Theme 1: Quality of Life Topic 2: Measuring Hong Kong’s quality of life from different...

Theme 1: Quality of LifeTheme 1: Quality of LifeTopic 2: Measuring Hong Kong’s Topic 2: Measuring Hong Kong’s quality of life from different quality of life from different perspectivesperspectives

Theme Mind Theme Mind MapMap

Definition of the Definition of the quality of life quality of life

１

Measuring Hong Measuring Hong Kong’s quality Kong’s quality of life from of life from different different perspectivesperspectives

２

３Considerations in Considerations in and hurdles to and hurdles to maintaining and maintaining and improving the improving the quality of lifequality of life

Quality of Quality of LifeLife

Exploration Journey 3Exploration Journey 3The political quality The political quality

of Hong Kongof Hong Kong

Exploration Journey 4Exploration Journey 4The social and cultural The social and cultural quality of Hong Kongquality of Hong Kong

Exploration Journey 5Exploration Journey 5Indexes for measuring Indexes for measuring

the quality of lifethe quality of life

Exploration Journey 1Exploration Journey 1The economic quality The economic quality

of Hong Kongof Hong Kong

Exploration Journey 2Exploration Journey 2The environmental quality The environmental quality

of Hong Kongof Hong Kong2 2

Measuring Hong Kong’s Measuring Hong Kong’s quality of life quality of life from differentfrom different perspectivesperspectives

ExplorationExploration

JourneyJourney

Exploration Journey 1: How do we measure the economic quality of Hong Kong?

Primary Primary productionproduction

Hong Kong had actively Hong Kong had actively developed entrepot tradedeveloped entrepot trade

Before 1850: 19 century:

1946:

1970s:

　　　　　　

1980s:

Now?Now?

The economic changes in Hong KongThe economic changes in Hong Kong

The outbreak of the Chinese Civil War brought an influx of refugeesThe outbreak of the Chinese Civil War brought an influx of refugees from the mainland to Hong Kong. They brought along a huge amountfrom the mainland to Hong Kong. They brought along a huge amountof capital, skill and labour, which were favourable to Hong Kong’s of capital, skill and labour, which were favourable to Hong Kong’s development of secondary production.development of secondary production.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) imposed an embargo on the Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) imposed an embargo on the mainland. It was a great setback to Hong Kong’s entrepot trade, and mainland. It was a great setback to Hong Kong’s entrepot trade, and Hong Kong turned to develop light industry. Hong Kong turned to develop light industry.

Under the mainland’s reform Under the mainland’s reform and opening-up, Hong Kong’s and opening-up, Hong Kong’s industries started to move industries started to move northwards, and economic northwards, and economic conditions worsened. conditions worsened.

Hong Kong turned to Hong Kong turned to develop tertiary develop tertiary production in the face of production in the face of its waning industries. its waning industries.

Now we know the development of Hong

Kong’s economy in the 19th and the 20th century.

What major economic issues happened after

China resumed the exercise of sovereignty

over Hong Kong?

The relaxation of the

Individual Visit Scheme?

The Financial Crisis?

CEPA?

The Financial Tsunami?


1997 Asian financial crisisAsian financial crisis

1998 The first economic recession The first economic recession since 1985since 1985

The highest unemployment rate The highest unemployment rate in 22 yearsin 22 years


2000The PRC and HKSAR The PRC and HKSAR

governments increased governments increased group visit quotagroup visit quota

2002China officially joined the World China officially joined the World Trade Organization, facilitating Trade Organization, facilitating

Hong Kong’s financial and Hong Kong’s financial and tourism development tourism development


2003The outbreak of SARS in Hong The outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong dealt a great blow to the Kong dealt a great blow to the

city’s economycity’s economy

The PRC and HKSAR The PRC and HKSAR governments signed the main text governments signed the main text

of CEPA, facilitating trade of CEPA, facilitating trade between the two placesbetween the two places

The introduction of the Individual The introduction of the Individual Visit Scheme helped to revive Visit Scheme helped to revive

Hong Kong’s economyHong Kong’s economy


2004 The first phase of CEPA took The first phase of CEPA took effect. The mainland and Hong effect. The mainland and Hong

Kong signed a number of annexes Kong signed a number of annexes and supplements laterand supplements later


