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The EOC Launches MTR Advertising Campaign to Promote Racially Friendly Customer Services

15/09/2022

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (15 September 2022) announced the start of an MTR advertising campaign to promote racially friendly services that will run for 12 weeks. During this period, three MTR trains will carry advertisements on carriage panels with messages encouraging goods and services providers to ensure they cater to the needs of diverse customers in an equal and friendly manner.  The three trains will run on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line.

The advertisements feature four best practice suggestions which are “Expand product and service choices”, “Help with language needs”, “Make customers feel comfortable” and “Offer service of equal quality”. These reflect views obtained in a feedback collection exercise with more than 30 organisations of diverse racial groups in 2020 focusing on their retail and service experience in the city.    

The Race Discrimination Ordinance prohibits discrimination against a person on the ground of his/her race in the provision of goods, facilities and services.  All such establishments and their staff are bound by the ordinance.     

In order to influence retailers and service providers to be more mindful in their dealings with people from the non-Chinese communities, the EOC has launched this advertising campaign to reach the population directly with a positive message of inclusion and equality. The advertisements depict four scenarios which include a retail shop, a supermarket, a bank and a restaurant with four individuals from diverse races in the foreground.

EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “Shopping or accessing services should be a stress-free and judgement-free experience and one that is equal for all.  Being followed around in a shop on account of your race or not being able to place an order in a restaurant or having difficulty opening a bank account due to language barriers are some of the challenges the city’s non-Chinese face on a daily basis.  We encourage all goods and service providers to open their minds and welcome diverse customers by making their products and services more racially friendly.  Not only could this lead to business advantages and customer loyalty, it is also key to making Hong Kong society harmonious and inclusive.” 

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Equal Opportunities Commission
15 September 2022


Photo caption:

Two versions of the EOC’s advertisement on MTR carriage panels, under the caption “Racially Friendly Customer Services for All”.

Two versions of the EOC’s advertisement on MTR carriage panels, under the caption “Racially Friendly Customer Services for All”.Two versions of the EOC’s advertisement on MTR carriage panels, under the caption “Racially Friendly Customer Services for All”.
 

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