Q Do you think Hong Kong companies are socially responsible? On the topic of socially responsible corporations, I would like to nominate New World First Ferry and New World First Bus as the Hong Kong 'Corporate Heritage Firm of the Year'. This company bravely continues the Hong Kong tradition of filling the air with black smoke, especially First Ferry, which at every central landing can be seen belching out enough smoke to obscure Kowloon. Then there's also the screeching television and Zero Kelvin temperatures on First Bus, probably on the ferries too, though we can't vouch for that. All of it is classic Hong Kong mad brilliance. Almost as good as China Motor Bus. Remember them? In these times, it is good to see a company uphold the traditional Hong Kong value of maximum profit before such vague and silly ideas as public health and civic responsibility. We love Hong Kong the way it is, and we don't think we should change a thing. These so called 'environmental issues' are very difficult to solve anyway, as most of that wonderful and wacky class we call tycoons probably don't live here anymore. While they are relaxing on the Riviera, it seems quite rude to remind them of their corporate responsibility, whatever that may mean. Name and address supplied Q Do you find the highway numbering system confusing? I write in response to Elaine Wu's article 'Motorists in the dark over road numbers' in February. Perhaps the 2005 Hong Kong Guide alluded to in the article was not the Hong Kong Guide 2005 that was published by the government's Lands Department. Early last month, I bought the Hong Kong Guide 2005, which is handy and provides comprehensive and invaluable map information on the Strategic Routes in Hong Kong. Indeed, page 318 of the guide gives an overview of the Hong Kong Strategic Routes in the form of a map. Page 319 provides the exit numbers of routes 1, 2, 3 and 4, while page 320 has the exit numbers for routes 5, 7, 8 and 9. Moreover, the air photographs that correspond to each traditional map provide useful information for map users. Indeed, the air photographs enable map users to gain a better perspective of the location they are interested in. More importantly, we can obtain a three-dimensional representation of, for example, the estate where we live and obtain a helicopter view or snapshot of its surroundings and environment. This salient feature of Hong Kong Guide 2005 is extremely helpful to map users. Perhaps it would be fair to make a clarification if reference to the 2005 Hong Kong Guide was not intended to mean the Hong Kong Guide 2005 in any way. Sharon Lam, Eastern District Q Do you think Dr Li Yui-ching was treated fairly? Yesterday you invited the public to comment on whether they think Li Yui-ching was treated fairly in the University of Hong Kong processes for contract consideration. Before anybody can make a judgment on fairness, that person must be acquainted with procedures and facts. It is not appropriate to present all personal facts in a public forum of this sort; and even the procedures would require substantial space for explanation. Nevertheless, the public has a right to be reassured that the university works in a fair and appropriate way; and its contract-consideration processes are part of this. Dr Li was consulted on the composition of his summative review panel before it was formed. The proposed membership was his head of division and two colleagues from the Chinese section of the division. Dr Li objected to the participation of one of those two Chinese colleagues. Responding to his request for a replacement, the faculty sought another reviewer. Since no other colleague from the Chinese section of the division of appropriate rank was available, it was necessary to appoint a colleague from the English section to replace the Chinese-speaking colleague to whom Dr Li had objected. Dr Li agreed in writing to this arrangement. The panel then conducted its work with care. It reached its evaluation, which was transmitted to the faculty-level committee. This committee both assessed the views of the review panel and drew on evidence from elsewhere, including other Chinese-speaking evaluators of Dr Li's work. Dr Li appealed against the faculty decision and his points were in turn considered with care at the university level. The case has thus been considered by many professionals at multiple layers. Long-established procedures have been followed with consistency; and Dr Li's work has been assessed by scholars who are competent to assess it. Mark Bray, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong Q What books have inspired you? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has inspired me a lot. 'Listen to our hearts and follow our paths in searching of dreams' is the central theme of this book. When we face obstacles in life, we should do what we are willing to do, and believe in the forces within ourselves. It is easy to give up dreams and abandon passion, so faith plays an important role in making decisions. This book has changed my narrow view of the world; it affects the ultimate goal of my life, as cliched as it sounds. By relating it to my life, it gives me a lesson in truth. It supports the words of the author Muriel Rukeyser: 'The universe is made up of stories, not atoms.' I keep asking myself these two questions after reading: Am I who I want to be? Or am I living my life for others only? Life is not complicated when we follow our dreams honestly and passionately. Genuine passion and enthusiasm are rewarded with success. I am willing to follow my dreams. No matter how intense my fear, I will pay attention to directions given in hidden forms. I am now looking forward to seeing more people reading this extraordinary guide to dream fulfilment. Queenie Man Sin Tiang, Tsim Sha Tsui
