Yhk 7 4 pathways to the world of work

a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

Youth HONG

KONG

December

2015

Volume 7 Number 4

Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) Angela Ngai Lakshmi Jacotă William Chung Henry Poon CIRCULATION (unaudited) 11,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas

OVERVIEW

INTERVIEWS

REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited INTERVIEWS Elaine Morgan Ada Chau

12-22 YOUTH SPEAK

23-31

Ada Chau & Angela Ngai PHOTOGRAPHS Edited by Suki Mak and Sam Suen

by Asian Development Bank flickr.com/photos/asiandevelopmentba nk/8426673720/

TRANSLATION

by See-ming Lee flickr.com/photos/seeminglee/9160353176/

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Vocational Training Council Cheung Tung-ching Cindy Wong Wendy William Chow Yuen Man-ho Ah Chun Lakshmi Jacotă Jess Yeung Cheney Cheng Virginia Addison Ada Chau Kenneth Chen Wei-on HKFYG Youth Research Centre

PERSPECTIVES EVENTS

Acknowledged as captioned, stock images,

by Vocational Training Council

by Elaine Morgan or in public domain ARTWORK Sam Suen, DG3 DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING DG3 Asia Ltd

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 was founded in 1960 and is the city’s largest non-profit youth organization. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations have annual attendance of 5 million.

CORE SERVICES Youth SPOTs, M21 Multimedia Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk Services, Counselling Services, Parenting Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services, Education Services, Creativity Education and Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, Research and Publications WEB hkfyg.org.hk m21.hk MEDIA PARTNERS Education Post

Cover image

flickr.com/photos/ scania/6174531411/ “Scania Top Team - Team China”

by Adventures of KM&G-Morris channel pilot flickr.com/photos/mzmo/15997137590/

ISSN 2071-3193 WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk

December 2015 Volume 7 Number 4

Contents 7-11

VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and interviewees, may come from official sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or publisher

Hong Kong

by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Australia AID flickr.com/photos/ dfataustralianaid/10667266075/

EDITORIAL BOARD

Youth

4-6

32-41 YOUTH WATCH ARTS & CULTURE CITY SPACE

42-51 HKFYG

by USAID flickr.com/photos/ usaidasia/16523390337/

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

by ILO in Asia and the Pacific f lickr.com/photos/iloasiapacific/10323795384/

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly

OVERVIEW 4 Choosing routes to work INTERVIEWS 7 Time to change perceptions

Carrie Yau

Executive Director,

Vocational Training Council 10 Skills shortages

Stanley Wong

Chairman, Young Executives Committee,

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce YOUTH SPEAK 12 Chef: Cheung Tung-ching 14 Shop assistant: Cindy Wong 15 Printing job controller: Wendy 17 Hairdresser: William Chow 18 Engineer: Yuen Man-ho 19 Car mechanic: Ah Chun 22 Pharmacy assistant: Anna PERSPECTIVES 23 GPS: Finding the right direction

Youth Employment Network 24 Career paths: showcasing alternatives

Jess Yeung & Cheney Cheng EVENTS 26 Hong Kong Christmas Tree and Concert YOUTH WATCH 32 Taking the vocational route

Jennifer Lam ARTS & CULTURE 36 Tea culture 38 The Intern: film review

Ada Chau CITY SPACE 39 Christmas jewellery sale 40 STEPs to social innovation HKFYG 42 Vision for a school

Kenneth Chen Wei-on 44 Turning Point Award 46 Youth Service Award 48 Youth IDEAS think tank reports 51 Community sports

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

by Watson Lu UC Davis College of Engineering flickr.com/photos/ucdaviscoe/12003658483/

Editorial

T

he 21st century workplace is very specialized and requires both higher skills and job-ready skills. Yet the world over it is becoming apparent that there are serious manpower shortages due to a mismatch of skills with today’s knowledgebased, highly diversified economy. This is something the government and employers in Hong Kong have recognized by placing renewed emphasis on ways to address dilemmas.

Education for the world of work, the theme of December’s Youth Hong Kong, includes opportunities and the access to practical, vocational training. The influence of mindset is also touched upon in this issue, particularly parents’ mindset, and whether or not they urge young people to take vocational education as a route to work. This is something that faces many of us so we would very much like to hear your views on what could be done, should be done and is being done in your industry or your country to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge for work.

Do allow us to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to greeting you all, and welcoming your contributions, in 2016!

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG December 2015

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Overview

by US Pacific Fleet flickr.com/photos/compacflt/6438867771/

Choosing routes to work W hat skills are needed for today’s workplace and how can they best be acquired when a university degree is not the best route?

“Mainstream education is not a straightjacket that fits all young people as everyone has his or her own interests and abilities,” said Mr CY Leung, Chief Executive, in the 2014 Policy Address. “The Government should re-establish the positioning of vocational education in our education system and guide the younger generation in choosing their career.”1 This acknowledgement has prompted a serious rethink of the value of vocational education and training (VET) vis-à-vis an academic qualification for school leavers in Hong Kong.

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in full-time courses at the VTC, or about 10% of those at upper secondary to tertiary level.3 This figure is low compared to other advanced economies and gives rise to two issues. The first is a mismatch between employee supply and demand.

The second is the public perception that this VET is at best “second tier.” Both issues were addressed by the Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education in its report findings this year.4

Mismatch of skills: supply and demand

VET has a history of over 80 years in Hong Kong, starting with the establishment of the Junior Technical School in 1932. Since then, as the economic needs of the community have changed, so too has the focus of VET. There have been “three stages of vocational education.”2 The first required blue-collar craftsmen and tradesmen for a manufacturing economy. The second required higher technical skills for a service-based economy.

The third stage requires more professional education and training for a knowledge-based economy.

Even as late as 1992, only two universities in Hong Kong were offering degree programmes. The small number of graduates were almost guaranteed employment as civil servants, managers, administrators or professionals of various kinds. Today there are 19 institutions offering degrees and an oversupply of graduates has resulted. It is estimated that 21% of the current adult population holds a Bachelor’s degree but they are not well prepared for the workplace.

They take jobs which do not match their education, they earn much less than they expect, and often they cannot apply their knowledge to practical tasks.5

In 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) was established. Currently it has 13 member institutions offering VET programmes in areas as diverse as computer gaming and animation design to degrees in horticulture and landscape management. In the academic year 2013-14, 46,500 students were enrolled

Some employers are looking for workplace skills that graduates simply do not have. According to one commentator, 65% of Hong Kong employers claim difficulty filling job vacancies because of skills shortages. This figure has risen 9% since 2014. Engineering, construction and IT are sectors where vacancies are particularly difficult to fill.6

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Overview

Solutions may be three-fold. First, ensure that university curricula incorporate training in specific work-related skills that prepare graduates for job vacancies of the kind currently advertised. Second, actively change perceptions with regard to VET. Third, advise employers to review recruitment methods. One of Hong Kong’s well-known employers in the finance sector is leading the way. Ernst & Young, announced this year that they would abolish the requirement for a degree in entry-level jobs.7

Skewed perceptions Two interesting surveys in 2015 highlight the negative attitude towards VET. The first, from the Hong Kong Institute of Education, found that nearly 44% of respondents considered VET to have less value and a lower social status than a traditional academic degree.8 Further, they did not see a vocational qualification as a route to a well-paid job. Respondents to the second survey, by HKFYG, said that for those who did not do well at school vocational education was “a poor second choice.” 32% believed that VET was for “those who fail to enter a university.”9 Simply put, academic pursuits are valued more highly than VET. There is a cultural mindset

where “intellectuals” with university degrees are held in higher esteem than those with work-related skills which were not acquired at university.

Routes to work A solution put forward by the Task Force was “rebranding”, whereby VET would be “sold” with a new name: “vocational and professional education and training (VPET), including articulation pathways up to degree level.” However, this plays on the lack of a clear distinction between “vocational” and “professional” education, also pointed out by the Task Force report. Can rebranding achieve the desired end without clear definitions? Tackling misperceptions and misinterpretations needs to be considered first.

Parents and teachers are the starting point.

Another way to deal with misperceptions may be via what are called the “articulation pathways,” mentioned above, where a lowlevel vocational qualification can be used to proceed to a higher one, according to the Quality Framework (QF), set up in 2008. It has seven levels, from Foundation Certificate, through various diplomas to first and Master’s degrees.

However, the QF was adopted by only 20 industries, or about 52%, as of January 2015.

Terminology used for vocational education and training (VET) is confusing. The original meaning of a “vocation” was a calling. The term has conventionally been used for the work of doctors, teachers and priests. However, when used now as an adjective, “vocational” refers to the skills and knowledge needed for a particular job. VET involves onthe-job workplace schemes. These may be referred to as apprenticeships, day-release or block-release programmes, industrial attachments, internships, job shadowing, job skills or sandwich programmes, traineeships and work placements. Some traineeships in the banking sector for graduates are called apprenticeships. Medical interns are graduates who are not licensed to practise. Articled clerks do apprenticeships for the accountancy and legal professions.

The interchangeability of terms leads to further confusion and highlights the pressing need for clear definitions.

by ILO in Asia and the Pacific flickr.com/photos/iloasiapacific/10365704555/

What is “Vocational Education”?

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Overview

Taking VET more seriously at senior secondary level could provide another solution. Additional funding for careers guidance teams in schools is being provided as of 2014-15.10 Improvements could also be through the elective Applied Learning courses (ApL) which form part of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) or the BTEC courses offered by the English Schools Foundation. ApL are offered by 320 of Hong Kong’s secondary schools, with subjects ranging from healthcare and childcare to film and video studies, automotive technology, retail management and psychology. However, the number of HKDSE students opting for them is significantly low. Out of 79,572 candidates in the 2014 HKDSE11 only 4,330 were registered for ApL.12 Both Hong Kong and Mainland China are exploring the option of the “dual system” where learning takes place in the workplace and at vocational schools in parallel. This system is used in Germany and Switzerland and it integrates one or two days in the classroom with three or four days on the job. It also involves long-duration, classical apprenticeships which lead to a licence to practise. This incentivises young people because

it assures clear career pathways, but can only really work if supported by all stakeholders.

If ingrained prejudice against VET could be tackled, rebranding of VET might work.

Practical skills are already being introduced into degrees, including surveying and engineering, dispelling the misconceived idea that technical and manual skills have no part to play in a university education. The really difficult part is knowing what the ideal education for work will be in ten years’ time, work which will be increasingly automated. That is what Hong Kong must figure out, sooner rather than later. 香港早在上世紀三十年代開始推行職業訓練 ，而職業訓練 局亦在 1982 年正式成立 ，目的是提升香港青年的就職技 能，從而令整體社會受惠。然而，大部分香港人都誤以 為職業訓練只是次等選擇 ，僅供那些學術成績未達大學水 平的學生進修 。香港近年面對各行各業缺乏人才入行的情 況 ，某程度均受上述誤解所影響 。推廣職業教育專責小組 認為 ，當局首要是消除各界對於職業訓練的誤解 ，讓政府 與僱主攜手合作 ，為青年提供適切的技能 、專業培訓 ，讓 青年發揮所長 。就此 ，小組建議香港向外國學習 ，例如德 國及瑞士 ，開創同時上學及就業的新學習模式 ，讓學生掌 握更多工作相關的技能 ，並能即時 、直接應用於實習環境 。

Sources and further reading 1. 2014 Policy Address. Para 102. policyaddress.gov.hk/2014/eng/p102.html 2. Chu, Kari. “Review of development of vocational education in Hong Kong.” Research Office, Legislative Council Secretariat, 13 August 2015. Paras 2.1-2.4. legco.gov.hk/research-publications/ english/1415in15-review-of-development-of-vocational-education-in-hong-kong-20150813-e.pdf.

