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Youth Volume 4 Number 1 March 2012 a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups HONG KONG

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Page 1: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

YouthVolume 4 Number 1March 2012a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

H O N G K O N G

Page 2: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

12Balance,flexiblity,value

17Hopes,tensions andexpectations

23Grassroots,practicality and idealism

29Hong Kong'sChief Executive

38Film Reviews

45NeighbourhoodFirst

ContentsHIGHLIGHT 4 Do leaders matter?

YOUTH SPEAK 6 We want good leaders

Opinion Leaders 9 Raymond Ch’ien Leadership: east and west

12 Balance, flexibility and values

14 Bernard Chan

Responsible leaders, good communicators

17 Simon Shen Hopes, tensions and expectations

20 Ivan Choy The pendulum swings

23 District Councillors Grassroots, practicality and idealism

TALKING POINT26 Can leadership be learned?

CHIEF EXECUTIVE29 How does Hong Kong get a Chief Executive?

SERVICES30 Filling a need in Hong Kong at HKFYG’s Leadership 21

CITY SPACE34 The red line

35 People-centred spirit

36 Seeking home: Hong Kong’s housing problems

ARTS & CULTURE38 Film reviews We need to talk about Kevin PLANEAT

INTERNETSCOPE40 Cyber mobility: keeping pace

IN THE LOOP42 Understanding the Three Gorges Dam

HKFYG44 HKFYG Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21: multimedia for schools and community

45 Neighbourhood First and always

46 Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2012

48 HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012

YOUTH HONG KONG

published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

EDITORIAL BOARD

Rosanna Wong, Veronica Pearson, Angela Ngai, Ken Ngai, Lakshmi Jacotă, 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

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 [email protected]

ADVERTISING enquiries to Andrey Leung (3755 7041)

THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS was founded in 1960 and is one of the city’s largest non-profit youth organizations. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations are attended by 5 million participants every year.

CORE SERVICES

Counselling, Creativity Education & Youth Exchange, e-Services, Education Services, Leadership Training, Leisure, Cultural & Sports Services, Parent-child Mediation, Research & Publications, Services for Youth at Risk, Volunteer Services, Youth Employment, Youth SPOTs,

WEB www.hkfyg.org.hk, www.u21.hk

Youth Ho n g K o n g

March 2012 Volume 4 Number 1

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Editorial

This 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, JPExecutive Director, HKFYG

March 2012

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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

4

Highlight

Do Leaders MatterThe image of the leader

as a swashbuckling hero, cutting down opponents

and brushing aside adversaries, victorious in battle, is best left to the movies. In today’s increasingly inter-connected, creative and dynamic world, the leader evokes other images, which require altogether more subtle qualities and talents than his or her celluloid counterpart.

Courage, commitment and civic responsibility

The leader for the 21st century must have clear perspective, strong ethical values, courage, commitment and passion. He or she must also have a deep-rooted sense of civic responsibility and sharp global vision. There is no single “enemy” to battle against, but a series of competitors and partners with whom to engage and mutually prosper. This is the challenge of the 21st century leader – the challenge where might is not always right, but where character and integrity have the greater strength.

Today we are facing one of the world’s most serious financial crises. We are beset with scandals, high unemployment and the rise of vacuous reality celebrities who dominate headlines. Political

Leaders need vision. Vision is not necessarily about foresight and predicting the future. Vision is about having a clear purpose and then communicating it. Leaders must have the ability and patience to explain, again and again, their goals. Leaders of vision are those who can communicate, so that people understand what is said in their presence, while being able to recall it in their absence.

Integrity: a moral compass

Leaders need integrity and they need to be infallible judges of what is right and wrong. Too many scandals – in business, government or the third sector – have shown this is crucial. Leaders need to have a moral compass that guides them. Having integrity is about developing trust and honesty; but it is also about faithfulness and compassion towards those one leads. Integrity allows for equality for everyone without discrimination.

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?

Exit the template

The quick and cynical answer would be a resounding “no”, not if this is the best that they can do and given that we have not even touched upon existing leaders’ weaknesses and foibles. However, leaders do matter. We still need diligent people to “lead us”, as heads of public institutions, in government, business and the community. Yet it can be argued that they need to exit the old template of leadership style, to review and revitalise what can only be called ailing leadership all over the world.

There must be hundreds, if not thousands, of leadership manuals in all languages, in the libraries of every city in the world. Yet somehow the current cohort of leaders seems to have let go of a number of key and essential qualities that really are critical to secure a positive response to the question of whether leaders matter.

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Magnetic compass, invented in China and first used by geomancers.

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Highlight

Do Leaders Matter

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.

Strength of characterGood 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 self-correct. “I am sorry” and “I was wrong” are two phrases that are the hardest to say in any language. They imply vulnerability and leadership is always deemed to be about power. Good leaders know that owning up to a mistake is not a weakness. It takes strength of character to admit to an error, especially when publicly acknowledged and corrected. True leaders always take responsibility for their actions.

Leaders need to know how to instil confidence, see the positive in other people and how to tap their strengths without feeling challenged or insecure. The public domain should be where praise and gratitude is shown. Leadership is about partnership and participation. It is about community building and developing team spirit. A true leader brings out the best in others, whether at work, at home or at play.

Accountability and humility

Leaders must also learn how to be humble and know the difference between being self-confident and being egotistical. They should know that thinking they are the best is detrimental to other qualities

True leaders know that they are accountable…and

there is always a higher authority to which they

are answerable.

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.

Developing character for leadership must begin today, lest we find ourselves mired in an even worse predicament. Do leaders matter? Well perhaps they do, if they can go back to the basic qualities required.

?

電影中的領袖通常能人所不能,帶領群眾解決種種難題。現實中,能真正帶領民眾的又有多少? 21 世紀的領袖需要有勇氣、承擔及熱忱,而他們所面對的,亦不再是單一問題,而是複雜多變的環境。同時,人民要求領袖有更高的道德水平;故此,領袖需要時刻小心自己的言行舉止,一旦發現錯誤,必須勇於承擔及改過。

Magnetic compass, invented in China and first used by geomancers.

Page 6: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

6

Youth Speak

A p a n e l o f t w e l v e

students at HKFYG’s

Centre for Leadership

Development discussed leaders’

qualities and actions in the context

of the Fourth Term Chief Executive

election in Hong Kong. Here are

some highlights of their views,

hopes and priorities. These are

followed by interviews in which

they spoke to community opinion

leaders.

We want good leaders

charismatic“Like President Obama, a charismatic leader here could make people believe in him.”

Wesley

Sam-kei

optimistic and committed“A leader with a practical, problem-solving approach stays committed.”

widely experienced“Strong leaders understand people’s problems and want to alleviate them.”

Jenny

strongly principled and self-disciplined“If you cannot manage yourself, how can you convince others.”

Natalie

What they should be like

Good leaders can achieve extraordinary results. The students described some outstanding characteristics and said what qualities they thought mattered most, not only for Hong Kong’s leaders but for anyone who wants to take the lead.

Tina

trustworthy“Authenticity, transparency and integrity are all about trust.”

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

set an example“Behave well and act as a role model for the public.”

Liza

have clear direction and goals“Begin with the end in mind.”

Benny

take risks“Accept challenges and admit faults.”

Sam-kei

Tina

take responsibility“Serve others with integrity.”

delegate to the right people“Be a team member, not just a team leader.”

Nicole

have a sense of balance“It’s vital to keep the big picture in view.”

Cynthia

listen well“Consider other opinions and always be open-minded.”

Lawrence

Wesley Kwan, 22

The Chinese University

of Hong Kong

Chan Sam-kei, 17

Queen's College

Tat Tsang, 20

The University of Hong

Kong

Lawrence Lai, 16

HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai

Secondary and Primary

School

Nicole Chan, 19

Lingnan University

Natalie Au, 15

St. Paul’s Secondary

School

Liza Poon, 22

The Hong Kong

Polytechnic University

Tina Wong, 16

Diocesan Girl’s School

Wyman Sin, 20

The Hong Kong

Polytechnic University

Jenny Liu,

The University of Hong

Kong

Benny Ng, 22

The Chinese University

of Hong Kong

Cynthia Ng, 18

The Hong Kong

University of Science and

Technology

What they should always do

Inspired leaders can also be ordinary men and women. The difference is they don’t pretend to know everything or try to fool anyone. Instead they always have clear goals in mind and have a flair for working with others.

Concerns and wishes

The students had high expectations of the new Chief Executive (CE). Wesley’s view was that the core problem needing to be solved was disparity between the rich and the poor. Both Wesley and Tat wanted to see the introduction of universal suffrage within the next CE’s term and Tat hoped Hong Kong’s image would get a

boost in the process. Improved livelihood was Wyman's hope. She was not optimistic about getting the vote. Nicole’s wish was that the new CE would be a good listener, one who would take the trouble to find out what people really need. Benny wanted a leader with long-term vision, rather than someone who tackled minor problems in piecemeal fashion.

Page 8: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

8

Youth Speak

not make empty promises

Liza

reduce the wealth gap

Wesley

give us the vote

Tat

have the heart to help people

Nicole

focus on local social problems

Sam-kei

solve human rights issues

Cynthia

maintain a strong economy

Wyman

focus on long-term development

Benny

take care of all Hong Kong people

Lawrence

love Hong Kong

Natalie

prepare for the future

Jenny

be practical

Tina

What we hope the new CE will do

12 位青年跟我們暢談對領袖的看法,以及對新任特首的期望。他們認為領袖的必要條件包括有誠信、具備多元條件及富有承擔等。同時,他們認為領袖要懂得與團隊合作、知人善任,並能照顧社會長遠利益。他們亦期望新任特首能解決香港近年面對的問題,如貧富懸殊及普選等。

Tina, Natalie and Jenny agreed with Benny, saying preparing for the future and maintaining Hong Kong’s unique qualities should be top priority. Lawrence hoped a new role for Hong Kong could be found. They all agreed that flexibility was a key and that the best laid plans may not work. Times change and leaders have to change with them.

let the team down“When things go wrong a bad leader might betray you.”

Tat

break promises“If they write bad cheques it doesn’t matter how much charisma they have.”

Wyman

be demoralizing“Mediocre leaders are disorienting and fail during crises.”

be manipulative and over-controlling“Leaders should not try to control everything. They should delegate.”

