Issue No. 3 - Summer 2008

YP
Secondary School Musical
K.Y. Kong
If you think the Olympics are for sports enthusiasts only, take a look at this
school where language learners share the passion too.
FKLMSTSS held an English Week from 14th to 18th April featuring the
Olympics. During the week,
d i ff e r e n t a c t i v i t i e s w e r e
organized for students to have
fun and learn more about
the Games. For example,
Form Four and Six students
operated a number of game
booths at lunchtime in the
playground and the school
hall. Students participated
very actively drawn by the
Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School
attractive prizes.
Two cats from Sheung Shui spring surprise at the 59th Hong Kong
Speech Festival.
Reuters in the N.T.
A highlight of this year’s Speech Festival, held between 28 November and 19 December,
was the immensely competitive event, dramatic duologue. The adjudicator had a hard
time choosing the winner but was particularly impressed with the stunning performance
delivered by two Form Four students from a CMI school in Sheung Shui, Fung Kai Liu
Man Shek Tong Secondary School. Lam Hui Tung and Yip Chun Chun staged an episode
of the all-time favourite musical Cats, capturing the audience with their incredibly lively
acting and fabulous costumes. Lam and Yip were awarded second place with only one
mark separating them from the champion. Their trainer Mrs Lui was very proud of the
duo, who shone amongst the 23 teams which were mostly from EMI schools in the city.
Other winners from the same school included Wong Yan Yu and Liu Hui Tung, who won
third place and first place respectively in the solo verse speaking section. Efforts also
paid off in the choral speaking section when both the Form One girls’ team and the Form
Two boys’ team snared first place while Form 4A students beat the odds and walked
away with third place.
Olympic Spirit
see updates at www.fklmstss.edu.hk
Write
Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School
All
C2
To switch or
not to switch
普通話
Language matters
Sheung Shui Got Talent
Issue No.3
Summer 2008
Back
Who wants to be Hong
Kong's next top model?
Contents
Item Title
Class Writer
Publication
Page
date
1.
The Door ---------------------------------------------------------- 5A
Candy Chan
18/09/07
1
2.
Funeral------------------------------------------------------------- 5E
Wu Chak Lam
25/09/07
1
3.
A Song before dawn --------------------------------------------- 6S
Martin Liu Pa Hon
02/06/08
1
4.
Remember, you have a choice ---------------------------------- 6A
Nicole Yiu
31/10/07
2
5.
Trading standards ------------------------------------------------ 6A
Wong Ka Ling
08/11/07
2
6.
Chinese ghost festival is best ----------------------------------- 5A
Reagan Ho
20/11/07
2
7.
Say ‘no’ to genetic modification ------------------------------- 5A
Kinki Cheung Tsz Ki
21/11/07
2
8.
Tragic times in Tin Shui Wai ----------------------------------- 5A
Lee Fung San
22/11/07
2
9.
Keep no secrets from your family ----------------------------- 5A
Cheng Fong Ting
26/11/07
3
10. Are looks really that important? ------------------------------- 5A
Lau Yuet Mei
28/11/07
3
11. Beauty of charity ------------------------------------------------- 6S
Helen Wong Pui Ling 03/12/07
3
12. Let’s have more social enterprises ---------------------------- 7S
Nicholas Kwan
10/12/07
3
13. Don’t hurt others by word or deed ----------------------------- 5A
Chow Wai Kuen
10/12/07
3
14. Faulty goods harm China’s image ----------------------------- 6A
Florence
10/12/07
3
15. Drawbacks in coupon system ---------------------------------- 7S
Tam Kam Fung
11/12/07
3
16. Community Co-ops have limitations -------------------------- 7S
Tony Ma
11/12/07
3
17. Co-opts can give poor people their dignity ------------------- 7S
Yip Tik On
11/12/07
3
18. Scheme gives hope to the poor --------------------------------- 7S
Li Sin Yu
12/12/07
3
19. Life is about relaxation ------------------------------------------ 5A
Chan Yee Ha
24/12/07
4
20. No time to spare -------------------------------------------------- 6S
U Ka Chun
08/01/08
4
21. Fare is fare -------------------------------------------------------- 7A
Chan Chiu
10/01/08
4
22. Local filmmakers lose the plot --------------------------------- 6S
Ching
17/01/08
4
23 Loving parents --------------------------------------------------- 7A
Tang Shuk Fong
21/02/08
4
24. Teens defy public smoking ban -------------------------------- 5A
Leo Tsang Yung Pang 10/03/08
4
25. Friendly advice --------------------------------------------------- 6A
Chan Hoi Hei
24/03/08
5
26. Sports Day -------------------------------------------------------- 6S
Editorial Group
14/01/08
5
27. Tarzan ------------------------------------------------------------- 6S
Editorial Group
25/04/08
5
28. What is the best way to support the film industry? ---------- 7S
Tai Kwun Kit
08/10/07
6
29. How can Tin Shui Wai be revitalized? ------------------------ 5A
Jack Li Nin Chun
02/11/07
6
30. Should all minibuses have seat belts? ------------------------- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 03/11/07
6
31. How can Tin Shui Wai be revitalized? ------------------------ 5A
Tsang Yiu Chung
05/11/07
6
32. How can Tin Shui Wai be revitalized? ------------------------ 7S
Tai Kwun Kit
10/11/07
6
33. How can Tin Shui Wai be revitalized? ------------------------ 6A
Dennis Cheng
12/11/07
6
34. What do you think of Park’n Shop’s new bag policy? ------ 5A
Cheung Wing Sze
23/11/07
7
35. What do you think of Park’n Shop’s new bag policy? ------ 6S
Liu Yuk Fai
23/11/07
7
36. How can children be better-protected against abuse? ------- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 23/11/07
7
37. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? --- 7A
Luk Ka Hei
26/11/07
7
38.
Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? -- 7A
Jobi Lo Wing
26/11/07
7
39. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? --- 7A
Wong Yuk In
26/11/07
7
40. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? --- 7A
Ng Kwan Lok
27/11/07
8
41. How can respect for animals be promoted? ------------------ 6A
Kyle Chan Ka Yee
27/11/07
8
42. Do you find anything offensive on local TV? ---------------- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 28/11/07
8
43. Should local mothers be given priority for maternity
services at private hospitals? ----------------------------------- 5C
Ken Tsang Yung Ho
29/11/07
8
44. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? --- 7A
Cathy Wong Yuk Mui 03/12/07
8
45. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese Language? --- 7A
Wong Chui Shan
03/12/07
8
46. Will you be upgrading for digital TV? ------------------------ 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 13/12/07
8
47. What do you think about attitudes to sex? -------------------- 6S
Choi Shuk Ching
13/12/07
9
48. Should concerts be held at HK Stadium? --------------------- 6S
May Yuen
19/12/07
9
49. Should cha chan teng be declared intangible heritage? ----- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 20/12/07
9
50. What do you think about digital TV? ------------------------- 7A
Angel Lau Ho Yan
08/01/08
9
51. What do you think about sex education in HK? ------------- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 08/01/08
9
52. Should the artificial beach go ahead? ------------------------- 5A
Truda Tsoi Chun Wai 21/01/08
9
53. How much are you prepared to pay to rent a DVD? -------- 6S
May Yuen
22/02/08
9
54. What do you think of Edison Chen’s statement? ------------ 6A
Katie Chiu
26/02/08
9
55. What do you think of Edison Chen’s statement? ------------ 6S
Terence Chung
27/02/08
10
56. What do you think of Edison Chen’s statement? ------------ 6A
Kathy Chan
27/02/08
10
57. What do you think of Edison Chen’s statement? ------------ 6A
Kyle Chan Ka Yee
27/02/08
10
58. What do you think of the nude photos scandal? ------------- 6A
Mok Wing To
04/03/08
10
59. Do you think the smoking ban is effective? ------------------ 5C
Tsang Yung Ho
12/03/08
10
60. Do you think MTR fares should be cut? ---------------------- 6S
U Ka Chun
12/03/08
10
61. What is the best way to funds the arts? ----------------------- 6S
Terence Chung
17/03/08
10
62. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese language? ---- 7A
Ron Yiu
08/04/08
11
63. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese language? ---- 7A
Angel Lau Ho Yan
15/04/08
11
64. Should Putonghua be used to teach Chinese language? ---- 7A
Chan Chiu
17/04/08
11
65. What do you think of the U-turn on hawker licensing? ----- 6S
May Yuen
10/06/08
11
66. Simple Solution -------------------------------------------------- 6A
Kyle Chan
13/11/07
12
67. Get volunteers in schools --------------------------------------- 6A
Kiseki Chan
15/11/07
12
68. Self-help plea ----------------------------------------------------- 6A
Karen Yip
22/11/07
12
69. Government slow to act ----------------------------------------- 6A
Dennis Cheng
23/11/07
12
70. Recycling besting pollution fight ------------------------------ 6A
Chan Hoi Hei
26/11/07
12
71. Little warning on bag change----------------------------------- 6A
Kiseki Chan
26/11/07
12
72. Chinese Lessons -------------------------------------------------- 7S
Tai Kwun Kit
26/12/07
12
Acknowledgments:
We would like to thank the South China Morning Post for giving us permission to include copyright material in this
publication. We very much appreciate the effort of students who contributed to the press.
We apologise for any infringement of copyright in respect of material for which the sources could not be traced.
1
2
3
4
5
What is the best way to support
the film industry?
The best way an individual can help the
industry is to go out and buy a ticket to the
cinema.
However, I do not want to waste my
money, so I will only pay to see a good film.
The government supports the industry
in different ways, including giving grants.
Officials argue that as it is a creative
industry, it deserves government backing.
However, Cantonese drama and comic
books are also creative and have a long
tradition, so why does the government only
support the film industry?
Tai Kwun-kit, Sheung Shui
H o w c a n T i n S h u i Wa i b e
revitalized?
Tin Shui Wai is a town where there have
been many family tragedies.
As I live in Tin Shui Wai, I can appreciate
how necessary and urgent it is to turn this ‘city
of sadness’ into a ‘city of happiness’.
The first step towards revitalizing the
area is to assign more social workers at the
different estates and establish more service
centres.
I think some community-based
programmes should be launched, such as
cultural performances and carnivals, to
enhance communal solidarity.
A group should be set up to monitor
these activities and see what effect they
have on the community.
Activities should be arranged that young
people would find interesting and we have
to try to help them concentrate on their
studies.
Children are our future and we have to
try and ensure they do not join gangs or end
up taking drugs.
Last but not least, there is a lack of
leisure facilities in Tin Shui Wai.
The library, stadium and community
centre fail to meet the needs of the
population.
The government needs to provide
more facilities so that people can relax at
weekends when they are not working.
If people are able to relieve the stress
that builds up, this can help to prevent the
domestic violence that has caused these
tragedies.
There is so much that needs to be done,
with regard to transport and low salaries.
The road to revitalization will be a
hard one. However, we can succeed, if, as
citizens, we work together.
Jack Li Nin-chun, Tin Shui Wai
Tomorrow’s
talkback questions
Should Putonghua be used to teach
Chinese language?
How can respect for animals be
promoted?
