Professional Documents
Culture Documents
March 2012
Volume 4 Number 1
Youth
HONG KONG
YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups EDITORIAL BOARD Rosanna Wong, Veronica Pearson, Angela Ngai, Ken Ngai, Lakshmi Jacot, William Chung, Elaine Morgan (Editor), Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) CIRCULATION (unaudited) 10,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited CONTRIBUTORS Wyman Sin, Benny Ng, Spruce Kwok (Youth speak), Shen Weihuang, William Cheung, Hilary Hau (City space), Andrew Halton (Internetscope), Joceyia Lam, Lo Tsz-wing (In the loop) INTERVIEWS Elaine Morgan, Ada Chau, Wyman Sin, Jenny Liu, Mok Ho-tsun, Dennis Wong, Vicky Lee, Anthony Lai, Hugo Chow, Noah Chung, Harrods Wong, Alan Yip ARTWORK Lok Choi (interviews and HKFYG photo bank); Suki Mak (image editing); acknowledged as captioned from public domain. DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING DG3 Asia Ltd ISSN 2071-3193
12
Contents
HIGHLIGHT 4 Do leaders matter? YOUTH SPEAK 6 We want good leaders
17
Opinion Leaders 9 12
Photo by FMG2008 (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Raymond Chien Leadership: east and west Balance, flexibility and values Bernard Chan Responsible leaders, good communicators Simon Shen Hopes, tensions and expectations Ivan Choy The pendulum swings District Councillors Grassroots, practicality and idealism
14 17 20 23
23
Photo by musicvisionary (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
TALKING POINT 26 Can leadership be learned? CHIEF EXECUTIVE 29 How does Hong Kong get a Chief Executive? SERVICES 30 Filling a need in Hong Kong at HKFYGs Leadership 21 CITY SPACE 34 The red line 35 People-centred spirit Seeking home: Hong Kongs housing problems 36
29
WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk CORRESPONDENCE TO The Editor, Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong TEL 3755 7084, 3755 7284 FAX 3755 7155 EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk ADVERTISING enquiries to Andrey Leung (3755 7041) THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS was founded in 1960 and is one of the citys largest non-profit youth organizations. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations are attended by 5 million participants every year. CORE SERVICES Counselling, Creativity Education & Youth Exchange, e-Services, Education Services, Leadership Training, Leisure, Cultural & Sports Services, Parent-child Mediation, Research & Publications, Services for Youth at Risk, Volunteer Services, Youth Employment, Youth SPOTs, WEB www.hkfyg.org.hk, www.u21.hk
38
Film Reviews
ARTS & CULTURE 38 Film reviews We need to talk about Kevin PLANEAT INTERNETSCOPE 40 Cyber mobility: keeping pace
45
IN THE LOOP 42 Understanding the Three Gorges Dam HKFYG 44 45 46 48 HKFYG Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21: multimedia for schools and community Neighbourhood First and always Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2012 HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012
Neighbourhood First
Editorial
T
Photo by winnie's human (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
his issue of Youth Hong Kong focuses on leadership. With so many political office bearers around the world about to retire, resign or stand again for election, this is a topic of great pertinence. What we discover through the interviews, reflections and articles presented, is that most Hong Kong young people have an opinion about what a leader should be. One could argue that in these changing and challenging times, it comes as no surprise to discover that they stress the importance of leaders who adhere to a code of conduct and practice that is above the ordinary. Do see if you agree with their assessments and please feel free to share your own thoughts about leaders and leadership. Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG March 2012
Highlight
Do Leaders Matter
T
he image of the leader as a swashbuckling hero, cutting down opponents and brushing aside adversaries, victorious in battle, is best left to the movies. In todays increasingly interconnected, creative and dynamic world, the leader evokes other images, which require altogether more subtle qualities and talents than his or her celluloid counterpart. leadership is in flux, with changes at the helm in France, the United States, China and Hong Kong. With the social mobilization of discontent, continued wars, terrorist attacks and a deep sense of pessimism across the board can we legitimately ask, do leaders matter? Leaders need vision. Vision is not necessarily about foresight and predicting the future. Vision is about having a clear purpose and then communicating it. Leaders must have the ability and patience to explain, again and again, their goals. Leaders of vision are those who can communicate, so that people understand what is said in their presence, while being able to recall it in their absence.
Highlight
Strength of character
Good leaders are listeners. The temptation to think that they are the experts, that they know everything, is an error good leaders do not make. They know that listening to the opinions of others and to different points of view is extremely important. Encouraging and initiating dialogue with others is what sets leaders apart and they should know how to listen when others speak. Leaders need the ability to selfcorrect. I am sorry and I was wrong are two phrases that are the hardest to say in any language. They imply vulnerability and leadership is always deemed to be about power. Good leaders know that owning up to a mistake is not a weakness. It takes strength of character to admit to an error, especially when publicly acknowledged and corrected. True leaders always take responsibility for their actions. Leaders need to know how to instil confidence, see the positive in other people and how to tap their strengths without feeling challenged or insecure. The public domain should be where praise and gratitude is shown. Leadership is about partnership and participation. It is about community building and developing team spirit. A true leader brings out the best in others, whether at work, at home or at play.
necessary for good leadership. True leaders are fully aware that humility is not about being timid, but about knowing that there is always an authority to which they are answerable. True leaders know that they are accountable and have the confidence to defend their vision, with passion. Personal character is an essential key to leadership and the challenge for leadership in the 21st century. Who you are as a person counts, in the end, more than where you stand on the ladder of success.
Leaders need passion, enthusiasm, commitment and courage. Good leaders really believe in what they are doing and the causes or principles that they espouse. Passion and commitment are the drivers of success, providing strength and sustenance to achieve goals. Good leaders never stop learning. They know this implies hard work and that all through life they will encounter people cleverer than themselves, with more experience and wider exposure. The quest for knowledge should never be seen as something that begins and ends in formal education.
True leaders know that they are accountableand there is always a higher authority to which they are answerable.
Developing character for leadership must begin today, lest we find ourselves mired in an even worse predicament. Do leaders matter? Well perhaps they do, if they can go back to the basic qualities required.
21
Youth Speak
A
leaders.
Development discussed leaders qualities and actions in the context of the Fourth Term Chief Executive election in Hong Kong. Here are some highlights of their views, hopes and priorities. These are followed by interviews in which they spoke to community opinion
like
Good leaders can achieve extraordinary results. The students described some outstanding characteristics and said what qualities they thought mattered most, not only for Hong Kongs leaders but for anyone who wants to take the lead.
optimistic and committed A leader with a practical, problemsolving approach stays committed.
Sam-kei
widely experienced Strong leaders understand peoples problems and want to alleviate them.
Jenny
charismatic Like President Obama, a charismatic leader here could make people believe in him.
Wesley
strongly principled and self-disciplined If you cannot manage yourself, how can you convince others.
