Housing dilemma

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YouthVolume 5 Number 4December 2013a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

H O N G K O N G

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YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

EDITORIAL BOARD

Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) Angela Ngai Lakshmi Jacotă William Chung Henry Poon

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INTERVIEWS

Elaine Morgan Chun Yu Yiu Michelle Sum Amanda Xiang Helen Cheung Mindy Li Tiffany Ip

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Edwin Tang, Louis Cheung, Mathew Fung, Kate Kwok, Education Post, Terry Tsz, William Wong, Edmond Hui, Rachel Yiu, HK200, Heidi Hui.

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Youth Ho n g K o n gDecember 2013Volume 5Number 4

OVERVIEW4 Housing dilemmasINTERVIEWS9 Anthony Cheung: Secretary for Transport & Housing Step by step out of a difficult predicament with Chun Yu Yiu and Michelle Sum10 Peter Cookson Smith: Urbis City limitsYOUTH WRITE13 Young Planners Group: HK Institute of Planners Edwin Tang, Louis Cheung, Mathew Fung, Kate KwokPERSPECTIVE Marco Wu: HK Housing Society17 Think twice with Amanda Xiang and Helen Cheung INSIGHT Ray Forrest and Yip Ngai-ming: City University20 Housing mobility: transition and changeYOUTH WATCH23 City living: major cities round the world26 Becoming independentYOUTH SPEAK28 Education Post Living tales of a crowded city30 Ada Chau Moving on, moving outTALKING POINT31 Shih Wing Ching: Centaline Affordable housing: a proposal with Mindy Li and Tiffany IpPROFILE Terry Tsz33 Feet on the groundCITY SPACE34 Home away from home35 Recycling at workARTS & CULTURE36 Musical on airINTERNETSCOPE38 Eats, apps, genes and greens40 Lead with ScratchHKFYG42 Outdoor Training Camp Sai Kung44 HKFYG Museum 47 Very Hong Kong Photo Competition at M2148 Youth Service AwardsON THE AGENDA49 Looking after the disadvantaged

Contents

Photo by Alan Law

Since 2008

Five years ago, Youth Hong Kong was launched as our first quarterly publication in English. The primary aim was to build partnerships and networks, sharing with others in Hong Kong and overseas,

news and views of developments and concerns for young people in the city.

The feedback we have received has been positive and we are grateful to you, our readers, for your support and encouragement. We ask you to continue reading – and responding – to the questions we raise for debate as we enter our sixth year.

In this issue

The discussion in the following pages covers a problem that is particularly pertinent in Hong Kong, but which we believe has resonance around the world: the dilemma of how young people

can get on the first rung, and then try to climb the housing ladder.

Hong Kong is unusual in several respects. Its high property prices, lack of space, and waiting lists for public housing give it a very specific context. By talking to experts and youth we try to determine the options and the hurdles that need to be addressed, not just immediately, but also while working towards long-term, sustainable solutions.

We do hope you will write in and share your experiences and thoughts on this controversial issue.

In the meantime, do allow me, on behalf of the entire Youth Hong Kong team, to wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP

Executive Director, HKFYG

December 2013

Youth Hong Kong

Editorial

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December 2013 |

In the 1950s, when Hong Kong’s population was growing rapidly with the arrival of migrants from the mainland, an ambitious resettlement programme began. At that time, public housing blocks were simple, six or seven storeys high, with no lifts, tiny household units and communal washing and cooking facilities.

Sixty years later, about 30% of Hong Kong’s popualation lives in public housing3 and about 17% lives in government-subsidized home ownership units.4 However, there are still shortages, the reasons for which will be discussed in this issue. They include conflict over land use and infrastructure projects, inadequate and sometimes unsafe housing, and sky high purchase prices and rents.

The 2013 Policy Address acknowledges the problems while stating that they cannot be “solved overnight.” The main priority is to assist grassroots families into public housing and middle-income families into home ownership. The Address notes that, “High housing prices

and rents also affect young couples’ plans to marry and start a family. This undermines family harmony and can cause potential safety and health hazards”5 but it admits that, “It is all too easy for the Government to side-step the problem, but it is today's young people who will have to bear the adverse consequences in future.”6

For young people, it is not only their future but their present predicament which causes anxiety. Mobility on the “housing ladder” once seemed probable. Now, many academics and professionals argue that there is lack of long-term planning for sustainability and absence of focused policy to meet changing needs. These have, in part, led to imbalanced supply and demand, an uneven distribution of housing resources, soaring property prices, insufficient regulation of the property market and land supply shortages.7

In this context, it is not surprising that a large majority of youth in Hong Kong continue to live with parents after they leave school, throughout their tertiary education, and sometimes even when they enter the workforce. Prolonged education and increasing student debt also contribute to their decision to postpone independence and add to their housing dilemmas.

Housing dilemmasHousing is at the top of the present

government’s list of priorities, as stated in the 2013 Policy Address. A

qualitative study of views1 was commissioned earlier this year and a public consultation on the topic has just ended.2 It is generally agreed that young people who want to live independently have serious problems in Hong Kong.

There is frustration and a deep sense of helplessness.

Youth Hong Kong

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Overview| December 2013

The choice is between public and private housing, depending on income.Buying property is very costly, if not unaffordable, while rents on the private market are often exorbitant. For those who are eligible, public rental housing (PRH) is the affordable option but availability is the issue. There is a long waiting list and a quota and points system that gives young people low priority.

Nonetheless, an increasing number apply for PRH. According to a report from the Hong Kong Housing Authority, 43% of applicants for PRH aged below 30 are students, and their main reason for applying is that they want to live alone.8 Other reasons include their present cramped accommodation (18%) and high rents for private property (12%). The average living space in PRH is 13 sq m per person9 and rent is only HK$1,54010 per month. Many students apply even though their salaries after graduation will probably exceed the prescribed income limit.

For those aged 26-34 who are employed, non-degree holders, the housing dilemma is different, and not immediately urgent. If they are not eligible for PRH they need to set aside at least 30% of their income to rent on the private market. They lack capital to make a down payment for a flat, often citing the fact that their pay lags far behind current property prices. There is frustration and a deep sense of helplessness that a long-term solution to their housing dilemma is not apparent.11

Although there is little pressure on the whole for many young people to move out of the family home, according to HKFYG research, living independently in one’s own property is still regarded as a symbol of success and security12 and 40% of all respondents in a territory-wide Federation survey said they planned to buy their own flats.13 However most young adults only begin to seriously consider independent living on the point of marriage. Indeed, one by-product of the dearth of affordable housing may be that young adults are in fact marrying later.14

Young people’s dilemmas about housing are recognized but it is generally accepted that others have more pressing needs and should take priority for PRH. They include the elderly, the poor, and low-income single earners aged over 35. In fact, the government’s Consultation Document15 notes “that it would be difficult to accord top priority to the housing needs of youngsters for the time being,” but “the younger generation is the future [and] the government must demonstrate its commitment to resolve the housing problem, and establish an effective housing ladder which promotes mobility.”

Housing dilemmasGovernment departments are not co-ordinated and

population policy and housing policy are not linked.

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Overview December 2013 |

A serious issue that needs to be tackled initially is that of land supply. Less than 7%16 of Hong Kong’s total land is currently allocated for residential purposes, but broad consensus has not yet been reached on acceptable social costs of increasing available land. For example, there are strong reservations about controversial reclamation and development in country parks.

There is widespread agreement that sacrifices will have to be made in order to benefit Hong Kong people as a whole. Proposals to redevelop brownfield sites and change the use of industrial buildings have generally been accepted and suggestions to transform industrial buildings into short-term housing for the needy have been made. In addition, many believe that new towns in the New Territories must be built. Once again, however, it is not simply the discussion of possibilities that young people need, it is the implementation of concrete decisions.

So what could possible solutions entail? Some have argued that increasing the supply of government-subsidized Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats is an effective way to address the aspirations of young people. This is partly because 70%-80% of actual first-time home buyers are aged 39 or below.17 The government estimates an overall projected demand of about 470,000 new housing units over the next ten years and has recommended a 60:40 ratio as the split between public and private housing with a pledge to provide about 17,000 HOS flats from 2016-17 onwards,

and an annual average of 5,000 HOS flats thereafter. Whether this will be realized remains to be seen.

One controversial measure is the reintroduction of rent controls.18 Those in favour believe that this would prevent landlords from arbitrarily increasing rents. Those opposed believe it would mean imposing more regulations and might even goad landlords into leaving flats vacant if they could not get their asking price.

What many people feel is that that government departments are not coordinated and population policy and housing policy are not linked. This lack of cohesiveness and perceived government failure is very clearly seen as a major hindrance to more accurate estimations of real long-term housing demand.19

The difficulties in finding a way forward are undeniable. They require resolution of a number of dilemmas, but an acknowledgement of the need for long-term strategic planning which aims for genuine sustainability has been made. However, the next step involves reconstructing “the missing rungs of the housing ladder.”20 This step has yet to be taken and how it is to be achieved is a question that everyone, especially youth, wants to hear answered.

There is widespread agreement that sacrifices

will have to be made.

Sources

1. Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Report on Focus Group Study on Long Term Housing Strategy of Hong Kong. August 2013 http://www.thb.gov.hk/eng/policy/housing/policy/lths/LTHS_Focus_Group_Report.pdf

2. Building Consensus, Building Homes. Long Term Housing Strategy Consultation Document. http://www.thb.gov.hk/eng/policy/housing/policy/lths/lthb_consultation_doc_201309.pdf

3. Hong Kong: the facts. Housing. September 2013. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/housing.pdf

4. Hong Kong Housing Authority. Housing in Figures, 2013. http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/en/common/pdf/about-us/publications-and-statistics/HIF.pdf

5. Policy Address. para 65. http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/2013/eng/p65.html

6. ibid. para 72

7. Report on Focus Group Study op cit. 3.2.4 B04 http://www.thb.gov.hk/eng/policy/housing/policy/lths/LTHS_Focus_Group_Report.pdf

8. http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/hdw/content/document/en/aboutus/ha/paperlibrary1/shc/shc0811.pdf

9. Housing in Figures. op cit.

10. Hong Kong: the facts. op cit.

11. Report on Focus Group Study op. cit. 3.1.9 A09

12. Yip Ngai-ming. Journal of Youth Studies January 2012, vol 15.

13. HKFYG Youth Research Centre. Youth Study Series No. 45. “A Study on the Economic Dependence on Family among Young People in Hong Kong (II): Housing Problem.” December 2010.

14. http://www.cpu.gov.hk/doc/en/research_reports/HK's%20Post%2080s%20Generation%20-%20Profiles%20and%20Predicaments.pdf

15. Building Consensus, Building Homes op.cit.

16. The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. Annual Conference, 2012.

17. Report on Focus Group Study op.cit. 3.2.2 B02

18. Report on Focus Group Study op. cit. 4.4.9

19. ibid. 3.2.2.4

20. ibid. 3.2.2 B02

NoteBackground image on pages 4-6 by Tang Chi-fai

Youth Hong Kong

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Overview| December 2013

Step by step

Problems in housing top Hong Kong’s list of livelihood issues. They are being addressed by the Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee* which is chaired by Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung. He gave details to student interviewers, Chun Yu Yiu

and Michelle Sum, with the Youth Hong Kong team.

Recommendations that concern housing for youth include, “instilling in the younger generation confidence in the future by demonstrating ... determination to gradually resolve the housing problem. “An effective housing ladder which promotes upward mobility is the target.” This is to involve setting aside a certain percentage of new, subsidized, Home Ownership Scheme flats for eligible single applicants, but without any age stipulation. The feasibility of building dedicated public rental housing for single people is also to be explored.

However, stated housing policy objectives are primarily to assist “grassroots families to secure public housing

to meet their basic ...needs; to assist the public to choose accommodation according to ... affordability and personal circumstances; and to encourage those who can afford [it] to buy their own homes.” They are not related specifically to any age group.

Two secondary school students came to the interview with Professor Cheung. Their responses to what he said are quite different, but both reveal the predicament in which the HKSAR Government’s Secretary for Transport and Housing finds himself when it comes to seeking an evenhanded answer to demands from all stakeholders.

長遠房屋委略督導委員會認為，政府必須讓年輕一代看到其逐步解決房屋問題的決心，並且建立一個有效流動的房屋階梯。措施包括興建更多居屋單位，以及每期預留一定比例的居屋單位予合資格的單身申請者等。但房屋政策主要是幫助草根階層解決基本住屋需要，考慮點包括申請人的資格、條件，以及負擔租金的能力等。兩位中學生訪問了張炳良教授，他們的關注點雖有不同，但從與特區運輸及房屋局局長的訪談，都顯示了他正在尋求一個公平合理的方法，處理這個棘手問題，並回應不同持分者的訴求。

*Notes

Full details can be found in the HKSAR Government’s Long Term Housing Strategy Consultation Document issued in September this year, from which these quotes are taken. Statistics are derived from the same source or from the interview.

