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Dim sum is one example of popular local cuisine that should be promoted. Photo: Felix Wong

Letters to the Editor, August 20, 2017

Local cuisine one of city’s core values

The reason for the limited mention of local food on a heritage list may be due to Hong Kong’s status as an international city (“Poon choi, milk tea and herbal tea: only three types of local fare on Hong Kong’s cultural ­heritage list”, August 15).

Because of this, we enjoy different kinds of cuisine from around the world and sometimes neglect traditional fare even though I consider it to be one of our core values. Other aspects of our intangible cultural heritage may be neglected, and we need better education.

With an exam-orientated education system, not much attention is paid to local culture in schools. This is especially the case with Chinese history not being a compulsory subject. Many young people may grow up knowing very little about Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.

I would like to see initiatives being launched, such as competitions to raise levels of awareness. There could be a writing competition where people could write about traditional ­local food such as dim sum and egg tarts. Students would learn more as they did research. This would strengthen their sense of belonging to the city.

Also, the government should do more to publicise the cultural heritage list.

Teresa Ng, Hang Hau

Geopark will help to spread green message

Geo-tourism is becoming more popular and enables visitors to see another side of Hong Kong.

However, there are still misconceptions about it and I agree with Anfield Tam (“Let’s do more to promote the HK geo­park”, July 29) that it is important to make visitors realise they could have a great time if they visited the Hong Kong Geopark.

It is also important to raise awareness in schools about the geopark as part of lessons promoting the importance of environmental protection. And students can then tell older relatives about this wonderful ­natural landscape and the need to respect and preserve it.

Zoe Wong Sui-yu, Kwai Chung

Old urban areas ripe for redevelopment

The ridiculous prices paid for parking spots recently highlights how prices of land and property have spiralled out of control in Hong Kong.

This disturbing trend ­adversely affects social stability as young adults know they face the prospect of never being able to afford to own the apartment they live in.

The government has to find a way so that it is possible for more young people to get a mortgage for a home and be guaranteed affordable, low interest rates. Rich mainlanders fuel property speculation and so there must be tighter restrictions on them purchasing property.

Also, to increase land supply available for new homes, more brownfield sites must be developed in the New Territories. There must also be an expansion of redevelopment projects in older urban areas which can increase housing supply.

While young people are right to want to own a home, if it is not possible, they should still try to think positively about the future and enjoy their lives.

Jojo Wong, Po Lam

Why being happy is tough in Hong Kong

I agree in part with correspondents who have said that Hong Kong has dropped down the ­latest happiness league table, because of serious social issues such as people having to endure substandard living conditions.

Many citizens have a negative attitude towards the government, criticising its policies and decisions.

Certainly, poor living conditions, such as subdivided flats, are a major factor. But we should also consider our lifestyles. This is a fast-paced city and we are all very busy. For most citizens, ­including students, there is not much time to relax and we face a lot of pressure. This can lead to people having negative feelings about their lives.

If the spoon-feeding education system was reformed, I think this would make a significant difference. People would learn from an early age to strive for the right work-life balance and would be less likely to grow up as stressed adults.

The government has a significant role to play in helping us ­to become happier citizens.

Katy Law Tsz-yi, Sha Tin

Developing e-sports boosts the economy

Critics of the Hong Kong ­e-Sports and Music Festival earlier this month said it was a waste of resources, but it was money well spent by the government which provided a grant.

By developing e-sports here, Hong Kong can keep pace with some of its major competitors.

It is recognition of the growing popularity of e-sports. The Asian Games in 2022 will include e-sports for the first time.

There is greater public recognition of competitors who are now full-time e-sports professionals. Therefore, as an international city, Hong Kong should continue to promote e-sports.

I hope that we will see more events like the festival being held herein Hong Kong, including top ­competitions.

This will attract a lot of ­visitors and therefore enhance the city’s reputation overseas.

As more local people ­become involved, this will help with the development of the ­innovation and technology sector, something the government has been keen to do for some time.

And if this happens, along with the boost to tourism, Hong Kong’s economy will benefit. So, the government can only gain by continuing to promote the growth of e-sports.

Chan Kwan-ming, Sha Tin

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