Natalie
Youth Speak
boost in the process. Improved livelihood was Wyman's hope. She was not optimistic about getting the vote. Nicoles wish was that the new CE would be a good listener, one who would take the trouble to find out what people really need. Benny wanted a leader with long-term vision, rather than someone who tackled minor problems in piecemeal fashion.
Lawrence Lai, 16 HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School
do
set an example Behave well and act as a role model for the public.
Liza
Inspired leaders can also be ordinary men and women. The difference is they dont pretend to know everything or try to fool anyone. Instead they always have clear goals in mind and have a flair for working with others.
have clear direction and goals Begin with the end in mind.
Benny
have a sense of balance Its vital to keep the big picture in view.
Cynthia
delegate to the right people Be a team member, not just a team leader.
Nicole
Youth Speak
be manipulative and overcontrolling Leaders should not try to control everything. They should delegate.
Tina
break promises If they write bad cheques it doesnt matter how much charisma they have.
Wyman
let the team down When things go wrong a bad leader might betray you.
Tat
never
take care of all Hong Kong people
Lawrence
Tina, Natalie and Jenny agreed with Benny, saying preparing for the future and maintaining Hong Kongs unique qualities should be top priority. Lawrence hoped a new role for Hong Kong could be found. They all agreed that flexibility was a key and that the best laid plans may not work. Times change and leaders have to change with them.
12
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
Leadership
Dr Raymond Ch'ien with students: Spruce Kwok, Benny Ng and Wyman Sin
Styles of good leadership are independent of geographical location. They are context-driven and advanced societies with welleducated citizens should veer towards enlightened, socially responsible individualism.
the basis of the cultural ethos until the early 20th century. There was no Industrial Revolution in China and the authorities became antiinnovation, so there was none of the creative destruction which gave western development its strength.
the fore. Good leaders, even in Beijing, have to be sensitive to such changes. The days of authoritarian leaders who lose touch with peoples changing aspirations are numbered.
Questioning authority
Changing aspirations
When the store of a peoples knowledge in any society increases Differences in leadership styles reflect their culture becomes increasingly different phases of development individualistic. As education along the same continuum, both became more widespread in western in the East and in the West. When society, so that society became income increases and education more democratic and figures of becomes more widespread, so authority, questioned less in early individual aspirations come to society, were questioned more.
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Staying flexible
Instead of being preoccupied with eastern and western concepts, good leaders everywhere recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and adjust to the shifting needs, views and values of their times. Great leaders lose their status when they lose their humility and become inflexible. Goalposts shift and leaders need to know when to step down. Otherwise, they become marginalized, as entrenched, vested interests stifle competition and growth.
As human society develops so it emphasizes collective civic responsibility. My generation has not been good in offering Advanced societies with welldistributional justice and educated citizens should veer the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. towards enlightened, socially Narrowing the gap does not responsible individualism. mean sacrificing quality of life. It means adopting greener, more sustainable ways with less waste. It is very important that academic The main challenge for western freedom is maintained during this democratic leaders now, as can be process of change. Universities seen in the socio-economic crisis and educators have to remain unfolding in the Eurozone, is to bastions of independent liberal, keep unbridled, selfish individualism critical thinking. They need to be a and excessive sense of entitlement in thorn in the side of the orthodox, check. conventional establishment. As change and development take place, young leaders should use Achieving constructive their position to raise the common change denominator instead of appealing Young people should endeavour to base instincts. They need to be to achieve such change in a involved in redefining and recreating constructive manner, listening to universal values. These are the real others, identifying those wiser than challenges for future leadership. themselves, including those who are not in positions of leadership.
The young should know they can often be wrong, and remember that a leader is not a leader until there is a group of people who considers him or her to be so.
10
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
Instead of being preoccupied with eastern and western concepts, good leaders adjust to shifting needs.
Dr Raymond Chien, Chairman of the MTR Corporation Ltd, is also Chairman of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd, a member of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, and Honorary President and past Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. He was a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 1992 to June 2002 under both the British administration and the HKSAR Government.
The students who took part in this interview are Benny Ng Year 4, Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Spruce Kwok, Year 1, Hotel and Tourism Management, CUHK, and Wyman Sin Year 2, Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. ( See picture, page 9.) They wrote about the insight gained from Dr Chien in the essays on pages 12-13.
11
Youth Speak
hese short essays address points made during the interview with Dr Raymond Chien. As aspirant young leaders, the writers agree they should be flexible, reflect on universal
Photo by SustainUS (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
Maximizing flexibility
by Wyman Sin
Of all the characteristics of effective leadership, I believe flexibility is one of the most important. Everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses and a flexible leader always takes them into account, while staying in close contact with the environment. Good leaders, as Dr Chien said, are those who constantly self-evaluate and learn from history. It is also important for a good leader to examine the current environment carefully in order to demonstrate strengths effectively while maximizing the potential of the people around them. Be in touch with the aspirations of the people. For me, this was Dr Chiens most memorable piece of advice for an aspiring leader. Leaders are always thought of as belonging to the top 1% of any group, but they can lose touch with other people. Leaders should serve people, and for this they need not only insight, but also close contact with those they lead to understand what they are thinking and what they really want. This can only be achieved if they maintain their flexibility and ability to adapt to their changing environment.
Individual aspirations rise as income and education improve but there will always be inequalities. People will always consider their own individual interests before collective benefits and a small percentage of the population will always have greater power and more resources. This will create greater disparity between the rich and the poor. Without better balance there can be no sustainable development. In my opinion, to achieve such balance we need more real servant leaders, and I am not just speaking empty words. Young people should learn and practice the kind of servant leadership which gives priority to peoples real needs and expectations, with active listening and humble stewardship. According to Dr Chien, although young people are not in authority, they can still achieve positive change in a rational, constructive way. The rate of such change is accelerating with advances in communications technology and online media. These stimulate innovation and teenagers with good ideas all over the world can promote constructive creativity with an easy click of a mouse, unlimited by location or other physical constraints. I think young people will be able to accomplish this kind of constructive change but only if they believe in a better future.
12
Youth Speak
13
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
r Bernard Chan, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, has wide experience of building bridges between
sectors of Hong Kong society. We asked him about listening and responding, about the reluctance of Hong Kong leaders to explain themselves, and how in future they could motivate people to face tough problems and solve them together.
Good communication between a leader and the public is more important than anything, but it needs time, understanding and trust. First of all comes listening. Government leaders do listen. They are accountable, so they must listen. The real question is, of all stakeholders, who do they hear most clearly.
Good communication involves using the right words, tone and message. Only certain kinds of people will ever be good communicators. It is a two-way process. It involves listening, and then convincing your audience that you have heard what they are trying to tell you.
Expectations have risen, and now the failure in communication is more obvious than ever.
14
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
Expectations have risen, and now the failure in communication is more obvious than ever. That means leaders have to get out in order to reach their public. Relying on a one-minute soundbite in the mass media is not enough. However, it is also a citizens duty in return to express an opinion and make suggestions rather than waiting for leaders to provide all the answers.
