Causes and Solutions of Youth Unemployment Problem: Lessons for Hong Kong from Overseas Experience - WONG Hung
WONG Hung
Lecturer, Division of Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The aim of this paper is to examine the overseas experience in tackling youth unemployment problem, as to rethink policy direction of Hong Kong. According to the micro-level human capital theory, the lack of skills and knowledge for employment is the main cause of youth unemployment, so the key solution is to provide youth training schemes. However, many researches conclude that, in the long term, these training schemes cannot increase employment rate and income level of the unemployed youth. The macro-level perspective provides in-depth analysis, but cannot suggest any practical solution. The meso-level perspective, which focuses on the weakening of social capital of the youth, provides new theoretical insight and practical direction for youth employment. Hong Kong should learn that youth in poor communities have great social capital that needs to be nurtured and enhanced so as to facilitate the interaction of supply and demand of youth in the labour market.
Policies and Schemes for Youth Pre-Employment Training in Hong Kong - Pamela TAN KAM Mi-wah
Pamela TAN KAM Mi-wah
Commissioner for Labour, Hong Kong SAR Government
[Abstract] Hong Kong has entered the "post-industrial" era. Added to the challenges brought by economic restructuring is the recent economic downturn, which aggravates youth unemployment problems. Various vocational training opportunities have long been available to help young school leavers. Nevertheless, we need to discover the missing link between the employment market and young people in order to provide the best solution. This paper reviews various schemes currently available, particularly analyzing how a new youth training scheme, the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme, founded on an enormous network comprising training courses, counseling and hands-on practices, could enhance young people's competitiveness and means of development at difficult times.
Recent Trends of Continuing Education in Hong Kong - Charles WONG
Charles WONG
Chairman, Federation for Continuing Education of Tertiary Institutions
Chairman, Working Group on Continuing Education, Education Commission
[Abstract] Continuing education provides an avenue to increase and maintain competitiveness of individuals within the context of economic globalization. During the past decade, many people in Hong Kong have substantially raised their education attainment, including at degree level and beyond, through continuing education. The Government proposed to increase the participation rate of post-secondary education of the relevant age group to 60% within the next ten years in response to the structural change of the economy to a knowledge-based one. It is expected the increase will be from the Associate Degree sector, which has been introduced in Hong Kong in 2000. A common set of descriptors for the Associate Degree has been agreed upon and the Government has taken the lead in recognizing its value for employment purposes, while recognition by the private sector it is estimated to be a gradual process.
Assistance to Quit the Vicious Cycle of Youth Unemployment - LI Yim Cheong
LI Yim Cheong
Coordinator (Neighborhood), The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
[Abstract] The Government, the private sector and the non-governmental organizations should work together by playing an active role in order to solve the youth employment problem. In discussing the careers and guidance support services provided by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, this article portrays how a non-government organization can play its role in improving the situation by propelling the interaction among the Government, the private sector and the non-governmental agencies.
Career and Life Planning: Career Development and Counselling for Young People - S. Alvin LEUNG Emily Mee Mai WONG Suk Yin LEE Kin Wing LAM
S. Alvin LEUNG
Emily Mee Mai WONG
Suk Yin LEE
Kin Wing LAM
Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] This article emphasized that helping young people in their career development is an important task for youth workers and educators. This article examines three career development theories, and proposes a number of career intervention strategies and procedures based on these theories, to help young people plan their lives and careers. In the last section, this article also discusses a number of trends related to youth employment, as our economy becomes more global in the information age.
The Opportunities and Challenges of Hong Kong Youth when Working in Mainland China - Thomas M. H. CHAN
Thomas M. H. CHAN
Head, China Business Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
[Abstract] Due to the worsening employment problem in Hong Kong and the speedy development of the economy of China, Hong Kong youth seems to be more likely to work in Mainland China. The major obstacle preventing them from doing so are their misunderstanding of Mainland’s realities, and the alienation developed thereafter. The open-door policy of China has stepped into a totally new stage. Working on the Mainland should not be considered a second choice, but rather as an aggressive action in searching for more opportunities and upgrading standards. Should Hong Kong youth work on the Mainland, they should devote themselves to their careers, understand local social systems, and develop wider interpersonal relationships.
Nurturing the Qualitative Development of Human Resources Among Young People in Hong Kong - Herman HU
Herman HU
Council Member,
Chairman, Manpower & Training Committee
Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong
[Abstract] Family education is the starting point for nurturing the qualities, skills and talents of young people so as to develop a comprehensive and solid human resource pool in Hong Kong. The education one receives in family milieu has a crucial influence on such development. Given the estimation over the environmental development, both inside and outside Hong Kong, and the new political environment after Hong Kong's unification with China, teenagers need to nurture their ideals, values, knowledge and skills. Education should emphasize more on the development of morals, wisdom, sports, sociability and aesthetics, and nurture the ability of students to think independently and to become citizens with social issues concerns.
The Right to Employment of Hong Kong Youngsters and Social Responsibilities - LAM Shuk Yee
LAM Shuk Yee
Honorary Secretary, Lok Kwan Social Service
[Abstract] The youth unemployment problem is getting more serious and has become one of the main problems that our Government needs to resolve. Employment not only provides youth with finance, but it is also a sign of social recognition. Being employed is a basic right of the youth, so our society should take responsibility to protect their work opportunities. In this paper, we will look into the relationship between youth’s right to be employed and the role our society should play in protecting this right. We will also discuss suggestions that have been made with regard to the improvement of the existing measures in order to tackle the problem. Such suggestions refer to developing community economy, or introducing Colleges of higher education geared on subjects focusing on skills and knowledge that facilitate employment. We believe that the youth unemployment problem can be alleviated successfully through a strategic execution of such measures.
The Industrial Attachment Scheme of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong - K.T. NG Y.C. CHAN C.H. CHAN
K.T. NG
Faculty Coordinator, Industrial Attachment Scheme, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Assistant Professor, Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong
Y.C. CHAN
Associate Chairman, Industrial Attachment Scheme, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Professor (Chair) of Electronic Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering,City University of Hong Kong
C.H. CHAN
Chairman, Industrial Attachment Scheme, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Professor (Chair) of Electronic Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering
Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The Faculty of Science and Engineering at City University of Hong Kong is running an Industrial Attachment Scheme in 2002 with the support of 63 industrial partners benefiting 238 students from 6 participating Departments. The majority of these Year II students will be deployed for a 9-week industrial training, this summer, to business establishments in Pearl River Delta Region. This paper presents the background, objectives, and salient features of this Industrial Attachment Scheme.
A Holistic Development──The Experience Sharing of “The Summer Work Experience Scheme” - FUNG CHENG Wai Yee Monica
FUNG CHENG Wai Yee Monica
Committee Member, the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters
[Abstract] The Education Reform emphasizes on the lifelong learning opportunities enabling a holistic development of the person. The Summer Work Experience Scheme provides for learning in contexts that cannot be offered during classroom tailored learning. The Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters, together with the Education Department, has organized the Summer Work Experience Scheme for the past 27 years. It allows Secondary 5 students to work in different organizations during the summer. Students find it an eye-opening opportunity to understand various work related issues.