This is the first time that the Election Committee has included sectors for youths, women and grassroots representatives with close to 400 out of the 1,500 among these sectors, ensuring a more balanced view from society. The revamp brings in the strongest backup for voices to be heard in the best, most holistic way.
For the All-China Youth Federation alone, we have 34 members covering professionals, young politicians, entrepreneurs, youths who are working and/or with businesses on both sides of the border and young organizations’ leaders who have years of experience to serve and communicate and engage with the youths. Only a few days ago, the All-China Youth Federation joined various important government bodies to announce eight policies aimed at enhancing greater opportunities for Hong Kong youths to explore and expand their academic or professional interests. Ranging from providing a tasting menu like an experience trip and/or internship program for youngers to visit the Chinese mainland and gain that experience in government departments and places like the Forbidden City. Experienced human resources managers are calling these not-to-be-missed opportunities for youths.
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Another significant revamp will be having experienced experts joining the Election Committee in various professional sectors. Having academicians in the technology sector is of the utmost importance simply because policies, especially tech policies are changing all the time. We need to have industry leaders who understand the market and future trends as well as seasoned knowledge on what Hong Kong has to offer to pave a road to prosperity for the city. That includes providing, designing and advising what sort of technical skills our youngsters need to be prepared for in a future working environment, where Hong Kong can and should stand in terms of the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area and global tech environment.
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I had the honor of chatting with some of the IT sector candidates from “TI Power” and they showed great passion and vision on what Hong Kong could achieve, and we are already planning some cross-sector collaboration between youths and the technology sector. We were once the brightest Pearl of the Orient, but sadly we got covered with a sheen of gray over some chaotic political turmoil. It’s time to decide what truly matters for this city and its people.
The author is member of the All-China Youth Federation.