Background image on pages 8-9 by Chan Man-kit

out of adifficult predicament

(left to right) Chun Yu Yiu, Professor Anthony Cheung, Michelle Sum

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Interviews December 2013 |

A horrifying 26% increase in average flat prices was recorded in 2012. Over the past few years, the dream of owning a flat has been shattered for many young people. Indeed, the possibility before they are 35 years old is virtually zero.

What caused such shocking price increases? Professor Cheung spoke of the under-supply of available housing to meet demand, the shortage of land, and numerous conflicting stakeholder views. Then there are high construction costs. And of course, nobody expected the sharp increase in demand from mainland investors. As a result, the policymaker in charge of Hong Kong’s housing finds his job more complicated than he expected.

He told us that Hong Kong is a free market and the government does not directly control prices of flats. It may create policies that allow the market to adjust itself. However, whenever a policy is made, the government must take into account every possible consequence, and must be careful not to create artificial demand or a reduction in supply, as these are two main factors in the increase in prices.

Professor Cheung says he wants to make policy that will benefit Hong Kong as a whole. That means building more flats, but Hong Kong has very limited space for construction. Wherever the government plans to build, there are opposing voices. If it proposes construction on green belt sites, environmentalists protest about the effect on the environment and increased pollution. If there are plans to redevelop old buildings on brownfield sites, there are residents unwilling to move because of their long attachment to the area. If the government decides to reclaim, conservationists object because of damage to marine habitats.

Hong Kong is also short of construction labour. Being a construction worker is exhausting, often with low pay. Many of the younger generation have degrees, and a career in the construction industry is definitely unappealing to them Professor Cheung makes the point that even with an adequate workforce, the construction of new flats takes years and the current housing dilemma cannot be solved instantly. He hopes that in ten years’ time, the situation will be much better and when more flats are available, flat prices will start to stabilize, and possibly drop slightly.

Professor Cheung’s passion for the job, and a wholehearted wish to solve Hong Kong’s housing dilemma were clearly evident during the interview. He says, “You can’t solve all the problems immediately, but you must take the first step. Then the second step, otherwise they will never be solved.”

Prices, demands and problems

樓價颷升，許多人大概在 35 歲前都置業無望。張教授認為主因是房屋供應不足、土地短缺、市民意見分歧、建築成本上漲，還有內地人搶購香港樓房等。香港是一自由市場，政府不直接干預樓價，政府可制定政策調節供求，但要小心不要製造人為的需求和供應短缺。張教授希望多建房屋、惠及全港市民，但香港非常缺乏建屋土地。政府若有意在郊野公園建屋、或舊樓重建、或填海，均會遇到環保份子、居民或保育人士的反對。此外，我們亦缺乏建築工人，而且興建新屋也需多年時間，遠水不能救近火。他只希望十年後問題會紓緩。雖然問題不易解決，他覺得仍要先走出第一步。

從大宅到私樓、到劏房，香港的房屋問題突顯貧富懸殊，亦因此引發社會對地產發展商和內地投機房產人士的不滿，認為他們推高樓價。在張教授的辦公室訪問他，令我們不禁思想香港是否仍是一個提供經濟機遇的亞洲金融中心，抑或因房屋政策無助於低下階層，我們已對香港的發展失去信心？現況是，有需要的家庭及單身長者在輪候公屋有優先，但單身的青年人卻要等候十年以上。政策需改變去幫助年青人嗎？張教授不以為然，因為這樣是弊多於利，對急需公屋的人不公平。至於為青年人提供購置及租住資助計劃，亦可能令需求急增而推高樓價。

不同人士對居住的房屋有不同要求，除此之外，還有劏房等問題要處理。政府對這些問題要正視，除了要核實這類人士的數目外，更需關心這類劏房所引發的安全及環境問題。

繁榮的香港背後，仍有不少人居住在條件差劣的環境中。要香港真的成為全體市民的家，政府有責任去幫助這些人士，並需努力建立一較公平的房屋市場，讓市民有機會改善居住環境。

張教授總結時亦慨嘆：沒有任何政府可令所有人滿意，我們必須要平衡各方的利益。

Over the past few years, the dream of owning a flat has been shattered for many

young people.

Chun Yu Yiu, Year 11, Island School

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Interviews| December 2013

Mansions, flats, stilt houses, sub-divided units and cage homes can all be found in the city we call home, but the long-standing housing problems we face today not only illustrate the large income disparity between the rich and the poor, they also fuel social discontent and resentment, of both property developers and mainland speculators who are labelled for causing high property prices.

During the interview with Professor Cheung, in his office overlooking Victoria Harbour, a layer of mist surrounded the skyscrapers. It gave pause for thought: is our city still the wonderland it once was, offering economic opportunities as Asia’s central financial hub? Or has it lagged behind to such an extent that we no longer have faith in development here because housing policy alienates the underprivileged in society?

It is true that needy families and elderly singletons are prioritized in the waiting list for public housing. Indeed, young singles need to wait over ten years to have any chance. So does the present Quota and Points System indicate that the government is not taking appropriate measures on behalf of struggling youth? Professor Cheung says changing the system would outweigh the benefits, and poor families in great need of proper housing would suffer. This is an outcome that is undesirable from both public policy and humanitarian viewpoints.

Young people who demand home purchase subsidy schemes also pose a dilemma for the government. Such schemes can overheat the market and lead to further increases in property prices. A parallel example in the rental market was the recent announcement of a one-off subsidy from the Community Care Fund to individuals with inadequate housing. It is feared that this may push up rents for sub-divided flats, by creating a convenient excuse for unscrupulous landlords.

These examples illustrate some complexities of the Hong Kong housing market and competing demands from immigrants, people with inadequate living space and young people wanting independence. All of them have legitimate reasons for wanting a home of their own. However, there is another difficult problem for the government to tackle satisfactorily: cubicles and sub-divided units.

It is estimated that there are currently about 67,000 such units in Hong Kong. Although some young people might choose to live in such units due to convenience or cheap rent, it is of great concern that so little has been done to help anybody who ends up in such a home. Aside from establishing the actual number of such units, the government should also take more proactive measures to ensure the safety of the structures, even if inspections and monitoring are difficult. This is particularly true of multiple ”cage homes” without even the most basic facilities which pose real danger to inhabitants and to the surrounding neighbourhood.

The awareness of thousands of people in the urban area living in sub-human conditions detracts from the allure of the city’s skyline with its towering buildings. To make Hong Kong a real home for all of us, it is essential for the government to protect those with sub-standard accommodation and with no hope for anything better in the future, while working towards a more equitable housing market that allows mobility on Hong Kong’s housing ladder.

Professor Cheung’s closing remarks revolved around the frustrations in trying to reconcile conflicting demands, “You cannot have a policy that pleases everyone. Somehow we have to strike a balance.”

Inequalities, inequities and inadequacies

Young people who demand home purchase subsidy

schemes pose a dilemma for the government.

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

John Lydgate

Michelle Sum, Year 12, Li Po Chun United World College

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City limits

Dr Smith’s primary view is that land availability is the central issue. “We need an overall long-term territorial development strategy that examines all aspects of growth and comes up with balanced solutions for the betterment of the city as a whole rather than one that has to suddenly incorporate new initiatives at one end of the spectrum.”

Government effectively owns all the land in the territory. It raises revenue by setting a high premium on land prices and offsets this by low taxes.1 Property developers transfer the high land premium onto buyers who pay dearly for very small flats. “Over 90% of all private units are no more than 47.5 sq m or 511 sq ft.”

A proportion of new housing under the Long Term Housing Strategy will be for public rental housing (PRH), in a public-private ratio of 60:40. The PRH

is probably to be in the form of Trident blocks, which have 24 flats per floor of 23.2 sq m (250 sq ft) each. “Naturally, people want a bigger home but the rungs on the housing ladder have disappeared. However, between 1990 and 2011 new housing supply fell some 60%.”

It is difficult to get people in PRH to move into larger flats or buy their own homes, even though a very high percentage of tenants have incomes above the allowed upper level. Abuse of the system is not monitored closely and economists who have looked at the issue find it likely that a significant proportion of public housing tenants probably also own a private sector flat. “In the private sector even if families did want to move from a 500 sq ft to an 800 sq ft flat, these bigger units are in short supply. Therefore, how can there be an effective housing ladder to meet the aspirations of the younger generation?”

Peter Cookson Smith is an expert in the field of planning and urban design in Hong Kong. Having lived in Hong

Kong for nearly four decades, he has seen many changes. He spoke of the issues facing the city and the directions in which we need to move.

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City limits

He says that it is finally dawning on policy makers that many factors are interlinked and need to be examined holistically. He warns that although getting the balance right is a key objective, the problems associated with land supply underpin many concerns. There is a shortage of rural land and the northern New Territories are a case in point. “Land use outside new towns and country parks has been allowed to develop in ways that are environmentally damaging and massively wasteful in terms of land resources.”

Asked whether he thinks government is planning to do enough for young people, he agrees that the aspiration for home ownership must be addressed as an important measure of life quality. However meeting a target of up to 500,000 new units within the next ten years, as proposed in the Long Term Housing Strategy, requires careful analysis. In fact economists tell us that there

are probably already about 200,000 more flats than households in the SAR. Many families own second properties but leave them unoccupired or let. “We need to better equate supply with demand, while assisting those who are living in sub-divided units, possibly in dangerous conditions, as soon as possible. If government cannot secure sufficient land, it will be almost impossible to meet its deadline of housing families and single people on the waiting list within three years.”

Reproduced with the kind permission of the artist and author, Peter Cookson Smith, “The Design of Impermanence.” MCCM Creations, 2006. 11

Youth Hong Kong

Interviews December 2013 |

Naturally, people want a bigger home but the rungs on the

housing ladder have disappeared.

If employment ambitions are skewed towards affording basic

shelter, this not only fails to inspire but can send people

hurtling towards dead-end jobs.

Dr Peter Cookson Smith is Immediate Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners and Vice President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design. He founded Urbis Ltd, a Hong Kong specialist planning, urban design and landscape consultancy, in 1977. He is a member of the Strategic Development Commission.

“Education, employment and development opportunities are very important, but they need to be seen in terms of the bigger picture: Improved urban environment; an income structure that equates with the potential for a better quality of life ... a city that can be shared and enjoyed, not merely laboured in just to get by. This is what will give young people a viable future.”

Raised expectations have to be met. Most importantly, where quality of life is concerned, that means somewhere decent and affordable to live. “We should never have had to face a rearguard action like this where undergraduates are applying for public housing. In the end if young people’s expectations are not met they will vote with their feet.”

“Our housing situation in particular is out of sync with any level of lifestyle expectation and that leads to frustration right at the very point where young people should be inspired and optimistic. If employment ambitions are skewed towards affording basic shelter, this not only fails to inspire but can send people hurtling towards dead-end jobs.” A worrying trend is access to higher education – in 1991 there was relative equality of university entrance between students from wealthy and poor families. “Today, there are three times more students from wealthy families than there are students from poor backgrounds. We have to give young people not only hope but the ability to meet expectations. For that, there needs to be a holistic, long-term view.”

Outlining the constraints that Hong Kong has, over time, placed upon its own development, Dr Smith enumerates some major problems as: “difficulties of rezoning; unacceptability of development in country parks; contradiction of sustainable development if moratorium restrictions are lifted; reluctance to reverse the small house policy2 and the controversial nature of large-scale reclamation.”All these combine to indicate a general unwillingness in the community to accept the “trade-offs” necessary to increase land supply for housing.

When asked whether there is cause for optimism, he said, “...I have to be cautiously positive, but I would feel rather more optimistic if I saw a coordinated strategy and consensus at work to make the city environment better, rather than simply to meet targets.” He believes that a necessary component in this is the important role to be played by the Pearl River Delta in its burgeoning relationship with Hong Kong. It offers available land for regional services such as hospitals, schools and colleges; major new high speed transport infrastructure; and the potential for such things as retirement housing.

Peter Cookson Smith 是規劃及城市設計方面的專家，在香港居住接近 40 年，見證香港多年來的發展。今期，他跟我們分享了他對現時香港房屋需要及發展的看法。Smith 認為香港現在最嚴重的問題是土地供應不足，而要有效解決此問題，則必須從長遠規劃入手，絕對不能只顧及眼前的需要。同時，他認為市民渴望擁有自己物業是合理的期望，因為住屋一向是生活質素的重要元素。故此，長遠房屋策略督導委員會必須認真處理未來 10 年房屋短缺達 50 萬的問題。

Youth Hong Kong

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Interviews| December 2013

Notes

1. Land on Hong Kong Island has been sold to private purchasers since 1841. With the exception of the land for the St John's Cathedral at Garden Road, Central, which was granted freehold, all land has been sold on a leasehold basis... The purchaser of the land, [is] required to pay to Government a premium, reflecting the current value of the land. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_rent_in_Hong_Kong

2. The Small House Policy was introduced in 1972 in Hong Kong. The objective was to improve village housing supply in the rural parts of the New Territories. The Policy allows an indigenous male villager who is 18 years old and is descended through the male line from a resident in 1898 of a recognized village in the New Territories, an entitlement to one concessionary grant during his lifetime to build one small house.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_House_Policy

... a city that can be shared and enjoyed, not merely laboured in

just to get by. This is what will give young people a viable future.

