The Employment Difficulties of and the Supporting Strategies for the Low-educated, Low-skilled and Low-income Youth - Jimmy C. T. WONG Howard C. H. CHENG
Jimmy C. T. WONG
Project Director, Wanco Consultants Limited
Howard C. H. CHENG
Professor, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
[Abstract] The rise of the low-educated, low-skilled, and low-income youth in Hong Kong must be addressed as a multi-faceted issue; the “blaming the victim” approach is far from constructive. For the purpose of tackling youth (un)employment problems, on top of the initiatives taken by the government to nurture social partnerships and private-public sectors collaborations, active labour market policies can play a part in creating pathways to decent work for disadvantaged youths.
Keywords: youth unemployment; active labour market policy
The Employment and Training Enhancement Strategy for Young People in the Midst of the Financial Tsunami - Matthew K. C. CHEUNG
Matthew K. C. CHEUNG
Secretary for Labour and Welfare
[Abstract] The worst-ever financial tsunami in a century has sent shockwaves across the globe and taken a toll on our economy. It has, in particular, put huge strains on the youth employment situation. In this connection, the HKSARG will continue to pursue a multipronged strategy to enhance and consolidate various training and employment services for our young people in order to strengthen their capacity and self-confidence, to encourage employers to offer more internships to help them gain work experience, and to step up postemployment support to help them adapt to their jobs. We will also closely monitor changes in the job market and initiate supplementary measures when necessary.
Keywords: youth employment; training; internships; postemployment support; job market
_Riding the Winds and Cleaving the Waves amidst the Financial Tsunami - Veronica TAM
Veronica TAM
Director of Student Services, Lingnan University
[Abstract] The financial tsunami started in September 2008 and soon spread all over the world. University students graduating in 2009 may therefore experience difficulties in job hunting. In the face of such adversity at the start of their careers, fresh graduates should take positive actions (e.g., undertake further studies) or consider options (e.g., take a part-time or summer job, or join internship programmes) that will enable them to accumulate work experiences and life skills. This paper outlines views on internship programmes, quoting a small-scale study on how students from Lingnan University perceived their internship experiences, and discusses the possible effects of internship programmes amidst the financial tsunami.
Keywords: internship; out-of-classroom practical experience; university students; collaboration between university and employers; financial tsunami
A Review of the Practice and Strategies of the Youth Employment Supporting Service--the Experiences of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2003 SARS Outbreak, and the 2008 Global Financial Tsunami - Gary L. S. TANG Chi Wai CHEUNG
Gary L. S. TANG
Supervisor, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Chi Wai CHEUNG
Unit In-charge, Youth Employment Network, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
[Abstract] The overall unemployment rate has remained high during the past 10 years. Youth unemployment especially is a very serious problem that requires the society to invest a huge amount of resources. This article applies the concepts of human capital, demand insufficiency, social capital, and life planning to summarise Hong Kong’s strategies and experiences in handling and helping our young people to face and overcome the employment problems. It is hoped that the government, public organizations, private enterprise, and nongovernmental organizations can maintain close partnerships and provide life-planning education and skills training; create short-term posts; support self-employment and business start-ups; cultivate social enterprise expertise; and establish social networks to help young people solve the employment problems that they face.
Keywords: youth employment; youth employment policy; youth employment service; youth employment support; youth unemployment
Hong Kong’s Cultural and Creative Industries During the Last Eight Years: Reflections on Their Relevance to the Employment Market - Kin Wai MOK
Kin Wai MOK
Consultant, Cheung Kong Centre for Creative Industries
[Abstract] This paper reviews the economic performance of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries, and its contribution to the local economy. It also examines the salient features of creative manpower as well as the structure of the labour market. Analysis of these areas will help policymakers to have a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between the creative industries and the labour market, and to set the right policy measures. The paper proposes some theoretical premises about the constituents of the creative manpower market, in the hope of filling the gaps in this research topic.
Keywords: cultural and creative industries; creative talent; human capital; organizational structure of enterprises
Challenges and Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs After the Financial Tsunami - Ken WONG
Ken WONG
2009 National President, Junior Chamber International Hong Kong
[Abstract] What are the implications of the financial tsunami for young entrepreneurs in Hong Kong? Is it a challenge or an opportunity? Does Hong Kong provide the essential conditions for the development of entrepreneurs? Which kind of industry and which market should they target if the creative young generation is willing to take risks and set up their own businesses? The answers can be found in this article. Young entrepreneurs should be confident and determined to learn new knowledge and face challenges as they pave their way forward in the knowledge economy in the midst of the financial tsunami.
Keywords: Hong Kong; entrepreneur; opportunities; challenges; creativity
Exploring Alternatives for Youth Development: Employment or Social Entrepreneurship - Jane C. Y. LEE
Jane C. Y. LEE
Deputy Director, HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education
Director, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute
[Abstract] This paper briefly outlines definitions and examples of social entrepreneurship with the objective of urging young people to adopt a new mode of thinking in their career development. The paper argues that a career should not just be confined to employment but can also include entrepreneurship. Young people should consider the option of setting up their own businesses and combine this with passion and innovation to tackle social problems.
Keywords: social enterprise; entrepreneurship; innovation