆剝落、設施殘舊等，未能回應居民需要，如果成為區議員，希望監察屋苑管理、改善社區設施及交通規劃等，讓市民出入更方便。
孔永業先生 石湖墟選區參選
新民黨社區發展主任孔永業先生也於上午到北區政府合署報名參選。他今天正式宣布參選石湖墟選區的區議會選舉，稱在地區服務一段時間，得到街坊的認同，這次決定參選，為大家服務。近期香港社會很紛亂，上水辦事處早前受到嚴重破壞，除了令辦事處內家具及電器等受破壞，最令人感到氣憤，是涉案者在辦事處內縱火，辦事處位於民居，樓上是住宅，是次縱火如果令人受傷，由誰負責？他呼籲服務社區的人與暴力割席，一同止暴制亂。請各位石湖墟街坊支持參選。
下午，屯門區4位新民黨黨員，包括蘇炤成先生、甘文鋒先生、鄺珉樀先生及陳家正先生，也於屯門政府合署報名參選，前二人更是尋求連任。
蘇炤成先生 爭取三聖區連任
蘇炤成先生為現任區議員，由1982年開始一直擔任區議員，至今已近37年，他表示自己一直專心服務社區，為市民爭取福利，但近日受社會暴力事件影響，其議員辦事處也不幸受到攻擊，更受到抹黑，非常心痛，他稱自己與新民黨誠心為民服務，與民同路，希望繼續尋求連任，請三聖區選民多多支持他。
甘文鋒先生 爭取富新區連任
甘文鋒先生為屯門富新區議員，今天正式報名希望爭取連任。他稱作為區議員，紥根社區相當重要，除了會專注當區的發展，也持續為社區服務，讓街坊可感受到服務社區的誠意，才會值得市民支持。昨天他的議員辦事處也被塗污，雖然玻璃未有損毀，但也留有花痕。甘文鋒稱新民黨除了關注地區及民生發展，在近日的社會氣氛下，選舉的公平也受到關注。他認為香港舉辦多次選舉，建構出民主制度，但近日的黑衣人的破壞行動，讓社區瀰漫恐懼，他希望選舉可於公平、公正的環境下進行，讓市民放心出來投票，實踐民主制度。
鄺珉樀先生 景峰區參選
鄺珉樀先生則宣布於景峰選區參選，他希望透過新民黨的力量，更有效服務街坊，為他們服務，希望市民可以多些鞭策及提點他，讓他更有效為市民爭取民生相關的社區設施及福利。
陳家正先生 掃管笏區參選
陳家正為新民黨本屆最年輕的區選參選人，現年25歲，他為掃管笏的原居民，也是當區居民，見證當區發展，除了原居民，當區持續有新增人口遷入，他希望未來可加強當區的城鄉融合，更好地貢獻社區。
劉文杰先生 舊墟及太湖區參選
劉文杰先生也於大埔綜合大樓地下爭取市民支持他參選。他表示將參選舊墟及太湖選區選舉。而就近日大埔辦事處被大肆破壞，劉文杰予以強烈譴責，又稱作為年輕人，他不怕暴力行為，尤其在目前紛亂的局勢下，更要站出來，表態支持建設，反對破壞的決心，希望市民多支持他為社區做實事。
另外，新民黨副主席暨沙田區議員潘國山先生，及沙田區議員唐學良先生，也已周末報名參選，尋求連任。而新民黨社區發展主任廖子聰先生，及陳健浚先生，也分別於富龍區及康景區報名參選。
由上周末到今天，已報名參選2019年區議會的新民黨參選人資料：
參選人 |
年齡 |
職業 |
選區 |
葉沛霖先生 |
37 |
醫生 |
美孚中 |
孔永業先生 |
30 |
社區發展主任 |
石湖墟 |
蘇炤成先生 |
79 |
商人 |
三聖 |
甘文鋒先生 |
37 |
全職區議員 |
富新 |
鄺珉樀先生 |
34 |
商人 |
景峰 |
陳家正先生 |
25 |
社區發展主任 |
掃管笏 |
劉文杰先生 |
30 |
社區發展主任 |
舊墟及太湖 |
潘國山先生 |
58 |
全職區議員 |
田心 |
唐學良先生 |
38 |
全職區議員 |
下城門 |
廖子聰先生 |
33 |
社區發展主任 |
富龍 |
陳健浚先生 |
40 |
社區發展主任
註冊教師 |
康景 |
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選舉廣告
2019年區議會選舉
新民黨秘書處
香港灣仔軒尼詩道139號中國海外大廈11樓D-F室
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香港發展醫療產業有優勢嗎？（二）/ Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 2)
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我在去年12 月到泰國旅遊， 同行的年輕人在旅遊途中進行了一次體檢。她在Instagram 上看到泰國康民國際醫院（Bumrungrad International Hospital）的資訊，說是設備完善的龍頭醫院，體檢套餐只需約22,300 泰銖（大約5000 港元），相比起香港同類的體檢大約要花費13,000 港元，泰國便宜得多，因此，「旅遊體檢」在泰國相當受歡迎。
泰國康民國際醫院是由我的行會前同僚陳智思先生的家族經營。體檢當天，他安排醫院同事帶我參觀這家佔地70,262 平方米的醫院，分別提供門診、住院治療、專科及手術等不同服務。我留意到，這家醫院的顧客來自世界各地。為了便利來自世界各地的顧客，醫院僱用了超過100 位專職國際語言的翻譯人員，並且與泰國移民局合作，每周都會有官員到醫院為持有醫生醫療證明的病人和家屬辦理簽證延期。膳食方面，醫院提供各種菜式，醫院附近亦有不少清真餐廳供中東顧客選擇。
回說香港，香港因為土地昂貴，難以興建像泰國康民國際醫院那樣的大型醫院。雖然特區政府曾於2009 年預留4 幅土地用於發展私營醫院，但也只有兩幅土地成功建成港怡醫院及香港中文大學醫院。
中文大學醫院行政總裁馮康醫生曾向我表示，他期望該院能夠提供廣大市民可負擔的中價醫療服務，藉以減輕公營醫療體系的負擔。聽起來這是很好的模式，可是新冠疫情對該院構成沉重的財政壓力，3 年來求診人數低迷。在醫療成本高、使用率低的困局下，中文大學醫院至今未能向特區政府償還數十億的貸款，可見要在土地供應不足、營運成本昂貴的香港發展醫療產業，相當困難。
Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 2)