3. Ibid. Para 1.1 4. Report of the Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education. gov.hk/en/residents/government/policy/government_reports/reports/docs/Report_of_the_Task_Force_on_Promotion_of_ Vocational_Education.pdf 5. Liu, Pearl. “A high degree of futility.” China Daily Asia, 23 November, 2015. chinadailyasia.com/focus/2015-11/23/content_15348273_2.html 6. Lo, Alex.“Young people need the right skills to ensure Hong Kong’s future”, South China Morning Post, 5 August 2015. scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1846581/young-peopleneed-right-skills-ensure-hong-kongs-future 7. Jay Son Ji-Ho, “Changing the recruitment criteria for Hong Kong’s young job seekers can help reduce the problem of skills mismatch”, South China Morning Post, 1 December 2015. scmp. com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1885498/changing-recruitment-criteria-hong-kongs-young-job-seekers 8. Lee Siu-yau. HKIEd’s Research on Public Support for Vocational Education in Hong Kong, Department of Asian and Policy Studies, Hong Kong Institute of Education, April 2015. ied.edu.hk/ web/news.php?id=20150413

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9. The Opportunities of Vocational Training for Youth Employment, July 2015. yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=9c9b57d8-d836-41c9-816d-ba4902821a04&corpname=yrc&i=9551 10. Legislative Council Paper No. CB(4)158/15-16(02). legco.gov.hk/yr15-16/english/panels/ed/papers/ed20151109cb4-158-2-e.pdf 11. hkeaa.edu.hk/DocLibrary/Media/PR/HKDSE_Results_20140713_ENG_FULL.pdf 12. Review op.cit. Para 3.6.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Interviews

Time to change perceptions V ocational education and training does a vital job in a rapidly changing labour market. Dr Carrie Yau, Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, is spearheading multiple strategies to tackle bias in Hong Kong towards university education and away from technical training.

The aim of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is to parallel Hong Kong’s manpower needs, providing training that prepares people for the workplace. The main emphasis is on hard and soft skills that parallel the economy.

various engineering disciplines. Nevertheless, undergraduate courses at VTC combine theory with practice, incorporating both professional training and an academic track that leads towards professional qualifications.

However, as Dr Yau explains, the bias in Hong Kong towards academic qualifications and against practical skills for the workplace means a lot of energy is devoted at the VTC to dispelling prejudice. “The VTC is the major provider of vocational and professional education and training in Hong Kong. The focus of our mission is on skills excellence but one of our major efforts is directed towards changing traditional perceptions by raising awareness.”

Stressing the well-defined progression pathways available (see graphic), Dr Yau goes on to talk about the degrees offered at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi.) “Nobody can say that VPET1 is a deadend. There are clear, inter-connected routes all the way from certificate level to degree level.”

The VTC sets its sights primarily on developing work-ready professionals in niche areas like hospitality, the culinary arts, landscape architecture, and design and

Further, last year the government launched the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/ Sectors (SSSDDP).2 Seven THEi programmes covered will be included in 2016/17. It already subsidizes about 1,000 full-time self-financing undergraduates each year on selected locallyaccredited programmes. “This nurtures potential

1. VPET (Vocational and Professional Education and Training) is now the acronym of choice at VTC. It reflects its campaign to emphasize the term “professional” and rebrand the concept of vocational education and training (VET).

2.

cspe.edu.hk/sssdp/EN/index.asp

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Interviews

pp VTC’s pre-employment articulation pathways for students

See legend on facing page

and helps to meet Hong Kong’s social and economic already existing in mechanical and electrical needs: a clear recognition of the standard of our engineering, the printing, retail, automotive, watch degrees which also gives students great motivation.” & clock, and testing & certification industries. The scheme offers students a stable income and subsidies Staying responsive to market needs and ensuring followed by a recognized academic qualification the relevance of the curriculum is crucial. To with clear articulation and progression pathways. achieve this, VTC conducts biennial manpower surveys with 26 industry-specific Training The importance which VTC attaches to industry Boards and General Committees.3 These help partnerships is underlined by making attachments to establish training needs and support the mandatory. Ninety hours of relevant workplace quality of skills education and training. experience is compulsory for all higher diploma students and those in degree programmes at “The market relevance of VTC’s programmes THEi are required to complete a 220-hour is the keystone,” Dr Yau continues. New-style industry attachment on average. There is also a apprenticeships on a European model integrate pilot scheme called the IT Extended Industrial classroom learning and on-the-job training in the Attachment Programme for Higher Diploma Earn & Learn Pilot Scheme introduced in 2014. students in the information technology field.

This is intended to fill serious manpower shortages

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3. vtc.edu.hk/html/en/about/manpower_survey.html

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Interviews

Institutions shown on graphic CCI Chinese Culinary Institute HKDI Hong Kong Design Institute HTI Hotel and Tourism Institute ICI International Culinary Institute IVE Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education SBI School of Business and Information Systems SHAPE School for Higher and Professional Education THEi Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong Youth College State-of-the-art training facilities commensurate with recognition of the importance of VPET will also help to change public perceptions in Hong Kong. “We are soliciting support for converting VTC’s currently scattered campuses into consolidated mega-campuses with advanced facilities to create synergy and facilitate learning,” Dr Yau enthuses. A master plan for a vibrant campus environment is firmly on the drawing board.

Last year, a Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education was set up. It conducted an attitude survey which showed that at least half of all secondary school students and their parents agree that VPET offers good career prospects.4 An even greater proportion of the parents realize that people with VPET qualifications are better equipped for Hong Kong’s needs.

“Over half of the students who sat Hong Kong’s public examinations last year applied for courses at the VTC. About 50% of them are enrolled in our courses. That is about a quarter of the HKDSE population every year. Now we need to convince

parents, teachers, principals and students that there is nothing to stop students going on to do a degree, either with VTC at Bachelor level or at university.

40% of our higher diploma graduates articulate to full-time degree programmes each year.”

Dr Yau welcomes the triple-pronged strategy recommended by the Task Force to strengthen and sustain its efforts, elevate the professional status of VPET and stress its importance with the community’s parents and schools.

“The value of VPET has also been vindicated by a motion at LegCo’s Panel on Education on ‘Strengthening Vocational Education.’ It was passed with unanimous support.”5 With high-quality programmes the VTC can surely attract more bright youngsters and this in turn will enhance its overall image. “Quality is where we place the greatest emphasis,” she says, “and with good communication skills, methodical analysis and resilient problem-solving skills students will not only be able to cope with a dynamic world, they will also be better equipped for making a positive contribution to society.” Training at VTC is by no means confined to mechanical, manual or technical skills. “It is a holistic educational process which is designed to equip students for the ever changing 21st century labour market.”

Dr Yau concludes by reminding us that a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility and integrity are fundamental. “The core requirement needed by every person in the workforce is a strong sense of ethics.” 職業訓練對各行各業培養人才來說 ，都是非常重要 。然 而 ，香港社會一向較為著重青年的學術訓練 。今期 ，我們 訪問了職業訓練局執行幹事尤曾家麗博士 。她一向致力為 社會培育合適人才 ，並為本港年輕人提供實用的職業專才 教育及培訓 。她認為 ，隨著經濟轉型 ，以及各行業對人力 需求增長 ，近年社會人士對職業教育有更加正面的觀感 。 而職業訓練局所提供的課程 ，除了教授學生實用技能外 ， 亦為他們提供專業及全面的培訓 ，由證書課程至學位課 程 ，甚至海外升學等 ，都能照顧得到 。

4. Report of the Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education. gov.hk/en/residents/government/policy/government_reports/reports/docs/Report_of_the_Task_Force_on_Promotion_of_ Vocational_Education.pdf 5. legco.gov.hk/yr15-16/english/panels/ed/papers/ed20151109cb4-158-2-e.pdf

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Interviews

Skills shortages S

tanley Wong, Chairman of the Young Executives Committee at the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, says that both soft and hard skills are in great demand but despite the wide range of vocational courses available there are not enough applicants for skilled jobs.

There is peer pressure and embarrassment about admitting “There are not enough skilled craftsmen: to a job in a trade. electricians, plumbers or mechanics. Many who

by Richard Allaway flickr.com/photos/geographyalltheway_photos/13090267475/

train in Hong Kong go to work in Macao for better pay more,”says Stanley Wong. There are also shortages in skilled workers such as bamboo scaffolders and rebar benders, despite the fact that mechanization means lighter physical work and well paid jobs. “As a result, construction companies are not tendering for Hong Kong because they know they cannot fill vacancies.”

Financial services, trading and logistics, professional services and tourism are the keys to Hong Kong’s economy and their manpower requirements are expected to grow most quickly (see box). However, there are already serious shortages in the construction industry, says Mr Wong.

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According to the manpower forecast released by the Construction Industry Council last October, there will be a shortage of about 10,000 to 15,000 skilled workers in the construction industry in years to come. But construction is not the only problem. A government consultation paper on population policy pointed out that retail and catering as well as the care service sector face labour shortages too. “There are many jobs that employers cannot fill, regardless of the pay they offer. For example, it is difficult to find anybody under 50 years of age who will do deliveries.”

Lack of vocational training opportunities is not the cause. Rather, Mr Wong explains, “There is peer pressure and embarrassment about admitting to a job in a trade, however skilled. The same applies to jobs in the retail industry or car mechanics, especially if the trade is considered manual or old-fashioned and the workplace is outside Central. Most young people today can get more financial support from their families than in past generations so they are less eager to do physical jobs even if they are better paid.”

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Interviews

The mismatch between supply and demand has come about because of entrenched views among the Hong Kong community. “Vocational education and training are commonly perceived as a second choice and many of our youngsters are not willing to do ‘low-end’ jobs. It is a question of status and Chinese cultural attitudes, regardless of age.”

However, changes in attitudes are creating a different issue for Hong Kong employers. Mr Wong, who is also Deputy Managing Director of his family’s 80-year old traditional Chinese medicine and food wholesale company, outlines the problem. “Employers can no longer just rely on salary increases to recruit and retain good employees. There are increasing expectations for a balance between work and family life.

Friendly employment practices are critical success factors in recruiting, retaining and reenergizing employees.” Government initiatives try to address the situation but change is slow.

Both hard and soft skills at all levels in the workplace are constantly being challenged.

“Local training providers should pay attention to soft skills in areas such as critical analysis, problem-solving, work ethics and customer care to make Hong Kong stand out in the region. Multi-tasking skills are necessary too and employers must know how to best leverage their human capital to remain competitive and sustain dynamic growth,” Mr Wong points out.

In a knowledge-based economy such as Hong Kong’s, a shift will continue to take place in manpower needs towards higher-skilled, bettereducated workers. Mr Wong also reminds us that “As Hong Kong's economic integration with Mainland China deepens, our labour force should become more familiar with the Mainland market to consolidate its 'super-connector' role with companies from around the world and to play its part in 'One Belt, One Road' strategy planning.”

New entrants to the workforce have to be attracted to industries where there is a keen demand for labour and structured apprenticeship training programmes with clear career progression pathways.

Mr Wong concluded that the SAR Government and the business community should provide support to enrich and strengthen career guidance.

“Employers should devise strategies to maximize the potential of a generation that is better educated, more technology savvy, more individualistic and more creative than any before it. It is important for enterprises to understand how best to work with them in order to realize their potential.” 香港中華總商會青年委員會主席黃楚恒先生表示 ，即使香港 一直發展職業培訓 ，但很多行業仍然缺乏新血入行 ，包括財 經服務 、貿易與物流 、專業服務與旅遊 ，以及建造業等 。以 建造業為例 ，業界估計未來數年將有 10,000 至 15,000 個空 缺 。黃先生認為 ，問題並不在於香港沒有為青年提供職業培 訓 ，但由於同輩壓力及期望 ，青年對這些專業 、高技能的工 作十分卻步 。有些家長甚至仍認為 ，職業培訓是次等選擇 ， 並非子女升學 、就業的首選 。黃先生認為 ，政府及企業應繼 續投放資源 ，為青年提供更多就業相關資訊 ，讓他們盡早了 解社會各行業的人才需求 ，從而選擇合適自己的發展路向 。

Manpower requirements: average annual rates 2012 to 2022 Professional and business services 1.5% Information & communications 1.4% Construction 1.4% Financial services 2.2% Overall growth 0.9% Greatest requirements in import, export, wholesale and retail trades, social and personal services Growth expected in proportion of managers and administrators, professionally qualified and “associate” professionals” Fall expected in proportion of clerical workers; drivers, plant and machinery operators, assemblers and workers in the “elementary” occupations (domestic helpers and cleaners; messengers and couriers; warehouse porters and transport labourers; security guards, watchmen; ward attendants; freight handlers; lift operators; dishwashers; leaflet/newspaper distributors; garbage collectors) Reason for changes “employment of workers with multi-tasking skills by employers and a wide application of automation and modern technology at the workplace.”

