Your Voice: Hong Kong needs to be more friendly; lessons from Covid-19 for mpox (short letters)
This week, readers write about the city’s need for politeness, tackling a new virus, keeping students engaged and learning to appreciate the world around you
One student says that people spend so long looking at their phones that they don’t notice others around them. Photo: ShutterstockHave something to say? Send us a letter using this Google form.
Hong Kong’s unfriendliness problem
Cherry Chan, St Mary’s Canossian College
Why are Hongkongers so unfriendly? When I travel, I’ve noticed that people in other countries constantly smile and rarely look at their phones. Here in Hong Kong, nobody is greeting each other. The city is so alive but feels so dead.
One intriguing observation I’ve made about MTR commuters is their seating preference. Most tend to gravitate towards the far ends of the bench, leaving the middle section conspicuously vacant. The solitary figures at the far-right and far-left seats, engrossed in their phones, epitomise the city’s social dynamics.
Hong Kong is a busy city, and people tend to forget we need to live life and create relationships. When do you see a passer-by greet you with a smile? When do you engage in small talk with random people? Rarely do people hold the door for each other. Passers-by only bat an eyelid if you drop something and do not offer help. Most shops chase you out to serve the next customer.
Hong Kong is a safe city, but it is hard not to feel suffocated amid the unfriendliness. Yes, people are too burnt out to care for themselves, not to mention others. But this is genuinely depressing.
Lessons from Covid-19 for mpox
Amina Seyd, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It is a stark reminder that governments must learn from the Covid-19 pandemic and apply those lessons to emerging health threats.
The delayed response to the initial mpox outbreaks in central and West Africa allowed the virus to gain a foothold and spread unchecked. The lack of a cohesive international strategy to distribute vaccines and treatments equitably has left many African countries without the necessary tools to combat the outbreak. Governments must learn from these missteps and establish robust global health security frameworks.
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses in many countries’ healthcare systems, which were quickly overwhelmed by the surge in cases. Similarly, the mpox outbreak has highlighted the lack of disease-reporting mechanisms in Africa.
Governments must invest in improving laboratory testing, contact tracing and data-sharing capabilities to ensure early detection and containment of the disease.
Enhancing student engagement
Tse Ki-hin, Lung Kong World Federation School Limited Lau Wong Fat Secondary School
I propose implementing a credit-based system for after-school activities to enhance students’ engagement and enrich their understanding of their studies.
Students can earn credits by attending tutorials, excelling in competitions and joining other activities. These credits, which they earn through hard work, would be crucial for them to graduate, giving them a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Pupils can choose activities aligned with their interests. This approach allows them to focus on areas they are passionate about and explore diverse interests.
Students show increased dedication and enthusiasm by pursuing activities they enjoy. This leads to improved learning outcomes and fulfilment in their learning journey.
The credit-based system encourages students to develop a well-rounded skill set beyond academics. It promotes learning across fields based on individual interests, fostering teamwork.
A credit-based system for secondary school students offers several benefits, including exploring interests, efficient time management, engaging in enjoyable activities and holistic personal development.
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Beauty of the world around us
Charnee Wong Kee-jing, MKMCF Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College
In our fast-paced urban world, we often overlook the beauty surrounding us. With its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets and endless traffic, the urban landscape can be captivating and overwhelming. We are bombarded with stimuli from all sides, leaving little room for reflection and appreciation of our environment. In our pursuit of success, we have inadvertently lost touch with the simple joys that can be found in the world around us.
Despite our hectic lives, it is crucial to pause and immerse ourselves in the overlooked natural beauty of our cities. By reconnecting with our surroundings – be it a park’s blooms, a flowing river or a stunning sunset skyline – we can counter urban stresses and foster appreciation. These moments of wonder can truly inspire us.
By encouraging people to step back from the rush and reconnect with nature, we can promote a balanced way of life. This not only benefits our mental and emotional well-being but also encourages us to be more mindful and attuned to the world beyond our own concerns. Each of us can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.