During my trip to Thailand in December last year, one of the young people in my group underwent a medical check-up while traveling. She came across information about Bumrungrad International Hospital on Instagram, describing it as a well-equipped leading hospital where a medical check-up package costs only about 22,300 Thai Baht (approximately 5,000 Hong Kong dollars), which is much cheaper compared to similar check-ups in Hong Kong, which cost around 13,000 Hong Kong dollars. Therefore, "tourist check-ups" are quite popular in Thailand.
Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand is operated by the family of my former colleague, Mr. Bernatd Charnwut Chan. On the day of the check-up, he arranged for a hospital staff member to give me a tour of this hospital spanning 70,262 square meters, offering various services such as outpatient care, inpatient treatment, specialties, and surgeries. I noticed that the hospital's clientele comes from all over the world. To facilitate customers from around the globe, the hospital employs over 100 full-time international language translators and collaborates with the Thai Immigration Bureau, with officials visiting the hospital weekly to assist patients and their families holding medical certificates with visa extensions. Regarding meals, the hospital offers a variety of dishes, and there are also many Halal restaurants near the hospital for Middle Eastern customers to choose from.
Speaking of Hong Kong, due to expensive land prices, it is challenging to build large hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand. Although the SAR government reserved four plots of land in 2009 for the development of private hospitals, only two plots have been successfully developed into Hong Kong Baptist Hospital and the Chinese University Hospital.
Dr. Fung Hong, the CEO of the Chinese University Hospital, once told me that he hopes the hospital can provide affordable mid-priced medical services to the general public to alleviate the burden on the public healthcare system. While this sounds like a good model, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant financial pressure on the hospital, with low patient numbers over the past three years. In the face of high medical costs and low utilization rates, the Chinese University Hospital has yet to repay the tens of billions in loans to the SAR government. It is evident that developing the medical industry in Hong Kong, with limited land supply and high operating costs, is quite challenging.