Despite the recent introduction of measures to cool housing prices in Hong Kong, the affordability ratio has been alarming. Propelled by low interest rates and strong housing demand, prices have risen continuously since 2003 and have now surpassed the 1997 peak.

Indeed, Hong Kong’s property market has experienced a roller-coaster ride for the past three decades. It started a sustained upward trend in 1983 and hit a peak in October 1997. Then it plunged 70% due to the Asian financial crisis and suffered another strike in 2003 with the outbreak of SARS. According to the Ratings and Valuation Department, current prices have now surpassed the 1997 peak by over 15%.

Luxury apartments for sale: 200-400sq ftSince 2011, smaller-size residential properties have seen the highest price increases and in 2012 alone, the average price of apartments smaller than 400 sq ft and those between 700 sq ft and 1,100 sq ft rose by 25%. As of today, the average price of flats measuring 400 sq ft and 700 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft is about HK$11,000 and HK$14,450 per sq ft foot, respectively.

Hong Kong may be branded as a livable city, yet ironically, property prices and rents are no longer affordable for the general public. Some private developers are offering for sale so-called “luxury apartments” with a gross floor area of just 200-400sq ft. The price of these units is so high that they would cost most of your life-time’s monthly salary in mortgage repayments. Arguably, the tight supply of new housing and the failure of housing policy have contributed to these steep price rises, but why is it that the Hong Kong government cannot provide adequate and affordable housing for its citizens?

Nimbyism in consultationIt is true that the government is now trying to address the affordability issue by increasing the supply of public and private housing. However, no dramatic increase in supply is expected in the near future and it is becoming more and more difficult to meet housing needs.

First there are planning considerations, such as land use, infrastructure, transport, employment opportunities and community facilities. Second, the “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) syndrome causes complaints about the effects of building more public housing, with more people impacting on the living environment and more people using public transport and other local services. NIMBYism is part of human nature and there will always be this kind of opposition, both from local groups and from district councillors.

Given the current political climate, the government cannot simply adopt an iron fist approach to push forward policies. Policymakers need to “think and act outside the box” while taking the aspirations of the community into consideration. Proper local consultation and dialogue with stakeholders is essential. Moreover, simply providing enough public and private housing, and meeting housing targets is not enough. For the sake of building a better future for the younger generation, the government should consider other aspects at the planning, design, and implementation stages. For example, are new flats big enough? Are the units affordable, and is the surrounding environment enjoyable?

Controversy and conservationThere is also the question of maximal use of land. If the government continues to turn a blind eye to existing problems related to housing, the quest for land and subsequent flat construction will be endless. Most importantly, a comprehensive implementation plan to resolve controversial issues should be carefully undertaken by the current government instead of passing on unresolved issues to the next one.

Last, I want to express my point of view on building in the country parks. This will destroy natural resources. Once Hong Kong's natural features have gone, it will be impossible to re-create them. Can you imagine the US government suggesting turning parts of Yellowstone National Park into a housing development?

The reports in this section have been contributed by members of the Young Planners Group of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners. They ask how close we are to achieving an affordable property market, how livable is our city,

whether rezoning can release adequate land supply and how the consultation process is tackling the issues.

Affordability and the housing ladder

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Livability and neighbourhood in housingMany young people want their own flat but before rushing into the property market I suggest we all think twice, because it could drag us under for decades. Instead, we should ask ourselves, “What kind of ‘dream home’ do I really long for?”

Pollution problemLivability is of the utmost importance and among 49 Asian cities covered by an Economist Intelligence Unit study in 2012, Hong Kong ranked third, just behind Singapore and the Japanese city of Kobe. Livability has been defined as “the degree in which the environment in the neighbourhood connects to the conditions and needs of the inhabitants.” Such factors as the environment, social cohesion, facilities and integration are all important.

However, when we consider air pollution, Hong Kong is one of the world’s least livable cities, ranked alongside Cairo and Mexico City. It is also one of Asia’s most smog-shrouded cities, with air quality that ranks just behind Beijing and New Delhi. A 2010 survey by the Clean Air Network, a local environmental group, even indicated that one out of four Hong Kong people had considered leaving the city because of its poor air quality.

Neighbourhoods and spaceApart from livability, pleasant neighbourhoods are also important. Professor Galster, an American urbanist, defined neighbourhoods as a bundle of spatially based attributes. These include the layout of streets, public spaces, local schools and convenience stores. They are associated with clusters of homes, sometimes in conjunction with other land use. The definition also recognizes the importance of neighbourhood characteristics when choosing where to live.

If we consider neighbourhoods only as a physical bundle of spatially based attributes, I think Hong Kong would have to be one of the world’s best cities. Its comprehensive, convenient, efficient infrastructure and functional residential estates are the pride of Hong Kong.

Participation and engagementWe may have a splendid metropolitan area, with excellent “hardware,” but the “software”, or views of the people, have been largely disregarded. To get this on the right track, we should not only boost the rate at which the housing supply is increased, but also underscore the participation rate of people in the planning process.

If we could achieve this planning approach, I, personally would not mind waiting for another decade to own my flat, because then there would be a chance that I could find the “dream home” I have been looking for.

Livable citiesHong Kong is the best city in the world, according to the winning entry in a competition devised by the Economist Intelligence Unit and BuzzData, a data-sharing company. A Spatially Adjusted Liveability Index was used in the ranking, based on green space, sprawl, natural assets, cultural assets, connectivity, isolation and pollution. The other factors were stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Hong Kong came out top, followed by Amsterdam and Osaka, the only other Asian city in the top 10.

Source http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2012/07/city-rankings

Youth Hong Kong

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Youth write| December 2013

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by Louis Cheung

Rezoning, redevelopment and conversion

The Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee has proposed tackling the supply-demand imbalance by increasing the supply of housing in a proposed ratio of 60:40, public/ private. A “supply-led” strategy is necessary to achieve this in the short-to-medium term and rezoning of unused government land and brownfield sites plus conversion of industrial sites for residential use are some of the possibilities.

According to the 2013 Policy Address, there are 36 potential government sites and sites zoned as “Government, Institution or Community” (or so-called G/IC zones) which are intended for community support facilities such as hospitals, schools, libraries, and so forth. Among them, 16 have been identified for possible rezoning for residential use or are undergoing town planning procedures for rezoning. If this rezoning goes ahead an estimated area of 27 hectares will be available for the building of about 11,900 public-private residential flats. However, this plan has already run into difficulties.

Protests and mistrustFor example, the Planning Department proposed the rezoning of the former Lee Wai Lee campus next to Hong Kong Baptist University. On the day the proposal was put forward to the Town Planning Board for discussion, hundreds of students protested and over 25,000 public objections were received by the Planning Department during the statutory public inspection period. This broke the record for the number of representations ever received by the Planning Department for a single case. Not only is such rezoning failing to find public support, it is generating mistrust of the administration and is seen as a form of collusion between private developers and the government.

Adaptive re-use challenged by regulationsHong Kong has about 17.1 million square metres of high-rise flatted factory space, much of which is underused or used for non-industrial purposes such as offices, storage or artists’ studios. Overseas, such buildings have been converted into homes, revitalizing degraded parts of cities by adaptive re-use. However, very few conversion applications in Hong Kong are approved and most conversions have been transformations into offices, restaurants, shopping centres or hotels. Some examples can be found in Wong Chuk Hang where the picture above was taken.

Source http://www.civic-exchange.org/wp/20131101scmp/

Flatted factories for conversionAn alternative is the redevelopment of former industrial sites for residential use. The Planning Department has recommended 16 such sites for the release of 30 hectares and 13 sites have been approved. 14,600 housing units could be built if the redevelopment goes ahead. However, such redevelopment takes time.

To provide a faster supply of housing, the conversion of old flatted factories has been suggested since it is widely known that some of these are already being used illegally for cubicle homes. However, the cost is considered prohibitive and such conversion has been declared unfeasible by the Development Bureau Building regulations or ordinances preventing it and this will hamper progress.

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by Mathew Fung

Citizen power in decision-making

Kate Kwok is an Assistant Traffic Engineer at MVA Hong Kong Limited. She did a

BA in Geography and an MSc in Urban Planning, both at the University of Hong Kong.

Louis Cheung is a Planning Assistant with the Planning Department, HKSAR

Government. He did a BA at the University of Hong Kong and an MSc in International

Planning at University College London.

Mathew Fung completed an MSc in Urban Planning at the University of Hong

Kong before working for the Planning Department for two years.

Edwin Tang works for the Urban Renewal Authority. He did a BSc in Urban

Planning and Management at University College London and an MSc in Urban

Planning at the University of Hong Kong.

Edwin Tang, Louis Cheung and Mathew Fung are the three Co-Chairmen of the Young Planners Group under the Hong Kong Institute of Planners.

www.facebook.com/hkypg

q (left to right) Kate Kwok, Louis Cheung, Mathew Fung, Edwin Tang

Disputes over housing and planning matters have become heated in recent years, stirring up not only arguments but social unrest. In the face of this kind of challenge, the government has repeatedly highlighted the importance of communication. To facilitate consultation between decision-makers and the general public, elements of public engagement were introduced to the statutory planning system in 2004. A wide range of engagement activities including public forums, planning workshops and surveys are now common for large-scale development projects. Yet, instead of facilitating the development process, failures to reconcile divergent public opinion often cause delays in decision-making.

Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation may help to give a clearer picture of the current situation. (See Figure 1). One of the crucial ideas behind this model is to relate public participation to the extent of citizen power in decision-making. In the case of Hong Kong, most public engagement programmes and events do not result in the delegation of ultimate decision-making power to the stakeholders involved. Public opinion is sought openly, but there is no guarantee of what, or to what extent, opinion will be heeded.

According to Arnstein’s ladder, in Hong Kong we are at level 4 (consultation) or 5 (placation) where public participation is perceived to be a form of tokenism, a symbolic gesture performed by decision makers to pacify public aspirations. Although it would be an overstatement to claim that

public participation in Hong Kong is pure tokenism, the lack of transparency in the post-engagement decision-making process is a major source of mistrust. From my limited experience in planning with the community, a genuine consensus-building process should be inclusive, interactive, transparent and continuous.

While inclusiveness and transparency are essential to trust-building, interaction between professional planners and the general public allows

planners to contribute expertise and knowledge. In turn, professionals acquire valuable local knowledge in this mutual learning process. By collecting public opinion and reflecting it in design proposals for further engagement, the public can continuously provide input until the stakeholders involved largely agree on all the elements. Through this process, mutual learning and trust can be gained, fostering a sense of belonging and a willingness to implement plans together.

There are always new, creative ways to engage the public in community planning matters, but without genuine consensus-building, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to reach a compromise among conflicting interests. Without such compromise, reaching a shared vision and enhanced social cohesion for Hong Kong as a whole will be intricate and daunting.

Source Arnstein, Sherry R. "A Ladder of Citizen Participation," Journal of the American Institute of Planners, Vol. 35, No. 4, July 1969, pp. 216-224.

Figure 1: Ladder of Citizen Participation

Citizen PowerTokenism

Nonparticipation

Citizen Control

Delegated Power

Partnership

Placation

Consultation

Informing

Therapy

Manipulation

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Youth Hong Kong

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Youth write| December 2013

by Kate Kwok

Mr Marco Wu Moon-hoi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society, worked in the government’s housing sector for more than a quarter of a

century and is sometimes known as the “Father of the Home Ownership Scheme.” He is now a member of the Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee and gave his personal advice to the students who wrote the essays on the next two pages.

Think twice

p Healthy Village Estate, a former squatter area developed by the Hong Kong Housing Society (1965)

p Lai Tak Tsuen, an award - winning design by the Hong Kong Housing Society (1975)

The Hong Kong Housing Society With the influx of refugees soon after the Second World War, the population of Hong Kong grew rapidly. Many lived in very poor conditions. The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) was the first major public housing agency in Hong Kong. It was founded as an independent voluntary agency in 1948 with £15,000 donated by the Lord Mayor of London's Air Raid Distress Fund to the Hong Kong Social Welfare Council. The aim was to provide homes for families in need. Some of the older HKHS developments such as Healthy Village Estate in North Point, and Lai Tak Tsuen in Tai Hang (pictured in this section), still stand. HKHS is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and takes pride in the nick name of the “Housing Laboratory” which comes from efforts to provide different types of housing solutions.

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Youth Hong Kong

Perspective December 2013 |

Understanding the financesThere was a story in the news some time ago about a young couple who wanted to buy a flat. One was a lawyer and the other a doctor, but they could not afford to buy a small place to live in. What should such young people do, realistically, if they want to buy property, and when should they do so?

Go carefullyMr Wu replied that there is no sure advice about the best time to buy. He suggests that young adults like those in the example might want to work out their home ownership plan carefully. They should consider whether they are buying property for investment, as a place of shelter, or a home from which to derive personal enjoyment. Whichever their goal, he says he would expect them to understand the finances involved.

