MK sports south China, Jan. 8, 2023. Photo: Xinhua" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-03-09/71617ca5-92e6-4788-ae1f-98624aa84ed3.jpeg" />

People queue at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point in Hong Kong before traveling to neighboring Shenzhen, south China, Jan. 8, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) Stanley Ng Chau-pei, also President of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), has submitted 19 suggestions covering healthcare, education, elderly care integration between the mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the third session of the 14th NPC. 

As a seasoned deputy, Ng told the Global Times that deep integration in livelihood areas can tangibly enhance the sense of gain and identity recognition among residents of involved regions, laying a solid foundation for building a prosperous Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

One of Ng's suggestions is to expand the "multiple-entry permit" policy to more cities within the Greater Bay Area. Since the policy was implemented in Shenzhen, visits by residents to Hong Kong have surged, boosting its economy and revitalizing retail and tourism. 

Ng suggested gradually extending the policy to other Greater Bay Area cities, including Guangzhou. He believes that Guangzhou, as a core city in the Greater Bay Area, could set an example for other cities and such measures would help Hong Kong better integrate into the national development strategy.

Ng said Hong Kong's collaboration with mainland cities requires overcoming systemic and regulatory differences for smoother integration. Collaborative mechanisms could be established in healthcare and elderly care within the Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong could explore purchasing healthcare and elderly care services from the mainland, Ng said.

When asked whether he thinks mainland tourists currently have limited interest in visiting Hong Kong, Ng said that many mainland residents have yet to visit Hong Kong. Those who have visited might find Hong Kong similar to mainland metropolis, but those who haven't can still experience its unique charm. 

Ng stressed that Hong Kong must enhance the visitor experience and address service industry criticisms to maintain its 'hospitable city' reputation. 

In regard to the popularity of Ne Zha 2, which has also been released in Hong Kong, Ng said the film's success highlights China's national strength, cultural confidence, and economic progress. "As the economy grows, people's demand for entertainment increases, leading to cultural prosperity. Hong Kong is part of the nation, and if it can seize this opportunity to participate in the process of cultural development, it will undoubtedly boost Hong Kong's cultural growth."

Ng also told media that he thinks the "996" work model, which is quite common in the mainland, is not ideal, and instead, he believes "888" model is more sustainable. His remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms. 

The "888" model advocates for eight hours of work, eight hours of rest, and eight hours for personal activities, such as hobbies and family time. The "996" work model, meaning from 9 am to 9 pm and six days a week, helped some companies to realize quick development, but has led to workplace burnout, sub-health conditions, and even overwork-related deaths.

The "888" model seems to have shortened the working hours, but it is expected to enhance employees' efficiency and loyalty, reduce talent loss and error rates caused by excessive fatigue, stimulate innovative vitality, and promote the sustainable development of enterprises in the long run. For society as a whole, a healthy workforce can create a more positive consumption atmosphere, drive domestic demand growth, and contribute to social harmony and stability, Ng said.