a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
June
2013
Volume 5 Number 2
Youth HONG
KONG
G
rowing
responsibilities
YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
4
EDITORIAL BOARD Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) Angela Ngai Lakshmi Jacotă William Chung Veronica Pearson
OVERVIEW Population policy Low birthrate Shrinking workforce
CIRCULATION (unaudited)
Ageing population
10,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited
6-15 INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS
Richard Wong
Elaine Morgan Ada Chau Kevin Chan
Paul Yip
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS
Caroline Mak
Ronald Tang Tiffany Ip Pradyumn Dayal Queenie Lau Kanika Bali
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ARTWORK
YOUTH WATCH
Sam Suen, DG3; Ada Chau, Edwin Kwok, Elaine Morgan
Hong Kong & Mainland China France, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, UK
Other artwork from archive, acknowledged as captioned or in public domain. DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING DG3 Asia Ltd ISSN 2071-3193 WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk CORRESPONDENCE to 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 7108 FAX 3755 7155 EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk ADVERTISING enquiries to Ada Chau 3755 7108 THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS Founded in 1960, it 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.
20-29 YOUTH VIEWS TALKING POINT YOUTH SPEAK
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, www.hkfyg.org.hk, www.u21.hk
30-43
FEATURES Food, culture, sport Internet Environment
44-49 HKFYG Summer Programme Leadership Chinese films Multimedia
Youth Hong Kong June 2013 Volume 5 Number 2
Contents OVERVIEW 4 Difficult decisions Policy and responsibilities INTERVIEWS 6 Paul Yip: HKU Birthrates: reversing the trend 9 Caroline Mak: HKRMA Wanted: top quality, best fit 12 Richard Wong: HKU Ageing and the big blip YOUTH WATCH 16 Demographics, distortions and dependents Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas YOUTH VIEWS 20 Where have all the babies gone? FPAHK: latest survey TALKING POINT 23 Quality, qualifications and youth Opening Hong Kong's doors YOUTH SPEAK 26 The sandwich generation Priorities, responsibilities and conflicts 28 Ronald Tang Teenager looks at future 29 Strong moral bonds And low expectations FOOD, CULTURE & SPORT 30 Organic 21 & HKFYG Organic Farm 32 Tiffany Ip Passion, practice, patience 33 Pradyumn Dayal Sports, and playing with friends INTERNETSCOPE 35 Queenie Lau Multimodal multimedia 38 Kanika Bali Khan Academy Comments from educators and students CITY SPACE 40 Kevin Chan & Ada Chau WEEE go green HKFYG 44 Summer Youth Programme 45 Leadership 21 46 China Week: 5 films on culture and history 48 M21 multimedia: getting into gear 50 Letters and further reading
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Editorial
Hong Kong’s population policy
T
hree factors emerge as challenges for population policy makers in Hong Kong: an ageing population, the low birth rate and the need for talent in the
workplace. These issues are not unique to Hong Kong, but they do reflect the growing responsibilities that will be placed on today’s young people. Youth Hong Kong examines these topics in the context of youth seeking employment in a competitive environment, considering becoming parents, and making provision for their elderly dependents. Interviews with specialists in demographics, in economics and human resources, all of whom are on the government’s Steering Committee on Population Policy, indicate the directions that should be considered. These experts emphasize what is required for Hong Kong to confront the challenges ahead, and to help maintain our productivity and competitiveness. What emerges is that the time is right for hard questions to be posed which might require even harder responses to ensure that a versatile, flexible strategy can be implemented. We need a policy that supports and reinforces not only the centrality of the family, but also the adaptability of the workplace as a familylike ‘life-banking,’ looking towards the future of our elderly and making it a part of the education of every young person. We urge you to share your views on this important
Photo by Amanda D. Olson
friendly environment. We must also tackle contentious issues
and common challenge for all of us. Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG June 2013
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Overview
Difficult Decisions A s the Steering Committee on Population Policy meets, Hong Kong is at a crossroads. Faced with an ageing population, a low fertility rate and the need for talent in the workforce, the city has to find ways to deal with major challenges while also planning for the future. This involves growing responsibilities, especially for members of today’s younger generation.
At the end of 2012, the government changed the composition of the Steering Committee. Instead of relying only on officials from government bureaux, members now include academics, those who work in the social services, health care providers, business people, educators and human resource managers. What this indicates is that any future population policy will include not only community voices, but also community efforts to make long term development viable.1 What is also apparent in the expansion is that the time is right for responsibility to be shared, between the government, the business sector, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and the general public. No doubt, some of the key issues will involve protracted debate, but, more fundamentally, they will mean difficult decisions have to be made.
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and banks can offer competitive pension, investment and health care schemes to make such saving attractive. There might be initial resistance to saving for pensions, especially in times of economic downturn, but Hong Kong is known for self-reliance and the long-term benefits must be stressed. Public finance can be more sustainable for the long term if it is not required to fund pensions for the elderly. This is especially true if an ageing population is, like Hong Kong’s, paralleled with low fertility which means that there will be fewer people contributing to government revenue for social welfare handouts.
Supporting livelihoods
The ageing population could also prompt a delay in the retirement age, allowing those who are in good health to continue contributing to the economy. For those Accepting shared responsibility who consider themselves able to afford retirement, but An ageing population is not unique to Hong Kong. who remain active and engaged, their contributions Many factors being looked at around the world are similar must be sought, either as volunteers and mentors. to those at work here. Who will finance the elderly is one of them. Governments cannot be called upon to do Other issues, more specific to Hong Kong, include this alone. Those who can afford to save for their own how to offer livelihood support schemes to the elderly, retirement need to be encouraged to do so. Businesses particularly those of lesser means. A related area to be explored is whether subsidies can also be used across the border where the cost of living is lower.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Overview
Families too face difficult decisions. What are their responsibilities for finance, housing, health, welfare and emotional support for their members? This is not just an issue for those of lower economic means. Members of the middle class also have to assess their role in looking after ageing family members in times of income stagnation. While the population is ageing, fertility is dropping. Again, Hong Kong is not alone. In South Korea, for example, the President is promising to expand state provision for childcare and halve tuition fees.2 In Singapore, the government recently passed a US$1.5 billion parenthood and fertility package which includes paternity leave and educational cartoons with tips on how to find love.3 Yet, realistically, how can governments be expected to offer sufficient incentives to young people who are reluctant to become parents? In Hong Kong, measures to increase the fertility rate can include government action on the provision of affordable, adequate housing for raising young families. Employers can consider offering family-friendly work environments. Perhaps the third sector will be able to provide sufficient day care, crèches and after-school services to ensure the health and safety of children with working parents. In all these initiatives, resources are required and difficult decisions need to be taken on where the money will come from and how it will be spent.
Finding the resources The issue that will always be the most contentious is that of finding and retaining talented people. Hong Kong needs to replenish and strengthen its workforce to maintain productivity. Therefore, the government is facing the issue of whether to “buy” talent to fill a short-term need or whether to plan for the long term and “build” talent at home. In both scenarios, choices will need to be made, and the decisions will not please everyone. Bringing talented people at the highest levels of professional competence to Hong Kong involves the import of labour. There are already schemes targeting potential overseas employees, but there are also questions about the appropriateness and sustainability of the schemes, as well as their implications for integration of newcomers.
about a surge of foreigners putting a strain on resources, pushing down salaries and raising property prices.4 There is also worry about loss of identity. If Hong Kong people feel the same, what can the government do to allay such concerns?
Investing in flexibility The city has always attracted a cosmopolitan workforce and with good infrastructure, improved air quality, talented, experienced people from outside Hong Kong will continue to come here. Flexibility is the key. With that, there can be openness and a warm welcome for non-Hong Kong-born talent. Barriers to a seamless inflow can be lifted, protectionism will drop and productivity will be raised. Building home-grown talent requires investment in education and vocational training. A smoother transition from school to work is feasible with cooperation from the education and business sectors plus support from NGOs. Social innovation needs resources but with local-born youth secure in jobs there will be less question of any threat from incoming talent. None of these issues will be easily resolved and all will require some hard decisions. However, with a concerted commitment by government, employers, the community and individuals, this is possible. First there needs to be a comprehensive population policy with clear direction and goals. With forward-looking, long-term vision there is no doubt that this can be achieved. 香港的現況就好像處於十字路口般，我們面對出生率下降、 勞動人口錯配，以及人口急劇老化問題；同時又需要計劃 未來發展路向。凡此種種，都為我們年青一代帶來沉重壓 力。政府去年年底重組人口政策督導委員會，加入更多來 自商界、教育界、人力資源界等業內精英，希望憑著各方 努力，共同研究未來人口政策的方向。事實上，香港並非 唯一需要面對人口老化及出生率低的地區；要解決這些問 題，並持續吸引海外才俊為港效力，亦不能單單依賴政府。 我們認為，透過政府制定更完善、更長遠的計劃，並配合 社會各界共同努力，才能有效解決人口問題，並同時為香 港帶來新的發展。 Sources 1. http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/english/sec/library/1213in04_20130320-e.pdf
In Singapore, recent attempts to introduce a new immigration policy resulted in demonstrations
2. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3be6ec40-4dd4-11e2-9e71-00144feab49a.html#axzz2Vnkt6HMB 3. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/22/singapore-fairytales-warn-declining-fertility 4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21485729
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Interviews
Birthrates reversing the trend by inu_ii3
T
he decline in Hong Kong’s birthrate has multiple causes. However, with the essential components in place, Professor Paul Yip is cautiously optimistic about a gradual upward trend, especially if a forward-looking employer takes the lead in creating an attractive, family-friendly work environment.
If every woman in Hong Kong had 2.1 children our population would be able to replace itself and stay at current levels. However, the actual fertility rate in 2011 was only 1.2, far below the replacement rate. Over 20 years ago the figure was above 1.9 but it had dropped to about 1.3 by 1991 and is projected to fall to 1.15 in the next 30 years.
Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, Department of Social Work & Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong, is also a member of the Steering Committee on Population Policy and Chair of the Research Subcommittee of the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. He is the lead researcher in the current large scale 5-year demographic survey funded by the University Grants Committee.
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June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
by rh traveler_1
Interviews
Why has the birthrate dropped?
What stops women having children?
There are four main reasons behind the trends. First, fewer people are getting married. Second, people who marry do so later in life and have children later. Third, the number of children per family is falling and one-child families are common. Fourth, more women are staying single and not having children.
According to the latest Family Planning Association Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Half of Hong Kong’s flats (FPAHK KAP), an increasing sense of the burdens involved are less than 500 square in bringing up children is the feet. How can prospective big disincentive. Although parents contemplate adding we have twelve years of free schooling, children still cost a another person? lot to educate in good Hong Kong schools. Furthermore, some of the stress of putting In 1981, on average, women had their first child them through exams today results from higher when they were 25 years old. In 2011 that age was levels of parental participation in homework and up to 30. “Three child families are rare today and revision and the need to put aside time for this. 60% of all married couples in Hong Kong have either one child, or no children, by choice.” The “The awareness of impending financial burdens and the estimated proportion of women who have never extra sense of parental responsibility are up by 10-15% in their lives married has risen, up from 3% in the since the FPAHK KAP of 2007,” says Professor Yip. 80s to 20% in 2011. “According to surveys,” said “Women may have higher incomes now than in the past Professor Yip, “they intend to remain single.” but they also have much greater awareness of potential problems. We need to try to remove the barriers and provide more education for parents. Money alone won’t Is Hong Kong different? help. Sometimes it is the mindset of parents that needs Ageing populations and falling birthrates are to change if they feel burdened and excessively worried.” affecting many countries around the world. However, the demographic in developed Asian Are there solutions? countries differs from that of western countries. This is partly because it is more common in the One important part of population policy is ensuring west for unmarried parents to have children whereas that it helps create a conducive, family-friendly it is rarely seen in Asian societies where traditional environment that will actually encourage a higher attitudes still prevail, commented Professor Yip. birthrate. Right now, according to Professor Yip, “Young people here still say they want to get married “In some senses we have a society in Hong Kong where and have children, but by the time they are at east meets west, but in this respect it is not fusing university they are aware of the problems: the need smoothly. Young women are caught in the middle. They to find the right partner, the need for enough money may have aspirations to bring up children which cannot and the need to devote enough time to children.” be fulfilled. The whole landscape of family structure has changed and is still in rapid transition. This is not unique Issues such as taxes and housing also need to be to Hong Kong but the speed of change is very unusual addressed, Professor Yip argues. Perhaps this means and the distortion and uncertainty caused by babies higher taxes for all. Housing in Hong Kong also born in Hong Kong to mainland women is unique.” needs a comprehensive review. Currently it is one of
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Interviews
the biggest barriers to family formation among Hong Kong’s young people. “Half of Hong Kong’s flats are less than 500 square feet. How can prospective parents contemplate adding another person?” Other issues such as education and day care must also be included in population policy discussions. Employers, cognizant of family needs, will have to rethink their policy and practice in this respect. Young couples need crèches and childcare facilities in the workplace, better maternity and paternity leave and flexible work options. “Given today’s long working hours, how can a family-friendly policy exist? Instead, we have discrimination. Companies that want to hire young women look for those with no intention of getting married, or older women whose kids are grown up,” says Professor Yip. “Such employers are not conforming to the ethos of corporate social responsibility. CSR doesn’t just mean donating to charity, it also means looking after your employees.”
