The study rightly highlighted that ethnic minority groups may miss vital health messaging due to cultural and language barriers. It points to the need to take into account the food preferences and lifestyle choices of these communities when developing strategies to promote healthier habits to combat obesity and diabetes.

I fully support the call for targeted and culturally sensitive actions to improve the health of ethnic minorities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Translating health information into different languages is a good start. But we must go beyond language and consider cultural nuances, food preferences and lifestyle practices to effectively engage with and empower members of these groups.

The use of innovative approaches, such as presenting nutritional guidance in a circle resembling a plate, tailored to the dietary habits of our ethnic minority groups, is commendable.

It would be prudent for the healthcare sector to consider these recommendations seriously. Other areas of service provision should also take the same approach.

By recognising and respecting their unique cultural perspectives and preferences, we can create more inclusive and effective systems that address the needs of our ethnic minority groups.

Ricky Chu, chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission

To help our children, first understand the problem

Your correspondent has written a powerful and knowledgeable letter on the subject of “psychiatrisation”, a response to those who believe that the solution for children in Hong Kong suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression is more psychiatrists and other mental health experts.

I am not an expert on the subject, though I know children suffering from different versions of this crippling disease, especially with the post-pandemic malaise hanging over Hong Kong. The subject is not a closed academic book. I hope those with a genuine interest in and wanting another perspective on what is often lazily labelled “depression” read the letter with an open mind.

Hans Ebert, Wan Chai

A grand sight at Yo-Yo Ma concert, on and off the stage

In the audience, we spotted several lawyer and banker friends. We also spotted a boy of eight or nine, neat in his black suit and bow tie. On the balcony, a middle-aged man leaned fully forward in his seat for the whole performance, hands steepled to his face as if he was watching a crucial sports match unfold.

An elderly grandfather hurried after a young child, helpfully identified from behind by an oversized bright red school backpack. Two young men animatedly discussed Ma’s emoting note by note in the lobby. They wore white shirts, grey trousers and scuffed leather shoes – a uniform no less – much like the thousands of students we see each morning across Hong Kong.

The arts are for everyone. It follows that such world-class cultural performances should be equally accessible to all members of society: young or old, of abundant or more limited means alike. An open ballot for named tickets appears to have been a decent start to achieving this.

David C. Leung, Sai Ying Pun

How to speed up construction of MTR screen doors

MTR Corp has said that work on the platform doors was going slow due to several operational constraints. One was environmental protection laws that limit construction work to two hours a day, two to three days a week. In addition, workers must erect mobile noise barriers when at work, making the task even more time-consuming.

We strongly urge the Environmental Protection Department to step in. It should work with MTR Corp to lengthen construction hours at night while keeping noise pollution within acceptable levels.

At the end of the day, as the department entrusted with overseeing the installation of screen doors for the East Rail line, the Highways Department should be held accountable for the slow pace of work.

Wing Yan Yau, Chun Sin Cheung and Wai Lin Yiu, Kowloon Tong