Youth speak June 2022∣Youth Hong Kong
Cantonese culture recognizing reality l Policymakers and some other members of the older generation are urging young people to look outwards to mainland China and the world beyond Hong Kong for their future. l Those who reflect on their circumstances often find it hard to see clear pathways. l Recognizing their professional potential, these voices of young adults in their 20s and 30s reveal concerns about the future of their city.
l 當政策制定者或上一輩都在敦促年輕人應將未來放眼 於內地和香港以外的世界時，他們可否先聆聽青年對 個人前景，以至這個城市的種種迷惘和憂慮？ l 大部分青年均有意在 5 年內赴海外發展，包括歐洲、 新加坡等地，亦有人正為移民與否而煩惱。 l 有青年提到，無論日後身在何地，仍希望盡力捍衛特 色文化、人權自由等香港重要文化和核心價值。
At a time when Hong Kong reaches its 25th year as a Special Administrative Region, residents of all ages ponder the years to come. While some hope for a new start, many young people say that for them would mean being free of boundaries, finding better life-work balance and having the chance to work on something they love. Still, they treasure their unique heritage and culture, see pats of it disappearing and want to preserve what’s left before it’s too late.
Camila is 24. She is a journalist by profession and her thoughts turn westwards for the future. An aspirational young lady, Camila wants to use her skills and experience in the media world to make a good impact on the society to which she belongs. Nevertheless, the boundaries and challenges to social mobility in Hong Kong cannot be denied, she says. “I would say the greatest hurdle is the fast-changing social and political environment. It has been really difficult and uncertain for me. As a youngster trying to plan my future career in Hong Kong. I want to explore and in five years’ time, I think I would like to be working in Central Asia or Europe but whether to emigrate or not is one of the key factors.” Wherever she goes, the values Camila grew up with in Hong Kong will go with her. “The uniqueness of Hong Kong includes free speech and freedom of the press.” 12
The city’s independent judicial and legislative system are also part of its uniqueness, she says. “Given its historical background as a British colonial city, we were promised certain privileges and human rights but because of the severe political system, they have been eroded in recent years.”
In order to do that, I study and read and never set boundaries for myself. For a mature public discussion on such topics, Camila recognizes how important it is to stay wellinformed. “I think the only way to preserve our unique culture and heritage is to start with our own daily lives. Regardless of how small a step we might take, by reading more and knowing more, we can stay united with others and hold onto our values.”
