Providing World-Class Facilities and Supporting Systems for the Economic Integration of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta - Anthony Gar-On YEH
Anthony Gar-On YEH
Chairman, Task Force on Hong Kong-Pearl River Delta Development, and Chair Professor, Centre of Urban Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The Pearl River Delta (PRD) has entered a new phase of development because of globalisation and China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The PRD has made a rapid advancement in manufacturing, the high-tech industry, logistics, finance, and tourism. At the same time, competition among different cities in the PRD, and from other regions in China, has also intensified. To promote regional competitiveness, the PRD has to integrate its advantages in the manufacturing sector with that of Hong Kong's service sector. Hong Kong has to transform from a city that just plays a middleman's role into a regional business centre. To realize this transformation, the provision of world-class "hardware" facilities is not sufficient. More importantly, Hong Kong has to eradicate - within the provision of "one country, two systems" - all barriers that impede it from functioning as a regional service centre by improving cross-border freight and passenger traffic and restructuring the service sector to attract more businessmen from the Mainland to use services in Hong Kong. Together with an effective talent policy and urban development strategy, Hong Kong can become a regional financial and business centre that provides world-class facilities and supports for further advances in the development of the PRD.
Restructuring Hong Kong's Youth Labour Force and Strengthening the Basis for Sustainable Development - CHENG Yiu Tong
CHENG Yiu Tong
Chairman, Hong Kong-China Relation Strategic Development Research Fund
[Abstract] Along with joint development proposals within Greater Pearl River Delta, the crux for Hong Kong economy's continuous development rests in her ability to fully manipulate her advantageous aspects, such as her economic system, international market and labour force. Among these aspects, Hong Kong's labour resource is a strategic factor, especially when the city is facing rapid economic transformation and global competition of talents. There is therefore an urgency to escalate the knowledge of Hong Kong's youth labour force in the social, political, economic and civil aspects of the Mainland, in order to infuse new motivation for Hong Kong's future economic development.
The Significance to Hong Kong Youth of Seeking Employment in the Pearl River Delta - Philemon CHOI Yuen-wan
Philemon CHOI Yuen-wan
Chairman, Commission on Youth
[Abstract] The Pearl River Delta (PRD) should not be regarded as a shortcut to solve the youth employment problems of Hong Kong. Hong Kong youth should open their eyes to the world, in addition to the North. However, they should make note of the significant factors for going into the region. These include, first, the PRD as the starting point of a cultural journey: China will play a crucial role in the world, politically, economically and culturally. Young people who have the opportunity to work in the PRD can use it as a starting point of a cultural journey into the future development of China. Second, the rebuilding of cultural identity: being in the PRD can help propagate the cultural identity of youth when they are involved in internships, trainings or employment. Third, the PRD can serve as a stopover in one's career development: Youth can use the PRD as a stopover in their career development, while equipping themselves thoroughly for the future.
Gain from "North" and Lose from "Not" - Eden WOON
Eden WOON
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
[Abstract] China's entry into the World Trade Organisation, the signing of Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and the economic integration of the Greater Pearl River Delta region promise huge opportunities for Hong Kong businesses and professionals. Hong Kong youth should set their sights on the PRD and seize every opportunity that may arise. However, no one will succeed from going –"North" if one is "Not" equipped and positioned to integrate into the working environment.
Activities of Research and Development and Training of Personnel of Hong Kong Universities in the Pearl River Delta - Yuk-Shan WONG
Yuk-Shan WONG
Maggie Qi-dong CHEN
Vice-President (Administration) and Professor (Chair) of Biological Sciences, City University of Hong Kong
Centre Manager, Shenzhen Applied R&D Centres, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] It is generally agreed that there are close geopolitical and cultural links between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Pearl River Delta area. In addition to close co-operation on economic development, joint efforts in research and development (R&D) endeavour should also be strengthened. In the disciplines of science and technology, many complimentary areas could be identified. This article gives an account on the recent development of R&D and personnel training activities by various universities in Hong Kong within the Pearl River Delta region. It also discusses the changing trends and challenges to be encountered in the years to come.
The Family and Demographic Problems Arising from Economic Integration of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta - ZHOU Da-ming
ZHOU Da-ming
Professor, Department of Anthropology, Sun Yat-Sen University
[Abstract] The economic unification of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta brings about cross-border population movement. These increasing contacts between people and the complication and multiplicity of mobile residents, has given rise to a series of family and demographic problems. This paper analyses future trends and provides some relevant suggestions.
The Cooperation and Mutual Complement in Basic Education between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta - YEUNG Yiu Chung
YEUNG Yiu Chung
Member, Legislative Council
President, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers
[Abstract] The gradual economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, as well as the improving educational standard of the Mainland, has led to an increase in the number of Hong Kong people sending their children to the Mainland for basic and tertiary education. However, there are still difficulties in schooling cooperation due to the differences in the education system, the curriculum, the teaching materials and the promotion system. To help alleviate this situation, the Education and Manpower Bureau is going to revise the "Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Ordinance" in order to make it possible to take the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination and Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination outside Hong Kong. The development of basic education in the two places should be mutual and cooperative. With the gradual removal of policy and system barriers between the two places, student mobility will be greatly increased.
Social Service Implications Brought About by the Economic Integration of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta - NG Shui Lai
NG Shui Lai
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Christian Service
[Abstract] The economic integration of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta has sped up the interactions of both places and has consequentially brought about changes in living patterns. As a result, there is a need to adjust the contents and methods of social services to fit the new context. Social service agencies now have to face problems that arise, which include the lack of sufficient knowledge about the Mainland, the scarcity of related resources and the lack of partners. The location point of Hong Kong social services in relation to the Pearl River Delta also presents some issues of concern. It is believed that discussion on social services should be included in the integration agenda between both sides at the government level. Social service agencies should define their own enterprise strategy clearly, with the intervening agencies helping to strengthen connections.