Local people talk about equal treatment and welcoming ethnic minorities, but not all citizens show that tolerance in their actions. For instance, many Hong Kong employers are reluctant to give jobs to candidates from the ethnic minorities, sometimes citing language difficulties with Cantonese.

Clearly, individuals from these groups still suffer prejudice, which is wrong as they are part of the Hong Kong community. More must be done, at both the administrative and community levels, to help them better integrate into society.

The government must do more to enable them to improve their Chinese language skills. There must be greater education of locals to eliminate prejudice, and in this area the government can work with the relevant NGOs.

If citizens have a deeper understanding of ethnic minorities and their cultures, this can help to break down barriers.

By raising awareness about the importance of celebrating diversity, we can reduce prejudice.

Having an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences can help to enhance social harmony in Hong Kong. In such a densely populated city, it is important that we all get along.

We have to show the world that Hong Kong is a cultural oasis, not a cultural desert.

Kathy Liu, Yau Yat Chuen