a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups June 2017 Volume 9 Number 2

Youth
HONG KONG

Looking
Forward
 OVERVIEW
4 Hong Kong after 1997
Contents
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Volume 9 Number 2
INTERVIEWS
6 Engaging young people
Mrs Carrie Lam Chief Executive-elect
10 Knowing more about China
Mr Lau Ming-wai Commission on Youth

PERSPECTIVES
12 The economy: 4-5 6-11
Greater Bay area and beyond Titus Lo
14 Hopes and expectations Youth IDEAS OVERVIEW INTERVIEWS
16 Learning from the past Carew Chan
18 Strengthening multiculturalism
Stephanie Hung
20 Enforcing gender equality Bonnie Chiu
22
24
Needing to trust Alex Pang
Medical technology and the human touch
12-35 36-37
Benjamin Lui
26 Public transport:
PERSPECTIVES TALKING POINT
congestion or the hyperloop? Max Ng
28 Taking climate change seriously
Hazel Wong
30 Dealing with waste Gary Lee
32 Becoming part of you Samuel Lau
34 Trying to move forward Poppy Tam 38-41
TALKING POINT YOUTH WATCH
36 The Rule of Law Ho But-lam

YOUTH WATCH
38 Youth policy Jennifer Lam

HKFYG 42-51
42 Youth IDEAS Surveys
45 Summer Youth Programme HKFYG
46 Concert of 10,000 Voices
48 Mosaic cocreation: China Week
50 Leaders to Leaders Summer 2017
51 Belt and Road: multimedia resource kits

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS Ho But-lam Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
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of Youth Groups the publisher is prohibited HKFYG Youth Research Centre FAX 3755 7155
EDITORIAL BOARD OVERVIEW TRANSLATION EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk
Rosanna Wong Lakshmi Jacot Ada Chau & Angela Ngai ADVERTISING enquiries to
Elaine Morgan (Editor) INTERVIEWS PHOTOGRAPHS Ada Chau 3755 7108
Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) Elaine Morgan Acknowledged as captioned, stock images, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth
William Chung Lakshmi Jacot public domain or by Elaine Morgan Groups was founded in 1960 and
Andy Ho Ada Chau TRADEMARKS All brand names and is the citys largest non-profit youth
Lakshmi Jacot OTHER CONTRIBUTORS product names are registered trademarks. organization. Its programmes and
Angela Ngai Titus Lo Youth Hong Kong is not associated with activities at over 60 locations have
Hon Advisers Carew Chan any product or vendor mentioned in articles. annual attendance of 5 million.
Henry Poon Stephanie Hung ARTWORK, DESIGN, CORE SERVICES Youth SPOTs, M21
Veronica Pearson Bonnie Chiu LAYOUT & PRINTING Multimedia Services, Employment Services,
CIRCULATION (unaudited) Alex Pang DG3 Youth at Risk Services, Counselling
11,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, Benjamin Lui ISSN 2071-3193 (Print) Services, Parenting Services, Leadership
throughout the region and overseas Max Ng ISSN 2519-1098 (Online) Training, Volunteer Services, Education
VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors Hazel Wong WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk Services, Creativity Education and Youth
and interviewees may come from official Gary Lee CORRESPONDENCE to The Editor, Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports
sources, and do not necessarily reflect the Samuel Lau Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong Services, Research and Publications
views of the editorial board or publisher Poppy Tam Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 WEB hkfyg.org.hk m21.hk

2
Editorial
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

As the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region approaches its 20th Anniversary,
Youth Hong Kong takes this opportunity to hear from tomorrows leaders today.

Young people share their expectations and hopes for Hong Kongs progress,
writing from a range of perspectives about various concerns.

We are privileged to have the Chief Executive-elect share her vision on how to
positively engage young people for the future development of Hong Kong.

This is their future and these are their visions and dreams.

We hope that as a result of reading this issue you will appreciate the dynamism of
Hong Kongs youth. As always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP

Executive Director, HKFYG
June 2017

3
 Overview
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Hong Kong after 1997
Feelings of hope, excitement and anxiety all met on a rainy
day in Hong Kong 20 years ago. It was the day the city
became a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples
Republic of China. All those emotions were completely
natural and inevitable given that the concept of One
Country, Two Systems was untried anywhere in the world.
What has happened since then has run the gamut of
challenges and opportunities, many of which were similar
to those experienced by other major cities. Hong Kongs
unique position has at times exacerbated events, but on
balance, this is a city that has continued to make progress.
Social, health and economic concerns
Some of Hong Kongs biggest challenges actually drew
people together, most evidently during the SARS
outbreak of 2003. The city came to a virtual standstill:
quiet streets, closed schools and universities, tourists
absent and the economy in freefall. This health disaster
saw 299 deaths and more than 1,700 people affected.
In response, people rallied round to help each other
and the communitys resilience was second-to-none.
Although other health crises including bird flu and swine
flu also took their toll, the public health system, often
criticised for its long waiting lists, dealt with each crisis
in a manner that drew admiration around the world.
Economic volatility has also affected the city and the
Asian financial crisis of 1997 was probably the most
dramatic example, especially when the government
made the unprecedented move of intervening in the
market. This was considered controversial because of
Hong Kongs reputation as a free market economy but
it was a courageous move, emulated by many countries
ten years later when the global financial crisis hit.
4
In the meantime, Hong Kong has dealt with real and
increasing competition from mainland China and overseas.
As part of China, it feels the impact of competitive first-tier
mainland cities and widespread economic growth in China.
Nevertheless, Hong Kongs economy nearly doubled in size
over the past two decades with GDP growing at an average
annual rate of 3.4%. Per capita GDP during the same period
rose by more than 60% to HK$330,720 (US$42,400)
representing average annual real-term growth of 2.5%.1
Inspite of its economic growth, one of the most serious
problems Hong Kong has witnessed is the continuously
widening wealth gap. According to one estimate, in just
four years, 2011-2015, the number of poor families rose
an alarming 6%. 19.6% of the citys population can now
be classified as poor.2 With low wages and rising costs,
upward mobility is extremely difficult, creating a vicious
cycle of intergenerational poverty. The last 20 years have
also seen rising property prices that put buying a home
out of the reach even for the middle class. This will have
long-term social repercussions as young people postpone
marriage and having children. Meanwhile, intergenerational
tensions and frustrations with the government will grow.
Probably one of the most important changes has been in
demographics.3 Like many other places, Hong Kong has an
ageing population and a low fertility rate. As the proportion
of those under 15 falls and the proportion of those over 65
rises, so the median age, which in 2016 already stood at 44,
continues to rise. Given that life expectancy is also expected
to increase, critical social issues related to the elderly will
assume greater and greater importance in policy matters.
In the workforce, unemployment and underemployment
rates still remain stable despite growing concern about
the mismatch between available jobs and required skills.
 Demonstrations show the publics belief in a political system that allows
them to give vent to their opinions

Traditional industries are no longer a diagnose these signs most of

mainstay of growth and progress which signify discontent as being
and this means that new indicative of fragmentation of Hong
avenues for investment and Kong society. While not diminishing the
training, including science genuine sentiments of those who protest, it
and technology and the creative should be said that public demonstrations
industries, are being explored. The here take place within the framework

dominance of finance and business
in tertiary education needs to be
addressed as Hong Kong looks
to expand its economic base.
Political challenges
One cannot ignore the growing politicisation of Hong
Kong. This was reflected by the record turnout of 2.2
million voters for the 2016 Legislative Council election.
While wanting their voices to be heard, the public
have also had to get used to legislators filibustering
tactics and to seeing anticipated new policies vetoed,
as was the case in the political reform package.
Given that members of the public do not hesitate to express
their opinions on governance and the impact of policies, it is
not surprising that Hong Kong has also grown accustomed
to political demonstrations. The annual 1 July protest rally,
the major three-month sit-in of the Umbrella Movement
or Occupy Central, and many other pro- and anti-
government protests, large and small, all are manifestations
of growing political awareness in the community.
There are few, if any, cities in the world today where
everyone agrees about politics. It is normal to have
divergent political positions and to disagree about how
policies must be implemented. Nevertheless, some analysts
by Andreas. flic.kr/p/4UmCBy
of Hong Kongs commitment to
the Rule of Law, its respect for
freedom of expression and the
right of assembly and procession.
Most importantly, what these
demonstrations show is the publics belief in a political
system that allows them to give vent to their opinions
freely, even if they are at odds with the government.
Optimistic outlook
Despite differing opinions about politics and the economic
and social challenges faced by the city, there is a genuine,
firm commitment to the future and a strong wish for
progress and prosperity at all levels of society. With a high
degree of autonomy, legally enshrined in the Basic Law,
there still remains optimism for the future and many people
feel a strong sense of belonging to Hong Kong.4 The city
is confident that it will continue to be an international
hub, not only for business and financial services, but also
as a global leader in trade, aviation, shipping, logistics, the
arts and culture. Consistently ranked as the worlds freest
economy, open to people from around the world, Hong
Kong will maintain its role as Asias World City.
by kuba! flic.kr/p/o4HAy3

1. 2015 market prices; gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/docs/2016HK_in_brief.pdf

2. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2028422/hong-kong-government-slammed-poverty-figure-
hits-six-year

3. legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/1415in07-population-profile-of-hong-kong-20150416-e.pdf
4. Chinese University survey cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press_detail.php?id=2364

5
 Interview
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Engaging Young People

I n this interview with Mrs Carrie Lam as she
prepares to take office as Chief Executive, a message
of profound commitment was clear. Mrs Lam stressed
the need to engage young people as a major priority, to
build their confidence and strengthen their sense of
attachment to Hong Kong.

6
Asked what her wishes were for the citys future, the Chief
Executive-elect said, Looking ahead, fundamentally
I want to ensure the continuing success of One
Country, Two Systems. That means upholding our
core values: the rule of law, the independence of the
judiciary, the freedoms that we enjoy. These principles
are crucial for maintaining Hong Kongs stability.
In relation to young people specifically, Mrs Lam
talked about her days of campaigning. What I heard
from young people was their anxiety and despair, she
said. Those feelings can be very damaging. Without
hope, life becomes very depressing. I need to get to
the root of the problem to understand better.
During my election campaign,
by interacting directly with
youth, I learned a lot about
how they felt.
Getting to the root of the problem
While this might be a general phenomenon, Mrs
Lam suggested that lack of hope for the future often
comes from lack of opportunities. Therefore it
becomes imperative to give young people more faith,
both in Hong Kong and in the government, with
tangible opportunities to succeed and prosper.
How her government plans to do this is by working on
clear policies to address specific areas that have a direct
impact on young people. These are housing, education
and economic development, all of which, as she went
on to explain, are interconnected. Look at property
prices and wages today. Buying a home has become
unaffordable, impossible for young people. Working out
a policy that will allow them to own their own flat, not
immediately, but in due course, is my foremost goal.
Education is so important, Mrs Lam said. Hong Kong
is a place without many natural resources and we have
built our success on people. Now we need to improve
educational opportunities, invest more in talent and
produce the people to drive Hong Kongs economy.
7
 Interview
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Without hope, life becomes
very depressing. I need to get
to the root of the problem.
Economic development:
providing motivation for youth
All this naturally depends on the assurance of secure
economic development. To grow the economy, not only do
we want to strengthen traditional sectors, including finance,
shipping, professional services and tourism, we also want
to press ahead with emerging sectors. Specifically, these are
innovation and technology, as well as the creative industries.
These could, in the long term, provide motivation for
youth to play their own role in economic development,
given competencies in both sectors, Mrs Lam affirmed.
As an example, she would like to see young people with
innovative ideas devising policy and applications for the
delivery of medical care, biomedicine and biotechnology for
the elderly. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another field where
young people should be involved. I think we have a strong
edge in developing AI. I have seen very talented students in
this area, with new ideas in automation and robotics. What
the government needs is to have a shared vision of growth
in opportunities and investment so that young people
will see more clearly that this is where their future lies.
The central focus of Mrs Lams vision for young people
is their growing involvement in the public arena.
Tapping their forces and resources, listening to and
engaging them are very important. She highlighted
three approaches which could facilitate the process of
engagement and offer a real, comprehensive way in
which the concerns of young people could be heard
while possible solutions were gleaned from them.
Listening and interacting,
engagement and direct participation
First and foremost Mrs Lam stressed that young people
need more opportunities to interact with government
officials and to gain a better understanding of public
policy. Indeed, I promise that I and the Principal
8
Officials of my government will go to schools and youth
organizations with the express intention of listening to
young people directly and interacting with them.
The second approach to youth engagement that Mrs Lam
would like to pursue is an increased youth membership of
government advisory boards and committees. There are
hundreds of these and we could invite or appoint more
young people. A new self-nomination process could also
be established whereby vacancies were advertised and
those interested could put their names forward, involving
a proactive response from young people themselves.
Nothing can substitute for
dialogue with a personal
touch.
Third, Mrs Lam outlined a strategy to bring more
youth directly into government by giving them working
experience in public policy and public affairs. I promise
to create 20 to 30 positions on non-civil service contracts
for this purpose. Then we can work more side by side.
Together, what these three approaches offer to young
people is actual and direct participation, which could go a
long way to improve communication and understanding
on both sides. Underlying Mrs Lams vision of expanding
youth opportunities, both in the workforce and in the
civic arena, is the creation of a youth development policy.
Youth policy from new
Youth Development Commission
At present, youth development work within
various government departments may seem
compartmentalized. The Social Welfare Department,
Home Affairs Bureau and Education Bureau all run
different youth development programmes. What
we need is a well-articulated, overarching youth
development policy to bring them together.
A higher level Youth Development Commission, to grow
out of the existing Commission on Youth, will draw up
the policy, a visionary statement encapsulating hopes
and goals for Hong Kongs youth. Whatever policy the
 for dialogue with a personal touch. Thats what works best.
During my election campaign, by interacting directly with
I want to give young people youth, I learned a lot about how they felt while they came to
understand a bit more about how the government works.
confidence in themselves and in
the government. To conclude, the Chief Executive-elect spoke heartfelt
words. My overall vision is to make sure that people
of all ages in Hong Kong have hope and can live
government develops it has to be acceptable by young happily in this city, that they will become more
people. The composition and structure of the Commission attached to it than ever and call it their home.
has not yet been decided but, tentatively, Mrs Lam says
the Chief Secretary for Administration will chair it and Especially for young people, her message is one of hope.
there is no reason why it cannot have youth members. I want to give them confidence in themselves and in the
government. To achieve this we must see them as a diverse
Stressing the need to take stock of the youth work done group with very different talents. We should not stereotype.
in all the various departments, Mrs Lam insists that Instead we should provide opportunities that allow youth to
youth policy must be discussed by and embraced by fulfill their potential, to confirm their sense of commitment
youth. We are not in a position to dictate to them. I and then in future give back to the community.
want to listen to them first. Only then will it be possible
to work out what policy we should have and how it can
be taken forward in a coordinated way in future.


