Mike Rowse
Hong Kong
Mike Rowse is an independent commentator. He has lived in Hong Kong since 1972, and is a naturalised Chinese citizen. He spent six years in the ICAC from 1974 to 1980, then 28 years in the government as an administrative officer until retirement in December 2008. He hosts a radio talk show, writes regularly for both English and Chinese media and lectures occasionally at different local universities.
Mike Rowse is an independent commentator. He has lived in Hong Kong since 1972, and is a naturalised Chinese citizen. He spent six years in the ICAC from 1974 to 1980, then 28 years in the government as an administrative officer until retirement in December 2008. He hosts a radio talk show, writes regularly for both English and Chinese media and lectures occasionally at different local universities.
Languages Spoken:
English
Clubs should not have to choose between paying again for facilities they have built and giving them up.
Findings that result in blame for the private sector and low-level civil servants while leaving ministers untouched will not cut the ice with the public.
The Anderson Road, One Stanley and Queen Mary Hospital cases suggest that the city remains better at talking about accountability than ensuring it.
The pilot scheme to bring in specially qualified carers will upset the market equilibrium, but the shake-up will be to Hong Kong’s benefit.
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Two adults, both at least partially dressed, took part in some harmless fun. Where is the crime in that?
Regardless of which direction is chosen for the postal service, any reductions in staffing must be done with sensitivity and transparency.
A brief encounter with the former Chinese premier highlighted that he was not just a hard hitter but skilled at forging human connections.
The government must keep its promise to review and adjust permit quotas – or face a backlash from commuters.
It is unacceptable for thousands of people to still not be charged, leaving their lives in legal limbo and affecting their families years later.
With Hongkongers living longer, there is no reason they should stop working at 65 when they can still contribute to the city’s economy.
As climate change intensifies and urban space dwindles, migrant workers’ needs must be prioritised.
The hearings of the committee looking into the Tai Po fire and the Fire Services Department’s inspections show there is much room for improvement.
The administration’s views on how to best regulate ride-hailing are mostly sound, with one glaring exception.
Rather than encourage energy consumption amid the effects of the Iran war, the city should also speed up the move to greener public transport.
As prediction platforms rise, the problem is not so much gambling but sports corruption. Unregulated betting offers temptingly large sums.
Efforts to cut growing costs of transport subsidy must not lose sight of the reasons behind scheme’s success.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the tournament has grown from humble beginnings into a sporting spectacle at Kai Tak Sports Park.
The budget outlines support for Hong Kong’s role in the nation’s innovation drive. Now the city must deliver the innovation.
Instead of growing the population at all costs, governments should be practically addressing longer life expectancies.
Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.
Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.
Thousands of ageing high-rises will need repair work over the next few years. Responsibility for the projects amid reports of bid-rigging needs to be addressed.
A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy.
The enthusiasm of volunteers at the National Games, the energy of the city’s football fans and the dedication of unpaid coaches at the club level are truly impressive.
A survey on smartphone use underlines the need to protect children from the harmful effects of too much time spent on electronic devices.
There is a case for refreshing stock by having a reasonable turnover, but it needs to be tempered by the benefits of retaining experience.
Unlike ministers, civil servants forced out do not have another career to fall back on but must start again.
A sizeable minority of Hongkongers have been denied rights the courts have ruled they should have by law, and the government must fix this.
Corruption or not, once malpractice takes hold, good contractors will be driven out, with serious consequences for public costs and safety.