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香港發展醫療產業有優勢嗎？（一）/ Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 1)
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香港目前的經濟增長未如理想，政府去年10 月公布，2024 年首三季合計的本地生產總值較2023 年同期僅實質上升2.6%；而近日財政司長則公開表示，財政赤字近1000 億元，有專家指出，若非計入發行了1300 億的債券，財赤其實達2300 億。
經濟學家經常提及推動本港經濟有「三頭馬車」（即出口、消費額、整體投資），雖然香港整體的貨物出口量及整體投資開支都有所增長，但消費額卻持續下跌。要實現收支平衡，特區政府既需採取果斷措施「滅赤」，也要妥善運用現有資源推動經濟發展，刺激消費，特區政府大力推動盛事經濟及爭取中央重新啟動內地居民「一簽多行」，的確令人流有所增長。
1997 年，香港遇上亞洲金融風暴，經濟低迷，特區政府一度考慮推動醫療產業來刺激經濟。2009 年，特區政府更把醫療產業納入「六大優勢產業」，但多年來未見有顯著的實際發展。
理論上，香港是有條件發展醫療產業的。香港中文大學和香港大學的醫學院均於全球醫學領域享有較高名次（排名28 及31）；同時擁有不少研發專家和人才；在一些專科領域，香港的診治技術更是世界一流。
2009 年，特區政府預留4 幅分別位於黃竹坑、將軍澳、大埔及大嶼山的土地用於發展私營醫院。其中，位於黃竹坑的港怡醫院及在馬料水的香港中文大學醫院均已落成並投入服務。不過，香港中文大學醫院因營運收益未如理想，已向特區政府申請延遲償還政府貸款。
我的行會同僚陳智思曾向我提及，他的家族在泰國經營的泰國康民醫院（Bumrungrad International Hospital），相當成功，有「泰版養和醫院」之稱。他認為香港缺乏土地及醫護人手，較難像泰國那樣發展醫療產業。至於泰國為何能蓬勃發展醫療產業，讓我們下回分解。
Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 1)
Hong Kong's current economic growth has not been as ideal. The government announced last October that the GDP value for the first three quarters of 2024 had only increased by 2.6% compared to the same period in 2023. Recently, the Financial Secretary publicly stated that the fiscal deficit is close to 100 billion Hong Kong dollars. Experts have pointed out that if the issuance of 130 billion in bonds is not taken into account, the actual deficit would be 230 billion.
Economists often mention the three pillars for driving the local economy, namely exports, consumption, and overall investment. While Hong Kong has seen growth in both total merchandise exports and overall investment spending, consumption has continued to decline. To achieve fiscal balance, the SAR government needs to take decisive measures to address the deficit and effectively utilize existing resources to drive economic development and stimulate consumption. The SAR government is vigorously promoting event-based economics and striving for the re-initiation of the "multiple entry permit" for mainland residents, which has indeed led to an increase in visitor numbers.
In 1997, Hong Kong faced the Asian financial crisis, which led to an economic downturn. The SAR government once considered promoting the medical industry to stimulate the economy. In 2009, the SAR government even included the medical industry in the "six major advantageous industries," but there has been no significant practical development over the years.
In theory, Hong Kong has the conditions to develop the medical industry. The medical schools at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong both enjoy high rankings in the global medical field (28th and 31st, respectively). Hong Kong also has many research and development experts and talents, and in some specialized fields, its diagnostic and treatment techniques are world-class.
In 2009, the SAR government reserved four plots of land in Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po, and Lantau Island for the development of private hospitals. Among them, the the Gleneagles Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang and the Chinese University Hospital in Ma Liu Shui have been completed and put into service. However, the Chinese University Hospital has applied to the SAR government for a delay in repaying government loans due to lower-than-expected operational revenue.
My colleague, Bernard Charnwut Chan, once mentioned to me that his family operates the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand, which is quite successful and known as the "Thai version of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital." He believes that Hong Kong lacks land and healthcare personnel, making it more challenging to develop the medical industry like Thailand. As for why Thailand has been able to thrive in developing the medical industry, let's delve into that next time.