Wanted: one pioneer employer To achieve change, we need a pioneer, a standardsetter and a path-finder in a large organization that employs young workers. If such an employer set an example, creating a family-friendly culture that makes allowance for employees with children, he or she would attract talented youth with a sense of commitment to the community. With a champion who started such a trend and the incentives in place, others would follow.
Is the future bright? The future will only be bright if the government, working together with employers, helps to create an environment where young couples feel secure, knowing that the children they bring into the world will be a blessing and not a burden. Otherwise, raising the birthrate will be “a bumpy road” says Professor Yip. “If the essential components are in place, I am optimistic, and have no doubt that the present Steering Committee on Population Policy will be more functional and make solutions operational.”
Hong Kong’s speed of change is very unusual and the distortion caused by mainland families is unique.
香港大學社會工作及社會行政學系葉兆輝教授認為，導致 香港出生率下降的原因有很多，包括香港人平均結婚年齡 上升、夫婦生育小孩的數目下降，以及愈來愈婦女選擇獨 身等。雖然要解決問題並不容易，但葉教授對提升出生率 仍抱審慎樂觀態度。他認為只要社會各界認真對待出生率 低的問題，並由政府及大型機構等帶頭改變，例如為婦女 提供更多鼓勵生育的政策及措施，包括彈性上班時間等， 則有望解決問題。
Hong Kong fertility trends: 1991-2041
1.400
1.281
1.200
1.191
1.204 0.984
1.000
1.191
2016
2021
1.190
1.164
1.151
2026
2031
2036
2041
0.931
0.800 1991
1996
2001
2006
Source Census & Statistics Department, HKSARG
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1.177
1.191
2011
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Interviews
Wanted
top quality and best fit
E
mployers have increasing difficulty in attracting talent and matching jobs with skills of applicants. This is partly because Hong Kong has ridden a roller coaster of uncertainty that affected individual choices about education, work and raising families, says Caroline Mak who puts forward her ideas for reversing the trend. “Employers need to be flexible and ready for change in order to attract and keep potential talent. In the first two to three years, new young hires should be free to explore. But by their mid-20s, talented youngsters should have a clear idea of what they want and be ready to go for it.”
Dos and don’ts for employers According to Ms Mak, keeping talented youngsters once they have made a commitment means being a good listener. If young parents need to leave for a PTA meeting but will come in on Saturday morning, they should be allowed to. If a mother or father wants to come in mid-morning so that she or he can see the children off to school, why not? Whether it’s offering daycare facilities at the workplace or recognizing the need to take care of the elderly, flexibility is a big advantage.
Ms Caroline Mak is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association and a member of the Steering Committee on Population Policy as well as being Group Director, Health & Beauty, The Dairy Farm Group.
“Western countries have adjusted to new patterns like this, as they have to many employees working from home. Computers make it easy and that makes for family-friendliness. Now it is our turn to change. Resistance to change is the biggest problem of all, but if employers stimulate and encourage change they will both attract talent and retain it.”
Employers who stimulate and encourage change will attract talent.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
by CG94 photos
by waldopepper
Interviews
Now it’s our turn to change p
D p � ay care facilities to relieve parents
Learning for work Do independent internal surveys to learn about the talent you have and the talent you are about to lose. To retain talent also means being creative. “Failure to retain talent is usually an employer’s fault. When a staff member leaves, both parties should speak out about their reasons. But the bigger your organization, the harder it is to keep your finger on the pulse. So I encourage employers to hire an independent company to do internal staff surveys. It means people will be honest about their employers. That’s the way you really learn: about the talented people you have, and about the talented people you lose.”
Survey your talent Motivating personnel to stay loyal and productive means understanding how they think. Understanding how your people feel about their working environment, opportunities in their careers, how you communicate with them, how you reward them, and how they are managed are all highly relevant. Getting such comprehensive feedback involves doing anonymous surveys and being able to think like an employee. For this, an independent survey company is needed.
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Talent comes in many shapes and doesn’t necessarily involve having a degree. Some talent has to be nurtured and there’s no such thing as a generally talented person. “It’s up to us as employers to identify the talent we need, to seek out hidden talent and stimulate it, redeploying staff within our companies where necessary to make the most of their abilities and skill sets.” Today, the emphasis is on general education which Ms Mak says does not suit everyone. “There is not enough vocational training in my view. I went to Hotung Technical School for Girls because I was given a choice in Form 3. At that time I preferred to qualify in secretarial work which would give me a job if I didn’t go to university. It was the right decision for me. Now there is no such choice. Vocational training is seen as the last resort.”
Matching skills with needs If Hong Kong has a service-based economy then the education system needs to provide pathways to jobs in that sector. “Talented people are leaving to work on the mainland and overseas because they can’t find suitable work here, while the less gifted are disillusioned and frustrated because they can’t find the jobs that suit their talents, even though they exist. On the Steering Committee for Population Policy members are saying this loud and clear. Government will have to address the issues now or the jigsaw pieces will never fit together.”
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
by REGUSmedia
Interviews
p Family-friendly work environment
There is a pressing need to plan for infrastructure development and the workforce that matches it. Technical expertise for building the third runway is one example, says Ms Mak, who is also a board member of the Airport Authority, “We need road and bridge-builders, architects and civil engineers. “These are specialists who we will have to bring in, as well as providing training opportunities for our own young people. We know this, but are we doing anything about it?”
Closed mindedness Homegrown manpower will not be enough, she says. “Demand already far outstrips supply. So why are we so afraid of imported of labour? There is so much prejudice,” she continued. There is a shortage of medical personnel and pharmacists, but lack of reciprocal qualifications. “Qualified, Australian, Cantonese-speaking pharmacists, badly needed by the retail sector, consistently fail the exam that would let them work here. Why? Short-sighted protectionism. Result? A permanent shortage. If we don’t change and open up to overseas talent we will bury ourselves.”
Time to get moving Given the imbalance between talent and job opportunities, plus the ageing problem, Hong Kong has to move fast to make timely changes. If Ms Mak is right, employers need a changed mindset. What else could be done? Well-defined steps to youth training and employment are also needed. Child care facilities for working parents are a must.
Similarly, women, who tend to drop out of the workforce when they are 50, need encouragement to stay, or to return to work after retraining. Optional retirement could be offered to senior staff.
We need tangible policy that produces results. In the interim, if talent needs to be imported to fill the gaps, the government must have the courage to get on with it, keeping the public well-informed to minimize doubt and discriminatory practices. “Culture changes slowly,” Ms Mak concludes, ”but policy can be changed more easily. It may sound simplistic but I believe that if we had new population policy governing the workforce we would find solutions. One of the key aims in the Steering Committee’s framework is nurturing and admitting talented human capital to ensure that we have no manpower shortfall. We need tangible policy on this that produces results, not something wishywashy, and we need it by the end of the year.” 香港零售管理協會主席麥瑞琼女士表示，近年企業愈來愈 難吸引專才，且經常發生人力錯配問題。她認為企業應該 比以前抱更開放的態度，了解員工需要及特質，從而使企 業政策更能配合這些人才的需要。例如企業應考慮年輕父 母照顧子女的需要，或推行彈性上班時間，讓僱員能更容 易調配時間照顧家庭成員等，這些都有助員工更安心為公 司繼續效力。而要真正做到了解員工需要，麥女士認為應 該委託獨立公司進行調查。要有效解決人力資源問題及香 港人口老化問題，麥女士認為現在是關鍵時刻。她指出， 改變文化需時甚長，但適當的政策能帶來即時改變；故此 政府需要更主動去了解問題，並制定對策。
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Interviews
Ageing and the
P
big
blip
rofessor Richard Wong has written extensively about Hong Kong society, its economy and population. He says the construction of a new, coherent population policy that provides for our rapidly ageing society will have to take into account conflicting policy frameworks and an anomalous blip in dependency. Hong Kong inherited two conflicting legacies, Professor Wong explained. One promoted individual responsibility and limited government. The other introduced a welfare state through interventionist government. Subsequently, problems concerning population policy have emerged that are linked to these legacies. Remedying the problems, “…will be a long-term challenge and … may be compromised, derailed, held to ransom, and sacrificed for short term political expediency.”
Unprecedented demographic structure From 1945-1950, Hong Kong’s population grew massively from about 600,000 to 2.3 million as a result of a huge influx of refugees from the mainland, The new arrivals had large families, of six or seven children. However, young people born in that period usually had only one or two children themselves. From 1961-1966, population growth in 0-4 year-olds was just 1.98%, but the growth rate for 15-19 year-olds at that time, all of whom were born between 1945 and 1950, was a phenomenal 132.8%. Professor Wong, illustrating his point with statistical tables said, “This trend is unique. There was no other state with such a massive immigration at that time. It is a blip, an anomaly, but it is a big blip and its consequences will last a long time. An acute problem has emerged but it will have chronic outcomes because of both rapid ageing and increased longevity.”
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June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
by wabetta design
Interviews
Supporting a dependent population
Security, retirement and pensions
“Those who grew up here in the 1960s did not expect the government to look after them with a welfare state. As a result they were good savers.” Nevertheless, figures now reveal an alarming trend of increasingly dependent elderly people and the total dependency ratio, for the young and the old combined, will be 0.758 in 2036. Hypothetically speaking, a working couple after the year 2026, 15 years from now, will have to support at least one dependent child and two dependent parents.
According to his analysis, a redistributive scheme for pensions might be viable, depending on the projected ages and future productivity of the population. As a population ages, the probability of a social security scheme becoming insolvent rises, unless there is a corresponding increase in the retirement age. A faster increase in productivity could improve the solvency of any such a scheme, but such productivity depends on investments in human capital via complementary investments in education and health.
Four ways to cope According to Professor Wong, there are four ways to deal with this. First, the productivity of the economically active population could be improved by investing in human capital. Second, more economically active, productive people could be attracted to Hong Kong by a pro-active policy with investment in an improved environment and support facilities. Third, the advantages of a wider metropolitan area stretching across the border to Shenzhen could be exploited. Fourth, the efficiency of resources for supporting dependents could be enhanced.
“Healthier people contribute more, are more energetic, and have more productive working lives. Such people will have a greater incentive to invest in education too. Skills acquired can then be used over a longer working period. The increase in productivity is analogous to an increase in the working population.”
Should we carry on till 65?
Extending the retirement age is an antidote to the negative economic effects of an ageing population but implementing it is a political hot potato. “Civil servants, and all those with secure, guaranteed pensions, will be “This efficiency includes productive health care services reluctant to retire later. If they do so they will benefit less, and housing for family members close to one another for unlike most of the workforce. The Civil Service makes up mutual support,” Professor Wong continued. Singapore only 6% of the total working population but only when has public housing units for 80% of the population the government moves on this issue will the rest follow.” with 90% of those units privately owned. There is motivation for family cohesion because of discounts Saving for retirement in Hong Kong depends partly on for those buying a units in the same neighbourhood.” the government’s contributory Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) into which workers and employers Professor Wong, emphasizing the hypothetical both pay. Like Singapore’s Central Provident Fund, working couple with dependents, was encouraging. it is a government scheme that is not redistributive. “There is much that can be done for them, if only “I do not think it is a good idea to save with we are willing to exercise our imaginations. government. The MPF is badly designed and benefits the custodian fund managers, not the savers.”
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1986
1991
1996
Total
1.161
2001 Young
2016
2026
4.87 2.18 1.41
1.84
4.92
7.81
2021
1.39
1.46
5.05
4.92
2011
5.06
7.44
6.86 4.63
2006
1.28
1981
1.17
0.65
1976
1.22
0.5
1971
0.94
0.42
1966
Figure 2 Dependency ratios: 1961-2031
1.26
0.34
0.75
1.54
1.65
3.63
4.13
4.42
5.52
0.24
1.62
1.73
3.37
2.99 1.85
0.18
1.89 1.97
0.14
1961
1 0
1.81 1.68
0.1
2
1.47 1.6
3
1.91 2.37
3.63
3.17
4
4.05
5
4.52
5.18
6
5.75
6.44
7
7.12
All ages
0.85
65+
6.71
20 - 64
1.38
0 - 19
8
8.15
9
8.47
Figure 1 Population figures: 1961-2031
2031
Elderly
1.2
1.055
0.984
0.962
0.921
1
0.909
1.079
0.734
0.738 0.583
0.618
0.445 0.513
0.063
0.082
0.093
0.103
0.115
0.126
1961
1966
1971
1976
1981
1986
0.8
0.657
0.638
0.806
0.138
0.557
0.52
0.399
0.35
0.158
1996
0.448 0.257
0.171
2001
0.472
0.448
0.4
0.374 0.297
0.184
1991
0.6
0.542 0.481
2006
0.191
2011
0.241
0.289
0.231
0.253
0.283
0.29
2016
2021
2026
2031
Notes and source Figures in the table are in millions. The table shows the actual and projected number of people in Hong Kong for five-year periods from 1961 to 2031 by three age groups: 0-19, 20-64, and over 65. Taking the 0-19 year-olds as young dependents and the over 65s as an approximate number of elderly dependents, it can be seen that the dependency ratio for the elderly, 0.191 in 2011 is projected to grow to 0.448 by 2031. It will be equal to the ratio represented today of the young and the elderly combined. http://www.wangyujian.com/?p=631&lang=en.
