The Lion Rock Institute
The Lion Rock Institute (獅子山學會) is a non-profit, public policy think tank that advocates free market solutions for Hong Kong's policy challenges. Founded in 2004, The Lion Rock Institute remains Hong Kong's only independent free-market think tank.[1] According to the Institute's website, it was created "to ensure that freedom and prosperity would continue to thrive in Hong Kong".[2]
Beliefs
The Lion Rock Institute subscribes to the view that free markets, by defending property rights, lessen government interferences on the market, and advocating low taxes rates and minimal restrictions on businesses. Its founders are Simon Lee, Andrew Work, and Andrew Shuen, who believe "policies from a free market perspective [...] will contribute to a freer and more prosperous future for Hong Kong".[3]
Symbolism
The Institute explains that "In the 1950s, hundreds of thousands fled turmoil in Mainland China. They hoped for freedom and a better life. They settled in droves on the slopes of Hong Kong’s geographical centre, Lion Rock..."Under the Lion Rock", a 1970s classic by Roman Tam, tells the story of the people who built Hong Kong. The spirit of a community supported the individual efforts of those seeking freedom and prosperity." The Lion Rock name symbolizes the strength of the people of Hong Kong, both during this time and in general; by taking on the name, the Institute hopes to express the "hope for freedom, individual courage" and an aspiration to build a prosperous future of the people of Hong Kong.[4]
Values
Among the Institute's values:[5]
- Free market values as expressed by Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman and others provide the strongest base for guiding successful government policy in Hong Kong.
- Truly independent research is an absolutely necessary part of the debate leading to intelligent policy.
- The people of Hong Kong have a right and the capability to be involved in the debate about the economic policy of today that will affect their future.
Activity
The Lion Rock Institute remains active in a wide range of issues in Hong Kong society. The majority of The Lion Rock Institute's efforts are devoted to broadcasting and telecom, town planning, transportation, house and redevelopment, fiscal management, competition law, social mobility, minimum wage, education, health care, and financial services.[6] The Institute has been quoted on a number of these issues by newspapers and media outlets in Asia.[7][8]
The Institute focuses on Hong Kong related issues, only. It is not involved in research or debates regarding foreign policy or Mainland China.
See also
References
- ↑ "FAQs". Lion Rock Institute. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ↑ "About Us". The Lion Rock Institute. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ↑ "FAQs - Why the Name "The Lion Rock Institute"?". Lion Rock Institute. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ↑ "FAQs". Lion Rock Institute. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
- ↑ http://www.lionrockinstitute.org/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211&Itemid=11
- ↑ "What We Do". The Lion Rock Institute. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ↑ "Lion Rock Institute roars into life". Finances Asia. August 12, 2004.
- ↑ Chong, Tanna (May 27, 2011). "A freer market for HK; Hongkongers have long been frustrated by unfair business practices in the city, so when and how is the proposed new competition law going to do something?". South China Morning Post.