a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
Youth HONG
KONG
March 2012
Volume 4 Number 1
YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Youth Hong Kong
12
EDITORIAL BOARD Rosanna Wong, Veronica Pearson, Angela Ngai, Ken Ngai, Lakshmi Jacotă, William Chung, Elaine Morgan (Editor), Ada Chau (Assistant Editor)
Balance, flexiblity, value
March 2012 Volume 4 Number 1
Contents
CIRCULATION (unaudited) 10,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas VIEWS EXPRESSED
HIGHLIGHT 4 Do leaders matter?
are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS
YOUTH SPEAK 6 We want good leaders
without written permission from the publisher is prohibited CONTRIBUTORS
INTERVIEWS
ARTWORK Lok Choi (interviews and HKFYG photo bank); Suki Mak (image editing); acknowledged as captioned from public domain. DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING DG3 Asia Ltd ISSN 2071-3193
23 Photo by musicvisionary (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Elaine Morgan, Ada Chau, Wyman Sin, Jenny Liu, Mok Ho-tsun, Dennis Wong, Vicky Lee, Anthony Lai, Hugo Chow, Noah Chung, Harrods Wong, Alan Yip
Grassroots, practicality and idealism
29
Hong Kong's Chief Executive
Raymond Ch’ien Leadership: east and west
12
Balance, flexibility and values
14
Bernard Chan
Responsible leaders, good communicators
17
Simon Shen Hopes, tensions and expectations
20
Ivan Choy The pendulum swings
23
District Councillors Grassroots, practicality and idealism
9
Photo by FMG2008 (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Hopes, tensions and expectations
Opinion Leaders
17
Wyman Sin, Benny Ng, Spruce Kwok (Youth speak), Shen Weihuang, William Cheung, Hilary Hau (City space), Andrew Halton (Internetscope), Joceyia Lam, Lo Tsz-wing (In the loop)
TALKING POINT 26 Can leadership be learned? CHIEF EXECUTIVE 29 How does Hong Kong get a Chief Executive? SERVICES 30 Filling a need in Hong Kong at HKFYG’s Leadership 21 CITY SPACE 34 The red line
WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk
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People-centred spirit
CORRESPONDENCE TO
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Seeking home: Hong Kong’s housing problems
The Editor, Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong TEL 3755 7084, 3755 7284
38
ARTS & CULTURE 38 Film reviews We need to talk about Kevin PLANEAT
Film Reviews
FAX 3755 7155 EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk
INTERNETSCOPE 40 Cyber mobility: keeping pace
ADVERTISING enquiries to Andrey Leung (3755 7041) THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS was founded in 1960 and is one of the city’s largest non-profit youth organizations. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations are attended by 5 million participants every year. CORE SERVICES Counselling, Creativity Education & Youth Exchange, e-Services, Education Services, Leadership Training, Leisure, Cultural & Sports Services, Parent-child Mediation, Research & Publications, Services for Youth at Risk, Volunteer Services, Youth Employment, Youth SPOTs, WEB www.hkfyg.org.hk, www.u21.hk
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Neighbourhood First
IN THE LOOP 42 Understanding the Three Gorges Dam HKFYG 44
HKFYG Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21: multimedia for schools and community
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Neighbourhood First and always
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Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2012
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HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Editorial
T Photo by winnie's human (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
his issue of Youth Hong Kong focuses on leadership. With so many political office bearers around the world about to retire, resign or stand again for election, this is a topic of great pertinence. What we discover through the interviews, reflections and articles presented, is that most Hong Kong young people have an opinion about what a leader should be. One could argue that in these changing and challenging times, it comes as no surprise to discover that they stress the importance of leaders who adhere to a code of conduct and practice that is above the ordinary. Do see if you agree with their assessments and please feel free to share your own thoughts about leaders and leadership. Â Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG March 2012
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Highlight
Do Leaders Matter leadership is in flux, with changes at the helm in France, the United States, China and Hong Kong. With the social mobilization of discontent, continued wars, terrorist attacks and a deep sense of pessimism across the board – can we legitimately ask, do leaders matter?
Courage, commitment and civic responsibility
The quick and cynical answer would be a resounding “no”, not if this is the best that they can do and given that we have not even touched upon existing leaders’ weaknesses and foibles. However, leaders do matter. We still need diligent people to “lead us”, as heads of public institutions, in government, business and the community. Yet it can be argued that they need to exit the old template of leadership style, to review and revitalise what can only be called ailing leadership all over the world.
The leader for the 21st century must have clear perspective, strong ethical values, courage, commitment and passion. He or she must also have a deep-rooted sense of civic responsibility and sharp global vision. There is no single “enemy” to battle against, but a series of competitors and partners with whom to engage and mutually prosper. This is the challenge of the 21st century leader – the challenge where might is not always right, but where character and integrity have the greater strength. Today we are facing one of the world’s most serious financial crises. We are beset with scandals, high unemployment and the rise of vacuous reality celebrities who dominate headlines. Political
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Exit the template
There must be hundreds, if not thousands, of leadership manuals in all languages, in the libraries of every city in the world. Yet somehow the current cohort of leaders seems to have let go of a number of key and essential qualities that really are critical to secure a positive response to the question of whether leaders matter.
Leaders need vision. Vision is not necessarily about foresight and predicting the future. Vision is about having a clear purpose and then communicating it. Leaders must have the ability and patience to explain, again and again, their goals. Leaders of vision are those who can communicate, so that people understand what is said in their presence, while being able to recall it in their absence.
Integrity: a moral compass Leaders need integrity and they need to be infallible judges of what is right and wrong. Too many scandals – in business, government or the third sector – have shown this is crucial. Leaders need to have a moral compass that guides them. Having integrity is about developing trust and honesty; but it is also about faithfulness and compassion towards those one leads. Integrity allows for equality for everyone without discrimination. Magnetic compass, invented Photo by musicvisionary 2000 (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
T
he image of the leader as a swashbuckling hero, cutting down opponents and brushing aside adversaries, victorious in battle, is best left to the movies. In today’s increasingly interconnected, creative and dynamic world, the leader evokes other images, which require altogether more subtle qualities and talents than his or her celluloid counterpart.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
?
Leaders need passion, enthusiasm, commitment and courage. Good leaders really believe in what they are doing and the causes or principles that they espouse. Passion and commitment are the drivers of success, providing strength and sustenance to achieve goals. Good leaders never stop learning. They know this implies hard work and that all through life they will encounter people cleverer than themselves, with more experience and wider exposure. The quest for knowledge should never be seen as something that begins and ends in formal education.
Highlight
Strength of character Good leaders are listeners. The temptation to think that they are the experts, that they know everything, is an error good leaders do not make. They know that listening to the opinions of others and to different points of view is extremely important. Encouraging and initiating dialogue with others is what sets leaders apart and they should know how to listen when others speak. Leaders need the ability to selfcorrect. “I am sorry” and “I was wrong” are two phrases that are the hardest to say in any language. They imply vulnerability and leadership is always deemed to be about power. Good leaders know that owning up to a mistake is not a weakness. It takes strength of character to admit to an error, especially when publicly acknowledged and corrected. True leaders always take responsibility for their actions. Leaders need to know how to instil confidence, see the positive in other people and how to tap their strengths without feeling challenged or insecure. The public domain should be where praise and gratitude is shown. Leadership is about partnership and participation. It is about community building and developing team spirit. A true leader brings out the best in others, whether at work, at home or at play.
Accountability and humility
in China and first used by geomancers.
Leaders must also learn how to be humble and know the difference between being self-confident and being egotistical. They should know that thinking they are the best is detrimental to other qualities
necessary for good leadership. True leaders are fully aware that humility is not about being timid, but about knowing that there is always an authority to which they are answerable. True leaders know that they are accountable and have the confidence to defend their vision, with passion. Personal character is an essential key to leadership and the challenge for leadership in the 21st century. Who you are as a person counts, in the end, more than where you stand on the ladder of success.
True leaders know that they are accountable…and there is always a higher authority to which they are answerable. Developing character for leadership must begin today, lest we find ourselves mired in an even worse predicament. Do leaders matter? Well perhaps they do, if they can go back to the basic qualities required.
電影中的領袖通常能人所不能，帶領 群眾解決種種難題。現實中，能真正 帶領民眾的又有多少？ 21 世紀的領 袖需要有勇氣、承擔及熱忱，而他們 所面對的，亦不再是單一問題，而是 複雜多變的環境。同時，人民要求領 袖有更高的道德水平；故此，領袖需 要時刻小心自己的言行舉止，一旦發 現錯誤，必須勇於承擔及改過。
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
A
panel of twelve students at HKFYG’s
We want good leaders
Centre for Leadership
Development discussed leaders’ qualities and actions in the context of the Fourth Term Chief Executive election in Hong Kong. Here are some highlights of their views, hopes and priorities. These are followed by interviews in which they spoke to community opinion leaders.
What they should be
like
Good leaders can achieve extraordinary results. The students described some outstanding characteristics and said what qualities they thought mattered most, not only for Hong Kong’s leaders but for anyone who wants to take the lead.
trustworthy “Authenticity, transparency and integrity are all about trust.” Tina
optimistic and committed “A leader with a practical, problemsolving approach stays committed.”
widely experienced “Strong leaders understand people’s problems and want to alleviate them.” Jenny
Sam-kei
charismatic “Like President Obama, a charismatic leader here could make people believe in him.” Wesley
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strongly principled and self-disciplined “If you cannot manage yourself, how can you convince others.” Natalie
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
Concerns and wishes The students had high expectations of the new Chief Executive (CE). Wesley’s view was that the core problem needing to be solved was disparity between the rich and the poor. Both Wesley and Tat wanted to see the introduction of universal suffrage within the next CE’s term and Tat hoped Hong Kong’s image would get a
boost in the process. Improved livelihood was Wyman's hope. She was not optimistic about getting the vote. Nicole’s wish was that the new CE would be a good listener, one who would take the trouble to find out what people really need. Benny wanted a leader with long-term vision, rather than someone who tackled minor problems in piecemeal fashion.
Wesley Kwan, 22
Tat Tsang, 20
Nicole Chan, 19
Liza Poon, 22
Wyman Sin, 20
Benny Ng, 22
The Chinese University
The University of Hong
Lingnan University
The Hong Kong
The Hong Kong
The Chinese University
of Hong Kong
Kong
Polytechnic University
Polytechnic University
of Hong Kong
Chan Sam-kei, 17
Lawrence Lai, 16
Natalie Au, 15
Tina Wong, 16
Jenny Liu,
Cynthia Ng, 18
Queen's College
HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai
St. Paul’s Secondary
Diocesan Girl’s School
The University of Hong
The Hong Kong
Secondary and Primary
School
Kong
University of Science and
School
Technology
What they should always
do
Inspired leaders can also be ordinary men and women. The difference is they don’t pretend to know everything or try to fool anyone. Instead they always have clear goals in mind and have a flair for working with others.
set an example “Behave well and act as a role model for the public.” Liza
have clear direction and goals “Begin with the end in mind.” Benny
take responsibility “Serve others with integrity.”
listen well “Consider other opinions and always be openminded.” Lawrence
take risks “Accept challenges and admit faults.” Sam-kei
have a sense of balance “It’s vital to keep the big picture in view.” Cynthia
delegate to the right people “Be a team member, not just a team leader.” Nicole
Tina
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
be manipulative and overcontrolling “Leaders should not try to control everything. They should delegate.”
break promises “If they write bad cheques it doesn’t matter how much charisma they have.”
be demoralizing “Mediocre leaders are disorienting and fail during crises.”
Wyman
Cynthia
What they should do
never
let the team down “When things go wrong a bad leader might betray you.”
Tina
Tat
be practical focus on local social problems Sam-kei
Tina
maintain a strong economy
love Hong Kong
give us the vote Tat
have the heart to help people
Tina, Natalie and Jenny agreed with Benny, saying preparing for the future and maintaining Hong Kong’s unique qualities should be top priority. Lawrence hoped a new role for Hong Kong could be found. They all agreed that flexibility was a key and that the best laid plans may not work. Times change and leaders have to change with them.
reduce the wealth gap
Natalie
Nicole
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Lawrence
Jenny
Wyman
What we hope the new CE will do
take care of all Hong Kong people
prepare for the future
Wesley
focus on long-term development
solve human rights issues
Benny
Cynthia
not make empty promises Liza
12 位青年跟我們暢談對領袖的看法，以及對新任特首的 期望。他們認為領袖的必要條件包括有誠信、具備多元條 件及富有承擔等。同時，他們認為領袖要懂得與團隊合 作、知人善任，並能照顧社會長遠利益。他們亦期望新任 特首能解決香港近年面對的問題，如貧富懸殊及普選等。
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Leadership
east and west D
r Raymond Ch’ien, Chairman of the MTR Corporation, believes good leadership styles and skills are the same everywhere, east and west. He shared his views with students and emphasized especially the need for leaders now to seek an appropriate balance between individualism and collective social responsibility.
