Your Voice: Reviving Ocean Park with pandas, reducing student stress (long letters)

The birth of twin panda cubs at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has undoubtedly captured the public’s attention, with the park’s official panda social media accounts amassing tens of thousands of followers in just a few days.

While this duo has become an internet sensation, one question remains: will adding more pandas to the park truly increase visitor numbers and help revive the struggling amusement park?

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Ocean Park was a major tourist attraction. According to data gathering online platform Statista, more than 5.8 million visitors stopped by the park every year.

However, in 2022, the number of visitors dropped by more than 75 per cent to around 1.4 million. This significant decrease highlights the park’s need to explore alternative strategies to attract visitors and boost its revenue.

The Hong Kong tourism minister has proposed expanding the park’s panda facilities and building six pavilions to accommodate the growing panda population. While the animal is undoubtedly a major draw for visitors, simply adding more of them may not be the simple solution to reviving Ocean Park.

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To truly capitalise on the public’s fascination with the panda cubs, the park should consider a more comprehensive approach.

For example, engaging educational programmes and interactive exhibits would allow visitors to learn about panda behaviour, conservation efforts and the broader ecosystem they inhabit. This could attract visitors and foster a deeper appreciation for these animals.

Additionally, the park should explore diversifying its general offerings. This could include adding new thrill rides and interactive exhibits or incorporating more elements of Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage. This would be a more compelling experience, allowing Ocean Park to appeal to a broader demographic and increase its overall visitor numbers.

The park should consider leveraging the power of digital marketing. The panda cubs’ success on social media indicates the public’s appetite. The park could build on this momentum by creating more shareable and interactive content showcasing the pandas and the park’s other attractions, ultimately enticing more visitors.

In conclusion, while adding more pandas may temporarily boost visitor numbers, a more holistic approach is needed to revive Ocean Park’s profits. The park can capitalise on the public’s fascination with the panda cubs and attract a broader range of visitors by offering new and different attractions, adding more interactive and educational experiences and leveraging social media.

If Ocean Park uses a comprehensive strategy, it can thrive and reclaim its position as a premier tourist destination in Hong Kong.

Mental health woes, learning with ChatGPT, and online education (short letters)

Michelle Tsang, Pope Paul VI College

With the sharp increase in adolescent suicide rates in Hong Kong and our overall mental health deterioration, it is clear that we need to take stress more seriously.

A primary factor contributing to student anxiety is academic pressure. The city’s rigorous education system and the competitive spirit encouraged between peers have forced Hong Kong students to constantly strive for perfection.

Children also attend additional tutorial classes and extracurricular activities on top of their heavy workload. This leaves little time to relax and interact with one another in a non-competitive, social way.

Parental expectations also play a considerable role, often exacerbating the issue. Many parents have unrealistically high standards for their children, frequently pushing them to achieve academic excellence and social success.

Additionally, social media can amplify comparison, as students are constantly exposed to the seemingly perfect lives of their peers. This can lead to insecurity and low self-esteem.

The lack of easily accessible psychological support in Hong Kong is a significant concern. Despite the increasing number of student suicides, our schools have not implemented sufficient measures to address mental health issues.

While some efforts have been made, such as those initiated by the Education Bureau, they have not been effective in alleviating the causes of student stress.

The excessive workload and intense competition continue to take a toll on students’ mental health.

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The prevalence of stress among Hong Kong students is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. A multifaceted solution is needed.

This approach should include rethinking the current quantity of assignments and examination periods, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and providing adequate psychological support.

Taking these steps can help alleviate the mental health crisis among Hong Kong students and create a more supportive and nurturing learning environment.

If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services.