Your Voice: Hong Kong school closures mean more land for housing; Taiwan-style night markets won’t bring tourists (short letters)

Hong Kong’s student population is shrinking and under-enrolled schools are grappling with falling enrolment rates.

Under the government’s tightened rules, 19 secondary schools are facing a high risk of closure if they failed to enrol enough students by mid-September. Currently, there are more than 400 aided secondary schools in Hong Kong, and they will not be allowed to open more classes in the future if they only manage to run two Form One classes for two consecutive academic years.

However, this is difficult because of the emigration wave from Hong Kong. The city is grappling with population loss and one of the lowest birth rates in the world, making it challenging for local schools to increase enrolment.

But shutting down some under-enrolled schools is not necessarily a bad thing. In my opinion, this could allow for a more efficient use of resources. For example, the land used for school buildings could be converted to housing to help the underprivileged.

In conclusion, as Hong Kong’s population continues to decrease, it is difficult for schools to maintain or increase their student intake. But on the bright side, more land resources could be opened up to help those in need.

Students, teachers at Hong Kong’s Rosaryhill Secondary School react to sudden closure announcement

Ho Kwun-wai, S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School

The government’s recent efforts to promote night markets in Hong Kong have sparked discussion. Some people believe that night markets can help revive the declining tourism industry.

I strongly disagree. First of all, night markets in Taiwan are famous for their diverse street food and fun games. However, this may not work in Hong Kong. The high cost of rent here means we are unlikely to find affordable snacks like those in Taiwan. It would be pointless to have another attraction full of luxury shops. I believe that night markets will fail if the government tries to copy the Taiwanese model.

In my view, the government has overlooked the need to nurture local culture for many years, which has contributed to the decline in tourism. If the government continues to focus on importing foreign culture, Hong Kong’s own unique culture will be diluted, leading to more challenges for the tourism industry.

Wong Yik-tsun, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School

Educational institutions are increasingly incorporating digital tools, online platforms and immersive technologies to transform teaching and learning.

A major benefit of technology in education is improved accessibility. Educational resources are no longer limited to the classroom or textbooks. Students can access a range of knowledge, multimedia content and interactive materials from anywhere in the world. This allows equal opportunities for learners from different backgrounds.

Furthermore, technology promotes engagement. Interactive software, simulations and virtual reality experiences capture students’ attention and help them understand concepts in a more hands-on way.

However, we need to address challenges that come with technology. Privacy concerns are important, as schools collect student data. It is crucial to have strong safeguards in place to protect personal information. Also, not all students have equal access to the internet.

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Ann Leung, ELCHK Lutheran Academy

From orange ribbons to candlelight vigils, psychology talks and youth campaigns, National Suicide Prevention Week unites the globe to raise awareness of suicide. It is an opportunity for us to start conversations about mental health.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for the young. Every year, nearly 800,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide. In 2021, a young person committed suicide every week.

I have struggled with this issue in the past. I remember staring at the ceiling for hours, feeling despondent, my mind consumed by negative thoughts. In those dark moments, I felt utterly hopeless.

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However, I held on. With the support of friends, I emerged from the darkness. Now, I want to be a lifeline for others who may be drowning in suicidal thoughts.

This September, together with friends from Lovable Hong Kong, I worked on a social media campaign to uplift those struggling with mental health. Each day of Suicide Prevention Week, we shared motivational messages, hoping to inspire people with a more positive outlook on life.

Every action helps. I urge you to reach out to those around you. Check in with your friends, have conversations with your family, and always lend a listening ear.