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泰國旅遊競爭力解碼 / Decoding the Competitiveness of Tourism in Thailand
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前文提到，我於聖誕假期到泰國曼谷度假，發現當地的旅遊業發展蓬勃。報道指，截至2024 年12 月，泰國全年共吸引超過3500 萬人次造訪。我認為泰國之所以能夠成為世界知名的旅遊勝地，以及吸引港人遊客，其中一大主因在於它的人力資源及土地價值遠較香港要低，令其可以較低的消費物價吸引遊客。
首先，泰國的年輕人口比例較高。泰國目前人口約為7000 萬，年齡中位數為39 歲，勞動人口（15 歲至64 歲）佔約68%（約4760 萬人）；反觀香港的人口只有約750 萬，年齡中位數為46歲，勞動人口佔約51%（約383 萬人）。受惠於充足的勞動人口，泰國的人均工資低於香港，優良的性價比令當地服務業發展也相當發達。以港人喜愛的按摩服務為例，旅行期間我光顧一家園林式按摩店，3 人按摩兩個小時只收費1400港元（且毋須打賞），這比香港便宜許多，十分超值。
第二，泰國的土地價值均低於香港，使得整體成本較低。據報道，在清邁購置一片建屋面積約63,000 呎的土地，分成12 戶，每戶土地約4300 呎，一塊土地售價約35 萬港元。相比之下，假設要在香港購置一片同樣面積的土地，價格可能是泰國的數十倍。較低的地價降低了房地產項目的成本，使得新開設的商場可在不急於即時回本的前提下逐步發展。
最後，以人文資源來說，泰國以其開放和包容的社會氛圍，成為全球遊客眼中的獨特魅力之地。例如，同性婚姻的合法化，以及一年一度吸引了3 萬人參加的White Party 都是泰國與眾不同的特色。隨着旅客在疫後的消費模式出現轉變，傳說的消費旅遊已較難吸引新一代旅客。我認為香港不妨仿效泰國，透過舉辦類似的活動，來打造香港的旅遊名片。事實上，香港於2023 年曾舉辦首次在亞洲舉行的同志界國際盛事「同樂運動會」。我認為類似的活動既能彰顯香港包容多元的價值，還有助於擴大香港的旅遊市場，政府應考慮多加舉辦。
Decoding the Competitiveness of Tourism in Thailand
As mentioned earlier, I holidayed in Bangkok, Thailand during the Christmas break and found that the local tourism industry is thriving. Reports indicate that by December 2024, Thailand had attracted over 35 million visitors throughout the year. I believe that one of the main reasons Thailand has become a world-renowned tourist destination and attracts visitors from Hong Kong is due to its lower human resources and land values compared to Hong Kong, which allows it to attract tourists with lower consumption prices.
Firstly, Thailand has a higher proportion of young people. With a current population of around 70 million, Thailand has a median age of 39, and the labor force (aged 15 to 64) accounts for about 68% (approximately 47.6 million people); in contrast, Hong Kong's population is only about 7.5 million, with a median age of 46, and the labor force accounts for about 51% (approximately 3.83 million people). Benefiting from an abundant labor force, Thailand's average wages are lower than Hong Kong's, and the excellent value for money has led to a well-developed local service industry. For example, during my trip, I visited a garden-style massage parlor where a 2-hour massage for three people cost only HK$1,400 (without the need for tips), which is much cheaper than Hong Kong and very cost-effective.
Secondly, land values in Thailand are lower than in Hong Kong, resulting in lower overall costs. According to reports, purchasing a piece of land in Chiang Mai with a building area of about 63,000 square feet, divided into 12 units with each unit having around 4,300 square feet of land, costs approximately HK$350,000 per unit. In comparison, purchasing a piece of land of the same size in Hong Kong could be tens of times more expensive than in Thailand. Lower land prices reduce the costs of real estate projects, allowing newly opened malls to gradually develop without the immediate need to recoup investments.
Lastly, in terms of cultural resources, Thailand's open and inclusive social atmosphere has made it a unique and charming destination in the eyes of global tourists. For example, the legalization of same-sex marriage and the annual White Party, which attracts 30,000 participants, are distinctive features of Thailand. As post-pandemic consumer patterns among travelers shift, the legendary concept of consumption tourism may find it challenging to attract the new generation of travelers. I believe that Hong Kong could follow Thailand's example by organizing similar events to create a tourism hallmark for Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong hosted the first-ever Gay Games in Asia in 2023. I think similar events not only showcase Hong Kong's inclusive values but also help expand Hong Kong's tourism market, which the government should consider hosting more of.
