31 October 1998

Development of Professional Manpower crucial for
Strategic Planning for Hong Kong

(Keywords:- manpower planning, professional development, international conferences)

          The establishment of Commission on Strategic Development to plan and map out the long term goals for Hong Kong is a very much needed step in the right direction. Rightly so, its members have been going round to gather views from different sectors of the society to determine the strengths, the weakness, the opportunities and, of course, the threats of Hong Kong, hopefully to come out with a blue-print for our long term future.

          Let us hope that such consultation exercise be extended to every sector and corner of Hong Kong, that the consultation is conducted with sincerity, genuinely taking on board the views of the Hong Kong public with no pre-set Government agenda.

          Recently, the Secretary for  this Commission laid bare their wishes to legislators -- to make Hong Kong into the London of Europe, the New York of America. Such wide vision must no doubt be applauded. Regrettably, the emphasis seemed to be on commerce and finance only. Whilst few would deny that finance and commerce are the hubs of any development, such cannot do without the very much needed manpower and basic researches which Hong Kong still trails behind many Asian countries. More, without short and medium term planning for manpower and research development, strategic plans extending 30 years ahead may well end up as a dream.

          Take the health care field as an example. Two decades ago, papers from Hong Kong presented at regional medical conferences were invariably given the highest respect, admiration and even amazement by professionals of our neighbours. Today, whilst we are still very much respected, work from the rest of the region is catching up on us if not bypassing us. In short, Hong Kong¡¦s supremacy is slowly dwindling.

          It is not because of we are not progressing, but others are advancing faster. Nor are we short of brains. After all, we were the first to identify avian flu virus attacking humans; we did produce one of the Nobel Prize winner on physics. Sadly, these ingenuity are not given the very much needed support, nor has Hong Kong provided the necessary nurturing environment for their ideals -- others gain on Hong Kong¡¦s loss.

          It may be said that Hong Kong is not that badly off. After all,  Government has allotted some $32 billion on research for the next year. Let us not be blinded by the wool that is pulled over our eyes.  Much of the bulk is the cumulates of 25% of salaries given to all academics of our universities, as Government expects that 25% of their time are devoted in basic research. The actual sum spent on research projects is thus a drop in the ocean comparing with those generously contributed by the governments of our neighbours!

          Other than research, professional development and improvement are best done through direct communications. Attending  international conferences must be the best way to achieve such a goal where not only the latest advancement can be heard and direct discussion made to enhance understanding. Yet attending conferences overseas can only benefit a few. A better alternative would be to bring some of the meetings to Hong Kong, so that many more can benefit, and at the same time demonstrate to our visitors the state of advancement Hong Kong has achieved.

          The medical profession, in particular, has taken the initiative to bring such into effect. Regrettably, through all these years of attempting to fly the flag of Hong Kong in the world map of medicine, the profession has received scant support, if at all, from our Government. No, we are not asking for financial support nor manpower support to run meetings. All we hope for is a morale booster. Regrettably, that is not often forthcoming. In many incidences, even a request for a letter signifying Government¡¦s approval or support to hold a conference in Hong Kong is often turned down or issued with great reluctance.

          If Government is genuine in its strategic development, if Hong Kong is to be placed in the cutting edge of advancement in all sectors of the world, if Hong Kong is to stay competitive to the other Asian cities, then we must capture our chances, direct our strengths to ¡§turn adversities into opportunities¡¨.

(Hongkong Standard)