Source Manpower Projection to 2022, Labour and Welfare Bureau, HKSARG, April 2015. lwb.gov.hk/report/mp2022_en.pdf

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth speak

This section has eight young people talking about work. They all know that practice makes perfect.

A passion for food

by Cheung Tung-ching

W

hat would you like to be when you are 80? That’s what another student once asked Tung-ching. His answer? “I would love to hear my grandson say, “Let’s go to eat at grandpa’s restaurant tonight. His fried rice is great!” That was the tipping point.

Ever since high school, I have been helping my mum cook, mostly Cantonese style, but since my family are from Teochew the first dish I ever made was Teochew congee. From then on I began to appreciate the magic of cooking and the way it transforms all the ingredients into delicious dishes to share with people you love.

Soon after graduation I knew I wanted to run my own Cantonese restaurant but had neither the money nor the experience. Still, at university they taught us that the key to success in any business is the product itself.

So I had to get into a kitchen, work as an apprentice and learn from scratch in a real-life restaurant. One day, I will study for a formal qualification that has government recognition but to become a master chef, strong leadership and expert cooking are the most important qualities.

Feeling the heat My passion for food persisted and at university my favourite pastime was to cook for my dorm-mates at weekly gatherings.

Facilities were basic so I made instant noodles and mixed in an egg. Then I added a few slices of suckling pig to the soup and we ate it with Asahi beer. What a marvellous midnight snack before exams!

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With no formal training, it was hard in my first job. The staff were demanding. They teased me for the most minuscule mistakes and by the end of my first month, I had lost five pounds. In weight! However, remembering that being a good soldier is the first step to victory on the battlefield, I knew that practice would make perfect.

Next, a friend helped me get an apprenticeship at the Forum Restaurant where I learnt much more. There was something new every day and I was being paid at a Michelin-rated establishment too! Tou Gor, Master Tou, was my mentor. He took me to the dried seafood traders in Sheung Wan and after a few months, he put me in charge of handling dried sea cucumber. Such a precious ingredient! It can cost over HK$12,000 per kilo! I made several slip-ups to start with but even though Master Tou was a perfectionist he always trusted me, let me carry on and guided me step by step.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

Hungry to learn

There is a myth in the catering industry that the life of an apprentice is that of a servant and one who has to buy the chef drinks as well, but in reality, most chefs are considerate, happy to teach and very accommodating.

Once a group of RTHK journalists came for an interview with me (well, everyone has his 15 minutes of fame!) and asked if they could film the whole kitchen at work. The chefs agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

I have learnt perseverance and initiative in my work. I have also learnt how important it is to strive for excellence and always be willing to get your hands dirty. If truth be told, life as a chef is hard – there is little time to see friends and family, short holidays and plenty of headaches, but it’s a job that I love. Once I know how to cook well I can start creating my own signature dishes. Eventually I want to open a “dinner and bed” business where people enjoy eating together while getting to know one another under the same roof.

Now, in my third year in restaurants, I’m an apprentice at another famous Michelin restaurant, Celebrity Cuisine, under Mr Cheng Kam-fu, known as Fu Gor. As well as being a

by yuan2003 https://flic.kr/p/nLdMF9

Truth and myth

master chef, Fu Gor is patient and practises what he preaches.

For example, he taught me how to slice a fish step by step, but his lessons are not confined to the kitchen. He visits the wet market himself in the early mornings to ensure the quality of ingredients.

Cheung Tung-ching, 23, completed a BA in Business Administration at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology before working in restaurants.

Training to be a chef Full information about VTC courses in both Chinese and international cuisines that lead from certificate diploma, to higher diploma and degree courses level: ici.edu.hk/pdf/VTC14_014_3_Brands_Booklet_July_NON-outline.pdf

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

by Yvonne Raftery https://flic.kr/p/x9xW68

Youth speak

Beauty at work

by Cindy Wong

S

itting still in class never really suited Cindy and when her exam results came through she knew she wouldn’t be going to university. Her first job was at KFC. She didn't want to go back, but she enjoyed working life and meeting people.

I’ve never been good at English so I just skipped the exam. Otherwise my results were OK but I wasn’t interested in repeating Secondary 6. My teachers didn’t have any ideas so one day I went with my friends to IVE (Haking Wong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education). I came across the 18-month Diploma of Foundation Studies in the retail trade. Study three days a week. Work three days a week … and get paid for it. Sounded pretty good to me, so I told my parents this was what I wanted to do.

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In another five years maybe I could be earning HK$30,000 with commission. We have regular staff meetings at Sa Sa when the shop manager talks about the customers’ feedback and new products and I might do some more training to learn how to do the paperwork and use the timetable planning software. I don’t really think I’d like to own the shop myself but I wouldn’t mind being the shop manager! I think the Earn and Learn scheme has really helped me on the way.

by Pobdochka https://flic.kr/p/94QFXr

By effika https://flic.kr/p/ikq321

I love fashion and make-up and I’d always wanted to sell cosmetics and now I’ve got a great job working for Sa Sa in Shatin as part of my programme, Earn and Learn. I’ve learned a lot already, like how to help customers and arrange beauty products so they look good. One great thing about working in the store is that we get to try out new products. We learn how to use them so we can tell customers all their good points.

and now keeps coming back. If I stay on here I will get good commission for work like that. I’m already earning HK$5,300 a month, sometimes more when I do overtime. I get a government subsidy for my tuition fees too. That’s HK$8,000 a semester. I’m not planning to keep on studying.

I prefer working and meeting people and as my supervisor seems happy with my performance, I don’t think I’ll have to change my job.

For me, the best part of the job is helping customers, one day a girl my age came in so I went over to say hello. She couldn’t find what she wanted so I helped her. She said it was the first time this had ever happened! She went away happy

Cindy Wong Sin-ting, 19, is at Level 3 of the VTC’s Earn and Learn Pilot Scheme for the Retail Industry, Foundation Diploma.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

Training with Earn & Learn These VTC pilot schemes integrate vocational education with onthe-job training and further education in industries such as printing, watches and clocks, testing and certification and automobiles, electrical and mechanical services trades in the construction industry. The pilot scheme will benefit 2,000 apprentices with 1,000 in the retail sector.

More details info.gov.hk/gia/general/201410/29/P201410290333.htm vtc.edu.hk/earnlearn/html/tc/industri/s6/retail.html youtube.com/watch?v=hPufdWBBgHc youtube.com/watch?v=dcG0E5OQDqg youtube.com/watch?v=tnh_YkloL6E

My type of job

by Grant Hutchinson https://flic.kr/p/8xwTb4

By Wendy

W

endy, 25, works for a printing company. She did a Higher Diploma at the Hong Kong Design Institute and then was sponsored by her employer for a top-up degree in printing at Wuhan University.

All of this despite a serious illness.

A lot of people think the printing industry is just blue-collar, dirty work. But they are wrong.

It involves a lot of skill and a good eye for detail – choosing the right paper, getting the ink and colours right for printing, making sure the logistics are efficient. It’s not just the press of a button.

Although I never particularly enjoyed reading when I was younger, I do like magazines. I love their attractive layout and pictures. So when my ‘A’ Level results were not good enough for university I looked for something connected with the printing industry and found a two-year Higher Diploma (HD) in Publication Design and Note: Wendy, Ah Chun and Anna prefer not to use their surnames

Print on the VTC’s website. My parents thought it was a good idea. They knew I would gain some skills and were happy I had found something I liked the look of. I could also get to level four on the Qualifications Framework* with an HD.

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth speak

The first year went well but then came the bad news: I was diagnosed with leukaemia. Even though the next step was supposed to be a summer internship I had to take two years off.

But l wasn’t going to let this interruption stop my career and, luckily, two years later I was well enough to go back and complete my HD.

One day I hope I might get a job with an overseas firm and live in a foreign country. It’s not impossible, but for now I am very happy where I am.

By Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier www. flickr.com/photos/jepoirrier/349613923/

The course gave me all the basic skills I needed to make a book, from start to finish, and I could have found a job right then but the Hong Kong Design Institute helped me go further. Not only did they arrange a summer job in Hong Kong but my employer also sponsored me to do a top-up degree at Wuhan University.

I now have all the practical experience I need to be a job controller in their factory, making sure that all the processes work smoothly and sorting out problems as they arise. My employers paid my tuition fees even though they knew I had been sick. This is a great industry to work in and it’s a pity so few people know about it.

With more opportunities and better promotion it could attract more talented young people.

Training for careers in printing vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/de114108-higher-diploma-in-publication-design-and-print-media/curriculum/ The VTC also offers a Diploma in print media: vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/fs113327-diploma-in-vocational-education-programme-print-media/ The printing industry has joined the Earn & Learn pilot apprenticeship scheme. * Note The Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, introduced in 2008, is a hierarchy designed to order and support qualifications in the academic, vocational and continuing education sectors in Hong Kong.

It consists of seven academic levels covering qualifications that range from certificates to doctorates.

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More details hkqf.gov.hk/media/EQF/EQF_Background%20info.pdf

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

Good Hair Days

by William Chow

H

When I was young the thought of being my own boss and running a business seemed unlikely. I decided not to waste more time on academic subjects after taking my ‘O’ levels. The results weren’t good so I went to the VTC with four of my friends one day. All of us chose the one-year course in hairdressing.

Only two of us finished it and frankly I don’t think Hong Kong people care much about upgrading this type of trade.

I completed an internship then worked for five years with two different salons. Then I thought the time had come to go it alone. My parents were really worried when I told them. They thought I didn’t have enough experience and would lose a lot of money, but I knew I was ready. I rented a very small place in 2010, and when the business started to do well I moved to bigger premises. As the new shop was not far away I was lucky to keep my old customers.

Now I employ two full-time qualified hairdressers and one freelancer. Generally, I like to employ young people who are new to the trade and have no prior work experience. They are usually very keen to learn whereas those with past experience can be very difficult to teach as they already have their own ways of cutting and styling.

I train the staff myself and would like to send some of them on part-time courses for more formal training but with our long opening hours that would not be easy. Instead, from time to time, when there are new products on the market, the manufacturers run free classes for us, usually one day per week over a month, so I try to arrange time off for staff to attend.

Government subsidies would make training easier. I think there should be a compulsory registration system for workers in the industry too. Personally, I

by WorldSkills flickr.com/photos/worldskills/20443451598/

older of a certificate in hairdressing from the Vocational Training Council, William opened his own business in To Kwa Wan and says he learnt most of his skills on the job.

am not very interested in getting better qualified but I do think there should be a government subsidy to help anyone setting up a new business like mine.

I love running the shop but it can be hard, often involving a 12-hour day. How could I do a part-time training course as well? Subsidies of various kinds would certainly help but I think you can learn all the basic skills of being a salon boss by getting hands-on experience on the job. That’s what really matters in this line of work.

Training to be a hairdresser The VTC now offers a Diploma in hairdressing instead of a certificate. vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/fs113322-diploma-in-vocational-education-programme-hairdressing/

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth speak

Degrees of learning

by Yuen Man-ho

M

I learnt that ten major infrastructure projects were on the drawing board when I went to the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) course introduction seminar. That settled it.

Knowing that there would be plenty of jobs was reassuring, I never expected to do a degree overseas.

That was an added bonus and the course at IVE gave me the independent learning skills I would need later. School had been mostly rote learning but IVE tutors made sure we did some background research before workshops so that discussions would be more efficient. I also learned about theory, methods and techniques in engineering.

In the last six-month semester of my Higher Diploma (HD) programme I worked on a building site as a trainee for Skyforce Engineering Ltd and had a very helpful mentor who showed me the practical applications of the theory I had learnt in the classroom. In a real work environment I also learnt about good communication skills.

They are essential for working well with contract labourers, designers and other engineers. One other lesson from the workplace was finding out about what I didn’t know. That’s very important.

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by Highways England f lickr.com/photos/highwaysagency/14897579815/

an-ho had a liberal arts background in school but his results weren’t very good. Doing a Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering at IVE gave him a greater chance of getting into university.

In the UK, I found out that there are no absolute answers, that I had to think for myself to solve problems and that I was the only one who could do it. The environment taught me independence of a different kind from that learnt at IVE. I learnt practical life skills too, like how to set up my own internet network in the hostel.

