S2E22: Why Shenzhen still needs 'big brother' Hong Kong in its quest for growth

Feb 27, 2025

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The relationship may not necessarily be purely competitive only.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For February, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Chang May Choon connect with colleagues - Magdalene Fung based in Hong Kong, and Joyce Lim in Shenzhen.

They wonder if Shenzhen has indeed eclipsed Hong Kong today, and look at how the two cities’ roles have evolved in recent years.

Once a rural backwater that looked up to its richer, savvier neighbour across the border, Shenzhen underwent rapid development in the past four decades and flipped the power dynamics.

But within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the reality is that both cities will need each other in order to have sustainable growth going forward.

The GBA refers to the region comprising the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 Past history: When Hong Kong was less developed and Shenzhen was just a village

3:40 Light show comparisons: The Shenzhen light show, launched in 2018, and Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights - a tourist staple since 2004

5:35 Does Shenzhen represent the future, in terms of the tech edge?

8:35 Hong Kong is still the big brother that is the largest source of investment for Shenzhen

11:35 Why would one cross the border, to visit either city?

13:42 Understanding the Greater Bay Area concept