Your Voice: Reviving Hong Kong’s spirit, the troubling youth suicide rate (short letters)

Most people associate the Mid-Autumn Festival with eating mooncakes or playing with lanterns. However, the fire dragon dance, a tradition with deep historical and cultural roots, seems to have been almost forgotten.

I was fascinated to learn that the dragon, made of bamboo and straw, is decorated with more than 10,000 burning incense sticks and handled by 300 performers.

The incense sticks from the dragon are believed to bring good luck, a belief that has been passed down through generations.

Despite the overshadowing of the fire dragon dance by modern entertainment and shifting cultural values, its performances play a crucial role in preserving tradition and fostering a sense of community.

These events bring people together, reminding us of our shared values and helping create collective memories. The bond developed between those who dance further strengthens the sense of community and unity.

Liu Chun-hei, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

The youth suicide rate in Hong Kong is alarmingly high, ranking among the highest in the developed world. It’s clear that the mental health problem is not something we can afford to ignore or delay in addressing.

Timely solutions are needed to prevent the situation from worsening.

Despite the efforts of systems like the “Three-Tier School-Based Emergency Mechanism” and the 4R Mental Health Charter, the increasing risk of student suicides indicates that these services are inadequate. It is clear that more needs to be done, such as schools providing psychological and academic support or organising mental wellness activities.

Parental involvement is a powerful tool in helping children manage their stress. Academic studies and physical appearance are significant stressors, and having a supportive adult to share these burdens can help students unwind.

Students should be appreciated when they succeed and encouraged when they fail. Moreover, I highly recommend students not bury the pressure in their hearts; instead, they should find a school social worker or parent to communicate with.

Experts urge Hong Kong to streamline student suicide prevention system

Lee Che-chiu, King Ling College

I am responding to the Associated Press article “UN chief sends SOS over perils of rising sea levels in the Pacific Ocean”. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that SOS stands for “Save Our Seas”. Climate change has brought multiple issues to humans’ lives, but many are still oblivious that it could be hugely damaging.

According to a report from Guterres’ office, the sea level has risen by 25cm in the Pacific Island nations in the past 30 years. If this increase hits Hong Kong’s sea level, beaches may disappear, and low-lying areas may be in trouble.

Guterres stated that we need to immediately cut back on carbon emissions to avert this crisis. One of the main sources of carbon emissions is vehicles on the road.

Most cars in Hong Kong are still pumping out carbon and there is a need for more vehicles to be electric. If a higher number of commuters use public transport, it would also be beneficial for the environment and make the city greener.

The Hong Kong government needs to actively seek opportunities to implement facilities to generate electricity with renewable energy to decrease the carbon emission rate rapidly.

Our leaders must take action now to secure our future.

Chun Hei-tam, City University of Hong Kong

In June, Hong Kong was captivated by a one-of-a-kind Doraemon-themed drone show, a landmark event hailed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This unprecedented spectacle was not just a visual marvel but a strategic initiative to revitalise local tourism.

Hong Kong has faced criticism from its residents due to the palpable economic downturn.

This is not merely reflected in statistical data but is evident in the everyday experiences we witness first-hand. From the empty streets in Tsim Sha Tsui to the vacant stores in Causeway Bay, the covert paranoia of Hong Kong going downhill has fuelled a wave of discontent.

Railway fans catch a blast from the past on the MTR’s retro train

So here comes the drone show – far from a rudimentary replica of the disappointing fireworks show on Labour Day.

The colourful lights in the sky represent what Hong Kong residents are craving.

More than just a source of entertainment, the drone show serves as a beacon of hope for Hong Kong residents. It offers a refreshing burst of excitement, effectively countering the weariness from past mega-events.

The show is a symbol of Hong Kong’s enduring spirit – a city that never sleeps, illuminating the Asia-Pacific night sky.