It took me a week to fix it, communicating with different companies. These are skills you do not learn through any academic study.

My tutor at IVE encouraged me to apply for the Alistair Harvey Scholarship, which gives support for study in the UK for two years. It includes tuition fees, flights and other expenses. I won the scholarship and the University of Northumbria in Newcastle offered me a place with second-year entry I enjoyed living in Newcastle and made good on their Building Services Engineering programme. friends with many other students, learning

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

by YAT_OP flickr.com/photos/yat2007/6789970631/

Youth speak

about the culture in places like Singapore, Malaysia and Germany as well as Britain. One day I will apply for a further degree – probably an MEng in building services at HKU. First I have made a personal commitment to complete the MTR station project I am working on. I am earning about HK$30,000 a month and expect to earn HK$40,000 in 5 years’ time, as a team leader I hope, with a specific role in a big project. Satisfaction, for

me, comes through the final product and I am glad to be a part of a team which goes through the whole process, from the design stage with draft drawings to the actual building with operating building services. You face and solve problems step by step and you feel needed.

Yuen Man-ho did a Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering at VTC’s IVE in 2010, then completed a BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 2012 and is now working as a Building Services Engineer (E&M services) with Gammon Construction Ltd.

Education pathways and training for engineers via the VTC http://ive.edu.hk/eng/ivesite/html/en/disciplines_and_programmes/en_overview.html

A

h Chun says he has loved cars ever since he was a little boy. His father ran a vehicle repair shop and that’s where he started learning about the work of a mechanic.

My academic results in school were horrible. I hated all those subjects and my whole family knew that I was unhappy at school. My sister, a year older than me, brought this brochure home one day after school. All about doing a course at the VTC. Focusing on car mechanics! I was over the moon and I knew this was what I really wanted.

by igotphots flickr.com/ photos/29111888@N06/5410504193/

by Ah Chun

by e.c.johnson flickr.com/photos/banditsmom1/9242002785/

Captivated by cars

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth speak

So I didn’t even go on to Secondary 5. I went to this VTC programme instead and started last September. For the last two months I have been so happy and I have learnt such a lot. My parents and my sister can see what a good thing it is for me.

At school, apart from the careers teacher, nobody encouraged me to go to VTC. The others all thought going to university was the only way. But my careers teacher thought it was good for me, just as good as a degree.

Actually, my dad didn’t expect me to help him in the garage when I left school. He thought the VTC was a very good idea, like my mum, but there was no pressure. They knew I was not good with academic subjects and I think they prefer me to be happy and learn some skills.

I think car engines are fascinating. Now I know how they are supposed to run and how to fix small problems. Those skills are all very useful.

I spend Mondays and Tuesdays in the workshop learning practical skills. On the other days I do theory lessons and job-related language classes and learn about computers. It is so interesting.

by WorldSkills https://www.flickr.com/photos/ worldskills/19929487333/in/dateposted/

I’m hoping to get a job with a big company like BMW or Sime Darby, or maybe with the government. In the long term, I want to be promoted to management level. For the money, I am not very concerned. What really matters is that I’m working in the industry I love most.

Ah Chun, 16, left school after Secondary 4 and is now studying for the Diploma in Vocational Education Programme (Automotive Technology) at the VTC’s Youth College in Kwai Chung and will then go on to do an apprenticeship as a Vehicle Mechanic.

Training for mechanics vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/s6/diploma-in-vocational-education/

A precious gift

by Ivan Chau

I

van, 23, is a recent graduate in product design. All through school and university his teachers recognized his artistic skills. He did a vocational skills-related degree offered by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a sensible choice.

I have always been good at drawing, from primary school onwards. My teachers noticed it and encouraged me to find a degree that would help me to work in the field of art and design.

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One of Ivan's drawings u

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

I also had the chance to learn all the steps in the practical process of creating a marketable product, including concept testing, prototype design, manufacture, customer’s satisfaction testing and so on. The “Work Integrated Education”* element of my course meant that I had to work with an industrial design company for a year and our team helped the company to design a new product: a special kind of lunch box. You know how fiddly it is to wash water-proof lunch-boxes?

They have all those seals, grooves and corners.

Well, our prototype will make washing up easier.

You may see it in a household shop one day!

My current work is something completely different.

I am working for a diamond trading company. The job was advertised at a Poly U careers expo that I went to after graduation. I am a trainee diamond grader, working with stones to be used for making jewellery and experience could be very useful if I wanted to switch to jewellery design one day.

MAURO CATEB https://www.flickr.com/photos/mauroescritor/7189375547/

Even though I didn’t realize when I enrolled for this course, it has turned out to be very practical and useful. It gave me the chance to learn IT skills, like using the 3D CAD Design Software package SOLIDWORKS. With IT skills like this I realized I could get a good job, drawing handmade product layouts and then making prototypes.

by KaCey97078. flickr.com/photos/kacey/2298513566/

In future, I really would like to be a designer and I will always work as an artist in my private time, selling my drawings online. Maybe I will also think about doing a higher diploma in graphic design.

That would strengthen my professional grounding and it would be possible to do an evening class at the Hong Kong Design Institute, for example.

But for now, practice and experience are what I want, not further academic qualifications.

Training for careers in design In Hong Kong there are courses at various levels and institutions for work skills suitable for careers as industrial and product designers, product stylists, concept innovators, design managers eg: Hong Kong Polytechnic University sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/study-detail/product-design VTC vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/de110510c-higher-diploma-in-product-design/ VTC vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/ds125103-bachelor-of-arts-honours-in-product-design/ City University of Hong Kong cityu.edu.hk/mbe/prg-minor-pd.htm * “Work Integrated Education” (WIE) is a mandatory element in Hong Long Polytechnic courses.

Info on WIE in product design at sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/education/work-integrated-education

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Far from a bitter pill

by Anna

A

When I was small I loved giving my dolls and stuffed animals pills and medicines to cure their “illnesses” but when I got to secondary school, I realized that studying medicine was probably not going to happen. I was good in science, but not brilliant. I was also not competitive or driven enough to spend all my time studying to get the high marks needed to go to medical school.

So even before I had taken the final exams at secondary school, I told my parents and teachers that I did not want to go to university.

Instead I wanted to do a Higher Diploma (HD) in Pharmaceutical Science at the VTC. Needless to say, neither my parents nor my teachers were thrilled. My teachers saw it as a “second choice” or “a fall-back plan” in case my grades were not good. My parents’ attitude was that an HD was not as “valuable” as a degree.

“What will people say?” they asked me.

In the end, after a lot of fights and tears, they agreed to let me make my dream come true rather than theirs.

by Eric Hunsaker flickr.com/photos/eroc/5559700298/

nna’s favourite game as a child was to play “doctor” so she and her family expected her to end up doing medicine. Instead, she decided to do a Higher Diploma and work in a pharmacy.

I love my programme and the fact that there are so many things to learn, like pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control and even operation management. Although I have just started, already I feel fulfilled. Yes, there are options for going on to a degree course later, either here in Hong Kong or overseas. But right now, I am not thinking about that. First I will take up the professional role I have been trained for.

Deliberately choosing not to go to university was hard for my parents and teachers to accept and I see that this is really part of our cultural mindset.

In the end, I think they need to change their way of thinking and focus on the young person and their dreams. Otherwise, there will be a lot of unhappy people doing jobs they don’t want.

Training at VTC for work in a pharmacy

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Programmes are available at both Certificate and Higher Diploma levels • cpe.vtc.edu.hk/en/programmes/programme-search/496_professional_certificate_in_community_dispensing__as524001p~ • vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/as114202-higher-diploma-in-pharmaceutical-science/curriculum/ • vtc.edu.hk/admission/en/programme/as124203-higher-diploma-in-dispensing-studies/

by kafka4prez flickr.com/photos/kafka4prez/34778112/

Youth speak

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Perspectives

GPS: finding the right direction Going from school to work can be an uncertain time. Which direction to take? What qualification to pursue? Some young people prefer to take their time and think about it. Participants on the Hang Seng GPS Youth Employment Programme take a “gap year� in this partnership programme.

HKFYG teaches participants how to write a curriculum vitae, social workers conduct vocational aptitude analysis and Hang Seng Bank staff give mock interviews. The students then head out into the real world to find jobs, usually in the retail or food and beverage industries where they discover aptitudes: people skills or manual EP_School_Directory_197x144.pdf 1 3/3/15 11:41 AM skills, maybe simple management skills.

After the gap year, some go back to secondary school to prepare for the DSE exam, others continue working, perhaps for the same employers.

Over 80% of the participants successfully identify a suitable career path and the majority are eligible for a HK$10,000 subsidy for continuing education or enhancing working skills.

Recruiting now for 2016 Free of charge for students 16 and over Application form at http://yen.hkfyg.org.hk/gps Deadline Saturday 30 January, 2016 More details http://yen.hkfyg.org.hk/gps Enquiries Joey Au-yeung 3170 6173 or joey.auyeung@hkfyg.org.hk

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Perspectives

Career paths showcasing the alternatives

J

ess Yeung and Cheney Cheng, conveners of HKFYG’s think tank “Youth I.D.E.A.S.” on Employment & Economic Development, comment on the vocational routes to career advancement. They say stakeholders should work together to create clear pathways.

As an entrepreneurial employer, I always look for work ethic first when I recruit: willingness to take responsibility and integrity. I think the majority of the skills I am looking for have to be learnt outside the classroom but I also look for people skills and learning skills. Schools in Hong Kong do an excellent job of producing studious students but most of them do little to prepare students for the labour market.

For my startup, GinZeng, we are looking for someone versatile and flexible. Someone who can sell, who knows about marketing, and doesn’t mind doing some manual labour. Such a person will be exposed to a wide spectrum of tasks from low-level deliveries to high-level meetings and closing deals with buyers. The VTC offers a wide range of courses including sales and marketing and, contrary to what most people think, there are plenty that are neither connected with manual labour nor highly technical, but there is nothing as far as I am aware suitable for the ginseng industry.

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I think apprenticeship is probably the most appropriate form of training as a lot of skills have

Making vocational education more desirable is not just about changing its name or giving it better packaging, it is about showcasing the ways in which it provides a credible alternative route to an academic education. to be learnt from actual experience. My father became an apprentice more than 30 years ago, slowly picking up knowledge and know-how from masters in his trade before starting his own company. Such a tradition of apprenticeship is certainly fading as young people are no longer willing to join the industry. I guess the only way to maintain it is to renew and demystify the industry. Personally, I am very excited about what I am doing. There is so much scope for me to innovate and develop my company and I feel very fortunate to be able to build on my dad’s legacy.

by Katherine H flickr.com/photos/66197572@N00/2694528978/

Jess Yeung, founder of GinZeng and Deputy Manager of Tai Lai Ginseng Hong Ltd, writes about the skills he looks for in recruits to the ginseng industry and how traditional businesses might attract more young employees if they were demystified.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Perspectives

There is a very high demand for skilled labour in many of the industries that make up our economy. I think they should all complete the Specification of Competency Standards (SCS) under the Qualification Framework as soon as possible. The SCS differentiate the various levels of skill and competency required and provide guidance for employees, showing them how to

Cheney Cheng, co-founder of DotKids and Teach4HK, thinks that education and training for the workplace comes from a combination of learning how to work with other people, learning independently and learning from specialists.

I think that employers should subsidize vocational training for promising employees. It is an effective way to maintain high-quality work and the morale of employees regardless of their age. In such cases, I would consider it fair for the employee to commit to staying with the organization for a certain period of time, at least two years.

On-the-job training is effective and quick whereas theoretical training is transformative, but making time for it can be difficult if you are busy. I would also say that for roughly 20% of your time, or one day in the working week, you should be free to work on whatever you want as long as it

move up the career ladder. With the cooperation of all stakeholders career prospects can be clearly illustrated and students participating in vocational education and training would benefit.

by Anthony flickr.com/ photos/65005341@N03/6080915071/

Nevertheless, right now there are no young recruits in my family’s business. Most new people we hire quit in less than a month and the majority of our employees have worked for the company for more than 20 years. However, people in traditional industries tend to be very traditional themselves which results in inertia and resistance to innovation. There are so many new technologies that can help companies to be much more efficient, and young people are more likely to embrace them. However, recently I hired a middleaged lady who had no tertiary education but had worked for other SMEs for a long time. She is now the company secretary and she is perfect!