Tina

What they should never do

Cynthia

Page 9: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

Leadership

east west and

9

March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

Styles of good leadership are independent of geographical location. They are context-driven and advanced societies with well-educated citizens should veer towards enlightened, socially responsible individualism. Emerging individualistic society

To put history in a nutshell, phases of cultural development took place earlier in the West, where humanistic, individualistic society emerged. In China, Confucian thinking took root and provided

the fore. Good leaders, even in Beijing, have to be sensitive to such changes. The days of authoritarian leaders who lose touch with people’s changing aspirations are numbered.

Questioning authority

When the store of a people’s knowledge in any society increases their culture becomes increasingly individualistic. As education became more widespread in western society, so that society became more democratic and figures of authority, questioned less in early society, were questioned more.

Dr Raymond Ch’ien, Chairman of the MTR Corporation, believes good leadership styles and skills are the same everywhere, east and west. He shared his views with students and emphasized especially the need for leaders now to seek an appropriate balance between

individualism and collective social responsibility.

the basis of the cultural ethos until the early 20th century. There was no Industrial Revolution in China and the authorities became anti-innovation, so there was none of the creative destruction which gave western development its strength.

Changing aspirations

Differences in leadership styles reflect different phases of development along the same continuum, both in the East and in the West. When income increases and education becomes more widespread, so individual aspirations come to

Dr Raymond Ch'ien with students: Spruce Kwok, Benny Ng and Wyman Sin

to opinion leaders

Page 10: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

10

Youth Speak

Staying flexible

Instead of being preoccupied with eastern and western concepts, good leaders everywhere recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and adjust to the shifting needs, views and values of their times. Great leaders lose their status when they lose their humility and become inflexible. Goalposts shift and leaders need to know when to step down. Otherwise, they become marginalized, as entrenched, vested interests stifle competition and growth.

Redefining universal values

Better education and the exchange of ideas have meant that freedom of speech and universal values are regarded ever more highly. The young need to be engaged in meaningful global dialogue to reach consensus on the definition of such values. This means giving more and more emphasis to socially responsible individualism which can lead to global sustainability and genuine care for the have-nots.

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.

It is very important that academic freedom is maintained during this process of change. Universities and educators have to remain bastions of independent liberal, critical thinking. They need to be a thorn in the side of the orthodox, conventional establishment. As change and development take place, young leaders should use their position to raise the common denominator instead of appealing to base instincts. They need to be involved in redefining and recreating universal values. These are the real challenges for future leadership.

Leaders seek appropriate balance to keep unbridled,

selfish, individualism in check

Keeping selfishness in check

As human society develops so it emphasizes collective civic responsibility. My generation has not been good in offering distributional justice and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. Narrowing the gap does not mean sacrificing quality of life. It means adopting greener, more sustainable ways with less waste. The main challenge for western democratic leaders now, as can be seen in the socio-economic crisis unfolding in the Eurozone, is to keep unbridled, selfish individualism and excessive sense of entitlement in check.

Achieving constructive changeYoung people should endeavour to achieve such change in a constructive manner, listening to others, identifying those wiser than themselves, including those who are not in positions of leadership.

Advanced societies with well-educated citizens should veer towards enlightened, socially

responsible individualism.

This spinning single coin symbolizes balance and absence of greed.

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

Dr Raymond Ch’ien, Chairman of the MTR Corporation Ltd, is also Chairman of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd, a member of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Honorary President and past Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. He was a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 1992 to June 2002 under both the British administration and the HKSAR Government.

The students who took part in this interview are Benny Ng Year 4, Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Spruce Kwok, Year 1, Hotel and Tourism Management, CUHK, and Wyman Sin Year 2, Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. ( See picture, page 9.) They wrote about the insight gained from Dr Ch’ien in the essays on pages 12-13.

錢果豐博士認為,無論在東方或西方,領袖的概念都有其共通點。東方及西方在文化發展方面有巨大差異,而在不同發展階段,社會需要的領袖特質都不同,但所有領袖都必須了解自己的長處及短處,並能於適當時候作出選擇。維持高度的學術自由,對整個社會的發展尤其重要;錢博士更期望青年人能積極為社會提出建設性的意見。

Instead of being preoccupied with eastern

and western concepts, good leaders adjust to shifting

needs.

to opinion leaders

Page 12: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

12

Youth Speak

Balance, flexibility and values

These short essays address points made during the interview

with Dr Raymond Ch’ien. As aspirant young leaders, the

writers agree they should be flexible, reflect on universal

values and put them into practice.

Narrowing the divide between the haves and the have-nots

Maximizing flexibility

Individual aspirations rise as income and education improve but there will always be inequalities. People will always consider their own individual interests before collective benefits and a small percentage of the population will always have greater power and more resources. This will create greater disparity between the rich and the poor. Without better balance there can be no sustainable development.

In my opinion, to achieve such balance we need more real servant leaders, and I am not just speaking empty words. Young people should learn and practice the kind of servant leadership which gives priority to people’s real needs and expectations, with active listening and humble stewardship.

According to Dr Ch’ien, although young people are not in authority, they can still achieve positive change in a rational, constructive way. The rate of such change is accelerating with advances in communications technology and online media. These stimulate innovation and teenagers with good ideas all over the world can promote constructive creativity with an easy “click” of a mouse, unlimited by location or other physical constraints.

I think young people will be able to accomplish this kind of constructive change but only if they believe in a better future.

Of all the characteristics of effective leadership, I believe flexibility is one of the most important. Everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses and a flexible leader always takes them into account, while staying in close contact with the environment.

Good leaders, as Dr Ch’ien said, are those who constantly self-evaluate and learn from history. It is also important for a good leader to examine the current environment carefully in order to demonstrate strengths effectively while maximizing the potential of the people around them.

“Be in touch with the aspirations of the people.” For me, this was Dr Ch’ien’s most memorable piece of advice for an aspiring leader. Leaders are always thought of as belonging to the top 1% of any group, but they can lose touch with other people. Leaders should serve people, and for this they need not only insight, but also close contact with those they lead to understand what they are thinking and what they really want.

This can only be achieved if they maintain their flexibility and ability to adapt to their changing environment.

by Benny Ng

by Wyman Sin

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

Approaching universal values

The term “universal values” has become more and more popular in recent years. What are its implications? Are there values which are truly “universal”?

The implications behind the words are worthy of attention. Universal values are normally interpreted as those which conform to norms that cross borders, yet often we speak of universal values when judging the behaviour of regimes which do not conform.

Many people say we use social norms common in the western world to establish universal values. Are we really so influenced by other cultures and in danger of losing our own? My answer is no, we are not. I was much impressed by what Dr Ch’ien said about differing social values and leadership styles being caused by a different pace of social development.

The effects of globalization mean that international exchanges at all levels are increasing incrementally. What we young people ought to do is ensure that this influences society in the most positive way, since it is up to us to shape the future world.

As we continue to strive for a balance between individualism and shared civil responsibility, I believe we will approach more truly universal values.

by Spruce KwokBenny Ng, Year 4,

Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong,

likes reading, hiking and swimming and hopes to be a constructive change-maker who influences other

teenagers for a more balanced world.

Wyman Sin, Year 2, Electrical Engineering,

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, took part in the Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project and

enjoys cycling and running in her spare time. She also does voluntary work with environmental organizations.

Spruce Kwok, Year 1, Hotel and Tourism Management,

Chinese University of Hong Kong, loves travelling, movies,

and seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

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三位訪問錢果豐博士的學生一致認為領袖需要靈活、能體現普世價值,以及能以身作則。Wyman覺得靈活對領袖來說尤其重要,因為好領袖需要時刻檢視自己的短處並作出改善。Benny 則認為領袖需要以身作則,並平衡社會各界的利益。而 Spruce 覺得領袖應該著重普世價值,並能平衡個人及社會利益。

Page 14: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

ZZZ

to opinion leaders

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

14

Youth Speak

Responsible leaders, good communicators

Mr Bernard Chan, Vice Chairperson of the

Hong Kong Council of Social Service, has

wide experience of building bridges between

sectors of Hong Kong society. We asked him about listening and

responding, about the reluctance of Hong Kong leaders to explain

themselves, and how in future they could motivate people to face

tough problems and solve them together.

Good communication between a leader and the public is more important than anything, but it needs time, understanding and trust. First of all comes listening. Government leaders do listen. They are accountable, so they must listen. The real question is, of all stakeholders, who do they hear most clearly.

Public perception, miscommunication

It is hard for government officers to cater for everyone’s needs. No leader can satisfy them all and public perception reflects this. Yet special efforts have to be made to listen and respond in a way that indicates understanding.

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.

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

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 citizen’s duty in return to express an opinion and make suggestions rather than waiting for leaders to provide all the answers.

Responding to raised expectations

True responsiveness is a process of educating, informing, giving direction and setting goals. Government leaders are gatekeepers of information and they respond like parents, doing what they think is in everyone’s best interests. If the public doesn’t understand the process behind their decision-making there is miscommunication because constraints are not understood.

It’s hard work getting people to listen, unless you are just “preaching to the converted.” Explaining complex decisions takes time and care. In the past, most Hong Kong people were not really interested in government policy and so officials didn’t take the time to provide detailed information. In the last decade things have changed. Now, expectations of transparency are constantly rising and the younger generation who want to be in control of their own destiny.

Need to build trust

These raised expectations are not being met. Leaders have to educate, not just ask what people want and make empty promises to keep them happy. Instead, members of the public need direction and help to formulate ideas about the kind of society they want, and whether they are prepared to make sacrifices to pay for it.

to opinion leaders

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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

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Youth Speak

More visibility and transparency

Most government decisions are made in the best interests of Hong Kong people but that is not how they are perceived. Compare our transparency, integrity, trustworthiness and accountability with that of democratic neighbouring countries. We are very good, and yet people still don’t trust us.

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.

陳智思先生接受青年人訪問時強調,新任特首需要與公眾進行溝通,以往公眾並不特別關心公共政策,但隨著近10 年公眾關注度持續提升,政府有必要重新思考如何跟公眾進行有效溝通,讓市民了解政府於制訂政策時的考慮因素。同時,政府亦應該更著重了解青年人的想法,並解決市民普遍不信任政府的問題。

It is clear that the current way is not working, especially when

it comes to communication with young people.

Government leaders must reach out on a deeper level than

in the past... demonstrating commitment to a shared

future.

to opinion leaders

No longer a borrowed place

Pressure will build as we move towards 2017 and the possibility of universal suffrage. Till 1997 we felt we were in a borrowed place living on borrowed time. Now we know we are here to stay. Hong Kong is our home. That’s why interest in heritage and the past is growing.

