Youth Development and Engagement

February 1, 2021

To Stay or To Leave? A Critical Question for Good Governance

    Youth I.D.E.A.S. 57 Governance To Stay or To Leave? A Critical Question for Good Governance 30 January, 2021     Emigration is not a new phenomenon to Hong Kong. During recent decades there have been a few waves of emigration, mainly due to the city’s special social background (e.g. the negotiations in the early 1980s about its future, and subsequent political disputes and crises of confidence).   The recent spates of social unrest sparked by the proposed extradition legislation, and coupled with other issues, have revealed many unresolved and deep-rooted tensions within Hong Kong society. This has triggered […]
September 14, 2020

Improving Operations of Advisory Bodies to Better Facilitate Youth Engagement

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 53 Governance Improving Operations of Advisory Bodies to Better Facilitate Youth Engagement 13 September, 2020     Advisory and Statutory Bodies (ASBs) were already in operation in Hong Kong in the mid-20th century. In accordance with Article 65 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR Government has maintained the same system of establishing advisory bodies by executive authorities. The government appoints suitable members of the public to serve on these bodies. The ASBs provide a platform for public engagement.   There are seven types of ASBs of which there are a current of about 500; the largest number […]
April 28, 2020

Improving Governance by Maximising Effectiveness of Social Media

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 49 Governance Improving Governance by Maximising Effectiveness of Social Media 26 April, 2020     In 2019, an estimated 2.8 billion people were using social media worldwide[1].  The three most popular social media platforms were Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp[2]. In Hong Kong, there are currently 5.8 million active social media users, representing around 78% of the population[3].   It is generally believed that social media provides a tool for governments to disseminate public and policies-related information, as well as to facilitate interaction with citizens. From the perspectives of policy explanation and public connection, using social media effectively […]
September 5, 2019

Strengthening the Role and Functions of District Councils

    Youth I.D.E.A.S. 45 Governance and Constitutional Development Strengthening the Role and Functions of District Councils 5 September, 2019   In Hong Kong, the District Administration Scheme has been implemented since 1982. The Scheme aims at promoting community development and nurturing civic responsibility and a sense of belonging. One of the elements of the Scheme is the establishment of District Councils (DCs). The election-based nature and front-line community work experience of DCs has made them an important cradle for training the political talent of Hong Kong.   The DCs’ performance, however, has always been criticized. Worse, the number of […]
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 […]