Businessman Allan Zeman recently accepted reappointment as a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers for another two years. As a long-standing adviser to consecutive Hong Kong leaders, he says he was motivated to continue his membership by the council’s effectiveness to date as a high-level strategic advisory body.

He added that he has been deeply impressed by the governance approach taken by Chief Executive John Lee.

“A few times a year we meet to discuss what Hong Kong needs, (and) the problems that we see – maybe (developments like) I&T (innovation & technology), (and) now where everyone is talking about AI (artificial intelligence).

“Maybe Hong Kong is lacking in certain areas where we need to catch up. I think he (Mr Lee) is very open-minded and he realises the problems. If you suggest maybe some shortcuts to make things move quicker, he will act on it.“

Mr Zeman also lavished praise on the Kai Tak Sports Park project, stating that he believes the Government has done an excellent job in constructing what he considers to be one of the best stadiums in the world.

In addition, he highlighted that Hong Kong has enjoyed significant success in attracting family offices.

“There (are) approximately 400 to 500 more family offices that within the next four years will be coming to Hong Kong and signing up. That will make Hong Kong actually maybe with 3,100 or 3,200 family offices – we will be number one in the world for family offices.

“This shows the confidence that people have in Hong Kong. And of course, some of the agencies just came out showing Hong Kong was the third most competitive place in the world. We have moved up to slot number three, which again, is really, really a great achievement. I put this down to John Lee and his management and the style that he has done from the beginning.”

Since taking office, Mr Lee has led several delegations on trips overseas and to the Mainland. Mr Zeman said these visits will benefit Hong Kong and enhance its profile internationally.

“I think we are looking at new markets and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market which the Chief Executive has led a few delegations to visit. (Also) the Middle East, again, he has led delegations, and also going to Mainland China – Hangzhou and other places. And so really to tell a good Hong Kong story, we now have a really good story to tell.”