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我在去年12 月到泰國旅遊， 同行的年輕人在旅遊途中進行了一次體檢。她在Instagram 上看到泰國康民國際醫院（Bumrungrad International Hospital）的資訊，說是設備完善的龍頭醫院，體檢套餐只需約22,300 泰銖（大約5000 港元），相比起香港同類的體檢大約要花費13,000 港元，泰國便宜得多，因此，「旅遊體檢」在泰國相當受歡迎。
泰國康民國際醫院是由我的行會前同僚陳智思先生的家族經營。體檢當天，他安排醫院同事帶我參觀這家佔地70,262 平方米的醫院，分別提供門診、住院治療、專科及手術等不同服務。我留意到，這家醫院的顧客來自世界各地。為了便利來自世界各地的顧客，醫院僱用了超過100 位專職國際語言的翻譯人員，並且與泰國移民局合作，每周都會有官員到醫院為持有醫生醫療證明的病人和家屬辦理簽證延期。膳食方面，醫院提供各種菜式，醫院附近亦有不少清真餐廳供中東顧客選擇。
回說香港，香港因為土地昂貴，難以興建像泰國康民國際醫院那樣的大型醫院。雖然特區政府曾於2009 年預留4 幅土地用於發展私營醫院，但也只有兩幅土地成功建成港怡醫院及香港中文大學醫院。
中文大學醫院行政總裁馮康醫生曾向我表示，他期望該院能夠提供廣大市民可負擔的中價醫療服務，藉以減輕公營醫療體系的負擔。聽起來這是很好的模式，可是新冠疫情對該院構成沉重的財政壓力，3 年來求診人數低迷。在醫療成本高、使用率低的困局下，中文大學醫院至今未能向特區政府償還數十億的貸款，可見要在土地供應不足、營運成本昂貴的香港發展醫療產業，相當困難。
Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 2)
During my trip to Thailand in December last year, one of the young people in my group underwent a medical check-up while traveling. She came across information about Bumrungrad International Hospital on Instagram, describing it as a well-equipped leading hospital where a medical check-up package costs only about 22,300 Thai Baht (approximately 5,000 Hong Kong dollars), which is much cheaper compared to similar check-ups in Hong Kong, which cost around 13,000 Hong Kong dollars. Therefore, "tourist check-ups" are quite popular in Thailand.
Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand is operated by the family of my former colleague, Mr. Bernatd Charnwut Chan. On the day of the check-up, he arranged for a hospital staff member to give me a tour of this hospital spanning 70,262 square meters, offering various services such as outpatient care, inpatient treatment, specialties, and surgeries. I noticed that the hospital's clientele comes from all over the world. To facilitate customers from around the globe, the hospital employs over 100 full-time international language translators and collaborates with the Thai Immigration Bureau, with officials visiting the hospital weekly to assist patients and their families holding medical certificates with visa extensions. Regarding meals, the hospital offers a variety of dishes, and there are also many Halal restaurants near the hospital for Middle Eastern customers to choose from.
Speaking of Hong Kong, due to expensive land prices, it is challenging to build large hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand. Although the SAR government reserved four plots of land in 2009 for the development of private hospitals, only two plots have been successfully developed into Hong Kong Baptist Hospital and the Chinese University Hospital.
Dr. Fung Hong, the CEO of the Chinese University Hospital, once told me that he hopes the hospital can provide affordable mid-priced medical services to the general public to alleviate the burden on the public healthcare system. While this sounds like a good model, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant financial pressure on the hospital, with low patient numbers over the past three years. In the face of high medical costs and low utilization rates, the Chinese University Hospital has yet to repay the tens of billions in loans to the SAR government. It is evident that developing the medical industry in Hong Kong, with limited land supply and high operating costs, is quite challenging.