In order to get a broad grasp of young peoples views, Mrs

Lam is convinced that face-to-face communication works
best although she agrees that the means of communication
that young people use themselves will also be adopted.
While confirming that her government will reach out
extensively on social media, she is committed to simply

sitting down together and talking. Nothing can substitute

9
 Interview
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Knowing more
about China
F or Hong Kong youth's awareness and
understanding of mainland China to
be enhanced, they need first-hand
experience, says Mr Lau Ming-wai,
Chairman of the Commission on Youth.

Getting to know Hong Kong youth has been the focus

of Mr Laus work with the Commission on Youth
and he is a leading voice on matters concerning Hong
Kongs young people. His benchmark is for them to
be happy, healthy and resilient. When asked about the
challenge they face on the subject of national identity,
his answer is clear. I think that ones cultural identity
is an individual choice and it can only be meaningfully
formed through personal experience and reflection.

A nation is more than a place. Its people are bound

together by a shared past, ethnicity or language that
create a sense of identity, but some youth say that
they feel their sense of Hong Kong identity is being
threatened. Mr Lau acknowledges that the unique
history, identity and culture with which they grew
up are quite different from those of mainland China.
Therefore, he points out, The fundamental premise
of any sort of winning hearts and minds is that we
have to acknowledge that these differences are real.
Integration with China on many levels and in many
spheres, including the economic, social and cultural,
will take time, he continues. However, he believes
that, The social and cultural integration issues were
seeing, in my opinion, are man-made. No one is forcing
us to speak Mandarin. No one is forcing us to read
simplified Chinese. One can be proud of ones Hong
Kong identity and culture, and at the same time accept
and embrace mainland Chinese identity and culture.
Finding out what makes China tick can be achieved in
many ways. Most often, Hong Kong youngsters do so
by joining exchange tours or doing internships The
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
has had a long history of supporting youth exchange in
mainland China, Mr Lau points out.* In 2016-2017
alone, the Commission on Youth funded more than 300
exchange and internship tours organized by third parties.
Given the wide range of such tours, naturally their quality
varies. While there are low quality ones that provide less
chance for personal reflection, many are not like that. I
have participated in some exchange tours that offer students
a chance to experience local culture and meet local people.
Spreading these best practices is a work in progress.

*More details
coy.gov.hk/en/mainland_exchange/funding_scheme_17_18.html
10
 One can be proud of ones Hong
Kong identity and culture, and
at the same time accept and
embrace mainland Chinese
identity and culture.

Other than government sponsored tours, working

holidays are also gaining in popularity among young
people and given that travel today often means
organized tours with little chance for independent
discovery and interaction, Mr Lau encourages young
people to learn about mainland China on their own.

Do young people need to know more about the Basic Law

or the One Country, Two Systems concept? Yes, Mr Lau
says, but his answer is qualified. Measures like rote-learning
the Basic Law, and Putonghua recital competitions have
limited effect, in my opinion. They convey only superficial
knowledge and do not engender a genuine understanding
of mainland China or resonate on a personal level.
pp Lau Ming-wai with a group of young people on a trip last year to Inner
Mongolia, an autonomous region of northern China. To learn more, access to first-hand experience is needed
and this could also be most helpful in the effort to form
One of Mr Laus priorities is to review the design, operation a sense of national identity, Mr Lau thinks. By visiting
and overall quality of all such tours and internships with a view various parts of the country, meeting people, listening
to continually improving them to provide a better experience to them and finding out about their lives, Hong Kong
for young people. Last year, I personally joined some of youth will discover a key to better understanding.
these tours to collect students feedback. Participants told me
that they appreciated authentic exchanges with local people
and free time to explore the destination city and its culture.


Destinations now span the whole of China. What the
government has been doing is providing opportunities
for those who do not know where or how to start.
Types of programmes range from cultural and historical
tours, to legal and architectural internships, to volunteer

service camps and Mr Lau considers that the variety of

programmes caters for different needs and interests.

11
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Hong Kongs economy

Seeing opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and beyond

Y oung accountant Titus Lo believes that Hong Kongs reputation as a business-

friendly environment is one of its greatest assets. With its world-class
communications and logistics, the city makes an ideal hub, providing a host of
opportunities for networking and investment.

Hong Kong has a unique business environment and The kind of stability that Hong Kong offers also reduces
several special advantages. Furthermore, I think the the chance of failure and supports both innovation and

by Ben Brown flic.kr/p/776Az9

recent announcement about the development of the
Greater Bay Area, destined to integrate the economies of
Guangdong and Macau with that of Hong Kong, means
our strengths will become even more apparent in future.
What the business sector needs, especially young
entrepreneurs who have to take considered risks, is
predictability. For that, it is very important to be able to rely
on Hong Kongs solid legal system and its stable regulatory
environment. These provide the kind of transparency
which entrepreneurship needs in order to thrive and are
factors that cannot be counted on in mainland China.
reinvestment. Even if our GDP is small compared to
that of mainland China, figures for the first quarter of
2017 were very encouraging, showing that Hong Kongs
economy expanded by 4.3% in real terms, compared
to only 2% in 2016, and we are on track to meet the
estimated growth rate of 2-3% for the whole year. 1
However, in order to maintain the confidence of the
business community especially that of international
companies I believe there are several crucial factors.
First, the Rule of Law and a well-established legal culture.
Second, a corruption-fee society. Third, a renewable

12
 It is very important to be able to
rely on Hong Kongs well-
established legal system and its
stable regulatory environment.

pool of talented young people. Fourth, language

by Xianyi Shen flic.kr/p/gr4VM1

skills especially in English. All of these contribute
to Hong Kong as a thriving international financial
centre and are essential for our future prosperity.

To sustain Hong Kongs competitiveness as the citys

ties with the mainland become stronger and China
itself becomes more confident of its power, a stable
investment environment protected by fair, transparent
courts is essential. With these assured, Hong Kong will Titus Lo completed a Bachelor of Commerce,
be able to take advantage of a bright future as a linchpin Professional Accounting, at Macquarie University in
in the Greater Bay Area*. Even more, it will offer a 2013 before working as an audit assistant with Philip
Poon & Partners CPA, and then in systems testing
key to the door of cooperation and coordination with with the Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong.
other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Sources
Professor Y.C. Richard Wong, The University of Hong Kong wangyujian.hku.hk/?p=8241&lang=en
1. hong-kong-economy-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Market-Environment/Economic-and-Trade-Information-on-Hong-Kong/etihk/en/1/1X000000/1X09OVUL.htm
* For a changing map of the evolution of the Greater Bay Area go to: scmp.com/infographics/article/2087678/evolution-greater-bay-area
13
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Hopes and expectations

A small-scale survey was conducted this year among
the members of Youth I.D.E.A.S, a platform created
by HKFYG to enable young people to exchange
views on issues concerning youth. They were
asked to consider the incoming administration
and say what their top priorities were.

These young professionals and tertiary students

have high expectations of the new Chief
Executive and her governing team. They want
her to mend the divisions between various
factions of the community and find practical
solutions to social problems such as the citys
education system, inequality and housing costs.

Integrity and good communication between

the government and the public are of central
importance to them, whether by face-to-face
dialogue or social media. Among the qualities
they will be looking for in the administrative
team, the top two are effective listening skills
in response to public opinion and integrity.

by Colt Group flic.kr/p/kEdq7h

Of all the possible core values that a Hong Kong
leader should uphold, among those mentioned in
the survey the Rule of Law was the top priority,
followed by freedom and anticorruption.

What are your main expectations of the new Chief Executive?

Healing Hong Kongs divided society 46%

Solutions to social problems 32%
Better relationship between the Executive and Legislative Councils 29%
Good governance with leadership skills 23%
Ability to communicate with different sectors 22%
More talented people in government 18%
Better use of public finance 10%
Other 1%

14
 What priorities would you give the new Chief Executive?

Provision of affordable housing for purchase and rent 47%

A better education system 37%
Upward social mobility 32%
Reduction in youth poverty 17%
Developments in innovation and technology 17%
Secure employment 13%
Support for entrepreneurship 9%
Other 3%

What qualities do you expect of the governing team?

47% Ability to listen to and respond to public opinion

41% High level of integrity
35% Appointment of suitable candidates at all levels of the administration
23% Efficiency and sense of responsibility
19% Teamwork and cooperation
9% Serving the publics best interests
4% Other

What are the most important ways in which the new Chief Executive should communicate with youth?

Regular face-to-face meetings 40%

Maximizing opportunities for mutual understanding 37%
Active use of social media 36%
Online opinion platform 26%
Youth seminars 16%
Other 7%

Which core values should the new Chief Executive uphold?

48%

27%
23%
20% 18%
14%
11% 10% 9%
2% 1%
The Rule Freedom Anticorruption Justice Democracy High level Fairness Social Harmony Equality Others
of Law of integrity stability

15
 Perspectives
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Learning from the past

C arew Chan discusses mainland arrivals in Hong Kong. She reminds us that many
local people are second or third generation mainland immigrants themselves though
some see the newcomers as outsiders.
The 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs reunification with The majority worked in factories or as labourers but
mainland China is on 1 July 2017. It is a good time to ask a significant number were industrialists who set up or
ourselves how we should treat mainland immigrants in the transferred their businesses to Hong Kong.9 Together,
city and I think the answer can best be found in the past. they made a major contribution to the early strength of
the manufacturing-based economy and over time they
Although Hong Kong was sparsely populated until became not only the backbone of Hong Kongs working
colonial times, mainland immigrants have been coming population but also the main reason for its growth.10
here for centuries. Wars such as the Second Sino-
Japanese War (1937-1945), the Chinese Civil War (1945- In the earlier years, local people were sympathetic,
1949) and political upheavals from 1950-1978 meant providing new arrivals with food, clothing and even
that millions of mainland immigrants moved to Hong building materials to make squatter huts.11 In 1962, over
Kong during the 20th century, many as refugees. 2,000 Hong Kong residents even rushed to help refugees
who were arrested as illegal immigrants.12 There were no
There were three major waves of immigration, in 1945- organizers and the helpers got nothing in return. Perhaps
1950, 1966-1968 and 1980-82. Sample figures show that they remembered enduring similar hardships themselves.
three-quarters of a million arrived in the first quarter of
1950 alone.1 This flow of mainland people southwards Many of the immigrants were young and there was a 132%
was in addition to two-way migration across a relatively increase in Hong Kongs 15-19 year-olds from 1961-1966.13
unrestricted border in the early years. [See Figure 1.] Local people, especially relatives and friends, served as a
bridge, helping new arrivals to integrate into the community,
New arrivals included 56,000 illegal immigrants in find jobs and schools, adapt to local life and extend their
1973 and 100,000 in 19798, but many came here legally networks.14 Before political problems on the mainland
across a porous border until controls were introduced. prevented it, there was also a constant cross-border flow.
2
Figure 1 Mainland immigration to Hong Kong
Years Events Population Growth Approx. Population [in millions]
3
1901-1941 368,986 - 1,639,000 1945: 0.6
1937-1945 Second Sino-Japanese War
4
1945-1949 Chinese Civil War Over 1 million 1950: 2.5
1950-1978 Political Movements
Thought Reform Movements 5
1951-1956 2-3% annually
and Sufan movement
1956-1957 Hundred Flowers Campaign 2% annually
1957-1958 Anti-Rightist Movement
Tens of thousands of refugees arrived in
1958-1961 Great Leap Forward 1960: 3.0
Hong Kong from mainland China
1966-1976 Cultural Revolution
1970: 4.0
Mainland China has administered the One Way Permit Scheme 1980: 5.0
6
1978 Period of economic reform (OWP) since 1980. The quota is 150 per day. According to the 1990: 5.7
onwards and opening up 2011 census, 93.6% of Hong Kongse population is ethnically 2000: 6.65
7
Chinese with 32.1% born in mainland China, Taiwan or Macau. 2010: 7.024
2017: 7.375