Universal old age pensions However, Professor Wong is not in favour of redistributive universal pensions either. In 2041 those aged over 75 will number 1.5 million. Those over 65 will number 3.4 million, double the number in 2011. “It will cost too much to support them with a universal pension scheme. However, there is always a case for giving old age income support to those in need, as long as it is meanstested.” If, on the other hand, Hong Kong’s fiscal reserves of HK$600 billion were used to fund a universal fixed monthly pension of HK$2,400 for those aged 65+, either tax revenue would have to be increased by 39% or the reserves would be depleted completely in just 14 years. “A modest payout under the means-tested schemes to help the poor in their old age, poor through no fault of their own, can be the only sensible policy choice for Hong Kong.”
14
1.4
There is much that can be done... if we are willing to exercise our imaginations. Old age social security schemes with redistributive elements that transfer resources from richer to poorer individuals through taxes and transfer payments can dampen the work incentive, says Professor Wong. “Imagine a young lower income man with a retired mother, a wife and two children. What will he do if the government offers his mother a pension? He will probably say he needs to save for his own family if the government is looking after her. Young people should be encouraged to be responsible for their parents as a sign of intergenerational social contract but by raising taxes enough to give a universal pension we would give the son a perverse incentive not to support his mother.”
0.2 0
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
by inu_ii2
Interviews
Investing for an ageing population Members of the baby boomer generation will live long lives and will need healthcare for longer than preceding generations. Health insurance is a good solution for young and middle-aged, but the costs of healthcare for the elderly can create a huge burden on society so investing in healthcare now is very important. These costs increase rapidly after the age of 65 and more so after the age of 75. If Hong Kong fails to increase the supply of doctors and nurses accordingly then the cost of attracting and retaining them in the public sector will rise, adding further to the burden of growing public health care. “Our public healthcare system is based on the British welfare system and will become more costly. We already need more doctors and nurses and the need will grow. Despite the prejudice about overseas medical personnel, I would advocate the admission of overseas, non-local health care professionals to do jobs that locals are not keen to do, as they do in developed rich countries.” According to Professor Wong. “Singapore has a list of 157 universities in 28 countries whose medical graduates are allowed to practice. Hong Kong should adopt an approach like this. Another approach is to recruit nursing students from across the border, to be trained in Hong Kong.”
Professor Yue Chim Richard Wong, SBS, JP is Professor of Economics and the Philip Wong Kennedy Wong Professor in Political Economy at the University of Hong Kong. He was Founding Director of the School of Business, Founding Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. One focus of his research is the political economy of public policy – property, housing, labour and population. This article is based partly on an interview with Professor Wong and partly on his web-based publications, extracts from which have been reproduced here with his kind permission.
Not keen on marriage Single women are doing better and making higher incomes than ever before. “In certain sectors and age groups, they have completely closed the earnings gap and some earn more than men in Hong Kong. The growth in the workforce in last 20 years is due entirely to the higher number of women at work but this means they are not really keen on getting married or having children,” concluded Professor Wong. To support the growth in educational opportunities, not only for young women but for all, Hong Kong needs further investment in education. This could be done by issuing vouchers for enrollment in self-funded degree programmes. Such investment is crucial for promoting economic growth and in an era of a rapidly ageing population that growth is more essential than ever.
The way forward Hong Kong must learn to deal with its legacies. There is no disputing the problems we are facing, but by taking firm measures now, such as increasing taxation, extending working lives and becoming more educated and efficient, we may be able to beat our blip and become a fairer, more balanced society in the process. 香港大學經濟金融學院經濟學講座教授及黃乾亨黃英豪政 治經濟學教授王于漸教授一直致力研究香港社會的經濟及 人口問題。他認為香港現在面對的人口老化問題，可算非 常獨特；因為二次大戰時帶來了大量移民人口，加上戰後 嬰兒潮一代，當這一代脫離工作崗位，並成為依賴人口時， 香港便需面對特別嚴峻的人口問題。他指出，人口老化令 社會醫療體系負荷增加，同時亦加重青年人的供養壓力。 王教授認為政府應當採取適當措施，例如增加醫護界人手 以應付需求；同時，透過解決人口問題，令香港達至更公 平和更平衡的社會。
15
Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Youth watch
Demographics, distor
H
ong Kong needs more young people for sustainable growth but women are marrying later, if at all, and having fewer children. Meanwhile, greater longevity is placing an increasing burden on a shrinking workforce. This applies to many countries but both Hong Kong and the mainland face some unique distortions.
Population indicators Hong Kong Population
Youth aged 15-24
2013: 7.2 million 2041: 8.47 million
22.5% of total population in 1981 12.6% of total in 2011 8.57% of total projected for 2041
Growth rate
0.6%
Total fertility rate (TFR)
Dependency ratios
TFR 2011: 1.204 TFR projection 2041: 1.151
Over 65s by 2041 30%
Life expectancy at birth
Dependency ratio* of under 15s and over 65s up from 333 to 645 by 2041
(male and female) 83.4 Sex ratio at birth*
years
107 males: 100 females *Global average: 103 to 107. Hong Kong’s figures became more imbalanced when mainland births increased.
of the population
Under 15s down from 12% to 9% by 2041
Life expectancy today Males
16
84.4 years
Females
90.8 years
Median age at first marriage for women
28.9 in 2011
(up from 26.2 in 1991)
Never married women aged 40-44 in 2011 17% (up from 6% in 1991)
Married women aged 25-29
in 2011 27% (down from 54% in 1991) Note “Dependency ratio” measures the under 15s plus the over 65s per 1,000 people.
Problems of an ageing population
Incentives for potential mothers
It is difficult for working families in typically cramped Hong Kong housing to care for elderly relatives. The government funds residential care homes and subsidized places in private homes (18,199 in 2012)1, but many have to pay for private care. The Housing Authority provides some housing for the active elderly in public rental estates, and provides approximately 900 elderly persons’ flats at discounted rent. The waiting time for subsidized places and public housing is currently about 3 years.2
There are not many incentives for Hong Kong women to have children. Women here are entitled to 10 weeks’ paid maternity leave. Men are entitled to three days’ paid paternity leave. A child allowance can be claimed from salaries tax and single parents may be eligible for some government assistance.3 Childcare is not subsidized.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth watch
tions and dependents on “One Way Permits” which allow them to stay here. Over the past decade, 456,154 people entered under this scheme and 55% were aged 25-44. However, Net inward migration from the mainland has always been a recognizing the burden this placed on the health and major source of population growth in Hong Kong. It offers a welfare systems, in 2012 the government took measures partial solution to the looming labour shortage, despite to prevent mainland women who are not married to growing local resentment of mainland migrants. There is Hong Kong men and have no right of abode in Hong also a need for family-friendly work environments to Kong, from giving birth in the city in order to gain encourage both older and younger people to join the the right of abode for their children. A zero quota for workforce and postpone retirement. 2013 was set for these so-called “Type II” children, who are entitled to education and healthcare but may Since the early 1980s mainland spouses and accompanying not settle in Hong Kong. Surveys between 2007 and children of a Hong Kong resident have lived in the city 2012 revealed that only 57% of them would do so.
Problems concerning mainland families in Hong Kong
Population indicators mainland China Population over 1.349 billion Growth rate
0.46%
Total Fertility rate (TFR) estimate 1.20-1.55 Life expectancy birth females 77.1, males 72.8 Over 65s today approx 360 million Sex ratio at birth 118 males: 100 females Difficulties coping alone 38%*
over 51% of China's population lives in urban areas. In rural areas, Han Chinese families can apply to have a second child if a baby has disabilities, if the mother and father are both single children or if the first child is a girl. Women often abort female foetuses or abandon newborn girls. Infanticide at birth is also practised.4
Future projections
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 24 million marriageable males will be single by 2020. Studies show the mainland’s labour force of about 930 In March 2013 the Central Chinese government merged million will start declining in 2025 at a rate of about 10 million a year. China’s population is expected to the Family Planning Commission with the Ministry of Health and moved population policy-making to the more peak around 2030 with 1.46 billion people and then central National Development and Reform Commission. begin falling to 1.3 billion by 2050. With the OneChild Policy in place, it will achieve zero population growth by 2025. By 2050, this will be -0.5%. One-Child Policy * China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study, 2013.
The nation’s One-Child Policy is applied most strictly to Han Chinese in urban areas. Han Chinese represent more than 91% of the Chinese population and just
Sources See page 51 for sources.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Youth watch
Population indicators: Asia and beyond Statistics for all countries are either for 2012, the latest available, or mid-July 2013 estimates. TFR = Total Fertility Rate
France France’s family policy has increased the birthrate while keeping as 1 many women in work as possible. It already has 11.8 million foreignborn residents and direct descendants born in France (19% of 2 total ) and accepts about 200,000 new immigrants each year. Population: 65,951,611 Growth rate 0.47% Sex ratio at birth 105 males: 100 females TFR 2.08 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 81.5 years
United Kingdom Britain has no population policy and there is no agreement on whether there should be a “maximum population size”. A 2009-2010 Citizenship Survey 32 showed the majority of Britons wanted immigration numbers reduced. Population 63,395,574 Growth rate 0.553% Sex ratio at birth 105 males: 100 females TFR 1.9 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 80.17 years Incentives Britain has a generous welfare system which supports free medical care, free education, child support, parental support and subsidized housing. The country has traditionally opened its doors to migrants from former colonies and now the EU. Effects, trends and problems Britain’s population is growing and the fertility rate is near replacement. The growth has been assisted by immigration and higher levels of fertility among migrants. One in six of the 33 population is from an ethnic minority or white non-British background. Projections suggest that the population will hit 70 million around 2033. Britain’s over-65s now outnumber people under the age of 16. There are currently four people of working age supporting each pensioner in Britain, 34 by 2035 this number is expected to fall to 2.5, and by 2050 to two.
Incentives Free eductation from age 3 to university Grants, allowances, tax breaks and highly subsidized childcare services Generous maternity leave Preferential public housing, mortgage rates and cheaper 3 public transport for families with 3+ children Effects, trends and problems Incentives offered to companies employing 4 over 50s. Statutory retirement age is 62. The age for a full pension is 67 except for those with 41 years of social security contributions in 2012.5
India The first National Population Policy was introduced in 2000 with the long-term objective 6 of a stable population by 2045 . The birthrate continues to exceed replacement level. Population 1,220,800,359 Growth rate 1.312% Sex ratio at birth 112 males: 100 females TFR 2.55 children (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 67.14 years Incentives Free health care, birth control and sex education. Cash is offered by the government to 7 8 unmarried girls at 18 but more than 50% marry earlier. Scholarships for girls and other incentives for families with girls are offered in some states to reduce gender 9 imbalance and try to delay marriages and childbirth. Effects, trends and problems Contraceptive needs are unmet and India’s population is expected to grow to 1.9 billion by 2050. High infant mortality contributes to people wanting more children. Unlike many countries, India has no ageing problem. Half of its people are under 25.10
18
Singapore Since 1980, Singapore’s parents have been encouraged to have 25 more children. A government white paper published in January 26 2013 said the country would also accept more migrants to sustain growth. The city-state's projected population is 7 million in 2030. Population 5,460,302 Growth rate 1.993% Sex ratio at birth 107 males: 100 females TFR 1.29 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 83.75 years Incentives 1987 Have Three or More (if you can afford it) Campaign began 2001 Baby Bonus Scheme announced with financial and housing incentives 2002 Romancing Singapore Campaign spurred couples to have sex 2009 Social Development Network Singaporeans encouraged to marry and procreate 28
2 013 Marriage & Parenthood Package 2013 announced 2 013 Hey Baby website lists all benefits for newlyweds and parents: subsidized accommodation, medical benefits, maternity and paternity benefits, child payments [also includes dating services] Effects, trends and problems TFR rose from its 2010 record low of 1.15 to 29 1.29 in 2012 but over 450,000 are aged 65+ and by 2050, nearly 30% will be 30 over 65. Those aged 21-60 will be only 40%. The foreign immigrants’ policy aims to redress this imbalance. The Committee on Ageing Issues was set up 31 in 2004 to deal with housing, care and opportunities for older people.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth watch South Korea South Korea is one of the fastest ageing countries in the world. Its first 20 population policy (1962) was designed to limit population. By 1988, TFR had fallen below replacement level. By 2005, it reached a historic 21 global low of 1.08. South Korea's plan is to increase TFR to 1.6 by 2020. Population 48,955,203 Growth rate 0.204% Sex ratio at birth 107 males: 100 females TFR 1.24 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 79.3 years Incentives The Saero-Maji Plan (“new beginning”) includes tax incentives, priority for purchase of new apartments, support for child care including childcare facilities at work, support for education, and assistance for infertile couples. Effects, trends and problems Immigrants have risen to 2.8% of the 22 population, and could make up more than 6% by 2030. The cost of raising children and rising employment opportunities for women means fewer 23 women want to marry. Those who do are less keen to have children. To cope with rapid ageing and an estimated one million dementia 24 sufferers by 2025, South Korea passed a dementia management law in 2011 mandating that citizens over 65 be checked for symptoms.
