a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups March 2017 Volume 9 Number 1

Youth
HONG KONG

Fit Together
 4-7 Contents
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
OVERVIEW Volume 9 Number 1

8-15
INTERVIEWS

OVERVIEW

16-19
4 Feeling fit: reality and rewards
Insight from Prof Stephen Wong
Chinese University
INTERVIEWS TEACHERS SPEAK
8 Growing support

10
TK Yeung Sports Commission
Rethinking fitness
YOUTH SPEAK
Sophia Chan Food & Health Bureau
12 Lacking energy
Dr Lobo Louie Baptist University 20-25
14 Eating well
Sylvia Lam HK Dietitians Association YOUTH WRITE
TEACHERS SPEAK
16 Working it out Motivation
YOUTH SPEAK
YOUTH WATCH
18 Get moving!
YOUTH WRITE
20 Balancing life Stephanie Hung
YOUTH WATCH
22 Measuring up Jennifer Lam
PERSPECTIVES
26 Rekindling passion Ada Chau
28 Inspiring Agnes Chan
30 Eight Tips
32 Keep going 30+
CITY SPACE
34 Rowing Lu Chan Tsz-wai
36 Letting go Kate Lee
TRAVEL & CULTURE
38 Elephants Katherine Gudgin 26-41
40 Keeping old stuff Ada Chau
HKFYG PERSPECTIVES
42 Camps Adventure awaits
44 Community sports Teaming up FEATURES
46 Run for Wellness
47 Fat Choi restaurant
48 Dragon Foundation Golf Tournament
49 A Cappella Festival
42-55
Singers without Borders
53 Surveys Youth IDEAS
HKFYG

2
 Editorial
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

In spite of full acceptance of the fact that fitness is something positive good for the body, mind
and spirit current research reveals that levels of physical activity among young people in Hong
Kong do not even meet the minimum standards laid down by the World Health Organization.

In this issue of Youth Hong Kong, we try to understand why by talking to health and sports professionals,
academics and to young people themselves. We also try to assess the validity of the normal excuses of
lack of time, too much study, lack of parental support, limited facilities and little self-discipline.

What is clear is that there needs to be change. Not just in Hong Kong, but
around the world. Let us consider how to rectify the current situation.

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP

Executive Director, HKFYG

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly OVERVIEW ISSN 2519-1098 (Online)

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Elaine Morgan WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk
EDITORIAL BOARD INTERVIEWS CORRESPONDENCE to The Editor,
Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong
Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21
Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
William Chung Virginia Addison TEL 3755 7084, 3755 7108
Andy Ho Katherine Gudgin FAX 3755 7155
Lakshmi Jacot Stephanie Hung EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk
Angela Ngai HKFYG Youth Research Centre ADVERTISING enquiries to Ada Chau 3755 7108
Hon Advisers TRANSLATION The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups was
Henry Poon Ada Chau & Angela Ngai founded in 1960 and is the citys largest non-profit
Veronica Pearson PHOTOGRAPHS youth organization. Its programmes and activities at
CIRCULATION (unaudited) Acknowledged as captioned, stock images, over 60 locations have annual attendance of 5 million.
11,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, throughout public domain or by Elaine Morgan CORE SERVICES Youth SPOTs, M21 Multimedia
the region and overseas TRADEMARKS All brand names and Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk
VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors product names are registered trademarks. Services, Counselling Services, Parenting
and interviewees, may come from official Youth Hong Kong is not associated with any Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services,
sources, and do not necessarily reflect the product or vendor mentioned in articles. Education Services, Creativity Education and
views of the editorial board or publisher ARTWORK, DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports
REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written DG3 Services, Research and Publications
permission from the publisher is prohibited ISSN 2071-3193 (Print) WEB hkfyg.org.hk m21.hk

3
 Overview
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Feeling fit
reality and rewards
A re priorities and prejudices working
against fitness becoming a cultural
norm in Hong Kong? For young people, lack
of time is often cited as a reason, as is too
much homework. What can be done to
reinforce the benefits of physical exercise so
that it becomes part of routine?

by Elaine Morgan

There is growing concern about exercise not being

among the priorities of young peoples daily lives. Not
only does physical activity have physical health benefits,
it is also known to contribute to sense of wellbeing
and both emotional and mental health. However,
making physical activity and vigorous exercise part of
everyday routine is not easy. Lack of time, excessive
school work and a dearth of motivation are among the
reasons and there is an urgent need to change attitudes
if only to prevent long-term public health issues.