2007 The mainland relaxed the QDIIThe mainland relaxed the QDII((Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor) Scheme, strengthening Scheme, strengthening

capital flow in Hong Kong’s capital flow in Hong Kong’s financial marketfinancial market


2008 The global financial tsunami broke The global financial tsunami broke out in Septemberout in September

It triggered laid-off and close-It triggered laid-off and close-down in the retail industry. down in the retail industry. Unemployment rate rose Unemployment rate rose

persistentlypersistently

The central government proposed The central government proposed 14 measures at the end of the year 14 measures at the end of the year to stabilize Hong Kong’s financial to stabilize Hong Kong’s financial

market and economic market and economic developmentdevelopment


2009 Since the outbreak of the financial Since the outbreak of the financial tsunami, Hong Kong’s tsunami, Hong Kong’s

unemployment rate kept rising. It unemployment rate kept rising. It reached 5.3% between February reached 5.3% between February and April, which is the highest in and April, which is the highest in

three years.three years.


Indexes for measuring Indexes for measuring economic changeseconomic changes

Gross Domestic ProductGross Domestic Product （（ GDPGDP ））The most commonly used index with the widest coverage for The most commonly used index with the widest coverage for measuring economic conditions. It refers to the total market value measuring economic conditions. It refers to the total market value of all final goods and services produced by the residents within a of all final goods and services produced by the residents within a given country or region in a given period of time. given country or region in a given period of time.

GDP = consumption + government spendingGDP = consumption + government spending + + gross investmentsgross investments + exports+ exports – imports– imports

Per capita GDPPer capita GDPIt is the average GDP calculated for population. It is It is the average GDP calculated for population. It is derived by dividing the GDP of a given country or derived by dividing the GDP of a given country or region in the evaluated year by the total population region in the evaluated year by the total population of that country or region in that year. of that country or region in that year.


Indexes for measuring Indexes for measuring economic changeseconomic changes

Unemployment rateUnemployment rateIt refers to the proportion of the unemployed in the labour force.It refers to the proportion of the unemployed in the labour force.The unemployed refers to the people aged 15 or above who:The unemployed refers to the people aged 15 or above who:．． have not had a job or performed any work for pay or profit have not had a job or performed any work for pay or profit during the 7 days before enumerationduring the 7 days before enumeration．． have been available for work during the 7days before have been available for work during the 7days before enumerationenumeration．． have sought work during the 30 days before enumerationhave sought work during the 30 days before enumeration

Consumer Price IndexConsumer Price Index （（ CPICPI ））This index reflects inflation. It measures the price of a basket This index reflects inflation. It measures the price of a basket of fixed goods or services and then compares it with the price of fixed goods or services and then compares it with the price level of the base year. By doing so, the rate of change in the level of the base year. By doing so, the rate of change in the price level between the two periods is known. price level between the two periods is known.


The real wage and the Gini coefficientThe real wage and the Gini coefficient

Real wageReal wage

The nominal wage does not reflect

living standards. The inflation factor

must be discounted.

Real wage = -----------------------

-

A lower growth rate of the nominal

wage than the inflation rate means a

lower real wage, that is, people have

less purchasing power.

Gini coefficientGini coefficientThe Gini coefficient is often used for reflecting the disparity between the rich and the poor. It measures the level of income inequality in a society.

A Gini coefficient lies between 0 and 1. The value 0 stands for perfect equality and 1 for perfect inequality. None of the two situations exist in the real world.

Nominal wageNominal wage

1 + Inflation rate1 + Inflation rate


Is Hong Kong’s unemployment rate rising?Is Hong Kong’s unemployment rate rising?

Source: Census and Statistics Department, www.censtatd.gov


Unemployed population

provisional figure

period

No.

of

peop

le (

1,00

0)

How serious is the disparity between the How serious is the disparity between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong?rich and the poor in Hong Kong?

Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 24-25 October 2008

Income disparity of Hong Kong the most serious in Asia

　　 The United Nations Human Settlements Program used the Gini coefficient to assess wealth distribution in different cities for the first time in its State of the World‘s Cities Report 2008/9: Harmonious Cities Report. The report shows that Hong Kong’s Gini coefficient was 0.53, the highest in Asia. With a figure of 0.22, Beijing was the city with the lowest Gini coefficient. The income disparity between its residents was narrower than the developed countries in Europe.