Philippines
Japan 10
About 15,000 new Japanese citizens are naturalized annually 11 but more Japanese are leaving than arriving. Total population expected to fall below 100 million by 2044 and to decline to 79.97 million by 2060. The proportion of elderly was 25.2% 12 in 2013, expected to rise to 39.9% by 2060. In 2011 the country had more than 50,000 people aged 100 or more. Population 127,253,075 Growth rate 0.077% Sex ratio at birth 106 males: 100 females TFR 1.39 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 83.91 years Incentives Plus One Proposal introduced in 2009 to encourage families to have another child Family-friendly working conditions offered; 14 50,000 new day-care centres being built Monthly allowances of 13,000 yen (HK$1,020) per child began in 2010 Local authority and private sector shopping vouchers for larger families Officially sanctioned matchmaking websites Laws for maternity, paternity and child care leave, plus more 15 flexible and shorter working hours have been proposed. Effects, trends and problems Incentives lack legal enforcement and have insignificant effect. The average Japanese couple has sex 45 times a year, less than half the global average, according to a 2008 survey conducted 16 by Durex. More than 40% of men aged 35-39 still live with their parents. Many cite job instability and a culture of work for failure to meet potential marriage partners.
The Philippines has one of the highest growth rates in Asia. While population growth has 17 declined slightly since 2008, the fertility rate is still well above replacement level. The Philippine Population Management Programme was launched in 1993 but in 2006 the Responsible Parenthood 18 Family Planning Programme advocated ‘natural’ family planning without contraceptives. Population: 105,720,644 Growth rate 1.873% Sex ratio at birth 105 males: 100 females TFR 3.1 (per woman) Life expectancy at birth (male & female) 71.94 years Incentives There appear to be no incentives for women to have smaller families. In 2012 the government passed a bill to provide government funding for contraceptives and sex education classes but this law is challenged by the church. Effects, trends and problems Of 3.4 million pregnancies per annum, half are unintended and one third are aborted, often in clandestine, unsafe and unsanitary procedures. Some local governments have banned the sale of condoms and their distribution in health clinics. Population growth is driven 19 by poor households which cannot afford education or other basic needs for their children.
Sources See page 51 for a full list of sources used for this article. All figures on page 18-19 are from https://www.cia. gov/library/publications/ the-world-factbook unless otherwise footnoted.
19
Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Youth views
Where have all the ba
H
by China Supertrends
ong Kong’s low fertility rate is causing concern about how future generations will cope with an ageing population. Why do today’s women have fewer children and what would encourage them to have more?
Over the past twenty years there has been a continuous Paradoxical trends drop in the number of children being born to Hong By contrast, the proportion of women who say they Kong couples. Today it seems more and more women now either want a first or a second child reached its plan to have only one, or at most two children. highest since 1992, rising significantly from 12.7% Increasing numbers do not want any. The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) has been in 2007 to 20.2% in 2012. About 35% of 35-39 year-old respondents wanted more children. This monitoring changing attitudes every five years since 1967 and has just completed its latest and tenth survey. seeming paradox may be explained by the local trend of late marriage It found that by 2012 and late childbearing. the percentage of Hong Correspondingly, the Kong couples who do More and more women plan to not plan to have a baby, proportion who did not have only one, or at most two or have only one, had wish to have any, or any children, and increasing numbers reached a historic high. more children, dropped from 80.8% in 2007 to do not want any. Of the respondents aged 63.8% in 2012, the lowest 15-49 surveyed, 37.5% in the past two decades. had one child and 32% had two. Those with no plans to have any children rose from 16.1% in 2007 to 23.4% in So it seems that although people do want children, 2012. The average number of children per household has in fact they are having fewer babies and also delaying hit a historic low. In 2002 it was 1.6. In 2012 it was 1.24. childbirth. There are multiple reasons for this including finances, housing, education needs, lack of childcare, work demands, and in the case of older mothers, For the first time since the FPAHK began its surveys, fears for the baby’s health. The economic factor is the proportion of single child families overtook that weighing on parents more heavily than before, with of two child families. Hong Kong’s total fertility rate, 29.7% of women citing this as a major difficulty in or the number of children a women gives birth to in the latest survey, up from 15.4% five years ago. her life, is currently 1.2. That is the same as Singapore, lower than Japan, at 1.4, but higher than Taiwan's 1.1.
20
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth views
bies gone? Room for one more There is also a widening discrepancy between the desired number of children and the actual number. In 2012, 39% of respondents said the number of children they had was fewer than they desired, compared to 26.3% in 2007. Only 56.1% had the number of children they wanted, marking a drop of almost 10% from 65.9% five years ago. A distinct gap between actual and ideal parity appeared for the first time since 1987. In 2007, of those married for less than five years, most had no children and of those married for 6-10 years, 50% had one child and 30% had two. The average ideal parity of the women polled increased to 1.67 in 2012 from the trough of 1.59 in 2007. The majority of respondents, (55.5% of women and 55.2% of men), set their ideal parity at two, representing a rise of about 5% from the survey five years ago. The proportion who desired one child remained about the same while those who desired no children fell by about 5%. On the other hand, respondents’ actual parity continued to decline over the past decade to reach 1.6 in 2002, 1.49 in 2007 and 1.24 in 2012. The majority of respondents who did not want children or only wanted one, said lack of money was their main reason, followed by being too old or not wanting the responsibility of raising children. If they already had one child they said that was enough.
Women with better education tend to have better jobs and this has become another reason why they do not want children or want to have them later in life. Good jobs often mean long working hours. In 2007, 87% of the women had attained secondary or post secondary education and 51% worked full time. Interestingly, as household incomes rise the incidence of women who do not have children has increased. Of those who had monthly incomes of HK$30,000 or more in 2007, over a quarter had no children.
Not enough sex No sex means no babies. According to the 2007 FPAHK survey, couples had sex on average about four times a month, although not surprisingly the frequency in those who were younger or had been married for a shorter time was higher, as was the satisfaction level.
Lack of money was the main reason for not wanting [more] children, followed by being too old or not wanting the responsibility.
21
Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Both husbands and wives agreed that pressure of work, finances and household duties, limited living space, often shared with parents as well as any children, and having different work and life timetables were the major factors affecting their sex lives. Other than that, 23% or men and 15.8% of women cited health problems as hindering their sex lives. Only 23.8% enjoyed unworried sex.
What can the government do? Most respondents said they would have more children if there were financial incentives, including housing subsidies, education and health care subsidies, parental support such as flexible working hours and better nurseries and childcare services, education policies including free pre-school education and better quality of education. While the 2007 FPAHK survey indicated that such incentives were more attractive to respondents
by World Bank Photo Collection
by Strep
Youth views
50% of women polled said subsidies for education, medical services and housing would be effective incentives for them to have more children. with one child or no children, but less so for those who already had two or more children, in the latest survey 40-50% of women polled said subsidies for education, medical services and housing would be effective incentives for them to have more children. Policy makers surely need to take heed of this message.
Notes and sources All information for this article comes from the FPAHK Surveys on Family Planning, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. 2002, 2007, 2012. The 2012 survey interviewed 1,518 married/cohabitating women aged 15- 49, and 1,059 of their spouses/partners. In 2011, the median age of local women at first marriage was 28.9, the median age at first childbirth was 30.0. (Source: Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR).
22
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Talking point
Quality, qualifications and youth opening Hong Kong’s doors
T
There are several government schemes for the admission of well-qualified immigrants. The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)1 was implemented in 2003 to attract mainland professionals with skills, knowledge or experience of value who have no immediate prospective employment. The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)2, implemented in 2006, is also for those without a job offer. It is quota-based and accepts both mainland and overseas applicants, to enhance Hong Kong’s manpower. The Immigration Arrangement for Nonlocal Graduates (IANG), has operated since 2008, specifically for those with overseas or mainland degrees. For immigrants offering professional skills and knowledge who have already secured an employment offer there is the General Employment Policy (GEP). This article looks at the first two schemes. The original intentions of QMAS, were to “augment and rejuvenate” an ageing population and to “bring in talented people from outside Hong Kong to
by Elaine Morgan
by cmaccubbin
by pennstatenews
he combination of increased ageing and decreased fertility will result in a smaller workforce in Hong Kong over the next few decades. To boost it, to maintain quality and to increase productivity, economists and policymakers say that more people with skills and qualifications not available locally are needed.
meet manpower demands of local enterprises and to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the global market.” The UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have taken such an approach, based on personal credentials and professional skills or the submission of a business plan for self-employment.3 QMAS makes an initial selection on the basis of financial resources, good character, proficiency in Chinese or English, and a first degree or equivalent technical qualification. Those who clear the initial hurdle are then scored on a General Points Test (see box on page 24) or an Achievement-based Points Test. The latter is for those who have exceptional talents or achievements. Admissions in the past have included Olympic athletes and acclaimed musicians. There is no list of desirable skills but applicants are asked to nominate a sector of the economy in which they believe they would make their best contribution. Successful applicants are usually given a 12-month visa and are invited to apply for an extension of stay if they have found work.
23
Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Talking point Summary of the QMAS General Points Test
4
5
18-39
30
40-44
20
45-50
15
2011
45
Doctoral Degree / Two or more Master Degrees
40
Master Degree / Two or more Bachelor Degrees
35
Bachelor Degree / Professional Qualification awarded by a nationally or internationally recognized or acclaimed professional body which demonstrates that the holder has a very high level of technical expertise or skill
30
academic research and education, arts and culture, and commerce and trade No Quota
Work Experience (Maximum 50 points) 10 or more years' graduate/specialist level work experience, including 5+ years in senior role
50
5 or more years' graduate/ specialist level work experience, including 2+ years in a senior role
40
5 or more years' graduate or specialist level work experience
30
Not less than 2 years' graduate or specialist level work experience
10
Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points) Proficiency in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) and English
20
Proficiency in at least one foreign language (written and spoken) plus written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English
15
Proficiency in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English
10
Family Background (Maximum 20 points)
5
5.2 Accompanying spouse educated to the equivalent level of a degree or above
5
5.3 5 points for each accompanying unmarried dependent child under 18, maximum 10 points
5 / 10
Maximum 165 Points sources http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/hk-visas/quality-migrant-admission/points-based-tests.html
2012
Main industry sectors
Academic/Professional Qualifications (Maximum 45 points) Two or more Doctoral Degrees
8,105 (up 0.2% on 2011)
0
5.1 At least one immediate family member (spouse, parents, siblings, children) is a Hong Kong permanent resident residing in Hong Kong
24
8,088
by USACE HQ
3
Points
Age (Maximum 30 points)
51 or above 2
Recent admissions
Approval rate  80%+
by Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth
Factors 1
ASMTP facts and figures
The second scheme is for mainlanders exclusively and there is no quota. Called the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) it was implemented in 2003 and is also intended to enhance Hong Kong's manpower resources. Applicants for both schemes must possess skills and knowledge not readily available or in short supply locally.
Views on admission schemes from LegCo Population policy is discussed regularly by Hong Kong’s law-making body, the Legislative Council (LegCo). In its March 2013 deliberations, while recognizing that Hong Kong needs to attract and retain more talented people, Legco members were concerned about the possible negative impact of the schemes on employment opportunities for locals, especially young graduates. They asked why people from outside Hong Kong were admitted instead of enhancing education and training for local youth. In response, the government pledged to step up the promotion of youth employment in co-operation with NGOs and social enterprises. Careful monitoring to prevent possible abuse of the schemes was called for and it was noted that the issues would also be examined by the revamped Steering Committee on Population Policy.4
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Talking point QMAS facts and figures Recent admissions
1,651
Origin of applicants
1,834 (up 10% on 2011)
2011
2012
Mainland China
77.6% 3.3%
US, Canada, Australia
each
Main industry sectors
Other fields
commerce, finance, accounting, IT 50%+
medicine and health, sport, arts, culture Quota
Approval rate
1,000
27%+
by Hung Ho Yu Photography
View of a successful QMAS applicant “There are very clear requirements and definitions for QMAS. They include having enough assets to support yourself and your dependents in Hong Kong for a year without work. This means you need to show you have cash in the bank, property, stocks and shares. Information on this and reference letters from past employers needs to be as detailed as possible. You have to know which boxes to tick and be prepared for uncertainty, frustration and disappointment.”
View of an employer “Today, countries around the world are waking up to the fact that highly-talented professionals and entrepreneurial investors are mobile. A country’s economic prosperity is inextricably linked to its immigration policy, a case in point being Singapore. Singapore has long been known as Hong Kong’s key competitor in the region and has been steadily attracting investments, foreign capital and talented professionals.
(approx)
by Vancouver Pinpoint tactics
per annum
One of the key factors driving the economy forward is its open immigration policy. There is no denying that the open-door policy is a red hot political issue attracting criticism from the local community, but the reality is that it has worked to Singapore’s advantage.”5
Levelling the playing field Recent Hong Kong immigration policies have been shaped by the social, economic and political relationship with the mainland. This has led to policies that are different for mainlanders and non-Chinese. In order for QMAS to attract more talented professionals world-wide instead of mainly mainland applicants, measures could be adopted to emphasize languages other than Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Another measure would be to reduce the extra points given to applicants who bring dependents with them, as this tends also to benefit mainlanders for who relocation of dependents presents less of a hurdle.6 A third way to make QMAS less discriminatory would be to give points to applicants over 50 years old.
