Recently taken under the fold by the Chinese government, Hong Kong is a densely populated island, with a westernized outlook, Chinese roots and tradition. The charming amalgamation of Chinese traditions and British outlook has shaped a modern, westernized capital economy with a multi cultural ethos. Referring to its past glories and recent return to Chinese sovereignty, understanding the ethos and culture of Hong Kong becomes imperative when you plan to move to Hong Kong or are thinking about working there.
Cultural History of Hong Kong
After the defeat of China during the Opium War, Britain got Hong Kong as a colony to rule over for the next 99 years. It was in 1898 that the lease was signed and China got back the sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. However, it was put into the agreement that Hong Kong would be able to maintain a free economy for the next 50 years and so, Hong Kong gained the status of ‘Special Administrative region’. The special status endowed by China has lead to a very open import and export policies with only 15% taxation limits. The perfect mix of ancient Chinese traditions and the overlay of western British influence of the last 99 years have given the people of Hong Kong, a different ethos and separate identity. The influx of people over the years has earned Hong Kong the tag of a global city.
Work and Emerging Changes
Most of the service industries deal in telecommunication, insurance, banking, real estate and tourism. Tourism in Hong Kong has gained a lot of world wide attention, especially since it is known as the ‘Movie Capital of Asia’. Despite being under the British influence, Hong Kong has been able to carve a separate identity and the changeover with sovereignty to China has been smooth. The corporate culture is an amalgamation of people working from all over the world, and the mixing cultures have made the well educated working class with an international market savvy business culture in Hong Kong fast growing. However, with changing times, expatriates looking for work in China need to have language proficiency in Cantonese and Mandarin with a high level of experience in their fields.
The constant migration of people has enabled to make Hong Kong to become cosmopolitan, well adapt to make expatriates feel at home. The unique cultural ethos at the workplace has brought about a multi ethnic society where people of different nationalities live and work together for a common goal. Though it has been subjected to intense political and economic changes, during the recent years, it has managed to remain a global city, with emerging markets–in real estate, tourism and a booming service industry. High end medical facilities have given rise to a new service industry of medical tourism.
Real Estate
As Hong Kong strengthens its economy, the demand for both residential and commercial spaces for buying and on rent, is on the rise. As it has become one of preferred base for multi national companies in Asia, the demand to house the growing expatriate employees is on the rise. Apart from that the local population and better per capita income has given rise for increased real estate investment. Even after the real estate recession ended in 2003, the prices are still undervalued making Hong Kong a sought after destination by overseas investors, with a bright future ahead. Rapid progress in the Tourism industry and projection of Hong Kong as an international travel destination has indirectly helped real estate development in the country.
Tourism
Whether one comes to Hong Kong for work or pleasure, the beautiful tropical weather and clean shoreline of this exotic island never fails to leave an impact. White sand beaches, modern amenities and plethora of entertainment pursuits have made it a popular destination during the summer months. With small cafes to five star hotels, Asia’s only Disney World and a multitude of pursuits to keep the whole family happy. Hong Kong is still alluring to the expatriates from Asia and Europe as people prefer its vibrant culture, a chance to live in a safe, international lifestyle, enjoy pristine beauty with warm tropical weather.
With innumerable malls and international standard shopping festivals held by the government, the country has become synonymous for high quality shopping and visits to the flea markets, by both the tourists and the locals. Food expos, exhibitions, museums, aviaries, zoological parks are just a few mentions of what Hong Kong has to offer.
Working and living in Hong Kong is a novel experience with the future looking far brighter than the past, Hong Kong is becoming the major destination of expatriates from all over the world.
Anita Choudhary has been freelancing and writing on a number of topics for over 4 years. She provides quality professional copywriting and editing services. Check out http://www.webseowriter.com
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