CY Leung's policies will not address young people's fears for future

The first policy address after the "umbrella movement" was widely expected to try to appease the discontent among young people.

But while the chief executive appears aware of their growing frustration, he does not seem to understand its cause.

Measures proposed on vocational training and career development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and affordable housing - even if they prove to be effective - should not be dismissed, but the younger generation may have been expecting more. The pro-democracy protests showed there is a new generation who aspire to lead a more independent lifestyle, based on the universal values of democratic governance, equality and human rights. They have come to realise that piecemeal and remedial measures will not radically improve their quality of life. If they were hoping for a policy address that can lay out a vision of social development, they may have been disappointed yesterday.

Youth education and development - one of the key areas of yesterday's and previous addresses - is the cause of widespread concern. But even as young people become better educated, they have not seen any significant improvement in their wages. Many aged 18-24 have found that their salary remains just HK$8,000 to HK$9,000, while potential for upward mobility is slim.

Meanwhile living costs have risen to a level which few young people can afford on their own. Buying a flat remains a dream that cannot be fulfilled, with high rents taking a big chunk out of their modest income.

Amid such challenges, there are real concerns the measures proposed by the chief executive may fail even on their own terms.