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FORBES ASIAo start 2020, this February issue has two distinctive features. First,
this issue is the first of the year and with it comes the launch of a
new design, meant to bring continuity with the design of the U.S.
edition of Forbes. It was ably realized by Art Director Mirna Aprilla
and gives this publication a refreshed look.
Second is the editorial feature: the Hong Kong 50 richest list. It’s well-timed,
if not an ideal time, for this list. Hong Kong is suffering its worst downturn since
2009—and that previous slump was due to the global financial crisis. Its current
woes are unique to the territory, with no clear end in sight for the continuing pro-
tests or the U.S.-China trade war. The pressure is on now for the political leader-
ship in Hong Kong, Beijing and Washington to find solutions. Recent months have
been among the most challenging for Hong Kong in over a decade—on political,
economic and social levels. Now Hong Kong, and indeed all of Asia, also face the
coronavirus threat.
Hong Kong, one hopes, will find a way out of this morass. In the meantime, it’s
important that business leaders display confidence in Hong Kong’s future by grow-
ing their companies, creating opportunities and jobs, and developing the economy.
Our cover subject Adrian Cheng has done that, aggressively moving ahead with
the Victoria Dockside complex. Despite the current woes, Cheng’s development is
proving so far to be a commercial success. Billionaire Tang Shing-bor is another
example. He declares that now is the best opportunity to buy property that he’s
seen in his lifetime, and was one of the largest buyers of industrial properties last
year—aiming to redevelop them to later sell or lease out. He too is doing his part to
keep Hong Kong’s economy humming despite the headwinds.
Those with longer memories can recall this playbook. Entrepreneurs who be-
lieved in Hong Kong’s future, and had the foresight to invest in a downturn (as
during the Asian financial crisis in 1998), made outsized gains on the economic re-
bound. Naysayers who wrote off Hong Kong have been proven wrong many times,
and will likely be again. Given the chance, Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs and business
leaders find a way to revive the economy.
Amid the gloom, it helps to remember that Hong Kong still has many things
in its favor. It should continue to benefit from China’s remarkable rise, and still
boasts a deep pool of highly skilled talent and great infrastructure, such as its ports
and airport.
It is notable that this issue is being published just after the start of the Lunar New
Year. It is now the year of the rat, the first animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle. The
launch of a new cycle is an excuse to hope for fresh starts, especially for Hong Kong
to return to a path of growth and stability. As always, all comments are welcome at
[email protected].JUSTIN DOEBELE
EDITOR, FORBES ASIA[email protected]Sidelines
DISPLAYING
CONFIDENCE
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