Sources 1. http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/faq/admission-scheme-mainland-talents-professionals.html 2. http://www.immd.gov.hk/pdforms/id(e)982.pdf 3. http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/panels/se/papers/secb2-legcobrief-e.pdf 4. http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/english/sec/library/1213in04_20130320-e.pdf 5. http://www.guidemehongkong.com/story/doing-business/hk-immigration-schemes-attract-top-talent 6. Wong Kwan-nok. Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Hong Kong Master’s dissertation, 2011. http://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/144131/3/FullText.pdf?accept=1
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Youth speak
The sandwich generation priorities, responsibilities and conflicts
F
ifteen young people, in their teens, 20s and early 30s, took part in a discussion on parents. Here are some of their views, doubts and hopes.
The younger people in this group are all at secondary school. The 20-30 somethings are all working in clerical or professional fields and included a mix of those who already had children or were expecting them, as well as those who had none yet, nor any immediate plans for child-rearing.
Sam It is my duty, both financially and emotionally. I could never forgive myself for not helping
Susy my parents if they needed me, but if I couldn’t afford much they would understand.
I hope I will be able to look after both
Pat my parents and my own children. For me, they would be equal priorities.
There is no question of weighing priorities for
Yvonne me. My main reason for taking care of them is
that I love them but I also feel morally obliged. I don’t think I would look after my
Mary parents only out of a sense of duty. I am
more than willing to help them and can’t imagine ever finding it inconvenient.
Rob Of course I cannot neglect my mum and dad,
but I also know my children will be my priority. I have a debt to repay and I hope one
Don day I will be able to make it up to my parents for looking after me.
Stanley I feel filial piety towards my parents. It is like love for me, traditional and unchanged.
Anna Parents will always love us. They gave their whole lives to take care of us. So we should do the same.
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June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth speak We asked whether they felt a moral obligation to look after ageing parents. All said they did and several also said their commitment came as much from love as from a sense of or duty. Others thought it was more a reciprocal responsibility that came from being looked after themselves as children. Filial piety is alive and strong in Hong Kong but commitment to elderly relatives can take second place if there are strong demands from offspring.
Even though I hope my children will care
Tanya for me I would never want to be a burden so
whatever they did or said I would always try to have enough money saved to look after myself. But in the end I doubt I would have enough.
Christine
Emma
For me, it depends on whether I am thinking of my mother or my father. I would do my utmost to look after my mum, especially when she is old. But I don’t feel any sense of duty towards my father. He has been irresponsible with both of us. We often disagree but I hope my relationship with my parents will improve over time. Nevertheless, I don’t think they will change. I think I will have to change but I will do so to repay them. I believe that the way I treat my parents
Patrick might affect the way my children treat me
when I am old but that doesn’t mean I expect anything from them. Actually, I doubt I would want their help. I want to be independent and am prepared to look after myself.
Doubt creeps in when a parent has done little to contribute positively to a child’s life or the child has suffered at the hands of a parent. Domestic disharmony of any kind also inevitably affects outlook, as does anxiety about creating a burden for the next generation. Some said they would only live together with parents if everybody in a multigenerational household got on well together. Some were also equivocal when asked whether they thought setting an example of being good to parents was an effective way to induce a sense of filial piety.
Given the ageing problem, I think the
Kurt government should take on the responsibility for looking after aged parents, not just us.
Rob I think that a universal pension scheme is a good idea but it still needs more planning. I would not expect my children to look
Bill after me even though I would definitely
look after my parents. I would be happy to contribute to a fully funded pension scheme. Some parents say they had children simply
Christine to have someone to care for them in old age. It’s quite normal. If both my own children and my parents needed help from me I think I would give priority to my children but I hope I never have to choose. Anyway, there should be a mandatory pension scheme run by the government as well. Even if parents have saved for their
Patrick old age, I think their children could
also contribute and there should be a government pension scheme as well.
It would be hard for me to let someone else
John look after my parents but if they insisted on
going into residential care maybe I would go along with it even though I wouldn’t want to. I’m always arguing with my parents so if I had to
Yvonne live with them it would just make things worse.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Youth speak
A teenager looks at his future by Ronald Tang
In future, I can imagine being married with a couple of kids while my parents are getting older and need my help. Who would have priority? I have thought a lot about this and I have decided that my new family would take precedence.
Even if I had a domestic helper to look after them it could have negative effects. If a maid helps children too much it makes them incapable of taking care of themselves. This is what many people called “Hong Kong kids.” I do not want my children to grow up like that. However, I could not neglect According to the Chinese adage, “filial piety is the top my parents. Perhaps there would be family days at priority,” my choice seems unjustified. Before giving my weekends or we could have lunch or dinner together. reasons, I should first say that I have a sister who is a few Grandparents also normally love to play with years older than me. That affects my decisions a lot. grandchildren. That would be a win-win situation. Financially, I do not think my parents will ever be completely dependent as they have their own pensions. If there were an urgent need, my sister could support them. She is older and would have a higher income than me. Obviously, I would also do my best to help, if my own family didn’t need me. I would need to share out my time, as well as money, on my dependents. Since I would be working, my spare time would be in the evening and I would give most of it to my children. Studies show that without parental care, children have a high chance of incomplete psychological development and stunted growth. Parental guidance is irreplaceable.
Ronald Tang, 16, is at St. Paul's Co-educational College. He lives in Tsuen Wan.
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What would I do if there was an emergency? If a child and a parent were sick at the same time? Serious diseases of the elderly are often chronic and require full-time care. I definitely would not give up my job to take care of my parents. Instead, I could hire nurses or domestic helpers. If a child gets sick it is usually because of a fever or a cold. In that case I would stay at home to take care of them. In fact, I would do my best to look after everyone, but my own children would take precedence. It is not about who I owe, but after long thought and analysis, I still think my new family would have higher priority.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Youth speak
Strong moral bonds but low expectations Moral bonds
China enacted an amendment to the “Law on
Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Aged” which came into effect in December 2012. It includes a visiting requirement and a stipulation that employers approve the necessary leave for visits. The law enables the elderly to seek legal recourse and prohibits “discrimination, insult, ill- treatment and abandonment.” The local government of Qufu, Confucius’ hometown has a requirement whereby all citizens pay their parents a monthly allowance. This ranges from 60 Is it a good idea to make it a legal obligation for grown-up yuan (HK$76) for farmers to 200 yuan (HK$253) for government officials. They must also pay for parents to children to be responsible for the care of their parents? have a monthly haircut and an annual health check. We look at some countries where such law is enforced. Hong Kong families, like many the world over, have a strong bond of moral responsibility based on reciprocity. This is typical of Confucianism but it is also a norm in many societies. However, it is under threat today, especially in China, because the birthrate is below replacement level. Fortunately, for many, the sense of responsibility is backed up by strong emotional ties, and in China, as elsewhere in Asia, by legal obligation.
India passed “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act” in 2007. It extends to most of India and to Indian citizens outside the country. It applies to parents, grandparents and senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves. Maintenance includes provision for food, clothing, residence, medical attendance and treatment. The maximum amount which may be ordered for maintenance of a senior citizen is Rupees 10,000 (HK$1,428) per month.
Singapore Singapore has the “Maintenance
by PhilBailey Photography
of Parents Act,” where residents aged 60 and above, who are unable to subsist on their own, can claim maintenance from children who are capable of offering support but do not. It provides for Singapore residents aged 60 and above. Parents can sue their children for maintenance, in the form of monthly allowances or a lump-sum payment. The Act also establishes the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents to decide on applications made under the Act.
Sources China http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/china-visit-aged-parents_n_2375122.html; South China Morning Post 22 April 2013 India http://www.helpageindiaprogramme.org/other/Brochures/Senior_Citizen_Act_Summary_Folder.pdf Singapore http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1614_2009-11-30.html
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Food, culture, sport
Go organic at the HKFYG café, shop and farm
R
ight in the heart of fashionable MidLevels, Organic 21, a new HKFYG youth social enterprise at 60 & 62B, Staunton Street, Central, is now open. If you like healthy, organic, natural foods, you’ll like this! “It was a real milestone when we opened the new shop and café in Staunton Street last month.” said manager, Cheryl. “We are using fresh produce some of which comes from the HKFYG Organic Farm. I look after the shop which is stocked with high quality food and drinks from around the world.” Menus change regularly but specialty dishes created by Chef Vince, a former Michelin restaurant star with a heart for the community, are a treat to behold. They taste as good as they look, with signature items based on the wonder grain quinoa. Vince explained, “Working here means that I get to know the customers and can be involved in the community. I get to know people who come regularly because they like our food. It’s so different from the Michelin restaurant where I spent 16 hours a day in the kitchen.” The Organic 21 shop at Staunton Street gets over 85% of its produce from the US, certified USDA organic. Special, signature items include the coconut series made from wholesome, Philippines products. A delivery service is available.
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Chef Vince and manager Hong Manager Cheryl and assistant Suki arrange a display of stock
“We waste as little as possible here. It’s part of our efforts to be ‘green'.”
Organic 21 Shop Many organic and natural products Signature coconut series from the Philippines Gluten-free snacks Baby food series Fine sauces Health drinks
DELIVERIES AVAILABLE
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Food, culture, sport Organic 21 is fast becoming a regular haunt of aficionados of attractive wholesome food. I enjoyed the walk down Staunton Street to the Federation’s well-situated, inviting Organic 21, where I found the food tasty and good value. I had the chance to chat to Vince, the chef, who has worked in distinguished Hong Kong and Macau restaurants and is now passing on his skills to young people as part of their vocational training. The day I went, the café’s aircon could have done with some adjustment but it was super cold in the shop. I will be going there again soon! Sue K.
Organic 21 Café and Shop Address 60 & 62B, Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong Opening hours Monday - Friday : 12 noon- 9pm Saturday - Sunday and public holidays : 10am- 9pm Wednesday closed Seats 20 Full a la carte and takeaway menu Contacts Café 3104 3134 Shop 3104 9284 Reservations and enquiries on venue hire 3104 9134 Full information from Cheryl 2130 4000 e-mail: cheryl.lee@hkfyg.org.hk
HKFYG Organic farm this summer Plans for expanding line of produce
Programmes for youngsters
Organic 21 orders many of its veggies from the HKFYG farm to fit the menu. There are plans to build signature items around seasonal crops throughout the year. Farm produce is also for sale.
A Day as an Organic Chef
DIY Natural Dyeing Class
Dates: Sunday 7 July & Sunday 18 August
Dates: Saturday 15 June & Saturday 20 July
Cost: HK$150/person
Cost: HK$350/person
Some sample prices
Age group 9 years or older
Activities
$35/600g Indian Lettuce $35/600g Cucumber $30/600g Tomato $50/600g Multicoloured Carrots $50/600g Sweet Corn $15/pc
Activities
learn how to use natural ingredients such as fruit and seeds as dyes
Italian Lettuce
organic farming: hands-on experience harvesting fresh produce preparing dishes Please note: Children under 11 will need parental supervision
decorate your own unique handkerchiefs, bags and table cloths
Full details organicfarm.hkfyg.org.hk Enquiries 2838 4808 email organicfarm.hkfyg.org.hk Summer on the farm
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Food, culture and sport
by redpolkadot
Passion, practice, patience Taking snapshots with your mobile phone or digital camera and uploading them on social media websites is popular today. But have you ever thought about what else you could do with your camera? Of course there are professional photographers out there who earn a living taking stunning photographs, but what can a student do with a camera? Last year, a Hong Kong university student called Michael started up a business on Nathan Road, Mong Kok. He sets up his booth every day after 4pm and takes instant photographs of passers-by with a classic Polaroid camera. On average, he takes around 300 photos each evening, charging only HK$20 for each. With the bustling background of Nathan Road, every one captures the unique taste of Hong Kong. Countless pairs of lovers, best friends, classmates, and even families have been to see him. What is the secret magic behind that Polaroid camera? Perhaps it is the vintage nostalgia of black and white photographs. Perhaps it is the street background that people fancy. Or perhaps it is simply the freshness of the idea. Whatever the reason, Michael is a perfect example of discovering your potential in something that fires your interest.
How could Michael have become so popular? Most of us could have done what he did. The answer comes in three Ps: passion, practice, and patience. Everyone has their own interests and talents, but not everybody has the courage to explore them to the full. Take Olympic athletes for example. How do they end up in sparkling stadiums representing their countries? Or prima ballerinas. How do they dance as if gravity does not exist? The first answer is practice. Practising not simply by following the same routine, but with patience, with no excuses, and without thinking they have reached their limits. We teenagers have creative young minds that will enable us to flourish, but are we brave enough to pursue our passion? The success of the student photographer in Mong Kok illustrates perfectly how important it is to be bold and brave. Everything is possible if we try.
by Tiffany Ip
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17, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
by Keith Allison (LA Lakers)
by Gordon Flood (Ronaldo at Manchester United)
Food, culture and sport
Sports and playing with friends Sports are an essential part of human history. Ever since the first caveman figured out that throwing rocks could be both fun and competitive, sports have dominated the news headlines, leisure time and much of the social scene. Even though individual and team sports may seem at first glance equal in popularity, team sports are the ones that fans buy kit for, squabble about, and cry over. So why it that team sports dominate the athletic scene?
an angry guard yelling at us. We still have more fun than we would alone, smacking a tennis ball against a wall, or watching a golf ball sail off a tee. But why is watching team sports on TV fun? Why do fans in Hong Kong stay up until 2am on a school day, just to watch players kick a ball around for 90 minutes? The answer is loyalty, both to the sport and to their favourite club.