The report also found that Asian cities had the most even income distribution among all developing regions with an average Gini coefficient of 0.39. Hong Kong’s figure was way higher than the warning line of 0.4 and it was the city with the most uneven income distribution in Asia. Figures show that the disparity between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong is widening in recent years. The city’s figure already reached 0.533 in 2006, higher than the figures of the US and Europe.

A3 Daily News 24 October 2008


How do you How do you feel about the feel about the serious serious disparity disparity between the between the rich and the rich and the poor in Hong poor in Hong Kong?Kong?


What in your opinion can the What in your opinion can the government, social groups government, social groups

and individuals help to solve and individuals help to solve the serious disparity between the serious disparity between the rich and the poor in Hong the rich and the poor in Hong

Kong? (10 marks)Kong? (10 marks)

Easter Homework

Students can visit the ‘Hong Kong Economy’ website to learn more about the recent situation of Hong Kong’s economy: http://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/


http://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/

How do we measure How do we measure the environmental quality the environmental quality

of Hong Kong?of Hong Kong?


JourneyJourney

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

The environment in Hong KongThe environment in Hong Kong Urbanization Urbanization

It refers to the It refers to the processprocess in which a in which a rural society develops into a cityrural society develops into a city. . Economic development Economic development and and rapid rapid population growthpopulation growth has kept has kept speeding up urbanization in Hong speeding up urbanization in Hong Kong. Kong.

The ‘wall effect’The ‘wall effect’

It refers to the phenomenon in which It refers to the phenomenon in which

light and air ventilation are blockedlight and air ventilation are blocked due due

to to groups of buildings being built side by groups of buildings being built side by

sideside. It intensifies air pollution problems . It intensifies air pollution problems

and the ‘heat island effect’. and the ‘heat island effect’.

The ‘heat island effect’The ‘heat island effect’ It is caused by the

It is caused by the intensification of urbanization.

intensification of urbanization. Buildings absorb ample heat Buildings absorb ample heat during the daytime that has to

during the daytime that has to be released at night. In case be released at night. In case the the released heat fails to

released heat fails to dissipate, urban temperature dissipate, urban temperature risesrises. As there are

. As there are fewer fewer buildings in rural districtsbuildings in rural districts, , and the heat released can be and the heat released can be absorbed by plantsabsorbed by plants, there is a , there is a greater greater difference between

difference between urban and rural temperaturesurban and rural temperatures. .

Exploration Journey 2: How do we measure the environmental quality of Hong Kong?

What is the cause of the ‘wall effect’?

Do you think the problem of walled buildings is serious in Hong Kong?


Heat island effect deeply felt in Tsuen Wan town centre A green group measured the temperature of Tsuen Wan town centre and its surrounding areas to study the heat island effect of Tsuen Wan District. It found that the daytime temperature of the town centre reached 38 degrees Celsius, 3 to 4 degrees higher than the coast and other regions in the district. The group invited 8,000 residents living in Tsuen Wan and people affected by walled buildings to each make a phone call the MTR Corporation and the government and express their views on the issue. Apart from high-density buildings that prevent the dissipation of heat, air conditioning and gas emissions by motor vehicles, which increase urban temperature, are also causes of the heat island effect. Walled buildings erected in different districts in recent years block sea breezes and the temperatures of some district keep rising.

A3 Daily News 28 July 2008

Source: Green Sense, http://www.greensense.org.hk/ 。

Is the heat island effect in Hong Kong Is the heat island effect in Hong Kong serious?serious?


Let’s Think

How can different social classes make up for

environmental damages caused by

development?


API over 100 yesterday Green groups urged for social effort The three roadside stations of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) recorded very high Air Pollution Index yesterday, and it was especially serious in the afternoon. The index reached 133 in Central, 125 in Causeway Bay and 139 in Mong Kok. A phone interview jointly conducted by a green group and a local university discovered that over 80% of the respondents hoped the government would give priority to treating air pollution. 20%, especially professionals and management of high income and high educational background, had considered leaving Hong Kong because of air pollution. The result shows a rise of almost 30% compared with a similar survey conducted by the group in 2001, in which 62% of the respondents wanted the government to give priority to treating air pollution, which came second, after food safety in the ranking of the study. Researches pointed out that the results were shocking, reflecting that apart from economic losses, air pollution problem also hindered the recovery of Hong Kong’s economy, and so joint efforts were needed to deal with the problem.

