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SCMP Reporter

Rail merger could work wonders

I am writing in response to the proposed MTR-KCRC merger which is aimed at providing a better transport network for the public.

I believe the rail merger will offer many benefits, such as lower fares, but it could also cause more conflict.

Besides, the KCRC's image has been tarnished after fractures were found on train components earlier this year. This has resulted in minor delays on the KCRC's East Rail line which have inconvenienced some office workers.

Will the merger solve such problems or create a headache for the MTR? The public is very concerned about their safety so it's important that the KCRC's reputation is restored as soon as possible.

The new company should be highly transparent to prevent a repeat of the KCRC fiasco.

The  question is whether the MTR administration would be able to cope with the change.

If the answer is 'yes', the merger will really work wonders for Hong Kong people.

Sonic Kwok

Methodist College

Lockers can help deter exam cheats

Should mobile phones and personal digital assistants be banned from examination centres?

The majority of today's teenagers use these devices, so banning them won't make any sense.

I suggest that the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority set up lockers for students to store their belongings.

Each locker should be numbered, and the candidates can collect their things after the exam.

Examiners must make sure that the students don't come near their lockers while answering their papers.

I hope this suggestion will help reduce the number of exam cheats in future.

Leung Hoi-wan

Pok Oi Hospital Chan  Kai Memorial College

Simplified or traditional?

There is controversy over whether the United Nations  should use simplified Chinese characters  instead of the traditional version.

A lot of people oppose the traditional way of writing which is being used  in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

I strongly favour the traditional version because it's part of our culture and we should respect it.

But most mainlanders use  simplified Chinese so it would be a tough job to change the writing habits of 1.3 billion people.

I've found that people in some Chinese towns still use the traditional version.

This shows that mainlanders are confused about the issue.

The Beijing government should act  now to improve the situation. The authorities should choose between the traditional and simplified versions.  Otherwise,  people who are learning the Chinese language will be left without a proper direction.

Jessie Ching

Leung Shek Chee College

Getting a good job

Nowadays, people need to have good skills if they want to find a well-paid job.

What qualities should young graduates possess to get their dream job? And how can they develop their skills?

First, good academic results are very important because Hong Kong is a knowledge-based city.

Second, English proficiency is also vital. There are many foreign-owned companies in Hong Kong and they prefer employees with good English skills.  But there are no shortcuts to raising one's English standards.

This involves a lot of hard work, including English lessons and using the language on a daily basis.

A knowledge of Putonghua, French or German would give job hunters an advantage.

Third, good communication skills are also a must, especially when working with a team.

You should be able to listen to others' viewpoints and express your opinions clearly.

You should act now to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.

Cheung Kwan-tang

The fear factor

There is a popular belief that most students who fail exams are lazy.  I disagree.

I think they try their best but they don't get good grades because they are afraid.

They face pressure during revision so they find it hard to live up to expectations.

Cheung Chun-fai

Yuen Long Merchants'  Association Secondary School

Stop punishing

I am scared of the word 'punishment'. My parents punish me for every little mistake I do. I get the blame even for my brother's wrongdoings.

I think adults  love to punish children.

Under our school's policy, we should hand in our homework before the first lesson. Otherwise, we will be detained for one hour after school.

Rita Chong

HKMA David Li Kwok  Po College



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