Dr Raymond Ch'ien with students: Spruce Kwok, Benny Ng and Wyman Sin
Styles of good leadership are independent of geographical location. They are context-driven and advanced societies with welleducated citizens should veer towards enlightened, socially responsible individualism.
the basis of the cultural ethos until the early 20th century. There was no Industrial Revolution in China and the authorities became antiinnovation, so there was none of the creative destruction which gave western development its strength.
Emerging individualistic society
Changing aspirations
To put history in a nutshell, phases of cultural development took place earlier in the West, where humanistic, individualistic society emerged. In China, Confucian thinking took root and provided
the fore. Good leaders, even in Beijing, have to be sensitive to such changes. The days of authoritarian leaders who lose touch with people’s changing aspirations are numbered.
Questioning authority
When the store of a people’s knowledge in any society increases Differences in leadership styles reflect their culture becomes increasingly different phases of development individualistic. As education along the same continuum, both became more widespread in western in the East and in the West. When society, so that society became income increases and education more democratic and figures of becomes more widespread, so authority, questioned less in early individual aspirations come to society, were questioned more.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Photo by BlakJakDavy (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Leaders seek appropriate balance to keep unbridled, selfish, individualism in check
This spinning single coin symbolizes balance and absence of greed.
Staying flexible Instead of being preoccupied with eastern and western concepts, good leaders everywhere recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and adjust to the shifting needs, views and values of their times. Great leaders lose their status when they lose their humility and become inflexible. Goalposts shift and leaders need to know when to step down. Otherwise, they become marginalized, as entrenched, vested interests stifle competition and growth.
Redefining universal values Better education and the exchange of ideas have meant that freedom of speech and universal values are regarded ever more highly. The young need to be engaged in meaningful global dialogue to reach consensus on the definition of such values. This means giving more and more emphasis to socially responsible individualism which can lead to global sustainability and genuine care for the have-nots.
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Keeping selfishness in check
The young should know they can often be wrong, and remember that a leader is not a leader until there is a group of people who considers him or her to be so.
As human society develops so it emphasizes collective civic responsibility. My generation has not been good in offering Advanced societies with welldistributional justice and educated citizens should veer the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. towards enlightened, socially Narrowing the gap does not responsible individualism. mean sacrificing quality of life. It means adopting greener, more sustainable ways with less waste. It is very important that academic The main challenge for western freedom is maintained during this democratic leaders now, as can be process of change. Universities seen in the socio-economic crisis and educators have to remain unfolding in the Eurozone, is to bastions of independent liberal, keep unbridled, selfish individualism critical thinking. They need to be a and excessive sense of entitlement in thorn in the side of the orthodox, check. conventional establishment. As change and development take place, young leaders should use Achieving constructive their position to raise the common change denominator instead of appealing Young people should endeavour to base instincts. They need to be to achieve such change in a involved in redefining and recreating constructive manner, listening to universal values. These are the real others, identifying those wiser than challenges for future leadership. themselves, including those who are not in positions of leadership.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Instead of being preoccupied with eastern and western concepts, good leaders adjust to shifting needs.
Dr Raymond Ch’ien, Chairman of the MTR Corporation Ltd, is also Chairman of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd, a member of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Honorary President and past Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. He was a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 1992 to June 2002 under both the British administration and the HKSAR Government.
The students who took part in this interview are Benny Ng Year 4, Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Spruce Kwok, Year 1, Hotel and Tourism Management, CUHK, and Wyman Sin Year 2, Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. ( See picture, page 9.) They wrote about the insight gained from Dr Ch’ien in the essays on pages 12-13.
錢果豐博士認為，無論在東方或西方， 領袖的概念都有其共通點。東方及西 方在文化發展方面有巨大差異，而在不 同發展階段，社會需要的領袖特質都不 同，但所有領袖都必須了解自己的長處 及短處，並能於適當時候作出選擇。維 持高度的學術自由，對整個社會的發展 尤其重要；錢博士更期望青年人能積極 為社會提出建設性的意見。
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
Balance, flexibility and values
T
hese short essays address points made during the interview with Dr Raymond Ch’ien. As aspirant young leaders, the writers agree they should be flexible, reflect on universal
Maximizing flexibility by Wyman Sin
Of all the characteristics of effective leadership, I believe flexibility is one of the most important. Everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses and a flexible leader always takes them into account, while staying in close contact with the environment. Good leaders, as Dr Ch’ien said, are those who constantly self-evaluate and learn from history. It is also important for a good leader to examine the current environment carefully in order to demonstrate strengths effectively while maximizing the potential of the people around them. “Be in touch with the aspirations of the people.” For me, this was Dr Ch’ien’s most memorable piece of advice for an aspiring leader. Leaders are always thought of as belonging to the top 1% of any group, but they can lose touch with other people. Leaders should serve people, and for this they need not only insight, but also close contact with those they lead to understand what they are thinking and what they really want. This can only be achieved if they maintain their flexibility and ability to adapt to their changing environment.
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Narrowing the divide between the haves and the have-nots by Benny Ng
Photo by SustainUS (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Photo by Ross HONG KONG (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
values and put them into practice.
Individual aspirations rise as income and education improve but there will always be inequalities. People will always consider their own individual interests before collective benefits and a small percentage of the population will always have greater power and more resources. This will create greater disparity between the rich and the poor. Without better balance there can be no sustainable development. In my opinion, to achieve such balance we need more real servant leaders, and I am not just speaking empty words. Young people should learn and practice the kind of servant leadership which gives priority to people’s real needs and expectations, with active listening and humble stewardship. According to Dr Ch’ien, although young people are not in authority, they can still achieve positive change in a rational, constructive way. The rate of such change is accelerating with advances in communications technology and online media. These stimulate innovation and teenagers with good ideas all over the world can promote constructive creativity with an easy “click” of a mouse, unlimited by location or other physical constraints. I think young people will be able to accomplish this kind of constructive change but only if they believe in a better future.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
Approaching universal values by Spruce Kwok The term “universal values” has become more and more popular in recent years. What are its implications? Are there values which are truly “universal”?
Benny Ng, Year 4, Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong, likes reading, hiking and swimming and hopes to be a constructive change-maker who influences other teenagers for a more balanced world.
The implications behind the words are worthy of attention. Universal values are normally interpreted as those which conform to norms that cross borders, yet often we speak of universal values when judging the behaviour of regimes which do not conform. Many people say we use social norms common in the western world to establish universal values. Are we really so influenced by other cultures and in danger of losing our own? My answer is no, we are not. I was much impressed by what Dr Ch’ien said about differing social values and leadership styles being caused by a different pace of social development.
Wyman Sin, Year 2, Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, took part in the Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project and enjoys cycling and running in her spare time. She also does voluntary work with environmental organizations.
The effects of globalization mean that international exchanges at all levels are increasing incrementally. What we young people ought to do is ensure that this influences society in the most positive way, since it is up to us to shape the future world.
Photo by Jessicamulley (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
As we continue to strive for a balance between individualism and shared civil responsibility, I believe we will approach more truly universal values.
Spruce Kwok, Year 1, Hotel and Tourism Management, Chinese University of Hong Kong, loves travelling, movies, and seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
三位訪問錢果豐博士的學生一致認為領袖需 要靈活、能體現普世價值，以及能以身作 則。Wyman 覺得靈活對領袖來說尤其重要， 因為好領袖需要時刻檢視自己的短處並作出 改善。Benny 則認為領袖需要以身作則，並 平衡社會各界的利益。而 Spruce 覺得領袖 應該著重普世價值，並能平衡個人及社會利 益。
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Responsible leaders, good communicators
M
r Bernard Chan, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, has wide experience of building bridges between
sectors of Hong Kong society. We asked him about listening and responding, about the reluctance of Hong Kong leaders to explain themselves, and how in future they could motivate people to face tough problems and solve them together.
Good communication between a leader and the public is more important than anything, but it needs time, understanding and trust. First of all comes listening. Government leaders do listen. They are accountable, so they must listen. The real question is, of all stakeholders, who do they hear most clearly.
Public perception, miscommunication It is hard for government officers to cater for everyone’s needs. No leader can satisfy them all and public perception reflects this. Yet special efforts have to be made to listen and respond in a way that indicates understanding.
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Good communication involves using the right words, tone and message. Only certain kinds of people will ever be good communicators. It is a two-way process. It involves listening, and then convincing your audience that you have heard what they are trying to tell you.
Expectations have risen, and now the failure in communication is more obvious than ever.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Expectations have risen, and now the failure in communication is more obvious than ever. That means leaders have to get out in order to reach their public. Relying on a one-minute soundbite in the mass media is not enough. However, it is also a citizen’s duty in return to express an opinion and make suggestions rather than waiting for leaders to provide all the answers.
Responding to raised expectations True responsiveness is a process of educating, informing, giving direction and setting goals. Government leaders are gatekeepers of information and they respond like parents, doing what they think is in everyone’s best interests. If the public doesn’t understand the process behind their decision-making there is miscommunication because constraints are not understood.
It’s hard work getting people to listen, unless you are just “preaching to the converted.” Explaining complex decisions takes time and care. In the past, most Hong Kong people were not really interested in government policy and so officials didn’t take the time to provide detailed information. In the last decade things have changed. Now, expectations of transparency are constantly rising and the younger generation who want to be in control of their own destiny.
Need to build trust These raised expectations are not being met. Leaders have to educate, not just ask what people want and make empty promises to keep them happy. Instead, members of the public need direction and help to formulate ideas about the kind of society they want, and whether they are prepared to make sacrifices to pay for it.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
More visibility and transparency
No longer a borrowed place
Most government decisions are made in the best interests of Hong Kong people but that is not how they are perceived. Compare our transparency, integrity, trustworthiness and accountability with that of democratic neighbouring countries. We are very good, and yet people still don’t trust us.
Pressure will build as we move towards 2017 and the possibility of universal suffrage. Till 1997 we felt we were in a borrowed place living on borrowed time. Now we know we are here to stay. Hong Kong is our home. That’s why interest in heritage and the past is growing.
It is clear that the current way is not working, especially when it comes to communication with young people.
At the same time people feel threatened by the future and by the influx of people from the mainland. There is uncertainty and anxiety. Government leaders can’t solve all the problems alone. First, they need to take the time to explain to those who will listen. Then they must reach out on a deeper level than in the past. This is the only way to demonstrate commitment to a shared future.
Improvement is a question of both good delivery and receptiveness. The younger generation in particular does not believe in us. There is not enough direct communication with them. Going forward we need to address that. I hope there will be a higher level of engagement and participation, and that members of government such as the Under-Secretaries will be more visible under the next administration. A leader needs to be brave and innovative for this, often thankless, task. There are no right or wrong answers, no simple solutions, no quick fix. But it is clear that the current way is not working, especially when it comes to communication with young people. Just opening a Facebook page and calling it to “communicating with youth” is not the answer.
Government leaders must reach out on a deeper level than in the past... demonstrating commitment to a shared future.
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Bernard Chan is the Chairperson of the Council for Sustainable Development, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Chairman of Lingnan University and Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board. He was a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 2000-2009 and member of the Legislative Council from 1998-2008. Here he is pictured standing beside one of his own paintings.
陳智思先生接受青年人訪問時強調，新任特首需要與公眾 進行溝通，以往公眾並不特別關心公共政策，但隨著近 10 年公眾關注度持續提升，政府有必要重新思考如何跟 公眾進行有效溝通，讓市民了解政府於制訂政策時的考慮 因素。同時，政府亦應該更著重了解青年人的想法，並解 決市民普遍不信任政府的問題。
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
and
HOPES, TENSIONS EXPECTATIONS
D
r Simon Shen, Associate Professor and External Relations Coordinator at the Hong Kong Institute of
Education’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, answered questions from four undergraduate participants in the HKFYG Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project. They asked about leaders, Hong Kong’s future, core values and the current tensions between mainlanders and Hong Kong people.