Does environmental quality affect Does environmental quality affect economic quality?economic quality?

A5 Daily News 1 June 2009

Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 1 June 2009.


Is it impossible to look after both Is it impossible to look after both economic development and economic development and environmental conservation? environmental conservation? Which one is more important?Which one is more important?What can we do to improve the What can we do to improve the environmental quality of Hong environmental quality of Hong Kong?Kong?





Does environmental quality affect Does environmental quality affect Hong Kong’s international image?Hong Kong’s international image?

Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 26 March 2009.

We have issued health warnings on our website to our citizens who are visiting Hong Kong: The levels of air pollution in Hong Kong may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. (some disease)

Like other cities, Hong Kong’s air quality is affected by climate changes. The levels of air pollution in Hong Kong generally do not affect normal daily activities. In addition, the HKSAR government has implemented a series of measures to control emissions by motor vehicles and power plants. It has also reached an agreement with Guangdong Province to reduce pollutants in the Pearl River Delta. It is believed that Hong Kong’s air quality will improve.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia

Spokesperson of the Environmental Department



We’ve been concerned that Hong Kong’s air quality will affect visitors’ experience and impression of Hong Kong. However, we’re not worried that the number of visitors will drop, as the air quality of the southern region improves again after the humid weather of the first few days of spring passes.

Spokesperson of Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA)

Exploration Journey 2: How do we measure the environmental quality of Hong Kong?Does environmental quality affect Does environmental quality affect Hong Kong’s international image?Hong Kong’s international image?

Let’s Think

Do you believe in the responses of the EPD and HATA on the poor air quality of Hong Kong? Why?


How to protect the environment?How to protect the environment?

Sustainable Sustainable developmentdevelopment

Environmental Environmental conservationconservation

Public Public spacespace


Environmental conservation Environmental conservation

The term refers to The term refers to utilizing the environment utilizing the environment based on the principle of maintaining based on the principle of maintaining biodiversity and preserving natural resourcesbiodiversity and preserving natural resources. . Apart from protecting the environment from Apart from protecting the environment from damage, it explores what resources can be damage, it explores what resources can be managed and fostered effectively. It also avoids managed and fostered effectively. It also avoids affecting the living things that rely on the affecting the living things that rely on the resources to exist. resources to exist.


Sustainable developmentSustainable developmentThere are There are 3 dimensions to sustainable development: economic, ecological 3 dimensions to sustainable development: economic, ecological and social.and social. Based on the concept of sustainable development, humans must Based on the concept of sustainable development, humans must strictly follow the following 3 principles in the course of development:strictly follow the following 3 principles in the course of development:

• The principle of equityThe principle of equity: the equity between people and generations must : the equity between people and generations must be emphasized in the allocation of limited resourcesbe emphasized in the allocation of limited resources

• The principle of sustainabilityThe principle of sustainability: social development should not go : social development should not go beyond the extent which the environment cannot bearbeyond the extent which the environment cannot bear

• The principle of communityThe principle of community: joint efforts of all countries around : joint efforts of all countries around the world should be emphasizedthe world should be emphasized

According to this concept, ecological sustainability is the foundation, According to this concept, ecological sustainability is the foundation, economic sustainability is the condition, and social sustainability is the economic sustainability is the condition, and social sustainability is the goal. goal.


Public spacePublic space

Refers to Refers to a place to which the public a place to which the public has the right of access without has the right of access without paying feespaying fees. . In Hong KongIn Hong Kong in recent in recent years, the meanings of ‘public space’ years, the meanings of ‘public space’ and public ‘open space’ have been and public ‘open space’ have been found to be ambiguous and thus found to be ambiguous and thus have provoked controversy.have provoked controversy.






Mainland oil painter expelled in Central for painting

Pang Jiun, mainland oil painter and apprentice of Xu Beihong, was asked to leave by security guards and the police when he was sketching in Central. He was then with his wife and sketching the scenes of Gage Street at the Central-Mid-Levels escalators and attracted around 30 spectators. The police said they received a call complaining about the blockade of the escalator near Lyndhurst Terrace by an easel. The conflict was resolved by the management and Pang at the presence of the police. The Electric and Mechanical Services Department said the escalators, the management right of which belongs to the department, were regulated public space and should not be blocked by hawkers, painters, photographers, etc. The escalators are regulated under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.

A5 Daily News 31 March 2008

Does Hong Kong lack public Does Hong Kong lack public space?space?