Its hard work getting people to listen, unless you are just preaching to the converted. Explaining complex decisions takes time and care. In the past, most Hong Kong people were not really interested in government policy and so officials didnt take the time to provide detailed information. In the last decade things have changed. Now, expectations of transparency are constantly rising and the younger generation who want to be in control of their own destiny.
15
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
It is clear that the current way is not working, especially when it comes to communication with young people.
Improvement is a question of both good delivery and receptiveness. The younger generation in particular does not believe in us. There is not enough direct communication with them. Going forward we need to address that. I hope there will be a higher level of engagement and participation, and that members of government such as the Under-Secretaries will be more visible under the next administration. A leader needs to be brave and innovative for this, often thankless, task. There are no right or wrong answers, no simple solutions, no quick fix. But it is clear that the current way is not working, especially when it comes to communication with young people. Just opening a Facebook page and calling it to communicating with youth is not the answer.
Bernard Chan is the Chairperson of the Council for Sustainable Development, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Chairman of Lingnan University and Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board. He was a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 2000-2009 and member of the Legislative Council from 1998-2008. Here he is pictured standing beside one of his own paintings.
Government leaders must reach out on a deeper level than in the past... demonstrating commitment to a shared future.
10
16
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
r Simon Shen, Associate Professor and External Relations Coordinator at the Hong Kong Institute of
Educations Faculty of Arts and Sciences, answered questions from four undergraduate participants in the HKFYG Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project. They asked about leaders, Hong Kongs future, core values and the current tensions between mainlanders and Hong Kong people.
Its difficult to define leadership and leaders. Leadership is not like a profession for which you get qualifications. In Hong Kong, people who speak eloquently are not uncommon but its very difficult to find real leaders who have a unique vision and are prepared to make sacrifices for society. Leaders are those who make progress and change the existing paradigm of thinking and living, both in idealistic and pragmatic in terms of an overarching goal.
17
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Mok Ho-tsun What kind of promises do you think new Hong Kong leaders can be expected to keep?
Leaders often promise change, but the change they speak of is unlikely to materialize. Promises are sometimes used as a political tool with which politicians defend their programmes. At the Roundtable Institute we are cynical about this kind of change. It could include changes in core values such as freedom of speech and expression, professionalism and proceduralism, transparency and tolerance. My prime concern is core values. It is the responsibility of political leaders and statesmen to defend the values that lie behind Hong Kongs success in recent years. They consist in freedom of speech, the checks and balance that come with separation of powers and an active, effective civil society.
Jenny Liu Should Hong Kong leaders be able to resolve problems such as the hate crime and sense of mistrust between Hongkongers and mainland visitors and immigrant residents?
It is the responsibility of government leaders to educate Hong Kong people about cross-cultural discrimination on one hand, and to formulate a set of population policies that can minimize the roots of such hatred on the other. Differences between two such groups are normal but the media has inflamed public reaction to a level that would have been illegal in the West. There has to be mechanism to discourage it. We can learn from Europe and Taiwan. We are all Chinese; yet cultural differences are being expressed in a racial manner. This was once was the case between East and West Germans and has recently been the case between locals in Hong Kong and Filipinos. Such tensions also occur in Tin Shui Wai where there is a high proportion of new immigrants from the mainland. Mainlanders should receive protection through legislation against racial discrimination.
18
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
Dennis Wong How far ahead do you think new leaders for Hong Kong should plan?
Previous leaders have only talked about our own interests, something for which we are criticized. The next Chief Executive has to offer an overall picture of the future Hong Kong. We need a road map for the next two decades which involves integration, not only with China but also with Southeast Asian and Taiwanese neighbours. We are not up to the standard of a world city and at present it seems that Hong Kong is in the middle of nowhere, with over reliance on CEPA* to maintain links with China. In the long run this is inadequate if we want to be comparable to global centres such as New York or London.
We need a road map for the next two decades... to maintain our distinctiveness.
Dr Simon Shen is the founding Chancellor of the Roundtable Institute and Network, a think-tank which aims to to stimulate neutral, multicultural civic participation among Hong Kongs younger generation. Dr Shen was at Queens College before doing a D Phil at Oxford and an MA at Yale.
Mok Ho-tsun : Year 2, Asian Business Studies, CUHK Jenny Liu Mei-yan : Year 3, Political Science and Public Administration, HKU Dennis Wong : Year 2, Qualitative Finance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis, CUHK Vicky Lee : Year 3, English Language and English Education, CUHK
*CEPA : Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.
19
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
r Ivan Choy Chi-keung teaches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of Government and Public Administration and is a regular commentator on current
affairs. He has several publications in the field of electoral politics in Hong Kong and talked to students of law and politics about the kind of leaders Hong Kong needs.
The leadership qualities we need change over time. As the pendulum of time swings, so the demands made of leaders change. Most important for a leader is to have contingency plans which deal with different situations as they occur.
20
to opinion leaders
Youth Speak
Hugo Chow asked what is essential for a new Hong Kong Leader and whether leadership is inborn.
Although Hong Kong people want an energetic leader, in my view that is not what they need. At present, it is more important to have an accommodative, openminded leader. The Democrats need more time to convince people and these transitional elections are not so important for them. Albert Hos main purpose as a CE candidate is not to be elected but to air essential issues left aside by other candidates, such as universal suffrage.
Many skills can be learned and practiced, like public Skills and responses learned in childhood are very speaking, speech writing, negotiating. Public speaking important. Leaders have to be committed and is essential because of todays electronic media. Speakers persistent, and formative childhood experiences need to be inspiring to win voters and in times of are crucial to that kind of personal development. I crisis good leaders must give good speeches. In Hong encourage teens to travel, to enter into debate, to get Kong we do not have leaders like Churchill, Kennedy, experience in organizing student union activities. Reagan or Obama who could inspire or calm the people. Instead we have bureaucrats and good administrators. Leaders have to be strongly motivated and accept responsibility. Its not always enjoyable. Its often a struggle. You cant just give orders. You have to be Anthony Lai Hugo Chow Year 3, Year 2, prepared to do yourself the tasks you demand of others. Law, University of Government Hong Kong and Public If not, you are not a leader. Think of the explorer, Administration, Shackleton. He tried to take on all the hardest work Chinese University of himself in the most difficult times. But not everybody Hong Kong can be a leader. Its perfectly OK to be a follower.
21
Youth Speak
to opinion leaders
Extraordinary leaders have extraordinary experience. They have to experience taking risks.
In conclusion, Mr Choy talked about the kind of leader Hong Kong needs.
Leaders with strong personalities are a problem for Hong Kong at present but in future, once again, the pendulum will swing. The new CE needs to handle conflicts of interests between Beijing and Hong Kong and be an accommodative leader who is willing to compromise without losing integrity. Its a very difficult task because at critical moments one cannot remain neutral. It is your duty to stand up for your beliefs. As Martin Luther King said, The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
22
to district councillors
Youth Speak
o Kin Hei, Kathy Siu Ka-yi and Joseph Chan Ho-lim, three young politicians from the Democratic, Liberal and DAB1 parties, told a team of students about their values, why they became district
Lo Kin-hei, 27 years old, is full-time district councillor for Lei Tung (Southern District). He graduated in Social Work and joined the Democratic Party in 2006.
