Youth Hong Kong Volume 7 Number 4 December 2015

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 Jacot
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 Jacot
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,

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The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups was
founded in 1960 and is the citys largest non-profit
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Cover image
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Top Team - Team China
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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
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 todays 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 Decembers 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
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 todays 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--vis an academic
qualification for school leavers in Hong Kong.
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 Bachelors 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
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
Kongs 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 Masters 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?
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
Kongs 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.

1982
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 Kongs 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 Kongs 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. HKIEds 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
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.
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 Kongs 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
Interviews
pp VTCs pre-employment articulation pathways for students
See legend on facing page
and helps to meet Hong Kongs 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 VTCs 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
3. vtc.edu.hk/html/en/about/manpower_survey.html
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 VTCs 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 Kongs needs.
Over half of the students who sat Hong Kongs
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 communitys parents and schools.
The value of VPET has also been vindicated
by a motion at LegCos 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.

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
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 Kongs 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.
10
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.
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 familys 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

Kongs, 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.

10,000 15,000

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
11
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
hat would you like to be when you are 80? Thats

what another student once asked Tung-ching. His
answer? I would love to hear my grandson say,
Lets go to eat at grandpas 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!
12
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.
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 moments 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 its 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, Im 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
13

by Yvonne Raftery
https://flic.kr/p/x9xW68
Youth speak
Beauty at work
by Cindy Wong
itting still in class never really suited Cindy and when her exam results
came through she knew she wouldnt 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.
Ive never been good at English so I just skipped
the exam. Otherwise my results were OK but I
wasnt interested in repeating Secondary 6. My
teachers didnt 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.
14
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 dont really think Id
like to own the shop myself but I wouldnt 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 Id always

wanted to sell cosmetics and now Ive got a great
job working for Sa Sa in Shatin as part of my
programme, Earn and Learn. Ive 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. Im
already earning HK$5,300 a month, sometimes
more when I do overtime. I get a government
subsidy for my tuition fees too. Thats HK$8,000
a semester. Im not planning to keep on studying.
I prefer working and meeting people and as my
supervisor seems happy with my performance,
I dont think Ill 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 couldnt 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 VTCs Earn and

Learn Pilot Scheme for the Retail Industry, Foundation Diploma.
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
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. Its 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 VTCs 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.
15
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 wasnt 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. Its 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 its 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.
16
More details hkqf.gov.hk/media/EQF/EQF_Background%20info.pdf
Youth speak
Good Hair Days

by William Chow
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 werent 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 dont 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 didnt 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. Thats 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/
17
Youth speak
Degrees of learning
by Yuen Man-ho
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 didnt know. Thats very important.
18
by Highways England f
lickr.com/photos/highwaysagency/14897579815/
an-ho had a liberal arts background in school but his

results werent 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
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 VTCs 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
h Chun says he has loved

cars ever since he was a
little boy. His father ran a
vehicle repair shop and thats 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
19
Youth speak
So I didnt 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 didnt 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/
Im 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 Im 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 VTCs 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
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.
20
One of Ivan's drawings u
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, customers 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 didnt 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
21
Far from a bitter pill

by Anna
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/
nnas 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 dont want.
Training at VTC for work in a pharmacy
22
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
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
23
Perspectives
Career paths
showcasing the alternatives
ess Yeung and Cheney Cheng, conveners of HKFYGs 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 doesnt
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.
24
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 dads 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.
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 familys 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 HKFYGs Youth Research Centre earlier this year
and its first report was on vocational training. See
pages 48-50 for information on other reports.
25
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
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.
27
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 peoples growing nostalgia for
whats already been lost and whats to be treasured.
28
Alex Tam
C AllStar
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 Federations very own

Hong Kong Melody
Makers will be there of
course with every one of
this ensembles 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

nights 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.
29
HKFYG
Events
Co-creation for a
green Christmas
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.
30
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.
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 hasnt 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 dont 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 HKFYGs 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
31
Youth watch
Taking the vocational route
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
32
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
by PortoBay
flickr.com/photos/portobaytrade/5515329770/
Youth watch
Switzerland
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 countrys 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 ( ) 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
33
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 630,000800,000 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/
34
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
22
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
countrys 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