Hong Kong is not alone, according to the Global Matrix

Report Cards1 which synthesize data on youth physical
activity in 38 countries. The report on 3-18 year-olds in
Hong Kong shows that they fall into a similar category
as others in the region according to World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines.2 For example, their
participation in organized sport is graded C minus, the
same as South Korea. For participation in school PE,
programmes offering opportunities for physical activity and
related policy, we get a C, like Thailand. For overall levels of
youth physical activity the city scores even lower, obtaining
a D like Malaysia. This is the same as the grade for family

4

Figures can be incomplete,
dated and unrepresentative.
Despite such shortcomings they
can be a strong policy driver.
support for young peoples participation in physical
activities. Such low scores across the board do not bode well.
Chief Lead Investigator for the Hong Kong Report
Card, Prof Stephen Wong Heung-sang, Chairman and
Professor of the Department of Sports Science and
Physical Education at The Chinese University of Hong
Kong, says that the evidence-based synthesis done in
Hong Kong was based on a wide range of major data
sources, including the International Physical Activity
and Environmental (IPEN) Project and the longitudinal
Understanding Childrens Activity and Nutrition (UCAN)
study,3 as well as academic journals and government
reports.4 It is the most comprehensive information on
the subject available and primarily based on the data
of about 74,000 6-17 year-olds at 400 schools.5
Fitness test data included by Prof Wongs team comes
from a large-scale government study conducted in 2011-
2012 which compares 2009 data established by the Sports
Commissions Sport for All consultancy study. The
comparisons show that proportion of active adolescents
who meet the Baseline Indicator level set by government
had fallen from 48.6% to 42.1% over a two-year period.6
However, this basic indicator level is much lower than
the WHOs international recommendations. The WHO
recommends at last 60 minutes of moderate exercise a
day. The Baseline Indicator used by the government is
half this amount. Furthermore, the government data is
already five to six years old. Prof Wong calls for strong
government support to collect and analyze new data for
the next Report Card which will be published in 2020.
Such low scores across the
board do not bode well.
The top countries in the Global Matrix include Denmark,
New Zealand, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Zimbabwe,
but their grades are not high in all categories.7 No country
in the Asian region earned an A. Indeed, As were very
rare in any of the 38 countries surveyed. However, the data
could not produce uniform findings given that its quantity
5
 Overview
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
and quality varied substantially from country to country.8
Prof Wong points out that the cross-country comparisons
inevitably suffer from limitations: figures can be incomplete,
dated and unrepresentative. Despite such shortcomings,
he believes this type of matrix has the potential to be
a strong policy driver for individual governments.
Given that there is a global phenomenon of physical
inactivity among young people, the question is how
might the trend be reversed? The leader of the Global
Matrix research team, Dr Mark Tremblay of the Childrens
Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, believes that
automation, mechanization, urbanization, and digitization
have reduced physical activity levels globally. What we
need now is to be physically active year round, through
outdoor play, transportation, recreation and sport This
is the contemporary global challenge for all countries.
Meeting the challenge is complex. Countries with the
most active children and youth overall rely on very
different approaches to get kids to move more, adds
Tremblay. But what is consistent between all of them is
that physical activity is driven by pervasive cultural norms
being active is not just a choice, but a way of life.9
In Hong Kong, it is almost universally accepted that
norms include hurried, packed schedules, too much
homework and too much pressure. This results in
young people who have low energy levels, who lack
adequate sleep and often eat badly. It is not unknown
for otherwise fit children to want to skip PE lessons
sometimes, only because they are exhausted from a late
night of doing homework. So how can fitting in daily
exercise become a priority, especially for young people?
6
Figures can be incomplete,
dated and unrepresentative.
Despite such shortcomings
they can be a strong policy
driver.
Some Hong Kong teachers, recognizing the seriousness
of the situation and being sensitive to trends, are already
addressing this issue. They are introducing a measure
of fun into PE lessons while working within official
curriculum guidelines. They say this is effective but
many schools do not have the resources to diversify
PE adequately and their teachers are aware that this
strategy does not deal with the fundamental issues.
One answer that lies within WHO recommendations10 is to
shift responsibility onto families and the community instead
of relying on school PE. How might this be achieved?
Hong Kong has an excellent network of hiking trails. It
also has good public parks and public sports grounds. The
challenge is to increase them, upgrade their facilities and
use them. As the WHO says, activity can include not only
organized sport but active play and games, even simply
walking and cycling, especially if for getting to school and
home again. With an emphasis on variety and the inclusion
of physical activity in daily routines, activity has a much
stronger chance of becoming embedded in cultural norms.
 with consistent reminders about the benefits of physical
exercise, packed schedules and attitudes can change, as
Physical activity is driven by well as the negative stereotyping of sports by parents
who think sport is a waste of time. The celebration of
pervasive cultural norms good health and investment in its benefits physical,
being active is not just a mental and emotional must surely be a priority if we
are to improve and move on from grade D upwards.
choice, but a way of life.