I’ve sketched in the streets in many places in the world and have never been treated like this! Hong Kong should be ashamed!

I have a special tie to Hong Kong. The first thing I did when I retired was to hold an exhibition in Hong Kong. I didn't expect such a mess. What a pity!

I was painting at the Peak when I was expelled by security guards. So I shopped at the mall and bought a coffee and begged the café staff to let me sketch at the café. I also tried to paint at the Star Avenue but was expelled on the grounds that the place was ‘private’

Chinese oil painter Pang Jiun

Exploration Journey 2: How do we measure the environmental quality of Hong Kong?Does Hong Kong lack public Does Hong Kong lack public space?space?


Do you think there is Do you think there is enough public space in enough public space in Hong Kong? How does Hong Kong? How does public space affect Hong public space affect Hong Kong’s environmental Kong’s environmental quality?quality?


Exploration Journey

Return to Topic Mind Map

PoliticsPolitics is the process in which the is the process in which the central central powerpower of a country or region achieves its of a country or region achieves its aim aim of setting the norms for social life and of setting the norms for social life and personal behaviourpersonal behaviour through the through the enactment enactment and implementation of lawsand implementation of laws. Political power . Political power is implemented through the government is implemented through the government system.system.

An overview of Hong Kong’s An overview of Hong Kong’s political conditionspolitical conditions

Exploration Journey 3: How do we measure the political quality of Hong Kong?

An overview of Hong Kong’s An overview of Hong Kong’s political conditionspolitical conditions

Separation of powers Separation of powers is is implemented in Hong Kong implemented in Hong Kong which adopts the principles of which adopts the principles of ‘‘One Country, Two SystemsOne Country, Two Systems’, ’, ‘‘a high degree of autonomya high degree of autonomy’ ’ and ‘and ‘Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong people ruling Hong KongHong Kong’. Except defence ’. Except defence and foreign affairs, the and foreign affairs, the HKSAR enjoys a high degree HKSAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy. of autonomy.



What is the structure of the

Hong Kong Government?

Exploration Journey 3: How do we measure the political quality of Hong Kong?An overview of Hong Kong’s An overview of Hong Kong’s political conditionspolitical conditions

The government structure of the The government structure of the HKSAR HKSAR

HKSAR

Legislative power

Independent judicial power and power

of final adjudication

Administrative power

3 Secretaries

Courts

consults

The Chief Executive

Executive Council

Executive authorities

12 bureaux

Legislative Council


Students can make use of the GovHK website to learn about Hong Kong’s political situation. You can find the organization chart of the HKSAR to see the structure of the Hong Kong government. The website is: http://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govchart/index.htm


How should the political quality of How should the political quality of Hong Kong be measured?Hong Kong be measured?

Human rights Human rights Human rights refer to the Human rights refer to the inherent rights inherent rights

of all human beingsof all human beings regardless of regardless of nationality, place of residence, sex, national or nationality, place of residence, sex, national or

ethnic origin, colour, religion, language or any other ethnic origin, colour, religion, language or any other status. Nowadays, human rights are generally status. Nowadays, human rights are generally under under the protection of laws and conventionsthe protection of laws and conventions, such as the , such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Countries Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Countries

that are bound by the related covenants must ensure that are bound by the related covenants must ensure that the rights and basic freedom of their that the rights and basic freedom of their citizens and specific groups are protected. citizens and specific groups are protected.



The rule of lawThe rule of law The rule of law can be interpreted as the The rule of law can be interpreted as the

basic principle of the law that protects people’s basic principle of the law that protects people’s rights, maintains social order and prevents the abuse rights, maintains social order and prevents the abuse

of power by the governmentof power by the government. In a society ruled by law, the . In a society ruled by law, the government governs its people with laws that also restrict government governs its people with laws that also restrict its governance. Therefore, the rule of law protects people its governance. Therefore, the rule of law protects people

from being oppressed by the ruling power and ensures from being oppressed by the ruling power and ensures that the government gives weight to the interests and that the government gives weight to the interests and

opinions of its people, so that all citizens live opinions of its people, so that all citizens live in safety and respect.in safety and respect.