I wanted to convince people that we could improve the environment and transport with more public engagement. Most of all I wanted to keep up their hopes for democracy. As a district councillor I do not have much power but I offered them that hope. People trust me and think I can achieve something. Lo Kin Hei is also a spokesperson for the Roundtable Community and has a monthly newspaper column where he gets his message across. He says Hong Kong people accept things, they wait for change and then adapt to it. I think people here do want the vote but they are not ready to fight or sacrifice anything for it. Even in mainland China the protests are more dangerous than here and people take to the streets more often.
Sense of belonging
Despite freedom of speech, Lo says we are too comfortable, unwilling to take risks or make Beijing angry, even though we are well-educated, civilized people with a secure legal system and a worldwide reputation. Hong Kong youth have great potential but parents set a path for them and they follow it. Its a path they think leads to success and wealth. They dont encourage their children to pursue their dreams. Money means freedom to the older generation. You can get out if anything goes wrong. But people of my generation, we were born and raised here. We belong here. We love this place and dont want it to be ruined. For Lo Kin-hei, the most pressing Hong Kong problem is the wealth gap. In such a well developed prosperous city how can there be
such poverty? The poor see how bad it is of course, but some rich people, including government officials, are so unaware. Some think there are no such things as the notorious cage homes. Powerful property developers dont want to know of course. They have a lot of influence, and plans for more luxury property are affecting even Lei Tung where we need more public housing, not expensive private apartments. I tell people my age that everything that is happening here and now matters for their future. For both his district and his city, Lo thinks at least ten years ahead on the district level, and for Hong Kong as a whole, much further. Even if you dont participate and try to ignore government policy it will affect you. We need to think about our relationship with China, our niche industries, our regional role. Hong Kong leaders should be planning for 2047 and beyond.
23
to district councillors
Youth Speak
Kathy Siu Ka-yi, 28 years old, is a full-time district councillor for Sheung Wan (Central & Western District). She graduated in journalism and joined the DAB party in 2006.
To be honest, it is difficult for youth to take the lead in the community, she said, especially on political issues. However, as the old saying goes, Rome was not built in a day and we need to start step by step, expressing our opinions and acting on behalf of the community.
The first escalator runs from Central District to Mid-Levels. Adding a second escalator in Sheung Wan is a popular idea with local residents of all ages. I brought in the experts to explain the details, to show it would be feasible. Giving them all the information helped a lot and built their confidence in me. As a district councillor, she can act as a communications bridge. For example, she organized donations of iPads to a local primary school, bringing donors and school authorities together. She also monitors noise pollution carefully, campaigning successfully with local residents to contain the spread of noisy bars from SoHo, east of Sheung Wan. I make sure all the residents are fully informed of any application for a liquor licence and together we object forcefully. I propose the development of this historic area as a cultural hub, with art galleries and workshops. I make myself visible and heard, running opinion polls to encourage participation.
24
Student interviewers
to district councillors
Youth Speak
Wyman Sin, Year 2, Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Alan Yip Year 2, Global Business, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Joseph Chan Ho-lim, 34 years old, is a part-time district councillor for The Peak (Central & Western District). He graduated in Economics and Psychology and joined the Liberal Party in 2008.
A banker with Standard Chartered, Joseph Chan, traced his reasons for becoming a district councillor to his low-key home background. I was already interested in public policy when I was in school, and discussed social issues with my father most days but my first experience of leading a team, which is a strong part of me today, was in the Hong Kong scouts.
Western District, where I grew up. My strong local network and understanding of community affairs was a great advantage when I stood for the district council elections. I believed that as a district councillor I could get things done more efficiently, with a voice government could hear, standing up for residents rights, especially in the areas of traffic, hygiene and environmental protection.
Hong Kongs well-developed economy, stable legal system, free market economy and competitive labour force have been advantages for decades and I encourage all young people to worry less, enrich their knowledge of the world and become more self-confident. Personally, Joseph Chan says his challenges are to balance the three parts of his life, making quality time for his family, living up to his employers expectations and doing his best for his district. Professionally, I am prepared to defend core values and induce confidence in young people. I believe that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.2
1. DAB is the acronym for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, a political party 2. A saying from Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician (5 BC - 65 AD)
25
Talking point
nformation in this article is based on a 10-volume set books on leadership published by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and written by Diana
Martin. This summary highlights the key points and introduces some new examples of leadership models.
Everyone has heard the phrase he or she is a born leader. But are leaders born, or can young people learn how to become leaders? The idea that only those with innate capabilities can lead was first questioned several decades ago, as educators and psychologists realized they could develop models and courses to develop leadership skills in a broader range of people. Today, most people agree that leadership can be learned, particularly when it comes to developing communication and planning skills. Every individual who takes a supervisory role has had to lead. Experience and continuous learning are the keystones, as is knowing how to disseminate and share what you have learned with others. Anyone can take the lead in certain circumstances if they are determined to do so, if they recognize their strengths and weaknesses and are prepared to work with them. Some personality traits, such as competitiveness are more dependent on the individual, but continued exposure in a leading role can help in their development. Many leadership skills can be acquired. No leader springs out of nowhere with no past learning curve. Some grow up in more fertile soils and exhibit skills earlier than others, but all leaders continue to learn how to enhance and apply their talents.
A good leader, above all, acts for the good of the whole.
Leadership takes many forms. For most people in everyday life it may come through being a trainer, an organizer, a manager or a boss, but leaders also act as a visionaries or inspiration for others. Some lead by example and some take the lead in a crisis, but they share similar qualities and many of these can be learned. A good leader never stops learning.
26
Talking point
Learning to listen
Number 1 on the learning curve for those with leadership potential is learning how to communicate and listen. Displaying empathy and being sensitive to others views is essential. Those views may not always be fully expressed and this can make the job harder, but a good leader perseveres, tries to draw the person out and read between the lines. Those in leadership positions have the very difficult task of genuinely and sincerely listening to others and must give full consideration to many points of view. Yet at times they must have the courage to disagree with them. It is generally agreed that no one can lead unless they can understand how followers feel, what motivates them, what gives them pride, what upsets them and what makes them feel humiliated. To do this a leader must first understand his or her own feelings they must know themselves. This skill is part of building emotional intelligence and helps a leader believe in himself or herself. Leaders are fair and treat others with respect and loyalty. It is also important for leaders to genuinely believe in their ideas or ideology. Those who have effected changes in the world be they inventors, scientists, innovators, political or religious leaders, or those involved in social work have all had a firm sense of being on the right track. They have had the courage of their own convictions. Leaders have to convince others, usually by their personality and manner, but also by their past achievements and the authority invested in them. Followers need to believe that their leaders know what they are doing and that the course of action they are proposing will lead to successful outcomes. Recently-released democracy icon Aung San Su Kyi is one of todays most inspirational leaders, and while she is not happy with hero-worship, she understands that people need to look to someone who is going to lead them. A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying, she says. Its not about me.
