Hong Kong prides itself on transparency, caution and adherence to the rule of law. Policy proposals undergo scrutiny and seek to strike a balance between legal, social and public interests.
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However, in an era of increased public scrutiny, the optics of governance often overshadow its true purpose or public benefit. This is frequently the case in large-scale projects, where perceptions of favouritism or collusion undermine public trust even when there are genuine efforts towards progress.
The Cyberport project was a case in point. The government’s decision to allocate the project without a tender process sparked allegations of favouritism, while reserving a significant part of the site for residential development intensified concerns.
Since then, it has collaborated with global entities such as Amazon Web Services and initiated various programmes supporting artificial intelligence, Web3 and fintech development. Its financing models and infrastructure have attracted international partners, generating significant capital and strengthening its role in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, despite ongoing debates over its focus.
Similarly, the West Kowloon Cultural District reflects the challenges of balancing public perception with practical funding needs. It was established as a global centre for arts and culture, featuring world-class facilities, public spaces and commercial developments.
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The initial proposal for a single-developer model received criticism, and the architect’s design plan for a large canopy became a source of public dissatisfaction. The model was later modified, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority was appointed to provide independent oversight.
