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SCMP Reporter

Here are the winning entries in the 1997 Longman English Competition, co-sponsored by Young Post and the British Council.

  Senior section winner Lam Yee-ling writes: In 2097, Hong Kong remains [retains] its prosperity and stability.

  The prices of the flats are gradually decreased since people can live in the magnificent housing estates on Mars.

  After the successful 'Green Hong Kong' campaign, the air is fresher and the industrial areas have been moved to Saturn.

   Therefore, the citizens are healthier and stronger than before.

  People can study, work and play by using computers. They can be connected to schools' and companies' central computers to input and output information.

  People can also play the game of horse-racing on them. The horses are no more suffered [no longer suffer].

 Senior runner-up Loretta Chan Oi-yee writes: What Hong Kong would be like in the year 2097? Everyone will be living in skyscrapers and travelling by flying saucers.

   Many people migrate to other planets. Though Hong Kong is densely populated, the only sports ground left is the reclamated [reclaimed] Victoria Harbour.

  Clothes of the astronauts come into vogue and people wear traditional Chinese clothes merely on special occasions and festivals.

   They don't have fresh food anymore. Instead, they take nutrients containing pills [pills containing nutrients]. In the meantime, people travel to the universe to meet aliens. They also like to surf the UNINET-network of the whole universe.

 Junior section winner Fung Ching-yee writes: Hong Kong has flourished greatly since her return to China, however old traditions and cultures have never ceased.

   Yet lifestyles have changed drastically over the years. No longer do we live in apartment blocks or have maids serving us.

   Technology has greatly spurred forward.

  We live in high glass domes of different designs, soaring up to the heavens. Meals are now prepared by funny, different-sized gadgets.

  Leisure activities comprise of rather odd games including people just floating around in mid-air.

  One thing is for sure - Hong Kong will remain the Pearl of the Orient forever.

 Junior runner-up Bonnie Huen Hoi-ching writes: Hong Kong will have a bright future in 2097. Things will change. The environment will be good and technology will be more advanced.

  Man and nature will live together in harmony. We will have much more time for leisure.

   The design of things will change. The designs will be more artistic and creative.

  The people will change. The people will be happy and full of love. But our traditions will never change - Hong Kong will still be prosperous, wonderful and glamorous and it will still be the Pearl of the Orient.

   We all look forward to 2097! 



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What life will be like in 2097