Do your sumsPsychological preparation for downturns and upturns is essential, for changing market prices, for increasing interest rates and for fluctuating employment prospects, as well as the future possibility of trading up in size of flat according to changing needs. Mr Wu says

taking on the responsibility of a homeowner involves all of these and can mean 40-50% of household income to cover the mortgage repayments.

However, Mr Wu is confident that the Chief Executive’s policy means that subject to the community’s consensus, more land will be found and better quality housing can be built for future generations.

Amanda XiangForm 5, St Paul’s Convent School

Hong Kong’s Home Ownership Scheme

From the late 1970s, the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS), now managed by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, has had two aims. First, to encourage better-off tenants of public rental flats to vacate for re-allocation to families in greater housing need when they could afford a flat of their own. Second, to provide an opportunity for home ownership for families who were unable to afford private sector flats.

Under the scheme, the government sells flats to eligible public housing tenants and low-income residents at prices below the market level. Discounts are usually 30-40%. Resale of the units on the second-hand market is restricted to other families who qualify, unless a premium is paid equal to the updated value of the discount given on the original purchase. Since its implementation, 350,000 HOS units have been sold and 200,000 public rental units had been returned for reallocation. Mr Wu worked on the HOS from its inception.

by Amanda Xiang

今期，我們聯同來自不同學校的學生一起訪問香港房屋協會主席鄔滿海先生，當問及很多青年專才對未能成功置業感到不滿時，鄔先生建議青年人應首先有詳細的置業計劃，並認清自己的置業目的是用作投資還是自住，同時，要考慮當中涉及的財政風險及個人的負擔能力。他相信，政府將會積極提供更多土地，興建更多房屋，以滿足市民需求。

Youth Hong Kong

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Perspective| December 2013

p By Wong Wing-hei

Although most young people today are enthusiastic about the idea of owning their own flats, some go into the rental market. Is this a good idea?

Mr Wu gave an example from his family. “My elder son moved into his own apartment a few years after graduating from university overseas. To begin with, we were surprised. He had his own room at home. But he wanted to be independent and we understood that.”

Put independence on hold if necessaryHowever, many young people, even young couples, cannot afford it. “They have no alternatives,” said Mr Wu. In fact, for many of them it is also difficult to afford a subsidized House Ownership Scheme flat (see box). “Some applicants declare a low income and very small assets. The only reason they apply is because they have financial support from family members.”

Long-term feasibility needs to be taken into account, whether young people decide to buy or rent. “I have seen young people moving out of the family home in order to live in a 3x6 sq ft subdivided flat. Can they really be happier there?” Mr Wu’s advice is to be forbearing and save enough to enter the housing market later. Until then, “Why not learn to be more tolerant with parents. Is it so difficult?” asked Mr Wu, smiling. But then he added, “Maybe I only ask that because I am a member of the older generation.”

Take responsibilities seriouslyFluctuations in the property market present another problem. “How would you feel if you bought a flat, the value of which dropped and left you suffering from negative equity?” Mr Wu asked. He said that young people must think twice and take their future financial responsibilities seriously, allowing for uncertainties about job security and unpredictable movements in property market values.

The ultimate reason for buying a home of your own, apart from having a roof over your head, is to enjoy it and be happy, he says. Young people should assess affordability carefully before becoming home owners. Otherwise, they can end up with a very heavy financial burden. Comprehensive planning is needed. But in the long run, your dream can come true, as long as you plot your course carefully.

Helen Cheung Form 6, Wa Ying College

by Helen Cheung

當談及青年人選擇離開父母租樓自住時，鄔先生表示明白青年人希望有獨立自主的生活空間，但他建議青年人應同時考慮現實的因素再作決定，例如跟父母同住以提高儲蓄效率。同時，他強調青年人買樓前，應充分考慮自己是否能承擔樓市波動的影響，包括財政及心理方面。總括而言，他相信青年人總有一天能實現置業的計劃；但在此之前，必須有周詳及可行的計劃。

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Youth Hong Kong

Perspective December 2013 |

Plotting the way home

p By Wong Wing-hei

Youth Hong Kong

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Insight| December 2013

YHK Delaying marriage and staying on with parents has become common among Hong

Kong youth. Which factors are contributing?

Yip Ngai-ming Traditional cultural values are reflected by the average, middle class Hong

Kong family. Young people are expected to stay with their parents. It’s considered normal. Only a minority move away. However, the reasons behind the trend are practical. For most, it’s too expensive to move and many find staying at home very comfortable, both psychologically and economically. It costs nothing compared with renting on the open market. This has changed since I was a student.

Ray ForrestThere are parallel cultural values in European countries, like Greece and

southern Italy. It’s common for young people to stay longer at home there too and it has always been that way. Just like here, most young people think family ties are important. Notions of reciprocity prevail.

Housing mobility: transition and changeRay Forrest and Yip Ngai-ming are members of the Urban Research Group at City

University’s Department of Public Policy. They work together on young people and housing. Youth Hong Kong asked how cultural and economic trends affect attitudes to

leaving home, sharing flats and becoming independent.

It’s not always young people themselves who apply for public

housing. We understand that it’s often done by their parents. It’s a form of

free insurance.

Living in Domestic Households

Living alone Living with parent(s) only Living with spouse and/ or child(ren) Others

Public rental

housing

Subsidized home

ownership housing

Living with spouse and/or

child(ren)

OthersPublic rental

housing

Subsidized home

ownership housing

Living with spouse and/or

child(ren)

Others

Age group 15-19 Age group 20-24

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Youth Hong Kong

Insight December 2013 |

Yip Ngai-ming For my age cohort, going to university marked a turning point. I moved out

into student accommodation and I didn’t want to move back. I acquired a taste for independence. But I came from a large family with a cramped home. Today, staying on at home with parents means having more space and more comfort. And today’s students don’t enjoy the collective life on campus, where they have to share with a roommate they never met before.

Ray Forrest In our recent survey*, 86% of the young people interviewed said they would take

care of their parents, and 73% said their parents would take care of them. We asked the young people if they were happy to live with parents and 95% said “yes.” Three-quarters said it gave them more disposable income. But when we went on to ask if they could afford to live anywhere else the answer was “no.” The opportunity cost of moving out is very high, so they take a pragmatic approach and stay on.

Yip Ngai-ming The generations work out how to get along together, how to be tolerant and

avoid conflict. After all, young people here have had two to three decades of practice in complying with authority! But it’s not a simple issue. A combination of family ties and social pressure is also at work. In one case we studied, a young woman and her parents agreed it would be good idea if she had her own flat, but all the other relatives asked, “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you get on with each other anymore?”

YHK In other expensive cities, young people who want their independence share rented flats.

Why is that so rare here?

Ray ForrestWe are exploring this phenomenon. My son moved out even though it meant

sharing small flat in Hong Kong and sharing is certainly economically feasible. Look at the prices people pay for sub-divided units. They could get together and share something better. However, it seems more common on the mainland than here. According to our survey only 10% of young people in Hong Kong ever think about sharing a flat with friends.

Yip Ngai-ming One explanation is that there are so few people available as flatmates. My

daughter wanted to move out but found nobody suitable to share with. She wanted to share with somebody who

was like-minded. Maybe young people are more picky here. The current cohort of young people is more diversified, especially if they have been overseas. Their points of reference change.

Ray ForrestBut when they come back, their behaviour has not changed. Living together as a

couple is also uncommon. If there were lots of flats suitable for young people to share then you’d get more people living independent lives. You might also stop the birthrate falling so fast.

Yip Ngai-ming Then you have to consider practical aspects, like the size of flats and the

number of bedrooms. If you share a flat with a partner and then have a child you need another bedroom. It’s easier to find a 2-bedroomed flat than a 3-bedroomed flat nowadays, especially in the private sector, but the market is very difficult for young people to enter.

YHK Do you think that achieving economic independence and leaving home is more

difficult here because of exceptionally unstable property prices and high rentals?

Ray Forrest We refer a lot to “dependent independence” nowadays. So many young

people are dependent on the financial resources of parents, especially in Hong Kong where parents have done well out of the housing market. Young people may want to be more independent, but actually they are more dependent, especially when it comes to buying a home. It means help with down-payments has made family obligation more important than ever. With this can come resentment.

Yip Ngai-ming Now, the norm is that after marriage you are expected to be independent.

This is a definite shift of cultural norms. 79% of the young people we surveyed thought they would have to move out if they got married or lived with a partner. But where would they go?

Many find staying at home very comfortable, both psychologically

and economically.

Ray Forrest, formerly of the University of Bristol, is Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Public Policy at City University of Hong Kong. Yip Ngai-ming is a professor in the same department and a registered social worker and housing manager. Together they have recently published Young People and Housing: transitions, trajectories and generational fractures. (Routledge, 2013.)

Figure 1

*Note The survey referred to in this dialogue is part of ongoing research funded by the Hong Kong SAR Government Research Grants Council. 1,008 interviews were conducted in the first part of the survey. It is the source of statistics in Figure 1. [Decimal points in the tables have been adjusted and in some totals are not 100%.]

Youth Hong Kong

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Insight| December 2013

Ray Forrest When asked about renting, almost half said the government should provide

subsidies to help them rent on the private market. 70% said there should be more Home Ownership Scheme flats, 72% said they would be happy to live in public rental housing, and over 72% thought the rules for allocating public housing should be relaxed.

YHK Living in public rental housing here does not carry the stigma it does in other countries. Is

that why so many young people are applying for it?

Yip Ngai-ming In fact, it’s not always young people themselves who apply for public housing.

We understand that it’s often done by their parents. It’s a form of free insurance, a cheap option for the first step on the housing ladder, because with public housing you can apply for a Home Ownership Scheme flat.

Ray ForrestYou can see application forms being handed out at university orientation

programmes by senior students as well. It’s not widespread but it does happen. The earlier you get on the waiting list, the better chance you have. Why not save while you pay cheap rent and think about buying later.

Yip Ngai-ming At present, the long-term housing strategy proposal suppresses the

concept that young people need independent housing. The response is, “Why encourage them to leave their families?” But it’s natural to want independence when you grow up. Now they have no choice. I say, “Why should they be forced to stay?” They may never get equal priority with the needy, but they should have a less unequal chance.

Ray ForrestEven then, there would need to be privileged routes into home ownership if

young people were to benefit. There are never going to be enough subsidized flats to satisfy demand. NGO schemes could facilitate sharing, which would teach social skills and enable young people to become more independent. We have to ask, are we really so short of resources that these factors cannot be considered?

I am happy to live in the public rental sector.

The rules for public rental housing should be relaxed.

More youth hostel accommodation should be provided.

More Home Ownership Scheme flats should be provided.

Agree 61%

No feelings either way

17%

Disagree 10% Strongly agree 11%Strongly disagree 1%

Strongly agree 53%

Agree 20%

No feelings either way

18%

Disagree 9%

Strongly agree 38%

Agree 25%

No feelings either way

31%

Disagree 6%

%

Strongly agree 52%Agree 21%

No feelings either way

19%

Disagree 8%

LondonThere are many young adults and students from overseas living in London. They normally live in privately rented accommodation or, where students are concerned, may live in housing provided by their college or university. Sharing a household is common. In 2011, 6.8% of all households in the city consisted of two or more people who were unrelated. The average median age of people in such households was 25. At that time, London had the highest percentage of renters, accounting for 50.4% of households, in the region and only 19.7 % of all young adults lived with their parents*, the lowest percentage in the country.1 Nearly a quarter of all people in London rent their accommodation in the form of subsidized, public, or social housing.** While 88% of young people in Britain aged 18-30 want to own their own home in 10 years’ time, 51% of those currently renting thought that they would not be able to achieve this.2 About 33% of new property bought by foreigners in London is for student children’s use.3

New YorkThe City of New York has launched a pilot programme to build micro apartments of 275-300 sq ft in Manhattan catering to small households and solo living. In New York as a whole there is a shortage of 800,000 studios and one-bedrooms suitable for single people on a budget.4 Based on the 2010 census, the New York City Housing Authority’s public housing represents 8.2% of the city’s rental apartments and is home to 4.9% of the city’s low-income population.5 A study found that young adults, aged 18 to 34, feel it’s acceptable to live at home with their parents for as long as five years after graduating.6

One of the hardest things about living in a big city is finding accommodation, so how do the young fare in some of the major cities around the world? These

statistics and tables give some indicators.

City living

Notes

*See pages 26-27 for more figures on young adults who live with parents.

** Social housing refers to rental housing which may be owned and managed by the state, by non-profit organizations, or by a combination.

SingaporeSingapore houses more than 80% of its residents in Housing Development Board (HDB) public housing but these flats are not available to young single people under 35. Singaporeans can buy 99-year leases on the properties and sell later at market prices.7 Residents who apply for a 99-year lease on a new flat must wait an average of three to four years, and generally have to be married. Those over 35 may buy a HDB flat on the open market under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. A first home grant of S$30,000, available to couples or families with lower incomes who want to buy an HDB resale flat, encourages them to buy.8 In Singapore it is common for young adults to live with their parents until they marry.