香港目前的經濟增長未如理想，政府去年10 月公布，2024 年首三季合計的本地生產總值較2023 年同期僅實質上升2.6%；而近日財政司長則公開表示，財政赤字近1000 億元，有專家指出，若非計入發行了1300 億的債券，財赤其實達2300 億。
經濟學家經常提及推動本港經濟有「三頭馬車」（即出口、消費額、整體投資），雖然香港整體的貨物出口量及整體投資開支都有所增長，但消費額卻持續下跌。要實現收支平衡，特區政府既需採取果斷措施「滅赤」，也要妥善運用現有資源推動經濟發展，刺激消費，特區政府大力推動盛事經濟及爭取中央重新啟動內地居民「一簽多行」，的確令人流有所增長。
1997 年，香港遇上亞洲金融風暴，經濟低迷，特區政府一度考慮推動醫療產業來刺激經濟。2009 年，特區政府更把醫療產業納入「六大優勢產業」，但多年來未見有顯著的實際發展。
理論上，香港是有條件發展醫療產業的。香港中文大學和香港大學的醫學院均於全球醫學領域享有較高名次（排名28 及31）；同時擁有不少研發專家和人才；在一些專科領域，香港的診治技術更是世界一流。
2009 年，特區政府預留4 幅分別位於黃竹坑、將軍澳、大埔及大嶼山的土地用於發展私營醫院。其中，位於黃竹坑的港怡醫院及在馬料水的香港中文大學醫院均已落成並投入服務。不過，香港中文大學醫院因營運收益未如理想，已向特區政府申請延遲償還政府貸款。
我的行會同僚陳智思曾向我提及，他的家族在泰國經營的泰國康民醫院（Bumrungrad International Hospital），相當成功，有「泰版養和醫院」之稱。他認為香港缺乏土地及醫護人手，較難像泰國那樣發展醫療產業。至於泰國為何能蓬勃發展醫療產業，讓我們下回分解。
Does Hong Kong Have Advantages in Developing the Medical Industry? (Part 1)
Hong Kong's current economic growth has not been as ideal. The government announced last October that the GDP value for the first three quarters of 2024 had only increased by 2.6% compared to the same period in 2023. Recently, the Financial Secretary publicly stated that the fiscal deficit is close to 100 billion Hong Kong dollars. Experts have pointed out that if the issuance of 130 billion in bonds is not taken into account, the actual deficit would be 230 billion.
Economists often mention the three pillars for driving the local economy, namely exports, consumption, and overall investment. While Hong Kong has seen growth in both total merchandise exports and overall investment spending, consumption has continued to decline. To achieve fiscal balance, the SAR government needs to take decisive measures to address the deficit and effectively utilize existing resources to drive economic development and stimulate consumption. The SAR government is vigorously promoting event-based economics and striving for the re-initiation of the "multiple entry permit" for mainland residents, which has indeed led to an increase in visitor numbers.
In 1997, Hong Kong faced the Asian financial crisis, which led to an economic downturn. The SAR government once considered promoting the medical industry to stimulate the economy. In 2009, the SAR government even included the medical industry in the "six major advantageous industries," but there has been no significant practical development over the years.
In theory, Hong Kong has the conditions to develop the medical industry. The medical schools at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong both enjoy high rankings in the global medical field (28th and 31st, respectively). Hong Kong also has many research and development experts and talents, and in some specialized fields, its diagnostic and treatment techniques are world-class.
In 2009, the SAR government reserved four plots of land in Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po, and Lantau Island for the development of private hospitals. Among them, the the Gleneagles Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang and the Chinese University Hospital in Ma Liu Shui have been completed and put into service. However, the Chinese University Hospital has applied to the SAR government for a delay in repaying government loans due to lower-than-expected operational revenue.
My colleague, Bernard Charnwut Chan, once mentioned to me that his family operates the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand, which is quite successful and known as the "Thai version of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital." He believes that Hong Kong lacks land and healthcare personnel, making it more challenging to develop the medical industry like Thailand. As for why Thailand has been able to thrive in developing the medical industry, let's delve into that next time.