A leaders flexibility often gets tested. They must be open-minded and be good at delegating.
Leaders should have clear objectives, but be flexible. A good leader shares ideas and discusses them with the team. Consensus helps achieve results which benefit everyone and this is where a leaders flexibility often gets tested. Leaders are not always right. They must be open-minded and good at delegating.
27
Talking point
Leaders are well-informed. They know how to gather, sort, and structure information, and then connect it in new ways to create intelligence. They practice evaluating information in the vast bulk that is available. Leaders must also take the time to look at their own performance. Self-evaluation lets them keep projects on track and not lose sight of shared goals, staying accountable for their actions and prepared to defend decisions with transparency.
Leaders know how to gather, sort, and structure information, and connect it in new ways to create intelligence.
One aspect of learning to be a leader cannot be shirked hard work. Most competent leaders and high achievers, such as athletes, performers or professionals, appear to be comfortable in their roles, but that is because they have put in years of learning and practice, working to get to the top of their game. While most people can learn to become a leader, it does not mean everyone should, particularly if they do not feel a prominent role will suit them. An unhappy leader will not function well and their colleagues will suffer. Dont forget successful leaders need followers. There needs to be a personal desire to lead, inspire or change society. A leader helps people join hands to make things different or better, for themselves, for their company or school, for the whole world. But whatever they learn about leadership, and however they learn it, the skills must be practiced and perfected if they are to become the outstanding.
Leading by example
Basketball player Yao Ming, 31, inspired a nation to enjoy a new game and got children and young people into activities and team sports. Born in Shanghai, Yao Ming started playing for the Shanghai Sharks as a teenager, then played for the Chinese Basketball Association before moving to the US and the National Basketball Association. He had a stellar career and became a household name in the US and China. One of Chinas best-known athletes, he took part in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. When he announced his retirement from basketball more than 1.2 million people commented on social-networking site Sina Weibo. Reacting to Yao Ming's retirement, NBA commissioner David Stern said he was a bridge between Chinese and American fans.
28
3-25
Albert Ho C Y Leung Henry Tang
Chief Executive
Chief Executive?
25 March is the date of the Fourth Term Chief Executive Election in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China. As the head of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive (CE) is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies and issuing Executive Orders. In making policy, he is assisted by the Executive Council.1 This year there are three confirmed candidates for the Fourth Term CE Election. They are Mr Henry Tang, the former Chief Secretary; Mr Leung Chung-ying, the former Convenor of the NonOfficial Members of the Executive Council and Mr Albert Ho, a member of the legislature (Legislative Council) and Chairman of the Democratic Party. The process by which one of these candidates will be thrust into office is based upon each securing at least 150 nominations. The nominations are collected within the Election Committee. This Committee is a 1,200-person electoral college, made up of people representing various constituencies, including business, politics, education, social welfare, legal, medical and religious groups.2 Each member of the electoral
college is only allowed to nominate one candidate. By the deadline, Tang had secured 390 nominations, Leung, 305 and Ho, 188. At the Election, the winner needs to secure at least 601 votes from the Election Committee. The tenure of the new CE formally begins on 1 July 2012 and the term is five years.
Vote
29
This years Election is proving to be very exciting. Much media space has been devoted not only to each candidates platforms and vision for Hong Kongs future development, but also to numerous scandals, particularly related to Tang and Leung. Because of this extensive coverage, the public has become more involved than in previous CE Elections through discussions and debate, in spite of not being able to cast a ballot. Whoever wins, the next CE will have to deal with the fall-out of what has become a sometimes nasty campaign period. The public have expectations of their future leader-to-be and the new CE will need to rise to the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in order to ensure Hong Kongs continued prosperity and development. This is indeed an interesting time for Hong Kong politics.
1. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govstructure.htm 2. For more details of the different subsectors, see Electoral Affairs Commission at http://www.eac.gov.hk/en/chief/2011_ce_guideline.htm
Services
Leadership 21
by Max Wong It has long been argued that there is no such thing as a born leader, even though the phrase is common. In the belief that people are born with leadership potential, Leadership 21 was established as the Federations flagship initiative. We need leaders for tomorrow who have integrity and values, who can inspire others with a passion to serve their communities, their country and the world. Operational since 2000, the purpose of Leadership 21 is to create a pool of such leaders upon which to draw in the future.
New competencies need to be determined and enhanced by specialized training which develops the required qualities and skills of leadership. Leadership 21 provides such training opportunities, exposure, and hands-on experience for young leaders. It aims to sharpen critical thinking, provide perspective, deepen analytical skills, teach teamwork and encourage creativity, while enabling participants to grow in confidence and stretch their minds and imaginations. In the increasingly competitive 21st century, the intention is to maximize students potential.
8.4%
51.3%
Schools/ tertiary institutions Government Political parties Non-governmental organizations All groups in society Think-tanks at local level Others Don't know/ hard to tell No answer
23.2%
30
Services
9.7%
10.2%
17.5%
Educational attainments Professional qualifications Work experience Communication skills Adaptability Creativity Language skills Social networking Others None in particular Don't know/ hard to tell
12.6% 14.4%
10.00 5.00 0
ls
ce
ce
ge
ur
rs
len
ilit
nc
he
kil
vio
lin
ilit
ien
sti
an
ab
de
ta
ot
ls
ip
ib
f ju
ha
ns
na
sc
ip
ed
ch
be
to
Ob
eo
po
so
rsh
Co
di
er
lf-
es
de
ns
te
an
Se
rp
lis
fr
Se
lea
in
eo
es
od
yt
di
ns
stu
Go
Go
Ab
Se
lle
nc
Ex
ce
Since 2000, over 84,000 local secondary and university student leaders have embarked on a journey of leadership training at Leadership 21. It has provided over 830,000 training hours, and more than 400 secondary schools have nominated student leaders to take part in the various training courses. About 300 renowned leaders, from a wide variety of fields, have been invited to attend dialogue sessions. They have shared their vision, their words of wisdom and their invaluable insight with students. Various government bureaux, tertiary institutions, and private corporations have also commissioned Leadership 21 to organize leadership training programmes.
56.4%
Fle
e:
xib
ilit
od
ilit
yd
te
ur
in
In
iti
at
ive
31
Services
Corporate partnerships include those with Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, MTR Corporation, Hong Kong Economic Times and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Partnerships across the Pearl River Delta include those with the All China Youth Federation, Hubei Youth Federation, Guangdong Youth Federation and Shenzhen Youth Federation.
Kong every year. A Leaders to Leaders lecture series, jointly organized with the University of Hong Kong, provides youth with the opportunity to speak to community leaders and share ideas and opinions. The Summer School for Effective Leadership, one of the most popular summer schools in Hong Kong, has been conducted for the last five years. In our estimation Leadership 21 will always fill a need in Hong Kong. More details of the ways in which this is being done can be found on the next pages and at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk.