Individual sports, have annual one-off tournaments. Golf, for example, has four Major Championships, the The first reason is the simple pleasure of spending time in Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship and good company. Everything is more enjoyable when you the PGA Championship. These tournaments amount have a friend to do it with, even a boring maths lesson. to virtually everything a golf fan can watch in a whole This is the basic logic behind the popularity of team year. Now compare this to the Barclays Premier League sports: you practise, you win and you lose with friends. which runs from August to May. With 20 teams and their fanatic supporters, it has a whopping 380 games The in-jokes over that horribly failed free throw or per season, so there is always something to discuss or the shared laughter over that crazy referee make it argue about. That is why individual sports such as all worthwhile. Even if you just play casually, the golf do not build anything like the loyalty that team fun is still there. My friends and I play football on sports create through continuity and consistency. an oval of unkempt grass, using trees as goals with
Practice, win and lose
cont'd
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Food, culture and sport
Spectate and participate Football teams like Manchester United and basketball teams like Miami Heat seem to defy logic with their international fan bases of millions. How do they reach out and touch the hearts of so many people all over the world? First, the sports themselves are popular worldwide. 250 million players of football in over 200 countries around the world would agree. So would the 400 million basketball players. Second, with television and the ability to broadcast the same match all over the globe, thousands of fans can be brought together for victories and losses. Finally, these clubs have hopped onto the social media band wagon. Manchester United has roughly 34 million ‘Likes’ on their Facebook page at the time of writing. Manchester City has 900,000 followers on Twitter. These methods allow them to get the younger generation interested and keep them updated.
One final aspect that makes team sports the choice of both spectators and supporters is the loyalty they create to the team, rather than individual players. As an example, let us look at the story of Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese football player. He started his career at Manchester United, and played there until 2009 when he left for Real Madrid. Even then, despite his popularity, the loyalty of legions of fans did not shift from Man U to Real Madrid. It stayed loyal to the club and found new talent in other players. In the words of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a retired American basketball player, “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.”
by fchmksfkcb
by Pradyumn Dayal Year 9, German Swiss International School
Part of the action Sport can be a drain on family finances. Not only that, the training and the action can take place at highly uncivilised times. So, is it worth it? According to a research report in Science Daily this year,* The North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey looked at a representative sample of 1,820 high school students and found that team sports may reduce violence and bullying. Findings indicated that boys who played team sports were less likely to report being bullied than boys who played individual sports. However, although girls who played either individual or team sports were less likely get into fights than those who didn’t, participation in any kind of sport made no such difference to the boys’ own behaviour, only to their susceptibility to bullies. The benefits of physical activity are well known but being part of a team also demands commitment, punctuality, encouraging your teammates, and both winning and losing graciously. Team sports also mean young people make friends outside school and learn how to work towards a common goal. A dedicated coach can have an amazing impact and some children will respond better to a coach than to a parent. Children who have early, positive experiences with coaches tend to seek out and learn from mentors later in life.
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*Source http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130505073740.htm
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Internetscope
Multimodal multimedia
Queenie Lau Youth Research Centre, HKFYG
M
ultimedia was the focus of a recent issue of the HKFYG Journal of Youth Studies1 and online gaming was one of the foci. Selected publications exploring attitudes to and side effects of online games are reviewed here.
120 age 15-24
110
age 25-34 age 35-44
100
age 45-54 age 55+
90 80 70 Month
J
M
A
M
F
D 01 2 J-2
N
S
O
J
60
A
Using the 11-minute Taiwanese micro movie, Temperature, as an example, she shows how technology influences relationships, creating an artificial distance between people that is a comfort for those who want to escape from the confusing experiences of growing up. Cold temperatures are symbolic of cool relationships, reluctance to get too close to other people and wanting to withdraw from social life. Hot temperatures symbolize warmth, passion and face-to-face interaction.
Figure 1 Time on the internet in Taiwan
11
Dr Ya-Chin Huang, of Shih Hsin University in Taiwan, has looked at the way multimedia has changed the way young people live.3 For them, having a smartphone in one hand with an iPad open in the other, is normal. Turning off their mobile devices is like turning off life. Technology “comes from what makes us human,” Dr Huang says. But what are the negative effects of these multimodal media?
Minutes
Buried in the screen
Dr Huang also writes about the physical and psychological health risks of too much time at the computer, such as osteoarthritis in the shoulders and wrists. She mentions short-sightedness as a result of texting, spending a lot of time looking down and focusing on a small screen instead of looking into the distance. The risk of developing a compulsive need to be online, or “Internet Addiction”, a term introduced by Dr Ivan Goldberg (see box on page 36), is also discussed by Huang. Figure 1 shows how the time Taiwanese people spend online has been escalating.
J-2 0
Many recent reports have focused on young people’s preoccupation with the internet, particularly online games. Some gamers play compulsively, to the exclusion of all else, and significant effects can include distress from withdrawal. As a result, the new edition of the primary diagnostic manual for psychiatric disorders 2 included “Internet Gaming Disorder” as a condition warranting more research.
Source ComScore Media Matrix, June 2012 In Journal of Youth Studies January 2013, Vol 16 (1) Serial no 31.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Internetscope Figure 2 Youth's views on online games
11%
1% 2%
11%
strongly dislike dislike quite like like
41%
Quite like online games
Online gaming: a real concern ‘Internet addiction’ was originally proposed in a satirical hoax by Ivan Goldberg, MD, in 1995. He took pathological gambling, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), as his model. However, internet disorder is now being taken seriously and ‘Internet Gaming Disorder’ has been identified in the fifth edition of the manual (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for further research. DSM-5, used by doctors worldwide, was published in May this year. It states that criteria for this condition are limited to internet gaming and do not include general use of the internet, online gambling or social media. Further information on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (2013), (DSM-5) at http://www.psychiatry.org/dsm5
Anonymous attraction A recent survey, organized by Professor Anthony YH Fung of the Chinese University of Hong Kong gives data on online gaming. Some of the statistics are cited in his article in the Journal of Youth Studies.4 Like Dr Huang, Professor Fung suggests that the attraction lies in the interactivity and anonymity of the games. Much more complex than the early computer games, they offer an escape from the real world and its problems. Young players don’t think they will become addicted, but the games can act as a trigger to compulsive use.
36
Figure 2 has data from Professor Fung’s 2011 survey5 which showed that over 40% of the young respondents
34%
definitely like no reply
Dislike online games Source Journal of Youth Studies January 2013, Vol 16 (1) Serial no 31.
actually disliked or even strongly disliked online games. Only 12% said they liked the games. In this survey, “online games” are defined as games that need software installed on computers. On average the 1524 year-olds spend nearly two hours a day playing them. The most popular, in order of preference, are “shooting, role-play, sport, mahjong and education.” About half of the respondents had negative views of online games, believing they were to blame for poor time management, bad moods and decreased performance. Figure 3 also shows that about 30% of the young players find playing games online for a long period exciting. About 20% of the young players agreed that they would become depressed or irritated if they cut down their online gaming time and had tried to do so but had failed. Overall, the findings reveal that young players do not find online games as evil as the general public would suppose. They also want teachers, parents and other adults to understand the reasons why young people as a whole rather like them. Much literature on this subject stems from evidence in Asia and centres on young men. Some studies suggest that pathways in the brain can be triggered by online gaming in the same way as a drug addict’s brain is affected by substance abuse. These prompt a neurological response that influences feelings of pleasure and reward. The extreme result is manifested as addictive behaviour.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Internetscope Figure 3 Young online game players’ self-assessment
strongly disagree
I get excited when I play online games for a long time
disagree
I carry on thinking about the game when I go offline
sometimes agree
I get depressed or irritated if I cut down on online games
strongly agree
I try to cut down but have failed I lie to my family and friends about how long I play 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Source Journal of Youth Studies January 2013, Vol 16 (1) Serial no 31.
Some good games
Online wisdom board game
Some online games can be good for the brain, researchers say. They can delay the ageing process by providing a mental challenge which can make minds sharper. The study comes at a time when there is much debate about why and how we age, how our minds gradually lose acuity, memory, attention, perception and problem solving skills. Some say that such a decline can begin as early as the age of 28.
The Federation’s Youth Wellness Centre (YWC), aware of the complexities and ambiguities that surround internet overuse by young people, organizes programmes on the subject for teachers, social workers, counsellors and parents. It has also developed a board game for youth, called Wise Net, which carries the message of sensible use of the internet in a novel medium.
There are also games that are good for the environment. One of these is Greenpeace’s Mermaid Death Squad, about unsustainable tuna fishing. The game has 20 levels, each of which is played in a different supermarket. The difficulty of winning increases as the levels go up and the supermarkets are known for different levels of friendliness or hostility to the environment and conservation. Sources http://www.telegraph.co.uk/games/10032372/Computer-games-can-make-your-brain-younger-study-finds.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/shark-vs-mermaid-death-squad-greenpeace_n_2981631.html
Contact YWC tel 2465 2828 http://ywc.hkfyg.org.hk Notes and sources 1. Summaries of articles in the Journal of Youth Studies, January 2013, Vol 16 (1) Serial no 31 can be found at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/?locale=en-US 2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, 2013. 3. Huang, Ya-chin. Journal of Youth Studies. 16(1) Serial 31. January 2013. pp 29-42 4. Fung, Anthony. Journal of Youth Studies.16(1) Serial 31. January 2013. pp 43-55.
Population studies next issue The forthcoming issue of the Federation's Journal of Youth Studies, expected in July 2013, will be on the theme of population studies.
5. Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Journalism & Communication. Hong Kong Internet Use and Online Gamer Survey, 2011. Findings of the random sample telephone survey of 800 15-45 year-olds. It distinguishes between age groups, gender, socio-economic background and types of internet game. Its aims were to provide data to government for policymaking and to offer industry stakeholders data about consumer behavior. The survey was commissioned by the HKSAR Research Grants Council and supported by the Hong Kong Game Industry Association.]
Contact: Queenie Lau email: queenie.lau@hkfyg.org.hk Abstracts: in due course at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Internetscope
Khan Academy education for by eclectic echoes
anyone, anywhere In 2004, Salman Khan started making Youtube videos to help his cousins with their homework. Today, he helps over ten million students around the world with theirs. The Khan Academy was conceived by Salman Khan in 2006 with the mission of "providing a high quality education for anyone, anywhere.” You may be wondering how one can quantify the effect that Khan Academy has had globally. Here are a few statistics for you: Khan Academy videos have been viewed over 200 million times in the past 2 years 6 million students currently used it each month 750 million questions have been solved by them Users ask about fifteen questions a second This content is part of about 20,000 classrooms worldwide Khan Academy videos have been translated into 24 languages.
The Khan Academy began an education revolution by using the most important tool to engage today’s generation: the internet. Though critics argue that Khan Academy leaves children staring at their screens, devoid of interaction or engaged learning, as a user I feel that the animated voice of Salman with the neon scribbling and the opportunity to pause and repeat what I don’t understand, really does give this site an edge over classroom learning. Not only does it give me an opportunity to learn in a way I find comfortable but it also provides practice questions and tests to follow up on.
For me, it is an addition to the classes I attend as a university student. However, for many, it is the only form of education they get. As such, it has the potential to break down barriers to obtaining education. Now anyone, anywhere in the world can access this large database of information and be on a par with the best students in Harvard or MIT. The concept behind the Khan Academy allows students to progress in terms of their own intellectual development. This means that a ten year old could be learning the same as a sixteen year old. One example of this is Matthew Carpenter, a ten year-old who uses Khan Academy to solve inverse trigonometric functions: a topic that is not taught till the tenth grade of school. The site automatically directs students to new topics that they can move on to and gives suggestions for exercises and other topics under the same umbrella. Everyone knows that one-to-one tutoring is more effective than sitting in a classroom with a thousand students and Khan Academy gives students a platform to engage in one-to-one tutorials without the hefty fees of private tutors. The potential of Khan Academy to harness the talent of the “internet generation” is immense. This is what has drawn such bountiful funding from sources such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Google. The widespread use of the online platform means that Sal’s familiar baritone voice is now part of many households around the world.
by Kanika Bali
38
is doing a BBA at The University of Hong Kong
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Internetscope
Debate about the Khan Academy There is much discussion and some controversy about the Khan Academy. We present the following comments from a students, teachers and a reply from Salman Khan to give a balanced perspective. From Robert Talbert, Mathematics Department at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan: “Khan Academy is a collection of video lectures that give demonstrations of mechanical processes… Khan Academy is not a substitute for an actual course of study in mathematics. It is not a substitute for a live teacher. And it is not a coherent curriculum of study that engages students at all the cognitive levels at which they need to be engaged.” http://chronicle.com/blognetwork/castingoutnines/2012/07/03/the-trouble-withkhan-academy/
From Karum Kai Ani, Founder, Mathalicious, a mathematics teaching programme: “Sal Khan has done something remarkable in creating such a vast and varied library, and he deserves to be recognized. The real problem with Khan Academy is … the danger that we believe the promise of silver bullets – of simple solutions to complex problems – and in so doing become deaf to what really needs to be done.”