It’s difficult to define “leadership” and “leaders.” Leadership is not like a profession for which you get qualifications. In Hong Kong, people who speak eloquently are not uncommon but it’s very difficult to find real leaders who have a unique vision and are prepared to make sacrifices for society. Leaders are those who make progress and change the existing paradigm of thinking and living, both in idealistic and pragmatic in terms of an overarching goal.
Leadership is not like a profession for which you get qualifications.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Mok Ho-tsun
Jenny Liu
What kind of promises do you think new Hong Kong leaders can be expected to keep?
Should Hong Kong leaders be able to resolve problems such as the hate crime and sense of mistrust between Hongkongers and mainland visitors and immigrant residents?
Leaders often promise change, but the change they speak of is unlikely to materialize. Promises are sometimes used as a political tool with which politicians defend their programmes. At the Roundtable Institute we are cynical about this kind of “change�. It could include changes in core values such as freedom of speech and expression, professionalism and proceduralism, transparency and tolerance. My prime concern is core values. It is the responsibility of political leaders and statesmen to defend the values that lie behind Hong Kong’s success in recent years. They consist in freedom of speech, the checks and balance that come with separation of powers and an active, effective civil society.
Government leaders should educate people about crosscultural discrimination.
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It is the responsibility of government leaders to educate Hong Kong people about cross-cultural discrimination on one hand, and to formulate a set of population policies that can minimize the roots of such hatred on the other. Differences between two such groups are normal but the media has inflamed public reaction to a level that would have been illegal in the West. There has to be mechanism to discourage it. We can learn from Europe and Taiwan. We are all Chinese; yet cultural differences are being expressed in a racial manner. This was once was the case between East and West Germans and has recently been the case between locals in Hong Kong and Filipinos. Such tensions also occur in Tin Shui Wai where there is a high proportion of new immigrants from the mainland. Mainlanders should receive protection through legislation against racial discrimination.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Dennis Wong
Vicky Lee
How far ahead do you think new leaders for Hong Kong should plan?
How do you see this road map developing?
Previous leaders have only talked about our own interests, something for which we are criticized. The next Chief Executive has to offer an overall picture of the future Hong Kong. We need a road map for the next two decades which involves integration, not only with China but also with Southeast Asian and Taiwanese neighbours. We are not up to the standard of a “world city” and at present it seems that Hong Kong is in the middle of nowhere, with over reliance on CEPA* to maintain links with China. In the long run this is inadequate if we want to be comparable to global centres such as New York or London.
We need a road map for the next two decades... to maintain our distinctiveness.
Mok Ho-tsun : Year 2, Asian Business Studies, CUHK Jenny Liu Mei-yan : Year 3, Political Science and Public Administration, HKU Dennis Wong : Year 2, Qualitative Finance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis, CUHK Vicky Lee : Year 3, English Language and English Education, CUHK
We should be thinking about how we can contribute regionally and globally. Chinese cities like Qingdao, a German colony 100 years ago, is developing close ties with Germany. Dalian is working on integration with the Russian Far East. Why doesn’t Hong Kong do something equivalent, using its colonial heritage to develop a comparative advantage and thus serve both the central government’s international positioning and its national interests. My ambition for the next decade is for Hong Kong to become an academic, political and cultural centre as well as a financial centre. This is necessary to maintain our distinctiveness. To preserve only our financial role will mean that the younger generation will have no future here except in the financial sector.
Dr Simon Shen is the founding Chancellor of the Roundtable Institute and Network, a think-tank which aims to to stimulate neutral, multicultural civic participation among Hong Kong’s younger generation. Dr Shen was at Queen’s College before doing a D Phil at Oxford and an MA at Yale.
四位來自不同大學的學生訪問了香港教育學院社會科學 系副教授沈旭輝博士，暢談對未來特首的期望。沈博士 認為新任特首應著力維護港人的核心價值，例如言論自 由等。同時，特首應制訂最少二十年的發展藍圖，以便 進一步配合內地及亞太區其他城市的發展。沈博士希望 香港未來十年更注重政治及文化方面；他認為假如政府 只著力於經濟發展，青年人的發展空間便會十分狹窄。 *CEPA : Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
The pendu lum swing s The pendu
M
r Ivan Choy Chi-keung teaches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of Government and Public Administration and is a regular commentator on current
affairs. He has several publications in the field of electoral politics in Hong Kong and talked to students of law and politics about the kind of leaders Hong Kong needs.
“
The leadership qualities we need change over time. As the pendulum of time swings, so the demands made of leaders change. Most important for a leader is to have contingency plans which deal with different situations as they occur.
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�
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
s g n i w s m u l u d n e p The ulum swings Anthony Lai asked what leadership qualities can be expected in Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive and which skills can be taught.
Hugo Chow asked what is essential for a new Hong Kong Leader and whether leadership is inborn.
We have seen Tung Chi-hwa as Chief Executive (CE) introducing change. Many people complained. Then it was about the fall in the property market. Now, with non-interventionist Donald Tsang as CE, they complain about high property prices! The younger generation is intolerant of the status quo and wants a more visionary leader. CY Leung is popular with them but in 5-10 years the pendulum will swing again.
Although Hong Kong people want an energetic leader, in my view that is not what they need. At present, it is more important to have an accommodative, openminded leader. The Democrats need more time to convince people and these transitional elections are not so important for them. Albert Ho’s main purpose as a CE candidate is not to be elected but to air essential issues left aside by other candidates, such as universal suffrage.
Many skills can be learned and practiced, like public Skills and responses learned in childhood are very speaking, speech writing, negotiating. Public speaking important. Leaders have to be committed and is essential because of today’s electronic media. Speakers persistent, and formative childhood experiences need to be inspiring to win voters and in times of are crucial to that kind of personal development. I crisis good leaders must give good speeches. In Hong encourage teens to travel, to enter into debate, to get Kong we do not have leaders like Churchill, Kennedy, experience in organizing student union activities. Reagan or Obama who could inspire or calm the people. Instead we have bureaucrats and good administrators. Leaders have to be strongly motivated and accept responsibility. It’s not always enjoyable. It’s often a struggle. You can’t just give orders. You have to be Anthony Lai Hugo Chow Year 3, Year 2, prepared to do yourself the tasks you demand of others. Law, University of Government Hong Kong and Public If not, you are not a leader. Think of the explorer, Administration, Shackleton. He tried to take on all the hardest work Chinese University of himself in the most difficult times. But not everybody Hong Kong can be a leader. It’s perfectly OK to be a follower.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Extraordinary leaders have extraordinary experience. They have to experience taking risks.
Anthony Lai asked whether we prepare enough young people as leaders.
In conclusion, Mr Choy talked about the kind of leader Hong Kong needs.
The real question is whether young people are willing to take on the struggle. You cannot expect others to prepare you for it. I am against leadership mentoring. It is a variation on spoon-feeding. Teachers and mentors can share their experience instead of leading youngsters to conform. Look at Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Did they need a leadership programme? No, they took on the challenge alone.
Leaders with strong personalities are a problem for Hong Kong at present but in future, once again, the pendulum will swing. The new CE needs to handle conflicts of interests between Beijing and Hong Kong and be an accommodative leader who is willing to compromise without losing integrity.
Hugo Chow asked how young people can prepare themselves. They have to be provocative, to test certain values, like the existence of justice in society. Mainstream values won't help them. They need determination, motivation and experience. Extraordinary leaders have extraordinary experience. They have to experience taking risks. They need to be willing to be different, unlike those who only see their future working in business sector, unlike those who wear suits on campus. There’s nothing wrong in that, just as there’s nothing wrong in being a follower, but it’s a sign of conformity, not of leadership.
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It’s a very difficult task because at critical moments one cannot remain neutral. It is your duty to stand up for your beliefs. As Martin Luther King said, “The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”
香港需要一位怎樣的領袖？領導才能是否可透過後天培 訓？兩位大學生訪問了香港中文大學政治與行政學系高級 導師蔡子強先生。蔡先生認為，現階段香港人渴望的領袖 跟香港真正需要的領袖是不同的。他認為新任特首應具備 協調中央政府與香港市民期望的能力。他又認為領袖的成 長經驗十分重要；他並不認同向青年提供領袖計劃，但鼓 勵青年人主動尋求機會，發揮自己的領導才能。
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to district councillors
Grassroots, practicality, and idealism
L
o Kin Hei, Kathy Siu Ka-yi and Joseph Chan Ho-lim, three young politicians from the Democratic, Liberal and DAB1 parties, told a team of students about their values, why they became district
councillors and the issues they consider to be most pressing.
Lo Kin-hei, 27 years old, is full-time district councillor for Lei Tung (Southern District). He graduated in Social Work and joined the Democratic Party in 2006.
I wanted to convince people that we could improve the environment and transport with more public engagement. Most of all I wanted to keep up their hopes for democracy. As a district councillor I do not have much power but I offered them that hope. People trust me and think I can achieve something. Lo Kin Hei is also a spokesperson for the Roundtable Community and has a monthly newspaper column where he gets his message across. He says Hong Kong people accept things, they wait for change and then adapt to it. “I think people here do want the vote but they are not ready to fight or sacrifice anything for it. Even in mainland China the protests are more dangerous than here and people take to the streets more often.”
Sense of belonging Despite freedom of speech, Lo says we are too comfortable, unwilling to take risks or make Beijing angry, even though we are well-educated, civilized people with a secure legal system and a worldwide reputation. “Hong Kong youth have great potential but parents set a path for them and they follow it. It’s a path they think leads to success and wealth. They don’t encourage their children to pursue their dreams. Money means freedom to the older generation. You can get out if anything goes wrong. But people of my generation, we were born and raised here. We belong here. We love this place and don’t want it to be ruined. For Lo Kin-hei, the most pressing Hong Kong problem is the wealth gap. “In such a well developed prosperous city how can there be
such poverty? The poor see how bad it is of course, but some rich people, including government officials, are so unaware. Some think there are no such things as the notorious cage homes. Powerful property developers don’t want to know of course. They have a lot of influence, and plans for more luxury property are affecting even Lei Tung where we need more public housing, not expensive private apartments.” “I tell people my age that everything that is happening here and now matters for their future.” For both his district and his city, Lo thinks at least ten years ahead on the district level, and for Hong Kong as a whole, much further. “Even if you don’t participate and try to ignore government policy it will affect you. We need to think about our relationship with China, our niche industries, our regional role. Hong Kong leaders should be planning for 2047 and beyond.”
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Youth Speak
to district councillors
Kathy Siu Ka-yi, 28 years old, is a full-time district councillor for Sheung Wan (Central & Western District). She graduated in journalism and joined the DAB party in 2006.
“To be honest, it is difficult for youth to take the lead in the community,” she said, “especially on political issues.” However, as the old saying goes, Rome was not built in a day and we need to start step by step, expressing our opinions and acting on behalf of the community.
Local issues: a new escalator and noise pollution Believing strongly in providing an accessible channel for residents to voice their opinions, Kathy Siu’s campaign platform highlighted the need for a new outdoor escalator in her district. This special Hong Kong transport solution provides a quick, free way to get school and work in a crowded, mountainous city. It also solves traffic congestion problems and attracts tourists.
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The first escalator runs from Central District to Mid-Levels. “Adding a second escalator in Sheung Wan is a popular idea with local residents of all ages. I brought in the experts to explain the details, to show it would be feasible. Giving them all the information helped a lot and built their confidence in me.” As a district councillor, she can act as a communications bridge. For example, she organized donations of iPads to a local primary school, bringing donors and school authorities together. She also monitors noise pollution carefully, campaigning successfully with local residents to contain the spread of noisy bars from SoHo, east of Sheung Wan. “I make sure all the residents are fully informed of any application for a liquor licence and together we object forcefully. I propose the development of this historic area as a cultural hub, with art galleries and workshops. I make myself visible and heard, running opinion polls to encourage participation.”
Seeing Hong Kong as a whole As DAB’s Deputy Spokesperson for Welfare Services, Kathy Siu is, like Lo Kin-hei, concerned in particular about housing problems, but also about lack of welfare schemes for the elderly. “Housing is a hotly discussed topic,” she said. “Every day, we hear about people hoping for more public housing, wanting government to revive the Home Ownership Scheme and trying to fight property developer hegemony. Housing problems affect everyone not just a specific group. All Hong Kong suffers but the problem will be serious for the elderly. “In 2039, a quarter of all Hongkongers will be over 65. There are not enough homes for them and the government, which should be looking to the future, is doing nothing about it.” “I have never done any formal course leadership. If I want to progress in this career I may need to. For now, I learn everything on the job. The salary is very low but my motivation comes from my heart.”