Freedom of the pressFreedom of the pressFreedom of the press includes Freedom of the press includes free free

accessaccess to news, free to news, free transmissiontransmission of of news, free news, free publicationpublication and free and free

expression of viewsexpression of views. Freedom of the . Freedom of the press allows press allows journalistsjournalists to act as a to act as a bridge of communication between bridge of communication between the government and the publicthe government and the public, and , and

monitor government policies and monitor government policies and actionsactions..


What is the importance of press What is the importance of press freedom?freedom?

The functions of press freedom include:

1. To monitor the circumstances: To give warnings so that the public can

prevent crises that damage social security and development;

2. To offer different perspectives: To allow the public to have different

observations and conclusions about the same subjects; and

3. To act as the ‘safety valve’ of society: To let the public channel its discontent

so as to prevent it from posing threats to society out of anger.


Let’s Think

Can the media in Hong Kong serve the above functions?

Do you think there is enough freedom of the press in Hong Kong?


Let’s Learn MoreLet’s Learn More

What is the difference between ‘rule of law’ and ‘rule by law’?


Let’s Learn MoreLet’s Learn MoreDespite a similar expression between rule of law and rule by law, they are not identical. Rule by law can simply refer to the obedience to the law stipulated by a government without any reflection on the rationality of the law. By this definition, a tyrant exercising his notorious law as the means to rule his citizens is an example of rule by law.

The rule of law, however, does not simply refer to the existence of law. This requires the law to be founded on some universal virtues such as democracy, freedom and human rights. By doing so, the rights of people are protected; abuse of power by a government is prevented; and arbitrary interpretation of the law is avoided.


33EsEs

Efficiency

The ratio of resource input to production output


33EE

Effectiveness

Whether the results attain the anticipated goal


33EE

Economy

Whether resources are used effectively


How do you think the Hong Kong government perform in terms of the 3Es?


In the past 160 years, Hong Kong had been silently promoting China’s progression. Events such as the Self-strengthening Movement in late Qing, the Hundred’s Day Reform, the 1911 Revolution, the Northern Expedition, the Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War displayed clearly that Hong Kong had been actively promoting China’s progress towards modern civilization. Why can such a small city produce an effect unparallel to its size? It is because Hong Kong is thus far the freest land in the Chinese territory. With freedom in our hands, we are able to draw the talents and gather information of the country to work for the betterment of the country. Therefore, we need to fend for our freedom not only for ourselves but also for our country and be her conscience so as to continue the Chinese race’s hundred-year dream of democracy.

Source: Ching Cheong, 〈香港：中國的良心——紀念「六四事件」 20 周年〉 , adapted from Mingpao, 4 June 2009.

An article by Ching Cheong on the 20th anniversary of the June Forth Incident (Extract)


HKUPOP carries out opinion polls on Hong Kong’s political, economic, social and cultural issues regularly. Its website contains many data and news items that you can make use of.

HKU Public Opinion Poll(POP)http://hkupop.hku.hk/


How do we measure How do we measure the social and cultural the social and cultural quality of Hong Kong?quality of Hong Kong?


JourneyJourney

How can equality be promoted?How can equality be promoted?

Equal opportunities can be safeguarded through anti-discrimination ordinances such as the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, as well as social welfare schemes such as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSAS).

A healthy social mobility means that those in the lower strata can climb to the upper strata by their own efforts, and members of the upper strata may also slide down to the lower strata.

According to the Hong Kong Human Rights Commission, equal opportunity means that no one is subjected to unfair or poorer treatmentdue to their personal

background or identity.

Exploration Journey 4: How do we measure the social and cultural quality of Hong Kong?

2,000 Filipinos marched against ‘nation of servants’ article

In response to an article by Chip Tsao who says that the Philippines was a nation of servants, over 2,000 Filipinos marched in Central District yesterday. Some marchers said that the article was a tip of the iceberg; Filipino domestic workers were often discriminated against. They hoped that the government would act accordingly so that foreign workers are granted equal treatment. The Hong Kong government responded that racial harmony was important in Hong Kong.

The Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines blacklisted Chip in view of his article, forbidding him entrance to the country.

A1 Daily News 5 April 2009

Source: Adapted from various local newspapers. 5 April 2009.

Are Filipinos discriminated against in Hong Kong?


Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 5 April 2009

Racial harmony is very important. The Hong Kong government understands the concern of the Filipino community about a recent article. The Hong Kong government has been actively promoting racial harmony to eliminate racial discrimination. The Race Discrimination Ordinance was passed last year and it is expected to take full effect in the middle of this year. This is an important step in Hong Kong and it is hoped that society would join hands to enhance racial harmony and equal opportunities among different races in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong government spokesperson


Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 10 June 2009

Local Chinese have the least acceptance for Arabians

According to a survey carried out by the Equal Opportunities Commission on racial acceptance, 83-94% of local Chinese polled accept Caucasians, Japanese and Koreans the most, followed by Africans and Arabians. The survey found that Chinese respondents aged 15 to 24, have received tertiary education and/or have a personal monthly income of over $30,000 have more acceptance for other races. On the contrary, the elderly and people with primary educational background are less tolerant of other races.


Do you think Hong Kong is a society of equal opportunities?


Organizations that protect and promote Organizations that protect and promote equal opportunitiesequal opportunities

Equal Opportunities Commission


http://www.eoc.org.hk/eoc/GraphicsFolder/default.aspx

The Social Welfare

Department

Organizations that protect and promote Organizations that protect and promote equal opportunitiesequal opportunities


http://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/index.html

Multiple aspects of Multiple aspects of Hong Kong cultureHong Kong culture

Cultural diversity

Local culture of Hong

Kong

The definition of culture




According to the Universal


Declaration on Cultural


Diversity, culture refers to


the the set of distinctive spiritual,

set of distinctive spiritual,

material, intellectual


and emotional features


of society or a social group

of society or a social group..









the the set of distinctive spiritual,

set of distinctive spiritual,





of society or a social group

of society or a social group..

Exploration Journey 4: How do we measure the social and cultural quality of Hong Kong?Multiple aspects of Multiple aspects of Hong Kong cultureHong Kong culture

Local culture of Hong Kong


Many Hong Kong people think


that the local that the local culture of Hong Kong

culture of Hong Kong

is the is the fusion of Chinese and Western

fusion of Chinese and Western

culturescultures, such as , such as cha chaan ting

cha chaan ting

(( 荼餐廳荼餐廳 ) ) which reflects the fusion

which reflects the fusion

of food cultures from different places,


and the and the integration of Chinese and

integration of Chinese and

western weddingswestern weddings..





that the local that the local culture of Hong Kong

culture of Hong Kong

is the is the fusion of Chinese and Western

fusion of Chinese and Western

culturescultures, such as , such as cha chaan ting

cha chaan ting

(( 荼餐廳荼餐廳 ) ) which reflects the fusion

which reflects the fusion



and the and the integration of Chinese and

integration of Chinese and

western weddingswestern weddings..




Cultural diversityCultural diversity

Western culture has a far-reaching


impact on Hong Kong because


of the British rule for many years,


and its being the meeting point of the


East and the West due to trade and


geographical location. Meanwhile,


Hong Kong people and the Hong Kong


government are open to pluralistic


culturescultures. Not only do all kinds of

. Not only do all kinds of

cultures coexist here, but they also


integrate with each other.


Cultural diversityCultural diversity

















culturescultures. Not only do all kinds of

. Not only do all kinds of






Openness and tolerance are the key components of diversified public space (extract)

Gage Street in Central is characterized by local culture. It is a rare scene for painters to paint at the busy Central-Mid-Levels escalators, and Pang Jiun added an artistic touch to the materialistic city. It is a shame that he was expelled by security guards and the police for painting there.

In cultural cities around the world, painters who sketch in the streets make an attractive scene of the cities. Painters paint the floor of squares with chalk, and musicians sing in the streets, attracting spectators. It is culture and respect. For people to do these things in Hong Kong would be vandalism and an offence of obstruction, begging and calling for expulsion.

Can we paint and perform in our public space? Can we sing and dance? Can we do tai chi and yoga? Can we lie or picnic on the grass? Can we have markets, Dai Pai Dong, open-air cafes? Can we enjoy public space disregard of wealth and class?

Source: Adapted from 吳永順 , 〈多元公共空間在乎開放包容〉 , website of the Civic Party: http://www.civicparty.hk/home_ch.php


Can culture be classified as Can culture be classified as good or bad, primary or good or bad, primary or secondary? What culture secondary? What culture

should we preserve? should we preserve?



What is cultural heritage?What is cultural heritage?