Singapores 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 countrys 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.
25
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
35
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 () best.
In the traditional tea ceremony used to
serve it she finds peace and harmony so
much that she quit her job in finance.
36
1. Heat the water: 90-100C 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.
Jessicas 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 ( )
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 persons 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
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/
Los 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. Jessicas 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 familys 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; puerh 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
37
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 its 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.
Bens own mentor is the founder of the
company, a young lady called Jules, played
by Anne Hathaway. She cant find many tasks
that suit Ben until her chauffeur is discovered
drinking. Ben takes his place and soon he
finds out all about Juless 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
Bens 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 lifes dilemmas if you do, and
as Jules does. The movies slogan is Experience never
gets old. That works. As one of Bens male colleagues
says, "You're not as old as I thought you were."
Directed by Nancy Meyers

Reviewers rating ****
Editors note
38
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.
City space
STEPs to
social innovation
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.
40
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
City space
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/
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/
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.
41
HKFYG
Education
Vision for a school
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 schools 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
42
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.
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
and that which only teaches well students
). 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 schools 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
43
HKFYG
Awards
Dont 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/
44
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 parents 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.
HKFYG
flickr.com/photos/kashklick/143619852/
by Phil Dolby
Awards
The other teenagers among this years 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 theyve 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 shell be a barista,
she says. Shes 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, Youre my son and Ill never turn my
back on you. Youve done wrong in the past but
youll 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
45
HKFYG
Awards
Finding themselves by
helping others
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
46
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
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
47
HKFYG
Publications
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 Germanys, 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.
48
by Oiluj Samall Zeid

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 Grandparents Day when
older peoples contributions
to society are recognized
and respect for the elderly is
promoted with special emphasis
on those still living at home.
HKFYG
Publications
Who is willing to take up

positions in public affairs?
Report
No. 3
Activity in public affairs

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.

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 months 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.
49
HKFYG
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 Kongs 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?
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.
50
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
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
by Seongbin
flickr.com/photos/golbenge/12266625006/
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
by Frank Tsang flickr.com/photos/

franktsang/4621276361/
Engagement and
participation
by David Woo
flickr.com/photos/mckln/3070141326/
by Timothy Tsui
flickr.com/photos/timothytsuihin/3322545232/
It will have five goals.
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
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.
51
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
hkfyg.org.hkm21.hk
Youth Hong Kong: 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel : 3755 70843755 7108Fax : 3755 7155Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hkWebsite : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk
Soy-ink is made from soybeans and is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Soy-ink is biodegradable and non-toxic.

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a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written

Ada Chau & Angela Ngai

by Asian Development Bank

Acknowledged as captioned, stock images,

CORRESPONDENCE to The Editor, Youth Hong Kong,

by Adventures of KM&G-Morris channel pilot

VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors and interviewees,

by Department of Foreign Affairs and

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

by ILO in Asia and the Pacific f

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

by Watson Lu UC Davis College of Engineering

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Choosing routes to work

Mainstream education is not a straightjacket

in full-time courses at the VTC, or about 10%

Mismatch of skills: supply and demand

VET has a history of over 80 years in Hong Kong,

Even as late as 1992, only two universities in Hong

In 1982, the Vocational Training Council

Some employers are looking for workplace skills

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Solutions may be three-fold. First, ensure

where intellectuals with university degrees are

Terminology used for vocational education and training

by ILO in Asia and the Pacific

What is Vocational Education?

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

Taking VET more seriously at senior secondary

it assures clear career pathways, but can only

Sources and further reading

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

The aim of the Vocational Training Council

various engineering disciplines. Nevertheless,

However, as Dr Yau explains, the bias in Hong

Stressing the well-defined progression pathways

The VTC sets its sights primarily on

Further, last year the government launched the

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

pp VTCs pre-employment articulation pathways for students

See legend on facing page

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

Institutions shown on graphic

parents, teachers, principals and students that there

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_

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

tanley Wong, Chairman of the Young

train in Hong Kong go to work in Macao for

Financial services, trading and logistics,

According to the manpower forecast released by

Lack of vocational training opportunities is not

December 2015 | Youth Hong Kong

The mismatch between supply and demand has

In a knowledge-based economy such as Hong

Manpower requirements: average annual rates 2012 to 2022

Youth Hong Kong | December 2015

This section has eight young people talking about

A passion for food

hat would you like to be when you are 80? Thats

Soon after graduation I knew I