letters
Public transport, mind the gap
The MTR is probably the most commonly used public transport system in Hong Kong. But it also has a lot of problems - including people having accidents in the gap between the door and the platform. These mishaps cause delays and inconvenience the commuters.
It is well-known that the width of the gap is different from station to station. This is clearly a problem. I think there would be fewer accidents if the widths were small, and all the same. When an accident happens, it is not only unfortunate for the person involved, it is also a hassle for the MTR staff and passengers. Imagine if someone lost a job or an opportunity because their train was delayed.
I understand the MTR has limited resources and is already doing its best, but I do hope something can be done to minimise the accidents that occur.
Thomas Chu, St Paul's Co-educational College
Hong Kong should do what it does well
Young Post's star letter, 'We need more than just services', published on November 19 and written by Cheng Lam, aroused my interest.
It pointed out Hong Kong lacks natural resources and we import raw materials by earning money through providing value-added services. This is true, but I disagree that Hong Kong needs to diversify and carry out primary production. To maximise wealth, every country should specialise in the production it has a comparative advantage in - whatever costs it the least.
Obviously, Hong Kong's greatest asset is its position as a centre for international trade and finance. Diversifying into other kinds of production makes no sense in terms of Hong Kong's economic growth. Hong Kong has already transformed to a service-oriented economy.
Because of its high wage levels, it is impossible to compete with developing countries in primary and secondary production.
I can understand Cheng's concern about the risks of outsourcing. But we can protect ourselves from the risks by finding reliable suppliers of raw materials and signing contracts with them to ensure a stable supply. This is far more sensible than giving up our competitive advantage and doing things that we are not good at.
In fact, we already have a very trustworthy supplier - the mainland - which is our ally in business.
I am certain that if Hong Kong were to have any problems in any way, the mainland would step in and help. Also, the mainland is the world's fastest-growing economy. By providing services, we can grow with the mainland economy.
Hong Kong should continue to do what it does well, and that is provide services.
Keith Poon, Hang Seng School of Commerce
The school system is too stressful
In recent years, Hong Kong's education system has seen many changes. There have been changes in the exam system and the introduction of an entirely new subject into the secondary curriculum - liberal studies.
The result is a lot more work for students. Basically, there are too many subjects. Liberal studies, for example, covers so much ground that almost anything could come up in the examinations. This stretches the abilities of both students and teachers.
Understandably, students worry about getting into university as there are fewer places compared to secondary school.
I think the education system needs more changes to reduce the stress for students and to make it easier for them to get a place at university. The government needs to put some serious thought into solving these two problems.
Everybody deserves a chance to succeed, but the current system makes it difficult for most of us to do so.
Lo Cha-lung, Po On Commercial Association Wong Siu Ching Secondary School
