Your Voice: Sustainable development goals, boosting Hong Kong tourism (long letters)

Two years ago, only 16 per cent of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were on track. Saddened by this realisation, I founded Teen Animals da Scientists to bring awareness to SDGs through science and dialogue. The organisation has opened new doors for me, helping me meet passionate people all over the globe.

When I created an Instagram post to recruit teenagers to work with me, I did not know it would attract over 130 applicants and reach countries including Pakistan, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, India and the US.

Due to our diverse backgrounds, we have differing views on social issues. Our constant exchange of ideas has allowed me to learn about other countries’ achievements and issues.

For example, a girl in Pakistan co-hosted a debate conference with me, focusing on technology’s rapid rise and LGBTQ-inclusive education. Due to a rainstorm, she encountered difficulty staying online. Her perseverance and dedication to making a difference despite the bad weather amazed me.

I have also become more open-minded, meeting people from different faiths, learning to see their points of view and reaching a consensus with them.

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Besides training me to become a global citizen, Teen Animals da Scientists has allowed me to meet more vulnerable communities. The experience has made me a better leader, from liaising with community centres to preparing to interact with our audience.

When I first contacted community centres, I encountered uncertainty and misgivings about my seriousness and professionalism. While it was not difficult to think of educational topics for underprivileged children and the elderly, I was unprepared and unaware of their specific needs.

For example, I have found that hands-on activities and the promise of a prize often work great to keep children engaged.

Enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance are essential when planning and hosting events. Keeping these qualities in mind helped me organise five workshops and a science fair, promote Teen Animals da Scientists at Ocean Park and present a booth exhibition about environmental sustainability all in three months.

My main goal during the workshops was to give underprivileged children a chance to try their hands at science experiments. We made “oobleck”, a mixture of cornflour and water that can behave like a solid or a liquid depending on how much pressure you apply. We also used fruit juice to turn iodine solutions colourless.

Witnessing the children’s eagerness to participate and their grins when saying goodbye gave me a real sense of satisfaction. Ultimately, I have never regretted making this big step.

You can learn more on our Instagram. We are always looking for passionate teens. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future.

Henry Ng, Winchester College (UK)

Hong Kong is known as a shopper’s paradise, whether it’s high-end shopping malls like K11 or markets like the one on Apliu Street.

However, the neighbouring mainland has gained increasing popularity with locals in recent years. It has become trendy for Hongkongers to travel across the border over the weekend to shop, eat and unwind.

According to the Office of Port of Entry and Exit in Shenzhen, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border was crossed more than 940,000 times on August 24 this year. This number was a record-breaking figure, and the fourth time that the record had been broken in August alone.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, among others, has attributed this trend to increased efforts to integrate Hong Kong with the mainland. It is certainly a contributing factor.

With the introduction of the high-speed rail, Hongkongers only have to travel 14 minutes before arriving at Futian Station in Shenzhen’s Central Business District. The railway network provides around 80 trips to Shenzhen per day, as well as numerous routes to other parts of the country.

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Shenzhen has also become more accommodating to Hong Kong people. Many restaurants now have menus in traditional Chinese and staff who speak Cantonese, while department stores often offer free shipping back to Hong Kong.

Another reason for the growing popularity is that prices on the mainland are much cheaper. Many Hongkongers find shopping there to be a more rewarding experience.It is common to find restaurants, especially those serving Chinese cuisine, where 300 yuan (around HK$329) can buy five or six dishes; in Hong Kong, the same quantity would likely cost double or even triple.

These restaurants also often provide extra services such as online queuing or, in the case of hotpot brand Haidilao, massages while waiting for food.

According to estimates from investment banking company Natixis, Hongkongers are expected to spend around HK$84 billion in Guangdong province in 2024.

The Hong Kong government has allocated HK$1.09 billion in this year’s budget to develop the city’s tourism by revamping existing attractions, supporting cultural tours and hosting large-scale events. Additionally, proposals to increase tax allowances and tax-free shopping quotas aim to attract more mainland tourists.

Shops are also endeavouring to retain local customers. Many malls have enhanced their offers, including Harbour City, which at one point allowed up to 10 hours of free parking for over 2,000 car park spaces.

Moreover, many mainland brands have ventured into Hong Kong, with chains, outposts and stockists now scattered around the city.

These locations, featuring brands like Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, enable consumers to enjoy their favourite dishes at lower prices without travelling north, thereby helping boost the local Hong Kong economy.

Perhaps paradoxically, increasing integration and attracting more mainland stores to start franchises in the city could be the way to lift Hong Kong out of this slump.