O&M's group managing director for Hong Kong and southern China and vice-chairman, Joseph Wang, said a recent survey by his agency found that 85 per cent of respondents were pessimistic.
High unemployment, a sluggish economy and a growing number of suicides have depressed sentiment. However, Wang said Hong Kong remained fundamentally strong. "What we have is a glass which is three-quarters full, but everyone is so negative that they are only focusing on that part which is one-quarter empty."
To readdress the situation, O&M has set up the Hong Kong Bounceback Coalition, which has a number of top corporations as members, including KFC, San Miguel and TV stations ATV and TVB.
Television stations and newspapers have pledged free air time and space.
The campaign, which will run for about three months, includes prime-time TV and radio spots, print ads, outdoor, events, and direct and interactive campaigns via the bouncebackhk.com wbesite. Said Wang: "This campaign won't cure the ills but will make people think. The aim of this effort is to turn the negativity into positive energy."
