Hong Kong is becoming unliveable to Asian expats as a recent survey has found the city is on the 41st spot when it comes to liveability, falling 12 places this year and the lowest ranking in 10 years. The city tumbles down due to its vulnerability to health crises, high levels of pollution, as well as Typhoon Mangkhut. Singapore, on the other hand, is on the 1st spot for 17 years.
The survey was released on Tuesday which was conducted by ECA International. The poll covered approximately 480 locations worldwide, wherein liveability factors include culture and health issues, pollution, and socio-political tensions - but the living cost was not included, the South China Morning Post reported.
According to Lee Quane, Asia's regional director of ECA International, Hong Kong's pollution is one of the reasons why it tumbles down in liveability rankings. The city's air pollution level is similar to other developing nations - Shanghai, Bangkok, and Manila - which act as a barrier to improve its liveability. Just last year, Hong Kong got its highest average annual concentrations of hazardous ozone in about two decades - 52 micrograms per cubic meter.
Typhoon Mangkhut is another factor why Hong Kong drops to the 41st spot. The typhoon was considered to be the most powerful that hit the city since records started in 1946. Although there were no serious casualties recorded, the typhoon knocked down 1,500 trees and destroyed more than 500 windows. In addition, a total of 889 flights have been canceled when Mangkhut was on signal No 10. Quane noted such damages would not happen in Singapore.
Meanwhile, even though Hong Kong has relatively good health care facilities, its high population density is bringing health risks. Quane cited the city's recent seasonal influenza outbreaks that led to all child care centers and kindergartens being closed for about a week ahead of Lunar New Year holiday.
The director expressed his concern over the huge gap between Hong Kong and Singapore in liveability rankings. Quane explained that if Asian expats see that significant gap when they're choosing where to relocate, they will probably choose Singapore - especially because it's on the 1st spot.
He urged the government to do a better job when it comes to implementing policies, saying it could've done better in managing pollution and the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut. Quane also suggested congestion charges so it would encourage people from driving and owning a car, and public transport operators should be upgraded to less polluting vehicles as well.
