Special June 2020 | Youth Hong Kong
Helping Hong Kong take off again
M
r Fred Lam, CEO of the Airport Authority, speaks about making the transition from school to workforce. He says that a taste of frontline work with visitors gives young people good practice and that their educational achievements can be less important than having the right attitude. Life planning YHK The transition from school to work is often complex. Who do you think can best provide guidance or mentorship for life planning at this stage? Mr Lam It is often quite a big leap for a graduate to leave the campus and enter the workplace as a freshman. Each person comes from a different background and has a unique character so the transition will not be the same for everyone. To manage this transition well, I think it is most important to instill the right attitude in young graduates. I would never doubt the skills of the younger generation. They are smart and well-versed in a diverse range of skills. If young people can maintain a passion for life and work, they will surely thrive in the workplace. However, during boom times, young people might have a more relaxed attitude towards their jobs. As recession looms, probably their mindset will change and this could certainly help them adapt to a new environment in working life.
Diversified vocational training YHK What emphasis would you like to see in vocational training on frontline skills learnt on the job compared to academic performance at school? Mr Lam There are now many different programmes organized by schools, the government and NGOs providing support to young people for getting to know about the workplace and careers. Such support is very useful. We at the airport also organize programmes towards that end. Through work-related summer programmes, students can explore different kinds of jobs, understand more about themselves and their own strengths and interests. 34
It is very helpful for young people to learn how to work with different people through these programmes, how to respect others and take their work seriously. To be successful in the workplace, interpersonal skills and the right attitude are often more important than academic qualifications.
Encouragement YHK The Airport Ambassadors programme has been very encouraging to participants. Can you tell us the Airport Authority’s main reasons for this valuable long term support of HKFYG? Mr Lam The Airport Ambassadors programme is one of my favourite community outreach programmes. The airport serves as a portal for Hong Kong. Visitors often get their first impressions of Hong Kong when they land at the airport. As airport ambassadors young people can meet visitors from all over the world and through this they may come to understand the importance of the airport to the economy in terms of trade, tourism and finance. They may also find out more about the different career opportunities at the airport.
Hospitality YHK How important do you think it is to provide opportunities for young people to understand Hong Kong in depth in order to welcome its visitors? Mr Lam In-depth travel is the trend now. Many visitors are interested in exploring a destination in a down-toearth way, not just going to the tourist spots. They would be interested in hearing from our young people how they feel about their daily lives in the city and the things around them. It is easy to take such things for granted