Cultural heritage refers to the Cultural heritage refers to the continuation and continuation and further development of a culturefurther development of a culture. In addition to . In addition to the appreciation of new cultural elements, the appreciation of new cultural elements, people begin to place importance on the people begin to place importance on the preservation and the promotion of some preservation and the promotion of some existing traditions, such as the parade of existing traditions, such as the parade of children on floats staged at Cheung Chau and children on floats staged at Cheung Chau and the bun scrambling competition. the bun scrambling competition.


What is the significance of What is the significance of cultural heritage?cultural heritage?

Promoting to the next generation Promoting to the next generation knowledge on history and traditionsknowledge on history and traditions

Strengthening their sense of belonging to Strengthening their sense of belonging to and recognition of a nation;and recognition of a nation;

Thinking about the meaning of Thinking about the meaning of traditional culture and its impact on traditional culture and its impact on today’s world. today’s world.


Many Hong Kong people like to ask gods for an oracle at temples. What do you think is the effect of this ritual on the formation of Hong Kong’s local culture?


55What indexes are used What indexes are used

for measuring the quality of life?for measuring the quality of life?

Exploration Exploration

JourneyJourney

There is more than one index There is more than one index for measuring the quality of life.for measuring the quality of life.

Many international Many international organizations organizations

have developed related indexes.have developed related indexes.

Indexes for measuring the quality of lifeIndexes for measuring the quality of life

Exploration Journey 5:What indexes are used for measuring the quality of life?

The Human The Human Development Index of Development Index of

the United Nations the United Nations Development Development

Programme (UNDP)Programme (UNDP)

The ranking of cities’ The ranking of cities’ quality of living by quality of living by

Mercer Human Mercer Human Resource ConsultingResource Consulting



Local bodies have also developed Local bodies have also developed indicators to measure the quality of indicators to measure the quality of life. The CUHK Centre for Quality life. The CUHK Centre for Quality of Life has been releasing the of Life has been releasing the ‘CUHK’ Hong Kong Quality of Life ‘CUHK’ Hong Kong Quality of Life Index since 2002. Index since 2002.



The Centre for Public Policy Studies, The Centre for Public Policy Studies, Lingnan University Lingnan University conducted a conducted a Happiness Happiness Study Study on an annual basis since 2005 to let on an annual basis since 2005 to let society understand how happy Hong Kong society understand how happy Hong Kong people feel under Hong Kong’s economy and people feel under Hong Kong’s economy and in the city’s political, social and cultural in the city’s political, social and cultural atmosphere. It also provides a quantitative atmosphere. It also provides a quantitative index to measure happiness, thus serving as index to measure happiness, thus serving as the foundation for the making of public the foundation for the making of public policies.policies.



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Aspects included in the computation of these indexes are:• Educational standard• Family life• Psychological health• Life expectancy• Political and social environment• Sanitation and health levels



Hong Kong’s cost of living ranked 29th in the worldHong Kong’s cost of living ranked 29th in the world

Hong Kong’s ranking in ECA International’s cost of living survey rose from 98th last year to 29th. The survey compares the prices of 125 items of consumer goods and services, including food, clothing and cars, of 370 regions.

Lee Quane, General Manager of ECA International in Hong Kong said that the drastic rise of Hong Kong’s ranking would not stop TNCs (Transnational Corporations) from sending employees to work in Hong Kong and investing in the city. It is because production costs are higher in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai and other big cities in Asia. Also, cost of living is only one factor affecting a city’s competitiveness. Hong Kong remain competitive in terms of its tax system and freedom.

Source: Adapted from various local newspapers, 11 June 2009.


The World Values Survey sponsored by organizations from countries including the US, Sweden, the Netherlands found that the happiest country among 98 studied regions was Denmark and the unhappiest was Zimbabwe. The mainland ranked 54th while Hong Kong ranked 63rd, the lowest in South East Asia.

The Survey began in 1981 and researchers asked 350,000 people in 98 regions questions including the following:

1. Taking all things together, would you say you are very happy/rather happy/not very happy/not happy at all?

2. All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?


Studies have found that Hong Kong is the Studies have found that Hong Kong is the unhappiest place in Southeast Asia. Based unhappiest place in Southeast Asia. Based on news and daily examples, what do you on news and daily examples, what do you think are the causes of Hong Kong think are the causes of Hong Kong people’s unhappiness?people’s unhappiness?


Theme 1: Quality of Life Topic 2: Measuring Hong Kong’s quality of life from different...

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