Flagship programmes
Our signature programmes include the Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project, co-organized with the All China Youth Federation. Since 2006, this ten-year leadership training project has brought together 200 of the best students in Hong
Secondary School Student Leaders: Case Book 1 Ten real cases of problems encountered by student leaders
Leadership Training for Gifted Students Traces gifted students experience and reflections on learning to be leaders
Inspiring followers as an inspired leader, coping with doubt, opposition and criticism Book Six Leadership for Sustainability Long-term thinking and planning for sustainability, transparency and accountability Book Seven Learning from Failure Dealing with failures inevitability and seeing progress and opportunity in setbacks Book Eight Leadership and Risk Innovation and the pioneer spirit, taking calculated risks and thinking outside the box Book Nine Getting Things Done Delegating, self-discipline, setting deadlines, priorities and time management Book Ten Leading from Adversity Hope and self confidence, trust and faith: a leaders attitude in a1dversity Published by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 2007. Written by Diana JL Martin. For more information see pages 26-28
Aquatic Adventure Training in Practice Empowers trainers for activities and safety afloat
32
Services
For more information about all Leadership 21 programmes visit http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk email: leadership21@hkfyg.org.hk tel: +852 2169 0255
33
City Space
The r ed line
by Shen Weihuang that cannot be crossed without seeming pushy. To discover the precise location of this line requires team skills and knowing how to balance humility with being authoritative. Of course, humility also helps when dealing with bad outcomes. The boundaries between leader and team members blur very quickly if there is genuine humility. Nevertheless, although a leaders vulnerability can lead to empathy, it can also lead to being taken advantage of, so choosing a team carefully is important if the leader is not to be constantly challenged.
ome people have a natural feel for getting people to cooperate. Others are always stepping on toes, keeping team mates in the dark and creating disharmony. Our young mainland correspondent gives his views of how a common touch with others can work wonders. He says it all depends on something that cannot be taught: talent.
Imagine being asked, Doesnt it feel wonderful when everyone around you listens to you and wants to be part of your team? I boldly assume most of you would answer YES! What if the question were, As our team leader, will you accept responsibility for any bad outcomes? I think most people would hesitate but what would make someone say yes right away? One word: talent.
The more senior the leader, the harder it is, especially in China, where mian zi (face) is considered important. One cannot pretend to be humble. Neither can one be too dictatorial. Building credibility and trust within the team Talented young people have the is essential. Credible leaders can be disadvantage of less experience and they smart guys (quick learners) or needtend to over-react. So they have to rely on more-time guys (slow learners), their energy, be aware of team dynamics but almost anyone can become a and be prepared to be humble. I believe trusted leader in the right context. that teams have invisible red lines and in order to take charge of a team one must However, whether they become really know when and how to avoid them. good at leading depends on their desire to learn, who they learn from, the speed at which they learn, and Alarm signals whether they have talent. Learning is The red line is like an alarm signal or an important but only with talent will they electrified fence. It marks the boundary have the perfect balance to find the exact location of the elusive red line.
34
City Space
People-centered spirit:
Anonymous Chinese artist, 19th century: Ancestors gallery (Wikipedia/ Creative Commons)
by William Chung
n exhibition about the Imperial Examination was recently held at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The display focused on this pioneering
system which combined education with recruitment for the state bureaucracy. Upholding the principle of fairness through open participation, public examination, equal competition and selection on merit, the system provided access to knowledge, power and social mobility.1
Profound lesson
The Imperial Examination, also known as the keju ( ), was abandoned over a century ago. However, the spirit that lay behind it is worthy of our reflection. What are the qualities of good political and government leaders? One of them is being people-centered. Therefore, perhaps we can learn a profound lesson from the keju system with its long history. This so-called outdated and federalist ( ) product could give insight into the possible future development of political leadership, locally, nationally and globally.
Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of virtue. The most basic concepts of Confucian ethics are ren , , . yi and li Ren is an obligation of altruism and humaneness. Yi is the upholding of righteousness and the disposition to do good. Li a system of norms and propriety that determines is how a person should behave. The concept of the peoplecentred spirit in political leaders is based on this code.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism
1. 2. 3. 4.
http://hk.history.museum/en/ex_special_exam_sep19.php Qian Mu ( ) (2002) Political Gains and Losses Through Chinese History. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/201433/Fan-Zhongyan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Zhongyan
35
City space
Housing
Seeking home
Photo by Pondspider (Flickr/ Creative Commons)
ilary Hau worked as a volunteer on the census, visiting the notorious cage homes, bedspace apartments or coffin homes. In the light of recent surges in property prices, she writes about the critical problems faced by Hong Kongs underprivileged and the difficulties of young people seeking a home of their own.
by Hilary Hau Yung-yung
I did voluntary work for the 2011 population census and, fortunately or unfortunately, I was assigned to one of Hong Kongs oldest districts, Sham Shui Po. As a result, I had to visit old tong lau (walkup tenement buildings), with tong fong (sub-divided apartments), and lung ngok (cage homes) every day.
Grassroots livelihoods
Peoples livelihood and housing should always be governments first responsibility. In the past, cage homes were considered to be a thorn in the side of Hong Kong society, something that had to be put up with. I believe in the long term it is necessary to eliminate them through staged government policy decision-making. It is true that many people offered public housing in remoter areas still prefer to live in subdivided or cage homes within urban areas because transport costs are lower. Nevertheless, boosting transport allowances for the needy would counterbalance this preference.2 Young people, just joining the workforce and wanting to live independently, are another group that deserves attention. For those in dire straits, the best way is to create more allowances. The Rent Allowance for Elderly Scheme was launched in 2001 to help seniors rent private accommodation in lieu of public housing.3 Extending this scheme to low-income, nonCSSA4 households who are on the waiting list for public housing would alleviate a pressing need.
I had no idea what it meant for a family of four to live crowded into a space of 200 square feet.
Until then, I had no idea what it meant for a family of four to live crowded into a space of 200 square feet. I did not really care much whether new immigrants could apply for public housing, or whether young people of the post-80s generation1 could afford the rents in urban areas. Now I have a much deeper understanding of the way various people live. I also want to fight for a better life for the grassroots people of Hong Kong.
36
City space
Housing
Hilary Hau Yung-yung is a University of Hong Kong Social Sciences student in Year 2. She took part in the HKFYG 2009 Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project.
1. The Post-80s generation is defined as young Hong Kong people born in the 1990s. 2. A new Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme to help low-income households was launched in October 2011. Qualified applicants receive a subsidy of HK$600 (US$77) per month if they work no less than 72 hours a month. Eligibility is assessed on a monthly basis. "http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/school_work/ html/2011/09/20110930_172649.shtml" http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/school_work/html/2011/09/20110930_172649.shtml 3. The scheme was phased out in 2003 although existing beneficiaries have continued to receive the allowance. 4. Recipients of CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) are also eligible for Special Grants system housing subsidies. 5. Ranking assigned by Emporis. Report in South China Morning Post 29 December 2011, C4.