At the same time people feel threatened by the future and by the influx of people from the mainland. There is uncertainty and anxiety. Government leaders can’t solve all the problems alone. First, they need to take the time to explain to those who will listen. Then they must reach out on a deeper level than in the past. This is the only way to demonstrate commitment to a shared future.

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.

Page 17: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

It’s difficult to define “leadership” and “leaders.” Leadership is not like a profession for which you get qualifications. In Hong Kong, people who speak eloquently are not uncommon but it’s very difficult to find real leaders who have a unique vision and are prepared to make sacrifices for society. Leaders are those who make progress and change the existing paradigm of thinking and living, both in idealistic and pragmatic in terms of an overarching goal.

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

Dr Simon Shen, Associate Professor

and External Relations Coordinator

at the Hong Kong Institute of

Education’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, answered

questions from four undergraduate participants in

the HKFYG Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project.

They asked about leaders, Hong Kong’s future,

core values and the current tensions between

mainlanders and Hong Kong people.

Leadership is not like a profession for which you get qualifications.

to opinion leaders

and EXPECTATIONSHOPES, TENSIONS

Page 18: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

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 Kong’s success in recent years. They consist in freedom of speech, the checks and balance that come with separation of powers and an active, effective civil society.

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.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

18

Youth Speak

Mok Ho-tsun Jenny Liu

to opinion leaders

Government leaders should educate people about cross-

cultural discrimination.

Page 19: Youth Hong Kong V4N1

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.

How do you see this road map developing?

We should be thinking about how we can contribute regionally and globally. Chinese cities like Qingdao, a German colony 100 years ago, is developing close ties with Germany. Dalian is working on integration with the Russian Far East. Why doesn’t Hong Kong do something equivalent, using its colonial heritage to develop a comparative advantage and thus serve both the central government’s international positioning and its national interests.

My ambition for the next decade is for Hong Kong to become an academic, political and cultural centre as well as a financial centre. This is necessary to maintain our distinctiveness. To preserve only our financial role will mean that the younger generation will have no future here except in the financial sector.

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

四位來自不同大學的學生訪問了香港教育學院社會科學系副教授沈旭輝博士,暢談對未來特首的期望。沈博士認為新任特首應著力維護港人的核心價值,例如言論自由等。同時,特首應制訂最少二十年的發展藍圖,以便進一步配合內地及亞太區其他城市的發展。沈博士希望香港未來十年更注重政治及文化方面;他認為假如政府只著力於經濟發展,青年人的發展空間便會十分狹窄。

*CEPA : Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

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

Dennis Wong Vicky Lee

to opinion leaders

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 Kong’s younger generation. Dr Shen was at Queen’s College before doing a D Phil at Oxford and an MA at Yale.

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Youth Hong Kong | March 2012

20

Youth Speak

The pendulum swings

Mr 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.

“”

The pendulum swings

to opinion leaders

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

Anthony Lai asked what leadership qualities can be expected in Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive and which skills can be taught.

We have seen Tung Chi-hwa as Chief Executive (CE) introducing change. Many people complained. Then it was about the fall in the property market. Now, with non-interventionist Donald Tsang as CE, they complain about high property prices! The younger generation is intolerant of the status quo and wants a more visionary leader. CY Leung is popular with them but in 5-10 years the pendulum will swing again.

Many skills can be learned and practiced, like public speaking, speech writing, negotiating. Public speaking is essential because of today’s electronic media. Speakers need to be inspiring to win voters and in times of crisis good leaders must give good speeches. In Hong Kong we do not have leaders like Churchill, Kennedy, Reagan or Obama who could inspire or calm the people. Instead we have bureaucrats and good administrators.

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, open-minded leader. The Democrats need more time to convince people and these transitional elections are not so important for them. Albert Ho’s main purpose as a CE candidate is not to be elected but to air essential issues left aside by other candidates, such as universal suffrage.

Skills and responses learned in childhood are very important. Leaders have to be committed and persistent, and formative childhood experiences are crucial to that kind of personal development. I encourage teens to travel, to enter into debate, to get experience in organizing student union activities.

Leaders have to be strongly motivated and accept responsibility. It’s not always enjoyable. It’s often a struggle. You can’t just give orders. You have to be prepared to do yourself the tasks you demand of others. If not, you are not a leader. Think of the explorer, Shackleton. He tried to take on all the hardest work himself in the most difficult times. But not everybody can be a leader. It’s perfectly OK to be a follower.

The pendulum swingsThe pendulum swings

Hugo Chow asked what is essential for a new Hong Kong Leader and whether leadership is inborn.

Anthony Lai Year 3, Law, University of Hong Kong

Hugo Chow Year 2, Government and Public Administration, Chinese University of Hong Kong

to opinion leaders

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22

Youth Speak

Anthony Lai asked whether we prepare enough young people as leaders.The real question is whether young people are willing to take on the struggle. You cannot expect others to prepare you for it. I am against leadership mentoring. It is a variation on spoon-feeding. Teachers and mentors can share their experience instead of leading youngsters to conform. Look at Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Did they need a leadership programme? No, they took on the challenge alone.

Hugo Chow asked how young people can prepare themselves.They have to be provocative, to test certain values, like the existence of justice in society. Mainstream values won't help them. They need determination, motivation and experience. Extraordinary leaders have extraordinary experience. They have to experience taking risks. They need to be willing to be different, unlike those who only see their future working in business sector, unlike those who wear suits on campus. There’s nothing wrong in that, just as there’s nothing wrong in being a follower, but it’s a sign of conformity, not of leadership.

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.

It’s a very difficult task because at critical moments one cannot remain neutral. It is your duty to stand up for your beliefs. As Martin Luther King said, “The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”

香港需要一位怎樣的領袖?領導才能是否可透過後天培訓?兩位大學生訪問了香港中文大學政治與行政學系高級導師蔡子強先生。蔡先生認為,現階段香港人渴望的領袖跟香港真正需要的領袖是不同的。他認為新任特首應具備協調中央政府與香港市民期望的能力。他又認為領袖的成長經驗十分重要;他並不認同向青年提供領袖計劃,但鼓勵青年人主動尋求機會,發揮自己的領導才能。

Extraordinary leaders have extraordinary experience.They have to experience

taking risks.

to opinion leaders

In conclusion, Mr Choy talked about the kind of leader Hong Kong needs.

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Youth Speak

I wanted to convince people that we could improve the environment and transport with more public engagement. Most of all I wanted to keep up their hopes for democracy. As a district councillor I do not have much power but I offered them that hope. People trust me and think I can achieve something.

Lo Kin Hei is also a spokesperson for the Roundtable Community and has a monthly newspaper column where he gets his message across. He says Hong Kong people accept things, they wait for change and then adapt to it. “I think people here do want the vote but they are not ready to fight or sacrifice anything for it. Even in mainland China the protests are more dangerous than here and people take to the streets more often.”

Sense of belonging

Despite freedom of speech, Lo says we are too comfortable, unwilling to take risks or make Beijing angry, even though we are well-educated, civilized people with a secure legal system and a worldwide reputation. “Hong Kong youth have great potential but parents set a path for them and they follow it. It’s a path they think leads to success and wealth. They don’t encourage their children to pursue their dreams. Money means freedom to the older generation. You can get out if anything goes wrong. But people of my generation, we were born and raised here. We belong here. We love this place and don’t want it to be ruined.

For Lo Kin-hei, the most pressing Hong Kong problem is the wealth gap. “In such a well developed prosperous city how can there be

such poverty? The poor see how bad it is of course, but some rich people, including government officials, are so unaware. Some think there are no such things as the notorious cage homes. Powerful property developers don’t want to know of course. They have a lot of influence, and plans for more luxury property are affecting even Lei Tung where we need more public housing, not expensive private apartments.”

“I tell people my age that everything that is happening here and now matters for their future.” For both his district and his city, Lo thinks at least ten years ahead on the district level, and for Hong Kong as a whole, much further. “Even if you don’t participate and try to ignore government policy it will affect you. We need to think about our relationship with China, our niche industries, our regional role. Hong Kong leaders should be planning for 2047 and beyond.”

Grassroots, practicality, and idealismLo Kin Hei, Kathy Siu Ka-yi and Joseph Chan Ho-lim, three young

politicians from the Democratic, Liberal and DAB1 parties, told

a team of students about their values, why they became district

councillors and the issues they consider to be most pressing.

Lo Kin-hei, 27 years old, is full-time district councillor for Lei Tung (Southern District). He

graduated in Social Work and joined the Democratic Party in 2006.

to district councillors

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Youth Speak

“To be honest, it is difficult for youth to take the lead in the community,” she said, “especially on political issues.” However, as the old saying goes, Rome was not built in a day and we need to start step by step, expressing our opinions and acting on behalf of the community.

Local issues: a new escalator and noise pollution

Believing strongly in providing an accessible channel for residents to voice their opinions, Kathy Siu’s campaign platform highlighted the need for a new outdoor escalator in her district. This special Hong Kong transport solution provides a quick, free way to get school and work in a crowded, mountainous city. It also solves traffic congestion problems and attracts tourists.

The first escalator runs from Central District to Mid-Levels. “Adding a second escalator in Sheung Wan is a popular idea with local residents of all ages. I brought in the experts to explain the details, to show it would be feasible. Giving them all the information helped a lot and built their confidence in me.”

As a district councillor, she can act as a communications bridge. For example, she organized donations of iPads to a local primary school, bringing donors and school authorities together. She also monitors noise pollution carefully, campaigning successfully with local residents to contain the spread of noisy bars from SoHo, east of Sheung Wan. “I make sure all the residents are fully informed of any application for a liquor licence and together we object forcefully. I propose the development of this historic area as a cultural hub, with art galleries and workshops. I make myself visible and heard, running opinion polls to encourage participation.”

Seeing Hong Kong as a wholeAs DAB’s Deputy Spokesperson for Welfare Services, Kathy Siu is, like Lo Kin-hei, concerned in particular about housing problems, but also about lack of welfare schemes for the elderly. “Housing is a hotly discussed topic,” she said. “Every day, we hear about people hoping for more public housing, wanting government to revive the Home Ownership Scheme and trying to fight property developer hegemony. Housing problems affect everyone not just a specific group. All Hong Kong suffers but the problem will be serious for the elderly. “In 2039, a quarter of all Hongkongers will be over 65. There are not enough homes for them and the government, which should be looking to the future, is doing nothing about it.”

