Lee is also a role model in lifelong learning. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in creative and professional writing from Baptist University and is currently enrolled in its master’s programme.

She has even published a memoir chronicling her highs and lows as an athlete to encourage youngsters to pursue their dreams, irrespective of circumstances. With her new-found talent for writing and solid experience in cycling, she is well-positioned to impart positive values and inspire impressionable young minds.

With her expected move into coaching, Lee is demonstrating her commitment to and passion for Hong Kong and the motherland. At the Sports Institute, she will join the elite coaching staff to help nurture cycling talent who want to follow in her footsteps and instil in them the values, attitude, skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Lee’s multifaceted contributions to Hong Kong both on and off the cycling track are remarkable. She has been a positive influence on fellow Hongkongers on so many levels. The old chapter of her sporting career has closed, but a new one has just begun.

Jason Tang, Tin Shui Wai

Mandatory reporting of abuse is only the first step

Our society should not tolerate any forms of violence against children, whether it’s physical, sexual or psychological abuse, or neglect. Child abuse can have long-term ramifications on children’s physical and mental health, and it needs to be stopped.

This proposed legislation is a welcomed measure, but the estimated 18-month timeline for implementation is too long. Every day that goes by can mean a case of a child suffering going unnoticed.

There is also much more we need to do at different levels to protect children from harm. First, at the societal level, we need to continue to push for child protection laws to send a clear signal of right from wrong. We should go even one step further to ban corporal punishment in all settings in Hong Kong, as it is a risk factor in child abuse. Sixty-five countries have adopted a total ban on corporal punishment. Hong Kong should follow suit.

Second, we need to address the issue at the family level. In 2022, 57 per cent of child abuse perpetrators were parents. Positive parenting education for parents and caregivers can equip them with non-violent communication techniques. Prevention is always better than cure.

Third, every child-facing organisation – be it a school, NGO or activity centre – needs to adopt a child safeguarding policy and have monitoring and reporting systems and processes in place. Foster a child safeguarding culture.

Finally, at the community level, we need to tackle public education. Carry out child protection campaigns to raise public awareness about the harms of violence against children.

Protecting a child from harm is everyone’s responsibility. We urge the Legislative Council to pass this bill as soon as possible, and take further steps to prevent harm to Hong Kong’s children.

Carol Szeto, CEO, Save the Children Hong Kong

Officials should lead by example in organ donation drive

It is heartening to see the Legislative Council president and others coming out in numbers to shine the spotlight on the issue.

The chief executive and his team, Executive Council members, Legco members and all senior officers in the civil service should declare if they have already donated their organs. It’s better to lead by example than with words.

For the record, I have already pledged all my organs. The government with its different branches should also practise what it preaches.

Venkitaraman Krishnan, Lam Tin