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth Speak
to district councillors
Student interviewers
Wyman Sin, Year 2, Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Harrods Wong S4, St Paul's Coeducational College
Noah Chung S4, St Paul's Coeducational College
Alan Yip Year 2, Global Business, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Joseph Chan Ho-lim, 34 years old, is a part-time district councillor for The Peak (Central & Western District). He graduated in Economics and Psychology and joined the Liberal Party in 2008.
A banker with Standard Chartered, Joseph Chan, traced his reasons for becoming a district councillor to his low-key home background. “I was already interested in public policy when I was in school, and discussed social issues with my father most days but my first experience of leading a team, which is a strong part of me today, was in the Hong Kong scouts.”
Standing up, speaking out “I am proud of being a Hongkonger and proud of my three core values, namely freedom, the free market and equal opportunities. I believe we must speak out if any government policy threatens us. Integrity depends on this, on keeping promises, on being yourself, never hiding, lying or pretending.” Grateful for his past opportunities, he now wishes to contribute by taking public office and continuing to do voluntary work as a mentor. “After joining the Liberal Party in 2009 I started focusing on community work in Central &
Western District, where I grew up. My strong local network and understanding of community affairs was a great advantage when I stood for the district council elections. I believed that as a district councillor I could get things done more efficiently, with a voice government could hear, standing up for residents rights, especially in the areas of traffic, hygiene and environmental protection.
Prepared for opportunity By contrast, I think the lack of confidence shown by most Hong Kong youth is one of the most pressing issues.” From a professional perspective he feels optimistic and hopeful about the future, believing in China’s booming economy and Hong Kong’s privileged position as a bridge between China and the western world, especially in the finance sector.
1. DAB is the acronym for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, a political party 2. A saying from Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician (5 BC - 65 AD)
“Hong Kong’s well-developed economy, stable legal system, free market economy and competitive labour force have been advantages for decades and I encourage all young people to worry less, enrich their knowledge of the world and become more self-confident.” Personally, Joseph Chan says his challenges are to balance the three parts of his life, making quality time for his family, living up to his employers’ expectations and doing his best for his district. “Professionally, I am prepared to defend core values and induce confidence in young people. I believe that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”2
我們訪問了三位來自不同政黨的年輕區 議員，他們分別是民主黨的羅健熙議員 （南區）、民建聯的蕭嘉怡議員（中西 區）及自由黨的陳浩濂議員（中西區）。 幾位區議員除了談及地區的工作及發展 外，更談及對香港未來發展的看法，當 中包括香港面對的民生問題以及香港的 整體發展方向。最後，幾位區議員不約 而同認為青年人應該積極參與社區工 作，勇於表達意見。
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Talking point
I
nformation in this article is based on a 10-volume set books on leadership published by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and written by Diana
Martin. This summary highlights the key points and introduces some new examples of leadership models. Everyone has heard the phrase “he or she is a born leader.” But are leaders born, or can young people learn how to become leaders? The idea that only those with innate capabilities can lead was first questioned several decades ago, as educators and psychologists realized they could develop models and courses to develop leadership skills in a broader range of people. Today, most people agree that leadership can be learned, particularly when it comes to developing communication and planning skills. Every individual who takes a supervisory role has had to lead. Experience and continuous learning are the keystones, as is knowing how to disseminate and share what you have learned with others. Anyone can take the lead in certain circumstances if they are determined to do so, if they recognize their strengths and weaknesses and are prepared to work with them. Some personality traits, such as competitiveness are more dependent on the individual, but continued exposure in a leading role can help in their development. Many leadership skills can be acquired. No leader springs out of nowhere with no past learning curve. Some grow up in more fertile soils and exhibit skills earlier than others, but all leaders continue to learn how to enhance and apply their talents.
26
Photo by laughing monk (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Can leadership be learned?
What makes a leader Is it someone who dominates, expects others always to carry out their orders, someone who maintains their ideas without wavering or listening to dissenting voices? This is one type of leader who has existed throughout history, but usually in a bad way. A good leader is one who achieves results with minimum fuss, engenders confidence, and effects changes for the better. Philosopher Lao Tse said, “As for the best leaders, people do not notice their existence. When the best leader’s work is done the people say we did it ourselves.” A good leader is now generally accepted as someone who is in close touch with their followers, who listens and speaks well, who has thorough understanding and a hands-on approach. Above all, he or she acts for the good of the whole group, team or country.
A good leader, above all, acts for the good of the whole. Leadership takes many forms. For most people in everyday life it may come through being a trainer, an organizer, a manager or a boss, but leaders also act as a visionaries or inspiration for others. Some lead by example and some take the lead in a crisis, but they share similar qualities and many of these can be learned. A good leader never stops learning.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Talking point
Learning to listen
Vision and courage
Number 1 on the learning curve for those with leadership potential is learning how to communicate and listen. Displaying empathy and being sensitive to others’ views is essential. Those views may not always be fully expressed and this can make the job harder, but a good leader perseveres, tries to draw the person out and read between the lines. Those in leadership positions have the very difficult task of genuinely and sincerely listening to others and must give full consideration to many points of view. Yet at times they must have the courage to disagree with them.
Leaders have ideas. They read, experience and think creatively. Almost every scientific discovery has been made by an intellectual leader who has changed the way we perceive the world. Leaders have vision for a better world. They can look backward and see history clearly. They can look forward and plan for challenges.
It is generally agreed that no one can lead unless they can understand how followers feel, what motivates them, what gives them pride, what upsets them and what makes them feel humiliated. To do this a leader must first understand his or her own feelings – they must know themselves. This skill is part of building “emotional intelligence” and helps a leader believe in himself or herself. Leaders are fair and treat others with respect and loyalty. It is also important for leaders to genuinely believe in their ideas or ideology. Those who have effected changes in the world – be they inventors, scientists, innovators, political or religious leaders, or those involved in social work – have all had a firm sense of being on the right track. They have had the courage of their own convictions. Leaders have to convince others, usually by their personality and manner, but also by their past achievements and the authority invested in them. Followers need to believe that their leaders know what they are doing and that the course of action they are proposing will lead to successful outcomes. Recently-released democracy icon Aung San Su Kyi is one of today’s most inspirational leaders, and while she is not happy with hero-worship, she understands that people need to look to someone who is going to lead them. “A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying,” she says. “It’s not about me.”
Leaders must be brave, take risks, take a stand and defend their own ideas – this does not mean being disrespectful to others, but it is essential a leader is determined. There may be times when leading demands physical risks, as in the case of political dissidents or those fighting discrimination or persecution in a hostile environment. Leaders are honest. They admit mistakes and learn from them. They are transparent when things go wrong and this earns respect and trust. A good leader learns to turn negatives into positives, find solutions to problems and move forward.
A leader’s flexibility often gets tested. They must be open-minded and be good at delegating. Leaders should have clear objectives, but be flexible. A good leader shares ideas and discusses them with the team. Consensus helps achieve results which benefit everyone and this is where a leader’s flexibility often gets tested. Leaders are not always right. They must be open-minded and good at delegating.
Discipline, evaluation, practice Essential aspects of leadership which everyone can learn are self-discipline and good time management. This is usually simply a case of better personal organization – setting timetables, agendas, clear goals and expected outcomes, then sticking to them.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Talking point
Leaders are well-informed. They know how to gather, sort, and structure information, and then connect it in new ways to create intelligence. They practice evaluating information in the vast bulk that is available. Leaders must also take the time to look at their own performance. Self-evaluation lets them keep projects on track and not lose sight of shared goals, staying accountable for their actions and prepared to defend decisions with transparency.
Leaders know how to gather, sort, and structure information, and connect it in new ways to create intelligence. One aspect of learning to be a leader cannot be shirked – hard work. Most competent leaders and high achievers, such as athletes, performers or professionals, appear to be comfortable in their roles, but that is because they have put in years of learning and practice, working to get to the top of their game. While most people can learn to become a leader, it does not mean everyone should, particularly if they do not feel a prominent role will suit them. An unhappy leader will not function well and their colleagues will suffer. Don’t forget successful leaders need followers. There needs to be a personal desire to lead, inspire or change society. A leader helps people join hands to make things different or better, for themselves, for their company or school, for the whole world. But whatever they learn about leadership, and however they learn it, the skills must be practiced and perfected if they are to become the outstanding.
Leading with ideas Former investment banker Chung To founded the Chi Heng Foundation in 1998 and began working on AIDS education and prevention projects on the mainland on a part-time basis. In 2002 Chung decided to put his banking career on hold and began devoting his full attention to AIDS work. The foundation educates AIDS orphans on the mainland. It has sent more than 12,000 children to schools, from kindergartens to universities. Chung has received many awards including Hong Kong’s Leader of the Year Award in 2008. In 2011 Forbes magazine named him one of its “48 philanthropic heroes”.
Leading by example Basketball player Yao Ming, 31, inspired a nation to enjoy a new game and got children and young people into activities and team sports. Born in Shanghai, Yao Ming started playing for the Shanghai Sharks as a teenager, then played for the Chinese Basketball Association before moving to the US and the National Basketball Association. He had a stellar career and became a household name in the US and China. One of China’s best-known athletes, he took part in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. When he announced his retirement from basketball more than 1.2 million people commented on social-networking site Sina Weibo. Reacting to Yao Ming's retirement, NBA commissioner David Stern said he was a “bridge between Chinese and American fans”.
Leaders who fight for human rights The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize went to two women. One of them, Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman, is a 32-year old mother of three. She is one of the youngest ever to win the award and represents equal rights for women. As the citation said, “We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence development at all levels of society.”
Leading social entrepreneur Lord Nat Wei, 35, is the son of Hong Kong parents and the youngest member of the British House of Lords. He was born in UK in 1977, went to a state school and then Oxford University. A serial social entrepreneur, Wei co-founded Teach First, which puts top graduates into schools in disadvantaged areas before they enter highflying careers. He has been an adviser to the British government on The Big Society and is the most senior ethnic Chinese political figure in the European Union.
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See page 32 for more details of HKFYG's leadership publications.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Chief Executive
3-25
How does Hong Kong get a
Chief Executive?
Albert Ho
C Y Leung
Henry Tang
25 March is the date of the Fourth Term Chief Executive Election in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China. As the head of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive (CE) is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies and issuing Executive Orders. In making policy, he is assisted by the Executive Council.1 This year there are three confirmed candidates for the Fourth Term CE Election. They are Mr Henry Tang, the former Chief Secretary; Mr Leung Chung-ying, the former Convenor of the NonOfficial Members of the Executive Council and Mr Albert Ho, a member of the legislature (Legislative Council) and Chairman of the Democratic Party. The process by which one of these candidates will be thrust into office is based upon each securing at least 150 nominations. The nominations are collected within the Election Committee. This Committee is a 1,200-person electoral college, made up of people representing various constituencies, including business, politics, education, social welfare, legal, medical and religious groups.2 Each member of the electoral
Vote
college is only allowed to nominate one candidate. By the deadline, Tang had secured 390 nominations, Leung, 305 and Ho, 188. At the Election, the winner needs to secure at least 601 votes from the Election Committee. The tenure of the new CE formally begins on 1 July 2012 and the term is five years.
This year’s Election is proving to be very exciting. Much media space has been devoted not only to each candidate’s platforms and vision for Hong Kong’s future development, but also to numerous scandals, particularly related to Tang and Leung. Because of this extensive coverage, the public has become more involved than in previous CE Elections through discussions and debate, in spite of not being able to cast a ballot. Whoever wins, the next CE will have to deal with the fall-out of what has become a sometimes nasty campaign period. The public have expectations of their future leader-to-be and the new CE will need to rise to the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in order to ensure Hong Kong’s continued prosperity and development. This is indeed an interesting time for Hong Kong politics.
1. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govstructure.htm 2. For more details of the different subsectors, see Electoral Affairs Commission at http://www.eac.gov.hk/en/chief/2011_ce_guideline.htm
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Services
Filling a need in Hong Kong at
Leadership 21 by Max Wong
It has long been argued that there is no such thing as a “born leader”, even though the phrase is common. In the belief that people are born with leadership potential, Leadership 21 was established as the Federation’s flagship initiative. We need leaders for tomorrow who have integrity and values, who can inspire others with a passion to serve their communities, their country and the world. Operational since 2000, the purpose of Leadership 21 is to create a pool of such leaders upon which to draw in the future.
Accenting qualities, skills, techniques What we have discovered over the past twelve years is that leadership training involves much more than the inculcation of simple guidelines related to rights and responsibilities. The qualities, the skills and techniques, the motivation and commitment synonymous with true leadership require specialized instruction that is not currently available in many institutions of formal education. While schools and universities focus on strengthening the all around capabilities of students, the accent in most of their courses naturally remains firmly on the academic and theoretical.
New competencies need to be determined and enhanced by specialized training which develops the required qualities and skills of leadership. Leadership 21 provides such training opportunities, exposure, and hands-on experience for young leaders. It aims to sharpen critical thinking, provide perspective, deepen analytical skills, teach teamwork and encourage creativity, while enabling participants to grow in confidence and stretch their minds and imaginations. In the increasingly competitive 21st century, the intention is to maximize students’ potential.
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Who should nurture political talent? 0.6% 1.9% 3.1%
7.0%
0.5%
4.0%
8.4%
51.3%
Schools/ tertiary institutions Government Political parties Non-governmental organizations All groups in society Think-tanks at local level Others Don't know/ hard to tell No answer
23.2%
Source: HKFYG Poll Series 153, 2006
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Services
What is the best measure of competitiveness? There is a clear demand for more systematic leadership education, attested by the periodic and often oneoff leadership exercises offered in Hong Kong. Given that the newly introduced “3-3-4” educational reform has stated the vision of “Building an education system conducive to lifelong learning and all-round development”, and stresses the importance of students’ leadership development, it is no wonder that secondary schools have included “leadership training” as an element of “Other Learning Experience.”
4.6%
6.7%
0.3% 2.0% 0.5% 21.6%
9.7%
10.2%
17.5%
Educational attainments Professional qualifications Work experience Communication skills Adaptability Creativity Language skills Social networking Others None in particular Don't know/ hard to tell
12.6% 14.4%
Source: HKFYG Youth Poll Series 163, 2007
What abilities should a prefect have? Teachers' views Head Prefects' views Students' views Prefects' views
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lin ip di lfSe
er rp te in od
sc
na so
to n te lis o yt
ilit Ab
ce
Source: Secondary School Student Leaders: Case book 1. HKFYG, 2008
Ex
Since 2000, over 84,000 local secondary and university student leaders have embarked on a journey of leadership training at Leadership 21. It has provided over 830,000 training hours, and more than 400 secondary schools have nominated student leaders to take part in the various training courses. About 300 renowned leaders, from a wide variety of fields, have been invited to attend dialogue sessions. They have shared their vision, their words of wisdom and their invaluable insight with students. Various government bureaux, tertiary institutions, and private corporations have also commissioned Leadership 21 to organize leadership training programmes.
e
ls ls
he ot
ta ip rsh de lea
od Go
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t
nc de nfi Co
es di stu e: lle
nc
len
e
y ilit ab Aff
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0
How often do you read the news on social policy? 2.5% 0.4% 20.3%
20.3%
56.4%
Frequently Fairly often Not much Never Don't know/ hard to tell
Source: Youth Trends in Hong Kong. HKFYG, 2011
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Services
Strong community partnerships Partnerships are a strong component of our training programmes. Tertiary education partners and other organizations include The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The City University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong), The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, The Law Society of Hong Kong, British Council, Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and Toastmasters International.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT LEADERSHIP 21
Flagship programmes Our signature programmes include the Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project, co-organized with the All China Youth Federation. Since 2006, this ten-year leadership training project has brought together 200 of the best students in Hong
BOOKS FROM LEADERSHIP 21
Professional Training in Student Leadership: Basic Certificate Courses • for Head Prefects • for Chairpersons of Student Unions • for Club Chairpersons • for House Captains
Youth & Leadership Series: Learning, Serving, Leading
Professional Training in Community Leadership Youth in LegCo: Basic Certificate Course for Youth Community Leaders
Book One Taking the Lead What leadership means, choosing leaders, cooperation and division of labour
Professional Training for Youth Leadership Trainers Basic Certificate Course for Youth Leadership Trainers Basic Certificate Course for Group Leaders
Book Three Leading with Principle Integrity in leadership, motivation, burn-out, constructive criticism and dedication
Leadership Enhancing Series Hang Seng Bank Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series 2012 Sir TL Yang Workshop Series Saturdays with Eva Career Planning workshops English & Public Speaking Skill Enhancing Series HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012 see page 48 Sir TL Yang English Ambassadors Outreach for Junior Secondary Students Major Leadership Training Programmes Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project 2012 Hong Kong Youth Leadership Forum Summer School for Effective Leadership More information about all programmes at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk
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Corporate partnerships include those with Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, MTR Corporation, Hong Kong Economic Times and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Partnerships across the Pearl River Delta include those with the All China Youth Federation, Hubei Youth Federation, Guangdong Youth Federation and Shenzhen Youth Federation.
The books contain interviews and profiles of leaders, both local and international, with examples from modern Chinese and European history and extensive reference to well known sources on leadership theory and practice. The series is dedicated to Hong Kong youth who are willing to learn, serve and lead.
Book Two Becoming a Leader Listening, leading from alongside as well as in front and establishing rapport
Book Four Leadership and Teams Building teams, conflict, tact, diplomacy, reaching a consensus and decision-making Book Five
Inspirational Leadership
Inspiring followers as an inspired leader, coping with doubt, opposition and criticism Book Six Leadership for Sustainability Long-term thinking and planning for sustainability, transparency and accountability Book Seven Learning from Failure Dealing with failure’s inevitability and seeing progress and opportunity in setbacks
Kong every year. A Leaders to Leaders lecture series, jointly organized with the University of Hong Kong, provides youth with the opportunity to speak to community leaders and share ideas and opinions. The Summer School for Effective Leadership, one of the most popular summer schools in Hong Kong, has been conducted for the last five years. In our estimation Leadership 21 will always fill a need in Hong Kong. More details of the ways in which this is being done can be found on the next pages and at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES Addressed to young people with leadership potential and leadership trainers, the books in this series provide theoretical knowledge about leadership and examples of leaders in action. Adventure Training: Ideas and Practice Theory, skills, activity design and planning plus risk management and safety measures for trainers
Secondary School Student Leaders: Case Book 1 Ten real cases of problems encountered by student leaders
Leadership Training for Gifted Students Traces gifted students’ experience and reflections on learning to be leaders
Aquatic Adventure Training in Practice Empowers trainers for activities and safety afloat
Book Eight Leadership and Risk Innovation and the pioneer spirit, taking calculated risks and thinking outside the box Book Nine Getting Things Done Delegating, self-discipline, setting deadlines, priorities and time management Book Ten Leading from Adversity Hope and self confidence, trust and faith: a leader’s attitude in a1dversity Published by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 2007. Written by Diana JL Martin. For more information see pages 26-28
Order form at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk Call 2169 0255 for more details
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Services
Training for leadership at HKFYG Certificate Courses for Young Leaders
Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series
Leadership 21 offers a range of courses, including Basic Certificate Courses for Secondary School Leaders. These are for prefects, chairpersons of student unions, clubs, and school house captains. Participants learn about motivation, communication and conflict management as well as how to preserve order at school. The Basic Certificate Course for Youth Community Leaders aims to enhance students’ ability to think from more than one perspective, to analyze rationally and give constructive feedback on policy. Mock Legislative Council debates give them opportunities for practice and role play.
Each year, 300 secondary school and university students have the opportunity to learn from ten highly knowledgeable community leaders who have made significant contributions in Hong Kong and/or China. Co-organized by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and The University of Hong Kong, this series has brought together 76 speakers and over 3,000 students. Since 2009, Leaders to Leaders has received generous support from the Hang Seng Bank. Lecture contents have corresponded to modules in the Liberal Studies curriculum, namely Hong Kong Today in 2010, Modern China in 2011 and Globalization in 2012.
Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project Hong Kong 200 aims to enhance young people’s social responsibility and willingness to give back to the community. Over the past 6 years, it has nurtured 1,200 young leaders and over 84% of local secondary schools have nominated students for the project. Networking is sustained by the Hong Kong 200 Association. Sharing ideas with mainland university students and volunteers on exchange trips is one way in which Hong Kong 200 students learn more about serving their society.
Developing new competencies
Hong Kong 200 Leadership project
Mainland exchange trip
Summer School for Effective Leadership For five years the summer school, sub-titled An Overture to Global Leadership, has been a collaborative effort of Leadership 21 and the University of Hong Kong General Education Unit. Its aims are to take outstanding secondary students on a challenging educational journey which questions assumptions, tests skills, develops new competencies and broadens horizons. The selection process highlights commitment to public service and leadership potential. Over 400 students have taken part since its inception. Analysis of the local and international situation and improved understanding of social issues are two of the goals.
Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series
For more information about all Leadership 21 programmes visit http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk email: leadership21@hkfyg.org.hk tel: +852 2169 0255
33
Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
City Space
S
The r ed line
ome people have a natural “feel” for getting people to cooperate. Others are always stepping on toes, keeping team mates in the dark and creating disharmony. Our young mainland correspondent gives his views of how a common touch with others can work wonders. He says it all depends on something that cannot be taught: talent. Imagine being asked, “Doesn’t it feel wonderful when everyone around you listens to you and wants to be part of your team?” I boldly assume most of you would answer “YES!” What if the question were, “As our team leader, will you accept responsibility for any bad outcomes?” I think most people would hesitate but what would make someone say “yes” right away? One word: talent.
The art of leading A talent for leading is not just a matter of management skills. It’s an art, and one which requires a very high EQ. Even an experienced leader would not say they can handle everything, disasters and all. For a young person, the task is immeasurably harder.
by Shen Weihuang
that cannot be crossed without seeming pushy. To discover the precise location of this line requires team skills and knowing how to balance humility with being authoritative. Of course, humility also helps when dealing with bad outcomes. The boundaries between leader and team members blur very quickly if there is genuine humility. Nevertheless, although a leader’s vulnerability can lead to empathy, it can also lead to being taken advantage of, so choosing a team carefully is important if the leader is not to be constantly challenged.
Trust, and the elusive red line
The more senior the leader, the harder it is, especially in China, where mian zi (face) is considered important. One cannot pretend to be humble. Neither can one be too dictatorial. Building credibility and trust within the team Talented young people have the is essential. Credible leaders can be disadvantage of less experience and they “smart guys” (quick learners) or “needtend to over-react. So they have to rely on more-time guys” (slow learners), their energy, be aware of team dynamics but almost anyone can become a and be prepared to be humble. I believe trusted leader in the right context. that teams have invisible red lines and in order to take charge of a team one must However, whether they become really know when and how to avoid them. good at leading depends on their desire to learn, who they learn from, the speed at which they learn, and Alarm signals whether they have talent. Learning is The red line is like an alarm signal or an important but only with talent will they electrified fence. It marks the boundary have the perfect balance to find the exact location of the elusive red line.
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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
City Space
the Confucian perspective
by William Chung
A
n exhibition about the Imperial Examination was recently held at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The display focused on this pioneering
system which combined education with recruitment for the state bureaucracy. Upholding the principle of fairness through open participation, public examination, equal competition and selection on merit, the system provided access to knowledge, power and social mobility.1
Anonymous Chinese artist, 19th century: Ancestors gallery (Wikipedia/ Creative Commons)
People-centered spirit:
Serving without self-interest
Profound lesson
A key to the meaning and spirit behind the Imperial Examination was that of “open governance.” The general public could enter the examination, also known as the civil service examination, and become involved in policy-making. The only condition was that they did not come from a commercial or industrial background, traditionally regarded as profit-making. This condition was itself based on the Confucian principle of “serving the public without individual interest.”2
The Imperial Examination, also known as the keju ( 科舉 ), was abandoned over a century ago. However, the spirit that lay behind it is worthy of our reflection. What are the qualities of good political and government leaders? One of them is being people-centered. Therefore, perhaps we can learn a profound lesson from the keju system with its long history. This so-called “outdated” and “federalist” ( 封建 ) product could give insight into the possible future development of political leadership, locally, nationally and globally.
