While economic development is important, the government should strike the right balance, also looking at social and environmental aspects.

Kary Li Tsz-ki, Kowloon Tong

Tough task for students to chase dreams

It is such a positive story and a real motivation for students. However, sticking to that dream of achieving their goals is difficult thanks to the current exam-oriented education system in Hong Kong. Students face countless tests and assignments and have to put all their effort into their academic studies.

They have time for little else, not even to think about ­future career choices.

The Education Bureau must ensure schools have a life-plan programme to help students at all levels of ability prepare for their future careers.

Samuel Cheng Ka-ho, Sai Kung

Enjoy perfect avocados from Mexican farms

Even in Mexico, where avocados originally come from, one must learn a few simple tricks. I am encouraged by your readers’ recommendation of keeping green avocados outside the ­refrigerator, and of individually wrapping them in newspaper or placing them next to other fruit.

Mexican producers are well organised and are experts at their business. The ripeness at which they send their avocados into the market is not random. The standard procedure is to measure “dry matter content”, as it increases as the fruit ­matures. In Mexico, this is done at certified orchards by a thirdparty company. The fruit is picked by hand and shipped around the world in ­climate-controlled ­containers.

Damián Martínez Tagüeña, consul general of Mexico in Hong Kong

Awareness key to curbing phone scams

The problem of phone/online scams is getting worse. I believe this is partly due to increased use of the internet on our smartphones.

People need to think very carefully before they download any app or document from the internet. They must be sure their phone will not be hacked.

We all need to become more aware of the potential scams that are out there. The government has a role to play in trying to raise those levels of ­awareness.

This is a problem that is not just confined to Hong Kong. There are victims of these scams in countries around the world.

Hazel Book Tsz-yiu, Yau Yat Chuen

Poverty trap becomes a vicious cycle

I believe poverty is a ­serious problem in this city and has many causes. One reason is ­inadequate housing supply caused by a high population density and insufficient flat land for development. This leads to skyrocketing rents which create serious financial problems for people on low incomes.

It is difficult for them to ­escape the poverty trap if they have not had much education, because they can only find low-skilled, poorly paid jobs. This ­becomes a vicious cycle for these individuals and for their families. They have to endure substandard living conditions in subdivided flats, which have poor ventilation and are ­unhygienic.

With so many people living in poverty, the government faces a huge economic burden because of the welfare payments given to citizens. As a society, we cannot ignore the negative impact of poverty.

The government needs to recognise that poverty is a ­serious problem in Hong Kong and come up with policies to ­address it as soon as possible.

Anka Wong, Yau Yat Chuen