16

Both locals and immigrants developed a shared Hong Kong
identity, not only through solidarity and work but also
through entertainment. Many film, TV and pop music stars
were born in mainland China. Their memorable depictions
of life in Hong Kong made them part of local culture.15
As a result, there was no strong conflict between locals
and immigrants in those days and by the 1980s, when the
political environment on the mainland had stabilized, the
major reason for immigration was for families to reunite.
The controversial One-Way Permit Scheme (OWP),
administered by mainland China since 1980, allows
residents of mainland China to settle in Hong Kong
permanently. About 879,000 did so from 1997 to
2014.16 The quota of 150 new arrivals per day allows
a hypothetical total of about 55,000 per annum
although this quota was not always filled. Official
statistics17show that approximately 93% of population
growth between 1997 and 2001 can be attributed to
newly arrived mainland immigrants under the OWP.
Most immigrants are hard workers, but prejudice,
discrimination and stigmatization of mainland immigrants
has become common. Why? According to modern
conflict theory,18 resentment is often created by an
unequal distribution of power and resources among
social groups and this theory is applicable in Hong Kong
where recent arrivals from mainland China are seen as
outsiders. Locals who hold a protectionist view believe
that the immigrants use resources to which they are not
entitled, despite the newly acquired affluence of some.
Have we forgotten, or never known what it is like to
be a stranger? Is it no longer possible to feel sympathy?
If we could remember or rediscover such feelings we
could begin to work towards unity and a better Hong
Kong, not just for the newcomers, but for all of us.
Simmering tensions
Hongkongers blame mainland investors for pushing
up property prices and have in the past protested
against mainland women coming to Hong Kong to
give birth. Parallel traders who buy tax-free products
here and resell them for a profit across the border are
also a bone of contention. However, overall attitudes
may not be as negative as the media portrays them
to be, according to a survey last year at the Hong
Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese
University of Hong Kong. About 60% of respondents
think that new immigrants place a strain on social welfare
programmes but nearly 50% think they should not be
isolated because we are all Chinese. Around a quarter
oppose mainland immigration but slightly more say it is
acceptable. About a third believe that new immigrants
can counter the ageing population and enhance the
citys competitiveness with a larger labour force.
Source scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/
article/2045204/hong-kong-media-vilification-mainland-chinese
1. Yamagishi, Takeshi. Chinese and Overseas Chinese () - Opening Up Policy and New Immigrants.
Southeast Asian Studies. 2009 (2): 51-71.
2. Bacon-Shone, J, Lam, JKC & Yip, S.F. Yip. The Past and Future of the One Way Permit Scheme in the
Context of a Population Policy for Hong Kong. Report commissioned by Bauhinia Foundation, 2008.
ssrc.hku.hk/files/reports/population/OWP_Report.pdf;
3. Liu, Shuyong. A Brief History of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing, 2009.
4. Census and Statistics Department. 1969. Hong Kong Statistics 1947-1967.
5. ibid
6. had.gov.hk/en/public_services/services_for_new_arrivals_from_the_mainland/surveys.htm
7. Census and Statistics Department. (2012). 2011 Population Census Summary Results census2011.
gov.hk/pdf/summary-results.pdf
8. ssrc.hku.hk/files/reports/population/OWP_Report.pdf op.cit
9. Wong, SL. 1988. Emigrant Entrepreneurs: Shanghai Industrialists in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Oxford
University Press, 1988.
10. Smart, A & Yin Peng. Management and settlement of new immigrants in Hong Kong. Journal of
Guangxi University for Nationalities. 2008 (2): 27-34. caod.oriprobe.com/articles/13955664/
Management_and_Settlement_of_New_Immigrants_in_Hong_Kong.htm
11. 2003hkaco.org.hk/2003/12/31/10-
years-articles-03/
12. Fei, Michelle. The Great Exodus. China Daily. 20 April 2011.
13. Wong, R & Wong, KF. The importance of migration to Hong Kongs future. Siu, Helen F & Ku, Agnes
S, eds. Hong Kong Mobile. HKU Press, 2008, pp90-116.
14. Chan, JMM. Immigration Policies and Human Resources Planning. Hong Kong Mobile. op cit
149-199.
Li, Ruojian. Population study of mainland immigrants in Hong Kong. Population & Economics. 1997
(2): 24-29.
15. Ma, Eric Kit-wai and Tsang Chung-kin. TV, Film and Hong Kong Identity. Hong Kong: CUHK Press,
2010.
16. Legislative Council House Committee. 2015. www.legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/chinese/hc/sub_com/hs51/
papers/hs5120151123cb2-292-2-c.pdf
17. Report of the Task Force on Population Policy, 2003. info.gov.hk/info/population/eng/pdf/report_eng.
pdf
18. Knapp, P. One World Many Worlds: Contemporary Sociological Theory. Harper Collins, College
Div, 2nd ed, 1994, 228246.
Carew Chan is 24. She is one of the
deputy conveners of the HKFYG Youth
I.D.E.A.S. think tank. She is also Community
Service Director of the Rotaract Club of
Happy Valley and a member of the Board of
Management,Yin Wan Education Fund Ltd.
17
 Perspectives
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Looking to the Future
Strengthening
multiculturalism
S tephanie Hung looks at the foundations of Hong Kongs
multicultural society. She finds them well-established yet
in need of a legal review and says the city could offer more to
its diverse, immigrant people.
Its 20 years since the handover of Hong Kong and 20
years since my brother and I moved here in 1997. My
Taiwanese mother brought us here to reunite with my
father who originally came from mainland China. He
arrived many years earlier whereas my extended family
was scattered around the world. From then onwards,
throughout my schooldays with international classmates
and travelling overseas to visit my family, I learned to
appreciate the value of a truly multicultural society.
In 1997, Hong Kongs population was 6.4 million.
Many members of the emerging middle class emigrated
overseas as the handover approached. Even so, the
population continued to grow, with mainland China as
the primary source of new immigrants. Nevertheless,
by 2016 a report from local think tank, Our Hong
Kong Foundation, urged a review of immigration
policies and an intensification of efforts to attract
skilled immigrants, especially from mainland China.1
Like New York and London, Hong Kong is a melting
pot and so multiculturalism needs to be understood and
dealt with carefully. We are a city of immigrants, says
broadcaster and investment manager, Richard Harris. Just
a few thousand are true descendants of indigenous Hong
Kong farmers and fishermen though about another million
claim that right. The rest of us are economic migrants.2
However, as Harris also pointed out, Immigration schemes
must be designed to provide wealth, wisdom or work
for our economic growth will be stimulated both by
professionals in their early twenties and foreign domestic
helpers permitted to do a wider range of low-paid jobs.
18
Now, in 2017, 7.4 million people call Hong Kong
their home and there is a growing ethnic minority
population. Although most migrants come from
mainland China, there is also immigration from the
Philippines and Indonesia, with a forecast influx
from Cambodia due to relaxed visa restrictions
to meet the increasing demand for helpers. Other
ethnic groups include Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalese,
Japanese, Thais, Koreans and westerners.
Raymond Tam as Secretary for Constitutional and
Mainland Affairs in 2012 said that Hong Kong is
a multicultural, international city and a harmonious
community with heterogenous diversity. Local residents
and incoming visitors may have diverse cultural
backgrounds, ways of living and social systems [but]
it is our common hope that all people can live together
in harmony, with diversity and inclusiveness under the
common values of mutual understanding and respect.3
This sounds quite promising, but five years later, nothing
has changed to promote and protect multiculturalism
in Hong Kong, although other forms of protection
are provided by Hong Kong legislation. These include
the right to equality and non-discrimination under
Hong Kongs Basic Law, the Bill of Rights Ordinance
(Cap.383), the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap.480)
and the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap.602).
Unlike Canada and the US, Hong Kong has no specific
policy on multiculturalism. Therefore, immigrants
face the usual difficulties of resettlement, access
 ethnic minority rights among all government officials and
NGO personnel, with training in human rights and cultural
sensitivity. Enhanced visibility and leadership among
ethnic minorities to cultivate both inclusive citizenship
and a sense of Hong Kong identity is also recommended.

by Sidne Ward kr/p/aiTPcs

p h i c s of E t h ni c An ethnic minority policy for students in Hong Kong is
o gra Gr
ou also very important. As Professor Kerry Kennedy of the
em 7% ps Education University says, Schooling is a fundamental
D 3% issue for new arrivals of school age who cannot afford
2%
to pay fees in international school. There is little or no
3%
30%
attempt at the system level to incorporate a multicultural
4% perspective in the curriculum. Currently, NGOs such
as Hong Kong Christian Service take up such issues
4% with initiatives like Multicultural Education@Schools.
They play a fundamental support role with a range
of services, including political advocacy. However,
6% the rights of minority cultural groups should be
properly protected by the law and one hopes that the
government will take a more active role in future.

12% From a personal perspective, the experience of

multiculturalism in the classroom, workplace and other
areas of my life has given me inspiration, teaching me about
29%
equality and respect and making me more empathetic. For
the future, economic growth in Hong Kong is not enough.
Social growth is also needed for stability and Hong Kong
133 377 Indonesian 16 518 Nepalese should try its best to accept and integrate immigrants. In
another 20 years time, wouldnt it be great if we could
133 018 Filipino 12 580 Japanese
see Hong Kong citizens opening their arms to welcome
55 236 White 11 213 Thai new friends and family from other cultures, building its
cultural mosaic into an ever-expanding panoply.
28 616 Indian 12 247 Other Asian

18 042 Pakistani 30 336 Others

Source had.gov.hk/rru/english/info/info_dem.html
Stephanie Hung
to the labour market, language etc. They also face 4 is a newly qualified
barrister and
prejudice and challenges such as mastering spoken regular contributor.
Cantonese as well as written Chinese, which affect
entry to universities in Hong Kong that require Sources

both English and Chinese as entry level subjects.
In her research on the subject at the University of Hong
Kong,5 Associate Professor Puja Kapai recommends
evidence-based policy-making. She calls for the review and
immediate reform of existing laws protecting the rights of
ethnic minorities and the Race Discrimination Ordinance
in particular. She also recommends raising the awareness of
1. Our Hong Kong Foundation, Riding on Mainlands Economic Development in a New Era. 28
October 2016. ourhkfoundation.org.hk/sites/default/files/media/pdf/ChinaHK_Report_
English_28.10.16.pdf
2. Harris, Richard, Hong Kongs immigration policy: a help or hindrance to business? South China
Morning Post, 16th February 2017. scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2071350/
hong-kongs-immigration-policy-help-or-hindrance-business
3. LCQ14: Government respects and safeguards the freedom of speech and academic freedom. 15
February 2012. info.gov.hk/gia/general/201202/15/P201202150267.htm
4. Kennedy, Kerry J. Immigration and Hong Kong: New Immigrants and ethnic minorities. 2012. ied.
edu.hk/diversityproject/Outputs%20and%20downloads/Doc/Immigration%20and%20Hong%20
Kong.pdf
5. Kapai, Puja, Status of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong 1997-2014, 2015. law.hku.hk/ccpl/
StatusofEthnicMinorities/A.CoverPage.pdf

19
 Perspectives
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Looking to the Future
Enforcing gender equality
G ender equality is a fundamental human right and womens empowerment is
one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Bonnie Chiu set
up a social enterprise in Hong Kong to focus on this area. She sees support for
women in the workplace as the key to moving forward.
The first time I ever thought about gender inequality
was when my female relatives said they had to give up
their education for the sake of the family. Girls were
expected to work in the factories and then get married.
Why should boys be given different opportunities
from girls, simply on account of their gender? I
did not understand and that is why I have focused
on advancing gender equality in my career.
In Hong Kong, Chinese womens subordination stems
from Confucianism which has always emphasized womens
familial responsibilities. The saying goes, Women take
care of the household affairs. The foundation of all
Confucian ethics is piety and such responsibilities are not
limited to childcare but also involve care for the elderly.
It is therefore not surprising that, historically, Hong Kong
has had a rather low female labour force participation rate.
World Bank statistics1 show that in 1997, the female labour
force participation rate was only 48% fewer than half
of the female population aged 15 and above were active
in the labour market. My mother was one of the 48%
she managed to build her career while my grandmother
helped to fulfil most of the care responsibilities.
20
by European Parliament https://flic.kr/p/rwbiZy
In the past twenty years, a more hopeful picture for
gender equality in Hong Kong has emerged with the
female labour force participation rate steadily increasing
from 48% to 53% in 2017, when Carrie Lam will
become Hong Kongs First female Chief Executive.
But the urgent need to increase female representation
in Hong Kong politics has not disappeared. According
to the Womens Foundation,2 the current Legislative
Council has only 12 women, equivalent to 17.1%
of its members. This trails well behind many other
advanced societies. Carrie Lam has said, To the
women of Hong Kong, I hope I will lead by example
to encourage more women to take part in politics. 3
Meanwhile, the glass ceiling remains. A report on women
sitting on Hong Kong boards in 2015 showed the ratio
of women in directorships had risen, but only slightly, to
11.1%.4 In general, female workers face a growing gender
pay gap and in 2015 they were paid on average HK$2,500
per month less than men for the same work, despite the
governments pledge to work towards equality.5 For those
living below the poverty line the gap has also widened in
the past 15 years, with women on average earningonly
60% what mendo according to an Oxfam report.6
 Wage worries
Monthly median income in poor households*(HK$) Female

5,000 Pay gap Male

2001
7,500
*Poor households refers to those
6,700 living on less than half the median
2015# monthly household income of the
11,000
corresponding household size

#
2015 2nd Quarter
Percentage of those who work fewer than 17 hours a week

2001 59.4 40.6

2015# 66 34

Sources: Census and Statistics Department, Oxfam

What meaning is there to the empowerment of

one group of women when it is based on the
disempowerment of another? Has Hong Kong really
moved on and is the current state of affairs sustainable?

