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Mind The Gap | Hong Kong’s future lies in the hands of its new globally networked generation

Young Hongkongers have to set aside political noise, and find a way to realise their value as people through their career choices

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Peter Guy asks if the Hong Kong government and business leaders are actually willing to implement painful measures to make the city more internationally competitive. Photo: Reuters

Facts don’t change people’s minds, emotions do. And emotions are running high in Hong Kong among young people insecure about their future, especially where their careers are concerned. I meet many of them.

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A new year should bring more enlightened and positive attitudes. And unlike others, Hong Kong’s graduates in 2018 have to be set to navigate China’s confusing policies.

The Chinese government’s official position contradicts itself speaking of the need for internationalisation by allowing thousands of students to study abroad every year, while also warning its educators and students about the insidious influence of western ideas.

With such a position how China intends to dominate technological innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) besides copying and stealing remains unknown.

Future high paying jobs in Hong Kong will be narrowly centred on the new globally networked generation, which includes China and the rest of the world, says Peter Guy. Photo: Sam Tsang
Future high paying jobs in Hong Kong will be narrowly centred on the new globally networked generation, which includes China and the rest of the world, says Peter Guy. Photo: Sam Tsang
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Opportunities are scarce in Hong Kong. It is hard for young people to believe that this city was once regarded to be the centre of Chinese capitalism. Now its special historical role is being eclipsed by the mainland.

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