Hong Kong: Extreme Wealth & Crippling Poverty

Hong Kong's Super Rich and Mega Poor: Hong Kong has overtaken New York to become the city with the highest concentration of ultra-rich people in the world. But many of the city’s poor have been left behind by the government’s focus on exponential growth.

The government of Hong Kong has offset extremely low taxes by leasing state-owned land to property developers charging huge rents. ”If you’re not coming from a wealthy family, then you have no expectation or hope of purchasing your own house,” says politician and activist Nathan Law. With limited access to state housing, many are forced to live in dangerous and often illegal living conditions. ”Sometimes you can see the rats running along the ceiling,” Auntie Har says of her dingy accommodation. The growth of philanthropy to help the young has done little to help the aging population; in the absence of a comprehensive welfare system, many have been made homeless. Cherry, the child of manual labourers, sees personal wealth as the only way to secure her parents’ future. “ At the moment, my parents are raising us up and when I grow up and they’re old I can earn money and look after them.”

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SBS Australia – Ref. 7591

[atomixfang]

"I wish more can be done about this"

I bet your wishes are doing a lot while you flaunt your 7500 dollar bag.

[rpm]

Mabel Lau...calls herself an 'influencer' but only has 11K followers lol

[Abcflc]

I'm not impressed with the young woman's family flat... looks like something pretty standard in many western countries. The clothes and bags, obviously are very expensive.

[fully.fledged]

This is what happens when societies abandon belief systems and worship money instead. You forgo the most basic of human morals such as love and caring for the needy and elderly. Even when it's your own mother. Sad.

[blobloblaw]

I came here because I thought this was a documentary about health...

[juniornutshell]

Donations from the rich do not create entitlements for the poor. Donations are targeted to the values and conditions of the rich.

[bobdabuild]

the old lady really spit some really true facts

[TruthNeverFade]

I feel so bad for the elderly people selling cardboard to make ends meet. There should be a more efficient support system for elderly people anywhere in the world. Although my country (Germany) is fairly wealthy, some elderly resort to collecting returnable bottles out of trashbins. Just so sad to see :(

[stevenzheng]

Why do rich women like handbags and shoes. Of all things, I see both very insignificant possessions. As for men, expensive cars and watches are insignificant possessions as well.

[matthewmelange]

1:19 who wanted that vehicle to back her over?

[Renwoxing]

Well I guess being rich doesnt mean you need to be good looking in HK, I mean she can afford plastic surgery obviously, yet she still looks like a "Joke character" on a TVB drama!

[dracovenit]

Great video. Btw I had to laugh at the subtitles for the Jewelry boss with a British accent vs no subtitles for the Aussie host with a strong Aussie accent.

[jameshouck]

Perfect example of a megalomaniac, pure craziness, and narcissistic typical rich Asian traits. Frustrated with the housing, just tax your goods stupid people what they expect with there selfishness. This culture show's the less compassion in the world am not surprised.

[veronicamoody]

Interesting and curious. Some parts of this lady's flat are like my flat in London, England, especially the cheap crumbling walls.

[sibellakingston]

The constant questioning about how the poor feel about the very rich is irritating and superfluous.

[BecomeAWebDev]

The voting structure of the legislature (as well as the executive) is slanted to help those who are "movers and shakers" within the strange "functional constituency" system that forms the electorate. This is the reason the rich can have their cake and eat it too in Hong Kong. At any rate, I'll see you tomorrow Hong Kong!

[wespuckdog]

And I'm worried where I'm going to come up with the money to get a tooth filled next week!!!

[markmistry]

I am setting up a company to stop this poverty forever, I will provide the jobs so they can earn money. Well I shall try my best in the best way I can

[melindajohnson]

I know, that world wide, the gap between the two classes are widening. However, Hong Kong's, seems worse than I imagined. I admit to being a little shocked. I'm glad that Mabel and her purses were only a small part of the documentary. I wish that if we learn more about her in the future, we see her volunteering a soup kitchen, instead of shopping or playing at Instagram. That would be a positive direction for her and a great influence on her 'friends'. Well, we can always hope.

[nancyhsu]

The elderly woman at 13:04 - 13:08 is so cute and sweet! Also, so heartbreaking; still working at her age. I wish I could spoil her. I hope she gets regular hugs! 😢