37
KEVIN
Synopsis
Parents worry about their children drinking, taking drugs or getting pregnant. Not many worry about them massacring their classmates. So when it happens, who is to blame? This is the question underlying the story of We Need to Talk About Kevin. Was it lack of love? Was it bad parenting? The guilt and anxiety felt by a torn and confused mother pours out of Tilda Swintons understated, mesmerizing performance as Eva Khatchadourian, whose son Kevin has committed the ultimate atrocity. The film begins at the end of the story, with Eva living a hermits life in a community where she is reviled, trying to make sense of what happened to her and her son. Although it is he who has committed the crime, she is being punished for being his mother. We look at the story through Evas eyes. She puts her ambitions and career aside to move to the suburbs and have her children, Kevin, and later a daughter, Celia. From the moment Kevin is born Eva feels no connection with what she sees as a strange and difficult child. Her husband Franklin does not understand. With him, Kevin is just a normal little boy doing normal boy things.
Directed by Lynne Ramsay Starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller Release date 1 March 2012 Genre drama Original language English Reviewers rating:
Ezra Miller puts in a chillingly believable performance as Kevin. As his life unfolds, we see the increasingly strained relationship and the emotional games mother and son play. At times it seems as if Kevin is deliberately taunting his mother and relishing the way he can push her to breaking point. Likewise, Eva withholds love and care from her son. As a teen, he pals up with his father and uses this relationship to crush his mother, encouraging her to become estranged from her husband. Then he makes his extraordinary move and everyones world collapses. The powerful movie, developed by BBC Films, takes us on a fraught emotional journey that most have never travelled. It will leave you asking questions for some time to come.
Comments
Virginia I read the book before I watched the film and even though adaptations from fiction dont always work well. Tilda Swantons haunting performance takes us down a path many parents might find uncomfortable. It made me ask myself difficult questions on a modern day subject that has become unhappily more common. William Lots of reflections after watching. I was terribly shocked by the idea and behaviour of the boy, but at the same time deeply impressed by the love and forgiveness of the mother. This is a movie that parents, teachers, youth workers and young people themselves can't afford to miss. Fiona You're meant to love your baby but what if you don't and he grows into someone terrifying? This film made me face the truth about my own doubts about motherhood, my forbidden fears about being a parent.
38
Directed by Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi Featuring Professor Colin Campbell, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, Professor Gidon Eshel Watch at http://planeat.tv/ Genre documentary Original language English Reviewers rating
Synopsis
This is the story of the search for a diet which is good for our health, the environment and the future of the planet. Backed by a group of innovative chefs and farmers, its message is clear: a growing population means more food, but eating meat takes a big toll on the planet, both directly and via greenhouse gases. The film uses a doctor, an environmental scientist and an academic to help get the message across, exploring the incidence of liver cancer in Filipino children, the link between diet and disease in China and the use of vegetarian diet to treat heart disease in America. Created by two first-time filmmakers, the story is woven together with the scientists explaining their research and chefs around the world displaying mouth-watering vegan cuisine. It also shows alternatives to industrial agriculture and how to feed the world without destroying the planet. The movie has won much international praise, including plaudits from famous vegans such as Sir Paul McCartney. The eye-catching visuals, informative graphics and topical subject make this a highly watchable documentary. A hardy red meatlover might say it would have benefited from slightly tighter editing but it will certainly give omnivores second thoughts before they slice into their next rare steak. And thats a very good thing indeed.
Comments
Sir Paul McCartney Those of us here at Meat Free Monday fully support the efforts made by the makers of PLANEAT, which we hope will alert people to the dangers of some current practices. Elaine Heading home hungry for dinner after watching this visually captivating documentary, I planned a dinner of mushrooms drizzled with olive oil, grilled beside juicy tomatoes sprinkled with garlic and basil, served with toasted granary bread topped with black olive tapenade. The film had no shock tactics, no guiltinducement. An inspiring experience! George Beautiful food being prepared in fine restaurants helped, but the strong evidence for the benefits of vegetarianism was very convincing. Not many will feel deprived of meat immediately after watching this movie. Shelley The School of Public Health, Chinese University of Hong Kong, cosponsored the Gala Premiere of PLANEAT in Hong Kong last December, and an audience of some 400 were inspired by the message. I myself have gone vegetarian for half the time, especially on Meat Free Mondays after Sir Paul McCartney's example. I recommend you do so too.
With thanks to Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi for information and artwork
Ed The last comment is from Shelley Lee, regular columnist for Youth Hong Kong, who is taking a spring break.
39
Internetscope
Cyber mobility:
keeping pace
by Andrew Halton
echnology is a defining characteristic of our times. Integral to communication, business and travel, it pervades nearly every aspect of modern life. For a global city like Hong Kong it is a major driving force in a healthy economy. How are parents coping with it? Here is a young persons view to update Youth Hong Kong, June 2011.
Ask any teenager today whether they could live without a mobile phone or Facebook and you will probably be greeted with total incomprehension. Contemporary youth are the first generation to be completely saturated by technology. Older people have to learn to use new gadgets and gizmos, but todays teenagers grew up immersed in them.
40
Internetscope
Whilst Facebook is still the platform of choice for many, there has been a shift to forms of micro-blogging through sites such as Twitter and Weibo, where users contribute many times throughout the day. They can post pictures and comments in real time, on the move, bringing a new dynamic of immediacy to online communication. This means they can be constantly in touch and up to date. However there are obvious downsides.
In the frame
These technologically mediated exchanges are not limited to friendship groups but exist in an often open and easily accessible online sphere. Posts, comments and pictures can be viewed by a host of strangers. As social media sites are becoming integral to teenagers view of the world, so they are becoming the frame through which young people themselves are viewed. As such they need to be wary of personas they construct online and conduct themselves in ways they would wish to be seen, not only by their friends but also by potential employers, universities and adults generally. It is clear that social media and current technologies are not a passing fad. They are very much part of contemporary youth cultures, framing the way in which young people see the world. Whilst adults may have their concerns, social media are highly productive, creative and here to stay. Rather than bemoaning the fact, adults need to learn to work with technology and try to keep pace with their technologically literate children. Only then can they help advise them on best practice online.
With keyboards or phone pads prompting the majority of communication in our house, its easy to forget we are still chatterboxes at heart. So I didnt hold back when I told my son what I thought of his [e-mailed] essay: Its really lovely, I texted. This rather poignant acceptance of todays world of communication is from a parent who has accepted the status quo. For those who want to proactively monitor Facebook activity, GoGoStat* has free software. Symantec has free software and a mobile app for iPhones and Android smartphones called Norton Online Family* that allows parents to keep track of online activity.
*http://www.gogostat.com/pg http://www.onlinevfamily.norton.com
41
In the loop
Understanding the
he Three Gorges Dam is the worlds largest. It will protect many lives and produce much-needed power, but it necessitated the relocation of 1.3m people, the loss of biodiversity and the moving of thousands of cultural relics. Was it worth it? Two students consider the question.