Reflecting on these statistics, as a young woman born

and raised in Hong Kong, I admit that gender has
not held me back, so far. However, I consider myself
to be exceptionally fortunate: an only child, with
strong women to look up to who studied in an all-
girls school for 12 years. I would certainly describe
myself as an empowered woman. But looking at the
statistics above, I feel worried about the future.

So much more remains to be done, especially enacting

policies that actively support women in the workplace.
Meanwhile, female leaders need to encourage more young
In fact, the apparent economic liberation of women in women to move up the ladder into influential positions.
Hong Kong is largely thanks to the increasing export of Their task is to increase awarness of the huge gender gap that
domestic workers from the Philippines, Indonesia and still exists and show that Hong Kong as a whole can only
most recently Cambodia. Hong Kong now hosts close benefit by placing men and women on an equal footing.
to 350,000 foreign domestic workers, which amounts to
almost 5% of Hong Kongs population.7 They have relieved
many Hong Kong women of the need to stay home and Bonnie Chiu, a 24 year-old a former
take care of their families. However, when I was working for participant in HKFYG programmes, is the
Amnesty International Hong Kong, I researched the rights Founder and CEO of social enterprise,
of migrant domestic workers. Not only must they also live Lensational. One of its goals is to
challenge the stereotyping of women.
far away from their families, they are also subject to long
More details lensational.org/
working hours, unfair treatment and human rights abuses.8
Sources
1. data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS?locations=HK
2. twfhk.org/blog/women%E2%80%99s-representation-legco
3. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2082493/carrie-lam-hong-kong-leader-will-door-open-other-women-top
4. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1921918/hong-kong-women-make-painfully-slow-gains-battle
5. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2019404/gender-pay-gap-widens-among-hong-kongs-poorest-workers-women
6. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2019404/gender-pay-gap-widens-among-hong-kongs-poorest-workers-women
7. ahka.org/statistic-of-foreign-domestic-helpers.html
8. issuu.com/aihk/docs/aihk_humanrights_06

21
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Needing
to trust
I n this frank and personal view, 26-year-
old Alex Pang asks what the incoming
government can do to increase young people's
hope for the future.

Twenty years ago, many Hong Kong people thought

that with the One Country, Two Systems* principle
Hong Kong could still remain the place we knew instead
of becoming just a Special Administrative Region
of China. Today, we all understand that the central
government makes all the important decisions.

I believe that the Hong Kong government needs to be

more proactive, with more authority and influence. It
worries me that so few talented young people consider
joining the government. If political problems did not
create such a barrier they might feel more encouraged
and political development might not be so slow. For now their parents want so much for them to be successful. Look
though, unexceptional people make policy decisions and I at all the tragic student suicides. When did our society
dont think the government can do much to build trust. become like this? How could we allow such things happen?

Of course, there are exceptions. Jasper Tsang Yok-sing,
the former President of the Legislative Council, has
political wisdom and understands the situation. He also
seems willing to understand and communicate with
people who hold views different from his own. That
is so important if you are hoping to reach a mutually
acceptable outcome and it is crucial if you want to
rebuild trust. Otherwise there will be a stalemate.
In my opinion, only very few Hong Kong people are
really asking for Hong Kong independence. Generally,
people just focus on earning enough to cover the high cost
of living. They feel they have no choice and many find
life very difficult and stressful. Of course, all this affects
children as well. They face huge pressure at school because
It would help to increase transparency and optimism if
we saw more opportunities. In the economy, the focus is
always on the finance sector and property development.
This is too narrow and not healthy for society as a whole.
Singapore, on the other hand, has very good high-end
manufacturing, with the focus on innovation in science,
medicine and engineering which seems more balanced.
However, I always wonder whether the government really
wants to listen to public opinion. Public consultations are
poorly promoted and many people are unaware that they
are taking place. Members of the public often feel that the
government does not really care what they think anyway.
Instead, when policy decisions emerge they seem to reflect
a foregone conclusion reached by a government bureau.

22

Hong Kong people are becoming resigned and very
downhearted. Everyone can see the divisions in society
and there have been so many shocks in recent years. The
Umbrella Movement is a prime example, but for me
the biggest surprise was when HKTVs application for
a free-to-air television programme service licence was
turned down. This resulted in much controversy about
censorship and I could find no proper reason for it.
Immigration from the mainland is another issue. There
seems to be no real choice. The daily quota is 150, and
thats that. What we are looking for is more autonomy and
self-government. If only the central government would give
a clear sign of introducing a one-man, one-vote electoral
system for the Chief Executive, that would give me more
faith. It has to happen step by step to rebuild confidence
in One Country, Two Systems. Much depends on our
new Chief Executive. If she acts quickly to reach out and
show that she is an inclusive person there might be some
hope for the future. At present,
many people here have lost the trust
they once had in the government.
Once lost, it is very hard to rebuild.
My cultural identity, my sense of
being a Hong Kong person, has been
shaken. Take Cantonese for example,
the language with which we really
express who we are. Hong Kong
Cantonese is extra special because so
many foreign languages have merged
with it. It reflects our multicultural
society. In the old days, when people
moved to live in Hong Kong, many wanted
to learn local Cantonese and gradually build their sense
of belonging here. But now, most new immigrants are
not willing to learn Cantonese. Instead, they expect us to
speak Mandarin. To help maintain the unique identity
of Hong Kong, something that is very important for me,
I think the government should create a new campaign
that boosts interest in learning Cantonese among all
those who live here for which it is not a mother-tongue.
I really have no hope that the new government can
improve the situation but I will not give up easily.
I want to see a positive future, but first trust needs
to be rebuilt, through action, not just words.
Alex Pang Tak-yin graduated from the Hong
Kong University of Science and Technology,
majoring in mathematics. He worked in the
finance sector for two years before going
to India to learn about yoga. Recently, he
returned to Hong Kong as a yoga teacher.
23
 Perspectives
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Medical technology
and the human touch
E xperts point to the potential of Hong Kongs world-class universities for the development
of robotics. However, while recognizing this and observing surgical robots at work,
medical intern Benjamin Lui says that the human touch of doctors is irreplaceable.

Imagine a sci-fi horror scene: an innocent man, tied to
a table, screaming desperately while knives held by cold,
lifeless robots are approaching him from above.
Believe it or not, such robots could be doing their job
in a Hong Kong surgical theatre right now. Surgical
robotics are an essential part of state-of-the-art surgery.
But in reality, our patient would be anaesthetized and the
robots would be controlled by a skilled surgeon nearby.
While our own hands are an incredible natural
gift, robotic hands and arms allow more precise
movements and can eliminate much of the
shakiness of natural hands, going deep into spaces
unreachable by real hands and able to remove so
many cancers previously deemed inoperable.
As a medical student observing the use of surgical robots
via live broadcasts in the operating theatre, I appreciate
the fineness of the procedures. The surgeon uses his or
her hands and feet on joysticks and pedals almost like a
video game player at first glance. Nevertheless, to navigate
tools deep inside a human body through a robotic arm,
the doctor needs excellent hand-foot coordination that
takes hours and hours of practice on models to perfect.
However, this is not cutting-edge medical robotics. That
is in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and IBM
Watson Health offers such services. Like the fictional
Doctor Watson, IBM Watson is a detective. Its strengths
are in data organization and analysis and it can build
a complete picture from concrete information such as
investigation results as well as data on general health status.

24
Medical students and junior doctors such as me often
struggle to derive patient management plans from such a
wealth of information, yet comprehensive management
plans should consider all factors related to each patient in
order to provide clear directions for holistic, feasible and
individualized treatment. For this, IBM Watsons speed and
accurate analysis makes it an ideal partner for real doctors.
Another example comes from DeepMind the institution
behind AlphaGo, the AI machine that mastered the
ancient art of Go. The company has invested heavily in
healthcare technology and has already implemented pilot
research programmes in radiation treatment planning
at the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain.
Radiotherapy planning requires a fine balance between
controlling the cancer as far as possible while protecting
nearby vital organs. This process involves many complex
calculations and compromises. AI with machine learning
fits this task nicely, greatly accelerating the process.
Coming back to Hong Kong, we have a medical system
historically related to the NHS, and facing similar
challenges with an ageing population and a shortage of
resources. If the pilot programmes in Britain turn out to
be successful and economical, our services may also be
enhanced, potentially releasing manpower from tedious data
analysis for other clinical duties, reducing waiting time for
patients and increasing the time available for consultations.
by Ars Electronica
Flic.kr/p/9sFzd5
One question naturally follows. If these robot doctors
are so good, will they replace human doctors? To
me, the answer is obvious. A fundamental element
of clinical medicine is human-to-human interaction.
Despite the occasional shameful compromises taken in
routine medical practice due to various limitations, we
should never give up communicating with patients.
Clinical communication, especially breaking bad news,
is a delicate art. It is unacceptable to give a diagnosis
of cancer on the phone or by email. I can imagine how
puzzled and emotional I would feel to be diagnosed
with a terminal disease in such a way. Instead, one wants
the support of another human being, a compassionate
doctor with whom ideas and concerns can be shared.
Even cutting-edge robotics cannot achieve this
humane touch, although I have no doubt that AI will
eventually surpass humans in many aspects of clinical
medicine. AI may have a transitional role, saving us
the time and effort needed for analysis, interpretation
of investigation results and writing up reports.
However, as long as human beings are the patients,
I believe that human doctors will be irreplaceable.
Further reading
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1356187/
medscape.com/viewarticle/875299
sabcs.org/Portals/SABCS2016/Documents/
SABCS-2016-Abstracts.pdf?v=1
ibm.com/watson/health/oncology-and-genomics/oncology/
ibm.com/watson/health/value-based-
care/watson-care-manager/
deepmind.com/applied/deepmind-health/research/
Benjamin Lui graduates from the University
of Hong Kong this year to become an intern
with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. As
an awardee of the HKFYG Innovation and
Technology Scholarship Award Scheme,
he did an exchange at the University of
California at Berkeley and was mentored
by prominent American immunologist
and geneticist, Prof Bruce Beutler.
25
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Public transport
Congestion or hyperloop?
M ax Ng writes about the impact of Hong Kongs railways and roads on
commuters and offers his view on the way forward.

Dont block other passengers,put your backpack Meanwhile, some bus routes have been cut with the opening
down. Does this slogan ring a bell? Its what I of new railway lines. Road congestion has become part of
have to do every morning to squeeze onto the daily life and there are about 350 licensed vehicles5 for every
already fully-packed East Rail train in Tai Wai. kilometre of road. That includes too many private cars.6

Four new railway lines have been completed since

2000 while the bus service has barely expanded and
public road length has increased by less than 0.8% per
year since 2003. Meanwhile, the number of licensed
vehicles has multiplied annually by 3%.7 50,000 new
private cars were registered in 2015 alone. At morning
peak hours, the average car speed on Des Voeux Road
Central in 2015 was just 12.1 km/h, while on Chatham
Road North, speeds dropped from 8.9km/h, in 2011
to 5.7km/h in 2015. Thats slower than a brisk walk.8
by Kenneth Leung flic.kr/p/rZTGFp

No doubt rail is much greener than road. A Kwun Tong

Line train can carry around 2,500 passengers, equivalent
to 20 buses or 350 7-seater cars, but can they all get a
seat? The chances are slim. Thats why bus rides, albeit

Hong Kong is rightly proud of its public transport and

has the highest use of public transport in the world. 12.6
million journeys1 are made daily on public transport and
4.7 million by rail.2 Our infrastructure, ranked for seven
consecutive years as the best in the world by the World
Economic Forum,3 has been a driving force behind Hong
by Christian Junker flic.kr/p/9kSCRX

Kongs development. But heavy reliance on trains has

sparked controversy. In 2015, morning peak loading on the
MTR was 104% from Kam Sheung Road to Tsuen Wan
West on the West Rail Line, and 102% from Tsim Sha Tsui
to Admiralty on the Tsuen Wan Line. That translates into
four people for every square metre,4 not a pleasant journey.

