Letters | 6 ways Hong Kong can be more racially inclusive

Readers discuss how the city can be truly international, and why Western countries are wasting their energy

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A view of commuters at Kowloon Tong MTR station in 2020. Ethnic minorities often experience racial discrimination on public transport, and transport providers should address the issue. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:30am, 21 Mar 2023

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March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Across the world, there have been discussions driven by the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate movements. There is recognition that more needs to be done to combat racism, because it is the right thing to do and because racism is bad for society and business.

However, Hong Kong has some way to go, with little discussion about the evils of racism.

Post-Covid, as Hong Kong reopens to the world – to tourists and talent – it is in our best interest to welcome people from around the world and ensure they feel welcome.

Excluding foreign domestic helpers, our ethnic minority population is growing fast and represents 4 per cent of the whole population; 86 per cent of ethnic minorities speak English as their usual spoken language or another language, they are a source of talent and they connect Hong Kong to the rest of the world.

Here are some practical tips for Hong Kong to be racially inclusive.