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TaipeiIn Taiwan the traditional multi-household family appears to remain popular.9 The trend for newly married couples to live with family is rising as are housing price to income ratios. Taipei’s property prices jumped by 50% in the past four years despite the economic downturn. Groups have been formed to lobby for housing affordability and protests have been held.10 The official home ownership rate is about 88%. However, given that some individuals own more than one property, the home ownership rate does not directly translate into the number of households owning a home.11 Taipei will begin offering young people public housing in 2014.12

Shanghai/BeijingPro-homeownership policies and housing reforms have created some problems for young people on the mainland as housing prices have soared.13 According to the same source, a 2011 survey of youth in larger cities found 38% had bought communal courtyard housing, 23% were living at home, 22% were renting, and the rest were either living in dormitories or welfare housing or buying affordable housing. Among renters 61% lived alone, while 26% shared, and the rest rented as a group. More than 66% said they would not rent a flat if they were married, while only 33% would get married if they did not own a flat. Affordability is a problem, causing 25% to postpone marriage, and 21% to delay having children so they could save money. Many college graduates have been forced to leave Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou so they can buy homes in cheaper cities. Young civil servants enjoy housing subsidies, but the majority in state-owned enterprises and collective enterprises do not.

MacaoThe average selling price of housing has quintupled in the seven years since 2004, outpacing the inflation rate and wages.14 Rents have also increased. In a 2008 survey of 18-40 year olds nearly 70% or respondents lived with their parents, more young people wanted to buy rather than rent their homes. In 2010 more than 72% of people lived in private housing. Macao’s public housing system includes low-rent social housing and a government-subsidized Home Ownership Scheme. In 2009 28% of those waiting for HOS flats were 18-24, while 47% were 25-34. At that time, the SAR government introduced two schemes to help first-time buyers – an interest subsidy on mortgage loans and a credit guarantee programme to help facilitate financing for home purchase. These proved successful.However, Macao’s land supply problems cause severe shortages, prices soared 50% this year alone and cooling measures have failed.15

Ranking City Purchase1 Hong Kong HK$135,510/sq m2 Singapore HK$121,490 /sq m3 London HK$99,770/ sq m4 Taipei HK$79,030 /sq m5 New York HK$69,890/ sq m6 Beijing HK$62,460 / sq m7 Macao HK$57,000/ sq m8 Shanghai HK$56,930 /sq m9 Vancouver HK$54,170/ sq m

10 Toronto HK$47,930/ sq m11 Tokyo HK$43,170/ sq m12 Bangkok HK$27,480/ sq m

Ranking City Rental (Per Month)1 New York HK$21,9002 Singapore HK$21,8103 London HK$18,8004 Hong Kong HK$15,1005 Toronto HK$11,1306 Vancouver HK$10,3907 Shanghai HK7,6908 Tokyo HK$7,5309 Beijing HK$6,330

10 Macao HK$6,00011 Taipei HK$5,01012 Bangkok HK$4,990

Figure 1 Approximate cost of renting/ buying a one-bedroom flat near city centre

Source http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living

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Sources

1. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/a-century-of-home-ownership-and-renting-in-england-and-wales/short-story-on-housing.html

2. http://www.ippr.org/images/media/files/publication/2012/12/no-place-home_Dec2012_10017.pdf

3. The Economist. 9 November 2013

4. http://www.policymic.com/articles/30541/i-love-you-new-york-city-but-your-rent-prices-are-too-damn-high

5. http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/about/factsheet.shtml

6. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/stigma-rents-roof-young-new-yorkers-returning-home-mom-dad-article-1.1429059

7. http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-03-15-Singapore-public-housing.htm

8. http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyResaleFlatCPFGrantFamily

9. Li, William DG. “Living arrangements of young adults in Taiwan.” in Forrest, R & Yip, NM. Young People and Housing. Routledge , 2013.

10. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20779609

11. http://english.taipei.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=53783762&ctNode=8472&mp=100002

12. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2010/04/14/2003470538

13. South China Morning Post. 20 November 2013. P1

14. Zhu, Yapeng, “Youth housing problems in China.” in Forrest, R & Yip, NM. Young People and Housing. Routledge, 2013.

15. Zhang, Y & Lai, Rose N. Journal of Youth Studies January 2012, Volume 15, 158-173.

16. Hirayama,Yosuke.“Housing and generational fractures in Japan.” in Forrest, R & Yip, NM. Young People and Housing. Routledge , 2013.

17. http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/more-young-people-try-communal-living-in-share-houses

18. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_in_Japan

19. http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/.3ndic.1t.4r@-eng.jsp?iid=77

20. http://www.housingconnections.ca/

21. http://www.vhausa.com/Housing_Programs.html

TokyoHome ownership by younger people has fallen. In 2008 only 11.7% of owner occupiers were 25-29, and 46.5% 35-39. 80% of those 25-29-year-olds who leave home live in single rental dwellings. Cohabitation among non-married couples is uncommon, but rising. However people are marrying later or not at all.16 Some young people are beginning to share houses with others. A Tokyo agent that rents “share houses” said it had 25 in 2000, but by 2011 this had risen to 982.17 Additional kinds of housing, especially for unmarried people, include boarding houses (which are popular among college students) and dormitories (common in companies). Many Japanese companies also maintain their own apartment buildings where young employees live when they first start working.18 In Tokyo many young people use geki-sema, or share houses “to sleep and store their possessions”. They share communal washing facilities and rooms sometimes aren’t large enough to stand up in.

Toronto and Vancouver In Toronto 56.3% of young adults still lived with their parents in 2011. In Vancouver it was 46.7%.19 One million women and men in Canada in their twenties lived with non-relatives, such as room-mates, lodgers or boarders (11.6%), lived alone (9.2%), or in other arrangements (3.2%).Toronto has subsidized housing for low-income families including rent-geared-to-income units as well as rent supplements and housing allowance units in cooperatives, private non-profits, supportive housing, Toronto Community Housing buildings and private market buildings.20 The Vancouver Housing Authority provides housing opportunities to those with barriers through a variety of housing programmes for families, seniors, and special needs individuals.21

Ranking (2010) City Affordability (2010) Affordability (2009) Homeownership Rate (2010)1 Hong Kong 22.72 21.19 52 %2 Shanghai 20.68 18.08 80 %3 Seoul 16.29 14.35 52 %4 Bangkok 15.96 10.5 56 %5 Singapore 14.35 21.29 89 %6 Tokyo 11.64 19.75 45 %

Figure 2 Affordability and homeownership rate of various cities

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Notes

Amounts correct as of 31 October 2013

http://www.ricsasia.org/newsDetail.php?id=305&regionID=0

Sometimes called the Price-to-income ratio (PIR), the ratio can be calculated.

See http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/houseafford/houseafford.html for a sample calculator. 25

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Becoming independentM any young people depend on parents for

support and put off leaving home. This

phenomenon is being explored by researchers

in Hong Kong and overseas. Does it mean growing up is

being postponed?

In 2006, according to a Federation poll, 74.8% of young people aged 18-34 were living with their parents.1 Over a third said they were short of money, 9% said they wanted to be looked after, and 7.5% said staying on with their parents helped them to save. By 2010, according to a subsequent Federation poll, 62.6% of young people in a larger age group of 18-39 year-olds were living with their parents.2

Parents and young people alike have to cope with conflicts and lack of privacy.5 Yet social norms, material and educational factors, plus the degree of freedom and the level of harmony, also play a large part. In this respect, Hong Kong is no different from other developed economies, despite cultural variations, and the keys to adulthood in the city fit into a complex matrix of factors, just as they do worldwide.

Sources and further reading

1. HKFYG Youth Study Series 36. “A Study on Economic Dependence on Family among Young People in Hong Kong, II,” 2006.

2. HKFYG Youth Study Series 45. “A Study on Economic Dependence on Family among Young People in Hong Kong, II.” 2010.

3. HKFYG Youth Study Series 49: The Daily Needs and Financial Pressures of Young People with Government Loans, 2013.

4. http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=19067596-d3f6-4c46-a507-0cf3a45c3720&corpname=yrc&i=2527

5. For more on parent-adolescent conflict, see HKFYG Youth Research Centre poll survey. Current Youth Issues Series No. 2. July 2013.

6. Biggart, A. Families and Transitions in Europe. European Communities, 2007 http://cordis.europa.eu/documents/documentlibrary/100124161EN6.pdf

7. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/family-demography/young-adults-living-with-parents/2011/young-adults-rpt.html

8. http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/.3ndic.1t.4r@-eng.jsp?iid=77

9. Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/08/01/a-rising-share-of-young-adults-live-in-their-parents-home/

A state of semi-autonomy Full-time work usually comes after post-secondary education, and the rising costs of tuition, especially for Hong Kong’s self-financed degree programmes, have great impact on life plans. This trend was explored in a 2013 report by HKFYG on financial pressures on tertiary students caused by debt from government loans for tuition fees.3

Many young people partially support themselves as they move through higher education. They linger in a state of semi-autonomy in their 20s, combining support from their families with earnings from part-time work. In the 2013 HKFYG study, over two-thirds of tertiary students with government loans were working an average of 34 hours a month.4

It has become more common for young people to go back and forth from independence to dependence as economic necessity dictates. However, in Hong Kong, young people tend to stay with their parents longer simply because of the lack of availability of appropriate housing. This prolonged family dependency and slow transition to adulthood is a process rather than a clear-cut event, and can be stressful, especially, when that dependence overstretches limited resources.

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Key to the doorHow do you define adulthood? Being responsible for your own choices and decisions, being financially independent, completing education and working full-time - all are very important. Marriage and parenthood, on the other hand, are no longer considered defining markers in many parts of the world. But leaving home to set up an independent household is accepted universally as a significant step in growing up. For many it also involves the freedom to come and go from the parental home, as they feel fit.

In a large-scale European Union survey of youth, completed in 2007, 62% of respondents lived with their parents.6 The authors say, “There seems to be a strong correlation between perceptions of material opportunities to become independent and the desire for autonomy.”

In Britain, three million 20-34-year-olds currently live with their parents.7 In Canada in 2011 42.3% of young adults aged 20-29 were still living at home.8 New US figures, based on a survey of 75,000 households, show that, “36% of young adults aged 18-31 ... were living in their parents’ homes ... the highest share in at least four decades.” 9

As in Hong Kong, contributing factors were rising enrollment in higher education, declining marriage and lower numbers at work, but a substantial number here also continue to receive support from their parents even after they begin working.

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Many young people in their 20s are crammed in with their parents, sometimes even after they have started their own families, and those who are still single may find themselves confined in a subdivided unit. Having a place to live is a basic necessity, but for many young people it now seems more like a far-fetched dream.

For example, Sue-kan and her husband are both in their early 20s and she gave birth to their daughter in 2011. After hoping and waiting for a public housing unit for two years, Leung is now staying in her mother’s apartment in Tin Shui Wai.

Living tales of a crowded city

With a limited supply of flats and more people wanting to buy them, Hong Kong’s property prices have become among the highest in the world. Young people who have relatively low incomes and little in terms of savings find it extremely difficult

to find a reasonable place to live. Sue-kan, a young house housewife and Kit, an ambulance crew member, give stark evidence.

The rooms are small, the toilet is small, the kitchen can fit no more

than two people, and half the space in the living room is taken

up by the sofa.

a contribution from Education Post

Three months ago, getting an apartment of her own took on added urgency when she gave birth to a son. “Right now, we have nine people living in a two-bedroom apartment,” Leung says. “Our family of four occupies one room, my elder brother, his wife and two daughters stay in the other, and my mother has to sleep in the living room.”

Nowhere to put anythingThe lack of space is a major annoyance for Leung and the rest of her family. “The rooms are small, the toilet is small, the kitchen can fit no more than two people, and half the space in the living room is taken up by the sofa,” she says. “Our home is so small that I don’t dare buy clothes and toys for my children because there is nowhere to put them.”

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Leung says her daughter often fights with her cousins for space to play and that has affected relations with her brother. “If we had more living space, our family relationships would definitely be better,” she says. “There would be fewer arguments about whose kid can play in the living room.”

While the children have to compete for space to play, the adults are also struggling to manage under the same roof. “Every morning there is a queue waiting to use the toilet and, in the kitchen, to cook breakfast,” Leung says. “Things get tense over everyday things such as going to the bathroom and eating breakfast; it is insane.”

As for the chances of buying a flat, Leung says she daren’t even think about it. “It is impossible for us. With my husband being the sole breadwinner and with two young children to raise, all I can hope for is a public housing apartment. I don’t really mind which district I am assigned to. I just want an apartment of my own as soon as possible.”

Not much hopeEven someone with a stable government job and a respectable income – the usual key to becoming a property owner like – can find it difficult to get a foot on the housing ladder. Working as a member of an ambulance crew, 27 year-old Kit (his given name) has a monthly income of around HK$18,500 – long way over the HK$9,347 upper income limit to apply for public housing – but he knows that getting into the private property market is a long and winding road.

