Hong Kong remains most international city in Asia, widening lead over Singapore

Hong Kong has widened its lead as Asia's most international city, according to a new study released by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The city ranked highest among 11 Asian cities, earning 74.6 out of 100 points in the annual Asian Cities Internationality Index. Its two-point lead over Singapore has widened from last year's 0.2 points.

Hong Kong excels in business and economy, quality of life, infrastructure, human capital diversity, government and legal systems, and cultural interaction. However, it lags behind in attracting technology investment. Chamber chairman Jacob Kam Chak-pui highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in research and innovation exchanges and attracting global professionals, but acknowledged the need to boost private investment in technology innovation.

He cited Shanghai's goal of cultivating 100 unicorns and introduced policies to expedite progress as an inspiration for Hong Kong. Kam also emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural interaction through societal acceptance, acceptance of innovative technology, and cultural diversity. Singapore maintained second place with 72.6 points, followed by Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.