Letters | On DSE results day, let’s ask ourselves: is Hong Kong producing happy working adults?
- Readers write in about youth development, the legacy of Coco Lee, and fresh hope for Macau’s economy
On Diploma of Secondary Education results day, I would like to say a few words as a past candidate in this cruel exam.
A candidate’s diligence or intelligence is not determined by a single exam. Failing to read the question properly, missing a word or two – these mistakes happen amid an atmosphere of panic in the exam hall. Words of comfort would help these candidates on results day; deprecation would only make them feel they will never do anything well.
Furthermore, parents should stop comparing their children with other people’s children. Some parents, upon finding their children are one distinction short, might ask for explanations where there are none. When parents demand and pay to have exam scripts rechecked and remarked, their children might feel suffocated or even resent their peers who are “better” than them.
Lastly, youth development should hinge on talent and interest. One of my friends wanted to study politics and public administration, but enrolled for medicine because her high score meant she had to study a subject that guarantees a bright future.
It is not the case that all doctors and lawyers wanted to be in their present jobs; some might have ended up where they are because of social expectations. But good career prospects shouldn’t come before interest or dreams.
An online survey of workplace well-being was conducted in February and March 2022, with around 1,000 respondents each from 18 Asian and Western economies. Hong Kong was ranked among the bottom four, with just 56.3 per cent saying they were happy at work. Our city was followed by Taiwan (55.3 per cent), South Korea (53.3 per cent) and Japan (49.1 per cent).
A career is for a lifetime. Young people would certainly be ill-advised to choose careers that are desirable to everyone but themselves. Don’t covet what might ultimately be worthless.
Julia Chan, Ma On Shan
Leave Coco Lee out of political mudslinging please
Hong Kong-born singer Coco Lee was not just the pride of the Chinese-speaking world, her song “A Love Before Time”, from the Oscar-winning movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, also won her recognition in the West.
The recent death of Lee, who suffered from depression, has filled many with sadness, and she has mostly been remembered positively.
However, out of the blue, Taiwanese writer Sun Wei-mang criticised the late Lee for fawning on mainland China in August last year, when American politician Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and Lee posted on social media that Chinese people must unite and not let outsiders interfere in their affairs. Sun took the view that the apparently mainland-leaning singer did not deserve official condolences from Taiwan.
Randy Lee, Ma On Shan
Macau takes a significant step forward
Opportunities are for those who are prepared, and good relationships – which require communication and mutual respect – are pivotal to business success. Thus, Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng’s recent trip to Portugal, Luxembourg and Belgium, along with a delegation of top officials and business figures, represents a major milestone in economic diversification, following the transfer of sovereignty over Macau to Beijing.
The European tour is of great significance for trade between Macau and the nations concerned, and consistent with the policy direction of the former colonial government. Given its traditionally good relations with the European Union and the United States, Macau received a fair number of orders from them for textiles and garments.
The rapid growth of the textiles and garments industry gave a boost to light industries such as toys, artificial flowers and plastics. Thus, Macau’s manufacturing sector boomed in the 1970s and reached its golden age in the 1980s. Meanwhile, a positive chain reaction benefited other businesses, including tea restaurants and even small stalls selling snacks close to cinemas. A couple who sold snacks outside a cinema once told me they were able to afford a flat and their children’s education overseas on their business earnings.
As a former entrepreneur, Mr Ho understands the importance of respect and communication between global business partners.
More importantly, we hope Macau can one day shed its notoriety as a casino hub.
Barnaby Ieong, Macau