Send your e-mails to
talkback@scmp.com
Please include your full name,Address
and telephone number, not necessarily for
publication.
South China Morning Post Publishers
Ltd. reserves the right to edit letters for
publication and reproduce them ( in
whole or part) in any of its print, digital or
electronic publications and websites
Second, there are insufficient facilities
for the community. There is only one small
library; it is not much larger than a book
store. There is no community centre in
north Tin Shui Wai.
Without these facilities people in Tin
Shui Wai will become bored, with nothing
to do but watch television and the stress
they feel will build up.
More importantly, Hong Kong people
should stop labelling Tin Shui Wai as a ‘city
of sadness’. There are middle class and
poor families living there.
We s h o u l d n o t j u s t f o c u s o n t h e
tragedies, as this will only make things
worse and lead some at-risk families to feel
even more pessimistic about things and this
may lead to another tragedy some day.
I urge the government to act swiftly so
that soon Tin Shui Wai can be presented in
a more positive light.
Tsang Yiu-chung, Tin Shui Wai
Should all minibuses have seat H o w c a n T i n S h u i Wa i b e
belts?
revitalized?
Minibuses are an essential form of
public transport in Hong Kong. They are
economical and go to even the most remote
locations. But they are not always safe.
There are too many minibus drivers
who are obsessed with speed and do not
care about the safety of their passengers.
Therefore, all minibuses must have seat
belts.
Having to cling onto the handrail while
a minibus screeches round corners at high
speed is a terrifying experience. Passengers
can feel safer in such situations if they are
wearing seat belts.
Some people may argue that installing
the seat belts is pointless as passengers will
ignore them. However, safety should be our
first priority. We must appreciate that we do
not get a second chance in life.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
H o w c a n T i n S h u i Wa i b e
revitalized?
In recent years, Tin Shui Wai has been
dubbed ‘the city of sadness’ because of
a number of family tragedies casued by
domestic violence.
As a resident, I feel there is much the
government must do if it wants to revitalize
Tin Shui Wai.
First, transport costs are ridiculously
high. It costs HK$40 to travel from Tin Shui
Wai to Kowloon. Low-income families are
not able to afford such an expensive fare
and so they effectively become trapped in
Tin Shui Wai.
The government should improve public
transport in the area and lower fares.
6
I am writing in response to the letter by
Tsang Yiu-chung (Talkback, November 5).
M r Ts a n g c o m p l a i n e d a b o u t t h e
‘ridiculously high’ cost of travelling from Tin
Shui Wai to Kowloon and said it cost HK$40.
However, there is an alternative. He could
try the 265B with a fare of HK$26,which
goes from Tin Shui Wai to Mong Kok.
In fact there are two libraries in Tin Shui
Wai, not one – Tin Shui Wai Public Library
and another one in Tin Shui Wai North. There
are some community centres in Tin Shui Wai:
it is just that they are difficult to find.
It is, therefore, important that the
organizations running these centres make
residents more aware of their existence.
Mr Tsang said that owing to the lack of
facilities, residents in Tin Shui Wai chose to
watch television and the stress they felt built up.
I do not think there is a relationship
between television and a buildup of stress.
In fact, I watch television to relax and find
it helps me release the tension I might feel.
However, I do agree that Tin Shui Wai needs
to be given more support so it can be revitalized.
Tai Kwun-kit, Sheung Shui
H o w c a n T i n S h u i Wa i b e
revitalized?
I am a Secondary Six student living in Tin
Shui Wai South.
I think the facilities and resources in
this part of Hong Kong are inadequate, and
especially in the Tin Shui Wai North area.
Many of the community facilities, for
example, the central park, the health centre,
the sports facilities, are all located in Tin
Shui Wai South, because this was built first.
I feel that Tin Shui Wai North has been
ignored.
Although there have been a number of
tragic events in the area, the government
does not seem to have woken up to the fact
that something needs to be done.
It is quite clear that there are not enough
social workers.
Each social worker is having to handle
50 to 60 cases.
If the situation does not improve, then
I am afraid we are going to see even more
tragic events in the future.
However, I think there are some
possible solutions:
The government can provide extra
financial support by paying for professionals
who can help the area’s residents, for
example, lawyers and psychologists.
Issue new hawker licences to Tin Shui
Wai residents and provide a hawkers’ centre
which could be situated on the Tin Shui
Wai riverbank.
This policy would enable some residents
to establish their own businesses and they
could then become self-reliant.
Subsidies the recycling industries in
Tin Shui Wai, because there are many
immigrants who have become accustomed
to collecting aluminum cans, newspapers
and iron to make extra income.
Improve the transport support scheme to
help those Tin Shui Wai residents who are
working in urban areas of Hong Kong. The
government can change the rules to allow
more residents to benefit from the scheme.
I think that if these measures were
implemented, they would enable residents
in Tin Shui Wai to have more social support
and be self-reliant by working. I hope Tin
Shui Wai can shake off the ‘the city of
sadness’ tag in the near future.
Dennis Cheng, Tin Shui Wai
ParknShop will do with the money it makes
from the levy.
If I knew this, I would be more willing
to shop there.
Cheung Wing-sze, Fanling
temper and take it out on the child.
If we feel stressed, we must find ways
of reducing that stress, but we should not
take it out on our children.
Truda Tsoi, Sheung Shui
What do you think of ParknShop’s
new bag policy?
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
I think the new ParknShop policy could
reduce the number of plastic bags used in
Hong Kong and hopefully it will help more
people get into the habit of using their own
shopping bags.
However, I think the new policy would
be more effective if the 20 cent charge
was compulsory. Also, I think 20 cents
per bag is a small amount. It is important
for shoppers not to take these new
biodegradable bags for granted.
