WHY CAN'T WE HAVE THAT?

When Hong Kong talks about tourism there are only 2 activities; shopping and eating. It seems we can only offer shopping, shopping, more shopping and interspaced with eating, period. We have lost the title of shopping capital in Asia, killed by we-all-know-what, while eating hangs on perilously. A picture is worth a thousand words, remember al fresco dining? Where in Hong Kong can you find a quaint street like this one in Singapore. They have hundreds more, everywhere. I do not think our bureaucrats appreciate what al fresco means, let alone what it offers tourism and local patronage. They penalize smokers, control pollution with drastic measures and then they chase out al fresco establishments. Now, you think this is funny, no it is not, in fact it is tragic.

Singaporeans have embraced al fresco as a key part of their life style, why can't we do that? The Asian Food Channel or AFC, arguably one of the most watched reality shows in the region, picked Singapore as its hub, generating much hype and commercial activities. Their home at Orchard Central (181 Orchard Road) is dynamic, interactive, cool and it hums with foodie of all nationalities, why can't we do that? Singapore has succeeded in a strategy to own the matrix where east does meet west across a wide spectrum of cuisines, why can't we do that? In addition to Chinese, Malay & Indian food via her cultural divide she has gradually become a non-Asian hub as well, why can't we do that? Ask any Singaporean what they love in Hong Kong the standard, and regrettably only answer is : dim sum & wanton noodles. Old news, in fact, ancient news we still lean on. Why can't we go beyond old glory, tired laurels and stale ideas?

'Asia's World City', right? It is a pity we have lost not the ability, but the will to compete since we returned to the womb, so to speak.

I breathe sorrow as I envy this beautiful al fresco dining street behind Boat Quay.