26
slower, are still popular. But railways do offer economies system of zero-fare escalators and moving pavements.
of scale and have a quarter of the carbon footprint of The Mid-Levels escalator, while not unique, is the longest
buses while transporting the same number or more outdoor covered escalator system in the world and was
passengers.9 Moreover, building new roads would only a pioneer in its day. More would be good. On the other
attract even more cars. As traffic engineers say, Trying hand, Denmark has been promoting cycling since the
to cure traffic congestion by adding more capacity is 1970s and streets in mainland cities are flooded with
like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt. public, shared bikes costing as little as RMB1 per hour.
Carpooling is widespread in mainland China and Europe,
What about costs? New railways involve heavy investment while individual-occupant, self-driving electric cars are
such as constructing tunnels in densely populated areas. on the horizon and prototype
Nevertheless, building new roads is also very costly. autonomous flying cars
The Central-Wan Chai Bypass, for example, are being trialed. So whats
is expected to cost more than going to happen next here?
HK$36 billion, paid
by taxpayers in Technological breakthroughs move constantly
general, not beyond imagination. Maybe the futuristic
just road Hyperloop will redefine commuting. This concept
users. propels a pod-like vehicle through a reduced-pressure
tube. In January this year, MIT demonstrated the first ever
There Hyperloop run in the world. Maybe commuting will simply
is no easy disappear and we will all comfortably stay at home and be
answer to the able to do anything anywhere. But until that day comes,
question of cost- we will probably still need to struggle to get on the train.
effectiveness. Hong Kong
is expected to have more than Not all new forms of transport will be useful in our vertically
8 million people within 15 years10 integrated city, but disruptive innovation like that of Uber
and while I believe we should still put shows that instead of sitting on the fence, Hong Kong
railways first, we need more efficient point-to- should get involved, adapt and find its own homegrown
point bus routes in synergy with railways. We also solutions, not least better sidewalks for pedestrians and
need congestion charging on busy roads. It just might more flexible work schedules so that rush hours are eased.
avoid the tragedy of the commons. the economic theory of
Max Ng is a graduate civil engineer
a situation where individuals act independently according with a particular interest in transport
to self-interest, contrary to the common good of all users. infrastructure and policy. He was awarded
the HKFYG Innovation and Technology
Scholarship in 2013 and then studied at
However, none of these will change the fundamental the University of Manchester after local
problem: a tidal wave of commuters every morning. New government internships in Hong Kong. His
railway and highway links are coming, according to the mentor for the scholarship was Mr Wai
governments HK2030+ plan, but what we really need is Chi-sing who was the Permanent Secretary
for Development (Works) at the time.
innovation. Central and Western district has an extensive
Sources
1. td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/introduction/index.html
2. mtr.com.hk/en/corporate/investor/patronage.php
3. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2023292/hong-kong-slipped-two-spots-no-9-competitiveness-index-world
4. Paper submitted to Legislative Council Panel. LC Paper No. CB(4)854/15-16(07). MTR Corporation Ltd. April 2016.
5. td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/introduction/index.html
6. thb.gov.hk/eng/boards/transport/land/Full_Eng_C_cover.pdf
7. Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central and its Adjacent Areas Public Engagement Document Transport and Housing Bureau. December 2015.
8. Government Panel on Transport Public Engagement for Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central. Transport and Housing Bureau. 30 June 2016. legco.gov.hk/yr15-16/english/panels/tp/papers/
tp20151216cb4-1210-1-e.pdf
9. Carbon Footprint Management Toolkit for Sustainable Low-Carbon Living - School of Energy and Environment City University of Hong Kong. Jun3 2013. foe.org.hk/GOC/eng/menu/Action%20Manual_Energy.pdf
10. Hong Kong Population Projections 2015-2064. Census & Statistics Dept. censtatd.gov.hk/fd.jsp?file=B71510FA2015XXXXB0100.pdf&product_id=FA100061&lang=1

27
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong
Looking to the Future
Boiling Pot Kills Hong Kong Frogs
Taking climate change seriously
A fable about a frog that jumped into a pot of hot water sparks the imagination of
Hazel Wong. The water gets hotter and hotter and the frogs fate is sealed. It reminds
Hazel of Hong Kong people, being slowly cooked in an era of climate change.
What is the moral behind the tale of the frog in the pot
of hot water? It didnt survive because it failed to see
what was coming. To make the analogy more accurate,
imagine the water temperature in the pot constantly
fluctuating. Sometimes it boils, almost cooking the frogs
to death. Then it turns to ice and the frogs freeze with
it. Sometimes it evaporates and the frog nearly dies of
thirst, but then it overflows and the frog drowns.
by Gonzalo flic.kr/p/ddP9h5
In similar fashion, rising sea levels and extreme weather
changes, with longer and hotter summers and very cold
winter days, are possible signs of climate change. Aware of
all this, yet doing nothing, I think that we young Hong
Kong people are like the frog, just not as ignorant.
We know all about noxious greenhouse gases like CO2 and
NO. We can make long lists of the anthropogenic causes
of climate change such as deforestation, overconsumption
of fossil fuels and failure to use renewable energy sources.
The Hong Kong school curriculum has taught us all this.
Yet we still relax like the frog. I have identified two attitudes
amongst Hong Kong youth. The first is a reluctance to live
greenly despite awareness of climate change: motivation is
28
lacking. The second attitude is pessimism. There may be
keen awareness, as among my university classmates, but
they think their individual ability to contribute to affect
climate change is minimal. So again they do nothing.
The slow, negative impact of climate change is like the
slow boil of the pot with the frog on the stove. Like the
frog, we need to get moving fast to save ourselves.
Once I belonged to the pessimistic group but then I
became aware of the problems Hong Kong faces. Every
autumn, I used to go hiking with my family. The days
were cool and pleasant. Then I realized Hong Kongs well-
defined seasons were gradually fading. Instead, people
suddenly changed from sleeveless summer clothing to
thick down jackets. The weather was either sweaty or
very occasionally frosty. Thats what changed me.
I discovered Friedrich Goltz, a 19th century German
physiologist. He conducted experiments to prove that the
boiling frog theory is false. Frogs can sense heat and
would have tried to escape from the boiling pot. Can Hong
Kong people do the same and save themselves from climate
change? Official statistics show that over half of the citys
electricity is produced from coal. (See Figure 1). That is
unsustainable. We must develop new energy sources.
Figure 1 Overall fuel mix in Hong Kong in 2012
53% coal
22% natural gas
23% nuclear
2% others
Source Environment Bureau, HKSAR. Future Fuel Mix for Electricity Generation Consultation
Document, 2014.
pp Monument to the Sun in Zadar, Croatia, consisting of multilayered glass plates with the photovoltaic solar modules underneath.

Common forms of renewable energy, such as solar and energy system [see photos]. At home, I try to persuade
wind power, are not very efficient and require plenty of my parents to consume less electricity. Sometimes they
space, a limited commodity in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, use air-conditioning too much or keep too many lights
there are solutions and floating solar panels are one switched on, but at least they are now aware of the need
possibility. They not only generate energy but also prevent for acquiring green living habits. While not everyone
evaporation. An installation in Japan that went into can innovate, we can all stay alert and play our part.
operation last year is expected to generate up to 20% more
energy than land-based solar panels. In Singapore, where Lets not be like the lazy, dozy frog, soaking away in
the largest system in the world was installed last October, its pot while the water boils. Instead, its time to do
bifacial solar cells which allow sunlight to enter from both some leapfrogging.* Look out for new technology
sides are used. There is also an active cooling feature using coming soon to Hong Kong places near you.
pumped water for cooling and improved performance.
*Leapfrog ahead
Although some people are very pessimistic, I firmly
believe that humanitys ability to innovate and apply The concept of leapfrogging is used in many domains,
technology will save us. On a study tour at Tsinghua including economic growth and business. The main idea
University I helped to design a small-scale sustainable is that small, incremental
innovations mean that
leaders stay ahead until a
radical change takes place.
It is often based on older
innovations and allows new
leaders to advance more
easily, thus leapfrogging
ahead. The idea comes from
the game where one child
bends down so that another
can use his or her back
easily as a hurdle.
pp A map board inspired the author and her classmates to design a bus stop
with solar power for charging mobile phones that incorporates rainwater
collection for cooling.

Hazel Wong is in Year 2 of an Environmental Management and Technology course at HKUST.

She is fully committed to promoting green habits through environmental education. Her
scholarship with the HKFYG Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme begins
this year and she is planning an overseas attachment at the University of New South Wales in
Australia, followed by a local internship with Dunwell Industrial (Holdings) Ltd. Her mentor
is Professor Daniel M Cheng, Managing Director of Dunwell Enviro-Tech (Holdings) Ltd.

29
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Dealing with waste

W here does your rubbish go? Do you sort it? Do you collect recyclables
or reuse them? Dont delay, says sustainable development analyst
Gary Lee.

Every day each of us puts about 1.3kg of rubbish in the
bin.1 Thats a lot more than neighbouring cities such
as Taipei, Seoul and Metro Tokyo where the rates are
under 1kg per person.2 Experts point to three factors:
our consumerist culture, small homes and busy lives.3
To find out more, I went to a public forum at the
Environmental Protection Department. The government
representatives were confident, referring to the results
achieved by Taipei City and South Korea after introducing
waste charging over a decade ago. [See Figure 1]

Most of Hong Kongs rubbish goes into landfills. Only However, they were rather vague when it came to the
about 37% is recycled.4 The situation is unsustainable. actual implementation of the Hong Kong scheme and their
Something has to be done to change our ways. We explanations were muddled, especially where enforcement
have tried charging for plastic bags. Now what? strategy for non-compliance was concerned. Plans to
improve the system of recycling and reuse were also unclear.
The government has decided to change behaviour.
Pointing to our pockets, it will soon be making
a typical Hong Kong family pay approximately
HK$50 per month5 on the Polluter Pays principle,
targeting a drop of 40% in the waste disposal rate.6

I asked my friends and family members whether paying

for waste disposal would mean they threw less away.
Most agreed it would, although the less environmentally-
minded complained about the proposed charging method
and questioned the use of funds raised by charging.

30
Figure 1 Waste disposal rates per capita: Hong Kong, Taipei City and South Korea

kg/day
1.5
Taipei City

1.2 Hong Kong

(Volume-based waste fee system
was implemented in 2000)

0.9 South Korea

0.5

(Household garbage)

(Household and small business waste)

0.2
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Source Environment Bureau, Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022. enb.gov.hk/en/files/WastePlan-E.pdf

Where are the loopholes?

Penalties for non-compliance will include fixed fines There is no doubt that Hong Kong needs more proactive,
of HK$1,500, other fines of up to HK$50,000, and effective waste management but action gets delayed
imprisonment for up to six months. However, the because of bureaucratic inefficiency as well as pressure
difficulty tracing the origin of garbage bags from residential from the public and industry. What we need are more
and commercial buildings presents one enforcement determined, clearer implementation details, greater public
problem which in turn can create awareness and an improved recycling infrastructure.
fear of mistaken prosecution
and moral hazard.
Gary Lee Ka-lee, 26, who holds a BSc in
Another issue arises with Environmental Management and Technology
the three nil buildings from the Hong Kong University of Science
such as subdivided flats and and Technology, works with EcoVadis.
He won a scholarship with the HKFYG
old single blocks. They have Innovation and Technology Scholarship
no owners corporations, no Award Scheme in 2013, did a local internship
residents organizations and no with the Development Bureau and went on
overseas on an attachment to the University
property management companies. of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His mentor was
So who is going to enforce the rules? Mr Nicholas Brooke, former Chairman of
Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

Sources
1. epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/data/stat_treat.html
2. Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022.news.cleartheair.org.hk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/WastePlan-E.pdf
3. Lo CH. Policy and Design for Waste Recycling in Hong Kong Communities, 2016.
4. gov.hk/en/residents/environment/waste/msw.htm
5. Waste disposal charge will cost a typical Hong Kong family HK$51 a month. South China Morning Post, 21 March, 2017. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2080508/11-cents-dump-1-
litre-trash-hong-kong-government
6. Two major charging modes are proposed in the Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme. For residents of buildings using Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and its contractors service, the
charge will be $0.11 per litre of waste using designated garbage bags ranging from 3 to 100 litre sizes. For commercial/residential buildings and institutions that use private waste collectors services or dispose
of waste directly at refuse transfer stations (RTSs) or landfills, the charge will be a gate fee.

31
 Perspectives
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Becoming part of you

I f you grew up in Hong Kong after 1997, technology has always been an
integral part of your life. Samuel Lau considers how technology continues to
change us all.

I began to surf the net as a primary school student around
2007. In those good old days, I could already chat with
friends through MSN, play online games and have my own
blog on Xanga. That might sound a lot, but for most of
the time I was not on the internet. Nowadays, we all rely
on it. Everybody has a cell phone, whatever is in your
pocket or brain, you basically cant live without it . its
part of your body now, said Mamoru Oshii, the well-
known director of the film Ghost in the Shell. It was one
of the most thought-provoking ideas I have ever heard.
I am definitely a pro-internet person. The internet is so
efficient. If you have a business idea but lack technicians
and partners to launch your programme, you can go to
Linkedin to build your network. If you are passionate
about learning, you can find Massive Open Online Courses
(MOOCs) like Coursera. If you want to be a superstar or
an opinion leader, you can start uploading your videos on
YouTube. All you need is about
100,000 followers according to
the long tail concept [see box.]
I think of internet access as a social benefit. With the
rise of social media and networking platforms like
Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, people around the
world can find and contact each other much more easily
than before. Even locally it helps to build networks
and I was surprised to learn that the Chief Executive-
elect considered for a long time whether or not to go
on Facebook. Most of the worlds politicians did so
long ago, even President Xi Jinping. Are we slipping?
What about Hong Kongs online commerce? We have great
infrastructure but our system has not moved on. Take the
Octopus card. It was the most innovative payment system
in the world when it was launched in 1997. Today, the most
innovative is not homegrown. It comes from mainland
China. With Wechat Pay or Alipay you can use your mobile

32
 The long tail concept
This term is used in online business, mass media, microfinance, user-driven innovation and social
network mechanisms such as crowdsourcing. Researchers have shown that by greatly lowering
search costs, information technology in general and internet markets in particular can substantially
increase the distribution of hard-to-find products, thereby creating a longer tail in sales.
Further reading en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_tail

phone to pay your tax bill or buy a movie ticket, all by the like Cantonese. Treasured by Hong Kong people as part
same method. Why did we not stay ahead of the crowd? of their cultural heritage, Cantonese is a special case when
it comes to automatic speech recognition. Software such
Perhaps we are not ready for a cashless world. Denmark as Dragon can speak in Cantonese, but the language
has already proposed a law to allow stores, restaurants and creates problems in some applications, according to
service stations to decline cash payments but detractors, Ken Yeung, co-founder and CEO of Clare.AI. This
the cash advocates, speak of a direct threat to everyones chatbot*, which enables financial institutions to provide
freedom. If all transactions were electronic they would customer services, will be used more and more in future
all be recorded, exposing vulnerable by businesses like banks, insurance companies and retail
data to the commercial sector firms, says Mr Yeung. But it will take a few more years
and the state in the process. before it becomes mainstream. You have slang, you
Do we want that? have mixed English plus Cantonese, and thats really
difficult compared with [standard] English.2
Regardless of our wants,
there is no doubt My view is that come the day when robots can listen
that the Internet of to us speaking in Cantonese, talk back in the same
Things and artificial language, and do our work, they must be earning
intelligence (AI) is a money for someone. So the government will be
reality. American technology able to tax them or their owners, wont it?
entrepreneur and academic, A San Francisco politician has already set
Vivek Wadhwa, has predicted up a working group on automation tax.
that robots and AI will Maybe that can happen here too and the
eliminate the need for human result will be a tax on robots that will fund
workers within 20 years.1 a basic universal income for us all!
In the meantime, it is a great
area to consider working in!
Samuel Lau, 22, is a past
One big challenge for robotics participant of HKFYGs
HK200 leadership
and AI is natural language voice
programme. He is a freelance
recognition, especially a language
writer at thinkhk.hk

Notes and sources

1. singularityhub.com/2015/07/07/its-no-myth-robots-and-artificial-intelligence-will-erase-jobs-in-nearly-every-industry/
*A chatbot is part of a virtual assistant which conducts a conversation via auditory or textual methods and is designed to simulate how a human would behave as a conversational partner. It passes the Turing
test as a criterion of intelligence which depends on the ability of a computer program to impersonate a human.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatbot
2. medium.com/@ftsupercharger/interview-with-ken-yeung-co-founder-of-clare-ai-ee3808ade2aa

33
 Perspectives
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Looking to the Future

Trying to move forward

P oppy Tam, a parent in her 30s with a professional background in education, voices her
concerns and preoccupations. Her views reflect a set of values and a cultural identity
that are widespread in Hong Kong as the territorys 20th anniversary approaches.