Each month, Kit has to spend HK$3,500 on rent and HK$2,000 to repay a government loan for his

university studies. A further HK$2,000 goes to his family and, taking account of day-to-day expenses, that leaves him with just $5,000 a month. “I am very careful with my spending,” he says. “I have no expensive electronic devices, do not go on overseas trips, and am planning to save around HK$60,000 a year.”

A quick look at property agency Centaline’s website shows the cheapest flat available is a 228 square foot (saleable area) apartment in Yuen Long. The asking price is HK$2 million.

To buy it, Kit would need a first instalment of HK$600,000 - the equivalent of 10 years’ saving at his projected rate. Allowing for annual pay rises based on years of service, it might take him a few months less than that to reach the down payment – at today’s price – for the cheapest available apartment. “I am not sure what the price will be in 10 years’ time. If property prices continue to go up, there is nothing I can do. If I were to get married, with our combined income, it might shorten the time to save up for the first instalment. If I stay single, I will just continue to rent a subdivided unit so I can save as much as possible.”

As a member of the disciplined services, Kit is entitled to quarters, but he does not hold out much hope on that score because there is already a decade-long waiting list. “I am not upset about not being able to apply for public housing,” he says. “I think a lot of people need it more than I do, but it is clear that the government is not providing enough public housing.”

Kit adds that it is common for the government to give retired members of the disciplined services a public housing unit so they have somewhere to live after leaving their government quarters. But in recent years, the keen competition has resulted in these retirees continuing to stay on in quarters because they cannot get public housing. “The queue stopped because nobody is moving out,” he says. “I heard that it takes 14 years for married couples with children to get quarters. I have no idea how many years a single man like me will have to wait.”

www.educationpost.com.hk

The cheapest flat available is a 228 square foot (saleable area) apartment in Yuen Long. The asking price is HK$2 million.

Photos courtesy of Education Post, KY Cheng/SCMP

by Ada Chau

Moving on, moving The Youth Hong Kong team conducted a small-scale, indicative survey to see

whether our ideas about young people’s plans for future homes away from parents matched reality. Here are the results.

Over 70% of our respondents were aged 21-30 and over 90% lived with parents. 70% of them wanted to move out and find a flat of their own. The same number said they wanted to move when they got married. 62.5% said that even if it was difficult to move, they could not stay on with their parents and have children. Privacy and space issues were at the forefront for over 85% of them. These points all bore out our expectations.

Ideal homeHopes for an ideal home were less predictable. Our respondents’ ideal flat size was on average around 700sq ft whereas the actual size of their current homes was only 480sq ft on average. Over 50% of them preferred, in an ideal world, to buy a flat on the private property market while around 20% wanted a subsidized ownership arrangement because of the lower overall price. However, 12.5% of respondents were very pragmatic and said that their ideal home was actually public rental housing, because it is so much cheaper than any other option.

More than 83% of respondents said they didn’t need financial help from their families to enable them to move out, but they did expect to have saved well over HK$400,000 on average in order to make the move.

A way outWhen asked about other acceptable options, nearly 71% said they were prepared to move overseas, both to live and work. This response echoes a hot topic this autumn, when there were several reports that many young people would choose to emigrate for a better life.

The phenomenon is backed up by official figures. According to Taiwan National Immigration Agency statistics, the number of Hong Kong immigrants has been on the rise with 632 applying for immigrant status in Taiwan in September alone. This is six times the usual average.1

Although strict statistical sampling was not used for this mini-survey, we found the answers conformed to the expectations we had gathered while preparing this issue and confirmed the perspectives of other young people interviewed. We hope this small survey helps to give readers a clearer understanding of the prospects youngsters face, the options as they see them, and their underlying preferences.

1. The Sun. 5 November 2013. 退休中產享晚年移居台灣人數暴增 http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20131105/00407_086.html

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Fig 2 Which options do you find acceptable? (more than one answer was possible)

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Fig 1 What type of housing do you most want, and why?

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Affordable housinga proposal for young buyers

Mr Shih Wing-ching is co-founder of the Centaline Group and publisher of AM730, one of the city’s free newspapers which

features his daily column. Two students asked for his expert advice on the property market at a point when prices have peaked, a big correction is due and there is a long waiting list for public housing.

Most teenagers in Hong Kong have not even begun to think about finding a place of their own. So the question of whether to rent or buy or how to choose between public or private housing has not yet crossed their minds. However, with adulthood just around the corner, it is time to think about decisions. Where should one start? Following everyone else is definitely not the best way to go. To help in making these life-changing calls, we sat down with Mr Shih Wing-ching who gave us some very helpful insights.

Public housing out of the question In recent years, youngsters have bombarded the public housing waiting list, even though the original concept was to provide affordable homes for low-income households. The fact that youngsters want public housing as well has brought countless difficulties for the government. Hong Kong’s youth should be a little more considerate and give way to those in need. In other words, public housing is out of the question for young people. We all agreed on this point.

Onto more pressing matters. Should we buy or rent. Mr Shih told us that we should not only consider our budget but also the state of the economy at the moment when we make a decision. Buying a flat means paying more up front, but it also means security and may bring capital growth. On the other hand, although rent may be lower than monthly mortgage repayments initially, inflation is likely to push it up in due course.

If one is able to afford the down-payment, Mr Shih suggests that buying is normally preferred, as long as one has confidence in the economy. However, he stressed that this is not a good moment for young first-time buyers. For them he has a plan (see box).

Buying a flat is a big step to take in life. Take a moment to think before you decide. Ask yourself, are you doing this because you want to, or because you have been told to? Be independent and be your own person!

Don’t follow the trend

Mindy Li17, St Stephen’s College

(left to right) Tiffany Ip, Mr Shih Wing-ching, Mindy Li

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This is not a good moment for young first-time buyers.

The Hong Kong dollar was pegged to the US dollar in 1983 to stabilize currency movement. However, because of the recent financial crisis, the US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates and introduced quantitative easing. These measures had a direct effect on the Hong Kong dollar which devalued together with the US dollar. Interest rates were also pushed down due to Hong Kong’s lack of autonomy. All these factors had a cumulative effect on the property market here. When asked if Hong Kong should consider unpegging from the US dollar, Mr Shih suggested that a strong government might consider doing so.

Prices up around the worldA greater supply of money has meant an inevitable inflow of investment into the property sector here. Since the supply of money rose so quickly the supply of property could not keep pace, and property prices rose as well. The inflow of cash, argues Mr Shih, does not contribute to the real economy because property investors are often speculators. As an international financial hub, Hong Kong’s economy is susceptible to such external factors, including foreign exchange, speculation and investment.

However, the trend of increasing property prices is not unique to Hong Kong. It is ubiquitous in other cities such as London, New York and Berlin. Many ordinary people have bought property in recent years due to the rising prices, and Mr Shih believes it would be unfair to them if governments intervened to push property prices down. However, in Hong Kong, increased stamp duties have cooled the market for all except first-time buyers.

At present, about 55% of local people own property, 60% have already paid off their mortgages, and less than 10% of those waiting to buy a flat are first-time buyers so the numbers are not huge. In order to avoid a deteriorating situation for them, Mr. Shih proposed designating an earmarked supply of land where housing development would be at market prices. These in turn would be determined by affordability. (See box and Figure 1).

Consider the Hong Kong dollar peg

Mr Shih has suggested to government that a supply of land be set aside for first-time buyers, with 50% of flats built on it designated for young people. The flats would be small, 500 sq ft or less, probably in the northeast New Territories, and they would be sold at market prices. One condition of purchase would be that re-sale would be only to other first-time buyers.

This strategy would avoid depressing the entire property market and it would solve the problem of affordability for young people. In the meantime, Mr Shih says, “Young people should suppress any desire to buy till they have saved enough. Don’t waste money on rent. Till you are in a good position to buy, stay with your parents.”

A proposal for young would-be home owners

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Figure 1, Affordability Index 1994 - 2013

Source: Centaline 2013

Tiffany Ip 18, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong

Youth Hong Kong

32

Talking Point| December 2013

About 55% of local people own property, 60% have already paid off their mortgages, and less than 10% of those waiting to buy a flat

are first-time buyers

33

Youth Hong Kong

Profile December 2013 |

YHK What are your future plans?

My dream since secondary school has been to become a doctor. In the past, a promising future career and a steady income might have been enough motivation. I have always been interested in science, especially the medical field. However, now I have a sense of mission and I want to lend a helping hand to others. I also think I have the ability to do so. That’s why I decided to do a degree in medicine.

YHK Do you have any role models?

I do try my best to appreciate others and learn from them but nobody is perfect. I would rather observe the different strengths people have, think critically and objectively, and then learn from the best of them.

YHK Would you like to go overseas to do a further degree or to work?

I do not think overseas study is a suitable path for me. As I have mentioned, my aim is to help others, especially local people, as soon as I am able to. Furthermore, the shortfall in public hospital doctors is very severe and should be overcome by all possible means. Considering all these factors, I predict that I will stay in Hong Kong and devote myself to work in local hospitals.

YHK So you see your future mainly in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is my homeland where my life began. I think that giving up Hong Kong would be the last thing I would want to do.

YHK What are the main attractions of life in our city for you?

Primarily, the reason I want to stay in Hong Kong is that I grew up here. Despite the many changes affecting Hong Kong, from the landscape to the shift in atmosphere in society, every bit of my memory is in Hong Kong. It is a very valuable and lovely place for me.

Feet on the ground: a star Hong Kong pupil

HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College12 Tin Kwai Road, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, New TerritoriesTel: 21461128Email: hlc@hlc.edu.hkWebsite: www.hlc.edu.hk

Last summer, Terry Tsz Cho-ho achieved 5** in seven exam results at the Federation’s HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College. He is now a medical

student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His childhood was on a public housing estate and his holidays were spent on working to pay for his books.

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The Wing Lee Residence opened at Number 7-8, Wing Lee Street, Sheung Wan in August 2012. It gives refuge to youth in their late teens and early 20s when problems at home mean they need somewhere to stay

for a while. The hostel is close to the business district and convenient for work and study, but it offers more than just a place to stay.

19 year-old K, for example, got on badly with his parents before moving to WLR. He was always arguing and irresponsible so they kicked him out. K didn’t do well at work either, always switching from job to job. At WLR, he broke all the rules to begin with and was nearly thrown out there too. But the staff gave counselling and he started to change. Hi relationship with the other young people at WLR changed too and he became more positive and responsible at work. When he left WLR, the staff went to see him at home and a social worker helped the family understand one another again. It was so good to see them getting on well.

By the age of 21 Dick was still fighting with his younger brother so he came to WLR to make a break, even though he was still at college. He always kept his WLR room clean and tidy and was regular in his habits. But he didn’t talk to people much. WLR staff invited him to join classes and workshops. These gave him the life and career skills he needed. Gradually, Dick became more outgoing and WLR recommended him for work at the HKFYG Organic 21 café as a waiter. He did the job well and is now renting his own flat and living independently. Now and then we see him at WLR and he tells us about his life. It’s such a change from the Dick we first knew.

As well as having room for 12-14 young people, the Wing Lee Residence (WLR) runs counselling, volunteering, self-enhancement and job training support services. They include photography, cooking, and hospitality workshops. Reports from young people have been very positive with most participant-residents saying their communication, job and life skills improved a lot and they were more optimistic about their future.

For more information about the Wing Lee Residence go to ycpc.hkfyg.org.hkcall 2915 5532 email wlr@hkfyg.org.hk

Home away from home

Youth Hong Kong

34

City space| December 2013

35

Youth Hong Kong

City space December 2013 |

Recycling at workWe know Hong Kong is running out of space for landfills. The

existing ones will be exhausted by 2020. With no immediate solution to our waste problems, where can our waste go?

by William WongEnvironment Officer, HKFYG

The amount of solid municipal waste accumulating in Hong Kong has reached critical proportions. Generated by the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, two thirds of the total sent to landfills comes from households. At least the plastics and paper can be recycled, and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) community-based collection programmes for recyclables began a few years ago.

Last year, EPD launched an environmental education programme, setting up Community Collection Points which are supported by HKFYG with Community Recycle Networks at its Youth SPOTs. People who live nearby bring recyclables, such as plastic and glass bottles, and small electrical and electronic equipment, that would otherwise go to waste. In this way they earn stamps which can be redeemed for household goods.

The networks set up by HKFYG almost a year ago have had a remarkable effect with a 6-fold increase in recycling in the first six months.

Join in! If you have any unwanted waste plastic bottles/ glass bottles/ small waste electrical or electronic equipment please take them to any HKFYG Youth SPOT Collection Point.

Opening hours and further details http://gogreen.hkfyg.org.hk/

Save our planet, support GoGreen activities now!

Six months of recyclables collected by HKFYG � clean, empty plastic bottles 325kg � clean, empty glass bottles 450kg � small waste electrical and electronic equipment 180kg

Products that can be redeemed

� ball point pens � folders � cotton towels � cutlery sets � toilet paper � scrubbing sponges � noodles � rice

It was so encouraging to see how promotion at the Youth SPOTs, messages from Green Youth Volunteers Teams, and housing estate promotion exercises reached more and more people, resulting in more and more recycling. People who took part got useful tips about waste re-use, recycling and waste reduction at home and were very glad of the stamps to reduce their daily expenses.

