From Glory to Gloom: Hong Kong Fails the 'ISO 9000' Standard (Edward Chin)

Hong Kong has been sinking since that fateful day on June 30th, 2020, at 11:00 pm when the National Security Law (NSL) came into effect. The city’s glory is gone. The defenders of our core values have been imprisoned or driven into exile. For years, Hongkongers tried peaceful protests, asking Beijin To me, Hong Kong was always more than just a financial hub. Hong Kong was a city of possibilities—where people built their futures, whether through business, craftsmanship, or trade. It was a place that allowed for survival and success. But that Hong Kong no longer exists. Beijing’s chokehold has st My closest friends in the finance and business sectors remain deeply committed to the ideals of Hong Kong’s freedoms. Yet even among the pro-establishment business community, there is growing concern. I hear it in their voices when we talk—people who once defended the government’s actions now expres As for Jimmy Lai, his fate under the totalitarian regime is still not known. The trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, marks a tragic turning point in Hong Kong's recent history. The prolonged delay in Lai's trial for alleged violations of the National Security Law  Last month, Jimmy Lai’s international legal team, along with his son, Sebastien Lai, submitted an urgent appeal to Dr. Alice Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The appeal highlights a range of serious concerns regarding Mr. Lai’s treatment in detention, including:     Most Hongkongers never wanted independence—they simply wanted the freedoms that were promised to them under the “one country two systems” framework. That said, the 'one country, two systems' model fails the ISO 9000 standard completely. What’s terrifying is the growing sense that Hong Kong’s distinc As I watch from afar, I see the exodus continuing. Capital is flowing out of Hong Kong, and so are the people. This time, it’s not just the pro-democracy activists leaving—many from the pro-establishment camp are also packing their bags. They see the writing on the wall. The government’s heavy-hande I remember a recent conversation with a pro-establishment business contact. We were on FaceTime, and he looked at me with a mixture of fear and desperation. “Do you think John Lee and the sanctioned officials are still in their right state of mind to govern Hong Kong?” he asked. His question highlig As for Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure representing Hong Kong’s fight for freedom and democracy, should be granted amnesty by the Hong Kong government. His imprisonment not only represents a grave injustice but also symbolizes the erosion of the liberties that once defined the city. Granting him amnesBy offering amnesty to Jimmy Lai, John Lee can initiate a similar process of healing and renewal. This act would signal that Hong Kong is willing to reconcile its past, address injustices, and return to the rule of law and the freedoms that once made it a global beacon. It is not just a matter of on O God, eternal Father, look down upon your children whom you have created with dignity and given freedom. We pray for the freedom of the people who suffer in Hong Kong and throughout the mainland, especially believers who suffer persecution for your name’s sake. We pray that you would rebuke the for