Letters to the Editor, April 18, 2017
Next year’s HK Sevens must recycle waste
I cannot have been the only Rugby Sevens fan to have noticed the bizarre contradiction on display at Hong Kong Stadium during the Sevens weekend.
There were no end of massive bins labelled trash in the concourse and being trundled round the infield. And of course there is no end of the rubbish we throw away, in view of the absence of any alternative approach on offer. And yet, on the wall close to the concession booth in the northwest area of the concourse, there were Environmental Protection Department banners encouraging recycling.
Can Sevens organisers explain how we could have recycled anything? Or did they put up those posters to keep the department quiet? All in all, another clearly demonstrated example, but this time when more of the world was in town, of Hong Kong’s lack of consistency when it comes to waste reduction and recycling.
I call upon the Hong Kong Sevens to get its “green” act together, importantly, with its concessionaires in the future. This would enable us to do the right thing – reduce, reuse, recycle. This way, the Hong Kong Sevens could be the world’s best – at hosting a rugby sevens event, at community rugby promotion, but also at being socially responsible.
Jeremy Newton, Happy Valley
Top boxer an inspiration for many teens
Almost all Hongkongers know the name of boxer Rex Tso Sing-yu, who has risen to near the top of the super flyweight division and is the pride of the city.
I am not a big boxing fan, but I think Tso’s story can motivate many youngsters in Hong Kong.
When he started out, there was no display of the talent that has now taken him so far as a professional boxer.
He did not do that well in school. He did various jobs after leaving school, but none of them gave him any real feeling of satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment.
Eventually he went into the ring and started learning to box. Initially in the gym, coaches felt he had a lot of weaknesses as a young boxer and was easily distracted, for example, playing video games.
However, he gradually improved and was determined to pursue a career as a professional boxer.
He started to take boxing seriously, and adopted a tough training regime.
He has now won all 21 of his professional fights and I do not think it will be too long before he gets a chance to fight for a world title. His rise to stardom has raised a few eyebrows, but he clearly deserves his success.
Tso’s story is inspiring for young Hongkongers, especially those teenagers who may have lost their sense of direction.
Students who are struggling academically at school should not feel too despondent. There are other areas where they can excel and they should explore their potential talent.
They can then devote all their time and energy to nurturing and developing that talent.
I am sure there are youngsters out there in Hong Kong who will fulfil their potential in the way that this boxing champion has done with this moving story of success.
Randy Lee, Ma On Shan
People should be wary of online fraud
Not only is it devastating to be cheated in this way, but it can also have a serious psychological effect on victims as they feel betrayed.
Although the police issue warnings to be wary when communicating with people online who you have not even met, victims continue to make reports of being ripped off.
I do not know what it is about these scammers that enables them to wield such a strong influence online and make people trust them. Victims and those perpetrating the online scams have come in for criticism from various quarters.
Clearly, these online criminals are motivated by a desire to make easy money.
I think the authorities need to crack down on these online activities, especially if they are originating here and on the mainland. They must coordinate their activities so they can catch these people and bring them to justice.
The police also have to issue more warnings, reminding computer users to be careful when they are online.
Chloe Sze, Kwai Chung
Airline’s tough task restoring confidence
Chinese state media joined those condemning the incident where a man was dragged off a United Airlines flight in Chicago, because it was overbooked and the company wanted to make room for travelling airline staff.
The video showing the passenger screaming and bleeding, exposed the cruelty of security staff who dragged him off the aircraft. The People’s Daily said the airline had “trampled over customers’ rights and interests”.
Most internet users agreed with the newspaper.
Airlines are part of the service sector and they should always adopt a client-oriented approach. At no time should these companies get security staff on board to forcibly remove a passenger just because they are overbooked. When airlines act like this, it simply puts people off flying with them.
It must now try and restore public confidence and trust.
Shirley Yeung Suet-yi,Yau Yat Chuen