Making vocational education more desirable is not just about changing its name or giving it better packaging. It is about showcasing the ways in which it provides a credible alternative route to an academic education. Such clear pathways, in many cases, are not offered by a traditional academic education in the arts or sciences.

Employers should subsidize vocational training regardless of employees’ age. contributes to your personal development as well that of the organization you work for. It could be working on a project or studying relevant theory.

There needs to be a tangible career path leading on from vocational education. Young people need hope and a future with growth. At least there has to be evidence that they can earn a decent living, and perhaps be able to afford their own home one day if they work hard and follow a specific vocational direction.

Youth I.D.E.A.S. (Ideals Dedication Engagement Aspirations Service) is a think tank to which Jess Yeung and Cheney Cheng belong. It was established

by HKFYG’s Youth Research Centre earlier this year and its first report was on vocational training. See pages 48-50 for information on other reports.

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Hong Kong Christmas Tree and Concert Co-created by young architects and local young people, the Hong Kong Christmas Tree is a unique design, made of bamboo scaffolding with special lighting and eco-friendly decorations.

Together with a musical concert, the tree symbolizes love and peace for the people of Hong Kong.

Saturday 19 December 2015 Concert Lighting Ceremony Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza Area C

HK Christmas Tree

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Co-creating a Hong Kong Christmas tree

Events

The HKFYG Christmas tree is growing. On Saturday 19 December it will be ready for lighting up, near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza Area C. With a marathon Christmas concert nearby, a celebration of co-creation will begin with energy and light, symbolizing love and peace.

The centerpiece of the festivities is a 22-metre tree, created from natural bamboo branches by a team of designing architects. Bamboo was chosen for its strength and its unique connection in Hong Kong with building, renewal and growth.

The young architects have worked together with scores of students from the HKFYG Youth SPOTs and local schools. The students have made thousands of decorations, all crafted by hand into stars - a creative re-use of aluminium and foil.

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

HKFYG

Events

Co-creating a Christmas concert Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza Area C Saturday 19 December 2015 5-9.30pm A special medley has been composed and arranged by Chiu Tsang-hei, Cantopop creator of countless film soundtracks, for a concert to take place near the Christmas tree. The concert will accompany festivities all through the evening, from 5pm-9.30pm on Saturday 19 December with the lighting up of the Christmas tree between 7pm and 8pm.

Chiu Tsang-hei

Throughout the evening the concert will bring together singers and musicians. There will be a cappella and rock, heavy metal and electric folk, provided by local and overseas groups, professionals and indie bands.

The artistic director of the concert is Alex Tam, operatic tenor, choral conductor and composer.

Top billing on stage goes to C AllStar, the boy band Hong Kong audiences adore, with their special mix of a cappella, folk, rap and R&B. Andy Leung Chiu-fung, Kenny Chan Kin-on, Jase Ho and King Wu focus on a city of many changes.

With big hits like On Our Tram, Don't Let the Island Sink and Music Colony they highlight disappearing Hong Kong and bring to life young people’s growing nostalgia for what’s already been lost and what’s to be treasured.

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Alex Tam

C AllStar

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG Events

The Exchange ( US ) The star-studded line up for the rest of the evening features a cappella, rock and blues, beginning with five talented singers from the US making up The Exchange. Diversity is their keynote, combined with the harmony and charm of unaccompanied voices that Hong Kong audiences love.

INSPi ( Japan )

Kolor (HK)

The six vocalists from Japan who make up INSPi sing a cappella to warm your heart. With the emphasis on happenings at home and abroad, they write songs to perform in their unusual mix, inspiring a sense of togetherness and unity in the audience.

KOLOR is next on the programme, with their own flavour of Canto light rock that is a great crowd-stopper. This vocal quartet has a professional style and stage presence just as impressive as their colourful palette of sound.

HKMM (HK)

The Federation’s very own Hong Kong Melody Makers will be there of course with every one of this ensemble’s vibrant performers giving of their best in song and dance.

Enjoy them, enjoy life!

Rain in Time (HK)

Instinct of Sight (HK)

Rain in Time, six young musicians from Hong Kong with one girl vocalist, will soon be releasing their very first recording. They write all their own songs in a fusion of styles from power pop to alternative and post-hardcore.

Instinct of Sight, also starring in Saturday night’s line-up, are new on the local alternative rock/metal band scene with their eclectic sound featuring voices backed by guitar riffs and scintillating electronic interludes.

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

HKFYG

Events

Co-creation for a green Christmas

M

akers and decorators of the Christmas tree talk about the inspiration they found: to work together, to turn something ordinary into something super special, to collect and recycle for the good of the environment and to send a goodwill message from youth. The 22-metre tree will be on display near the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from Saturday 19 December till Boxing Day, Saturday 26 December.

pp Billy & Christy

“You just have to stop and think for a few minutes and you will know,” begins architect Stanley Siu, “among the many ordinary things that we see every day there are some that you can transform. You can make them into something entirely different with just a tiny change.

That can be exciting. It can be also be a lot of fun!” pp Stanley Siu. Designing architect behind the HKFYG Christmas tree project.

Bamboo: up in lights HKFYG has worked with a group of young architects from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, led by Stanley Siu, to create the bamboo Hong Kong Christmas Tree, the makers call the process “co-creation”, working together, inspiring each other and transforming ideas into reality.

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The structure of the tree is bamboo, a

traditional material used in local construction to be transformed with lights and decorations.

50,000 aluminium and foil stars made from old drinks cans and recycled material, shaped by young people, will hang in the branches, catching the light and the breeze, catching the eyes of passers-by this Christmas.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG Events

Student star-makers Billy of the Jockey Club EduYoung College has always loved making things and he was inspired by the idea of creating the stars. “We usually have cold weather around Christmas and that brings people together to keep warm. The tree will provide a festive setting.” Christy from CCC Kei Long College, another of the star-makers, also loves handicrafts. “Making these stars has taught me patience. At first I thought it would be very easy, but it takes skill and practice to make a good one.”

Working together on a group project like this, coming together from different schools and various districts, was a new experience for the student star-makers. “With a bit of imagination we made art out of old cans,” says Billy, “and recycling instead of wasting at Christmas is a good idea.”

“I have always thought that Christmas trees should be green, with a great big star on top and lots of lights shining in the branches but this is a very special, very beautiful ‘green’ Christmas tree,” says Christy. “It hasn’t been bought from a shop and its decorations are unique, all made by young people like me. I hope it sends the message to everyone who sees it that we don’t need to throw away so much. We can re-use a lot of it.”

How else does the Christmas tree represent Hong Kong? How does it say that young people are concerned about the city? According to Stanley, the answer is all in the materials. “We wanted to make

a special tree without wasting anything so we came up with the idea of upcycling. We chose bamboo because it really represents building in Hong Kong and we could use it in a new way. Bamboo is easy to build with and easy to dismantle. The tree is a symbol of Hong Kong and its flexibility.

For me, that is a very important message.”

We helped to make it!

“Each individual contribution has been like a drop of water,” Stanley continues. “When a drop lands on the floor it spreads. Imagine a water droplet exactly like this and you will understand exactly the idea behind this huge tree. With so many young people joining in, the tree has spread and grown with each hand that helped to create it.”

Members of HKFYG’s 21 Youth SPOTs and students from local schools worked together to make about 50,000 stars on the tree. “They cocreated works of art,” says Stanley, “and I hope they learned that making something big out of virtually nothing can always be done. You have to give it time and you need a lot of people, but the power of such outdoor art can be huge, so different from what you see in shopping malls.”

When the young co-creators look at the tree with their families and friends they will be able to say, “Look! This is what I helped to make!” Truly a goodwill wish to Hong Kong from our young people.

Enquiries tel 3755 7072 email hkchristmastree@hkfyg.org.hk website m21.hk/HKChristmasTree

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth watch

Taking the vocational route

U

niversity is not for everyone and many with a degree do not easily find employment. There are alternative, more practical routes to getting a job. Jennifer Lam looks at what some other countries are doing.

SYSTEM The dual system of vocational education and training (VET) integrates work-based and school-based learning.

Apprenticeships in the workplace are well integrated with classroom teaching in vocational schools.

SCOPE Apprenticeships straddle about 350 occupations in manufacturing and service sectors. All stakeholders: government, trade associations, companies and trade unions, work closely together to ensure that workplace training can meet professional standards and market needs.

STATISTICS 59% of German students opt for VET at upper secondary level. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development as a whole has a ratio of only 46%. In 2011, about 500,000 or 25% of German firms participated in apprenticeships, employing at least one apprentice. 1.5 million apprenticeship places were offered in Germany in 2013.Youth unemployment in Germany is among the lowest in Europe.

by Deutsche Fotothek commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File%3AFotothek_df_n-10_0000828.jpg CC BY-SA 3.0 de

» Germany

PARTICIPATION The system is well-resourced, combining public and private funding. The business community in Germany views it as a form of investment, because trainees can become full-time staff upon successful certification.

STRUCTURE Usually trainees work for companies 3-4 days each week and study in vocational schools for the rest of the time. About 40% of school work is in conventional subjects like mathematics and sciences while 60% is in subjects directly related to the chosen industry or trade. Most apprenticeships last 2 to 3.5 years.

PATHWAYS of professional education and training include advanced vocational examinations which effectively link upskilling to recognition of prior learning and Fachschulen (trade and technical schools) qualifications.1 2 Good performers in the workplace can train further to become master craftsmen or state-certified engineers.

PAY Apprenticeships cost employers around €1,250 (HK$12,890) per month,3 including an average monthly training stipend of €680 (HK$7,010) paid to the apprentice.

1.

oecd.org/education/skills-beyond-school/45938559.pdf

2.

make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/prospects/prospect-of-vocational-training

3.

legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-1415ise06-vocational-training-in-germany-and-its-policy-implications.htm

4.

ncee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Swiss-VET-Report-Press-Release-Final3.pdf

5. gov.hk/en/residents/government/policy/government_reports/reports/docs/Report_of_the_Task_Force_on_Promotion_of_Vocational_Education.pdf

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6.

qz.com/#122501/apprenticeships-make-young-people-in-switzerland-employable/

7.

ibid

8.

thepienews.com/news/sea-change-chinese-education-system-focus-vet/

9.

classbase.com/Countries/china/Education-System

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

by PortoBay flickr.com/photos/portobaytrade/5515329770/

Youth watch

» Switzerland

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SYSTEM There is also a dual VET system in Switzerland, one of the strongest in the world. As in Germany, it is a very important contributor to the country’s economic success and low youth unemployment.

STATISTICS 70% of young people participate in VET. SCOPE Training covers a range of occupations, including information technology, advanced manufacturing and healthcare, as well as the traditional trades and crafts. Each Swiss industry sector partners the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation to develop standards for industry qualifications and assessments, the training curriculum, and course work for students during upper secondary school vocational education.

STRUCTURE Students can move between academic and vocational studies as well as from VET on to higher education at a university of applied sciences.

PATHWAYS to higher education include 2-year VET leading to a Federal VET Certificate, intended for students with lower academic learning performance and more practical skills. 3 to 4-year VET leading to the Federal VET Diploma. The Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB) is 5 for students with higher learning performance. FVB holders are entitled to enroll for university degrees. Professional Education & Training (PET) follows for specialists and managers and is equivalent to a university degree.

PAY Swiss teenagers in vocational education were paid a monthly starting wage of around US$800 in 2013, rising to 6 around US$1,000 by the time they are in their third year.

Challenges for Germany & Switzerland It has become increasingly difficult for employers to find youngsters for apprenticeships in recent years, partly for demographic reasons as populations age.

6% of apprenticeships were not filled in 2013 – a vacancy level that was 90% higher than in 2009.

The enthusiasm of companies for the system has also waned as the knowledge-based economy has grown. The number of unsuccessful applicants for apprenticeships has grown by 35% in recent years.

Employers have raised questions about the employability and trainability of applicants, pointing at a mismatch between employers and applicants.

EU citizens are eligible to apply for apprenticeships in Germany, as there are not enough local applicants to fill all the apprenticeships on offer.