前文提到，我於聖誕假期到泰國曼谷度假，發現當地的旅遊業發展蓬勃。報道指，截至2024 年12 月，泰國全年共吸引超過3500 萬人次造訪。我認為泰國之所以能夠成為世界知名的旅遊勝地，以及吸引港人遊客，其中一大主因在於它的人力資源及土地價值遠較香港要低，令其可以較低的消費物價吸引遊客。
首先，泰國的年輕人口比例較高。泰國目前人口約為7000 萬，年齡中位數為39 歲，勞動人口（15 歲至64 歲）佔約68%（約4760 萬人）；反觀香港的人口只有約750 萬，年齡中位數為46歲，勞動人口佔約51%（約383 萬人）。受惠於充足的勞動人口，泰國的人均工資低於香港，優良的性價比令當地服務業發展也相當發達。以港人喜愛的按摩服務為例，旅行期間我光顧一家園林式按摩店，3 人按摩兩個小時只收費1400港元（且毋須打賞），這比香港便宜許多，十分超值。
第二，泰國的土地價值均低於香港，使得整體成本較低。據報道，在清邁購置一片建屋面積約63,000 呎的土地，分成12 戶，每戶土地約4300 呎，一塊土地售價約35 萬港元。相比之下，假設要在香港購置一片同樣面積的土地，價格可能是泰國的數十倍。較低的地價降低了房地產項目的成本，使得新開設的商場可在不急於即時回本的前提下逐步發展。
最後，以人文資源來說，泰國以其開放和包容的社會氛圍，成為全球遊客眼中的獨特魅力之地。例如，同性婚姻的合法化，以及一年一度吸引了3 萬人參加的White Party 都是泰國與眾不同的特色。隨着旅客在疫後的消費模式出現轉變，傳說的消費旅遊已較難吸引新一代旅客。我認為香港不妨仿效泰國，透過舉辦類似的活動，來打造香港的旅遊名片。事實上，香港於2023 年曾舉辦首次在亞洲舉行的同志界國際盛事「同樂運動會」。我認為類似的活動既能彰顯香港包容多元的價值，還有助於擴大香港的旅遊市場，政府應考慮多加舉辦。
Decoding the Competitiveness of Tourism in Thailand
As mentioned earlier, I holidayed in Bangkok, Thailand during the Christmas break and found that the local tourism industry is thriving. Reports indicate that by December 2024, Thailand had attracted over 35 million visitors throughout the year. I believe that one of the main reasons Thailand has become a world-renowned tourist destination and attracts visitors from Hong Kong is due to its lower human resources and land values compared to Hong Kong, which allows it to attract tourists with lower consumption prices.
Firstly, Thailand has a higher proportion of young people. With a current population of around 70 million, Thailand has a median age of 39, and the labor force (aged 15 to 64) accounts for about 68% (approximately 47.6 million people); in contrast, Hong Kong's population is only about 7.5 million, with a median age of 46, and the labor force accounts for about 51% (approximately 3.83 million people). Benefiting from an abundant labor force, Thailand's average wages are lower than Hong Kong's, and the excellent value for money has led to a well-developed local service industry. For example, during my trip, I visited a garden-style massage parlor where a 2-hour massage for three people cost only HK$1,400 (without the need for tips), which is much cheaper than Hong Kong and very cost-effective.
Secondly, land values in Thailand are lower than in Hong Kong, resulting in lower overall costs. According to reports, purchasing a piece of land in Chiang Mai with a building area of about 63,000 square feet, divided into 12 units with each unit having around 4,300 square feet of land, costs approximately HK$350,000 per unit. In comparison, purchasing a piece of land of the same size in Hong Kong could be tens of times more expensive than in Thailand. Lower land prices reduce the costs of real estate projects, allowing newly opened malls to gradually develop without the immediate need to recoup investments.
Lastly, in terms of cultural resources, Thailand's open and inclusive social atmosphere has made it a unique and charming destination in the eyes of global tourists. For example, the legalization of same-sex marriage and the annual White Party, which attracts 30,000 participants, are distinctive features of Thailand. As post-pandemic consumer patterns among travelers shift, the legendary concept of consumption tourism may find it challenging to attract the new generation of travelers. I believe that Hong Kong could follow Thailand's example by organizing similar events to create a tourism hallmark for Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong hosted the first-ever Gay Games in Asia in 2023. I think similar events not only showcase Hong Kong's inclusive values but also help expand Hong Kong's tourism market, which the government should consider hosting more of.