Your Voice: Dignity for the LGBTQ community, choosing a future career (short letters)

The LGBTQ community is still widely discriminated against, which forces individuals to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity, fearing harassment or even physical violence. To address bullying and stigma, lawful protections for LGBTQ individuals are essential.

Thailand has made significant progress by legalising same-sex marriage and granting these couples equal rights. Events like Pride Month also help celebrate the LGBTQ community while educating others.

As a fan of BL (Boys’ Love) series, I think media representation makes a difference. Positive portrayals in shows from countries like Korea, Japan and the United States – such as Pose and Heartstopper – not only entertain but also educate audiences about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.

Teaching people about marginalised identities and the issues these individuals face can dismantle stereotypes and promote understanding. Schools can contribute by adding relevant topics to their curriculum and encouraging acceptance among students.

We must strive for a society built on love, respect and equality; everyone deserves dignity.

Your Voice: Equal facilities for low-income elderly, embracing body positivity (short letters)

Victoria Cheung, Pope Paul VI College

We must equip our youth with the correct tools to make informed decisions about their futures.

First, self-assessment is critical. Students should reflect on their interests, strengths and values. Tools like personality tests and career assessments can provide insight and steer students toward fields they truly resonate with.

Second, showing students what career options are out there is vital. Schools should organise job shadowing opportunities, internships and career fairs.

These real-world experiences help students understand the day-to-day realities of different professions so they can make informed and realistic choices.

Thirdly, mentors can be transformative. Educators, counsellors and professionals can offer advice and share their experiences, which can inspire and motivate students. Schools should create mentorship programmes to build these critical connections.

Finally, adaptability is crucial. The future job market will require skills that may not even exist today. An open mind is important.

Encouraging students to develop a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning will prepare them to pivot as needed throughout their careers.

Mak Wing-yin, YLPMSAA Tang Siu Tong Secondary School

Artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of swiftly providing information in seconds. Users input keywords, and AI will generate relevant content.

Many companies use AI for data analysis, reducing manual labour and cutting human resource costs. It is a valuable tool for societal progress, easily playing a role across science, technology, finance and education.

However, we can’t disregard its risks. Potential issues include a decline in critical thinking skills and independent thought.

In the short term, students may use AI because of how quickly it can generate a vast amount of content. In the long run, they may become reliant, forsaking making an effort themselves. Students could become lazy and even ignorant.

AI-constructed databases may be a potential way to acquire unauthorised data. The scraped content used to train and develop AI models is often copyrighted and protected, making the method potentially unethical. It also raises concerns about network security.

While AI is convenient in our daily lives, its improper use can lead to disastrous outcomes.

More than just friends? Dangers of teens depending on AI chatbots for companionship

Fok Kin-wing, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

I recently watched a television show where late-night road construction caused significant disturbance to nearby residents, the noise disrupting their sleep and daily routine. This got me thinking.

Late-night construction is undoubtedly bothersome.

However, it might be essential to conduct the work at this time to avoid disrupting day traffic and inconveniencing a larger number of people. The disturbance to only a few residents seems less significant. Or is it?

Consider this: Earth faces a threat from aliens, and the world has the option to sacrifice one person to save the planet.

You might lean towards sacrificing one to save many. But what if you were the one person chosen to be sacrificed?

This example illustrates how people view public versus self-interest. Individuals may emphasise the greater good, but it can become secondary when their own well-being is at stake.

In the case of construction work opposed by residents, the government may meet the majority’s needs despite negatively affecting the local community.

As the Chinese saying goes: “You can’t have both the fish and the bear’s paw”.