Biodegradable bags are expensive
and they can still do some damage to the
environment.
Liu Yuk-fai, Sheung Shui
Putonghua is becoming increasingly
important around the globe, but many of the
city’s residents still cannot speak it fluently.
Putonghua is used in all walks of life
– business, technology and the service
sector. I have seen Canto-pop stars giving
interviews in Putonghua.
In order to raise students’ level in
Putonghua, it should be used to teach
Chinese language in the city.
As the mainland’s economy develops
in leaps and bounds and Putonghua is used
more widely in business circles throughout
the world, our young people will be at a
disadvantage if they cannot speak it.
Luk Ka-hei, Sheung Shui
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
What do you think of ParknShop’s
new bag policy?
H o w c a n c h i l d re n b e b e t t e r
protected against abuse?
I firmly support the ParknShop plastic
bag initiative, which includes the offer of
biodegradable bags instead of the ordinary
one with the company’s “P” logo.
We all know that too many plastic
bags are being used in Hong Kong and
it is having an adverse effect on our
environment.
Too many people take plastic bags
for granted and will never refuse them at
supermarkets. But we can no longer turn a
blind eye to the fact that 8.39 billion plastic
bags are dumped in landfills in Hong Kong
every year.
Some people may be happy to pay
the 20 cents voluntary levy charged by
ParknShop, but I hope instead more people
will bring their own recycled bags when
they go shopping , as this will cost them
nothing.
However, I would like to know what
Too often now children are treated like
royalty by their parents and are spoiled.
It is hardly surprising when such children
display outrageous behaviour.
When their behaviour becomes
unbearable, parents will sometimes feel
they have to scold or even resort to corporal
punishment.
I think the best solution would be
for parents to ask the children to explain
their actions and try to teach them how
to act correctly, otherwise they will not
appreciate the mistakes they have made.
For punishment, they could be asked to do
household work for a week.
If a domestic helper is mistreating the
children in a family, it may be because
the helper is being given an immense
workload. Employers should treat their
helpers properly so they do not lose their
7
I am fully behind the idea of using
Putonghua as the medium of instruction to
teach Chinese language.
Since the handover, Putonghua has
become a commonly-used language in the
city. Putonghua is being used here every
day, for example, in job interviews.
It is used in business and community
services.
An increasing number of people attend
Putonghua courses in their spare time and
I think students should be equipped with
knowledge of the language while they are
still at school, so that when they grow up,
they have a better chance of doing well in
their chosen careers.
They will benefit a great deal from
Putonghua being used to teach Chinese
language. It will improve their grasp of
Chinese grammar.
Some critics have said that there are not
enough qualified Putonghua teachers in the
city to run the scheme.
But not all schools will launch the
scheme at the same time, so teachers will
be given time to get the necessary training.
I hope Putonghua can be used to teach
Chinese language and I believe students
will enjoy this.
Jobi Lo-wing, Sheung Shui
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
I do not think Putonghua should be used as
the medium of instruction to teach Chinese
language.
Undoubtedly, China’s status on the
world stage has become more prominent.
People used to think that English was
the only international language, but now
Putonghua is becoming very important, and
because of this, the government is looking
into using Putonghua in schools.
However, I wonder if it is really a good
idea to implement this policy.
The city’s government will have to
spend a large sum to get mainland lecturers
to come here to teach Chinese teachers in
Hong Kong. The city’s teachers will then
have to pass the Putonghua standard test. If
they fail, they risk losing their jobs.
Moreover, will it really be good for the
city’s students?
Some of the Chinese textbooks chosen
by the Examinations and Assessment
Authority would be strange to read in
Putonghua so the policy might compromise
the efficiency of the learning process.
Wong Yuk-in, Sheung Shui
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
Teaching in Putonghua has many benefits,
especially as the language is becoming
increasingly important.
China is developing and there are many
career and investment opportunities for our
young people. They can take advantage
of these opportunities if they speak the
language and become more competitive.
Also, Putonghua is the mother tongue of
our country, so we should be able to speak it.
People who fail to master Putonghua
will not be able to communicate with most
mainland citizens. I think schools should
use Putonghua to teach Chinese language.
In addition, teaching in Putonghua
not only can help students in their future
careers, it can also help give them a deeper
understanding of China and of Chinese
literature.
However, I am not advocating that
schools should ignore other languages, as
English should still be taught.
Ng Kwan-lok, Sheung Shui
them and play with them.
I urge anyone who is thinking of buying
a pet to realize that a pet is a lifetime
commitment.
Kyle Chan Ka-yee, Sheung Shui
Do you find anything offensive on
local TV?
Television provides basic entertainment for
Hongkongers. However, the standard of
local TV programmes has deteriorated.
Hong Kong programme makers used to be
very creative. They did not imitate the ideas of
others, but came up with their own ideas.
I used to enjoy watching Hong Kongmade drama series and talk shows. The
beauty pageants were well presented,
with the camera crew and other backstage
personnel paying attention to detail. Now,
however, it is very rare to see anything
original on Hong Kong television.
Everything is a pale imitation, with
predictable endings.
Our TV stations are now buying drama
series and game shows from elsewhere or
are copying their ideas.
The public is crying out for our stations
to stop imitating ideas from programme
makers abroad and start trying to be more
creative.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
Should Putonghua be used to
Should local mothers be given teach Chinese language?
priority for maternity services at
I do not support using Putonghua as the
private hospitals?
If mainland mothers have easy access to
Hong Kong’s maternity services, this will
be unfair to local mothers, who should have
priority.
If people on the mainland think it is
easy to get maternity services here, then
there will be a rush to come to Hong Kong
to give birth and the bed-shortage crisis will
deepen.
