Chief Executive John Lee on Friday said he is working to make Hong Kong a vibrant and appealing international city, adding that the SAR should not only be a business hub but also a place where people can “be successful and live well.”

Speaking on RTHK’s special phone-in programme about his latest Policy Address, he took questions from callers on various topics, ranging from education, family policies as well as arts and culture; to the emergence of new industries and the development of the Northern Metropolis.

On education, Lee said the government aims to attract more non-local university students, especially from Belt and Road countries.

“I've been talking to consul generals and chambers from different parts of the world to tell them about this new policy that we have more places to offer to overseas students despite the fact that they will have to pay for their own cost. I’m promoting Belt and Road countries. I’m also trying to create more scholarships for them. That trend will be positive,” he said.

One caller, Ilnur, welcomed efforts to make Hong Kong more Muslim-friendly, but noted that facilities like prayer rooms are still lacking in most public places.

In response, the CE said he hopes the entire society can work together, adding that his new initiative to subsidise restaurants for halal certification sets a clear direction.

“We are at a learning stage about how we will do better in respect of understanding more about their way of life and their religious practices. The whole community has to learn. And I think Ilnur is right that we can work more with the local Muslim community to make Hong Kong stronger in that regard,” he explained.

Lee also touched on family policies when programme host Tony Sabine shared his experience of recently becoming a new father.

“Well Tony I'm glad to hear that you have good children. You need to work harder because I give HK$20,000 for every new baby, work harder, Tony,” he said.

The CE noted that while no one would decide to have a child just because of government subsidies, the financial support sends a clear signal that the government encourages people to start families, as family is the nucleus of society.

“But I fully understand that childbearing is a very personal matter and of course when a family decides to have a new baby, they have a lot of things to really think about. It's not just money. It's well, first of all, a good environment to educate the child in due course, and also a lot of child care facilities,” he said.

Another listener, Stanley, a Hong Kong citizen living in Australia and now considering moving back, said he was encouraged by the city’s development and the new initiatives in the Policy Address.

Lee responded warmly, saying: “you’re always welcome to come back. If I have time, we can meet because I really love to hear that people who are now living overseas… they are Hong Kong residents and they really find Hong Kong is the place that they want to return. It warms my heart. I thank you sincerely.”

A caller named Marina, who works in communications, asked what she could do to help further promote Hong Kong.

The CE encouraged her to share the city’s good stories.

“We will be promoting Hong Kong as a city where they can work hard and play hard as well. So arts and culture… we have the West Kowloon Cultural District and now pets will be allowed into the restaurants happily. So there will be a lot of fun. I sincerely request you, Marina, to make good use of your communications skills to tell the world this is a very vibrant Hong Kong,” he said.