“I have never done any formal course leadership. If I want to progress in this career I may need to. For now, I learn everything on the job. The salary is very low but my motivation comes from my heart.”

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 district councillors

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth Speak

A banker with Standard Chartered, Joseph Chan, traced his reasons for becoming a district councillor to his low-key home background. “I was already interested in public policy when I was in school, and discussed social issues with my father most days but my first experience of leading a team, which is a strong part of me today, was in the Hong Kong scouts.”

Standing up, speaking out

“I am proud of being a Hongkonger and proud of my three core values, namely freedom, the free market and equal opportunities. I believe we must speak out if any government policy threatens us. Integrity depends on this, on keeping promises, on being yourself, never hiding, lying or pretending.”

Grateful for his past opportunities, he now wishes to contribute by taking public office and continuing to do voluntary work as a mentor. “After joining the Liberal Party in 2009 I started focusing on community work in Central &

Western District, where I grew up. My strong local network and understanding of community affairs was a great advantage when I stood for the district council elections. I believed that as a district councillor I could get things done more efficiently, with a voice government could hear, standing up for residents rights, especially in the areas of traffic, hygiene and environmental protection.

Prepared for opportunity

By contrast, I think the lack of confidence shown by most Hong Kong youth is one of the most pressing issues.” From a professional perspective he feels optimistic and hopeful about the future, believing in China’s booming economy and Hong Kong’s privileged position as a bridge between China and the western world, especially in the finance sector.

“Hong Kong’s well-developed economy, stable legal system, free market economy and competitive labour force have been advantages for decades and I encourage all young people to worry less, enrich their knowledge of the world and become more self-confident.” Personally, Joseph Chan says his challenges are to balance the three parts of his life, making quality time for his family, living up to his employers’ expectations and doing his best for his district.

“Professionally, I am prepared to defend core values and induce confidence in young people. I believe that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”2

我們訪問了三位來自不同政黨的年輕區議員,他們分別是民主黨的羅健熙議員(南區)、民建聯的蕭嘉怡議員(中西區)及自由黨的陳浩濂議員(中西區)。幾位區議員除了談及地區的工作及發展外,更談及對香港未來發展的看法,當中包括香港面對的民生問題以及香港的整體發展方向。最後,幾位區議員不約而同認為青年人應該積極參與社區工作,勇於表達意見。

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.

Wyman Sin, Year 2, Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Harrods Wong S4, St Paul's Co-educational College

Noah ChungS4, St Paul's Co-educational College

Alan YipYear 2, Global Business, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

1. DAB is the acronym for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, a political party2. A saying from Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician (5 BC - 65 AD)

to district councillorsStudent interviewers

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26

Talking point

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.

What makes a leader

Is it someone who dominates, expects others always to carry out their orders, someone who maintains their ideas without wavering or listening to dissenting voices? This is one type of leader who has existed throughout history, but usually in a bad way. A good leader is one who achieves results with minimum fuss, engenders confidence, and effects changes for the better. Philosopher Lao Tse said, “As for the best leaders, people do not notice their existence. When the best leader’s work is done the people say we did it ourselves.”

A good leader is now generally accepted as someone who is in close touch with their followers, who listens and speaks well, who has thorough understanding and a hands-on approach. Above all, he or she acts for the good of the whole group, team or country.

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.

Information 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.

A good leader, above all, acts for the good of the whole.

Can leadership be learned?

Phot

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

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 today’s most inspirational leaders, and while she is not happy with hero-worship, she understands that people need to look to someone who is going to lead them. “A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying,” she says. “It’s not about me.”

Vision and courage

Leaders have ideas. They read, experience and think creatively. Almost every scientific discovery has been made by an intellectual leader who has changed the way we perceive the world. Leaders have vision for a better world. They can look backward and see history clearly. They can look forward and plan for challenges.

Leaders must be brave, take risks, take a stand and defend their own ideas – this does not mean being disrespectful to others, but it is essential a leader is determined. There may be times when leading demands physical risks, as in the case of political dissidents or those fighting discrimination or persecution in a hostile environment.

Leaders are honest. They admit mistakes and learn from them. They are transparent when things go wrong and this earns respect and trust. A good leader learns to turn negatives into positives, find solutions to problems and move forward.

Leaders should have clear objectives, but be flexible. A good leader shares ideas and discusses them with the team. Consensus helps achieve results which benefit everyone and this is where a leader’s flexibility often gets tested. Leaders are not always right. They must be open-minded and good at delegating.

Discipline, evaluation, practice

Essential aspects of leadership which everyone can learn are self-discipline and good time management. This is usually simply a case of better personal organization – setting timetables, agendas, clear goals and expected outcomes, then sticking to them.

A leader’s flexibility often gets tested. They must be

open-minded and be good at delegating.

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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.

One aspect of learning to be a leader cannot be shirked – hard work. Most competent leaders and high achievers, such as athletes, performers or professionals, appear to be comfortable in their roles, but that is because they have put in years of learning and practice, working to get to the top of their game.

While most people can learn to become a leader, it does not mean everyone should, particularly if they do not feel a prominent role will suit them. An unhappy leader will not function well and their colleagues will suffer. Don’t forget successful leaders need followers.

There needs to be a personal desire to lead, inspire or change society. A leader helps people join hands to make things different or better, for themselves, for their company or school, for the whole world. But whatever they learn about leadership, and however they learn it, the skills must be practiced and perfected if they are to become the outstanding.

Basketball player Yao Ming, 31, inspired a nation to enjoy a new game and got children and young people into activities and team sports. Born in Shanghai, Yao Ming started playing for the Shanghai Sharks as a teenager, then played for the Chinese Basketball Association before moving to the US and the National Basketball Association. He had a stellar career and became a household name in the US and China. One of China’s best-known athletes, he took part in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. When he announced his retirement from basketball more than 1.2 million people commented on social-networking site Sina Weibo. Reacting to Yao Ming's retirement, NBA commissioner David Stern said he was a “bridge between Chinese and American fans”.

Leading by example

The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize went to two women. One of them, Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman, is a 32-year old mother of three. She is one of the youngest ever to win the award and represents equal rights for women. As the citation said, “We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence development at all levels of society.”

Leaders who fight for human rights

Lord Nat Wei, 35, is the son of Hong Kong parents and the youngest member of the British House of Lords. He was born in UK in 1977, went to a state school and then Oxford University. A serial social entrepreneur, Wei co-founded Teach First, which puts top graduates into schools in disadvantaged areas before they enter high-flying careers. He has been an adviser to the British government on The Big Society and is the most senior ethnic Chinese political figure in the European Union.

Leading social entrepreneur

Leaders know how to gather, sort, and structure information, and connect it in new ways to create

intelligence.

Former investment banker Chung To founded the Chi Heng Foundation in 1998 and began working on AIDS education and prevention projects on the mainland on a part-time basis. In 2002 Chung decided to put his banking career on hold and began devoting his full attention to AIDS work. The foundation educates AIDS orphans on the mainland. It has sent more than 12,000 children to schools, from kindergartens to universities. Chung has received many awards including Hong Kong’s Leader of the Year Award in 2008. In 2011 Forbes magazine named him one of its “48 philanthropic heroes”.

Leading with ideas

See page 32 for more details of HKFYG's leadership publications.

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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 Non-Official 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.

This year’s Election is proving to be very exciting. Much media space has been devoted not only to each candidate’s platforms and vision for Hong Kong’s future development, but also to numerous scandals, particularly related to Tang and Leung. Because of this extensive coverage, the public has become more involved than in previous CE Elections through discussions and debate, in spite of not being able to cast a ballot.

Whoever wins, the next CE will have to deal with the fall-out of what has become a sometimes nasty campaign period. The public have expectations of their future leader-to-be and the new CE will need to rise to the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in order to ensure Hong Kong’s continued prosperity and development.

This is indeed an interesting time for Hong Kong politics.

How does Hong Kong get a

Chief Executive?

1. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govstructure.htm2. For more details of the different subsectors, see Electoral Affairs Commission at http://www.eac.gov.hk/en/chief/2011_ce_guideline.htm

Albert Ho C Y Leung Henry TangVote

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Services

It has long been argued that there is no such thing as a “born leader”, even though the phrase is common. In the belief that people are born with leadership potential, Leadership 21 was established as the Federation’s flagship initiative.

We need leaders for tomorrow who have integrity and values, who can inspire others with a passion to serve their communities, their country and the world. Operational since 2000, the purpose of Leadership 21 is to create a pool of such leaders upon which to draw in the future.

Accenting qualities, skills, techniques

What we have discovered over the past twelve years is that leadership training involves much more than the inculcation of simple guidelines related to rights and responsibilities. The qualities, the skills and techniques, the motivation and commitment synonymous with true leadership require specialized instruction that is not currently available in many institutions of formal education. While schools and universities focus on strengthening the all around capabilities of students, the accent in most of their courses naturally remains firmly on the academic and theoretical.

New competencies need to be determined and enhanced by specialized training which develops the required qualities and skills of leadership. Leadership 21 provides such training opportunities, exposure, and hands-on experience for young leaders. It aims to sharpen critical thinking, provide perspective, deepen analytical skills, teach teamwork and encourage creativity, while enabling participants to grow in confidence and stretch their minds and imaginations. In the increasingly competitive 21st century, the intention is to maximize students’ potential.

Filling a need in Hong Kong at

Leadership 21by Max Wong

Source: HKFYG Poll Series 153, 2006

Who should nurture political talent?

Schools/ tertiary institutionsGovernmentPolitical partiesNon-governmental organizationsAll groups in societyThink-tanks at local levelOthersDon't know/ hard to tellNo answer

0.5%7.0%0.6%

1.9%3.1%

4.0%

8.4%

23.2%

51.3%

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Services

There is a clear demand for more systematic leadership education, attested by the periodic and often one-off leadership exercises offered in Hong Kong. Given that the newly introduced “3-3-4” educational reform has stated the vision of “Building an education system conducive to lifelong learning and all-round development”, and stresses the importance of students’ leadership development, it is no wonder that secondary schools have included “leadership training” as an element of “Other Learning Experience.”

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. Source: Youth Trends in Hong Kong. HKFYG, 2011

FrequentlyFairly oftenNot muchNeverDon't know/ hard to tell

How often do you read the news on social policy?

Source: Secondary School Student Leaders: Case book 1. HKFYG, 2008

10 = highest

Teachers' views Head Prefects' viewsStudents' viewsPrefects' views

What abilities should a prefect have?