Ken Tsang Yung-ho, Fanling
How can respect for animals be
promoted?
Should Putonghua be used to
I fail to understand how some people are teach Chinese language?
capable of abandoning or even harming
animals, like puppies and kittens. It is so
cruel and hard-hearted.
We have to realize that animals are
living creatures and they have rights.
People who have pets should act
responsibly. They should care for them when
they have health problems, keep them clean
and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
A pet should be loved and treasured.
I think the government could help by
imposing tougher penalties on people who
are found guilty of animal cruelty and that
includes people who abandon animals, as
this is becoming an increasingly serious
problem. Over the years, I have treated my
pets as members of my family. They are
pets, but they are also my friends.
I find it relaxing to spend time with
However, in some areas, people are
ignoring Putonghua.
If it is used as the medium of instruction
for Chinese language, this will encourage
more people in Hong Kong to learn it and
that would be good for our young people.
If Putonghua is used to teach Chinese
language, students will benefit in other
ways.
It will improve their writing skills and
they will find it easier to read some articles.
If students in Hong Kong are being
taught every day in Putonghua, they will
become more confident about using it,
because at present, with only a limited
number of lessons, they lack the confidence
to speak it.
However, while I support the Putonghua
teaching scheme, it should not be
implemented without proper preparation.
The government must ensure schools
have all the support they need before the
scheme is launched.
If there are not enough resources such
as qualified teachers and a new curriculum,
the scheme will not be successful.
This is what happened in the past with
some educational reforms, brought in with
insufficient preparation.
Cathy Wong, Sheung Shui
I believe using Putonghua as a medium
to teach Chinese language can have a
profound influence on the next generation.
Putonghua is becoming an increasingly
important language.
It is the main medium of communication
on the mainland.
Also, more foreigners have shown an
interest in learning the language.
Putonghua will play a more prominent
role on the world stage. So, it’s vitally
important that our young people learn it.
There are many employers nowadays
who require candidates for jobs to have a
good spoken command of both Putonghua
and English.
The government is putting more
resources into the promotion of English.
8
medium of instruction in Chinese language.
Of course, learning Putonghua can help
students when it comes to joining the job
market and they are looking for work.
H o w e v e r, t h e r e a r e a n u m b e r o f
problems related to using Putonghua as the
medium of instruction.
Chinese teachers will have to attend
extra Putonghua lessons and this will
increase their workload.
It will put them under enormous
pressure, as they will have to pass the
necessary tests.
Besides, students may not adapt to the
sudden change.
However, if it is decided to bring in
Putonghua as the medium of instruction,
it must be done step by step and students
must be helped as they try to adapt to the
changes.
It will take a long time for students and
teachers to adapt to this new system.
Wong Chui-shan, Fanling
Will you be upgrading for digital
TV?
As far as I understand it, I will still be able
to use my old set and so I will not upgrade
in the near future.
You can already enjoy a clear picture
without receiving a digital signal. Why do
we always want things to be perfect?
I am concerned that if all Hongkongers
upgrade their TVs, this will produce a
mountain of electrical waste. How can this
problem be solved?
I will not upgrade my TV until my
present set is broken and cannot be
repaired.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
What do you think about attitudes
to sex?
Most parents are reluctant to talk about
sex with their children, thinking they will
somehow acquire the necessary knowledge
as they grow up.
In schools, some teachers are too
embarrassed to raise the subject. The only
sex education most pupils get is to be
offered a few chapters about reproductive
processes in biology textbooks. The more
you repress teenagers, the more curious
they become.
Unable to get the information they
need from teachers or parents, teenagers
may resort to the internet to satisfy their
curiosity and they may be exposed to
wholly inappropriate material. Therefore, I
urge parents and teenagers to adopt a more
open attitude so that teenagers have a clear
picture.
Choi Shuk-ching, Shek Wu Hui
The only sex
education most
pupils get is a few
chapters in biology
textbooks
Choi Shuk-ching, Shek Wu Hui
Should concerts be held at Hong
Kong Stadium?
Hong Kong Stadium is a perfect place
for football matches, the Sevens or other
charity and special events.
I also think it is a suitable venue
for concerts. Although there might be
complaints from residents, I can see the
advantages to holding concerts in Hong
Kong Stadium. Because of its size, a large
number of people get the chance to enjoy
the performance.
Also, an outdoor concert is better for
Hong Kong than using an indoor venue, as
there is no need to use air conditioners.
May Yuen, Sheung Shui
Should cha chan teng be declared right concepts on the subject from an early
age.
intangible heritage?
I think cha chan teng have been an
indispensable part of our lives in Hong
Kong.
You are able to enjoy delicious food at a
low price. And as the food there represents
the unique cuisine of Hong Kong, the cha
chan teng restaurant has iconic status in
Hong Kong’s eating culture.
Visitors often find they have to pay a
lot of money to eat well. However, it is
not necessary to pay HK$1000 for a meal.
You can get good-quality food for around
HK$100 in a cha chan teng, and there is
a wide variety, including traditional and
modern dishes, such as abalone, fish balls,
tiramisu and ginger milk.
It is clear that the cha chan teng is very
important to Hong Kong people. They have
been part of our lives for many years and
we should appreciate them as part of our
heritage.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
What do you think about digital TV?
We are entering the digital TV age in Hong
Kong.
This means that with the right
equipment, Hong Kong people will be able
to watch high-definition television with
good-quality pictures.
However, I believe people should have
options.
High-definition TV should not be
imposed on people.
I am happy that with better technology
we have better reception.
However, some people do not watch
a lot of television and they might have no
real desire to switch to digital TV.