Anguished concern about childhood obesity and the
increasing lack of physical activity among young people,
both starkly revealed by facts and figures, will continue
to be manifest unless people take responsibility for

themselves. Until then, nothing will change. Perhaps

Paradoxical statistics?
The aerobic fitness of over 1.1 million 9-17 year-olds in 50 countries was compared in another recent research
th th
study. Hong Kong ranked 38 overall, well behind mainland China at 25 . Justin Lang of the research team
commented that data across all countries revealed that lower levels of aerobic fitness was negatively correlated
with income inequality. This means that poor aerobic fitness in Hong Kong and elsewhere is associated with a
large gap between the rich and the poor. Lang suggests that these results may appear skewed and perhaps Prof
Wongs point about the limitations of multi-centre, large-scale studies could help explain this. Lang comments
that, The general lack of publically available country-level data, especially for Hong Kong and China. In an
ideal world we would have recent data for every child in Hong Kong, but this is not always possible.
More details bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/09/20/bjsports-2016-096224

Sources
1. The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance organized the concurrent preparation of Report Cards on the physical activity of children and youth in 38 countries from 6 continents (representing 60% of the worlds
population). Nine common indicators were used (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and the
Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments). Data from the Report Cards were graded (from A = excellent, to F = failing). Findings are summarized in the form of a Global Matrix
demonstrating substantial variation in grades both within and across countries. Countries that lead in certain indicators often lag in others.
activehealthykids.org/
2. World Health Organization guidelines say 5-17 year-olds should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity every day. Those aged 18 and above should do at least 150
minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week or at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity
activity. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_recommendations/en/
3. IPEN ipenproject.org/;
UCAN study (Understanding Childrens Activity and Nutrition) researchgate.net/publication/263199660_Association_between_neighborhood_built_environments_and_childrens_physical_activity_A_pilot_study
4. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hong-kong-long-form-report-card-2016.pdf lists
5. Huang, YW & Wong, SHS et al. Results From Hong Kongs 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (Suppl 2), S169 -S175, 2016. dx.doi.
org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0302
6. Paras 3.3 and 6.6.10 lcsd.gov.hk/en/healthy/physical_fitness_test/common/physical_fitness_test/download/SummaryReport_en.pdf
7. op cit activehealthykids.org/
8. Tremblay Mark S. et al. Global Matrix 2.0. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (Suppl 2), S343 -S366, 2016. dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0594
9. op cit activehealthykids.org/
10. op cit who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_recommendations/en/
7
 Interviews
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Growing support for sport
C ommissioner for Sports, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, explains directions and priorities in a
five-year plan to improve sport and exercise infrastructure.
A keen sportsman himself, Mr Yeung is encouraging
about the future of sport development in Hong Kong.
With the announcement of a Five-Year Plan, sport
was given special emphasis in this years Policy Address.
It shows the long-term commitment and the level of
importance attached to it by the government.
Naturally in his position as Sports Commissioner, he is
upbeat. Among the governments three policy objectives is
promoting sports for all and developing a strong sporting
culture in the community. This involves encouraging
both participant and spectator sports and offering choice
at all levels and for all sectors of the community.
Reflecting on his own background, Mr Yeung can see
remarkable change in attitudes. Thirty years ago, most at interschool matches and junior competitions. That
parents wanted their children to focus on academic studies
and did not encourage them to get actively involved in sport.
Some teachers and parents even warned us about going to
certain football pitches. Why? Sport was not considered
useful for future careers, there were concerns about injury
and it was believed that children could get into the company
of triad gangs in certain areas. I would never tell my parents
I was going to play in an interschool competition either.
They would not have approved, he says with a wry smile.
8
Many parents come to support
and cheer on their children at
interschool matches and junior
competitions. That would have
been beyond imagination in
the old days!
Today, however, Mr Yeung says he has seen widespread
growth in parental support, an optimistic sign given the
views of others in this field. Over the last 10 years or so,
more people have begun to realize how good exercise and
sport are for physical and mental health, for building team
spirit and leadership, for personality developing including
learning how to respect rules and opponents, and how to
accept success and failure. More and more people now
see the importance of exercise, diet and nutrition, and
many parents come to support and cheer on their children
would have been beyond imagination in the old days!
Asked about priorities, his immediate response is
facilities. There is a shortage of hardware. Schools,
sports organizations and members of the public are
