Lee eyes more cross-sector ties to address HK social welfare concerns

Editor's note: China Daily has been talking to different people from various sectors about the first polls held under the improved electoral system. Member of the Council of Lingnan University Armstrong Lee Hon-cheung stepped forward.

Armstrong Lee Hon-cheung, member of the Council of Lingnan University and managing director of Worldwide Consulting Group, won a seat on the social welfare subsector of the Election Committee elections held on Sunday.

On Wednesday, Lee shared with China Daily his thoughts on the city's electoral overhaul and his expectations for the social welfare sector. Here's what he said:

1. What do you think of the significance of the elections on Sunday?

The 2021 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections were the first elections held after Hong Kong's electoral reform as well as a full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". The success of the elections is of great significance to Hong Kong and all members of the public. It has laid a solid foundation for the city's two important upcoming elections, the Legislative Council general election scheduled in December this year and the chief executive election in March 2022.

2. What changes do you expect the revamped elections will bring to the sector you competed for?

The subsector will be more balanced in representation as members and candidates come from a wider variety of backgrounds, such as registered social workers, scholars, NGO volunteers, advisors/board members/management of social welfare organizations, and members of social welfare statutory bodies. All stakeholders in the social welfare sector can be better engaged in the sector's work and there will be more cross-sector cooperation.