Also, it costs money to get a digital
signal, because you need to get new
equipment and some families on low
incomes cannot afford to make the switch,
or do not want to spend the money.
I think high-definition TV is a luxury
and people should be entitled to it if they
want it, just as some people are willing to
pay for subscription TV.
However, as I said, viewers should be
given a choice.
Angel Lau Ho-yan, Tung Chung
What do you think about sex
education in Hong Kong?
As a teenager, I totally agree with your
correspondents who have argued that sex
education is outdated in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong nowadays, it is accepted
that some people will decide to have
premarital sex.
Sex education should not just be about
teaching people to say ‘no’.
Young people need to be educated
about, for example, how to use condoms.
If sex education is introduced in primary
school, then young people can develop the
9
It is too late to start teaching it to
adolescents, because by then they will be
curious and may develop misconceptions
on the subject.
In order to improve sex education, it is
better to teach people early with applied
teaching material.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
Should the artificial beach go
ahead?
I support this move by the government.
Our natural beaches are becoming
polluted, therefore we need an artificial
beach to replace them. It will also help
protect the natural beaches.
I think a high-quality artificial beach
can help balance the ecosystem.
Also, the artificial beach can benefit
the public in many ways. It will enhance
public awareness of the need to protect our
environment. Visiting places like this is a
way of raising that awareness.
Without that awareness existing among
our citizens, we will be unable to solve our
environmental problems and eventually
there will be no natural retreats for people.
Most importantly, I think this artificial
beach will make the area more attractive
and it will be popular with tourists. In fact,
I would like to see more artificial beaches
being built.
Truda Tsoi Chun-wai, Sheung Shui
How much are you prepared to
pay to rent a DVD?
Watching DVDs is one of my hobbies.
I love renting a DVD and enjoying it at
home. I just need to spend about HK$20
for my DVD, drinks and potato chips, then
that’s my weekend.
But now I fear my life has been
shattered. I cannot believe distributors want
shops to pay up to 100 per cent of a video
disc’s wholesale price each time they rent it
out. This implies the rental fee will rise too.
If this happens, consumers will suffer.
I prefer paying HK$10 to rent a DVD –
that’s about 20 per cent of the ticket price
if I went to see the film in a cinema at the
weekend. I believe HK$10 is enough for
the copyright of the distributor, and that
is an acceptable price for citizens, even
students.
May Yuen, Sheung Shui
What do you think of Edison
Chen’s statement?
There was both criticism and praise for
Edison Chen Koon-hei following his public
apology.
Some people think that he was brave
to take responsibility for his actions and
because of his sincerity and the sorrow that
he felt over what he had done. However,
some members of the public were not
impressed.
It is difficult to ascertain how sincere
he really was, but there is no doubt that he
deserves to be criticized for what he did.
Some people have seen him as a victim
because he never intended that the nude
pictures should be viewed on the internet.
But, as a public figure, Chen
should have realized that he has social
responsibilities. Celebrities should be
projecting a positive image to the public
and think carefully about their behaviour
and what effect it will have. Even in their
private lives they should be careful about
what they do.
However, what happened to Chen
should be a lesson in life to all of us. It
should make us aware that if a person does
not show self-discipline, it is easy for a
reputation to be ruined.
Katie Chiu, Sheung Shui
What do you think of Edison
Chen’s statement?
I was saddened by Edison Chen Koon-hei’s
statement.
I strongly believe he has learned his
lesson from this scandal and has taken
note of the criticism levelled against him,
that he was irresponsible. He clearly
did not imagine at the time the serious
consequences of his actions.
He was educated abroad, in a country
where people are more open-minded
about sex and less conservative than
Hongkongers. He has done enough by
apologizing. Nobody is perfect; we all
make mistakes.
Why can’t we forgive him and let him
have another chance? It cannot have been
easy for him to admit his failings before all
those people at the press conference. He is
also a victim in all of this and he should not
be demonized.
Terrence Chung, Sheung Shui
What do you think of Edison seen any officials telling them they are
in a no-smoking area and to put out their
Chen’s statement?
Edison Chen Koon-hei is a talented pop
singer and film actor, and yet he has
decided to leave the local entertainment
industry because of the sex photos.
I applaud him for apologizing.
He had the guts to come back to Hong
Kong and give a press conference.
I thought he came across as being
sincere and I was more impressed with him
than with Gillian Chung Yan-tung at her
press conference, when she said she was
‘naïve and silly’ (‘Sorry, I was naïve, says
Twins star’, February 12). I hope he can
recover from this.
Chen is a victim of this scandal as he
never intended to show the pictures to
anyone. This scandal shows us the dark side
of celebrity lifestyles, but it should also
serve as a lesson to all of us, that it is wrong
to take these kinds of pictures with your
partner. Having self-respect is important.
Kyle Chan Ka-yee, Sheung Shui
Do you think MTR fares should
What do you think of the nude be cut?
photos scandal?
Taking advantage of the merger with the
Edison Chen Koon-hei may have failed
as a role model, but, as a public figure, he
fulfilled his responsibilities.
He returned to Hong Kong last month
and I think he should be praised for his
public apology over what happened. He
was, after all, a victim. These photos were
very private and although Chen took them,
he did not intend that they should be seen
by anyone else.
This scandal has not had much effect on
my attitude towards sex and marriage.
I think young people have their own
concepts and know what is suitable for
them.
Mok Wing-to, Fanling
What do you think of Edison
Chen’s statement?
It was necessary for Edison Chen Koon-hei
to apologise, but I think he should be seen
as a victim in this incident.
He was guilty of not ensuring these
private photos remained private. If he had
been more careful this would not have
happened. At least he had the courage to
admit what he had done and apologise to
the people of Hong Kong.