The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit educational website created in 2006 by Bangladeshi American educator Salman Khan, whose Indian mother is from Kolkata and whose Bangladeshi father is from Barisa. Khan graduated from MIT and Harvard Business School. The website supplies a free online collection of over 4,000 YouTube video tutorials, most of which are conducted by the quirky 37 yearold himself, using a Wacom tablet computer as a teaching aid. Offline versions of the videos have also been distributed by notfor-profit groups to rural areas in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. I have been using Khan Acdemy for a year and it is extremely helpful. I think I have improved in maths by using it at home. It helps me build on what I ‘ve learnt in class, review lessons from previous years and see how to work out problems when I am stuck. I also like seeing the answers after doing a sum and moving up a level when I’m ready. However, if I don’t understand the video, there is nobody to explain it. It is quite an isolated way to learn. Still, I would recommended Khan Academy to anyone who wants to improve their maths or play for the love of the subject!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/khan-academy-the-hypeand-the-reality/2012/07/23/gJQAuw4J3W_blog.html
Shakti Jacotă,
by Sixth Lie
From Salman Khan: “No organization should be upheld as a magic bullet for education woes. We have never said that we are a cure-all and think we have a lot to do just to fulfill our potential as a valuable tool for students and teachers.” http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/sal-khan-responds-tocritic/2012/07/25/gJQA83rW9W_blog.html.
Y6, Bradbury School Hong Kong
Do you or your students use Khan Academy? Tell us what you think of it by sending feedback to youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
City space
WEEE S
GO Green
by HKFYG's Kevin Chan (Environment Officer) and Ada Chau (Development Officer) The SJS WEEE Go Green Recycling Centre
ince 2003, St. James’ Settlement (SJS) has been cooperating with the Environmental Protection Department to launch the “WEEE” (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) Recovery and Recycling Pilot Programme. The service expanded in 2010 with the support of the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). We visited a comprehensive, 50,000 square foot WEEE Recycling Centre at Eco Park Phase II in Tuen Mun to look at progress.
Ecopark in Tuen Mun The vision of SJS is to promote a new green culture of WEEE recycling and proper disposal of recycled items to help the needy. Through donations and refurbishment, discarded appliances no longer of use to their original owners can be regenerated to benefit the needy.
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Seasonal patterns and needs are reflected in the kinds of WEEE collected at different times of year. SJS receives relatively large numbers of fans during winter time, but lots of stoves are collected during summer. All items donated to WEEE are inspected by “Body Check” workers and classified as “functional WEEE” and “non-usable WEEE”.
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
City space
Where does it all come from? Individual donors Government initiated collection campaigns NGOs, like Crossroads Public enterprises and owners' corporations
Functional WEEE: refurbishment, donation and charity sales Normally, around 20% of WEEE can be refurbished and reused. After ensuring the appliances are functioning properly and safely, they are donated to needy grassroots families, the chronically ill, and the disabled or disaster victims. Urgent cases after destructive floods or fires, like the one at Fa Yuen Street last year, are given priority. Some reusable appliances are not suitable for donation, toasters for example. These are sent to charity sales if possible, and the profit is ploughed back into the WEEE Go Green Project.
Inspection and refurbishment by registered technicians
Successful stories of WEEE reuse & recycle:
donors, beneficiaries and corporate volunteers
Around 300 refurbished appliances including refrigerators, washing machines and TVs have been delivered by CLP Power Hong Kong volunteers for the benefit of 150 needy families. When one woman got a CRT TV, she told SJS that she hadn’t been able to watch TV at home for a year because she could not afford a TV. Some large corporations, like Siemens, provide training for SJS electrical workers who need to learn how to repair and maintain Siemens' appliances.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
City space Non-usable WEEE: dismantling and recycling Dismantling material for recovery and recycling is essential to maximize resources. 5 main steps are followed: 1. Removal of external casing, enclosure and components 2. Removal of cables, and shredding of stranded cables 3. Removal of hazardous chemicals 4. Disassembly of major components 5. Value-added processing and sorting Basically, all parts and components of the appliances can be recycled, including plastic, ferrous metal, copper, aluminum and steel, printed circuit boards, motors, transformers, compressors and cables. The value of some components such as the copper powder is much higher after shredding and separating of cable strands. All these recyclable materials are sold to appropriate local or overseas recyclers for manufacturing.
Recycling Old Computers: The WEEE Go Green centre does not have a safe and efficient solution, especially for hard discs. Therefore, they send all old computers they collect to another centre to permanently remove the computer data with a high technology degaussing machine.
p Cases are removed
p Parts are collected
p Materials are sorted
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p Circuit boards and plastic parts
p Copper wire is removed and powdered
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
City Space WEEE Go Green Education Centre An Education Centre sponsored by CLP Power Hong Kong provides smart tips on electricity usage and better ways to recycle WEEE. Other companies, schools and community bodies are welcome to visit. By taking a tour, visitors can understand better the importance of handling WEEE well and spread the message of WEEE recycling.
Mr. Mak Fung-Chi, who is in charge of the WEEE Go Green Centre, says Hong Kong people dispose of more than 70,000 tonnes of WEEE each year, according to Environmental Protection Department statistics. Of the total, about 670 tonnes are collected by the WEEE Go Green project. SJS normally repairs around 134 tonnes and the items are donated to the needy. However, the project cannot be sustained without the ECF funding because the income generated by selling recyclables is so low.
If you have WEEE items you would like to recycle, you can take them to any of our 20 Youth SPOT Collection Points or other SJS Collection Points. Please visit http://weeegogreen.sjs.org.hk and http://gogreen.hkfyg.org.hk/ for more information.
Join us and take action for corporate eco responsibility.
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
HKFYG
Summer leaders summer nights T summer care
he Federation has many activities for young people this summer. There are the leadership programmes, HK200 and the Summer School for Effective Leadership and there is the Summer Youth Programme, sizzling with 4,500 fun, absorbing activities for children and youth at a loose end during the vacation.
Project Dance Camp
Summer Childcare
Love Summer Live Snap
From 12 noon till 4pm the next day, this annual 2-day dance camp at the HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp offers a chance to practice dance steps, exchange ideas and get to know the pros.
Relief child day care for families with working parents is an essential service and will become even more important as Hong Kong’s workforce shrinks. HKFYG offers such services all year round and this summer programme provides further back-up during the school holidays, a crunch time for mothers and fathers.
A new programme this year, sponsored by Love Ideas• Love Hong Kong – which aims to give young people a chance to capture the best of Hong Kong on film and to share their images with community, families and friends.
Dates Saturday – Sunday 27-28 July
Dates Monday – Friday 15 July till 30 August, 2pm-6pm
Dates 2 & 3 August, 9 August, 24 August
Venue HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Cost HK$450 includes overnight at the camp, meals and transport
Venue HKFYG Jockey Club Kwai Fong Youth SPOT Cost HK$2,300
Age group 14-25 year-olds
Quota 16 children
Quota 120
Age group 6-12 year-olds
Cost HK$ 180, includes overnight at the camp, meals and transport
Activities
Activities
Age group 14-24 year-olds
Classes with famous teachers on Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Popping, House, and Urban Dance
Visits to Legco, a riding school, the Hong Kong Railway Museum and a day camp
Quota 16
Dance appreciation sessions with HKFYG’s Project Dance Studio and local dance troupes A finale dance party to let your hair down
Contact Terrence Zee, HKFYG Jockey Club Farm Road Youth SPOT tel 2715 0424 email terrence.zee@hkfyg.org.hk
Daily homework tutoring in Chinese, English, Mathematics, Liberal Studies Communication skills, speech skills and learning about team spirit Sports for all-round development Parent –child progress meetings Crafts including making photo frames, wind bells and sand bottles
Please note Families in need of financial support are welcome to apply for discounts Contact Yu Fan, HKFYG Jockey Club Kwai Fong Youth SPOT tel 2423 1366 email kfit@hkfyg.org.hk
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Venues HKFYG Jockey Club Wang Tau Hom Youth SPOT, Central and Sheung Wan, Lamma Youth Camp
Activities Overnight camp on Lamma Island: Friday 3pm- Saturday 3pm 2-3 August Experience Day: Friday 9 August 10am-6pm Volunteer Day: Saturday 24 August 2pm-6pm
Contact Lily Tse, HKFYG Jockey Club Wang Tau Hom Youth SPOT tel 2337 7189 email lily.tse@hkfyg.org.hk
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
HKFYG
Summer School for Effective Leadership 2013: an Overture to Global Leadership The summer school gives participants a unique opportunity to learn about the problems that confront humanity. They also learn leadership skills, improve their critical thinking and reasoning abilities and strengthen interpersonal communication. All this takes place while they get a real feel for campus life by staying in university halls of residence.
Co-organizers HKFYG and General Education Unit, The University of Hong Kong Dates Thursday 18 July Saturday 27 July
Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project funded by Commission on Youth The HKFYG Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project will take about 200 students to the mainland this summer in early August. The focus is on learning about the economic and social transformation of Pearl River Delta Region. This takes place in the context of experiential learning opportunities which give young people with strong leadership potential the tools and skills to develop their qualities and competencies for proactive community participation.
Dates 4-8 August (tentative) Location Guangzhou City
Venue The University of Hong Kong
Quota Approximately 200
Cost HK$8,400 including full board and lodging
Activities
Age group senior secondary school
Teaching migrant workers' children
Quota 130 local, mainland and overseas students
Exchange with local student
Activities include Meeting community leaders Dialogue sessions with distinguished HKU alumni Traditional high table dinner
Visits to heritage sites and government officials
Contact Leadership 21 tel 2169 0255 email leadership21@hkfyg.org.hk More information at http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk
Please note Participants in financial need may apply for a full fee waiver via their nominee Full attendance is mandatory for the 10-day-9-night programme with shared-room accommodation at a university dormitory
Contacts General Education Unit, HKU tel 2241 5044 email gened@hku.hk
The full Summer Youth Programme brochure is at http://syp.hkfyg.org.hk
Leadership 21, tel 2169 0255 email leadership21@hkfyg.org.hk http://gened.hku.hk/ssel2013
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
HKFYG
2013 China Week Understanding Chinese history and culture on film
T
o celebrate China Week, from 3 till 9 July, HKFYG is holding a festival of Chinese films in the hope that it will encourage youth to understand Chinese history and culture better. The earliest Chinese movie was made about 100 years ago. Today, the Federation hopes that young people can learn from and appreciate the evolution of this popular art form while gaining a deeper understanding of the history and culture that lies behind the films being shown during China Week 2013.
Back to 1942
3 July 2013 2.30pm
4 July 2013 2.30pm
9/F, Auditorium, HKFYG Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point
9/F, Auditorium, HKFYG Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point
420 seats
420 seats
Running time 146 minutes
Running time 133 minutes
Language Mandarin, English, Japanese
Language Mandarin
Seminar The Relationship between movies, culture and heritage
Seminar From movies to Chinese philosophy
Speaker Dr. Tam King-fai, Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Culture, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Directed by Feng Xiaogang and starring Zhang Guoli, Chen Daoming and Li Xuejian, this film is based on a novel by Liu Zhenyun who also wrote the screenplay. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War at the time of a major famine in Henan, it explores themes of government corruption, tragedy and treachery. This “surprise film” at the 2012 International Rome Film Festival has been described by The Guardian as “a big populist spectacle...that gives us history written in banner headlines and trumpeted by bugles.”
After the movies, there will be seminars with guest speakers. This will give the student audience a chance to exchange ideas about the meaning of the movies, the philosophy behind them and the concepts they embody.
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A Battle of Wits
Speaker Professor Cheng Chung-yi, Department of Philosophy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Directed and produced by Hong Kong’s Jacob Cheung, and starring Andy Lau, Ahn Sung-ki and Wang Zhiwen, this 2006 film that is also known as “Battle of the Warriors” is based on a Japanese historical novel and manga series, “Bokko.” Set in 370BC during the Warring States period it carries a strong anti-war and humanist message. It was a joint production of mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.
With thanks from organizer HKFYG to Co-organizer: Southern Film Company Limited Supporting Organizations CNEX Foundation Limited Lee Hysan Foundation Emperor Movies Limited Sundream Motion Pictures Limited
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
HKFYG
The Piano in a Factory
The Grandmaster
My Way
5 July 2013 2.30pm
8 July 2013 2.30pm
9 July 2013 2.30pm
HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21
HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21
LG2/F, Shek Pai Wan Shopping Centre, Aberdeen
LG2/F, Shek Pai Wan Shopping Centre, Aberdeen
9/F, Auditorium, HKFYG Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point
260 seats
260 seats
Running time 72 minutes
Running time 107 minutes
Running time 130 minutes
Language Cantonese
Language Mandarin
Language Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese
Seminar From movies to Chinese Traditional Arts
Seminar From movies to Chinese chivalry
Speaker Ms Tang Yuen-ha, Founder & Artistic Director of the Jingkun Theatre
Seminar From movies to Chinese ethics and humanities Speaker Dr. Lo Wai-luk, Associate Professor, School of Communication, The Hong Kong Baptist University Directed by Zhang Meng and starring Qin Hailu and Wang Qianyuan, this 2010 mainland Chinese drama tells the story of a father’s wish to realize his daughter’s dream of owning a piano. Set in the 1990s, it reveals how optimism can triumph over adversity when the father and his friends build a piano made of steel.
