On 29th January 2009, Dr. Thomas Tang, Executive Director of The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT), was invited to speak on the outlook for 2009 at RTHK’s Backchat radio programme on the theme of “Looking Forward to the Year of the Ox”. Dr. Tang expressed optimism on the development in the social sector despite the challenges being faced in the existing financial downturn.

In regard to these challenges, Dr. Tang gave the positive message that the future for Hong Kong is bright. Learning from the history of previous economic offsets, a rebound is expected after the recent financial tsunami and Hong Kong should not immerse itself in a negative mood. But whilst awaiting the recovery, Dr. Tang pointed out that now was a time of opportunity for both corporations as well as individuals.

Government will play a strong role in the recovery, but he emphasized that individuals could also help by taking the time to reinvent themselves to strive for personal growth as well as develop innovative business opportunities that contribute to society. Corporations should also shoulder some of this responsibility and not just lay people off but come up with creative ways to deploy resources. Dr. Tang expected more social enterprises and social intraprises (from within corporations) to emerge if such thinking took root.

Other speakers at the programme included: Kenneth Chan, Associate Professor at the Department of Government and International Studies of Hong Kong Baptist University and Charles Mok, Chairman of Internet Society.