Tung Chee-hwa hailed for early tech vision
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa has been remembered by former colleagues for spotting development trends early, especially in technology and economic ties with mainland China. Speaking after Tung’s death last week at the age of 89, political figures said his decisions on Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, and cross-border economic measures left a lasting mark on the city’s development.
Key Points
- Tam Yiu-chung, a former Executive Council member under Tung, said on a Sunday radio programme that Tung pushed Cyberport early and set aside land to attract innovation and technology talent.
- Tam also said Tung saw earlier than many others that Hong Kong needed close engagement with mainland China to support the local economy.
- As examples, Tam cited Tung’s support for the Individual Visit Scheme and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland.
- Tam said both measures were proposed by Tung and provided immediate relief to Hong Kong’s economy after the Sars pandemic in 2003.
- Tung, Hong Kong’s first post-handover chief executive, died in Hong Kong last Tuesday aged 89, and a state funeral is expected.
Why It Matters
The tributes focus attention on how some of Hong Kong’s current innovation and cross-border economic strategies trace back to decisions made during Tung’s administration. They also revive debate over his broader legacy, which included steering the city through the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 Sars outbreak, while facing major political opposition over Article 23 legislation.