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Enhance Hong Kong’s tourist-friendly image with an inclusive environment, writes EOC Chairperson
As widely reported by the media report recently, Hong Kong’s home-grown air carrier found itself embroiled in controversy when its cabin crews were accused of discrimination and insulting Putonghua-speaking passengers. The airline apologised, fired three flight attendants and pledged to review its policies.
In response to this incident which sparked a public outcry, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin wrote an article in South China Morning Post and the online news portal HK01 and expressed the EOC’s grave concerns about the incident, as well as the discrimination faced by Mainland people in the city.
Under the Race Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful to discriminate, harass or vilify a person on the grounds of his or her race in areas of activities including employment, education, provision of goods and services, disposal and management of premises, participation in clubs etc. “Race” refers to a person’s race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.
As Mr Chu noted in the article, “Language is not a protected characteristic. However, language-related requirements or conditions may result in indirect discrimination against a particular ethnic group if members of this group are unable to meet those requirements or conditions and suffer detrimental treatment as a result.”
Mr Chu believes that it was an isolated case. He wrote, “Whether from the business viewpoint or the perspective of equal opportunities, it would only do good for companies to provide quality goods and services to customers from different backgrounds and treat them equally with courtesy and respect.”
Separately, Mr Chu rode on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May to write an article in Ming Pao Daily and The Standard to call for the public to co-build a racially friendly environment with a view to helping Hong Kong lure and retain talent. This special day is marked annually to recognise the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving sustainable development.
In Mr Chu’s view, it is necessary to promote racial inclusion through a three-pronged approach, which includes active policies, partnership building and public education. The EOC is delighted to see more companies and organisations express their commitment to propelling racial diversity and inclusion by participating in the EOC’s Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers. At the same time, more mainstream schools participated in our Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme to foster racial inclusion on campus.
“I am pleased to see the Government and different sectors moving in the right direction. It is hoped that by devoting more resources and attention to improving accommodations for racial and cultural inclusion, we can break down barriers faced by non-Chinese communities in Hong Kong, and attract and retain overseas talent in the long run. This will lay a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term development, and help make it an attractive place for talented individuals to come and stay,” concluded Mr Chu.