Those who took the examination and became scholarofficials were also known as scholar-bureaucrats ( 士大夫 ). They were recognized as virtuous men of knowledge who served the people and really considered their needs with great empathy. Fan Zhongyan ( 范仲淹 , 989-1052),3 was one such scholar-official during the Song Dynasty. When in charge of national reform he tried to abolish nepotism and corruption and to reform the Imperial Examination. His idealist approach to governance inspired others and he expressed his principle of service as to “Be the first to feel concern about the country and the last to enjoy oneself.”4
Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of virtue. The most basic concepts of Confucian ethics are ren（仁）, yi（義）, and li（禮）. Ren（仁）is an obligation of altruism and humaneness. Yi（義） is the upholding of righteousness and the disposition to do good. Li（禮）is a system of norms and propriety that determines how a person should behave. The concept of the “peoplecentred spirit” in political leaders is based on this code. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism
1. http://hk.history.museum/en/ex_special_exam_sep19.php 2. Qian Mu ( 錢穆 ) (2002) “Political Gains and Losses Through Chinese History.” 3. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/201433/Fan-Zhongyan 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Zhongyan
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
City space Housing
H
ilary Hau worked as a volunteer on the census, visiting the notorious “cage homes”, “bedspace apartments” or “coffin homes.” In the light of recent surges in property prices, she writes about the critical problems faced by Hong Kong’s underprivileged and the difficulties of young people seeking a home of their own. by Hilary Hau Yung-yung
Photo by Pondspider (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Seeking home
This man prefers living in a cage, given his options
I did voluntary work for the 2011 population census and, fortunately or unfortunately, I was assigned to one of Hong Kong’s oldest districts, Sham Shui Po. As a result, I had to visit old tong lau (walkup tenement buildings), with tong fong (sub-divided apartments), and lung ngok (cage homes) every day.
I had no idea what it meant for a family of four to live crowded into a space of 200 square feet. Until then, I had no idea what it meant for a family of four to live crowded into a space of 200 square feet. I did not really care much whether new immigrants could apply for public housing, or whether young people of the post-80s generation1 could afford the rents in urban areas. Now I have a much deeper understanding of the way various people live. I also want to fight for a better life for the grassroots people of Hong Kong.
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Grassroots livelihoods People’s livelihood and housing should always be government’s first responsibility. In the past, cage homes were considered to be a thorn in the side of Hong Kong society, something that had to be put up with. I believe in the long term it is necessary to eliminate them through staged government policy decision-making. It is true that many people offered public housing in remoter areas still prefer to live in subdivided or cage homes within urban areas because transport costs are lower. Nevertheless, boosting transport allowances for the needy would counterbalance this preference.2 Young people, just joining the workforce and wanting to live independently, are another group that deserves attention. For those in dire straits, the best way is to create more allowances. The Rent Allowance for Elderly Scheme was launched in 2001 to help seniors rent private accommodation in lieu of public housing.3 Extending this scheme to low-income, nonCSSA4 households who are on the waiting list for public housing would alleviate a pressing need.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
City space
Photo by Pondspider (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Housing
The grim reality of cage homes
Public housing and urban renewal Urban planners should bear in mind especially the needs of the poor given that land here is so precious. Redeveloped urban areas often have the most expensive housing and people may be forced to move to remote areas, including former cage home dwellers.
Hilary Hau Yung-yung is a University of Hong
Wherever they live, being marginalized in a narrow community can only make life more difficult for the poor and the young. Strong town planning and suitable regulation are needed, given the available land area on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Kong Social Sciences student in Year 2. She took part in the HKFYG 2009 Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project.
Hong Kong’s skyline is its icon. The juxtaposition of man-made skyscrapers and tall mountains is spectacular and gives the city a ranking5 according to heights of buildings that is above any in the world, including New York, Chicago and Singapore. Nevertheless, suitable, affordable homes to rent or to buy are beyond the means of many.
1. The “Post-80s generation” is defined as young Hong Kong people born in the 1990s. 2. A new Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme to help low-income households was launched in October 2011. Qualified applicants receive a subsidy of HK$600 (US$77) per month if they work no less than 72 hours a month. Eligibility is assessed on a monthly basis. "http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/school_work/ html/2011/09/20110930_172649.shtml" http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/school_work/html/2011/09/20110930_172649.shtml 3. The scheme was phased out in 2003 although existing beneficiaries have continued to receive the allowance. 4. Recipients of CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) are also eligible for Special Grants system housing subsidies. 5. Ranking assigned by Emporis. Report in South China Morning Post 29 December 2011, C4.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Arts & culture
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT
KEVIN
Directed by Lynne Ramsay Starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller Release date 1 March 2012 Genre drama Original language English Reviewer’s rating:
Synopsis Parents worry about their children drinking, taking drugs or getting pregnant. Not many worry about them massacring their classmates. So when it happens, who is to blame? This is the question underlying the story of We Need to Talk About Kevin. Was it lack of love? Was it bad parenting? The guilt and anxiety felt by a torn and confused mother pours out of Tilda Swinton’s understated, mesmerizing performance as Eva Khatchadourian, whose son Kevin has committed the ultimate atrocity. The film begins at the end of the story, with Eva living a hermit’s life in a community where she is reviled, trying to make sense of what happened to her and her son. Although it is he who has committed the crime, she is being punished for being his mother. We look at the story through Eva’s eyes. She puts her ambitions and career aside to move to the suburbs and have her children, Kevin, and later a daughter, Celia. From the moment Kevin is born Eva feels no connection with what she sees as a strange and difficult child. Her husband Franklin does not understand. With him, Kevin is just a normal little boy doing normal boy things.
Ezra Miller puts in a chillingly believable performance as Kevin. As his life unfolds, we see the increasingly strained relationship and the emotional games mother and son play. At times it seems as if Kevin is deliberately taunting his mother and relishing the way he can push her to breaking point. Likewise, Eva withholds love and care from her son. As a teen, he pals up with his father and uses this relationship to crush his mother, encouraging her to become estranged from her husband. Then he makes his extraordinary move and everyone’s world collapses. The powerful movie, developed by BBC Films, takes us on a fraught emotional journey that most have never travelled. It will leave you asking questions for some time to come.
Comments Virginia I read the book before I watched the film and even though adaptations from fiction don’t always work well. Tilda Swanton’s haunting performance takes us down a path many parents might find uncomfortable. It made me ask myself difficult questions on a modern day subject that has become unhappily more common. William Lots of reflections after watching. I was terribly shocked by the idea and behaviour of the boy, but at the same time deeply impressed by the love and forgiveness of the mother. This is a movie that parents, teachers, youth workers and young people themselves can't afford to miss. Fiona You're meant to love your baby but what if you don't and he grows into someone terrifying? This film made me face the truth about my own doubts about motherhood, my forbidden fears about being a parent.
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With thanks to Sundream Motion Pictures Ltd for artwork.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Arts & culture
Directed by Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi Featuring Professor Colin Campbell, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, Professor Gidon Eshel Watch at http://planeat.tv/ Genre documentary Original language English Reviewer’s rating
Synopsis This is the story of the search for a diet which is good for our health, the environment and the future of the planet. Backed by a group of innovative chefs and farmers, its message is clear: a growing population means more food, but eating meat takes a big toll on the planet, both directly and via greenhouse gases. The film uses a doctor, an environmental scientist and an academic to help get the message across, exploring the incidence of liver cancer in Filipino children, the link between diet and disease in China and the use of vegetarian diet to treat heart disease in America. Created by two first-time filmmakers, the story is woven together with the scientists explaining their research and chefs around the world displaying mouth-watering vegan cuisine. It also shows alternatives to industrial agriculture and how to feed the world without destroying the planet.
The movie has won much international praise, including plaudits from famous vegans such as Sir Paul McCartney. The eye-catching visuals, informative graphics and topical subject make this a highly watchable documentary. A hardy red meatlover might say it would have benefited from slightly tighter editing but it will certainly give omnivores second thoughts before they slice into their next rare steak. And that’s a very good thing indeed.
Comments Sir Paul McCartney Those of us here at Meat Free Monday fully support the efforts made by the makers of PLANEAT, which we hope will alert people to the dangers of some current practices. Elaine Heading home hungry for dinner after watching this visually captivating documentary, I planned a dinner of mushrooms drizzled with olive oil, grilled beside juicy tomatoes sprinkled with garlic and basil, served with toasted granary bread topped with black olive tapenade. The film had no shock tactics, no guiltinducement. An inspiring experience! George Beautiful food being prepared in fine restaurants helped, but the strong evidence for the benefits of vegetarianism was very convincing. Not many will feel deprived of meat immediately after watching this movie. Shelley The School of Public Health, Chinese University of Hong Kong, cosponsored the Gala Premiere of PLANEAT in Hong Kong last December, and an audience of some 400 were inspired by the message. I myself have gone vegetarian for half the time, especially on Meat Free Mondays after Sir Paul McCartney's example. I recommend you do so too.
With thanks to Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi for information and artwork
Ed The last comment is from Shelley Lee, regular columnist for Youth Hong Kong, who is taking a spring break.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Internetscope
Cyber mobility:
keeping pace by Andrew Halton
T
echnology is a defining characteristic of our times. Integral to communication, business and travel, it pervades nearly every aspect of modern life. For a global city like Hong Kong it is a major driving force in a healthy economy. How are parents coping with it? Here is a young person’s view to update Youth Hong Kong, June 2011. Ask any teenager today whether they could live without a mobile phone or Facebook and you will probably be greeted with total incomprehension. Contemporary youth are the first generation to be completely saturated by technology. Older people have to learn to use new gadgets and gizmos, but today’s teenagers grew up immersed in them.
The blank canvas of social media
The internet paradox
The rise of social media has become synonymous with young people’s experience of technology. Across the globe young people are assembling diverse networks of friends and followers, posting and accessing a range of thoughts, trends, styles, cultures and knowledge. This blank canvas lets them voice their feelings and their interests, record their activities and keep track of friends.
There is a clear paradox where parental attitudes to this technology are concerned. On the one hand, parents can stay in touch with their children, track their movements and be informed about their activities. Being technologically literate is also essential for success in any service based economy and technology is integrated with education because it enhances employability. On the other hand, new technologies worry many adults. Whilst traditionally children have learned from parents, now the children are often called upon to teach adults how to use new software and hardware. This “cyber mobility” is particularly disturbing for it places children and their actions beyond the reach of adult surveillance and intervention.
40
The internet provides new spheres of interaction, new planes of communication and spaces of selfexpression. Many youth talk of the online, virtual spaces as ones which allow them to escape both parental supervision and the daily pressures of school.
Social media sites are ever more accessible on smartphones and tablet computers, providing the prime channel of interaction for many young people. In the context of a highly competitive education system, where homework, tutorial classes and school place considerable constraints on teenager’s time, these sites allow friendship groups to remain in touch. Social networking is no longer just recreational. It is increasingly habitual.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Internetscope
Whilst Facebook is still the platform of choice for many, there has been a shift to forms of micro-blogging through sites such as Twitter and Weibo, where users contribute many times throughout the day. They can post pictures and comments in real time, on the move, bringing a new dynamic of immediacy to online communication. This means they can be constantly “in touch” and up to date. However there are obvious downsides.
In the frame These technologically mediated exchanges are not limited to friendship groups but exist in an often open and easily accessible online sphere. Posts, comments and pictures can be viewed by a host of strangers. As social media sites are becoming integral to teenagers’ view of the world, so they are becoming the frame through which young people themselves are viewed. As such they need to be wary of personas they construct online and conduct themselves in ways they would wish to be seen, not only by their friends but also by potential employers, universities and adults generally. It is clear that social media and current technologies are not a passing fad. They are very much part of contemporary youth cultures, framing the way in which young people see the world. Whilst adults may have their concerns, social media are highly productive, creative and here to stay. Rather than bemoaning the fact, adults need to learn to work with technology and try to keep pace with their technologically literate children. Only then can they help advise them on best practice online.
Parental Facebook monitoring Clumsy parental policing of social networking by parents can lead to problems, not just embarrassment. Being caught out posting an intimate note to a girlfriend is one thing, but when parents create false Facebook identities to spy on their teens’ social networking, loss of trust and respect can follow. The Federation’s Be NetWise Support Centre has staff who can advise parents how to handle their anxieties better. Contact Cecilia Ng, tel 2788 3444 or www.be-netwise.hk for more information.