My son, Michael, is in kindergarten and naturally one of
my top concerns is Hong Kongs education system. For
example, there is the Territory-wide System Assessment
(TSA) also known as the Basic Competency Assessments.
Last year, revised arrangements for the TSA were put in
place and a group of primary schools were invited
or volunteered to take part in a trial of
a less demanding version than
the old test. Now,
the TSA is
actually assessing the performance of teachers and schools.
It doesnt really assess childrens academic performance.
Nevertheless, it puts tremendous pressure on them.
This means the teachers are stressed as well as the pupils
they have to keep pushing to prepare for the test.
Overall, however, I have to admit that parents focus too
much on their childrens academic performance. Hong
Kong is too small and job options are more limited than
in some places. There is a common belief that if you want
to get good pay and have a relatively comfortable life, you
have to work hard and get a degree from a good university.
If parents could see that there are many alternative career
opportunities which would allow their children to excel,
even without a particularly good academic performance,
they might be more open-minded and a bit less pushy.

Another point that bothers me is the proposal to introduce

national education. The intention is to make children more
patriotic and more knowledgeable about mainland China.
But I am afraid the national education curriculum will be
biased and will just instill pro-China thoughts in children
and may even affect their judgment. I want Michael to be
well-informed, not biased or ignorant. Still, there is hope.
The curriculum could represent a balanced view of China,
including both the good and the bad, allowing children
to see their country and its history from both sides.

Note Names have been changed to protect anonymity

34
Where home life is concerned, there is another kind of I hope that the government will focus on these issues,
problem. Although most people here are used to living especially where education is concerned so that my son
in small spaces it can get very difficult for young couples grows up confident and competent into this new world.
with small children. Many have to live with their parents
because they cant afford their own place. I think its fine Sometimes the new world looks a little daunting but
for young adults to stay with their parents, but only until I try to look on the bright side. I have confidence
they get married. If I were a policymaker I would allocate a in Hong Kong despite all its challenges. Perhaps we
specific quota of public housing flats to families with young can move forward together if we are determined and
children. I would also want to severely restrict the trend optimistic, as well keeping up with the changing
we see nowadays of private property developers marketing environment of learning and knowledge.
extremely small flats. They are very unhealthy. I would
also like to see the government stopping mainland people
from buying Hong Kong property. I think todays prices
are extremely high because the demand from mainlanders
is high. The majority of Hong Kong people are completely
unable to afford such ridiculously high property prices.

I am in two minds about technology. I see that the internet

brings the world closer and this will widen my sons
horizons. However, I am also concerned about how safe
technology is for children. They have access to everything
and when I read about all the cybercrime I really hope
that the government will make sure that young people
are well-informed about what is legal and what is not.

I know there will be many changes in the world that are

not exclusive to Hong Kong in the next 20 years, especially
increased automation, computerization and robotics.

35
 Talking point
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong
The Rule of Law
Whats it all about?
T he author, an advocate and former university law teacher, Dr Ho But-lam, explains
the concept of the Rule of Law. He stresses its vital importance for Hong Kong and for
a better world.
The concept of the Rule of Law can be confusing. It is, first
and foremost, a principle that is predicated on the existence
of laws or a system of law set up by representatives who
reflect the makeup of the communities they serve. Without
laws, there would be anarchy or tyranny or both. Second, it
relies on general acceptance that the law rules. At its bare
minimum, this means that whatever law is in force in a
country, it rules the lives of citizens of that country and
applies to everyone, although the law in force can evolve
and change from time to time as social values change.
Of course, many suspect that some individuals behave as
if the law doesnt apply to them. This may be because their
connections make them feel that they are above the law
or are immune from the consequences of breaking it. In
fact, the legal system is not perfect and there will always
be those who break it and get away with it. Indeed, it is a
longstanding principle of the common law that better a
guilty man go free than an innocent man be imprisoned.
However, if those who get away with breaking the law are
more than a very small minority, society has a problem and
the Rule of Law has been hijacked. Equally, if there are
people who are or seem to be persecuted or always in
trouble with the law, then the legal system and society
have a problem. It may be that the law needs reform or
the problem may have socio-economic causes. Otherwise,
if ordinary people seem to be suffering from persecution,
there may be political causes and the law may be
being used by those in power to suppress dissent.
Nonetheless, as can be seen from
the recent jailing of one of
Hong Kongs former
36
Chief Executives, even those in the highest positions are
subject to the law and can be convicted and punished
for breaching it. The same is true for the prosecution
of those who intentionally broke the law during the
Occupy movement. Article 25 of the Basic Law states,
All Hong Kong residents shall be equal before the law.
What about human rights?
There is no question that principles of human rights
are part of the law in force in Hong Kong. They are
incorporated into the Basic Law, forming a central source
of constitutional law that governs the rights of people in
their relationships with the government or state. Indeed,
Articles 26 to 42 spell out specific rights of residents,
from freedom of speech, assembly and movement to the
inviolability of residents homes and other premises, as
well as their right of access to the courts. Article 39 of the
Basic Law entrenches the provisions of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and international
labour conventions, although Hong Kong
does have some opt-outs from the former.
It has been argued that the Rule of
Law can exist almost anywhere, but
it cannot exist without at least some
human rights being incorporated in
it, notably the right of access to the
courts, equality before the law and
right to the due process of the law. Lord Justice Bingham,
former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and author
of an authoritative book on the Rule of Law, rejects what he
calls a thin in favour of a thick definition of the Rule of
Law. The latter embraces the protection of human rights.
A state which savagely represses or persecutes sections of
its [people] cannot in my view be regarded as observing
the rule of law, even if the transport of the persecuted
minority to the concentration camp is the subject of
detailed laws duly enacted and scrupulously observed.1
In other words, from a theoretical point of view, he disagrees
with this statement: A non-democratic legal system,
based on the denial of human rights, on extensive poverty,
on racial segregation, sexual inequalities, and religious
persecution may, in principle, conform to the requirements
of the rule of law2 Of course, human rights are a big
part of the constitutional foundations of Hong Kong law.
Who makes the law?
Democracy implies that the laws governing a people should
be made by them or their elected representatives, but in
reality, there are many countries where rules and regulations
are made by subsidiary administrative bodies and even
presidential decrees or orders which are more or less rubber-
stamped by the legislature. However, there should always
be oversight by the judiciary the judges and the system
of courts that not only interpret the meaning of the laws,
regulations, decrees and orders, but which have the power
to annul such laws when they are in conflict with over-
riding principles such as those found in a constitution.
In Hong Kong, the Basic Law is seen as a mini-constitution.
It is difficult to work out when laws are inconsistent or
Hong Kong 20 Years after the Handover
Editors Brian Fong Chi-hang
and Lui Tai-Lok
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan
Due July 2017
Series Studies in the
Political Economy
of Public Policy
incompatible with such overriding principles. That is why
judges must be independent, highly trained and possess
integrity that is beyond question. This independent
judicial power of final adjudication (with some
exceptions) is enshrined in the Basic Law, Article 18.
In the old days, laws used to be made by kings, perhaps
giving rise to the expression: The law is king.3 Under
the Basic Law, the laws in force in the Hong Kong
SAR are inherited: the common law, rules of equity,
ordinances, regulations and customary laws previously
in force in the Territory (Art 8) and laws made by the
legislature with some additions and deletions made by the
Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress
of the PRC (Art 18). So, almost all law in Hong Kong is
made by or may be changed by the HKSAR Legislature
the variously elected representatives of the people.
If we are striving to create a better world then the Rule
of Law must be bolstered not belittled. As Lord Justice
Bingham says:, The concept of the rule of law is not
fixed for all time. Some countries do not subscribe to
it fully, and some subscribe to it only in name, if that.
But in a world divided by differences of nationality,
race, colour, religion and wealth it is one of the greatest
unifying factorsIt remains an ideal, but an ideal
worth striving for, in the interests of good government
and peace, at home and in the world at large.4
Note The authors pseudonym is Dr Ho But-lam.
Further reading and sources
World Justice Project. Rule of Law. worldjusticeproject.
org/about-us/overview/what-rule-law
Department of Justice, HKSARG. Legal System in Hong Kong. doj.gov.hk/eng/legal/
1. Bingham, T. The Rule of Law. Allen Lane, 2010. p.67.
2. Raz, J: The Authority of the Rules of Law, OUP, 1979.
3. Thomas Paine (1776), English-American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and
revolutionary.
4. Bingham, T. op cit p.174.
This timely account examines the social and political
development of Hong Kong since 1997. It describes
the changes which have affected social mobilization
and political activism in Hong Kong and the pattern of
interaction between the government and civil society.
eBook ISBN 978-3-319-51373-7DOI
Hardcover ISBN 978-3-319-51372-0
37
 Youth watch
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth policy
J ennifer Lam takes a look at youth policy-making around
the world, showing how governments listen to youth and
empower them.

As of 2014, 1221 countries had a national youth policy and at the first Global Forum on Youth Policies
that year there were delegates from 165 countries and 115 governments.2 Discussion took place on a
framework for youth policies and how they should be planned, financed, implemented and evaluated.3

Australia China
Definition of youth 12-24 year-olds Mainland China At present, China
doesnt have an explicitly written,
Youth policy The National Youth Strategy embodies Australias youth
unified national youth policy, nor
policy, the goals of which are to empower young people to build their
an official executive mechanism for
own lives, enable young Australians to learn to take responsibility for implementing or monitoring national
their actions, become more resilient in order to navigate lifes challenges or regional youth affairs. Youth policy
and build a healthier, safer and more productive Australia.4 is a component of overall policy.9
Hong Kong Formulating policies
Representative platform The Strategy established the Australian Youth Forum concerning youth has been
and National Conversation to listen to young people and ask for their views. An the responsibility of various
independently run National Youth Council of Australia brings together youth governmental departments and non-
organizations and provides a platform for cooperation and discussion. It also governmental organizations in the
operates an advisory arm that provides all levels of government and business with past. Going forward, the proposed
the opportunity to connect with youth councillors aged 18-30.Each year the Youth Development Commission will
Council holds a National Youth Conference at which delegates debate a range formulate youth policy and implement
of issues and prepare an advisory paper for government and businesses on the goals embodied in central guiding
topics discussed.5 In March 2016, two senators also called on the government to principles for youth development.10
[See Interview pages 8-11.]
appoint a Minister for Young People to address the needs of the countrys youth.6
Macau The Macau Youth Policy
(2012-2020) is undergoing its first
Youth view In a 2016 pre-election poll, the most important issues for phase of implementation. A mid-term
17-25 year-olds were climate change, asylum seekers and marriage review was conducted in 2016.11
equality.7 44.6% said they would support the left-wing Greens because
the other major parties were ignoring these issues.8
by ILO in Asia and the Pacific flic.kr/p/cAkhv7
by Michael Coghlan flic.kr/p/hhpTsJ

