Hong Kong should consider setting up a cadet corps with the People's Liberation Army to give youngsters a taste of disciplined military life and a greater sense of nationalism, the wife of former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said yesterday.
Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping said more opportunities should be afforded young people to cultivate civic awareness and leadership skills.
Mrs Tung, founding member and honorary adviser of the Concerted Efforts Resources Centre, which organises support for young people and mainland migrants, said that despite official and private efforts there were still many underprivileged groups needing help.
'We always say we should keep public aspirations close to our hearts. What is important is to give the people what they need.'
The centre, which arranges moral education, environmental conservation and other activities, is poised to launch a second military summer camp in July with the PLA Hong Kong garrison.
Mrs Tung said she hoped that in the longer term a permanent cadet corps could be formed.