Volume 6, Issue No. 2 (Serial No. 12) The Pearl River Delta : A New Option for Young People ?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

YANG Xiong
Director, Institute of Youth and Children Research, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences

[Abstract] The Internet Revolution has improved efficiency, increased awareness of equality, enhanced global perspective, and encouraged multi-disciplinary knowledge of youth in China. It brought about opportunities in developing quality education and a new form of inter-generational relationships. However, the overflow of information might also cause youth psychological problems, with the penetration of Western culture and ideologies. Internet pornography is dangerous to youth. On the one hand, we should be open-minded in dealing with these cultural challenges and speed up the building of the Internet infrastructure. On the other hand, we should borrow from foreign experiences in the management and control of the Internet. More importantly, we need to be concerned about people in the new era of the Internet society.

Joyce Yen FENG
Professor and Chair, Department of Social work, National Taiwan University

[Abstract] It is because of pressure from school, the convenience, as well as encouragement from parents and schools, that have made Internet activities one of the most important parts of teenagers' life in Taiwan. Making friends on line among young people has become a new phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to describe and delineate the process and nature of on-line friendships among youth in Taiwan. Apart from the knowledge from recent local studies concerning the same areas, the author reports on an exploratory study that interviewed 9 youngsters aged between 14-17 with rich experiences of on-line friendships. Results revealed that 1)"boring" and "emptiness" are catalyzers for youngsters' on-line friendships, 2) teenagers have not yet replaced their real world human relationships withvirtual relationships, 3) there are a few steps that lead to the selection of "real friend" from "net-friend", 4) appearance is a key criteria to the selection of a "real friend", especially by the opposite gender. Some discussion and suggestions are offered in the end.

Alfred CHOI
CHEN Wenli
Associate Professor, School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University
PhD Candidate, School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University

[Abstract] The aim of this paper is to shed light on the debate as to whether the Internet leads to social isolation among youth or is actually a new medium that enhances their social relations. In examining social relations, this paper focuses on the link between young people's Internet use and their family relationships. The data analyzed in this paper is drawn from a survey that collected a representative sample of 1,000 students from 16 Secondary Schools in Singapore in 2001. Descriptive data, as well as multiple regression analysis, show that Internet use has neither an adverse effect on the youths' family relationship, nor has it reduced face-to-face interactions with their family members. Interestingly, the data suggests that time spent on the Internet at home is positively linked to family satisfaction.

VONG Chi Man
WONG Pak Kin
LI Yi Ping
Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Macau

[Abstract] In Macao, Internet cafes have recently become very popular among college, secondary and primary school students, who have turned into part of their daily lives. Many young people find that Internet cafes are good places to meet friends and to share the fun of the Internet with others. Although Internet cafes are open to the public and many teenagers like to stay there, the youth are usually immature, and it is not uncommon for criminal elements to make contact with them there. This paper presents a study on the impact of Internet cafes on Macao youth. The historical development, services provided and classification of Internet cafes are introduced. The impact of Internet cafes on Macao youth is analyzed, while some positive and negative comments are made with respect to their lives, their studies and their morality. Potential strategies for improving the development of Internet cafes and guiding the proper use of them for Macao youth are also addressed. The recommendations can serve as a reference for the Macao government and relevant authorities.

Nancy LAW
Allan H.K. YUEN
Division of Information and Technology Studies, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
Albert W.L. CHAU
Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong
M. LAI
Centre for Information Technology in School and Teacher Education, The University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] It is widely acknowledged that the Internet is exerting a strong influence on many aspects of growth and development in youth. While there is no common consensus on whether such influences are positive or otherwise, there is an emerging picture from accumulated research that the nature of the impact depends on the social and psychological adjustment of the youth concerned. There has been a lot of research on parenting behaviour and its influence on children and youth. However, little has been done in the area of Internet or IT-specific parenting behaviour, or on the influence of parenting on youth in relation to Internet related behaviour or attitudes. This paper reports on a study conducted on a random sample of 1,212 families in Hong Kong, which examines the self-reported impact of Internet use and Internet-related ethical attitudes by youth and their possible relationships with general and IT-specific parenting behaviour.

HO Wing-yin, Cecilia
Youth Work Officer, Ping Shek Youth S.P.O.T., The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

[Abstract] The emergence of a rave and disco culture has been followed by the problem of psychotropic substance abuse among young people in Hong Kong. In order to combat the growing drug abuse problem, treatment and drug education form a very crucial aspect, only with deterring the supply of illicit drugs. However, the general "Say No to Drugs" approach has proved not to be suitable for occasional drug users. Thus, using an outreaching approach, headed by professional social workers working in disco-settings, to provide drug counseling, education and referral services, have proved to be effective and creative ways to address this situation. Concepts and practices learnt from the VCD (We Can Dance) Beat Drugs Project will be considered in this paper.

Rebecca P. ANG
Assistant Professor, Psychological Studies, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

[Abstract] This Study evaluated the effects of Social Problem-Solving Skills Training (SPSST) on 77 juvenile offenders (47 boys and 30 girls) with a mean age of 14.71 years. The juveniles were assigned to the SPSST intervention condition or the no-intervention, wait-list control condition. It was predicted that juveniles in the SPSST intervention condition would have their overall level of aggression reduced significantly when compared with juveniles in the control condition. Expectations were supported by results at post-intervention. These findings will be discussed in the light of future research.

Penny Y.Y. CHAN
TANG Yuk Wa
Associate Professor of Sociology, Macau Polytechnic Institute
PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology, Nanjing University

[Abstract] The population of Macao increased rapidly during 1980s. As a result the problems of adolescents became greater. The government has tried to implement a youth policy since the 1980s into the 1990s. However, the policy is still mainly service-based. This paper suggests the youth policy-making process should include the conducting of research, the constructing of content, and follow-up assessments. The content of youth policy should consist of development, problem prevention, and problem solving. Furthermore, a holistic "Youth Policy Principle Act" should be drawn up in order to match Macao young people with the needs of socio-economic development.

Kam-shing YIP
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

[Abstract] Filial piety has long been regarded as the crux of traditional Chinese culture. In this paper, the writer tries to revisit the impact of filial piety from classical Chinese literature: the Bible of Filial Piety. Classical filial piety affects not only parent-child obligation, it also legitimates and moralizes total submission to authority figures in Chinese society. In modern Chinese society, adolescents face the dilemma of accepting the submission to parental figures on the one hand, but developing their independent self image and identity on the other. This dilemma properly creates internal conflict and ambiguity in adolescent development for a healthy self image and identity. Using case studies, the author illustrates this in detail.

YANG Zhen-hua
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Law, Xiao Gan College

[Abstract] Cai Yuan-pei was a liberal intellectual advocating education to save the nation. When Cai became the Master of Peking University, he disagreed that students over-participated in the students' movement. However, Cai was also a patriot and therefore he showed support towards the students' movement relating to the future and fate of the nation.