38
and youth views
by Utenriksdepartementet UD flic.
kr/p/a6DUqQ
Finland
Definition of youth Under 29 years of age
Youth policy Finlands Youth Act seeks to support
young peoples growth and independence, to promote
active citizenship and empowerment and to improve
growth and living conditions for youth. Responsibility
for youth work and youth policy lies with the Ministry
of Education. The Child and Youth Policy Programme
2012-2015 includes nine strategic goals relating to active
citizenship, employment, non-discrimination, gender
equality, education and health.12 One of the goals of this
policy,13 developed with input from young people, is to give
youth social empowerment and expand their opportunities
to voice opinions and influence decision-making.
Representative platform The Finnish Youth Cooperation
is the umbrella youth organization. Its purpose is to
encourage young people to become responsible members
of society and help them participate in decision-making
processes and international activities. It lobbies decision-
makers, youth workers and youth organizations,
and provides services directly to young people.
The government is working with local authorities and youth
organizations to improve the system for listening to young
peoples opinions and has adopted an online feedback tool
called eDemocracy in schools. The Finnish government
encourages political youth groups and its Youth Act states
that municipalities must involve young people in the
preparation of youth policies and listen to their opinions.14
Youth view A 2016 survey by the Advisory Council
for Youth Affairs found that about 59% of the young
electorate planned to vote in the 2017 municipal elections
but 21% said they would abstain as they felt that they
had no opinion upon which to base their votes.15
India
Definition of youth 15-29year-olds
Youth policy The 2014 national youth policy aims
to create a productive workforce that contributes
to Indias economic development and a strong and
healthy generation. Other goals are the promotion
of social values and community services, facilitation
of participation and civic engagement, support for
youth at risk and the creation of equal opportunities
for all disadvantaged and marginalized youth.16
Representative platform Youth organizations in India are
fragmented, with little coordination between the various
stakeholders according to the national youth policy.
Various national platforms and party youth wings exist,
yet, there are no systematic channels for engagement
between the government and young citizens and no
mechanisms for youth to provide input to government.17
However, there is support for participation in the political
process by engaging young people in monitoring elections
and by helping them to identify relevant civic and
social issues. Project Citizen is one example. It arranges
meetings with relevant government officials and offers
advice on devising action plans and alternative policy.18
Youth view In 2014, 150 million 18-23 year-olds
became qualified to vote for the first time and 18-19
year-olds now comprise 14% of eligible voters.19 27
youth groups had instigated workshops and online
dialogues to find out what young people wanted the
government to promise.20
by Commonwealth Secretariat flic.
kr/p/8PUTDd
39
 Youth watch
June 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Japan Mongolia
Definition of youth Under 30 years of age 21 Definition of youth 15-34 year-olds
Youth policy The Vision for Children and Young People Youth policy The aims of the National Programme
outlines the 2009 Act on the Promotion of Development on Adolescents and Youth Development are to create
and Support for Children and Young People, and replaces a favourable environment for youth, to encourage
the National Youth Development Policy. Principles include them to take responsibility for themselves and for
treating youth as partners with adults and providing society, to protect their rights and improve their
support to youth to become proactive members of society. 22 participation in social, economic and political life.26

Representative platform Japan does not have Representative platform The Mongolian Youth
a national youth council. Youth involvement Federation maintains a leading role in national policy
in civil society is segmented. development for youth. It focuses on education, health,
employment and other issues. The United Nations
Youth view In 2015, Japan lowered its voting age Development Programme is currently running a youth
from 20 to 18. In the 2016 Upper House election participation and civil education programme aiming to
45.45% of them actually voted23 whereas in the last increase the number of youth voices in policy in Mongolia.
national election only 35.3% of 20-24 year olds
and 40.25% of 25-29 year-olds voted. In 2014, the Youth view Recent surveys reveal widespread
prime minister said he was in favour of bringing dissatisfaction among Mongolian youth, with the
the younger generation into Japanese politics countries economic situation described as bad or
with the help of schools, election boards and local very bad by 41.3% of respondents. Approximately
communities. 24 A 2015 Japan Youth Research half of Mongolian youth surveyed were dissatisfied
Institute poll showed that only 6.5% of Japanese with their jobs. In addition, 75% of respondents
high-school students believed that they could make wanted to emigrate.27
a difference in politics.25

by Taylor Weidman / The Vanishing Cultures Project - Own

work, CC BY-SA 3.0 commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.
by Blondinrikard Frberg flic.kr/p/FdDQEv

php?curid=24648536

Sources
1. youthpolicy.org/blog/youth-policy-reviews-evaluations/state-of-youth-policy-2014/
2. youthpolicyforum.&ltwbr /&gtorg/documents/commitment.pdf
3. undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Democratic%20Governance/Youth/2014%20-%20REPORT%20-%201st%20Global%20Forum%20on%20Youth%20Policies.pdf
4. youthpolicy.org/national/Australia_2010_National_Youth_Strategy.pdf
5. youthcouncil.org.au/
6. abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/is-the-time-right-for-a-minister-for-youth/8387988
7. Marriage equality is the movement which supports same-sex marriage. australianmarriageequality.org/get-informed/quick-facts/
8. smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/election-2016-major-parties-ignoring-what-young-people-want-20160613-gphxfv.html
9. youthpolicy.org/pdfs/factsheets/china.pdf; youthpolicy.org/national/China_2011_Youth_Policy_Situation_Article.pdf

40
UK World trends:
Signs of youth engagement in public affairs
Definition of youth 13-19 year-olds
Youth policy England, Northern Ireland, Scotland The Youth Development Index suggests that
and Wales all have recent youth policy and/or youth despite young people in general becoming less
work strategies. Positive for Youth is a document interested in formal politics, they are engaged
that contains a number of policies that apply across as much as ever with civic and political affairs,
the UK.28 Responsibility for youth policy lies with the
as evidenced by youth-led protests and
Ministry of Education to the Cabinet Office which
single-issue campaigns. However, they prefer
supports the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
However, there is no youth department as such.29 alternative modes of participation to elections.
Political participation of young people in North
Representative platform The British Youth Parliament America, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa grew
aims to provide opportunities for 11-18 year-olds to more than elsewhere in the world with an
bring about social change through representation and overall increase of nearly 6% between 2010
campaigning.30 In 2016, almost a million young people and 2015. South America, Central America,
voted for discussion topics to be included at the Youth the Caribbean and South Asia were the top
Parliament and 276 youth MPs (MYPs) took part in performing regions for political participation.
the debate. The 2017 campaign includes topics such as
The lowest were the Middle East, North Africa
lowering the voting age to 16 or 17, health cuts, cheaper
transport, racism and discrimination, and the introduction and the Asia-Pacific.34
of a school curriculum for life. MYPs are elected by
their peers and each local education authority in England
and Wales has its own Youth Parliament Constituency.31

Youth view 42% of 16-24-year-olds in a 2014

national survey claimed to be totally uninterested
in politics but young people are not apathetic,
according to researchers. 32 They are using digital Sources

platforms for action and discussion on issue-based 10. youthpolicy.hk/; hub.hku.hk/handle/10722/144223

campaigns, direct action, petitions, and politics- 11. mindbank.info/item/4782 [in Chinese]

based brand endorsement or rejection.33

12. youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/finland/
13. icicp.org/resource-library/icp-publications/global-youth-service-database/europe-2/western-europe/
finland/
14. finnishexp_political_youth_netti.pdf
15. finlandtimes.fi/national/2016/07/15/28582/21-young-voters-to-abstain-from-local-polls
16. youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/india/
17. ibid
18. icicp.org/resource-library/icp-publications/global-youth-service-database/asia-and-the-pacific/
south-asia-2/india/
19. theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/08/india-leaders-young-people-change-2014-elections
20. thehindu.com/features/education/what-young-india-actually-wants/article5104015.ece
21. youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/japan/
22. youthpolicy.org/national/Japan_2008_National_Youth_Development_Policy.pdf
23. asaa.asn.au/will-japans-lowered-voting-age-reverse-decreasing-voter-turnouts/
24. asiapacific.ca/blog/japanese-youths-political-engagement-now-or-never
25. asiapacific.ca/blog/japanese-youths-political-engagement-now-or-never
26. youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/mongolia/
27. onehope.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Mongolia-Report-5.8.2014.pdf
by UK Parliament flic.kr/p/A5DX1f

28. youthpolicy.org/national/United_Kingdom_2011_Youth_Policy_Framework.pdf
29. youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/united-kingdom/
30. ukyouthparliament.org.uk/
31. civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/05/why-should-government-listen-to-young-people/
32. Jacqueline Briggs, Young People and Political Participation: Teen Players
33. bangthetable.com/news/youth-political-participation-uk/
34. cmydiprod.uksouth.cloudapp.azure.com/sites/default/files/2016-10/2016%20Global%20Youth%20
Development%20Index%20and%20Report.pdf

41
 Promoting STEM Education
in Primary Schools
S TEM education benefits primary students but adoption in Hong Kong schools has been slow.
Why are we lagging behind some other countries?

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) education helps to equip students with the
practical skills, knowledge and tools that they will need in
life. It may also mean that they will contribute to Hong
Kongs international competitiveness. However, 40% of the
students polled were not familiar with STEM education.
Furthermore, nearly 50% did not participate in any STEM-
related learning activities because they said they had too
many other assignments whereas 36% said their lack of
interest was either due to the high cost of such classes or
their lack of desire to learn STEM subjects (36.0%).
The survey also revealed that according to the students own
Kong primary schools also encountered obstacles when they
tried to promote STEM education. These included problems
concerning teaching staff, subventions and resources.
Comments from think tank members
Arnold Chan, group convener There should be a scholarship
scheme to reward undergraduates who study STEM-related subjects
and who want to be primary teachers. This would encourage
talented young people to develop STEM education at primary level.
Derrick Fan, group member Extending the scope of the
existing Paid Non-local Study Leave Scheme for Secondary
School Teachers so that it includes primary school teachers
would also help. This would enrich their pedagogy and give
them on-site experiential learning in other countries.

self-assessment, their levels of creativity and problem-solving
skills were normal or mediocre.i Some of the STEM experts
and educators interviewed also claimed that some Hong
Alan Yip, group member Cooperation between parents,
schools and professional organizations could promote STEM
education. In addition, the establishment of a STEM Learning
Community* would raise public awareness of its importance.

*STEM Learning Communities

STEM Learning Communities (LCs) have become part of the higher education landscape in certain parts of the world. Their
purpose is to recruit, develop, and retain students in STEM disciplines and to increase student academic success, graduation
rates, and post-graduation participation in STEM fields. Students who participate in an LC are often housed together, take
academic classes together, and are provided with educational and cultural programs to enhance the academic curriculum and
social integration. STEM LCs have been shown to facilitate student academic success and persistence in science disciplines.
Source washingtoncenter.evergreen.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1119&context=lcrpjournal

Report No. 20 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.

Group
Education & Innovation group
STEM Education in Primary Schools
520 pupils in Primary 4-6 completed a questionnaire in February 2017.
15 STEM experts and educators were interviewed as well.
Full details [in Chinese] yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=cdbaaff9-7ec5-4bf6-8494-bd78ab27d5a3&i=5502
Contact Youth Research Centre 3755 7022

i. 5.95 and 5.79 respectively on a 0-10 scale, 10 indicates extremely good and 5 indicates normal.
42
Creative Craftsmanship Development
Challenge or Opportunity?
A ccording to this study, businesses in the creative crafts offer alternative careers for young
people but the shortage of space and lack of artisanal talent create hurdles for those who
want to enter the field.

The creative economy is growing worldwide and
opening businesses in various forms of craft has become
popular among the younger generation in Hong Kong.
However, 28.2% of the respondents to this survey
thought the greatest hurdle for developing craftsmanship
was lack of talent. 23% thought it was lack of space.
Cases involved in the study, including those related to
leather ware, glassware, clocks and watches, clothing,
jewellery and handmade beer, show that the growth of
such business is certainly limited by shortage of space.
Such artisanal work requires more space for the creation
and retail of products than internet-based business do,
for example. Nevertheless, all such businesses need to
overcome management and technical problems and for
craft-related businesses to scale up, the need to become
involved in mass production means that space is crucial.

Comments from think tank members

Jess Yeung, convener It is worthwhile to support creative
craftsmanship for the sake of economic diversification.
Furthermore, a Creative Craftsmanship Cluster could be set
up and operated in a non-commercial manner in order to offer
affordable rents to craft businesses. A Craftsmanship Accelerator
Programme could also be designed to nurture businesses that
have the potential to grow into successful Hong Kong brands.

Aaron Mou, member Creative craft production should be scaled

up in order to make greater economic impact. The government
should subsidize the use of technology and automation for this
purpose. It should also provide trade financing services via
financial institutions in order to relieve the difficulties faced by
small creative craftsmanship businesses in commercial trade.

Report No. 21 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.

Employment & Economic Development group
Published title Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Development of Creative Craftsmanship in Hong Kong
520 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above took part in a random sample telephone survey.
19 young people working in creative craftsmanship and 7 experts or academics were also interviewed.
Full details [in Chinese]
yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=be10d3f7-9d17-48a7-b741-37f51c1db4cc&corpname=yrc&i=9551
Enquiries Amy Yuen 3755 7037

43
 How Young People
Cope with Stress
I n a highly competitive society like Hong Kongs, many adolescents experience stress, often
exacerbated by personal, family and social factors.

Adolescence is a time of change and uncertainty:

biological, psychological, emotional and behavioral and
this is reflected in the response of 22.3% of the young
people in this survey. They say that when they feel under
great stress it can last for over a month on average.

The main sources of such stress are concerns about

academic studies (51.5%) or careers (31.5%). Other
worries include doubts about future prospects (20.9%),
family relationships (17.7%) and money (13.4%). The
most common symptoms were described as deteriorating
moods (31.2%), anxiety (26.0%) and insomnia (21.1%).

Hong Kong youths response to stress in is generally positive,

although some react negatively or pessimistically. Some also
ignore their symptoms because they fail to understand their
own emotional reactions and their sense of inability to cope.
Those in this category also worry about not being accepted
by others and are concerned about being stigmatized.
Report No. 22 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.
Society and Livelihood group
Published title How Young People Cope with Stress
520 Hong Kong young people aged 12-29 were successfully
polled in a random sample telephone survey.
20 young people who suffered from stress and four
experts or academics were also interviewed.
Full details [in Chinese]
yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=be10d3f7-9d17-48a7-
b741-37f51c1db4cc&corpname=yrc&i=9551
Comments from think tank members
Justen Li, convener The study found that many Hong Kong
young people dont know how to cope with stress or manage
their emotions. Ignoring underlying problems and failing to
deal with them at an early stage exacerbates the difficulties
they experience. It is worth considering a fully-subsidized
outdoor camp programme for senior primary and junior
secondary students that focuses on boosting self-confidence
and improving communication and problem-solving skills.
A territory-wide healthy life promotion campaign would also
enhance awareness of the importance of mental health.
Peann Tam, deputy convener Young people face pressure
of all kinds nowadays. We recommend that the government
allocates resources for online instant counselling. The
development of youth physical and mental health should be a
long-term government strategy that incorporates keeping track
of the problem and coordinating services for greater impact.