The Three Georges Dam has inevitably reduced biodiversity and increased water salinity, harming habitats, especially those of migratory fish and the Chinese sturgeon. Nevertheless, methods such as artificial propagation and fishways1 have been used to try to minimize negative impact. Every coin has two sides; and personally I think the dam was essential to safeguard the lives of millions of people living near the Yangtze River. Although more could have been done to preserve the environment and cultural heritage, I think it is irrational to condemn the project or call a halt to its construction.
42
In the loop
by Lo Tsz-wing Maybe we all know about the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River and have studied the Three Gorges (Sanxia) Dam in geography lessons, but I never thought about how impressive it could really be or how it actually worked until we were allowed into the controlled area around the Sanxia Dam. Ordinary visitors never normally see this part of the largest construction project in China since the Great Wall. The project will bring economic benefits in terms of higher employment and efficiency plus hydro-electric power generated by the dam. Nevertheless, however perfect the project may seem, it has had serious negative side-effects. Environmentally, the slower flow of water will mean that pollutants caused by both industries and residents will concentrate instead of being flushed out to sea. Some environmentalists say that few attempts are being made to remove pollutants and that the dam will also cause the accumulation of silt. Ship navigation on the waterway will be affected, and flooding may occur again. Moreover, the original natural scenery was damaged throughout the construction.
Eighty Hong Kong 200 students went to Wuhan in Hubei Province for intensive training on national development last December. The trip was co-organized by HKFYG and the All-China Youth Federation. Students made a 2-day visit to Yichang, the location of the Three Gorges Dam and related facilities. They received a guided tour and lecture from staff of the China Three Gorges Corporation, learning about construction, flood control, power generation, navigation and environmental conservation.
1. A fish ladder, also known as a fishway or fish steps, has been used in many dams to reduce the environmental impact.
43
HKFYG
HKFYG
Media 21 H
the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
KFYG is extending its digital reach and creating Media 21, a new multimedia centre. It has government support from the Social Welfare Department and funding from
Connectivity hub
Stepping into a new era of multimedia connectivity, HKFYGs Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21 (M21) will have an auditorium, multi-function theatre, interschool broadcasting room, video and audio recording rooms, and Interactive Media Counselling Centre.
44
Contact Katy Lok, tel 2831 9183 for more details and watch this space for news on facilities, opening hours and activities.
HKFYG
NEIGHBOURHOOD First
and always
Hong Kong is such a crowded place. We all live cheek by jowl, except for the rich. Does proximity make us more friendly? Apparently not, according to a survey done by HKFYG (see below). Many young people dont even know the names of the people who live next door, so the Federation is encouraging a change of heart. HKFYG believes in neighbourliness as part of community building and is holding a series of events in its Neighbourhood First campaign. For example, the Neighbourhood First photographic competition, launched on Valentines Day, encouraged youngsters to capture images of warmth and caring in neighbourhood settings. Here are some of their entries.
The HKFYG Neighbourhood First communitybuilding project is supported by the Home Affairs Bureau and led by Hong Kongs young, bringing the community together, cultivating a deeper sense of neighbourhood and emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting each other. Young people are most welcome to join the Neighbourhood teams.
Call 3755 7072 or visit neighbourhoodfirst.hk for information.
45
HKFYG
For the past few years HKFYG has brought well-known a cappella singers to Hong Kong to perform in the annual Festival and promote this exciting, vocal music. Local cappella groups also perform. The style is epitomized by the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and this year they will be joined by the Beelzebubs from Tufts, Delilah and Rockapella, also from the US. Workshops are also part of the month-long festival, taking a cappella into Hong Kongs schools and giving students the opportunity to try for themselves the ingenious marvels their voices are capable of. This year the brand new Hong Kong Jockey Club a cappella Educational Programme starts. It will continue for the rest of the year and into early 2013, with demonstrations, tutorials, a contest and intensive training tailor-made for secondary schools.
Orange
International
ca p a
Rockapella
The Hong Kong 2012 International a cappella Festival kicks off on 25 March with the 2012 International a cappella Marathon at Piazza C of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The performers are Delilah from the US, HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and other local a cappella ensembles. The International a cappella Extravaganza on Saturday 31 March 2012, stars the Beelzebubs from Tufts and Delilah, accompanied by HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and Hong Kongs own Kay Tse. Dr York Chow, GBS, JP, Secretary for Food and Health, HKSARG, is the Guest of Honour.
The 2012 Alfresco a cappella is next, on 1 April, with the American Beelzebubs from Tufts University, Delilah, also from the US, HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers plus local a cappella groups. On 20 April 2012 the festival welcomes Rockapella from New York City for the a cappella Master Series. To conclude, on 28 April, the Hong Kong Melody Makers present a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with an Open Dress Rehearsal on 27 April. In late March and during April there will also be a series of a cappella workshops with the Beelzebubs and Delilah at Hong Kong secondary schools and universities.
46
Many thanks to our major sponsor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for supporting these events.
HKFYG
Blizzy
ppella Festival
Kay late March till end April Delilah Main Festival Events
Sunday 25 March 2012 4pm Friday 30 March 2012 12 noon Saturday 31 March 2012 8pm
Kokk
Tickets are available at URBTIX
Musepaper
Venue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free Venue: Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Admission free Venue: Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium Tickets: HK$100 Preceded by a guided interactive talk Limited free admission for secondary school students Sunday 1 April 2012 4pm Friday 20 April 2012 Saturday 28 April 4pm and 8pm
Programme Enquiries: 2395 5753 (Connie Chan) Credit Card Booking Hotline: 2111 5999 Ticketing Enquiries: 2734 9009 www.urbtix.hk Festival Production Team Artistic Director: Patrick Chiu Production Manager: Gabriel Lee Stage Manager: Lawrence Lee Sound Designer: Ha Yan Pui Music Coordinator: Ernest Hui The Presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and change programmes.
Alfresco a cappella a cappella Master Series: Rockapella a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with Open Dress Rehearsal 27 April
Venue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free Venue: City Hall Concert Hall Tickets: HK$350, HK$250, HK$150 Venue: City Hall Theatre Tickets: HK$220, HK$150 Limited free admission for secondary school students to the Open Dress Rehearsal
More information at
http://acappella.hkfyg.org.hk
47
HKFYG
The Grand Finals of The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012 are in the HKFYG Building on Saturday 14 April 2012, with Guest of Honour, Mr Kenneth Chen, JP, Under Secretary for Education. Many thanks to our sole sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd and co-organizer, The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong) for their support. Thanks also to supporting organizations, the Education Bureau, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), Toastmasters International, the British Council, the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence, the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
More information at http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk/eps/
Karen Chan Kar-wun, Champion & Audience Favorite EPSC (Senior Division) 2010
John Chan Chor-kit, Winner Online Revival Round & 1st runnerup of the EPSC 2011
48
Index
49
Index
50
Index
March 2012
Volume 3 Number 1
Youth
HONG KONG
51
Presenter
Major Sponsor
Address Youth Hong Kong 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel: 3755 7084 3755 7284 Fax: 3755 7155 Email: youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk Website: youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian