Million Dollar Contest Planned To Solve HK Crisis

A businessman said on Monday that he is earmarking millions of dollars to organise a contest to find a solution to end the the crisis that has gripped the city.

Christopher Chuang, CEO of a fin-tech company, TGM Group, who’s also a CPPCC member, said the top proposal will be awarded HK$1 million while the judges tasked with picking the best solution will be paid HK$7 million.

Chuang said the proposal should focus on livelihood issues although he admits political conflicts are to blame for the current impasse and only Hong Kong residents can enter the contest.

He said only 100 entries will be chosen and the ideas will have to be non-political. Those with political tones will not be considered. The contest will also be broadcast and live streamed.

Chuang said he grew up in Hong Kong and would like to do something for the city he loves, as society has been divided by social issues since June.

The businessman said he has been to protests sites and talked to the police officers and sympathises with both sides. But both sides are getting further and further away due to political agenda, he said.

"I went down to see many many people including the teenagers, the people behind the masks. And also talk to the police," he said.

"I can see the love in the police eyes for these young people. But at the same time I can see the dream, the lost dream of the teenagers," said Chuang.

He said he recognises his efforts may not solve all the problems in Hong Kong but hopes it will provide a solution.

Chuang told RTHK's Violet Wong that giving support to any side in the political conflict in the city would only add fuel to the flames.