The ongoing programme also gets youngsters involved. As volunteers, they collect recyclables and learn about recycling with estate residents. This increases environmental awareness for everyone and acts as a catalyst for community participation. They say how meaningful it is to be part of a sustainability project which exists for the sake of society and the environment.

Where does recyclable waste go? � Kowloon Bay Material Transfer Centre (KBMTC)

� Tuen Mun EcoPark

Christy Tsoi, the project coordinator, describes the story. “It’s about an old Hong

Kong squatter area, rife with problems, like gambling and drugs. Still, people there were good neighbours, like my parents, who also used to live in those old wooden shacks. It all changed when they moved into public housing on a resettlement estate. Some people missed the good old days even if the environment was better. In the radio show we will focus on the contrasts between old and new and the way the community works.”

Christy worked for Bloomsberg live TV, radio, and as an English teacher before she joined the staff at the Tin Yiu Youth SPOT. Her former students took part in the original stage production of the musical. “I always wanted to work on a project like this, all of it is young-people oriented and I would like to be a

The Federation’s musical, Neighbourhood First! will go on air in April 2014, hosted by RTHK’s digital radion channel. The musical is

all about an old squatter area and the way its residents changed when they went to live in a new public housing estate. Youth Hong Kong found out from members of the production team who are in their 20s what was special about the programme and how the story related to their own lives.

Neighbourhood First Musical on Air

mentor for them.” She says that she thinks the hardest part will be the transformation of the script. “A radio broadcast script is so different from a stage script. Without visual aids, you need to use sound effects only to express everything, set the scene, let the audience know the time frame and so on. All of these are challenges, but they are the most interesting part as well!”

Chau Wong, introduced by Christy to be a voluntary production team member, pointed out that the design of older residential buildings in Hong Kong meant that there was much more shared public space where people gathered, like washrooms, kitchens and on the roof.

“The very fact that people had to share space with neighbours meant that relationships grew. Nowadays, you shut your door and spend all your time in your own flat, in private. You don’t have much opportunity to meet

Nowadays, you shut your door and spend all your time in your own flat, in private…no chance

to get to know each other.

Youth Hong Kong

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HKFYG| December 2013

Louise Lau Kai-yam, the volunteer producer, lives in a private apartment in Lai Chi Kok. “Frankly, I barely

know my neighbours. Living in Hong Kong’s old housing estates must have been more like living with family. Everyone was more friendly and more likely to help each other. But I think the society is changing and the pace of life has also changed. People keep moving house too which makes it more difficult and to maintain relationships within a neighbourhood.”

Louise enjoys doing voluntary work, especially to gain professional experience. “Besides, although I am quite familiar with TV production, radio is new to me. I’m looking forward to the fun of working on a young people’s project like this too.”

Karen Ho Yin-yee, one of the volunteer script writers, found out about the musical from

her friend, a social worker. After working at ATV, on Roadshow and in a production house she wants

your neighbours. I live in public housing in Northern District and I know none of my neighbours. We don’t have the same habits, we meet infrequently and so there is no chance to get to know each other.

Greyish Ho does voluntary artwork for the project. A resident of private housing in Tai Kok Tsui, she says she used to know some of her neighbours but the turnover is high. She lost contact with the ones who moved and hasn’t had time to get know to the new arrivals.

“When I was in secondary school, my school was near old housing estates, I saw that people didn’t close their doors in those days. When a family finished dinner, another would bring soup to share with them. We have lost this kind of relationship now, even in the public estates. People have changed too much. In the old days, people trusted each other more.”

“Neighbourhood is exactly what we need nowadays and this production serves as a reminder. I don’t meet many people in my daily life, and I think joining in with this production will mean I meet many, gaining valuable experience which will help me understand what other people think.”

to learn about radio production, but it was the story behind the musical that most attracted her.

“This kind of situation is meaningful for Hong Kong people. It reminds us about neighbourliness, the friendships that grew in the old housing estates, and how people loved living there. I live in To Kwan Wan, and I know none of my neighbours.”

Ki Yan-yan, another volunteer script writer, has a different home background. She knows five

families living in the same building in Wong Tai Sin with her.

“Some are relatives and others are my old school friends’ families so this topic really interests me. The old housing estates may have been inadequate but by sharing the daily hassles of living there neighbours created a stronger bond which reflects some essential ideology and ways of living in Hong Kong. Surely, there is something we can learn from and reflect on when we look back.

RTHK Community Involvement Broadcasting Service has given funding for the production of the musical for radio to four HKFYG Youth SPOTs. There will be an RTHK facilitator, a pool of youth presenters and a young cast. It will be produced in 13 episodes.

Contact Jolene, tel 2445 5777, for more details or go to neighbourhoodfirst.hk.

37

Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG December 2013 |

Youth Hong Kong

38

Internetscope| December 2013

Too much food of the wrong kind makes you overweight. In this, Hong Kong is no different from anywhere else. Apps

can teach young people about good eating habits in a fun way and knowing about genetic influences can raise awareness.

Confronted with so many food choices, so much advice on health and so many warnings about the dangers of neglecting ourselves, what can parents, teachers and youth do?

Dennis Ai, the 22 year-old son of American Chinese parents who were originally from the mainland, has some answers. He became overweight by eating junk food and was made fun of at school. So he started exercising, counting calories and reading everything he could about nutrition. Next he invented a free to download app game. Then he started marketing it and winning awards, like Michelle Obama’s End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge.

20.9% of Hong Kong students are

overweight, up from 16.4% 15 years ago

60,000 of the city’s 300,000 primary school children are obese

82.0% of Hongkongers aged 18 - 64 eat less than 5 servings of fruit/vegetables daily

87.0% are male and 77.8% female

Source

Hong Kong Behavioural Risk Factor Survey, 2012. http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/25/8802.html

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Youth Hong Kong

Internetscope December 2013 |

Called Jungo, Ai’s mobile game, takes 6 to 11 year-olds through a series of levels to rescue a sacred cookery book. They gather healthy food and create recipes on the way. Some of the ingredients exist in the game world. Others are in the real world and have to be found, photographed and uploaded as virtual ingredients. “It’s really difficult to preach to kids about eating a nutritious diet, but through this role-playing game, finding and eating healthy food becomes fun,” says Ai. “The game will encourage parents to have these foods around where their children can find them.”

More information at http://www.avatargeneration.com/2013/03/jungo-anti-childhood-obesity-game/

Eating Madness is another award-winning game for kids, based on an idea from a 9-year-old. Choose a boy or girl to play, enter your age, height and weight to get your BMI, then start eating! Choose healthy food you need, avoid unhealthy foods, and use water bottles to stop you overeating. Then earn special powers which help you go up a level. Each level is a meal, and after three meals and a bonus level, you advance to the next day. Make it through a whole week to win.

Pick Chow! lets children create meals by dragging and dropping foods onto their virtual plate. The “Add it Up!” meters show the nutritional values and rate each meal with one to five stars. Children can send their “chow” to parents via email with healthy choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the recipes and even a shopping list and coupons!

More about both at http://appsforhealthykids.challengepost.com/submissions/6140-eating-madness

Blaming genes, eating greensA gene called FTO probably makes people plumper by increasing the temptation to eat mouth-watering, high-calorie foods and failing to dampen hunger after meals. It’s not that simple though. There are two kinds of FTO. People with two copies of one kind are 70% more likely to become obese than those who inherit two versions of the other type.

Researchers in London have pinpointed a hormone called ghrelin, known to stimulate appetite.1 Those with the plump-making gene variant have higher levels of it pumping through their veins after meals.2 On the other hand, many obese people build up resistance to the appetite-suppressing hormone called leptin.

There are ways of limiting the effects of FTO: exercise and a protein-rich diet. Both suppress production of ghrelin. Another hormone, leptin, is also thought to regulate it. A team in Sweden has discovered that exercise also alters the way genes work in tissues that store fat. It can change the way fat is stored, and make storage in the liver or pancreas, where it causes damage, less likely.3

On the other hand, food labelling and packaging may not help. If food is labelled “healthy” people tend to eat more of it, and if packaging is green people may assume the contents is healthy!4

Further reading about genetics and obesity on the web

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghrelin

2. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23869-obesity-gene-makes-you-fat-by-keeping-you-hungry.html?full=true&print=true#.Um4v_3CBnwo

3. http://health.heraldtribune.com/2013/08/26/how-exercise-changes-cells/

4. http://www.care2.com/causes/study-people-eat-bigger-portion-sizes-when-the-food-is-labeled-healthy.html

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Scratch is a wildly popular educational programming language used by millions of first-time learners in classrooms and homes worldwide. It is a digital sandbox that everyone can use for free, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(MIT) Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten Group, with financial support from the US National Science Foundation (NSF).

By simply dragging and dropping coloured blocks, young people aged eight and up can create interactive stories, games, animation, music, art, and presentation. In the process, they learn mathematical and computer concepts that are important for creative thinking, logical reasoning, problem solving, and collaborative skills.

HKFYG’s Learning through Engineering, Art and Design, popularly known as LEAD, is a collaborative partnership with the MIT Media Lab. LEAD introduced Scratch to Hong Kong in 2005, at its beta stage. Since then, LEAD has localized Scratch for the education sector, organizing hundreds of hands-on workshops and activities for young people and teachers. These are usually conducted by LEAD trainers at convenient locations such as schools, the 21 HKFYG Youth SPOTs and the Jockey Club LEAD Centre. Scratch events have also taken place during major joint-school competitions and education exhibitions.

In 2011, Scratch Day Hong Kong had the honour of breaking the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of participants designing digital games. Scratch Days are organized by LEAD with the MIT Media Lab on a regular basis. They provide opportunities for “Scratchers” to meet and talk about what they learn. In 2012, LEAD was also invited by the Shanghai China Odyssey of the Mind Association to organize a Creative Education Forum and Scratch Workshops for educators in Shanghai.

By providing interdisciplinary learning activities and incentives to make systemic changes in curriculum design, LEAD helps enhance students’ technological literacy, and encourages teachers to collaborate with them. At the time of writing, hundreds of schools in Hong Kong have incorporated Scratch into school activities and curriculum, benefiting thousands of students.

LEAD with Scratch

Youth Hong Kong

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Internetscope| December 2013

By Edmond Hui

Scratch is used in over 150 countries today as a teaching aid in mathematics, English, music, art, design, and information technology. More than 1,500 animations and games are uploaded by the Scratch online community daily. Children love using the colourful icons which represent the sequencing and logic of computer code. An upcoming version for use with the iPad is suitable for kindergarten to Primary 3. It’s called Scratch Jr. Stay tuned. Scratch is coming your way soon.

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! : Learn to Program by Making Cool Games LEAD worked with the US publisher on this updated English version in full-colour comic book style when MIT Media Lab launched web-based, fully revamped Scratch 2.0 software. Packed with ideas for games that young readers will be proud to show off, the book makes a very good first step for the budding programmer.

No Starch Press: 2013. ISBN: 978-1593275310 Price: US$24.95

For more information about LEAD, Scratch, or any of these books,

Call Edmond Hui tel 3106 0600

email edmond.hui@hkfyg.org.hk

web lead.hkfyg.org.hk

Worldwide and growing

ENGLISH AND CZECH EDITIONSSuper Scratch Programming Adventure! Learn to Program By Making Cool Games This English translation is a best seller on Amazon, with more than 15,000 copies sold already. No Starch Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-1593274092 Price: US$24.95

Having captured attention in the US it went on to be translated into Czech as Programování pro děti Computer Press (Albatros Media), 2013. ISBN: 978-8025138090 Price: CZK269

THREE BOOKS ON SCRATCH IN CHINESE

Easy LEAD Programming – Scratch Magical ForestHKFYG: 2009. ISBN: 978-9881840622 Price: HK$58

Easy LEAD – The Scratch MusketeersHKFYG: 2010. ISBN: 978-9881840820 Price: HK$100

Easy LEAD – Family Fun with ScratchHKFYG: 2011. ISBN: 978-9881968920 Price: HK$80

Scratch Books

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Youth Hong Kong

Internetscope December 2013 |

From sea to gleaming seaVisit HKFYG’s newly refurbished, extended and upgraded Jockey

Club Outdoor Training Camp, in Tai Mong Tsai, a few miles beyond Sai Kung, for a taste of the best.