0

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Filling a need in Hong Kong at

Leadership 21Source: HKFYG Youth Poll Series 163, 2007

What is the best measure of competitiveness?

0.5%2.0%0.3%4.6%

6.7%

9.7%

10.2%

12.6%

14.4%

17.5%

21.6% Educational attainmentsProfessional qualificationsWork experienceCommunication skillsAdaptabilityCreativityLanguage skillsSocial networkingOthersNone in particularDon't know/ hard to tell

0.4%2.5%

20.3%

56.4%

20.3%

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Services

Strong community partnershipsPartnerships are a strong component of our training programmes. Tertiary education partners and other organizations include The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The City University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong), The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, The Law Society of Hong Kong, British Council, Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and Toastmasters International.

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.

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

TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT LEADERSHIP 21

Professional Training in Student Leadership: Basic Certificate Courses• for Head Prefects• for Chairpersons of Student Unions• for Club Chairpersons• for House Captains

Professional Training in Community LeadershipYouth in LegCo: Basic Certificate Course for Youth Community Leaders

Professional Training for Youth Leadership TrainersBasic Certificate Course for Youth Leadership TrainersBasic Certificate Course for Group Leaders

Leadership Enhancing SeriesHang Seng Bank Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series 2012Sir TL Yang Workshop SeriesSaturdays with Eva Career Planning workshops

English & Public Speaking Skill Enhancing SeriesHKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012 see page 48Sir TL Yang English Ambassadors Outreach for Junior Secondary Students

Major Leadership Training ProgrammesHong Kong 200 Leadership Project 2012Hong Kong Youth Leadership ForumSummer School for Effective Leadership

More information about all programmes at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk

LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES

Addressed to young people with leadership potential and leadership trainers, the books in this series provide theoretical knowledge about leadership and examples of leaders in action.

BOOKS FROM LEADERSHIP 21

Youth & Leadership Series: Learning, Serving, Leading The books contain interviews and profiles of leaders, both local and international, with examples from modern Chinese and European history and extensive reference to well known sources on leadership theory and practice. The series is dedicated to Hong Kong youth who are willing to learn, serve and lead.

Book One Taking the LeadWhat leadership means, choosing leaders, cooperation and division of labour

Book Two Becoming a LeaderListening, leading from alongside as well as in front and establishing rapport

Book Three Leading with PrincipleIntegrity in leadership, motivation, burn-out, constructive criticism and dedication

Book Four Leadership and TeamsBuilding teams, conflict, tact, diplomacy, reaching a consensus and decision-making

Book Five Inspirational Leadership

Inspiring followers as an inspired leader, coping with doubt, opposition and criticism

Book Six Leadership for SustainabilityLong-term thinking and planning for sustainability, transparency and accountability

Book Seven Learning from FailureDealing with failure’s inevitability and seeing progress and opportunity in setbacks

Book Eight Leadership and RiskInnovation and the pioneer spirit, taking calculated risks and thinking outside the box

Book Nine Getting Things DoneDelegating, self-discipline, setting deadlines, priorities and time management

Book Ten Leading from AdversityHope and self confidence, trust and faith: a leader’s attitude in a1dversity

Published by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 2007. Written by Diana JL Martin. For more information see pages 26-28

Adventure Training: Ideas and PracticeTheory, skills, activity design and planning plus risk management and safety measures for trainers

Secondary School Student Leaders: Case Book 1Ten real cases of problems encountered by student leaders

Leadership Training for Gifted Students

Traces gifted students’ experience and reflections on learning to be leaders

Aquatic Adventure Training in Practice

Empowers trainers for activities and safety afloat

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.

Order form at leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk

Call 2169 0255 for more details

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Certificate Courses for Young Leaders

Leadership 21 offers a range of courses, including Basic Certificate Courses for Secondary School Leaders. These are for prefects, chairpersons of student unions, clubs, and school house captains. Participants learn about motivation, communication and conflict management as well as how to preserve order at school. The Basic Certificate Course for Youth Community Leaders aims to enhance students’ ability to think from more than one perspective, to analyze rationally and give constructive feedback on policy. Mock Legislative Council debates give them opportunities for practice and role play.

Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project

Hong Kong 200 aims to enhance young people’s social responsibility and willingness to give back to the community. Over the past 6 years, it has nurtured 1,200 young leaders and over 84% of local secondary schools have nominated students for the project. Networking is sustained by the Hong Kong 200 Association. Sharing ideas with mainland university students and volunteers on exchange trips is one way in which Hong Kong 200 students learn more about serving their society.

Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series

Each year, 300 secondary school and university students have the opportunity to learn from ten highly knowledgeable community leaders who have made significant contributions in Hong Kong and/or China. Co-organized by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and The University of Hong Kong, this series has brought together 76 speakers and over 3,000 students. Since 2009, Leaders to Leaders has received generous support from the Hang Seng Bank. Lecture contents have corresponded to modules in the Liberal Studies curriculum, namely Hong Kong Today in 2010, Modern China in 2011 and Globalization in 2012.

Summer School for Effective Leadership

For five years the summer school, sub-titled An Overture to Global Leadership, has been a collaborative effort of Leadership 21 and the University of Hong Kong General Education Unit. Its aims are to take outstanding secondary students on a challenging educational journey which questions assumptions, tests skills, develops new competencies and broadens horizons. The selection process highlights commitment to public service and leadership potential. Over 400 students have taken part since its inception. Analysis of the local and international situation and improved understanding of social issues are two of the goals.

Training for leadership at HKFYG

For more information about all Leadership 21 programmes visit http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hkemail: [email protected] tel: +852 2169 0255

Developing new competencies Hong Kong 200 Leadership project Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series

Mainland exchange trip

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City Space

The red line

Some people have a natural “feel” for getting people to cooperate. Others are always stepping on toes, keeping team mates in the dark and creating disharmony. Our young mainland correspondent gives his views of how a common touch with others can work wonders. He says it

all depends on something that cannot be taught: talent.

Imagine being asked, “Doesn’t it feel wonderful when everyone around you listens to you and wants to be part of your team?” I boldly assume most of you would answer “YES!”

What if the question were, “As our team leader, will you accept responsibility for any bad outcomes?” I think most people would hesitate but what would make someone say “yes” right away?

One word: talent.

The art of leading

A talent for leading is not just a matter of management skills. It’s an art, and one which requires a very high EQ. Even an experienced leader would not say they can handle everything, disasters and all. For a young person, the task is immeasurably harder.

Talented young people have the disadvantage of less experience and they tend to over-react. So they have to rely on their energy, be aware of team dynamics and be prepared to be humble. I believe that teams have invisible red lines and in order to take charge of a team one must know when and how to avoid them.

Alarm signals

The red line is like an alarm signal or an electrified fence. It marks the boundary

that cannot be crossed without seeming pushy. To discover the precise location of this line requires team skills and knowing how to balance humility with being authoritative. Of course, humility also helps when dealing with bad outcomes.

The boundaries between leader and team members blur very quickly if there is genuine humility. Nevertheless, although a leader’s vulnerability can lead to empathy, it can also lead to being taken advantage of, so choosing a team carefully is important if the leader is not to be constantly challenged.

Trust, and the elusive red line

The more senior the leader, the harder it is, especially in China, where mian zi (face) is considered important. One cannot pretend to be humble. Neither can one be too dictatorial. Building credibility and trust within the team is essential. Credible leaders can be “smart guys” (quick learners) or “need-more-time guys” (slow learners), but almost anyone can become a trusted leader in the right context.

However, whether they become really good at leading depends on their desire to learn, who they learn from, the speed at which they learn, and whether they have talent. Learning is important but only with talent will they have the perfect balance to find the exact location of the elusive red line.

by Shen Weihuang

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City Space

Serving without self-interest

A key to the meaning and spirit behind the Imperial Examination was that of “open governance.” The general public could enter the examination, also known as the civil service examination, and become involved in policy-making. The only condition was that they did not come from a commercial or industrial background, traditionally regarded as profit-making. This condition was itself based on the Confucian principle of “serving the public without individual interest.”2

Those who took the examination and became scholar-officials were also known as scholar-bureaucrats (士大夫 ). They were recognized as virtuous men of knowledge who served the people and really considered their needs with great empathy. Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹 , 989-1052),3 was one such scholar-official during the Song Dynasty. When in charge of national reform he tried to abolish nepotism and corruption and to reform the Imperial Examination. His idealist approach to governance inspired others and he expressed his principle of service as to “Be the first to feel concern about the country and the last to enjoy oneself.”4

Profound lesson

The Imperial Examination, also known as the keju (科舉 ), was abandoned over a century ago. However, the spirit that lay behind it is worthy of our reflection. What are the qualities of good political and government leaders? One of them is being people-centered. Therefore, perhaps we can learn a profound lesson from the keju system with its long history. This so-called “outdated” and “federalist” (封建 ) product could give insight into the possible future development of political leadership, locally, nationally and globally.

An 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

People-centered spirit:

the Confucian perspective

by William Chung

Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of virtue. The most basic

concepts of Confucian ethics are ren(仁), yi(義), and li(禮).

Ren(仁)is an obligation of altruism and humaneness. Yi(義)is the upholding of righteousness and the disposition to do

good. Li(禮)is a system of norms and propriety that determines

how a person should behave. The concept of the “people-

centred spirit” in political leaders is based on this code.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism

1. http://hk.history.museum/en/ex_special_exam_sep19.php 2. Qian Mu (錢穆 ) (2002) “Political Gains and Losses Through Chinese History.” 3. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/201433/Fan-Zhongyan 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Zhongyan

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The red line

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City space

I did voluntary work for the 2011 population census and, fortunately or unfortunately, I was assigned to one of Hong Kong’s oldest districts, Sham Shui Po. As a result, I had to visit old tong lau (walk-up tenement buildings), with tong fong (sub-divided apartments), and lung ngok (cage homes) every day.

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.

Grassroots livelihoods

People’s livelihood and housing should always be government’s first responsibility. In the past, cage homes were considered to be a thorn in the side of Hong Kong society, something that had to be put up with. I believe in the long term it is necessary to eliminate them through staged government policy decision-making.

It is true that many people offered public housing in remoter areas still prefer to live in subdivided or cage homes within urban areas because transport costs are lower. Nevertheless, boosting transport allowances for the needy would counterbalance this preference.2 Young people, just joining the workforce and wanting to live independently, are another group that deserves attention.