Those pictures should never have been
uploaded and put on the internet as they
were private. Newspapers, TV stations and
internet sites did not help by providing
extensive coverage of the scandal. If these
pictures had not involved celebrities,
newspapers would not have printed them.
Kathy Chan, Sheung Shui
cigarettes.
I suggest that staff of public estates who
see people smoking in prohibited areas
should report these incidents to the Tobacco
Control Office
Also, people still smoke in public
toilets. Once they lock the door inside a
cubicle, they feel it is okay.
If there are no tobacco control officers
to stamp this out, then people will continue
to smoke in public toilets.
Tsang Yung-ho, Fanling
Do you think the smoking ban is
effective?
I do not think the ban has been effective.
Smoking is banned in public places,
such as offices, many restaurants, sports
grounds, parks and playgrounds.
However, I still see lots of teenagers
smoking at basketball courts. I have never
10
KCR Corporation, an increasing number
of passengers have been using the MTR,
especially cross-harbour commuters.
The fares of the MTR are, undeniably,
relatively low compared with buses.
However, I think there is still room
to further reduce fares as the MTR
Corporation has been profitable for a
number of years.
U Ka-chun, Sheung Shui
What is the best way to fund the
arts?
I think the best way to support the arts in
Hong Kong is to set up a foundation.
This would enable anyone who is
interested in participating in the arts, but
who has financial problems, to apply for a
subsidy.
Some artists need a small place to use as
a studio or workshop. However, they may
not have enough for the rent, because unless
they are well known, they will not make a
lot of money. It is very sad if someone has
artistic talent but cannot fulfil their potential
because of financial problems.
There are a lot of students who can
paint well, or who are good writers, but are
unable to make progress because of lack
of money. It is not fair that they are unable
to see their dreams come true because of
financial constraints. I believe this problem
could be solved through setting up a
foundation.
Everyone who has given an outstanding
performance in the arts could get a subsidy
from the foundation.
Terrence Chung, Sheung Shui
This means that when students are What do you think of the U-turn
Should Putonghua be used to
using Cantonese to learn Chinese language, on hawker licensing?
teach Chinese language?
Given that Hong Kong is now part of China,
it is essential that Hongkongers, especially
students, should master Putonghua. It is
important, because these young people will
be the backbone of the future society.
Some have, therefore, argued that
Putonghua should be the medium of
instruction when teaching Chinese
language, however, I do not agree.
Few students get much exposure to
Putonghua in Hong Kong. There are not
that many lessons in most primary and
secondary schools. They might have only
two or three lessons a week.
Therefore, I think pupils might find it
difficult to cope with this language if it is
the medium of instruction. Officials have
to satisfy themselves that our young people
would be able to cope before anything is
done.
First, they should accord more
importance to Putonghua in schools, so that
students can improve their standard. One
way of doing this is to have more lessons.
An increasing number of non-Chinese
are learning Putonghua as China’s status
in the world rises. Also, China is a huge
market with countless opportunities.
To be able to compete with others in
this market, including mainlanders and
foreigners, it is essential that Hong Kong
students are given all the help they need to
polish their Putonghua. But they should be
small steps, rather than one giant leap.
Ron Yiu, Fanling
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
After 1997 Hong Kong once more became
part of China, and since then relations
between Hong Kong and the mainland
have become closer, especially after
signing of the Closer Economic Partnership
Arrangement.
Because of this, I think it is important
that as many Hong Kong people as possible
speak Putonghua well. I agree with those
who have argued that in schools it should
be the new medium of instruction for
teaching Chinese language.
In fact, globally, Putonghua is becoming
more important.
However, I do not think that many
native Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong
have a good command of Putonghua. Using
Putonghua to teach Chinese language has
several advantages. It will improve our
standard of written Chinese.
Too often Cantonese speakers use
colloquial language in their writing and
Putonghua would help to counter this trend.
Schools that use Cantonese to teach
Chinese are presented with certain
problems. Cantonese is only a dialect like,
for example, Hakka, and not a classical
language.
this will mix up colloquial and literary
language.
Furthermore, as they will speak
Cantonese with friends and family as
it is their native tongue, they will only
use Putonghua, when they are having a
Putonghua lesson.
These students can then fall behind with
their Putonghua proficiency. This can affect
them in later life, as being good at Putonghua
can help young people with their careers.
I think the government should decide
to adopt Putonghua as the medium of
instruction for Chinese language from
the primary school level and let children
develop their Putonghua speaking skills.
Angel Lau Ho-yan, Tung Chung
Should Putonghua be used to
teach Chinese language?
I believe Putonghua should be used in our
schools to teach Chinese language.
China plays a vital role in the world.
This is partly because of the Olympics, but
also as it is seen as the ‘world’s factory’.
English became an international language,
historically, because Britain and the US
were so powerful and that influence spread
across the globe. China’s power is growing
as it develops, meaning Putonghua will
become more important.
Because of this, Hong Kong students
must become more proficient in the
language. Whether we are studying, or
after we have completed our studies
and are working, we will constantly
encounter Putonghua. In our universities,
an increasing number of academics have
been hired who come from the mainland
and Taiwan. They will normally teach in
Putonghua, for instance, if they are teaching
Chinese history. Therefore, the students
must be able to understand them.
Using Putonghua to teach Chinese
can improve a student’s Chinese. Young
people who are articulate will do better in
a very competitive society. Therefore, a
young person who has a good command of
Chinese will benefit in his studies and in
later life.
In terms of the history of Chinese
literature, Putonghua is more useful as
Cantonese is just a dialect.
Chan Chiu, Sheung Shui
11
I absolutely agree with the proposal on
issuing hawker licences.
