'Look To Mainland For Opportunities': Eugene Chan

The President of the pro-Beijing Association of Hong Kong Professionals, Eugene Chan, has called on people here to make the most of the opportunities offered by the mainland's development, saying those who looked north, rather than overseas, could rise further in their careers and would not face racial discrimination.

Speaking on RTHK's "Letter to Hong Kong", Chan - who is also the former chairman of the station's board of advisers - said the SAR had the best of both worlds, including the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and support from Beijing.

Chan called on young people to keep an open mind and work with mainland businesses and institutions.

"Let us widen our horizon and make the most of what Hong Kong has got, both as an international metropolis and as a major city in a country containing one fifth of humanity and which has the biggest consumer market. So thrive on the opportunities that we have got," Chan said. "Let us see what the Greater Bay Area offers in terms of commercial, financial or professional opportunities. Don't ignore and waste such opportunities."

Chan said the implementation of the national security law last year and the upcoming electoral changes would strengthen the One Country, Two Systems principle.

"I know some would say that these recent developments amount to a second return of sovereignty," He said. "Rather I see it as Hong Kong being welcomed back on track, with open arms under our Motherland's embrace. We are blessed that we are at a stage where China is rising politically and economically in the global arena. This is perfect timing for us, where the Mainland is in a position to nurture, guide and protects us even more."

Chan also attacked western media, dismissing it as geopolitical tactics. He also suggested his friends overseas had been discriminated against because of their ethnicity.

"I have many Chinese friends living overseas - they work hard, and whilst they do advance their careers, there somehow seems to be a glass ceiling because of their ethnic background. We also know that the Asian community has also been subject to hate crimes in the US."

Chan said, in contrast, those who remained in Hong Kong wouldn't need to face such problems, saying the 'sky is the limit'.

Chan signed off his letter with his version of the Hong Kong dream.

"Finally, I have a dream to share with you all. In my dream, Hong Kong is back on the global stage as a politically stable, prosperous international financial centre where everyone in Hong Kong has a roof over their heads; where every young person can see their career dreams fulfilled; families can build secure livelihoods for their children and support their parents lovingly; and where the elderly can retire into a respectable lifestyle, reaping the rewards of all their hard work.

"Eugene Chan, signing off treasuring your support and always remember, UNITY IS STRENGTH," he said.