Hong Kong's First Foreign Citizen: A 53-Year Journey

Meet Mike Rowse, the first foreign Hong Kong government official to become a citizen of China. Born into a low-class family in England, he left home at 23 and traveled around Asia by boat until, in 1972, he arrived in Hong Kong to start a new life. Since then, he went from journalism to fighting corruption at the government level and later even helped bring the first Disneyland in Asia to Hong Kong. Mike shared the truth behind the success of China, Hong Kong, and Singapore that has long stayed behind closed doors, what Western media can’t get right about China and Hong Kong, and whether Hong Kong is heading toward a bright future or a sharp fall. Enjoy!

Becoming a Chinese citizen

Why Mike chose a Chinese passport

Singapore vs. Hong Kong

Being a Caucasian Chinese national

Converting from British to Chinese citizenship

How people react to Mike’s nationality

Leaving the UK by boat

First time in Singapore

Travelling in Southeast Asia in the ’70s

Highlights of the Asian trip

First job in Hong Kong

Why Hong Kong is better for living

Fighting against corruption in Hong Kong

Best job in the government

Working on the Disneyland Hong Kong project

What the Disneyland project taught Mike

Relationships vs. hard work

How to stay happy

The future of Hong Kong

Challenges for Hong Kong

The most inspirational people in Mike’s life

Honest view on China

Honest view on the UK

What it’s like being 76 years old

Regrets in life

Advice for young people

The meaning of life