For those in dire straits, the best way is to create more allowances. The Rent Allowance for Elderly Scheme was launched in 2001 to help seniors rent private accommodation in lieu of public housing.3 Extending this scheme to low-income, non-CSSA4 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.

Seeking home

Hilary Hau worked as a volunteer on the census, visiting the notorious “cage homes”, “bedspace apartments” or “coffin homes.” In the light of

recent surges in property prices, she writes about the critical problems faced by Hong Kong’s underprivileged and the difficulties of young people seeking a home of their own.

by Hilary Hau Yung-yung

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This man prefers living in a cage, given his options

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City space

Public housing and urban renewal

Urban planners should bear in mind especially the needs of the poor given that land here is so precious. Redeveloped urban areas often have the most expensive housing and people may be forced to move to remote areas, including former cage home dwellers.

Wherever they live, being marginalized in a narrow community can only make life more difficult for the poor and the young. Strong town planning and suitable regulation are needed, given the available land area on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

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.

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.

Hong Kong’s skyline is its icon. The juxtaposition of man-made skyscrapers and tall mountains is spectacular and gives the city a ranking5 according to heights of buildings that is above any in the world, including New York, Chicago and Singapore. Nevertheless, suitable, affordable homes to rent or to buy are beyond the means of many.

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This man prefers living in a cage, given his options The grim reality of cage homes

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Arts & culture WE NEED

TO TALK

ABOUT

KEVINSynopsisParents worry about their children drinking, taking drugs or getting pregnant. Not many worry about them massacring their classmates. So when it happens, who is to blame? This is the question underlying the story of We Need to Talk About Kevin. Was it lack of love? Was it bad parenting?

The guilt and anxiety felt by a torn and confused mother pours out of Tilda Swinton’s understated, mesmerizing performance as Eva Khatchadourian, whose son Kevin has committed the ultimate atrocity.

The film begins at the end of the story, with Eva living a hermit’s life in a community where she is reviled, trying to make sense of what happened to her and her son. Although it is he who has committed the crime, she is being punished for being his mother.

We look at the story through Eva’s eyes. She puts her ambitions and career aside to move to the suburbs and have her children, Kevin, and later a daughter, Celia. From the moment Kevin is born Eva feels no connection with what she sees as a strange and difficult child. Her husband Franklin does not understand. With him, Kevin is just a normal little boy doing normal boy things.

Ezra Miller puts in a chillingly believable performance as Kevin. As his life unfolds, we see the increasingly strained relationship and the emotional games mother and son play. At times it seems as if Kevin is deliberately taunting his mother and relishing the way he can push her to breaking point. Likewise, Eva withholds love and care from her son. As a teen, he pals up with his father and uses this relationship to crush his mother, encouraging her to become estranged from her husband. Then he makes his extraordinary move and everyone’s world collapses.

The powerful movie, developed by BBC Films, takes us on a fraught emotional journey that most have never travelled. It will leave you asking questions for some time to come.

Directed by Lynne RamsayStarring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra MillerRelease date 1 March 2012Genre dramaOriginal language EnglishReviewer’s rating:

CommentsVirginia I read the book before I watched the film and even though adaptations from fiction don’t always work well. Tilda Swanton’s haunting performance takes us down a path many parents might find uncomfortable. It made me ask myself difficult questions on a modern day subject that has become unhappily more common.

William Lots of reflections after watching. I was terribly shocked by the idea and behaviour of the boy, but at the same time deeply impressed by the love and forgiveness of the mother. This is a movie that parents, teachers, youth workers and young people themselves can't afford to miss.

Fiona You're meant to love your baby but what if you don't and he grows into someone terrifying? This film made me face the truth about my own doubts about motherhood, my forbidden fears about being a parent.

With thanks to Sundream Motion Pictures Ltd for artwork.

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Arts & culture

Directed by Shelley Lee Davies and Or ShlomiFeaturing Professor Colin Campbell, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, Professor Gidon EshelWatch at http://planeat.tv/Genre documentaryOriginal language EnglishReviewer’s rating

CommentsSir 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 guilt-inducement. 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, co-sponsored 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.

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 meat-lover might say it would have benefited from slightly tighter editing but it will certainly give omnivores second thoughts before they slice into their next rare steak. And that’s a very good thing indeed.

Ed The last comment is from Shelley Lee, regular columnist for Youth Hong Kong, who is taking a spring break.

With thanks to Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi for information and artwork

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Internetscope

Ask any teenager today whether they could live without a mobile phone or Facebook and you will probably be greeted with total incomprehension. Contemporary youth are the first generation to be completely saturated by technology. Older people have to learn to use new gadgets and gizmos, but today’s teenagers grew up immersed in them.

The internet paradox

There is a clear paradox where parental attitudes to this technology are concerned. On the one hand, parents can stay in touch with their children, track their movements and be informed about their activities. Being technologically literate is also essential for success in any service based economy and technology is integrated with education because it enhances employability.

On the other hand, new technologies worry many adults. Whilst traditionally children have learned from parents, now the children are often called upon to teach adults how to use new software and hardware. This “cyber mobility” is particularly disturbing for it places children and their actions beyond the reach of adult surveillance and intervention.

The blank canvas of social media

The internet provides new spheres of interaction, new planes of communication and spaces of self-expression. Many youth talk of the online, virtual spaces as ones which allow them to escape both parental supervision and the daily pressures of school.

The rise of social media has become synonymous with young people’s experience of technology. Across the globe young people are assembling diverse networks of friends and followers, posting and accessing a range of thoughts, trends, styles, cultures and knowledge. This blank canvas lets them voice their feelings and their interests, record their activities and keep track of friends.

Social media sites are ever more accessible on smartphones and tablet computers, providing the prime channel of interaction for many young people. In the context of a highly competitive education system, where homework, tutorial classes and school place considerable constraints on teenager’s time, these sites allow friendship groups to remain in touch. Social networking is no longer just recreational. It is increasingly habitual.

Technology is a defining characteristic of our times. Integral to communication, business and travel, it pervades nearly every aspect of modern life. For a global city like Hong Kong it is a major driving force in a healthy economy. How are parents

coping with it? Here is a young person’s view to update Youth Hong Kong, June 2011.

Cyber mobility:

keeping paceby Andrew Halton

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Internetscope

Whilst Facebook is still the platform of choice for many, there has been a shift to forms of micro-blogging through sites such as Twitter and Weibo, where users contribute many times throughout the day. They can post pictures and comments in real time, on the move, bringing a new dynamic of immediacy to online communication. This means they can be constantly “in touch” and up to date. However there are obvious downsides.

In the frame

These technologically mediated exchanges are not limited to friendship groups but exist in an often open and easily accessible online sphere. Posts, comments and pictures can be viewed by a host of strangers. As social media sites are becoming integral to teenagers’ view of the world, so they are becoming the frame through which young people themselves are viewed. As such they need to be wary of personas they construct online and conduct themselves in ways they would wish to be seen, not only by their friends but also by potential employers, universities and adults generally. It is clear that social media and current technologies are not a passing fad. They are very much part of contemporary youth cultures, framing the way in which young people see the world. Whilst adults may have their concerns, social media are highly productive, creative and here to stay. Rather than bemoaning the fact, adults need to learn to work with technology and try to keep pace with their technologically literate children. Only then can they help advise them on best practice online.

Parental Facebook monitoring

Clumsy parental policing of social networking by parents can lead to problems, not just embarrassment. Being caught out posting an intimate note to a girlfriend is one thing, but when parents create false Facebook identities to spy on their teens’ social networking, loss of trust and respect can follow. The Federation’s Be NetWise Support Centre has staff who can advise parents how to handle their anxieties better. Contact Cecilia Ng, tel 2788 3444 or www.be-netwise.hk for more information.

“With keyboards or phone pads prompting the majority of communication in our house, it’s easy to forget we are still chatterboxes at heart. So I didn’t hold back when I told my son what I thought of his [e-mailed] essay: ‘It’s really lovely,’ I texted.”

This rather poignant acceptance of today’s world of communication is from a parent who has accepted the status quo. For those who want to proactively monitor Facebook activity, GoGoStat* has free software. Symantec has free software and a mobile app for iPhones and Android smartphones called Norton

Online Family* that allows parents to keep track of online activity.

*http://www.gogostat.com/pg http://www.onlinevfamily.norton.com

Michelle Hather. South China Morning Post 17 August 2010, C1

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In the loop

What does China’s Three Gorges Dam bring to mind? The fact that it is ranked first among the world’s hydropower projects, in terms of installed capacity and total construction volume, or the resettlement difficulties and environmental impact it made on the Yangtze River? When I first climbed to the top of the dam, I was taken by its grandeur. Mankind has been building dams to retain water and constructing hydraulic structures for thousands of years but the Three Gorges Dam was built to tame the fabled Yangtze River, cause of severe damage and the loss of more than a million lives. What could be more important than that?

Controversy and threats

The environmental impact of the dam on the Three Gorges has always been a point of contention. Anti-dam activists also condemn it for flooding underground cultural relics at sites such as Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge, Dragon Gate Gorge, Hanging Monk Rock, Quyuan Temple, and the Dachang ancient city. All of them contained items of great

A survey conducted by the Chinese State Bureau of Cultural Relics in 1994 revealed that in the Three Gorges dam area there were more than 60 Paleolithic relic sites with paleontological fossils, over 80 Neolithic Age sites, about 100 ancient burial grounds and 470 aristocrat tombs as well as approximately 300 building structures from the imperial Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911.) These remains showed that people who lived in the Three Gorges area in prehistoric times had links to other ancient cultures in the Yellow River and Yangtze River valleys. They include relics of the now long-gone Ba people, an ethnic group who lived in the Three Gorges area during the times of the Xia (2100-1600 BC), Shang (1600-1100 BC) and Zhou (1100-221 BC) dynasties, noted for their magnificent culture, valour, singing and dancing.

Sources: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200211/06/eng20021106_106351.shtml,

http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/Archaeology/96925.htm

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.

historical value. To my surprise, specialists at the Three Gorges Dam Project made a great effort to save the ancient building complexes and artefacts. For example, coffins containing bronze spears and many bows and arrows from the Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge were relocated. The 1,700 year-old Zhang Fei Temple was moved brick by brick 20 miles westward from its original location.

by Joceyia Lam Ka-yi

The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest. It will protect many lives and produce much-needed power, but it necessitated the relocation of 1.3m people, the loss of biodiversity and the moving

of thousands of cultural relics. Was it worth it? Two students consider the question.