When I read a few months back that
the government was going to stop issuing
hawker licences, I felt sorry for the old icecream vendors who wanted to continue
plying their trade.
Although I am just a teenager, I
really could not see the logic behind the
government’s decision.
These elderly hawkers just wanted
to show that they could still make a
contribution to society in spite of their age.
If they are able to get their own licences,
they will remain financially independent.
I think this will be good for the whole
of society, as these elderly people will not
be a financial burden on the public purse.
Besides, hawking is not only a part
of Hong Kong’s culture: with the issuing
of licences, it offers job opportunities for
unskilled workers.
With more and more aspects of our
heritage under threat, it is important to try
to preserve these special aspects of Hong
Kong.
We must do as much as we can to
preserve that culture.
May Yuen, Sheung Shui
Simple solutions
Because of family tragedies, many people
have a negative image of Tin Shui Wai.
There are a lot of low-income families
in Tin Shui Wai and many people have low
educational standards. When they can find
work, it often involves working long hours.
This can make people bad-tempered and
cause conflicts within the family. There is
not much for young people to do in the area
and some of them hang around in groups
and risk becoming involved in triads.
Families need to be given more support.
There are social workers, but none are
available on a Sunday.
This gap could be filled by volunteers
who could listen to families with problems
More facilities need to be provided
where residents can relax after they have
finished a long working day. There should
be a hawkers’ centre and more community
and youth centres.
If these places were built, it could
provide some job opportunities for
residents.
With a more positive approach, it is
possible that Tin Shui Wai can lose the tag
of ‘city of sadness’.
Kyle Chan, Sheung Shui
Get volunteers in schools
Although there have been a number of
family tragedies in Tin Shui Wai, I think
the situation can improve if we support the
residents.
The main problem has been domestic
violence, brought about by the low
educational standards of many people living
in Tin Shui Wai.
They have to work long hours for little
pay and do not have enough time to look
after their children.
Because of this, families are under a lot
of pressure.
I believe the government should train
volunteers who would be able to take care
of the children while the parents are at
work.
They would be based in the schools and
would be there to talk to the children and
listen to their concerns.
The parents must be helped with more
training courses, so they can raise their
educational standards and improve their job
prospects.
Kiseki Chan, Sheung Shui
Self-help plea
There have been a number of tragedies at
Tin Shui Wai.
It is an area with a great deal of poverty.
Also, there is a mixture of cultures, with
some marriages between young mainland
women and elderly Hong Kong men.
This can give rise to a number of social
problems.
The government must give residents
more job opportunities.
Tin Shui Wai residents can also help
themselves.
They should set up a residents’
committee. This group could organise
workshops to help new migrants get used
to life in Hong Kong and organise regular
activities so people in the community could
meet up.
Karen Yip, Sha Tau Kok
Government slow to act
The idea of a plastic bag tax has been
considered for some time, but has yet to be
implemented by the government .
With its voluntary levy on plastic bags,
ParknShop has shown itself to be more
positive than the government.
I agree in principle with this policy. It is
a good start and might encourage customers
not to use so many plastic bags. In the
past, the government believed it could
educate citizens to use fewer bags, but that
was ineffective as there was no economic
incentive.
I think the new ParknShop policy
sends a message to the government, that
the administration’s response has been too
slow.
Many campaigns have been organised
by environmental groups and retailers, for
example, ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ and refunds.
However, the government has been
slow to establish its plastic bag tax and this
disappoints me.
I hope other retailers will follow the
example set by ParknShop.
Dennis Cheng, Tin Shui Wai
Recycling best in pollution fight
I support ParknShop’s policy of getting
people to pay a voluntary 20 cents for
plastic bags.
I think it might reduce the number of
these bags people use, but I am concerned
about some aspects of it. When people pay
the charge to use such biodegradable bags,
they may feel they are being philanthropic
and these bags will decompose.
They will feel they are doing their bit for
the environment and so they will become
less aware of the effect plastic bags have
on the environment. They must, however,
realise that even biodegradable bags can
be a cause of pollution. The best way to
educate people regarding the environment
12
is to make them aware of the importance of
recycling.
Once they have that awareness, they
will hopefully get into the habit of being
environmentally friendly.
Chan Hoi-hei, Sheung Shui
Little warning on bag charge
The new ParknShop policy of not
automatically giving people plastic bags,
but urging them to pay 20 cents for each
one, is aimed at reducing the number of
bags people use.
I understand the company’s motivation
behind the new policy. It wants to improve
the environment.
However, it has been introduced very
quickly.
There was little promotion of the move.
With proper promotion by ParknShop,
people would have been warned that it was
coming into effect.
With it being brought in so quickly,
customers have not really had time to adapt to it.
Kiseki Chan, Sheung Shui
Chinese Lessons
Before we start talking about using
Putonghua in the classroom to teach
Chinese language, we need to look closely
at mother-tongue education.
Putonghua is a vital language
for all students: it can improve their
competitiveness when they start work, and
improve their writing skills.
However, this ignores the importance
and benefits of mother-tongue (Cantonese)
education. The purpose of introducing
mother-tongue education was to give students
a better understanding of the subjects they
were being taught. So, why should Putonghua
be used to teach Chinese language?
I urge Hongkongers and the government
to first review mother-tongue teaching
before adopting Putonghua as the medium
of instruction for Chinese language.
They will have to consider whether
Putonghua should be introduced to
improve students’ language skills, and
whether mother-tongue education should
be eliminated in order to improve students’
English proficiency.
Tai Kwun-kit, Sheung Shui
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Editorial Board
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Committee members:6A-Dennis Cheng, Ka Ming Wong
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Illustrations by Peter Chan, Roy Lai