Kelvin Ho-Por Lam | District Councillor—Fighting to preserve the identity of a city and its people
Kelvin Ho-Por Lam, 40s, is a former economist who was elected as the independent democratic councillor for the South Horizons West Constituency in 2019 and also ran to represent the Financial Services functional constituency in the now cancelled 2020 LegCo election. Having moved to the UK as a child, he returned to Hong Kong in 2015 in the aftermath of the Umbrella Revolution.
“We are a city of survivors, something that I think is encoded into the DNA of all Hongkongers.”
I grew up in Hong Kong when it was still governed by the British, living in Kowloon, where many expats considered the ‘dark side’ of the city at the time. More specifically, I lived around the Mong Kok area, near the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR), so it was a very noisy place to grow up. I remember the plethora of traditional shops around the area selling things like rice and grains, although these stores eventually disappeared as the city developed economically.
After the Tiananmen Square Massacre
One of my earliest memories in terms of Hong Kong’s relationship with Mainland China was in 1989, in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre. There was a profound sense of sadness across the city, a feeling that was accompanied by panic following the signing of the Joint Declaration and the knowledge Hong Kong would soon be back under Chinese control.
I began to notice the impact it had on people around me soon afterwards, as class sizes began to shrink, and more and more of my fellow schoolmates and their families left for the US, Canada and other nations. In the end, my own family followed suit and moved to the UK.
While fleeing Hong Kong is not a happy childhood memory, the opportunity to live and study abroad did provide me with exposure to new cultures and people. My time at the London School of Economics, in particular, allowed me to improve my knowledge of current affairs and the international community through both my studies and the people I met along the way.
Returning to Hong Kong after the Umbrella Revolution
After pursuing a career in the financial sector, (as well as turning down a career in the Hong Kong government), I eventually landed my dream job of becoming an economist which led me back to Hong Kong almost immediately after the conclusion of the Umbrella Revolution in 2014.
I had tried my best to support the movement from abroad, printing out leaflets at work, attending rallies outside the Chinese embassy in London as well as demonstrating against visiting figures from the Hong Kong government, but I still felt a little left out that I was unable to participate directly and help the people of the city. This feeling was one of the key drivers that spurred me to return to Hong Kong after the protests had ended.
Entering Hong Kong politics
I am not the first economist or banker to consider working in public service. I think many of us expect to work for a think tank or some other policy or political forum to use our skills to contribute to society. However, my own entry into public service came earlier than expected when I decided to stand in as a candidate in the 2019 District Council Election. Since my return in 2015, I was aware that things had changed and not necessarily for the better, so I saw the election as an opportunity to try and make a difference.
When I had left Hong Kong in 1994, I thought Hongkongers were proud of their city, society was more cohesive and the government and police were more respected. Since then, I believe things have changed for the worse, and I hope my efforts will help to regain some of that pride.
Representing South Horizons West and reflecting on Hong Kong
I now represent the residents of South Horizons West, one of the most densely populated areas of Hong Kong with a diverse mix of both expats and local Hongkongers. In terms of demographics, the constituency is an accurate reflection of Hong Kong's middle class society and is often used as a barometer for the political atmosphere of the whole city. If you want to win an election in Hong Kong, you have to win in South Horizons.
My constituency also reflects what I think is one of the most enduring aspects of Hong Kong itself, that combination of Eastern and Western influences that have created our unique culture. Even our native Cantonese language incorporates English vocabulary, but in a way that has become localised over time. This contrast is seen everywhere in Hong Kong. Walking through small winding lanes in Sheung Wan, you will see a shop selling coffins next to a contemporary coffee shop. This contrast extends from adjoining shops all the way up to the differences between the dense urban areas and its mountains and beaches.
A refugee society
Another aspect of Hong Kong’s unique character is its status as a refugee- accepting society. Many people here have made new lives for themselves after fleeing war, political persecution or famine among other catastrophes, both in China and elsewhere in the world.
We are a city of survivors, something that I think is encoded into the DNA of all Hongkongers. No matter what obstacles we face we will never give up and always achieve our goals in the end.
Despite recent events, I think it is important for people to retain hope that things will be better in the future. As a district councillor, I will perform my duties as well as I am able to and also try my hardest to preserve the ‘uniqueness’ of Hong Kong, its people, and their values.
To Hongkongers, I want to say, “Never give up hope.” Time is on your side and what you have done will be recorded in history. Like your ancestors, you are survivors, and you will achieve what you want in the end. Always carry your identity with you no matter where you go in the world.
Never forget your roots. Add oil, Hong Kong! 香港加油.
“I am Kelvin Ho-Por Lam, I am a HKer.”
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This article was featured on Apply Daily English Version. See the article @ https://hk.appledaily.com/feature/20201212/PUZWGIBASZFTTEDJEHWX57LANA/