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SCMP Reporter

Should Jackie Chan be granted land for his project?
 The government should grant land for Jackie Chan, who has become an iconic figure.
Such a project would not be harmful to Hong Kong; in fact it would be advantageous. It would be good for the economy and would attract tourists. 
Also, it would involve the preservation of Chan's 'collection of historic sandalwood houses' ('Jackie Chan rejects two sites offered', February 28).   This would be a great legacy for future generations to enjoy. Also, setting up the collection would not do any harm to the environment. 
The government has dragged its heels over this issue which is why Chan said he was willing to donate them instead to Singapore.
I do hope this matter can be resolved and that an agreement can be reached with Jackie Chan. 
Edmund Tsang, Tsuen Wan
 I think land should be found for Jackie Chan's collection of historic houses. 
It is clear that Chan offered some of the houses to Singapore because the Hong Kong government has been so slow to respond to his requests. 
 Jackie Chan is a famous international film star and he is also a living icon in Hong Kong. This is rare opportunity for our  government to have Chan's historic houses located in Hong Kong. 
Chan is popular with mainland audiences, so the houses would be a big draw for mainland visitors and tourist  numbers would increase. 
However, I fear that this opportunity may be squandered, because of the attitude of officials. Chan has apparently been asking the government to take action on this matter for 10 years. 
I would like to see the historic houses located in Tamar or West Kowloon, rather than seeing them being sent to Singapore. These antique houses can educate people about the past and they can learn more about Chinese culture. 
In Hong Kong we will be a laughing stock if we allow all these houses to be relocated to Singapore. 
I hope the government can act swiftly to solve this problem. 
Nicole Chan, Tsuen Wan
 The Lands Department should offer land so Jackie Chan's historic houses can stay in Hong Kong. This will be important to the tourist industry and our teenagers will also benefit. 
 Young people like Jackie Chan and his kung fu movies. But many of them do not know what goes into the making of these films. They know little about his life and experiences. With this project they could learn more about him. Chan has been successful in his career and he can set a good example to young people.
 He is more than just an artist. He represents an image of Hong Kong to the rest of the world. Therefore, it is only right that his collection of historic homes should remain in  Hong Kong. These houses can be seen as, in effect, an additional museum for the city. Such a museum will be very popular with tourists, because Chan has millions of fans all over the world. 
 Officials should realise that if they grant Chan a piece of land, the museum will attract a lot of tourists and this will bring in a lot of revenue. 
Therefore, these houses will help our economy and promote the image of Hong Kong. As a Hongkonger, I feel it would be shameful if a part of our culture which has survived is relocated to another country. 
Chan Wing-yu, Tung Chung
On other matters...
 Watching  television is still a popular  activity for most Hong Kong people, however, we can make  better use of broadcasting channels to enhance  literacy levels. 
We have spent decades on the debate on what language policy to adopt in our schools and trying to promote adult language learning. 
However, we forget that the most cost-efficient way to enhance overall language proficiency is through the mass media.
There are a total of eight free-to-air television channels in Singapore and we only have two Cantonese and two English  channels. 
Also, a monopoly operates in our television market. 
The market leader aims to maximise profits by providing entertainment but not trying to educate and cultivate our knowledge.
 Our valuable  channels are in effect being used to promote materialism and make profits, and I do not think this is acceptable. 
The chief executive always reminds us to embrace the development opportunities offered by the mainland and the position of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. 
But with the present state of affairs, how can people acquire more knowledge and develop their critical faculties?
 The government should consider providing more  channels to  other service providers. 
This can be done by allowing non-local  stations to broadcast on free-to-air channels.
For example, we can already get Bloomberg, CCTV and Open University on the terrestrial channels. This idea can be extended.
 Our government should actively work towards inviting other  stations to rent our analogue and digital channels.
We could introduce to Hong Kong viewers channels from the mainland, Singapore, Taiwan, the US and EU countries. 
It would help Hongkongers who wish to improve their Putonghua or  English.
People could widen their horizons in other ways, by learning more about current affairs in other parts of the world and having a deeper understanding of other cultures.
 I believe creating a good language environment and international exposure to different  channels is a cost-efficient way to enhance our knowledge, literacy and language proficiency.
Stefan Lam Kit-yung, Tuen Mun
  People can donate blood to the Hong Kong Red Cross once they reach the age of 16.
I think teenagers should be encouraged to donate blood. This is the best way for them to realise that they must start to take on responsibilities as citizens of Hong Kong and to appreciate that their blood can help save people's lives.
Taking on such social responsibilities can also help young people to become more self-confident and that can help them as adults when they join the workforce.
C. Wong, Sheung Shui



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