420 seats
Speaker Dr. Chun Chun-fai, Scholar of wuxia novels of Jin Yong Directed by Wong Kar-wai and starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi and Chang Chen, this Hong Kong martial arts drama chronicles the life of the Wing Chun grandmaster, Ip Man. Beginning in 1930s Foshan, it includes his flight to Hong Kong after the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the events leading to his death in the 1970s. Variety magazine reviewed it as “a 1930s action saga ... [with] ...one of the most propulsive yet ethereal realizations of authentic martial arts on screen.” It has been a box office hit and is Wong Kar-wai’s highest grossing film to date.
Directed by Cheuk Cheung and starring Tam Wing-lun and Wong Hau-wai, this Hong Kong film is about ten years in the lives of two young men. Both are passionate Cantonese Opera actors and both initially choose to play female characters, a traditional role neglected today. With perseverance, they succeed against the odds. Although one of them eventually begins to play male roles, their longlasting friendship remains unchanged.
Kick off Ceremony Date: Wednesday 3 July 2013 Time: 2.30pm Venue: 9/F Auditorium, HKFYG Building
Download the HKFYG App to reserve free seats
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
HKFYG
M21 getting into gear M
21, the HKFYG Jockey Club multimedia centre that opened in Aberdeen this spring, is moving up a gear for the rest of this year with a number of exciting programmes coming on stream. The centre’s anchor personnel gave Youth Hong Kong the background.
Unleashing potential Video Production: Idea to Screen M21 has funding from the Commission on Youth for a series of video production workshops from 15 July to 10 August. They are for secondary school entrants who took part in the Short Film Contest organized by the Home Affairs Department and will be held at M21 in Aberdeen.* Programme anchor Cherry Chan, explained: “The objectives are to widen young people’s horizons by fostering their creativity through visual expression which reflects Hong Kong core values.” Director, Jeremy Yung gives a lecture on Video Production from Idea to Screen at the kick-off ceremony on 30 June in The Hong Kong Central Library Lecture Theatre and video directors, Kim Ming Lam and Nickel Liong conduct the training workshops this summer. Contact Cherry tel: 3979 0043 email cherry.chan@hkfyg.org.hk
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Charles Yip, the anchor for this ongoing project, sponsored by Microsoft YouthSpark Grants and running through till December this year, told us about its components and aims. “The intention with Unleashing Potential is to interest young people in professions in the ICT industry. They will get real work experience through a placement scheme and have the chance to upgrade their skills with Microsoft technology.” The third component of the project is experiential. Exploring Media Tours give participants the opportunity to try out their skills with Kinect applications, try out hands-on video clip production, and do some computer game debugging. Training will take place at M21 and job placement will be through the HKFYG Youth Employment Network. Contact Charles tel 3979 0020 email charles.yip@hkfyg.org.hk
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Further reading
Integrity: Micro Movie Production One2free Road Safety app competition and training Sally Ching is the lead contact for this mobile game app competition, judged by Dr Hubert Chan and Mr Tony Hau of the Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK) and Mr Ricky Chong, Director, Product & Services/Marketing, CSL. The competition is being followed by mentored, in-depth training on app development. Run in collaboration with the CAHK and the Office of the Communications Authority, the training takes place from June to August. Sally told us about the finalists* in the competition. “They are students in secondary education and M21 has appointed professional app developers from LogicToken Co Ltd and Aspiring Technologies Ltd to teach them about the concepts. The winners will be very excited because they have the chance to showcase their apps at the CAHK 30th Anniversary Ceremony in October.” *Finalists in the one2free app competition Champions Name: School:
Or Ka-bo, Cheung Cheuk-nam, Ling Ka-hong Po Leung Kuk, Mrs Ma Kam MingCheung Fook Sien College
First Runners Up Name: Tsoi Ying-tung, Hui Ka-wai, Sham Yuk-wah, Lee Kai-kuen School: Man Kiu College Second Runner Up Name: Kwong Ka-wai School: Pak Kau College
Contact Sally tel 3979 0021 email sally.ching@hkfyg.org.hk
“The ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) is funding this scheme ,” says CK Chow, the programme anchor. “It’s running till the end of 2013 at the HKFYG Jockey Club M21 Media Centre. Top shortlisted entries will get sponsorship of up to HK$20,000 each for their micro movie production.” The emphasis of this project, supported by the ICAC, is on creativity and production experience. Selection criteria include quality of scripts and proposals and the impact of the micro movies’ message about integrity. Contact CK Chow tel 3979 0040 email ck.chow@hkfyg.org.hk
DAB pilot projects: DSE Diary and After Setback Josy Lai anchors for these two multimedia programmes which have pilot project funding from Radio Television Hong Kong’s new Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) channel. From July 2013-January 2014, the projects will help educate young people through radio drama series. Josy told us: “DSE Diary encourages 15-30-year-olds faced with examinations, while After Setback focuses on stories of young people who cope with problems in their personal or family life. The dual aims are training young radio producers through hands-on production and guiding them in study and career paths.” Contact Josy tel 3979 0040 email josy.lai@hkfyg.org.hk
*These are just some of the activities taking place at the HKFYG Jockey Club M21, Unit No.2, LG2/F, Shek Pai Wan Shopping Centre, Shek Pai Wan Estate, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. For full information go to www.m21.hk
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Youth Hong Kong | June 2013
Perspectives
T
his page carries news and views on topics recently covered in Youth Hong Kong. This time it is about poverty, the theme of the March issue and trying to integrate as a young mainlander. You are most welcome to share your perspective with us.
Letter to the editor in response to the March 2013 issue, on poverty
New book: the experience of a teenage mainland immigrant
Dear editor,
Lok Jai, born in Hong Kong 17 years ago, was what is now called a “Type II” baby. His mainland Chinese parents do not have permanent residency rights here. He is their second child. His mother gave birth to him here to avoid the penalties of China’s One-Child policy.
I would like to bring to your attention a remarkable charity operating in Cambodia that I visited recently with my family. It is called: PSE “Pour un Sourire d'Enfant” (for a child's smile). This charity was initially aimed at kids working on the municipal rubbish dump in absolutely unacceptable conditions. PSE started by providing a warm breakfast for them on the dump. Then the charity proposed swapping the income earned by the kids for rice given to the parents. In exchange the parents would let their kids go to school.
PSE kindergarten pupils after breakfast
From the very beginning, the objective has been to give the kids an education, food and, if needed, protection from adults. Now the charity is helping 6,000 kids, providing education from primary school to A level, as well as some vocational training to make sure they have a job when they leave PSE.
His life is tough, unlike his name which means “happy.” He has been living in a 200-square-foot sub-divided flat in Sham Shui Po since 2011 when his parents sent him back to be educated here. School fees in his hometown cost HK$76,000 a year, a lot more than a government school in Hong Kong. They are high because Lok Jai is a second child and he has no hukou which would give him the right to residency benefits in China. Now, his parents come to Hong Kong alternately to look after him. His father cannot work because he lost a leg in a car accident. They travel on 3-month visas and Lok Jai works seven-hour part-time shifts in a cha chaan-teng (café) at weekends to make a living. He makes enough to pay for rent, food and transport, as well as having some left over to send home. Still, he has found time to write his story which has been published recently in Hong Kong. Its English title is Child in a Sub-Divided Apartment. Lok Jai “I came here and I will try my best to adapt. I look for reasons to be successful, not excuses for failure, but I feel caught between two identities.” Lok Jai: Child in a Sub-Divided Apartment
Teachers in Cambodia earn less than US$100 per month. Needless to say, social services are almost non-existent. PSE allows its beneficiary kids to find a job straight after school. This way they escape from a cycle of misery. I think this is the best criterion for evaluating the efficacy of such an NGO.
ISBN: 9789888122967 Price: HK$ 68.00 Publisher: Red Corporation Ltd (Green Forest Culture). Voted one of the Top 10 Good Books for Secondary Students, a poll organized by the Professional Teacher’s Union.
Martin Sebaux Repulse Bay Ed: According to Index Mundi, http://www.indexmundi.com/cambodia/population_ below_poverty_line.html in Cambodia, 31%* of the people are below the poverty line.
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For more information about "Pour un Sourire d'Enfant" visit www.pse.asso.fr
Courtesy of Red Corporation Ltd
June 2013 | Youth Hong Kong
Further reading Sources from several articles in this issue, plus further reading on population policy, are listed here. For full details of other sources please contact the editor, email youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk. Population policy in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas pages 6-8
10 http://populationcommission.nic.in/npp.htm
• Census & Statistics Department, HKSARG. Hong Kong Population Projections 2012-2041; Women and Men in Hong Kong: key statistics (2012); 2011 Population Census: graphic guide. (2012)
11 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration#JapanS 12 http://www.ipss.go.jp/site-ad/index_english/esuikei/gh2401e.asp
• Steering Committee on Population Policy. Progress Report 2012.
13 http://www.ipss.go.jp/site-ad/index_english/esuikei/gh2401e.asp
• Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. Reports on the Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. 2007 and 2012.
14 http://www.newstatesman.com/asia/2009/03/japan-population-growth 15 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_of_Japan#Government_policies
• Hong Kong’s Population Policy. Legislative Council Secretariat Information Note. March 2013.
16 http://www.durexnetwork.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/ Research%20-%20Face%20of%20Global%20Sex%202008.pdf 17 http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=rp&v=24
pages 16-17
18 http://www.consciencelaws.org/law/commentary/legal055-002.aspx
Statistics are from the Hong Kong SAR Government Census and Statistics Department (CSD), the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook, or courtesy of Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim, unless otherwise footnoted. CSD statistics refer to 2011, the latest year available, or projections.
19 http://business.inquirer.net/46549/growing-population-a-boonor-a-drag-to-a-more-developed-philippines-by-2050 20 http://www.eastwestcenter.org/fileadmin/stored/pdfs/POPop123.pdf 21 http://www.prb.org/Articles/2010/koreafertility.aspx
1 http://www.swd.gov.hk/doc/elderly/ERCS/List%20 of%20RCH%20item(a)(31-12-2012)2.pdf
22 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/south-koreascours-himalayas-for-staff-as-population-ages.html
2 http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/housing/publichousing/elderlyhousing.htm
23 Ministry for Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs, The Basic Plan on Aging Society and Population of Korea (Seoul: Ministry for Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs, 2010).
3 http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/salaries/allowances/allowances/allowances.htm
24 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/04/168615553/south-koreaprepares-the-young-for-a-rapidly-aging-population
4 http://www.gendercide.org/case_infanticide.html
24 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_control_in_Singapore
pages 18-19
26 http://population.sg/
1 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/sep/22/france.jonhenley1 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France#Demographics 3 http://www.docstoc.com/docs/125011213/Population-Policy-Pro-natalist-in-France 4 http://www.oecd.org/els/emp/Older%20Workers%20France.pdf
30 http://www.sgplan.com/sgPlan-library/others/aging-population-in-singapore
6 http://populationcommission.nic.in/npp.htm
31 http://app.msf.gov.sg/Portals/0/Summary/research/CAI_report.pdf
7 http://www.2point6billion.com/news/2010/08/23/india-offeringcash-incentives-to-control-birthrates-6816.html
32 http://www.migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/migobs/Public%20 Opinion-Overall%20Attitudes%20and%20Level%20of%20Concern.pdf
8 http://www.icrw.org/media/news/motivation-prevent-child-marriage
33 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1388472/UK-immigrationboosted-population-1-75m-8-years.html#ixzz2RNLhhkBC
9 http://ppdsec.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/is-indiamoving-towards-population-stabilization/
Youth HONG
KONG
March 2012
Volume 4 Number 1
34 http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/focus/britains-greying-population/
a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
June 2012
Volume 4 Number 2
Youth HONG
28 http://www.heybaby.sg/summaryofmeasures.html 29 http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/singapores-totalfertility-rate-sees-slight-improvement-1
5 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57448389/franceto-lower-retirement-age-to-60-for-some/
a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
27 http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/singapores-totalfertility-rate-sees-slight-improvement-1
a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
September 2012
Volume 4 Number 3
Youth
KONG
HONG
KONG
a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups
December 2012
Volume 4 Number 4
Youth HONG
KONG
Job hunting Real choice or limited options
YOUTH SPEAK Earning, prospects, fulfilment INTERVIEWS Herman Chan Careers and Placement at HKU Stanley Ng Choosing paths, changing tracks Virginia Choi Matching expectations YOUTH WATCH Statistics on money and careers
Youth, crime and rehabilitation
FEATURES Kara Chan on consumerism
Advertise in Youth Hong Kong, the magazine for all who are interested in young people. Visit youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk for full details.
HKFYG would like to acknowledge with thanks the use of a photograph taken by Benny Lam, courtesy of SOCO, for the cover of the March issue of Youth Hong Kong.
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香港青年協會
www.hkfyg.org.hk．www.m21.hk．www.u21.hk
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 7108．Fax : 3755 7155．Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk．youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian 香港青年