44
 HKFYG
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Scores for Summer

S cores of activities for youth are organized by the Federation every summer.
On some of them, a few places are still available. Book soon!
Go to easymember.hk for full details

Adventure leadership
LEAD+ Smart Inventor LEAD Lab The Walker
volunteer training
Learn to code and create with
Go rafting, climbing, abseiling and more Take your lessons in a natural environment
Arduino microcontroller
Activities Activities Activities
Design and create personalized Learn to lead outdoors adventures Combine physics and learning
interactive inventions Build a team while building leadership skills in the great outdoors
Learn to code and solve logical Volunteer as leaders at Theory & action classes
reasoning problems future HKFYG camps Location HKFYG Jockey Club Hung
Collaborate with peers through Location HKFYG Heng Fa Chuen Hom Youth SPOT, Shatin District
hands-on practice Youth SPOT, Eastern District
Location LEAD Lab HQ, 1/F HKFYG Dates
Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point Dates 29 June - 10 August Tuesdays 11 & 28 July, 1 & 8 August
Age 17-25 Time 8.30am-10pm
Date 25 July - 22 August (5 Sessions) Fee HK$300 Sundays 16 July, 23 July and 13 August
Time 10.30am-12.30pm Contact To Yau 2557 0142 Time 9am-6pm
Age 9-15 Deadline for registration 30 June Age 15-25
Fee HK$980 Online registration easymember. Fee HK$450
Contact Edmond Hui 3755 7079 hk/eportal/Program/ProgramDetail. Contact Alex Auyeung 2715 0424
aspx?PID=17001442-1
Deadline for Deadline for
registration 20 July registration 10 July
Online registration Online registration
easymember.hk/eportal/ easymember.hk/eportal/
Program/ProgramDetail. Program/ProgramDetail.
aspx?PID=17003653-1 aspx?PID=17001912-1

Stand Up Paddling Beginners

Master of Japanese TV Drama Zentangle Experience Workshop
Certificate Course
Learn Japanese through active drama Practise the latest craze in water sports Focus feel good with fine drawing

Activities Activities Activities

Character role play from Test your balance Simple to learn
Japanese TV drama and core strength Beautiful complex
Games and voice Great fun, easy to learn patterns
exercises Get fit and stay cool Creative and calming
Practise Japanese Location HKFYG Jockey Location HKFYG Jockey
pronunciation Club Verbena Youth Club Tin Yuet Youth SPOT
Location HKFYG SPOT, Sai Kung District
Tsuen King Youth SPOT Date 16 July
Dates Sundays: 23 July 6 August Time 2pm-5pm
Dates Saturdays 22 July - 19 August Time 8.30am-5pm Age 14-25
Time 8pm-9.30pm Age 14-25 Fee HK$200
Age 19-30 Fee HK$460 Contact Joey Li 2445 5777
Fee HK$1,300 Contact Karen Tsang 2997 0321
Contact Mani Chow 2498 3333 Deadline for
Deadline for registration 15 July
Deadline for registration 22 July Online registration
registration: 21 July Online registration easymember.hk/eportal/
Onine registration easymember.hk/eportal/ Program/ProgramDetail.
easymember.hk/eportal/ Program/ProgramDetail. aspx?PID=17003109-1
Program/ProgramDetail. aspx?PID=17004440-1
aspx?PID=17002781-1

Web easymember.hk or syp.hkfyg.org.hk Brochure Available in all HKFYG Youth SPOTs 45

 HKFYG
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Concert of Ten TP L U S A t t e m p t a t G u i n n e s s

I n celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR, 10,000 young people will
come together in concert, singing of shared dreams, passions and hope for the future.
Their enthusiasm and positive energy symbolize Hong Kong moving forward.

Supported on stage by
140 choral music students
16 professional singers
2 dance troupes
Percussion group
Marching band

Date 26 June 2017 Venue Hong Kong Coliseum

Hong Kong Guest Performers

Joey Yung, born in June 1980, is one of the foremost Cantonese singers of all Joey Yung
time. She made her musical debut in 1999 and since then has won numerous
See me fly, Im proud to fly up high
awards, including the prestigious JSG Most Popular Female Singer and
Ultimate Best Female Singer Gold a record-breaking nine times. One of the
songs to be performed at the Colisueum on 26 June will be a few lines from Joey Believe me I can fly Im singing in the sky
Hungs all-time hit I Can Fly, a huge favourite with Hong Kong audiences.

Hins Cheung, Alfred Hui Ting- James Ng Yip-kwan,

the 36 year-old hang is a 29-year old better known as Kwan
Cantopop star from singer and dentist. Gor, is a 27 year-old Hong
Guangzhou, has a Departure ( ) Kong singer and actor.
huge cult following and Ant ( ) His pop songs, including
among Hong Kong are among his hit She Doesnt Love Me
youth, a generation recordings. Enough (
with whom he has He also won ) garnered
strong empathy. much critical millions of views
His best known acclaim for on YouTube.
hits include his song, He starred in
My Way [ The Ode Happiness
] and Cool of Youth (2016) and the
Love ( ). ( ). hit sitcom Come
Home Love.
Ng Yip Kwan

Hins Cheung Alfred Hui

46
Thousand Voices
W o r l d R e c o r d f o r B e a t b o x
Overseas Guest Performers
Club For Five - the world-renowned a cappella group from Finland
Club For Five, one of the best, most versatile a cappella groups in the world,
sings everything from classical music to heavy metal and gentle jazz. Delighting
live audiences with their chameleon-like quality, they are also well-known for
their expert studio work and gold-selling albums. Firmly rooted in a strong
Nordic musical tradition, they translate haunting, icy cold, winter landscapes of
the North into beautiful jazz harmonies and ethno flavours. In Chinese-speaking
parts of Asia, audiences love their Mandarin rendition of Wan Wan De Yue Liang.

CLUB FOR FIVE ALSO APPEARING ON 27 JUNE in the

HKFYG Jockey Club International a cappella Festival Master Series

Major Sponsor The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Date and time 27 June 8pm
Venue Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets HK$350 / $250 / $150 on sale now at urbtix.hk LEFT!
SEATS
Reservation enquiries 3761 6661 A FEW
Credit card telephone booking 2111 5999
Programme enquiries 2395 5753
Mobile booking app My URBTIX (Android and iPhone/iPad versions)

Concert of 10,000 FATKING, Hong Kong Beatbox Artist,

Voices also featuring founder of Hong Kong Beatbox (HKB)
and Hong Kong Beatbox Academy
a Guinness World
(HKBA), will be the Beatbox coordinator
Record-Setting
at the Concert of Ten Thousand Voices.
Attempt for the
Largest Human
Beatbox performance Organizers

Tobias Hug
Tobias Hug will be an adviser for the attempt to set a
Guinness World Record at the Coliseum on 26 June. Based Sponsors
in London, Tobias has been working for more than 20 years
as an inspiring teacher of vocal percussion in places as
diverse as Singapore, Norway, China and Kenya. From 2001-
2012, he sang with Grammy-Award winners, The Swingle Venue Sponsor
Singers, who performed in the 2011 HKFYG Jockey Club
Hong Kong International a cappella Festival Master Series.
He was a judge for the HKFYG a Cappella Contest in 2016.
Media support

More details m21.hk/icanfly Enquiries Alice Lui tel 3755 7067

47
 HKFYG
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Co-created Art by
1,000+ youth
China Week 2017

S ymbolizing the creative flights of childrens imagination, over 1,500 pieces of marbled
paper created by students will be used to build a huge mosaic. To go on display in Wan
Chai, commemorating the HKSARs 20 th anniversary.
Hundreds of pieces of decorative marbled paper made by young
people will be combined by digital software to create the image in
this display. To be unveiled on 29 June, from the micro view, every
piece of work done by the students is a contribution to the whole.
From a macro view, the entire, huge image on display will reflect
their creativity, their flair and their hopes for Hong Kongs future.

The young artists, all of whom are aged from 6-18, are students at
art studios, children at primary schools or secondary school pupils.

Modelled on a painting by Dominic Lam, the artwork

will be on display in the pedestrian precinct of Lee
Tung Avenue in Wan Chai from 29 June till July.

48
Unveiling 29 June 2017 4pm
Venue Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queens
Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
On show from 29 June and into the month of July
Sponsor Sino Group
Organizer HKFYG
Supporting Organizations Xu Beihong Arts
Committee, Lee Tung Avenue Management Co Ltd
Special thanks to Professor Xu Qingping
and Dr Dominic Lam Man-kit

Making Marbled Paper

Fill a shallow tray with water.

Apply ink or paint carefully to the surface with an ink brush.
Use an additive or surfactant chemical to help the colours float.
Use a drop of plain water with surfactant to make the colours into a pattern.
Repeat the process until the surface of the water is covered with patterns.
Blow on them directly or through a straw to fan the colours out.
Place a sheet of paper onto the surface of the water.
Make sure there are no air bubbles beneath the paper.
Lift out and rinse.
Lay out on a board or hang to dry.

Web chinaweek.m21.hk/2017/ Enquiries Rex Chan 2130 4000

49
 HKFYG
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Leaders to Leaders Summer 2017

C onnecting young leaders in Hong Kong with peers from around the world, the goal of the
Leaders to Leaders series is to exchange ideas and achieve positive social impact.

Features of 2017 Programme Events, dates and venues

Exclusive opportunities for sponsored* apprenticeships
1-4 August 2017
Collaboration with global young leaders 72-hour Impact Challenge
Partnership during apprenticeships with a young in Hong Kong
leader from Jordan, the Philippines or Beijing A competition for the best-designed
and executed self-initiated service
Chance to become founders or regional directors
projects or social campaigns
for apprenticeship host institutions
August-September 2017
Five international young leaders Month-long overseas/mainland
China apprenticeships
To be awarded to winners of the 72-
hour Impact Challenge Competition

October 2017 - March 2018

Ms Lina Kahlifeh (Jordan)
Founder, SheFighter
Extension Project in Hong Kong
To set up a new chapter for
Ms Jasmine Lau (China) the organization with which
Co-founder and Executive Director,
apprenticeships were completed
Philanthropy in Motion
Or to start a 6-month initiative
addressing a related issue
Guidance and support will be
provided by the host institution and
HKFYG throughout the project

Partnering organization

Ms Arizza Nocum (The Philippines) Ms Yolanda Joab (Micronesia)

Overall Head of KRIS Library Climate Change Activist

Applications now accepted at

Mr Darren Tay (Singapore)
Founder and Managing Director
Public Speaking Academy
Eligibility for participation
leadership21-leaderstoleaders.
com/application-form
Young people aged 18-35
Track record in leadership Deadline for applications and more
details leadership21-leaderstoleaders.
Proficiency in English
com/series-of-event-2017s
Individuals or groups of
Enquiries Iki Chan 2169 0255
up to four members
At least 50% of team members
must be Hong Kong residents
Programme
Apply now details

50 * Note Sponsorship consists of flights and accommodation up to HK$12,000

 HKFYG
June 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Belt and Road

multimedia resource kits
S ponsored by the Quality Education Fund, the aim of these kits is to enhance secondary school
students understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative and raise their awareness of the
opportunities and challenges that it generates.

The resources explain the reasons, framework, Various schools were invited to trial the resource kits and
process and influence of the Belt and Road Initiative. positive feedback was received from the teachers involved.
They are for teachers with senior secondary They indicated that the resources are very informative
students in Hong Kong liberal studies classes. and attractive and could help them prepare lessons.

Launch with
Resource
Teachers Seminar
Kits
6 July 2017
Contents include Guest Speakers Dr Simon Shen and Mr George Tsang
Videos Factsheets Topic Broadening Horizons with the Belt and Road
Infographics Information notes Time 2.45pm5pm
Worksheets Teaching guidelines
Venue 25/F HKFYG Building
Topics covered
Overview of Belt and Road Initiative Target 100 Secondary school teachers
Infrastructure connectivity along the Belt and Road Download kits m21.hk/friendship/teaching-materials/
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Chinas cooperation with Central Asia and West Asia Enquiries Ms Wong 3422 3161
Chinas cooperation with Southeast Asia
HKFYG Student Support Centre
Financial cooperation and integration Email ssc@hkfyg.org.hk
International relations concerning the Belt and Road Initiative
Hong Kongs role in the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote
international economic cooperation through policy
coordination, trading and financing collaboration,
offering new markets, modern infrastructure
and exchange opportunities as well as cultural
cooperation for participating countries and regions.
The Belt and Road concept connects Asia, Europe
and Africa along five routes in the Silk Road Economic
Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Focus of five routes
(1) Linking China to Europe through Central Asia and Russia
(2) Middle East through Central Asia
(3) Bringing together China and Southeast Asia,
South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(4) Linking China with Europe through the South China Sea and Indian Ocean
(5) Connecting China with the South Pacific Ocean
through the South China Sea

H KFYG @ Hong Kong Book F ai r 2017

40 %
BRING THIS COUPON
WITH YOU TO
HKFYG Booth 1B C38
RECEIVE
From 19 July to 25 July
DISCOUNT 51
on new publications
 Publisher :
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups hkfyg.org.hkm21.hk
Youth Hong Kong: 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel : 3755 70843755 7108Fax : 3755 7155Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hkWebsite : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk
The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian

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