Hong Kong leader John Lee includes youth-focused initiatives in latest policy address

This is Lee’s third policy address in his five-year term, and it was viewed as a critical step toward addressing the city’s economic challenges. His previous speeches emphasised national security and post-pandemic recovery. The city leader called this year’s policy address “people-oriented” and aimed at improving livelihoods.

One people-focused measure concerns youth mental health. Following a troubling rise in suspected student suicides, authorities will enhance the existing three-tier school-based emergency system by launching a real-time, online youth emotional support platform in the second quarter of next year.

But Form Five student Charmaine Wong Cheuk-ying from St Paul’s Co-educational College questioned whether the measure would be helpful, stressing that students may be wary of sharing their feelings with the authorities.

“With all due respect to the government’s good intentions, I doubt that anyone would want to reveal their mental instability ... lest they be troubled and bothered by school authorities,” said the 16-year-old student.

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Another major initiative in this year’s policy address is a plan to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand through international education conferences and exhibitions. Its goal is to attract more overseas students, particularly from Asean and Belt and Road countries.

Joe Qin Sizhao, Head of Lingnan University, supported the plan, saying high tuition fees and living costs have deterred many talented students from studying in the city.

He welcomed the government’s initiative to increase scholarships for non-local students from underprivileged backgrounds, which he believed would boost Hong Kong’s reputation as a global education hub.

The city will also launch a pilot scheme to encourage the market to convert hotels and commercial buildings into student hostels.

Other plans focused on young people include turning a former Covid-19 isolation facility in Kai Tak into a “Youth Post” hostel with spaces for cultural and arts exchanges. Further details have yet to be announced.

Clarisse Poon, a Form Four student from St Paul’s Co-educational College, expressed interest in the plan to reinvent the facility. She suggested complementing the initiative with schemes such as a school cultural ambassador programme to attract visitors.

“For instance, old-style movie theatres can be included at the site to display documentaries of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, deepening youths’ understanding of Hong Kong’s distinct culture,” said the 15-year-old.

Clarisse proposed that the government establish a more systematic platform for cultural exchanges aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative. By promoting Hong Kong’s cultural fusion to other countries, this platform could share Chinese and Hong Kong-specific narratives and broaden youth perspectives, she explained.

In terms of education, the government will establish a steering committee for the Strategic Development of Digital Education, focusing on STEAM learning. The initiative will update the junior secondary science curriculum and support teachers in incorporating artificial intelligence into lessons.

HK$2 billion will be earmarked to establish the Teacher Professional Development Fund to support long-term professional growth, alongside HK$470 million to improve language education in English, Mandarin, and other languages.

Support for students with special educational needs and financial assistance, such as textbook subsidies, will also be bolstered.

The government will also focus on developing the Northern Metropolis University Town, establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong, and increasing investment in the innovation and technology industries.

Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said the university is preparing its proposal for establishing the medical school.

“With our strong background in health science education and research, we are well-equipped to expand training for medical students, becoming a comprehensive training hub for medical and healthcare professionals. We believe this new medical school will stand out from the existing two, making significant contributions to society.”

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Lee also highlighted improving residents’ living conditions as a key priority. One measure targets an estimated 10,000 subdivided flats, tiny units notorious for poor hygiene and safety issues.

New legislation will be introduced to regulate these substandard units, requiring them to have windows, toilets, and a minimum size of 86 square feet, roughly two-thirds the size of a typical car parking space in the city.

Current owners will be required to convert existing subdivided flats into “basic housing units” that comply with legal standards within a designated grace period or face criminal charges. Tenants, however, will not face penalties.

The city will also offer more support for young homebuyers and give them a higher chance to buy government-subsided flats.

Henry Ng, a Year 12 student at Winchester College in the UK, welcomed the initiative as it gives Hong Kong youth an easier path to buy their own homes.

“Among Hong Kong’s younger generations, there is a widespread fear of not being able to afford a house once grown up,” he said. “The policies provide them with confidence that they will have a permanent place in the city’s future. Owning a house allows for greater attachment with a city.”