Weekend Long Read: Hong Kong’s First Female Chief Executive

[para. 1] To mark Caixin’s 15th anniversary, a series of interviews with influential figures in China is being republished, reflecting on significant modern issues like climate change and the China-U.S. tech battle. [para. 2] A revisitation of Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's former chief executive, shows her understated presence at a museum exhibition. Lam, blending in with the crowd, symbolizes her discreet life post-leadership since stepping down on June 30, 2022. [para. 3] Carrie Lam was Hong Kong’s first female chief executive, known for her pragmatic approach and public confidence at the beginning of her term starting July 1, 2017. Despite a strong fiscal surplus, she was aware of the region’s social divides, seeing early signs of challenges during her leadership. [para. 4] During her tenure, Hong Kong encountered numerous challenges, leading Lam to focus solely on her duties as the city faced political and social turmoil. [para. 5] Her role proved one of the toughest globally, with Lam intensely involved in managing Hong Kong’s pandemic response, leading daily briefings and steering towards post-pandemic recovery. [para. 6] Nicknamed the “good fighter,” Lam's decisiveness was both praised and criticized. Post-resignation, she chose a reclusive family life but remained visible locally. [para. 7] Since 1997, navigating complex political and social issues in Hong Kong has involved five chief executives, including Lam, as geopolitical challenges persist, compelling Hong Kong to keep negotiating its path amidst these tensions. [para. 8] Hong Kong's traditional economic model is challenged as it seeks reforms to diversify its economy and uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, crucial for high-quality growth. [para. 9] Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted efforts to boost short-term tourism and consumer spending while attracting businesses and fostering innovation to propel future development. [para. 10] In Beijing, Chan received assurance from Xia Baolong of the State Council, reiterating support for Hong Kong's strategic advantages and enhancing its global branding under “one country, two systems.” [para. 11] Reflecting on her 2017 interview, Lam outlined her plan for Hong Kong’s industrial transformation and regional cooperation, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. [para. 12] Before her departure from office, Lam stressed the “one country, two systems” framework’s uniqueness, attributing Hong Kong’s autonomy and mixed governmental systems to its complexity and challenge. [para. 13] Keeping her promise, Lam has been advocating for the framework through lectures at major universities. [para. 14] The original interview was published in Caixin Weekly in November 2017, covering topics like legal reform for the new economy in Hong Kong. [para. 15] Lam proposed regulatory updates for new-economy models incompatible with existing laws, especially impacting the sharing economy, while calling for a governmental shift towards innovation. [para. 16] Reflecting on President Xi Jinping’s support for “one country, two systems,” Lam asserted its successful implementation, noting Hong Kong’s unique autonomy and resilience through financial crises. [para. 17] Criticism over Hong Kong’s property sector was addressed through new land-supply policies, aiming to support entrepreneurship through affordable workspace initiatives. [para. 18] Cooperation with Shenzhen highlighted ambitions to develop an international innovation center alongside regional counterparts. [para. 19] Despite a mature public housing system, the pressing need for social housing persists, driven by land availability challenges and high property prices. [para. 20] Hong Kong's fiscal surplus is seen as a resource for infrastructure investment and social support, countering recent criticisms of governmental frugality. [para. 21] Substantial welfare investments have been made, although inequality remains a critical issue, with efforts to alleviate poverty and provide support to disadvantaged groups. [para. 22] Social tensions and youth dissatisfaction remain, requiring governmental solutions and open channels for participation and expression. [para. 23] Lam confided that her position as Hong Kong’s first female leader did not involve unique institutional challenges; however, societal expectations prevail regarding women-specific policies. [para. 24] The translation of this piece was aided by Lu Zhenhua, with editorial contact provided by Joshua Dummer.