The country has the largest vocational education and training (VET) system in the world, with about 1,300 vocational institutions but many are underfunded, 7 need upgraded facilities and suffer faculty shortages. In 2014, China released a 6-year Modern Vocational Education Development Strategy in a bid to raise the profile of vocational education and fill skills gaps in a job market 8 saturated with graduates. Aiming to increase the number of students in VET institutions from 29.34 million, to 38.3 million by 2020, the government said it could convert 600 public universities to polytechnic institutions and add a vocational skills element to the Gaokao ( 高考 ) entrance exam system. In 2013, the Ministry of Education introduced a policy to run several apprenticeship pilots across the country modelled on the UK. The reformed system will offer dual tracks allowing students to choose a general study or vocational pathway in secondary school that can be followed all the way up to post-secondary and post-graduate degree programmes.Vocational senior secondary education is highly employment-oriented, but it does offer some 9 access to further education, particularly in the technical/vocational specialties.

by kattebelletje flickr.com/photos/kattebelletje/4468985487/

Mainland China

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Youth watch

by University of Fraser Valley flickr.com/photos/ufv/14017194903/

» Australia PROVIDERS These include technical and further education (TAFE) institutes, adult and community education providers and agricultural colleges, as well as private providers, community organizations, industry skill centres, and commercial and enterprise training providers. In addition, some universities and schools provide VET. 81.7% of employers are satisfied that apprentices and 10 trainees are receiving the skills they require.

SCOPE In Australia,VET includes trade and office work, retail, hospitality, child care and information technology. It also includes 11 apprenticeships and national performing arts training.

STATISTICS Of the 1.07 million students enrolled in the first 6 months of 2015, 63.4% were enrolled at TAFE and other government providers, 31.5% 12 at private training providers, and 4.5% at community education providers.

STRUCTURE Apprenticeship can take from 1 to 4 years to complete, depending on type and the qualification undertaken.

VET courses at the certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level can provide students with a pathway into the higher education sector.

In addition to helping students meet entry requirements,VET courses can also provide credit towards some higher education courses.

PAY Apprentices are paid a wage and have the same rights to superannuation, workers’ compensation and other entitlements or requirements as all other 13 workers in Australia. Apprentices may also be eligible for financial support of up to A$20,000 through loans during apprenticeship to assist with the costs.

» UK HISTORY Technical and vocational education (TVET) in the UK initially developed independently of the state, with bodies such as the RSA and City & Guilds setting examinations for technical subjects.

STRUCTURE Courses in TVET range from introductory initial courses in secondary schools and colleges through to programmes at higher education level.

They include school-based programmes which combine general academic study with vocational elements, broad vocational programmes and specialist occupational 19 programmes in schools and the workplace.

Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships are available for those aged 16 and over: TVET is offered on a full-time and part-time basis and students may attend schooling on a block-release or day-release basis from employers or attend evening or weekend classes.

Challenges for Australia The Employers’ Use and Views of the VET System 2015 Survey shows that while overall use of vocational education and training remains steady at 52.8%, the proportion of employers with apprentices and trainees continues to decline. In 2015, 24.3% of employers had apprentices and trainees, down 2.6% from 2013.

This follows a trend over recent years of declining use of apprentices and trainees by Australian employers and coincides with a decrease in the number of apprentices and trainees 14 in-training over a similar period.

took up STATISTICS In 2015, 5% of youngsters 20 apprenticeships at the age of 16. There were 578,700 apprenticeship starts in the whole of the UK in the 2012/13 academic year. Most pupils currently take at least one vocational course between the ages of 14 and 16. It is estimated that in 2013 there were around 630,000–800,000 pupils engaged in some 21 form of vocational education in this age-group.

3 million new apprenticeships announced 2015.

PATHWAYS Opportunities for permeability between TVET and higher education exist within the UK. Candidates holding high-level vocational qualifications may be allowed access to selected first-cycle university programmes at institutional discretion.

PAY Apprentices must be paid a minimum of £3.30 per hour as of October 2015. The minimum 23 hourly wage for adult workers is £6.70

10. asqa.gov.au/about/australias-vet-sector/australias-vet-sector.html 11. australia.gov.au/information-and-services/education-and-training/vocational-education-and-training 12. ncver.edu.au/

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13. australianapprenticeships.gov.au/employers 14. oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/45163853.pdf 15. oei.org.py/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NYP-Singapur1.pdf 16. ncee.org/programs-affiliates/center-on-international-education-benchmarking/top-performing-countries/singapore-overview/singapore-school-to-work-transition/ 17. todayonline.com/singapore/s5000-sign-incentive-new-earn-and-learn-programme

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December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth watch

SCOPE ITE offers training in engineering, electronics and infomation and communications technology, applied and health sciences, business services and design and media. Polytechnics offer application and developmentoriented training in courses such as engineering, IT and communications, built environment, business and finance, chemical and life science, health sciences, media and design and maritime studies. Courses at certificate, diploma, bachelor and postgraduate levels include innovative programmes such as forensic accounting and forensic computing.

STATISTICS Singapore values vocational and technical skills as crucial to the country’s economic development. Since 1995, enrollment in vocational education has doubled and now makes up 65% of the cohort who go on to post-secondary education aged 16-18, with 25% accepted into the ITE and another 40% attending polytechnics. As of 2014, 87% of ITE graduates were hired in their fields within 6 months of graduation.

PATHWAYS Polytechnics offer nearly 150 diploma programmes and graduates are able to transfer their credits to pursue a university degree 16 if they want. In 2014 a government review recommended changes to the current ITE system to strengthen workplace partnerships, articulating specific skill frameworks and career pathways, and expanding apprenticeship and continuing education opportunities.

PAY A programme launched in 2015 will see fresh polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates matched to employers to work and train towards industry-recognized certification. The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme will be a 12 to 18 month-long programme, and funding will be provided to both the individuals and employers 17 who participate. Individuals will get an incentive of S$5,000.

by Lorenzo Herrera https://www.flickr.com/photos/loren/15931213/

» Singapore PROVIDERS Vocational training is provided by the Institute of Technical 15 Education (ITE), polytechnics and private specialized skill training centres.

Challenges for Singapore Singapore’s Ministry of Education recognizes the need for change but there is, as yet, no agreed approach for measuring need for new kinds of skills. It is also difficult for teachers, themselves trained in a teacherdominated pedagogy, to fundamentally change their practices. Singapore leaders worry that as the economy continues to grow and change and as new demands are placed on teachers, it may become harder to recruit the kind of top-level people into TVET that are needed to support 18 the new kinds of learning.

Challenges for UK

by CTSI at UCSF https://www.flickr.com/photos/ctsiatucsf/6847513227/

There is consensus in the UK that apprenticeships are important for dealing with the country’s intermediate skills deficit. The number of employers currently taking on apprentices has risen in recent years. A study by the Institute for Public Policy Research found that the UK 24 needs more vocational training, not more degrees.

Researchers pointed out that over the coming decade, only a third of all jobs created will be in high-skilled occupations that require a degree, while the rest will be in medium and low-skilled areas such as social care, trades and public services. The study projects that about 5.6 million jobs will be created in lowskilled occupations between 2012 and 2022.

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18. oecd.org/countries/singapore/46581101.pdf 19. naric.org.uk/refernet/resources/UK_2014_CR_Final.pdf 20. theguardian.com/education/2015/oct/22/apprenticeships-poor-quality-ofsted-chief 21. edge.co.uk/media/111810/vocational-education-pre-16s_may2013.pdf 22. gov/uk/government/mews/government-plans-to-reach-3-million-apprenticeships 23. gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-largest-ever-increase-to-apprentices-wages 24. ft.com/cms/s/0/29d9258a-eb3b-11e3-8a5f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3qOYiyL2F 25. ippr.org/files/publications/pdf/winning-global-race_June2014.pdf?noredirect=1

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Arts & culture

Tea culture A

by Ashley Van Haeften https://flic.kr/p/qHaTyK

good cup of tea is a great way to start the day as Jessica Lo, who runs a Chinese tea shop in Fo Tan, knows well. She tells Ada Chau about setting up her business and how to overcome difficulties.

Tea ceremony: 8 basic steps Of all the many kinds of tea, Jessica loves the Chinese pu'erh or bo-lay (普洱) best.

In the traditional tea ceremony used to serve it she finds peace and harmony – so much that she quit her job in finance.

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1. Heat the water: 90-100°C degree for black tea is perfect 2. Wash the utensils with hot water, including the teapot and cups 3. Place a spoonful of tea leaves in a 4-6oz (100-150ml) pot, rinse them with hot water then pour out the liquid

First tastes of tea

4. Pour more hot water onto the tea leaves and let the infusion brew

When Jessica and her sister were at school their mother inspired them by performing the elegant tea ceremony for the family after evening meals.

Then the girls went to university abroad. Only tea bags were available there, but they never forgot.

Jessica’s growing ambition, despite her studies in finance, was to perform the ritual herself. Now the sisters are back in Hong Kong and they say the best way to enjoy being together is after dinner. “It is the most peaceful moment of a day,” says Jessica, “much better than watching TV!”

5. Pour the tea from the teapot into a small jug or pitcher with a filter called a gong dao bei ( 公道杯 )

The traditional Chinese ceremony may seem complicated and not everyone will instantly see the beauty of it. In fact, as Jessica explains, “Many factors affect the taste of the tea but the main purpose of the ceremony is not just the taste, it is the ritual. It brings so much peace and can even change a person’s character.

Take me, for example. I always used to hurry, rushing hither and thither, but now, after a few years of brewing tea in the tea ceremony, I am a calm and know how, to find peace.”

6. Pour the tea from the gong dao bei into small cups, usually serving guests first 7. Savour the fragrance from the cup and enjoy the tea slowly 8. Repeat steps 4 to 7 between 3 and 5 times, depending on the kind and quality of tea leaves

pp Jessica pours tea into a glass gong dao bei

pp Jessica serves guests from the gong dao bei

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Arts & culture

Worth all the difficulties However, running a tea shop in Hong Kong is not easy, and particularly not in Fo Tan, a mainly industrial area. “Our customers are usually willing to travel to us but when we moved to a shop without a street-front entrance in March this year it became harder and then the cultural visits stopped as well.”

So for a few months, Jessica went back to work in finance, using her weekends to look after the tea shop. Now she has new plans, to move upstairs where there is more room for exchange groups, not only to make tea but to enjoy it together as well.

“I think that the tea ceremony shows people some of the fundamentals in life: how to do things slowly and enjoy every step. Eventually, it helps people to appreciate ‘the art of being’ itself. Tea is not only for drinking. It has many uses and can also become a ritual that helps you reflect on life.”

by yoppy flickr.com/photos/spiltmilk/213959532/

by Cosmin Dordea

by Mackay Savage flickr.com/photos/ mckaysavage/140902695/

Lo’s Infinitea opened in 2011. “At first, the shop sold only the utensils for the tea ceremony and the tea leaves, but it evolved into a centre for introducing Chinese tea culture.” Jessica’s sister Melody performed the tea ceremony and Jessica helped with the traditional incense burning for overseas exchange students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “I remember well watching all their curious faces as they took part in this typical cultural experience.”

by Formosa wandering flickr.com/photos/ polanyi/2970802570/

All the Lo family helped to set up the shop.

“My mother helped to choose the font for the Chinese characters on our own family’s special tea caddy and my father helped with renovations and contacted tea factories in China.”

by Cosmin Dordea

“After my sister became qualified as an accountant, we decided to set up our own business and naturally the first idea was a Chinese tea shop. We wanted plenty of space to demonstrate the tea ceremony as well has letting people enjoy our tea so we chose Fo Tan because it is near where our parents work.”

Six kinds of tea

by teajournaling flickr.com/photos/ teajournaling/2227590375/

Infinitea in the making

slightly fermented, chiefly produced in Fujian province

Yellow slightly fermented, includes a "smothering" process that results in yellow leaves which make a yellow infusion when brewed

Green unfermented, goes through the pan-firing process right after the leaves have been plucked

Oolong partially fermented with a degrees of oxidation between green and black tea, mainly controlled by the pan-firing procedure

Black mainly controlled by the pan-firing procedure

Post-fermented can be made from green, oolong or black tea; pu’erh is the best known; heaping it up in a pile helps to generate its unique colour, aroma, and flavour; sometimes sold pressed into a cake

Lo's Infinitea Address Flat B, 17/F., Century Industrial Centre, 33-35 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan Visits by appointment Email jessicamylo@gmail.com

Sources Six types of Chinese tea, LCSD, HKSAR. lcsd.gov.hk/ce/Museum/Arts/7thingsabouttea/en/ch3_1_0.htm Luyu.The Classic of Tea

White

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Arts & culture

The Intern M

any companies offer internships but how many would choose a retiree instead of a fresh graduate? The Intern, a movie starring Robert De Niro, tells the story of one which did just that.