A night or day camp in Hong Kong’s New Territories is something you – and all the young people in your life – will never forget. With the completion of the Phase III Redevelopment of the HKFYG Jockey Club Outdoor Training Camp in Tai Mong Tsai it is within your grasp. New accommodation will come into service in the near future bringing the total number of beds to 460.

p … a solitary watcher looks down on the creek

p … with a view of the bayp  …a pearly morning, the world still asleep

p  …a glimpse from a room

Youth Hong Kong

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HKFYG| December 2013

Facilities include • Sky Garden • Gymnasium, • Lecture theatre • Swimming pool, • Slipway for water sports • BBQ Court • Restaurant and cafe

Adventure activities include • Canoeing • Rafting • Pioneering • Sport climbing • Abseiling • High wall • Orienteering

p and half an hour later… what hullaballoo!

q … and steady, and go q all hands wait to catch a teammate from below

p …down on the dock, girls build with bamboo…

p  and adventure waiting in the wings to play…

Charges Full board: overnight stay per person with 3 meals Off-peak From HK$164 Peak periods* From HK$184 per person *every Saturday; public holidays and the previous day; 1 June - 31 August

Day camp: per person including lunchOff-peak From HK $58 Peak periods* From HK$63*every Saturday and Sunday; public holidays 1 June - 31 August

Want to know more? Visit web http://otc.hkfyg.org.hk/ or call 27922727

p …while the kayakers ready…

Tai Mong Tsai Road

HKFYG Jockey Club Outdoor Training Camp

Buses 94,96R,698RTai Mong Tsai

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Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG December 2013 |

HKFYG MuseumThe HKFYG Museum of The Hong Kong

Federation of Youth Groups will not only showcase stunning Chinese artefacts, but also

aims to serve as a learning environment for young people to increase their knowledge of and appreciation for the beauty, tradition and historical significance of these wonderful pieces.

The exhibits, including Chinese jade carvings, some of which date back as far as the Neolithic period, as well as figurines, pottery and porcelain from various dynasties, have very generously been donated by Lisa’s Collection, Mrs. Cheung Chung Lai-sheung and many other collectors.

The Museum positions itself as a bridge between the past and the future. This is reflected by its focussing on young people in particular, encouraging them to get involved in the various exhibitions and activities that will be hosted and promoted by the Museum. They will learn about preservation of ancient Chinese art, while also exploring and developing their creative and artistic talents. The ‘Cultural Oasis’ series will also invite experienced scholars and collectors, as well as up and coming young artists, to co-organize exhibitions and wwconduct sharing sessions every month.

Museum visits Application form: museum.hkfyg.org.hkSend to partnership@hkfyg.org.hk

Opening hours in 2014

First Wednesday of every month (except public holidays)10:00 am – noon; 2:00 pm – 4:00 pmGroup visits by appointment onlyContact Brenda tel 3755 7103, for detailsVisits and use of audio guide free of charge

Youth Hong Kong

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HKFYG| December 2013

Application form: museum.hkfyg.org.hkSend to partnership@hkfyg.org.hk

Bonnie Tang Man-lam began by mobilizing CUHK classmates to visit supermarkets, restaurants and banquet halls to collect leftover food for redistribution to the homeless. Now a member of the Steering Committee of the government’s Food Wise Campaign, she has set up a non-profit organization called The Leftovers which promotes food collection and education on food waste. It links primary and secondary schools in the effort to not waste food.

Calvin Lam Wai-ho a radio programme host, makes the very best use of media. He is one of the initiators of The Commercial Radio Road Co-op Volunteer Team, such as organizing taxi drivers to sell flags for charity. Calvin has also helped raise more than HK$500,000 for victims of the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami and encouraged over 1,000 people to make nearly 10,000 paper cranes and cards as symbols of friendship for the people of Japan.

Emmy Li Yuen-mei uses her skills to help the poor and the elderly and carries out cataract surgery as a voluntary service for the elderly. As an ophthalmologist, her service to the community is through public education and preventative health care. Her Eye care, I care campaign focuses on school children, encouraging them to take care of their eyes. She has also worked with the Community Chest of Hong Kong to initiate a regional Depression Relief Project helping those suffering from depression to regain their physical and mental health.

Clive Lee Ka-lun trained as an engineer. As he sees it, Hong Kong is a key player in today’s globalized world and if the city wishes to retain its premier position, then young people must develop broad horizons and an international perspective. He helps to provide opportunities for young people to learn from overseas exposure and hands on experience and encourages them all to participate in his Envision Hong Kong programmes for community service.

Wayne Chau Pui-por came to Hong Kong from an impoverished mainland village as a young boy. He coped with his disadvantages with a tenacious spirit, ready to take on any obstacle. Since he arrived in Hong Kong, he has devoted a third of his time to voluntary work and sets an example to others facing similar challenges. As the founder of The Outstanding Givers Association Limited, he promotes parent and child volunteering efforts, including serving the homeless.

The Hong Kong Youth Service Award, an initiative of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, was established in order to honour, acclaim and encourage outstanding young people who, through their commitment, dedication and integrity, exemplify the true spirit of service to the community. They brush colour into Hong Kong’s future and give encouragement and support to a new generation committed to serving others.

More information http://leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk/page.aspx?corpname=leadership21&i=5871&locale=en-US Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/HKFYG.YSA

In November this year, The Hong Kong Youth Service Award was presented for the first time. The recipients were Bonnie Tang Man-

lam, Calvin Lam Wai-ho, Emmy Li Yuen-mei, Clive Lee Ka-lun and Wayne Chau Pui-por. Presenting the awards was Mr CY Leung, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Professor Joseph JY Sung, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong delivered a keynote address.

The Hong Kong Youth Service Award

(left to right) Bonnie Tang Man-lam, Calvin Lam Wai-ho, Emmy Li Yuen-mei, Clive Lee Ka-lun & Wayne Chau Pui-por

45

Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG December 2013 |

p Tang Chi-fai p Matthew Pang Wai-chun

p Leung Wai-yum

p Tang Chi-f ai

p Wong Wing-hei

p Stanley Lau Tsz-yeung

p Chiang Chien-tai

In the course of just one day, with video cameras, mobile phones and digital cameras, young people captured the very essence of

Hong Kong. On these two pages we bring you the winning results. Other photos submitted by entrants can be found in various sections throughout this issue, and on the cover.

The award ceremony of the CoCreate Hong Kong – Very Hong Kong Photo and Short Film Competition was held on 30 November at the HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21. More than 400 young people joined the competition and ten winners of the Photo Competition were chosen by professional adjudicators. One extra was voted the winner online. Here are the eleven winners.

VeryHong Kong

winners!Photo Competition

Youth Hong Kong

46

HKFYG| December 2013

p Sin Yau-tingp Ip Ching-yi

p Law Yu-sum p Alan Law

For more details, please visit Photos: http://m21.hk/cocreatehk/photo_result.php Videos: http://m21.hk/cocreatehk/video_result.php contact CK Chow tel 3979 0040 email ck.chow@hkfyg.org.hk

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust was the Major Sponsor of the Very Hong Kong Photo and Short Film Competition.

The event was partnered by Proudly Supporting HK Our Home and the Very Hong Kong Festival Foundation Association.

Major SponsorMedia Production Proudly Supporting Partner

47

Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG December 2013 |

Famous names, famous sayingsOne day I recognized Sir John Gurdon, famous for his work on stem cells and a Nobel laureate. He was at a lecture I was attending, given by Sir Greg Winter, another renowned scientist recognized for his pioneer studies in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. How privileged I felt. And yet that day I heard Professor Gurdon reminding us that "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

It was a great honour to spend two months at such a prestigious university. To begin with I felt rather hesitant for fear of making mistakes. Gradually the freedom I had been given empowered me and the people around me gave me courage.

"Supervisor, can I ...?"

"Why not give it a go and see?"

"I am sorry for making such a silly mistake..."

"It happens. Just don't repeat the same mistake twice!"

I learned the importance of independent, logical thinking, as well as sharing knowledge and ideas, relishing in flexibility, harnessing it, and letting ideas grow and flow. Apart from bench work, there were fascinating lectures by eminent scientists plus the bonus of meeting them socially in the Cambridge pubs, at receptions, and barbecues. I was so surprised at how approachable great scientists could be.

Another valuable feature of the Summer School was the network of peers and friends I made. We shared a love of science, and these supportive companions gave me immense encouragement. Over those two months, Cambridge nourished me well and yet reminded me to stay hungry, to stay young and foolish.

Now that I am back in Hong Kong again, I ask myself how I feel about those eight weeks in Cambridge. Instead of missing the freedom I treasured there I question myself: "Why am I learning this? Why am I doing that?"

Here, spoon-feeding is normal rather than freedom, and this has made me start asking myself how to apply what I am spoon-fed. Perhaps, if I want to make the world a better place, it is not so much how I learn but how I apply what I learn that matters. Definitely, the Cambridge Summer School was an experience of a lifetime and will remain one of my best memories of university life.

by Rachel Yiu

Rachel Yiu, a 4th year medical student at the University of Hong Kong, was at the Cambridge Science Summer

School in 2013. It was her first visit to the UK and an eye-opening experience. She came back with many lessons learned.

Cambridge nourished me well and yet reminded me to stay hungry.

Youth Hong Kong

48

On the agenda| December 2013

Cambridge exchange

Looking after the disadvantagedFollowing up on the September issue of Youth Hong Kong, a group of students from

HKFYG’s Hong Kong 200 Leadership Project reports on voluntary work they initiated on behalf of poor children, and University of Hong Kong lecturer, Ms Heidi Hui, writes

about the needs of the intellectually disabled.

"Awareness" was the keyword on Action Day for Child Poverty, organized by past participants of Hong Kong 200. They formed themselves into three groups for Social Campaign, Direct Service and Policy Advocacy. The Action Day took place on 5 October in Wong Tai Sin Temple Square.

The Social Campaign group’s aim was to inform the public. Thematic stalls, symbolic performances, creative poetry and touching songs were the main features. Among the stalls was a replica of one of Hong Kong’s notorious sub-divided flats. The aim was to give visitors a taste of what it must be like to live packed tight in a tiny space when you have no alternative. Another colourful activity involved creating a floor sculpture with mooncake boxes.

The students also collected discarded objects and put them on display. They will be donated to poor children. Another stall invited passers-by to write blessings and promises on pieces of old cloth. They pledged help for poor Hong Kong children, ranging from donations to volunteer work. These small pieces of cloth were then sewed into a large patchwork. It will go on display this Christmas.

The action did not end on Action Day. The Direct Service group is following-up with community activities while the Policy Advocacy group is proposing policy measures to ameliorate the lives of children in poverty. One example is their proposed Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for Children. Fares represent the fourth largest item in all household daily expenditure but poverty

prevents many poor children from travelling anywhere outside their home district, their options narrowed and their horizons blinkered by their circumscribed circumstances. If the proposed policy is adopted by the government, the financial burdens of their families will be significantly reduced and their world will grow.

1,321 signatures were collected from general public in support of the proposal and subsequently members of the group promulgated their message with government officials attending Federation events, such as the Policy Online dialogue at M21 with Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary of the Administration.

Action Day for Child Poverty

p Blessings and promises on pieces of old cloth

Mooncake boxes spell Children in Poverty (CIP)

49

Youth Hong Kong

On the agenda December 2013 |

People with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities (ID), need housing too, and according to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), they should have the right to live independently and be included in the community. Those with physical disabilities are generally quite well cared for by relevant government and non-government organizations, just as the senior citizens are. Some are allocated a housing unit by the Hong Kong Housing Authority whereas senior citizens in the middle-income bracket can avail themselves of purpose-built housing at affordable prices in Hong Kong Housing Society developments such as the Senior Citizen Residence Scheme’s Cheerful Court and Jolly Place.

However, the accommodation needs of people ID are sorely neglected, especially if they are severely disabled, their parents or guardians have died, or when they grow old themselves. There are ways to improve the quality of life of such people, allowing them to live with dignity, just like other citizens.

First, the government could launch a public housing scheme for people with ID similar to that provided by the Housing Society for senior citizens. They could be made available to purchase for those who can afford it. The main objective of the scheme would be to integrate housing and the services needed by such intellectually disabled people. The scheme could be non-institutional in nature, consisting of self-contained flats with health and medical care services, as well as leisure and cultural facilities, nearby.

For those with ID who cannot afford such accommodation, the government should provide institutional medical and health care services. For those with ID whose parents or guardians want to live with them, the government should provide home-care services, subsidies or community support services. These will not only encourage families to take care of relatives with ID, but also can relieve the demands placed by the rest of society on Hong Kong’s housing supply.

Don’t forget their very special needsby

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a letter from Heidi Hui, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU

In the last issue of Youth Hong Kong, the special educational needs of children and youth with disabilities were discussed. However, the housing needs of those who are intellectually challenged are rarely addressed, either by the government or the

general public. These needs deserve our attention as well as the housing issues and needs of youth and public in general.

Youth Hong Kong

50

On the agenda| December 2013

Allow them to live with dignity.

Housing dilemma

Soy-ink is made from soybeans and is both environmental friendly and sustainable. Soy-ink is biodegradable and non-toxic.

Publisher :

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups 香港青年協會 www.hkfyg.org.hk．www.m21.hk．www.u21.hk

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

Tel : 3755 7084．3755 7108．Fax : 3755 7155．Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk．Website : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk

YouthVolume 5 Number 4December 2013a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

H O N G K O N G

Photo by Chan Man-kit, Very Hong Kong Video and Photo Competition entrant