“With keyboards or phone pads prompting the majority of communication in our house, it’s easy to forget we are still chatterboxes at heart. So I didn’t hold back when I told my son what I thought of his [e-mailed] essay: ‘It’s really lovely,’ I texted.” This rather poignant acceptance of today’s world of communication is from a parent who has accepted the status quo. For those who want to proactively monitor Facebook activity, GoGoStat* has free software. Symantec has free software and a mobile app for iPhones and Android smartphones called Norton Online Family* that allows parents to keep track of online activity. *http://www.gogostat.com/pg http://www.onlinevfamily.norton.com
Michelle Hather. South China Morning Post 17 August 2010, C1
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
In the loop
Understanding the
Three Gorges Dam
T
he Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest. It will protect many lives and produce much-needed power, but it necessitated the relocation of 1.3m people, the loss of biodiversity and the moving of thousands of cultural relics. Was it worth it? Two students consider the question.
by Joceyia Lam Ka-yi What does China’s Three Gorges Dam bring to mind? The fact that it is ranked first among the world’s hydropower projects, in terms of installed capacity and total construction volume, or the resettlement difficulties and environmental impact it made on the Yangtze River? When I first climbed to the top of the dam, I was taken by its grandeur. Mankind has been building dams to retain water and constructing hydraulic structures for thousands of years but the Three Gorges Dam was built to tame the fabled Yangtze River, cause of severe damage and the loss of more than a million lives. What could be more important than that?
Controversy and threats
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The environmental impact of the dam on the Three Gorges has always been a point of contention. Antidam activists also condemn it for flooding underground cultural relics at sites such as Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge, Dragon Gate Gorge, Hanging Monk Rock, Quyuan Temple, and the Dachang ancient city. All of them contained items of great
historical value. To my surprise, specialists at the Three Gorges Dam Project made a great effort to save the ancient building complexes and artefacts. For example, coffins containing bronze spears and many bows and arrows from the Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge were relocated. The 1,700 yearold Zhang Fei Temple was moved brick by brick 20 miles westward from its original location. A survey conducted by the Chinese State Bureau of Cultural Relics in 1994 revealed that in the Three Gorges dam area there were more than 60 Paleolithic relic sites with paleontological fossils, over 80 Neolithic Age sites, about 100 ancient burial grounds and 470 aristocrat tombs as well as approximately 300 building structures from the imperial Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911.) These remains showed that people who lived in the Three Gorges area in prehistoric times had links to other ancient cultures in the Yellow River and Yangtze River valleys. They include relics of the now long-gone Ba people, an ethnic group who lived in the Three Gorges area during the times of the Xia (2100-1600 BC), Shang (1600-1100 BC) and Zhou (1100-221 BC) dynasties, noted for their magnificent culture, valour, singing and dancing.
The Three Georges Dam has inevitably reduced biodiversity and increased water salinity, harming habitats, especially those of migratory fish and the Chinese sturgeon. Nevertheless, methods such as artificial propagation and fishways1 have been used to try to minimize negative impact. Every coin has two sides; and personally I think the dam was essential to safeguard the lives of millions of people living near the Yangtze River. Although more could have been done to preserve the environment and cultural heritage, I think it is irrational to condemn the project or call a halt to its construction.
Sources: http://english.peopledaily.com. cn/200211/06/eng20021106_106351. shtml, http://www.china.org.cn/english/ features/Archaeology/96925.htm
Photo by Kate Mckenna (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
In the loop
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
by Lo Tsz-wing Maybe we all know about the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River and have studied the Three Gorges (Sanxia) Dam in geography lessons, but I never thought about how impressive it could really be or how it actually worked until we were allowed into the controlled area around the Sanxia Dam. Ordinary visitors never normally see this part of the largest construction project in China since the Great Wall. The project will bring economic benefits in terms of higher employment and efficiency plus hydro-electric power generated by the dam. Nevertheless, however perfect the project may seem, it has had serious negative side-effects.
Socially and environmentally destructive The Three Gorges Dam is said to be the world’s most socially and environmentally destructive project. Socially, a large number of native residents with strong social ties have had to move and land has had to be allocated to farmers in other areas. Social harmony has been badly disrupted and fertile land inundated.
Environmentally, the slower flow of water will mean that pollutants caused by both industries and residents will concentrate instead of being flushed out to sea. Some environmentalists say that few attempts are being made to remove pollutants and that the dam will also cause the accumulation of silt. Ship navigation on the waterway will be affected, and flooding may occur again. Moreover, the original natural scenery was damaged throughout the construction.
Eighty Hong Kong 200 students went to Wuhan in Hubei Province for intensive training on national development last December. The trip was co-organized by HKFYG and the All-China Youth Federation. Students made a 2-day visit to Yichang, the location of the Three Gorges Dam and related facilities. They received a guided tour and lecture from staff of the China Three Gorges Corporation, learning about construction, flood control, power generation, navigation and environmental conservation.
Sacrifices versus benefits It is easy to identify the positive effects of the Sanxia Dam but most people ignore the negative ones. Who should benefit and who ought to sacrifice? Teenagers should keep a critical, open mind on issues like these, analyzing the pros and cons. The Three Gorges Project is a great achievement but what we see on the surface may not be the full picture.
1. A fish ladder, also known as a “fishway” or fish steps, has been used in many dams to reduce the environmental impact.
Joceyia Lam S5, Shatin Government Secondary School
Lo Tsz-wing Year 1, Lingnan University
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
HKFYG
HKFYG
Hong Kong Jockey Club
Media 21 H
a multimedia community centre
KFYG is extending its digital reach and creating Media 21, a new multimedia centre. It has government support from the Social Welfare Department and funding from
the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Connectivity hub Stepping into a new era of multimedia connectivity, HKFYG’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21 (M21) will have an auditorium, multi-function theatre, interschool broadcasting room, video and audio recording rooms, and Interactive Media Counselling Centre.
Community and school nets Its premises in Shek Pai Wan, Aberdeen, are now being remodelled and renovated. M21’s training functions will be broad. They will encompass HKFYG’s multimedia service network to schools and the community, connecting and supporting in all 18 districts.
New multimedia literacy Attracting and engaging “digital natives” to explore this multimedia, interactive community platform is part of HKFYG’s ongoing vision. M21 will give young people wider exposure to multimedia technology at community level, with training programmes to build on their skills and facilitate creative work. It will have posts of media assistant for youth and, with industry partners, help the community tackle our mediasaturated world with appropriate literacy training.
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Contact Katy Lok, tel 2831 9183 for more details and watch this space for news on facilities, opening hours and activities.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
HKFYG
NEIGHBOURHOOD First and always
Hong Kong is such a crowded place. We all live cheek by jowl, except for the rich. Does proximity make us more friendly? Apparently not, according to a survey done by HKFYG (see below). Many young people don’t even know the names of the people who live next door, so the Federation is encouraging a change of heart. HKFYG believes in neighbourliness as part of community building and is holding a series of events in its Neighbourhood First campaign. For example, the Neighbourhood First photographic competition, launched on Valentine’s Day, encouraged youngsters to capture images of warmth and caring in neighbourhood settings. Here are some of their entries.
Looking for neighbourliness in 15-34 year-olds In December 2011, when over 500 youngsters were asked by the HKFYG Youth Research Centre how they felt about their neighbours, over 50% knew few, if any of them. 75% said they were not interested in their neighbours. When asked what they most disliked about them, over 25% said it was lack of awareness of others and 14% said their neighbours were impolite. Although 16% were unwilling to help neighbours in any way, 36% said they would be ready to deliver goods (37.2%), fund raise (22.1%), do some extra-curricular coaching (18.2%) or organize activities (18.2%). Those whom they most wanted to help were the single elderly (62.8%), single parent families (40.7%) and low income families (21.9%). For a full report on HKFYG’s Youth Research Centre Poll Survey 207 visit http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/p207.html
The HKFYG Neighbourhood First communitybuilding project is supported by the Home Affairs Bureau and led by Hong Kong’s young, bringing the community together, cultivating a deeper sense of neighbourhood and emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting each other. Young people are most welcome to join the Neighbourhood teams. Call 3755 7072 or visit neighbourhoodfirst.hk for information.
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
HKFYG
For the past few years HKFYG has brought well-known a cappella singers to Hong Kong to perform in the annual Festival and promote this exciting, vocal music. Local cappella groups also perform. The style is epitomized by the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and this year they will be joined by the Beelzebubs from Tufts, Delilah and Rockapella, also from the US. Workshops are also part of the month-long festival, taking a cappella into Hong Kong’s schools and giving students the opportunity to try for themselves the ingenious marvels their voices are capable of. This year the brand new Hong Kong Jockey Club a cappella Educational Programme starts. It will continue for the rest of the year and into early 2013, with demonstrations, tutorials, a contest and intensive training tailor-made for secondary schools.
Orange
Hong Kong 2012
International
p a c a
Rockapella
The Hong Kong 2012 International a cappella Festival kicks off on 25 March with the 2012 International a cappella Marathon at Piazza C of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The performers are Delilah from the US, HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and other local a cappella ensembles. The International a cappella Extravaganza on Saturday 31 March 2012, stars the Beelzebubs from Tufts and Delilah, accompanied by HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and Hong Kong’s own Kay Tse. Dr York Chow, GBS, JP, Secretary for Food and Health, HKSARG, is the Guest of Honour.
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The 2012 Alfresco a cappella is next, on 1 April, with the American Beelzebubs from Tufts University, Delilah, also from the US, HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers plus local a cappella groups. On 20 April 2012 the festival welcomes Rockapella from New York City for the a cappella Master Series. To conclude, on 28 April, the Hong Kong Melody Makers present a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with an Open Dress Rehearsal on 27 April. In late March and during April there will also be a series of a cappella workshops with the Beelzebubs and Delilah at Hong Kong secondary schools and universities.
Many thanks to our major sponsor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for supporting these events.
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
HKFYG
Blizzy
ppellaFestival Kay
late March till end April
Beelzebubs from Tufts
Hong Kong Melody Makers
Delilah Main Festival Events Sunday 25 March 2012 4pm
Kokk
International a cappella Marathon
Venue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free Friday 30 March 2012 12 noon
a cappella Showcase
Venue: Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Admission free Saturday 31 March 2012 8pm
International a cappella Extravaganza
Venue: Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium Tickets: HK$100 Preceded by a guided interactive talk Limited free admission for secondary school students Sunday 1 April 2012 4pm
Alfresco a cappella
Venue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free Friday 20 April 2012
a cappella Master Series: Rockapella
Venue: City Hall Concert Hall Tickets: HK$350, HK$250, HK$150 Saturday 28 April 4pm and 8pm
a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with Open Dress Rehearsal 27 April
Venue: City Hall Theatre Tickets: HK$220, HK$150 Limited free admission for secondary school students to the Open Dress Rehearsal
Musepaper
Tickets are available at URBTIX Programme Enquiries: 2395 5753 (Connie Chan) Credit Card Booking Hotline: 2111 5999 Ticketing Enquiries: 2734 9009 www.urbtix.hk Festival Production Team Artistic Director: Patrick Chiu Production Manager: Gabriel Lee Stage Manager: Lawrence Lee Sound Designer: Ha Yan Pui Music Coordinator: Ernest Hui The Presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and change programmes.
More information at
http://acappella.hkfyg.org.hk
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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
HKFYG
The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English
Public Speaking Contest Confidence and proficiency in English are keys to successful communication today. To promote skills in English, the Federation organizes The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest (EPSC). In 2012 it had nearly 2,000 entries.
The 2011 winner was 15 year-old Lucien Wang from King George V School. An active debater, he is part of the Hong Kong World Individuals Debating and Public Speaking Contest team and will compete in Australia this year. He shares his experience of public speaking, of stage fright, and how to overcome it.