A 72-year-old male comes back from retirement by way of an internship with a successful online shopping company. It is run by a female less than half his age. It may sound like fiction but it’s based on fact.

Ben, a widower, is bored by retirement after a high-profile job in management. He sends in the required video self-introduction with his application to become a Senior Intern on a six-week programme in a Brooklyn office.

Ben gets accepted and finds himself in the midst of the other interns, none of whom are in the ‘senior’ category. They bring MP3 players, earphones and chargers to the office. Ben brings a calculator, a newspaper and a notebook.

But he soon makes friends among his young colleagues, and with his natural kindness and experience he starts to give them advice.

Ben’s own mentor is the founder of the company, a young lady called Jules, played

by Anne Hathaway. She can’t find many tasks that suit Ben until her chauffeur is discovered drinking. Ben takes his place and soon he finds out all about Jules’s complicated life.

She has a lot on her plate. Not only do shareholders want someone with more experience to be CEO rather than her, she also has a cheating husband. Before long Jules finds herself relying on Ben to help her out with problems both at work and at home.

Comment

by Ada Chau

In reality, the storyline requires a stretch of the imagination. Few interns have a background like Ben’s and most are very unlikely to work side by side with a potential CEO. However, the film brings out the ways in which anyone can make their mark.

As an intern, on the one hand there is always an opportunity to learn and explore. On the other hand, a company can benefit from new ideas and new ways of working that energize the staff, regardless of the age of the person whose ideas they are.

This movie may not make it as a classic, but it surely helped me to think again about being positive, making things work in unexpected ways and having the courage to try something new. There is always the chance that you may find a way out of life’s dilemmas if you do, and as Jules does. The movie’s slogan is “Experience never gets old.” That works. As one of Ben’s male colleagues says, "You're not as old as I thought you were."

Directed by Nancy Meyers Reviewer’s rating **** Editor’s note

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Of the five million new jobs created in the US between 2009 and 2013, 80% went to workers aged 55+. In Singapore, senior citizens can join a new programme launched by the People's Association (PA) Senior Academy called the Golden Work Series which offers about 100 vacancies half-yearly for over 50s. Aaverage internship period is about a month for internships, part-time and light work.

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

City space

STEPs to

social innovation

A

t the heart of the HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre in Wong Chuk Hang inventive minds are at work on new ideas. The Centre provides them with co-working space, arranges meetups where social innovators connect with corporate executives and organizes pitching contests where they showcase bright business concepts.

Entrepreneurship can reduce unemployment, increase social mobility and enhance economic competitiveness. Yet many young people are put off because of lack of capital, knowledge and experience. The aim of the STartup Empowerment Programme (STEP), supported

by J. P. Morgan, is to build entrepreneurial spirit in underprivileged youth and help them become better prepared through a realistic approach to

business development. Monthly micro-funding is given for three months to those who qualify.

This facilitates business planning and research.

Ten start-up teams have been selected to benefit from the programme. They are now in an incubation year at the Social Innovation Centre.

Three of them are featured on the facing page.

J.P. Morgan STartup Empowerment Programme (STEP) Official launch at the HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre in Wong Chuk Hang on 26 November.

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pp Dr Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, DBE, JP, Executive Director, HKFYG, 4th from left, with Guests of Honour, Ms Florence Hui, SBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home Affairs, HKSARG and Ms Diana Tsui, Head of Global Philanthropy, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan, 5th and 6th from left respectively, with the teams and their mentors

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

City space

P

assber provides an innovative mobile sales platform which links SMEs and consumers.

Its comprehensive automation system and fair service fees mean that Passber can help SMEs promote their products effectively. “Consumers also get cash coupons and are motivated to come back. We have a 4-person co-working suite at the Social Innovation Centre and are benefiting from our participation in STEP,” commented Ricky.

More details passber.com/

Y

Cocktail & Mocktail Ltd offers a tailor-

made mocktail beverage service provided by a bartender with a mobile trolley for special functions and wedding parties. “Our service can greatly enhance the experience and help PR and marketing companies to increase the promotional effect of their events,” says Tracy Wong, one of the co-founders. It has gained the attention of over 10 media companies including Apple Daily, Sing Tao Daily and Cable TV. “Volkswagen, Samsung,Yahoo! and iBLUES are some of the big brand names we have worked with,” Tracy continues. She attributes their success to STEP. “It invited many good mentors and consultants with whom we could enrich our knowledge of business development and build stronger business networks.”

More details ycocktailandmocktail.com/

C

afe Time is a pre-seed start-up that promotes a concept called “Future Coffee Coupon.” For the price of a cup of coffee users can get tips from experienced people who share ideas and advice on work and life to build social capital. Armo Tsui, co-founder of the company, says about his venture, “My family is not very well off and for me as a fresh graduate, the monthly pilot funding means I could kickstart researching my business idea with less worry. With seed funding I can put my ideas into practice. It makes me feel more confident.”

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

HKFYG

Education

Vision for a school

M

r Kenneth Chen Wei-on, who recently took up the role of Chairman of the School Management Committee at the HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College, writes about his hopes for the school’s future.

I once read about a psychology experiment in which one group of children was praised for intelligence and achievement and another group was praised for effort and persistence. It was found that those praised for effort outperformed those praised for achievement. In a society where academic achievement is held in high regard, this is an especially important lesson for those of us who value long-term results rather than short-term gains.

Whole person development

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In the HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College (HLC), I see a school that values not just grades but, more importantly, holistic development in students. It inculcates the right learning habits, positive moral values and healthy physique which will be assets for a lifetime. I am also mindful that education should

not be defined or measured by grades alone. While I am excited about HLC students achieving high grades and going to top universities, I consider it more important for each of them to develop a lifelong passion for learning and a strong character.

Indeed, “Wisdom in Action�, the school motto, seeks to inspire in our students a sense of wonder and curiosity while endorsing clear moral values.

Importance of languages In an international financial centre such as Hong Kong, language fluency will always be highly valued.

In my experience, the ability to articulate clearly and logically is indicative not only of language skills but also of overall intellectual ability. I am therefore particularly impressed by the HLC students I have met who are both tri-lingual and bi-literate.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Education directed learning by students. While parents have a legitimate role in monitoring the education of their children, clear boundaries are needed so that our students will be given sufficient room to develop independence and initiative.

Change and progress

However, while promoting the use of a foreign language through frequent exposure, we must not lose sight of the need to teach in a medium of instruction that is most conducive to learning. So while I am fully supportive of providing students with an immersive language environment, I hope that the appropriate medium of instruction will be used to enable them to learn most effectively, according to their various ability levels.

Home-school cooperation At the last School Management Committee meeting, I had the privilege of meeting two parent managers who contributed helpful insight concerning various issues facing the school. Engaged parents are always indicative of a thriving school and interaction with them evolves as students grow into independent and responsible young adults.

In the deployment of new technology for learning, we need to be mindful that these tools are primarily developed to promote self-

Clearly, HLC has come a long way since its founding a decade ago. The first decade was marked by the laying of solid foundations. I hope the next one will be marked by innovative teaching and learning practices that will move the school onto its next level. Certainly, at the time of writing, a range of academic initiatives is being rolled out to encourage proactive, self-directed learning.

While HLC will undoubtedly attract able students, I hope the fundamental reasons for its original establishment will never fade. In Chinese, there is a saying which differentiates between a school that teaches its students well （教好學生）and that which only teaches “well” students （教「好學生」). HLC is the former, not the latter.

Let us not measure our success by the number of “stars” our students have scored at public examinations, but whether we have given each of them, regardless of their innate ability, a passion for learning and the strength of character that will sustain them throughout their lives and all their future endeavours.

Mr Kenneth Chen Wei-on takes over as School Management Committee Chairman (SMC) from Professor Wong Hoi-kwok. He wishes to thank Professor Wong and outgoing Supervisor Ms Yolanda Chiu for their contributions to the school in the ten formative years. During that period HLC established a solid reputation in the district and Mr Chen hopes that with the experience of the educators and managers who are staying on the SMC will continue to play a strong supportive role in the school’s development. pp (Left to right) Ms Yolanda Chiu, outgoing School Supervisor, Mr Kenneth Chen, incoming SMC Chairman, Prof Wong Hoi-kwok, outgoing SMC Chairman, Mr Andy Ho, incoming School Supervisor

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Awards

Don’t give up E

very year, about ten young people are given recognition in the HKFYG Turning Point Youth Improvement Awards. All of them have overcome serious personal problems with drugs, sex or violence. When they reached a junction in life they took the right turn.

by Brad.K flickr.com/photos/stopbits/5595214723/

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Long was only five when his mother died. From then on it seemed his father demanded more and more from him. The pressure did no good. Long got into endless fights at school and was eventually arrested for assault. Desperate and repentant, he turned to his father. During the long court case and punishment, again, it was his parent’s support that helped. Now 17, Long has his sights set on university and a job in the police force one day.

flickr.com/photos/professorbop/3604980155/

by Edwin Lee flickr.com/photos/edwinylee/3002281385/

Jazz, a boy of 17, got into trouble. His friends let him down and, seeing how terribly betrayed he felt, his mother stood by him, despite all that he had done wrong. Her faith in him made Jazz think hard about his life. He decided to turn over a brand new leaf and now hopes to start up his own design company.

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

flickr.com/photos/kashklick/143619852/

by Phil Dolby flickr.com/photos/126654539@N08/17345728276/

Awards

The other teenagers among this year’s awardwinners have similar troubled pasts: drink and drugs since their early teens, giving into the temptation to steal, getting into bad company. They have been arrested, experienced life in prison and struggled with probation. For each of them there has been a parent, a social worker or a friend who has stood by their side, had faith in them, and watched them reach a turning point. At a fork in the road they recognized how badly they had let people down.

Wai, a 19 year-old girl, was once an addict. Her People they cared about. When they realized how mother tried to stop her but Wai was too drugged to much it mattered they wanted to make amends. care. Then she overdosed and ended up in hospital.

None of her so-called friends came to see her but Now they’ve found direction. They have he mother did. Wai turned a corner then. Now she goals in life and are on the right track. shops and cooks for her mother when she is not at work in a restaurant. One day she’ll be a barista, she says. She’s already getting some experience.

Hoi, also 19, has a history of gambling. He gets into fights if he loses and then starts drinking.

Even though his life is full of trouble his mother told him, “You’re my son and I’ll never turn my back on you. You’ve done wrong in the past but you’ll change. I know it.” She was right and Hoi knew it too. He pulled himself together, got a job with a hairdresser and his ambition now is to be a stylist. He has set his mind to it.

pp Hoi with his social worker

More details ycpc.hkfyg.org.hk/youthlaw/news.aspx?id=10a6f4a3-0b6b-47b5-8e10-758e071f2449&i=1202 Enquiries HKFYG Youth Crime Prevention Centre tel 8100 9669

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

HKFYG

Awards

Finding themselves by helping others

M

ahatma Gandhi said that “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.� The concept is epitomized by the young people who win The Hong Kong Youth Service Award each year. In 2015 there were five award-winners.

Walter Tsui Yu-hang was born with bilateral visual impairment. He now has only 10% of his vision, but his real focus is on other people.

Walter helps other disabled young people like himself get jobs. He first founded mAccess and then became a co-founder of CareER (Care in Education and Recruitment) which links disabled university graduates with professional and corporate employers. CareER offers workshops and training which give the graduates confidence and skills while providing training for employers on how best to interact with them. CarER worked with the Vocational Training Council to create the first mentorship programme in Hong Kong targeting students with special educational needs.

Use the QR codes to see the award-winners in action.

Check out the video introduction of Walter here.

(Narrated by Myolie Wu)

Hong Kong really needs young people who are aware and dedicated to serving the community.

Baroness Lydia Dunn DBE, JP

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Zimon Chan Chun-kit believes attitude is even more important than knowledge as a weapon against poverty. He demonstrates this in his own life.