Understanding the Three Gorges Dam

Photo by Kate Mckenna (Flickr/ Creative Commons)

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In the loop

Maybe we all know about the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River and have studied the Three Gorges (Sanxia) Dam in geography lessons, but I never thought about how impressive it could really be or how it actually worked until we were allowed into the controlled area around the Sanxia Dam. Ordinary visitors never normally see this part of the largest construction project in China since the Great Wall. The project will bring economic benefits in terms of higher employment and efficiency plus hydro-electric power generated by the dam. Nevertheless, however perfect the project may seem, it has had serious negative side-effects.

Socially and environmentally destructiveThe Three Gorges Dam is said to be the world’s most socially and environmentally destructive project. Socially, a large number of native residents with strong social ties have had to move and land has had to be allocated to farmers in other areas. Social harmony has been badly disrupted and fertile land inundated.

Environmentally, the slower flow of water will mean that pollutants caused by both industries and residents will concentrate instead of being flushed out to sea. Some environmentalists say that few attempts are being made to remove pollutants and that the dam will also cause the accumulation of silt. Ship navigation on the waterway will be affected, and flooding may occur again. Moreover, the original natural scenery was damaged throughout the construction.

Sacrifices versus benefits

It is easy to identify the positive effects of the Sanxia Dam but most people ignore the negative ones. Who should benefit and who ought to sacrifice? Teenagers should keep a critical, open mind on issues like these, analyzing the pros and cons. The Three Gorges Project is a great achievement but what we see on the surface may not be the full picture.

by Lo Tsz-wing

Joceyia Lam

S5,

Shatin Government

Secondary School

Lo Tsz-wing

Year 1,

Lingnan University

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.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

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HKFYG

HKFYG Hong Kong Jockey Club

Connectivity hub

Stepping into a new era of multimedia connectivity, HKFYG’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21 (M21) will have an auditorium, multi-function theatre, interschool broadcasting room, video and audio recording rooms, and Interactive Media Counselling Centre.

Community and school nets

Its premises in Shek Pai Wan, Aberdeen, are now being remodelled and renovated. M21’s training functions will be broad. They will encompass HKFYG’s multimedia service network to schools and the community, connecting and supporting in all 18 districts.

New multimedia literacy

Attracting and engaging “digital natives” to explore this multimedia, interactive community platform is part of HKFYG’s ongoing vision. M21 will give young people wider exposure to multimedia technology at community level, with training programmes to build on their skills and facilitate creative work. It will have posts of media assistant for youth and, with industry partners, help the community tackle our media-saturated world with appropriate literacy training.

HKFYG is extending its digital reach and creating Media

21, a new multimedia centre. It has government support

from the Social Welfare Department and funding from

the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Media 21a multimedia community centre

Contact Katy Lok, tel 2831 9183 for more details and watch this space for news on facilities, opening hours and activities.

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HKFYG

NEIGHBOURHOOD First and alwaysHong Kong is such a crowded place. We all live cheek by jowl, except for the rich. Does proximity make us more friendly? Apparently not, according to a survey done by HKFYG (see below). Many young people don’t even know the names of the people who live next door, so the Federation is encouraging a change of heart.

HKFYG believes in neighbourliness as part of community building and is holding a series of events in its Neighbourhood First campaign. For example, the Neighbourhood First photographic competition, launched on Valentine’s Day, encouraged youngsters to capture images of warmth and caring in neighbourhood settings. Here are some of their entries.

The HKFYG Neighbourhood First community-building project is supported by the Home Affairs Bureau and led by Hong Kong’s young, bringing the community together, cultivating a deeper sense of neighbourhood and emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting each other. Young people are most welcome to join the Neighbourhood teams.

In December 2011, when over 500 youngsters were asked by the HKFYG Youth Research Centre how they felt about their neighbours, over 50% knew few, if any of them. 75% said they were not interested in their neighbours. When asked what they most disliked about them, over 25% said it was lack of awareness of others and 14% said their neighbours were impolite.

Although 16% were unwilling to help neighbours in any way, 36% said they would be ready to deliver goods (37.2%), fund raise (22.1%), do some extra-curricular coaching (18.2%) or organize activities (18.2%). Those whom they most wanted to help were the single elderly (62.8%), single parent families (40.7%) and low income families (21.9%).

For a full report on HKFYG’s Youth Research Centre Poll Survey 207 visit http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/p207.html

Call 3755 7072 or visit neighbourhoodfirst.hk for information.

Looking for neighbourliness in 15-34 year-olds

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HKFYG

For the past few years HKFYG has brought well-known a cappella singers to Hong Kong to perform in the annual Festival and promote this exciting, vocal music. Local cappella groups also perform. The style is epitomized by the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and this year they will be joined by the Beelzebubs from Tufts, Delilah and Rockapella, also from the US.

Workshops are also part of the month-long festival, taking a cappella into Hong Kong’s schools and giving students the opportunity to try for themselves the ingenious marvels their voices are capable of. This year the brand new Hong Kong Jockey Club a cappella Educational Programme starts. It will continue for the rest of the year and into early 2013, with demonstrations, tutorials, a contest and intensive training tailor-made for secondary schools.

The Hong Kong 2012 International a cappella Festival kicks off on 25 March with the 2012 International a cappella Marathon at Piazza C of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The performers are Delilah from the US, HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and other local a cappella ensembles. The International a cappella Extravaganza on Saturday 31 March 2012, stars the Beelzebubs from Tufts and Delilah, accompanied by HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers and Hong Kong’s own Kay Tse. Dr York Chow, GBS, JP, Secretary for Food and Health, HKSARG, is the Guest of Honour.

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.

Sunday 25 March 2012 4pm International a cappella MarathonVenue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free

Friday 30 March 2012 12 noon a cappella ShowcaseVenue: Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Admission free

Saturday 31 March 2012 8pm International a cappella ExtravaganzaVenue: Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium Tickets: HK$100

Preceded by a guided interactive talkLimited free admission for secondary school students

Sunday 1 April 2012 4pm Alfresco a cappellaVenue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free

Friday 20 April 2012 a cappella Master Series: RockapellaVenue: City Hall Concert Hall Tickets: HK$350, HK$250, HK$150

Saturday 28 April 4pm and 8pm a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with Open Dress Rehearsal 27 AprilVenue: City Hall Theatre Tickets: HK$220, HK$150

Limited free admission for secondary school students to the Open Dress Rehearsal

Many thanks to our major sponsor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for supporting these events.

Main Festival Events

a cappellaHong Kong 2012 International

Orange

Rockapella

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HKFYG

Sunday 25 March 2012 4pm International a cappella MarathonVenue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free

Friday 30 March 2012 12 noon a cappella ShowcaseVenue: Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Admission free

Saturday 31 March 2012 8pm International a cappella ExtravaganzaVenue: Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium Tickets: HK$100

Preceded by a guided interactive talkLimited free admission for secondary school students

Sunday 1 April 2012 4pm Alfresco a cappellaVenue: Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free

Friday 20 April 2012 a cappella Master Series: RockapellaVenue: City Hall Concert Hall Tickets: HK$350, HK$250, HK$150

Saturday 28 April 4pm and 8pm a cappella Theatre Si Gwong Gei with Open Dress Rehearsal 27 AprilVenue: City Hall Theatre Tickets: HK$220, HK$150

Limited free admission for secondary school students to the Open Dress Rehearsal

www.urbtix.hk

Programme Enquiries: 2395 5753 (Connie Chan)Credit Card Booking Hotline: 2111 5999Ticketing Enquiries: 2734 9009

Festival Production TeamArtistic Director: Patrick ChiuProduction Manager: Gabriel LeeStage Manager: Lawrence LeeSound Designer: Ha Yan PuiMusic Coordinator: Ernest Hui

The Presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and change programmes.

Many thanks to our major sponsor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for supporting these events.

More information at http://acappella.hkfyg.org.hk

Main Festival Events Tickets are available at URBTIX

a cappellaFestival late March till end April

Orange

Beelzebubs from Tufts

Delilah

Hong Kong Melody Makers

Kokk

Kay

Blizzy

Musepaper

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HKFYG

Confidence and proficiency in English are keys to successful communication today. To promote skills in English, the Federation organizes The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest (EPSC). In 2012 it had nearly 2,000 entries.

The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest

I stand on stage in front of my school, frozen with fear. Before seven hundred students, I can hear my heart bumping and throbbing. I’m pretty sure they can hear it too. My lips are stuck together and sealed with the strongest glue imaginable. There is a lump in my throat and my mouth is dry …

That was the scene just two years ago, when I found myself unable to speak in front of a large audience. It was not due to unpreparedness but simple stage fright. It made me freeze on the spot, unable to move. Since then, I have realized that one of the most important things in public speaking is the ability to think clearly, and to do so no matter what the situation. After all, if

The 2011 winner was 15 year-old Lucien Wang from King George V School. An active debater, he is part of the Hong Kong World Individuals Debating and Public Speaking Contest team and will compete in Australia this year. He shares his experience of public speaking, of stage fright, and how to overcome it.

English and clear thinking combined in public speakingyour mind suddenly blanks, nothing that comes out of your mouth will make any sense. It is better to remain smooth and calm; to make sure that at the last moment, it is not your nerves that will fail. It is important to stay up to date on current events and have extensive knowledge of history in case you are asked to elaborate on your topic. To remain calm during public speaking, be confident and approach the stage with a “can-do” attitude. Straighten your back and hold your head high. Although this may sound simple, self-assured posture will encourage you to speak loudly and clearly. Before you start, take a deep breath to clear your mind of any distractions and begin with a strong, firm tone. Set your feet about two fists’ width apart to maintain a firm stance and to make sure you do not sway when you talk.

When you start, have a clear plan, and know how you intend to make the transition between one paragraph and the next. Each link must be logical and you must not rush. Do not try to remember your script. Instead, try remembering the key points, and elaborate on them. This allows more flexibility so if you make a mistake, you can smoothly go back to your topic without finding yourself speechless on stage.

Karen Chan Kar-wun,

Champion & Audience Favorite EPSC (Senior

Division) 2010

John Chan Chor-kit,

Winner Online Revival Round & 1st runner-

up of the EPSC 2011

Lucien Wang, Champion, EPSC 2011

The Grand Finals of The HKFYG Standard Chartered Hong

Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2012 are in the HKFYG

Building on Saturday 14 April 2012, with Guest of Honour,

Mr Kenneth Chen, JP, Under Secretary for Education.