all competing for venues. Indeed, the focus of the
Commissioners work is sports policy, planning major
events and developing facilities with earmarked capital
funding of HK$20 billion for 26 new projects.
New Sports Facilities to Come
New Territories
Kowloon
Lantau Hong Kong Island
Projects for technical Projects to be launched
feasibility studies in the coming 5 years
Source: HKSARG 2017 Policy Address
Citing a few examples, Mr Yeung mentions a new
sportsground in Tuen Mun, football pitches in Tai Po
and Yuen Long, and an indoor sports centre in Ma
On Shan. To maximize resources and allow all-year-
round use of swimming pools, all 18 districts will have
heated pools, after the conversion of the Pao Yue Kong
Swimming Pool Complex in Wong Chuk Hang.
Apart from the Five-Year Plan, the government has also
allocated land to the Hong Kong Football Association
and the Hong Kong Cricket Association for a training
centre and practice ground on restored landfill sites in
Tseung Kwan O and Kwai Chung respectively. The Kai
Tak Sports Park the most important sport infrastructure
project on the drawing board will provide modern
multipurpose will provide modern, high-standard
multipurpose venues for hosting major events and for
public use. for hosting major events and for public use.
Some of the facilities will be up to Olympic standards.
With an estimated budget of HK$32 billion, construction
is subject to approval by Hong Kongs Legislative Council.
The Commissioner speaks also about fostering a bicycle-
friendly environment. Inevitably, he says, progress will
be slower in older residential and commercial areas.
Nevertheless, it is realistic over time to create long cycling
by See-ming Le flic.kr/p/e47Uhj
tracks, from Sha Tin to Tuen Mun, for example.
An urban bike hire system, similar to that in place in other
major cities, is also under consideration by the Transport
Department. However, Mr Yeung, a former District
Officer in Yuen Long, is mindful of the many conflicting
views that can delay progress despite good intentions.
As a squash enthusiast who is also a runner, footballer and
golfer, Mr Yeung is very aware of the multiple benefits
of exercise. Some people want to join competitions,
others just want to enjoy exercise as a form of recreation.
The social aspect of sport and the way it brings people
together are very important too in crowded Hong Kong,
and the citys glorious glorious countryside means that
everyone can enjoy being fit with friends. I always tell
my colleagues that many of my good friends are former
teammates. Every time we get together we enjoy talking
about matches we played, even if they were 30 years ago!
10
200 26
9
 Interviews
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Rethinking fitness
why it matters
I n a society where academic achievement
matters more than any other outcome of
education, Professor Sophia Chan, Under
Secretary for Food and Health, says attitudes
have to change in order for exercise and fitness
to be given higher priority.

At a time when physical inactivity is a fast-growing public

health problem around the world, the perplexing question
is what will persuade people to get active and stay fit.

Professor Chan says that as a policymaker and from

her personal perspective, she sees three forms of
motivation that may work. Knowledge of the benefits
of exercise comes first. The unquestioned benefits of
regular activity of moderate intensity include weight
control, healthy bones, muscles and joints, as well as
reduced risk of non-communicable diseases such as
high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and colon
cancer. Few people would argue with this but that
doesnt mean they all take exercise, she points out.
Second come values and attitudes that recognize the
importance of lifelong fitness and make it a priority. This
means that exercise should be enjoyable. Physical education
at school can be so boring, continues Prof Chan. PE also
needs to be given more weight than at present in the school
curriculum. Otherwise, the attitude that results are more
important than health and fitness will be perpetuated. This
attitude also permeates the workplace. Instead, employers
can choose to be in the vanguard by providing facilities and
emphasizing the importance of keeping fit. After all, Prof
Chan points out, exercise improves performance, reduces
absenteeism and helps people become more productive.
From a public health perspective this means individuals
taking on responsibility for their own health and fitness
instead of always expecting medical care to be provided.
Otherwise, Hong Kongs public health system will
become unsustainable as the problems we have today
escalate. The responsibility for health through exercise
is not only for themselves but on behalf of families,
friends and colleagues, Prof Chan reminds us.
The third form of motivation comes from learning
opportunities, says Professor Chan. These can be in
the form of infrastructure and facilities or guidance
and teaching. Mobile phone apps and wearable
fitness devices, for example, are all good. They give
structure to workouts and monitor progress in fitness
routines. Once you get started with these it is possible
to work out how to fit exercise into your schedule.
Making time for exercise is the old bugbear and lack
of time is a common excuse but there are ways around
this problem. Have you heard of Zero-Time Exercise?
Professor Chan asks. This FAMILY Project, organized
by the University of Hong Kong and funded by Hong
Kong Jockey Club, encourages using time to advantage
when you are otherwise just waiting or inactive. They
involve keeping moving, stretching and building strength.
Even just clapping your hands uses energy and the
more vigorously you clap, the more energy you use, says
Professor Chan, demonstrating her point. Its a question
of getting started, getting your foot in the door.