English and clear thinking combined in public speaking I stand on stage in front of my school, frozen with fear. Before seven hundred students, I can hear my heart bumping and throbbing. I’m pretty sure they can hear it too. My lips are stuck together and sealed with the strongest glue imaginable. There is a lump in my throat and my mouth is dry … That was the scene just two years ago, when I found myself unable to speak in front of a large audience. It was not due to unpreparedness but simple stage fright. It made me freeze on the spot, unable to move. Since then, I have realized that one of the most important things in public speaking is the ability to think clearly, and to do so no matter what the situation. After all, if
your mind suddenly blanks, nothing that comes out of your mouth will make any sense. It is better to remain smooth and calm; to make sure that at the last moment, it is not your nerves that will fail. It is important to stay up to date on current events and have extensive knowledge of history in case you are asked to elaborate on your topic. To remain calm during public speaking, be confident and approach the stage with a “can-do” attitude. Straighten your back and hold your head high. Although this may sound simple, self-assured posture will encourage you to speak loudly and clearly. Before you start, take a deep breath to clear your mind of any distractions and begin with a strong, firm tone. Set your feet about two fists’ width apart to maintain a firm stance and to make sure you do not sway when you talk. When you start, have a clear plan, and know how you intend to make the transition between one paragraph and the next. Each link must be logical and you must not rush. Do not try to remember your script. Instead, try remembering the key points, and elaborate on them. This allows more flexibility so if you make a mistake, you can smoothly go back to your topic without finding yourself speechless on stage.
Lucien Wang, Champion, EPSC 2011
The Grand Finals of The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012 are in the HKFYG Building on Saturday 14 April 2012, with Guest of Honour, Mr Kenneth Chen, JP, Under Secretary for Education.
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Karen Chan Kar-wun,
John Chan Chor-kit,
Champion & Audience Favorite EPSC (Senior
Winner Online Revival Round & 1st runner-
Division) 2010
up of the EPSC 2011
Many thanks to our sole sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd and co-organizer, The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong) for their support. Thanks also to supporting organizations, the Education Bureau, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), Toastmasters International, the British Council, the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence, the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. More information at http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk/eps/
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Index
Youth Hong Kong Index Volumes 1-3 December 2008-December 2011 This index includes authors’ and interviewees’ names as published, with affiliation at time of contribution. Names only are given for young writers. Unattributed articles, editorial content and corporate news are excluded.
Young writers edited contributions Au, Ka-lam Bali, Kanika Bibi, Asia Bibi, Asia Chan, Mei-yan Chan, Sugar Chan, Julia Cheung, Yau-man Cheung, Julian Fung, Eva Halton, Andrew Ko, Shirley Koo, Alan Kwong, Dixon Lai, Anthony Lee, Clive Lee, Michael Leung, June Leung, Lawrence Leung, William Li, Esther Luk, Flora Mak, Agnes Shen, Weihuang Shen, Weihuang Shen, Weihuang Shen, Weihuang Siu, Armstrong Sooksripaisarnkit, Poomintr Tam, Antony Tang, Joey Tang, Joey Tao, Jimmy Tejpal, Anaita Tejpal, Anaita Wan, Fiona Wan, Fiona Wong, Terry Wong, Tony Yip, Yuki Yiu, Rachel
cultural heritage environment employment fashion employment overseas dance volunteering cultural heritage creativity environment dance employment overseas integration, cross-boundary environment drug abuse integration, cross-boundary social networking fashion employment overseas integration, cross-boundary internet environment social networking social networking internet internet compulsion relationships environment integration, cross-boundary integration, cross-boundary integration, cross-boundary cultural heritage integration, cross-boundary internet cultural heritage volunteering disadvantaged education, Hong Kong volunteering disadvantaged health, fitness and disease
December 2010 September 2011 June 2010 December 2010 September 2011 December 2010 June 2011 September 2011 September 2010 June 2011 December 2011 September 2011 March 2011 June 2011 September 2011 March 2011 March 2011 December 2010 September 2011 June 2010 September 2010 March 2011 March 2011 March 2011 June 2011 September 2011 December 2011 March 2011 March 2011 June 2010 June 2010 September 2010 March 2011 September 2010 December 2010 June 2011 September 2011 December 2011 June 2011 March 2011 June 2011
45 40 41 46 37 40 45 53 41 41 16 37 18 40 19 19 27 47 36 40 43 36 28 30 34 44 16 38 16 42 43 47 14 43 44 46 39 32 46 32 30
December 2009 December 2009 December 2009 June 2009 September 2011 December 2008 March 2009 March 2009 June 2009 December 2009 June 2010 March 2011 June 2011 September 2011 December 2011 March 2009 December 2009 September 2010 June 2011 December 2010 March 2009 March 2010 December 2009 December 2010 March 2011 June 2009
24 33 24 30 4 4 18 18 38 4 33 26 27 38 30 30 21 28 4 48 38 4 42 6 4 12
Contributors guests and HKFYG Benson, Phil Cheng, Armstrong Chik, Alice Heilbronn, Gary N Hsu, Siu-man Jacota, Lakshmi Jacota, Lakshmi Jacota, Lakshmi Jacota, Lakshmi Jacota, Lakshmi Jacota, Lakshmi Lee, Shelley Lee, Shelley Lee, Shelley Lee, Shelley Martin, Diana Martin, Diana Martin, Diana Morgan, Elaine Stokes, George Wong, Rosanna Wong, Rosanna Wong, Rosanna Wong, Rosanna Wong, Rosanna Yau, Joe
HK Institute of Education HK Observatory City University of HK Monash University HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG Guest columnist Guest columnist Guest columnist Guest columnist formerly HKFYG formerly HKFYG formerly HKFYG HKFYG formerly HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG HKFYG
English weather apps English social networking addiction balance, psychological employment values internet compulsion English integration, cross-border courage disadvantage philanthropy volunteering financial crisis English education, overseas Chinese mobile internet history HKFYG 1960-2010 employment public participation parenting history HKFYG 1960-2010 innovation internet
49
Youth Hong Kong | March 2012
Index
Interviews conducted by Elaine Morgan Anger, Adam Bolton, Kingsley Butler, Grant Chan, Bernard Chan, Carol KK Chan, Hubert Chan, Hubert Chan, Thomas Cheng, Kai-ming Cheung, Anthony Cheung, Kin-chung Constantinides, Laurie Crampton, Thomas Eu, Audrey Fan, Susan Fennelly, Stephen Fong, Alex Fung, Allen Godfrey, Jeremy Ho, Vickie Ho, David Huang, Lester Hung, Chung-yam Ip, Regina Johnston, Warren Lam, Ming Lam, Herbert Lau, Siu-kai Law, Chris Lee, Albert Lee, Shelley Lee, Trey Leung, Chun-ying Leung, SK Lo, Alan Lu, Ronald Lui, Tai-lok Lui, Tai-lok Ma, Siu-leung Ma, Kathy Mang, She McManus, Alison Mok, Nai-kwong, Charles Pao Sohmen, Anna Rao, Nirmala Shek, Clara Shek, Daniel Siu, Helen So, Douglas Sun, Cliff Tam, Lisa Tang, Henry Tang, Winnie Tsoi, Peter Tsoi, Peter Tsui, Amy Tsui, Andrew Wong, Amy Wong, Ann Wong, Camay Wong, Janet Wong, KM Wong, David Wong, Dennis Wong, Peter Wong, Sally Wong, Po-choi Wong, Siu-lun Wong, YRichard Wu, Anthony Yip, Lento Zhang, Qian
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Microsoft HK City University of HK British Council HK Council of Social Service University of HK Communications Association of HK Communications Association of HK World Vision China University of HK HK Institute of Education Labour & Welfare Bureau HKSARG HSBC spouses’ programme Ogilvy Legislative Council HKSARG Family Planning Association HK ESF Bradbury School HK General Chamber of Commerce McKinsey OCGIO, HKSARG Ruder-Finn China AIDS Initiative PC Woo Sportsman Legislative Council, HKSARG YK Pao School Castle Peak Hospital Microsoft Hong Kong Central Policy Unit, HKSARG Oval Partnership Chinese University of HK former Perm Sec Home Affairs, HKSARG Musician former Convenor, Non-official Members, Executive Council, HKSARG Education Bureau, HKSARG HK Ambassadors of Design HK Architecture Centre University of HK University of HK Fung Kai Public School IPC Media Education Bureau, HKSARG University of HK HK Internet Society YK Pao School University of HK Ogilvy ACAN, HKSARG Yale University HK Jockey Club, Charities Federation of HK Industries Yahoo former Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSARG Internet Professional Association President, HKFYG Council President, HKFYG Council University of HK Korn/Ferry International (HK) Education Bureau, HKSARG British Council HSBC spouses’ programme ITC, HKSARG Li & Fung Foundation Narcotics Div, Security Bureau, HKSARG City University of HK HSBC Narcotics Div, Security Bureau, HKSARG Committee on Home School Cooperation University of HHK University of HK Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre HK Internet Providers Association HKUniversity of Science &Technology
internet English English parenting education, China parenting mobile internet education, China education, China education, China employment English mobile internet drug abuse relationships, sex e-learning integration, cross-boundary parenting internet and parenting mobile internet innovation, China public participation health and fitness English education, China addiction internet public participation, activism innovation health and fitness travel creativity integration, cross-boundary integration, cross-boundary creativity cultural heritage parenting public participation e-learning mobile internet e-learning health, fitness and disease internet education, China education, China parenting drug abuse youth policy volunteering integration, cross-boundary internet integration, cross-boundary internet depression, stress values English financial crisis integration, cross-boundary English English innovation leaders and leadership drug abuse crime financial crisis drug abuse internet and parenting entrepreneurship education, Hong Kong integration, cross-boundary internet innovation
June 2009 December 2009 December 2009 September 2010 September 2009 December 2010 June 2011 September 2009 September 2009 September 2009 March 2009 March 2011 June 2011 December 2009 March 2010 June 2011 June 2010 December 2010 June 2009 June 2011 June 2011 September 2010 September 2010 December 2009 September 2009 September 2011 June 2009 March 2010 March 2011 March 2010 September 2010 September 2010 March 2011 September 2009 March 2010 September 2010 December 2008 March 2010 June 2009 June 2011 June 2011 September 2011 June 2009 September 2009 September 2009 December 2010 December 2009 December 2008 September 2010 June 2010 June 2009 June 2010 June 2009 March 2010 December 2010 December 2009 March 2009 September 2009 December 2009 March 2011 December 2011 September 2011 December 2009 March 2010 December 2008 December 2009 June 2009 June 2010 March 2009 June 2010 June 2009 March 2011
22 11 18 20 13 19 10 17 9 20 9 40 6 36 31 21 26 20 8 9 28 32 46 16 28 22 22 18 23 24 34 34 8 24 35 45 8 8 26 8 21 41 16 28 13 18 36 14 26 30 46 4 45 27 16 8 16 24 18 40 28 34 36 39 18 36 18 14 12 9 45 20
March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong
Index
Youth speak opinions of young people Alcohol dependence At-risk youth Crime Depression Drug abuse Drug abuse Education, China Education, Hong Kong Employment Employment Employment Employment English Entrepreneurship Gambling Gambling Integration, cross-boundary Integration, cross-boundary Internet Internet compulsion Internet compulsion Money Parent-child conflict Pearl River Delta Post-80s Generation Public participation Relationships Smoking Social networking Special needs Stress Triad gangs
September 2011 December 2010 December 2010 December 2010 December 2010 September 2011 September 2009 March 2009 December 2008 March 2009 June 2010 March 2011 December 2009 December 2010 December 2010 September 2011 March 2010 March 2011 June 2009 December 2010 September 2011 December 2010 December 2010 June 2010 March 2010 March 2010 December 2011 September 2011 June 2011 December 2010 September 2010 December 2010
Youth surveys including HKFYG publications 24 10 12 22 8 13 38 26 20 22 18 12 32 27 34 26 18 12 42 32 9 30 14 18 12 12 10 28 13 24 8 10
Addiction Addiction Crime Integration, cross-boundary Drug abuse Education, China Education, Hong Kong Employment Employment Employment Employment English Integration, cross-boundary Internet Internet Mobile internet Money Pearl River Delta Population Post-80s Generation Relationships Stress
March 2011 September 2011 March 2010 June 2010 December 2009 September 2009 September 2010 December 2008 March 2009 March 2009 June 2010 December 2009 June 2010 June 2009 March 2011 June 2011 March 2009 June 2010 December 2008 March 2010 December 2011 September 2010
46 31 39 24 44 35 12 11 34 40 36 28 36 34 42 31 34 36 6, 16 21 24 12
a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
March 2012
Volume 3 Number 1
Youth HONG
KONG
51
Presenter 主辦
Major Sponsor 主要贊助
Publisher The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups 香港青年協會 www.hkfyg.org.hk • www.u21.hk
Address Youth Hong Kong 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel: 3755 7084 • 3755 7284 • Fax: 3755 7155 Email: youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk • Website: youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian 香港青年