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/

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March 2012 | Youth Hong Kong

Index

Youth Hong Kong Index Volumes 1-3 December 2008-December 2011

Au, Ka-lam cultural heritage December 2010 45Bali, Kanika environment September 2011 40Bibi, Asia employment June 2010 41Bibi, Asia fashion December 2010 46Chan, Mei-yan employment overseas September 2011 37Chan, Sugar dance December 2010 40Chan, Julia volunteering June 2011 45Cheung, Yau-man cultural heritage September 2011 53Cheung, Julian creativity September 2010 41Fung, Eva environment June 2011 41Halton, Andrew dance December 2011 16Ko, Shirley employment overseas September 2011 37Koo, Alan integration, cross-boundary March 2011 18Kwong, Dixon environment June 2011 40Lai, Anthony drug abuse September 2011 19Lee, Clive integration, cross-boundary March 2011 19Lee, Michael social networking March 2011 27Leung, June fashion December 2010 47Leung, Lawrence employment overseas September 2011 36Leung, William integration, cross-boundary June 2010 40Li, Esther internet September 2010 43Luk, Flora environment March 2011 36Mak, Agnes social networking March 2011 28Shen, Weihuang social networking March 2011 30Shen, Weihuang internet June 2011 34Shen, Weihuang internet compulsion September 2011 44Shen, Weihuang relationships December 2011 16Siu, Armstrong environment March 2011 38Sooksripaisarnkit, Poomintr integration, cross-boundary March 2011 16Tam, Antony integration, cross-boundary June 2010 42Tang, Joey integration, cross-boundary June 2010 43Tang, Joey cultural heritage September 2010 47Tao, Jimmy integration, cross-boundary March 2011 14Tejpal, Anaita internet September 2010 43Tejpal, Anaita cultural heritage December 2010 44Wan, Fiona volunteering June 2011 46Wan, Fiona disadvantaged September 2011 39Wong, Terry education, Hong Kong December 2011 32Wong, Tony volunteering June 2011 46Yip, Yuki disadvantaged March 2011 32Yiu, Rachel health, fitness and disease June 2011 30

Young writers edited contributions

This index includes authors’ and interviewees’ names as published, with affiliation at time of contribution. Names only are given for young writers. Unattributed articles, editorial content and corporate news are excluded.

Benson, Phil HK Institute of Education English December 2009 24Cheng, Armstrong HK Observatory weather apps December 2009 33Chik, Alice City University of HK English December 2009 24Heilbronn, Gary N Monash University social networking June 2009 30Hsu, Siu-man HKFYG addiction September 2011 4Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG balance, psychological December 2008 4Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG employment March 2009 18Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG values March 2009 18Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG internet compulsion June 2009 38Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG English December 2009 4Jacota, Lakshmi HKFYG integration, cross-border June 2010 33Lee, Shelley Guest columnist courage March 2011 26Lee, Shelley Guest columnist disadvantage June 2011 27Lee, Shelley Guest columnist philanthropy September 2011 38Lee, Shelley Guest columnist volunteering December 2011 30Martin, Diana formerly HKFYG financial crisis March 2009 30Martin, Diana formerly HKFYG English December 2009 21Martin, Diana formerly HKFYG education, overseas Chinese September 2010 28Morgan, Elaine HKFYG mobile internet June 2011 4Stokes, George formerly HKFYG history HKFYG 1960-2010 December 2010 48Wong, Rosanna HKFYG employment March 2009 38Wong, Rosanna HKFYG public participation March 2010 4Wong, Rosanna HKFYG parenting December 2009 42Wong, Rosanna HKFYG history HKFYG 1960-2010 December 2010 6Wong, Rosanna HKFYG innovation March 2011 4Yau, Joe HKFYG internet June 2009 12

Contributors guests and HKFYG

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Index

Anger, Adam Microsoft HK internet June 2009 22Bolton, Kingsley City University of HK English December 2009 11Butler, Grant British Council English December 2009 18Chan, Bernard HK Council of Social Service parenting September 2010 20Chan, Carol KK University of HK education, China September 2009 13Chan, Hubert Communications Association of HK parenting December 2010 19Chan, Hubert Communications Association of HK mobile internet June 2011 10Chan, Thomas World Vision China education, China September 2009 17Cheng, Kai-ming University of HK education, China September 2009 9Cheung, Anthony HK Institute of Education education, China September 2009 20Cheung, Kin-chung Labour & Welfare Bureau HKSARG employment March 2009 9Constantinides, Laurie HSBC spouses’ programme English March 2011 40Crampton, Thomas Ogilvy mobile internet June 2011 6Eu, Audrey Legislative Council HKSARG drug abuse December 2009 36Fan, Susan Family Planning Association HK relationships, sex March 2010 31Fennelly, Stephen ESF Bradbury School e-learning June 2011 21Fong, Alex HK General Chamber of Commerce integration, cross-boundary June 2010 26Fung, Allen McKinsey parenting December 2010 20Godfrey, Jeremy OCGIO, HKSARG internet and parenting June 2009 8Ho, Vickie Ruder-Finn mobile internet June 2011 9Ho, David China AIDS Initiative innovation, China June 2011 28Huang, Lester PC Woo public participation September 2010 32Hung, Chung-yam Sportsman health and fitness September 2010 46Ip, Regina Legislative Council, HKSARG English December 2009 16Johnston, Warren YK Pao School education, China September 2009 28Lam, Ming Castle Peak Hospital addiction September 2011 22Lam, Herbert Microsoft Hong Kong internet June 2009 22Lau, Siu-kai Central Policy Unit, HKSARG public participation, activism March 2010 18Law, Chris Oval Partnership innovation March 2011 23Lee, Albert Chinese University of HK health and fitness March 2010 24Lee, Shelley former Perm Sec Home Affairs, HKSARG travel September 2010 34Lee, Trey Musician creativity September 2010 34Leung, Chun-ying former Convenor, Non-official Members, Executive Council, HKSARG integration, cross-boundary March 2011 8Leung, SK Education Bureau, HKSARG integration, cross-boundary September 2009 24Lo, Alan HK Ambassadors of Design creativity March 2010 35Lu, Ronald HK Architecture Centre cultural heritage September 2010 45Lui, Tai-lok University of HK parenting December 2008 8Lui, Tai-lok University of HK public participation March 2010 8Ma, Siu-leung Fung Kai Public School e-learning June 2009 26Ma, Kathy IPC Media mobile internet June 2011 8Mang, She Education Bureau, HKSARG e-learning June 2011 21McManus, Alison University of HK health, fitness and disease September 2011 41Mok, Nai-kwong, Charles HK Internet Society internet June 2009 16Pao Sohmen, Anna YK Pao School education, China September 2009 28Rao, Nirmala University of HK education, China September 2009 13Shek, Clara Ogilvy parenting December 2010 18Shek, Daniel ACAN, HKSARG drug abuse December 2009 36Siu, Helen Yale University youth policy December 2008 14So, Douglas HK Jockey Club, Charities volunteering September 2010 26Sun, Cliff Federation of HK Industries integration, cross-boundary June 2010 30Tam, Lisa Yahoo internet June 2009 46Tang, Henry former Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSARG integration, cross-boundary June 2010 4Tang, Winnie Internet Professional Association internet June 2009 45Tsoi, Peter President, HKFYG Council depression, stress March 2010 27Tsoi, Peter President, HKFYG Council values December 2010 16Tsui, Amy University of HK English December 2009 8Tsui, Andrew Korn/Ferry International (HK) financial crisis March 2009 16Wong, Amy Education Bureau, HKSARG integration, cross-boundary September 2009 24Wong, Ann British Council English December 2009 18Wong, Camay HSBC spouses’ programme English March 2011 40Wong, Janet ITC, HKSARG innovation December 2011 28Wong, KM Li & Fung Foundation leaders and leadership September 2011 34Wong, David Narcotics Div, Security Bureau, HKSARG drug abuse December 2009 36Wong, Dennis City University of HK crime March 2010 39Wong, Peter HSBC financial crisis December 2008 18Wong, Sally Narcotics Div, Security Bureau, HKSARG drug abuse December 2009 36Wong, Po-choi Committee on Home School Cooperation internet and parenting June 2009 18Wong, Siu-lun University of HHK entrepreneurship June 2010 14Wong, YRichard University of HK education, Hong Kong March 2009 12Wu, Anthony Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre integration, cross-boundary June 2010 9Yip, Lento HK Internet Providers Association internet June 2009 45Zhang, Qian HKUniversity of Science &Technology innovation March 2011 20

Interviews conducted by Elaine Morgan

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Index

Addiction March 2011 46Addiction September 2011 31Crime March 2010 39Integration, cross-boundary June 2010 24Drug abuse December 2009 44Education, China September 2009 35Education, Hong Kong September 2010 12Employment December 2008 11Employment March 2009 34Employment March 2009 40Employment June 2010 36English December 2009 28Integration, cross-boundary June 2010 36Internet June 2009 34Internet March 2011 42Mobile internet June 2011 31Money March 2009 34Pearl River Delta June 2010 36Population December 2008 6, 16Post-80s Generation March 2010 21Relationships December 2011 24Stress September 2010 12

Alcohol dependence September 2011 24At-risk youth December 2010 10Crime December 2010 12Depression December 2010 22Drug abuse December 2010 8Drug abuse September 2011 13Education, China September 2009 38Education, Hong Kong March 2009 26Employment December 2008 20Employment March 2009 22Employment June 2010 18Employment March 2011 12English December 2009 32Entrepreneurship December 2010 27Gambling December 2010 34Gambling September 2011 26Integration, cross-boundary March 2010 18Integration, cross-boundary March 2011 12Internet June 2009 42Internet compulsion December 2010 32Internet compulsion September 2011 9Money December 2010 30Parent-child conflict December 2010 14Pearl River Delta June 2010 18Post-80s Generation March 2010 12Public participation March 2010 12Relationships December 2011 10Smoking September 2011 28Social networking June 2011 13Special needs December 2010 24Stress September 2010 8Triad gangs December 2010 10

Youth speak opinions of young people Youth surveys including HKFYG publications

YouthVolume 3 Number 1March 2012a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

H O N G K O N G

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Presenter 主辦 Major Sponsor 主要贊助

PublisherThe Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups 香港青年協會www.hkfyg.org.hk • www.u21.hk

Address

Youth Hong Kong

21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Tel: 3755 7084 • 3755 7284 • Fax: 3755 7155

Email: [email protected] • Website: youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hkThe title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian香港青年