Zimon fulfilled his childhood dream when he became a PE teacher and for the past nine years he has been teaching at a secondary school with underprivileged children. He is also the founder of the InspiringHK Sports Foundation which takes sports and sportsmanship into the lives of deprived teens, promoting equal learning opportunities to enhance social mobility. To Zimon, sport is not just a physical activity.

Instead, it is an avenue where young people learn important values like persistence, teamwork and self-discipline. So far, the Foundation has provided 140 underprivileged teens with 150 hours of professional sports training and 30 hours of experiential learning activities each. We are still counting!

Check out the video introduction of Zimon here.

(Narrated by Alex Fong)

The value of the Hong Kong Youth Service Award is its appreciation of youth who selflessly sacrifice their time to serve the community by taking concrete action. pp Left to right: Baroness Lydia Dunn, The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam, Dr Rosanna Wong

The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSARG

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Awards

Leung Kai-yip is passionate about helping the underprivileged. Through his voluntary tutoring scheme, he helps children with their schoolwork and encourages others to do likewise.

Kenneth Ng Yiu-fai is an IT specialist who says his own disability motivated him to use his expertise, knowledge and experience to make Hong Kong more accessible for all.

Committed to offering free tutoring to young people, Kai-yip set up the Onfire Voluntary Tutoring Scheme three years ago in response to the needs of students from low-income families. Kai-yip has inspired more than 1,000 people to join him and his teams now work in over 20 locations around Hong Kong, tutoring over 100 students.

They understand that education is the key to the future and a critical factor in ending intergenerational poverty.

Kenneth is the convener of GIVERS which advocates incorporating volunteerism into daily life. He is also the founder of You Will Succeed, a platform offering job-matching and job training for the disabled. He has helped more than 200 people find the right job in the past three years, restoring their faith in themselves while encouraging them to be independent.

Kenneth has also developed an online database about accessible facilities for the disabled. With his personal story and positive attitude he has inspired many others.

Check out the video introduction of Kai Yip here.

(Narrated by Leung Kee Cheong)

Check out the video introduction of Kenneth here.

(Narrated by Alex Lee)

Bird Tang Wai-wing has his own philosophy for nurturing youth leadership. He says it is not only that a few people can do great things but that many people can perform many small, meaningful deeds.

Formerly a secondary school teacher, Bird is now the Executive Director of VolTra, which he founded to promote global citizenship. He is also Vice-President of the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia, which promotes international volunteerism with member organizations in more than 20 countries. Bird is also involved in a number of international projects organized by the European Commission and UNESCO encouraging global perspective among the young. Their aim is the development of empathy in volunteers who work in foreign countries.

Check out the video introduction of Bird here.

(Narrated by Chung King Fai)

2015 Selection Panel Prof Frederick Ma Si-hang, GBS, JP

Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen, SBS, BBS, JP

Honorary Professor, School of Economics and Finance, University of Hong Kong

Chairman,Vocational Training Council

The Hon Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung, JP

Director, The Dragon Foundation

Non-Official Member, Executive Council, HKSAR Government

Prof John Leong Chi-yan, SBS, OBE, JP Chairman, Hospital Authority

Ms Shelley Lee Lai-kuen, GBS, OBE, JP Dr Louis Cheung Chi-yan Managing Partner, Boyu Capital

Dr Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG

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Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

HKFYG

Publications

C

oncerns about ageing, roles in public affairs, and engagement in innovation and technology are the topics of three new HKFYG think tank reports from “Youth I.D.E.A.S.” Find more at yrc.hkfyg.org.hk

What can the younger generation do for an aged society?

Report No. 2

15% of our population is aged 65 or more and that will rise to 30% by 2041. Median life expectancy, already the same as Germany’s, is also projected to rise. In many traditional cultures members of the younger generations are expected to provide for the older members of the family and adult children are the primary source of support and care for older relatives. However, in places with very low birth rates like Hong Kong, trends of having fewer children mean that there will be less potential care and support for older people from their families. As the burdens increase, will attitudes change? How will the younger people in Hong Kong cope and how are they preparing for their own future as elderly members of society?

Attitudes and values They respect the elderly.

They do not consider the elderly to be a burden on society.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank conveners

They accept responsibility for providing care for parents.

Society & Livelihood group

Concerns

Carew Chan “The government should raise tax allowances for anyone who provides for needy parents or grandparents thus alleviating economic pressure on young people. Besides, seeing there is an acute shortage of subsidized elderly hostel quotas, the government should seek suitable sites for more.”

They are worried about their own future as elderly people.

They believe the family should bear the main responsibility for taking care of the elderly but believe future generations may not think likewise.

They believe in savings, investments, good financial management and good health to help them when they are old.

Practical responses About 60% are willing to contribute to a universal retirement pension scheme.

Over 20% are willing to pay 10% of their monthly income into a fund.

18% were unwilling to pay anything.

20% believed the greatest responsibility should rest with the elderly or government.

Suggestions and recommendations Greater government suport for looking after the elderly.

More resources to help youth be competitive, higher earners.

Improved community services and residential care services for the elderly, including canteens, household care facilities and care homes.

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by Oiluj Samall Zeid flickr.com/photos/92799712@N04/15526318970/

Responsibilities and ageing

Ageing at home to be the norm with institutional care as back-up.

Harmonious contact between the young and older generations to be encouraged to promote respect for the elderly.

Peann Tam “We should have an annual Grandparent’s Day when older people’s contributions to society are recognized and respect for the elderly is promoted with special emphasis on those still living at home.”

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Publications

Who is willing to take up positions in public affairs?

Report No. 3

Activity in public affairs

Attitudes and values A clear majority said they felt a sense of belonging for Hong Kong.

Over half enjoyed volunteering and were concerned about public affairs.

Over a fifth had a role in public affairs.

Over a quarter were willing to take up such roles.

by David Woo flickr.com/photos/mckln/4814409359/

Hong Kong has 509 public sector boards and committees of which 229 are statutory and 280 are non-statutory.Young people are not strongly represented on them. Taking up a position of responsibility on any public or professional body involves giving up time and developing skills like public speaking and networking.

Nevertheless, the majority in this survey agreed that being publicspirited was generally positive and that it led to an increase in sense of belonging and commitment. They also appreciated the altruism, community spirit and contributions that it involved.

Concerns Too few young people are members of public advisory or statutory bodies.

Many felt that society would not have confidence in them if they took up such a role because they lacked experience.

A fifth did not know how to take up a position in public affairs.

Nearly two-thirds did not trust the government and considered the administration to be poor and appointments to lack transparency.

The same proportion considered themselves powerless to bring about policy change.

Another obstacle was getting time off work: as members of a competitive society, they gave priority to career development.

Peer recognition was needed.

Practical responses Over half thought that they could have a greater impact by forming their own action groups rather than by taking up posts in the government.

Training in communications, teamwork, and critical thinking etc. was considered a prerequisite for public service.

Suggestions and recommendations Set a quota for non-official members aged 40 or under on government advisory and statutory bodies.

Promote a workplace culture friendly to participation in public affairs including incentives to attend meetings.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank conveners Governance & Constitutional Development group Richard Cheng “There should be a benchmark quota for a specific percentage of non-official members aged 40 or under on government advisory and statutory bodies.

Currently, the low representation of young people weakens their voices and opinions in contrast to those of older members.”

Yuri Hung “There is fierce competition nowadays meaning that young people struggle to find a balance between personal career development and participation in public affairs. Employers should provide incentives such as allowing up to four hours leave per month to attend meetings.

This would represent a maximum of just 2.5% of a month’s working hours.”

Arrange more international forums to provide mutual support and networking opportunities.

Build a platform for dialogue between government, stake-holders, and young people to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen trust.

Offer training in skills for public affairs.

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Encouraging young people to participate in the development of innovation and technology Report No. 4

There is a strong imperative to put innovation at the top of the agenda as economies grow. Not only advanced economies but developing nations are finding that innovation is an important driver and developing nations are no longer lagging behind those with high incomes. However, Hong Kong’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index fell to 11th in 2015.1 About 6,000 Hong Kong students graduate in science, engineering or technology every year but few enter the field of “Innovation and Technology” (I&T). What factors prevent them and how can a greater number of young people be attracted to engage in I&T in order to stem the outflow of talent?

Attitudes and values

Suggestions and recommendations

Many find insufficient practical elements in university programmes.

Arrange more local and overseas internship opportunities to enrich experience of I&T.

Most of them believe they are at best only fairly innovative. Encourage cooperation between universities and private enterprise.

Many know little about I&T. Help young people at school to market The majority say too little emphasis is innovative ideas and research deliverables. placed on I&T by government.

Concerns Many believe that the university programmes provide little chance to find out about I&T. Lack of understanding about the nature of I&T is an obstacle to participation in related industries.

Nearly two-thirds feel pessimistic about youth engagement in I&T industries.

Over 60% believe attitudes in society are a crucial factor for I&T development.

Over 90% agree that the development of I&T in Hong Kong should be strengthened.

Young people expect the proposed Innovation and Technology Bureau to facilitate communication and cooperation between government, industry, academia and the research sector.

Practical responses More information on I&T would strengthen understanding of and interest in related industries.

Increasing investment in research would be the most effective way to facilitate the development of I&T. Many young people believe that the diversification of market-driven industries is the main reason for developing I&T in Hong Kong.

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Improved concrete policies, infrastructure support, talent nurture, investment and market expansion are essential factors for development of I&T.

Persuade government to use innovative technological products developed by local enterprise.

Develop a global mindset for expanding into overseas markets.

Raise awareness of I&T in schools and among the general public.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank convener and member Education & Innovation group Arnold Chan “Besides expanding the market, there should be more cooperation between universities and private enterprises to help commercialize students’ innovative ideas. Moreover, to broaden students’ horizons, more internship opportunities, both locally and overseas, should be provided to help them understand more about innovation and technology.”

Freddy Law “The government should be a role model, taking the lead by using innovative, technological products from local companies. This will give affirmation and encouragement. In each government department, there is a need to improve attitudes towards innovation and technology.”

1. globalinnovationindex.org/userfiles/file/reportpdf/GII-2015-v5.pdf

by Virgile Simon Bertrand flickr.com/photos/eager/15393956791/

Innovation for growth

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Coming soon

Building Community

Team Sports

99 to encourage existing sports lovers and newcomers to sports, building team spirit in individuals and developing strong community spirit by working together

Exchange

99 to enable outstanding achievers to join programmes locally or overseas, broadening horizons, developing maturity and strengthening responses to challenge and failure

3

by Seongbin flickr.com/photos/golbenge/12266625006/

2

Strengthening community spirit

99 to develop a strong local identity based on cohesiveness and harmony at the local level

Learning

99 to train young people in the rudiments of the five sports with the help of professionals, providing skills for competency in competitions and teaching about fitness through exercise and diet

5

by Frank Tsang flickr.com/photos/ franktsang/4621276361/

Engagement and participation

by David Woo flickr.com/photos/mckln/3070141326/

1

by Timothy Tsui flickr.com/photos/timothytsuihin/3322545232/

It will have five goals.

4

Service

99 to encourage and to provide opportunities for all participants to serve as volunteers, within their region and across other regions through sport and other activities

by Marcel Ekkel flickr.com/photos/ marcelekkel/9107042754/

Basketball, ice hockey, group running, DoubleDutch rope jump and canoeing are the five sports that have been chosen for the HKFYG Community Team Sports Incubator.

Watch out for more news about community sports all through the Year of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, home to the Games of the XXXI Olympiad August 2016.

by Igor commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lagoa.jpg#/ media/File:Lagoa.jpg

T

eam sports with the focus on community and young people will be a new departure for HKFYG in 2016. The plan is to promote physical and mental wellbeing through healthy activity and achievement.

pp Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, venue for rowing and canoeing in August 2016.

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Nearby Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza Area C Concert

Lighting Ceremony

Exhibition Period

19/12/2015(SAT) 5pm-9:30pm

19/12/2015(SAT) 7pm-8pm

19-26/12/2015

HK Christmas Tree

Publisher : The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

香港青年協會

hkfyg.org.hk．m21.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．Website : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk

Soy-ink is made from soybeans and is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Soy-ink is biodegradable and non-toxic.