Youth Development and Engagement

April 28, 2019

Advancing the Honours and Awards System of the HKSAR

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 41 Governance and Constitutional Development Advancing the Honours and Awards System of the HKSAR 28 April, 2019 Many governments around the world award their citizens honours for public or community service, outstanding achievement and sustained contribution to society. This is meant to convey both distinction and recognition and is usually regarded as the highest form of honour for citizenry. There is widespread belief that the presentation of merit-based government honours to individuals helps establish role models for society, encourage greater involvement in public service, and develop a greater sense of belonging. All of these contribute to social stability […]
December 20, 2018

Involving the Community in Public Finance Management

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 37 Governance and Constitutional Development Involving the Community in Public Finance Management 20 December, 2018     The process of public finance management is how the government uses and distributes resources. Effective management of public finances is beneficial to the stability and sustainability of society. To support this, effective public participation can help to not only strengthen government policy legitimacy but also aid in building public trust in the government. Various governments and institutional organizations around the world value the importance of, and actively seek, public participation in aspects of public finance management. This includes topics as wide-ranging […]
August 26, 2018

Nurturing Talent for Governance

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 33 Governance and Constitutional Development Nurturing Talent for Governance 26 August, 2018     Good public governance relies on people with outstanding talents performing their duties and exerting leadership skills in their positions. Those in public office, through making good decisions and effectively using public resources to resolve social problems, improve people’s livelihoods, gain the public’s trust and make society better. Developing a pool of talent for governance is getting more attention, with many governments around the world building talent pools in areas including talent identification, training, practice and experiences retention. Some governments have also strengthened their talent […]
April 26, 2018

Enhancing e-Government in the HKSAR

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 29 Governance and Constitutional Development Enhancing e-Government in the HKSAR 26 April, 2018     e-Government, broadly speaking, is the digitalization of government operations through the use of Internet and the application of Information and Communication Technology (ITC). It provides government with opportunities to deliver more accessible public services of a higher quality. It is generally believed that effective implementation of e-services could enhance the performance of the government. It also helps create a positive public image of the government, providing favourable conditions to maintain good governance.   Since its establishment, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government […]
December 21, 2017

Building Public Trust in the Government

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 25 Governance and Constitutional Development Building Public Trust in the Government 21 December, 2017     Trust is a precious resource in facilitating interactions among people in any kind of society, including those between the government and its people. It is also a major concern when it comes to good governance. Yet, when looking around the world, challenges to the mutual trust between the government and the public are common. An international survey noted that in 21 out of the 28 countries or areas polled in the survey, people’s trust in government was rated under 50%[1].   In […]
June 26, 2017

Young People’s Views on Togetherness

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 23 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on Togetherness 26 June, 2017     Hong Kong, a city with a long history of diversity, has recently witnessed serious controversy and confrontations over unequal economic development, livelihood issues and the changing political landscape. The deep-rooted problems come into views, which further intensify the fracture of the city.  The cohesion of the society is under great challenge.   Moreover, the city seems to be enveloped in a shroud of animosity.  Some people worry that the basic social values of the Hong Kong society are to be eroded, and […]
March 1, 2017

Young People’s Views on the Performance of Political Appointments

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 19 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on the Performance of Political Appointments 1 March, 2017     The HKSAR Government implemented the Principal Officials Accountability System in 2002.  Under this new system, the chief executive nominated candidates of high personal integrity and ability from inside and outside the civil service for appointment by the Central People’s Government as principal officials.   The primary objectives of the system were the following: to strengthen the accountability of principal officials; to ensure better response to the needs of the community; to enhance coordination in policy formulation; to strengthen […]
October 30, 2016

Young People’s Views on Civil Servant Challenges

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 15 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on Civil Servant Challenges 30 October, 2016     Civil servants are an essential part of the government, and are vital to maintaining good governance.  They also play an important role in executing policies and striving for public trust, thereby fostering social development and effective governance.   According to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (hereafter called “Basic Law”), public servants are a key component of the HKSAR’s political structure.  The Basic Law stipulates that public servants (including […]
May 29, 2016

Young People’s Views on the Roles and Functions of the Legislative Council

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 11 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on the Roles and Functions of the Legislative Council 29 May, 2016   Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter called “HKSAR”) in 1997, the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (hereafter called “Basic Law”) has come into force.  As stipulated by the Basic Law, the Legislative Council (Legco) is the legislature of the HKSAR, and its main functions are to enact, amend and repeal laws; to examine and approve budgets, taxation and public expenditure; to […]