The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of China’s most ambitious national strategies, aiming to transform Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong province into a globally competitive economic and innovation hub. With a combined population of over 86 million and a GDP contribution of nearly 12 percent of the nation’s total, the Greater Bay Area is designed to foster regional collaboration, drive technological innovation and enhance economic competitiveness on a global scale. Its significance lies in its potential to create a synergistic ecosystem where cities leverage their unique strengths — for example, Guangzhou’s manufacturing capabilities, Hong Kong’s position as a global financial, trade, and transportation hub, and Shenzhen’s technological innovation — to achieve shared prosperity.
A major factor in the success of the Greater Bay Area hinges on the seamless integration of traffic and the transfer of people, goods and capital to unlock the region’s full potential. Over the past decade or so, significant investments in infrastructure have made physical integration much easier. The commencement of High Speed Rail (HSR) services, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao (HZMB) Bridge and new land ports have drastically reduced travel times and facilitated cross-border exchanges. For instance, the HSR between Hong Kong and Shenzhen now allows commuters to travel downtown-to-downtown in just 14 minutes, while the HZMB has cut the journey time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai (or Macao) from nearly three hours to just 45 minutes. The enhanced physical connectivity has also fostered a sense of regional unity, creating a “one-hour living circle”.
The impact of these infrastructural developments is evident in the frequent travel patterns observed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, millions of people traveled between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland for work, education and leisure. The HSR and the HZMB became bloodlines for cross-border commuters, enabling a fluid exchange of talent and resources. As pandemic restrictions eased in early 2023, the rapid resurgence of cross-border activity highlighted the resilience and importance of the Greater Bay Area’s integrated infrastructure. The reopening of land ports and the resumption of HSR services saw an immediate surge in patronage, reflecting deep social ties within the region.
Despite these notable achievements, integration within the Greater Bay Area may appear somewhat focused primarily on physical connectivity. While residents from different cities within the region frequently visit one another, their trips are often for dining, leisure and shopping. Consequently, some members of our community have advocated for measures to encourage spending within our city. This suggests a perceived lack of urgency or awareness regarding the need for deeper economic and other forms of integration.
Despite these notable achievements, integration within the Greater Bay Area may appear somewhat focused primarily on physical connectivity. While residents from different cities within the region frequently visit one another, their trips are often for dining, leisure and shopping. Consequently, some members of our community have advocated for measures to encourage spending within our city. This suggests a perceived lack of urgency or awareness regarding the need for deeper economic and other forms of integration.
The primary reason for this may be a lack of deep cultural understanding among the inhabitants. Although we share the same language and heritage, the unique historical contexts of Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland cities have led to subtle yet significant differences in mindset and approach. These differences, while not insurmountable, have impeded quick deeper collaboration. To tackle these challenges, a more deliberate and cultivated approach to collaboration is essential. This involves not only enhancing infrastructural connectivity but also bridging gaps in subcultures and perceptions, particularly among younger generations. By raising their awareness of the Greater Bay Area’s potential, our future community leaders may be able to adopt a broader perspective.
One promising example of such efforts is the We@Future Jamboree, hosted by the Scout Association of Hong Kong in December. The jamboree, held on Qi’ao Island in Zhuhai, marked a historic milestone in cross-regional youth engagement and education. The five-day event brought together over 4,000 Scout members from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange and immersive learning.
Apart from promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding, the jamboree also served to inspire Scouts to expand their horizons and explore new avenues for personal and professional growth. Through a variety of activities, Hong Kong’s youth experienced the nation’s development firsthand. At Zhuhai Aerospace Land, Scouts explored full-scale models of China’s Tiangong space station and various advanced military and civilian aircraft. Interactive exhibits, such as the simulated cockpit of the domestically developed C919 passenger plane, were made available to allow them to appreciate the remarkable achievements of the nation’s aerospace and aviation industries. The Scouts also visited biotechnology companies, learning about state-of-the-art advancements. These experiences allowed them to see for themselves the transition from “made in China” to “created in China”.
In the historic village of Huitong, Scout members witnessed how well-planned economic activities have helped revitalize a traditional village and preserve architectural complexes. Additionally, they engaged in cultural activities such as lion dance workshops, Sanzao crane dance performances and folk music, gaining a glimpse into the richness, diversity and depth of Chinese cultural heritage.
The jamboree took the initiative to lead Hong Kong’s youth into the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, allowing them to experience the vibrant development opportunities there. It guided them to broaden their horizons in life planning, encouraged out-of-the-box thinking, and established a new concept of personal and professional development. It also underscored the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration in achieving the Greater Bay Area’s vision of becoming a globally competitive economic and innovation hub.
The Scout movement has a history spanning over a century in Hong Kong and currently boasts more than 50,000 youth members, making it the largest and most well-established youth uniformed group. Scouting has long been committed to providing young people with comprehensive training and challenging activities outside the formal institutional setting to nurture qualities of good citizenship, such as self-reliance, helpfulness, responsibility and courage. The Scout Association of Hong Kong, through practical training, strengthens the character, physique and personality of young people.
The Scout Promise, which includes the phrase “to do my duty to my country”, underscores the movement’s pivotal role in fostering national education and civic responsibility. Over the past century, countless young people have benefited from Scouting, developing essential life skills and a strong sense of service. These individuals have gone on to contribute their talents in various capacities within society, embodying the values of self-reliance, helpfulness and courage. Their dedication has left an indelible mark on society, shaping a legacy of positive impacts and responsible citizenship.
It is no exaggeration to say that this jamboree has set a historic benchmark for youth development initiatives.
The author is a public affairs specialist and international affairs commentator.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