10

The entire society needs to
rethink the time that should be
spent on physical activity.
These helpful strategies are most welcome when Hong
Kongs poor results for youth fitness have recently featured
in the media as findings in international surveys. I
think parents are a big factor. Their priorities, knowledge
and attitudes govern their childrens lives and if they
continue to be oriented towards academic achievement,
exercise will never be allotted enough time, Professor
Chan warns. The entire society needs to rethink the
time that should be spent on physical activity.
In order to identify and plan for such a rethink, the
Department of Health developed its 2008 framework
document, Promoting Health in Hong Kong: A
Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Non-
communicable Diseases. This included setting up a
Working Group on Diet and Physical Activity whose work
involves making recommendations on health improvement
in relation to healthy diet and physical activity.
Action on diet, childhood obesity and child-onset diabetes
is also part of the strategy. We are very concerned about
these problems and the governments Eat Smart campaign
has worked well in primary schools to combat the problem
of overweight and obese children, as 2015/16 statistics
show. Official statistics on physical activity in childhood
and youth are updated periodically. The most recent are
based on data collected in 2011/2012 and they show that
levels of youth physical activity fell from 2008 and 2011.
Going forward, the Department of Health will continue
to promote better health through more exercise, via
campaigns according to its Strategic Framework. Young
people are encouraged to join the proposed voluntary
health insurance scheme. Terms will include improved
comparability and improved transparency, says Prof
Chan. The scheme is intended for hospitalization
only and we hope young people will buy in, thereby
planning for the future. That will increase the size of
the risk pool bigger, thereby lowering the premiums.
Guidelines for physical activity: 5-17 year-olds
At least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity to
vigorous-intensity physical activity daily
Mostly aerobic
Vigorous muscle-strengthening and bone-
strengthening at least 3 times a week
Moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise eg
brisk walking, water aerobics, tennis (doubles),
cycling on level ground, sports involving catch
and throw (such as volleyball and baseball)
Vigorous-intensity exercise eg jogging, fast
swimming, fast dancing, jumping rope, tennis (singles),
basketball, soccer, weight-training or circuit-training
Other activities that count
Moderate eg stair-climbing, carrying small
children, mopping floors, scrubbing bathtubs
Vigorous eg playing with children or dogs at a fast
pace, gardening such as continuous digging
Heart rate guide
Moderate-intensity target heart rate = 50%-70% of
maximum heart rate
Vigorous-intensity target heart rate = 70% to 85% of
maximum heart rate
Maximum heart rate is based on age. Estimate maximum
by subtracting age from 220
Further details and information about
children and youth with disabilities.
Department of Health, HKSARG change4health.gov.
hk/en/physical_activity/guidelines/elders/index.html
Our main objective is to create a more sustainable public
health system for an ageing society, concludes Prof Chan.
For this there is no question that the self-discipline and
mindfulness involved in keeping fit will be a top priority.
Sources
1. family.org.hk/en/health-communication/0-1-exercises/
2. change4health.gov.hk/en/strategic_framework/index.html
3. chp.gov.hk/en/data/1/10/757/5513.html
11
 Interviews
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Lacking energy
and encouragement
W hat is most likely to prevent young people from getting and staying fit? Lack
of energy, says Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak of the Department of Physical
Education, Hong Kong Baptist University.
Students in Hong Kong have too much homework
and not enough sleep. Worse, some of them especially
girls are underweight. They eat badly, diet to lose
weight, and then of course they have no energy. Not
surprisingly, they dont want to take exercise.
Dr Louie goes on to lay blame at the feet of parents as well.
He says that parents should be vigilant about underweight
children, especially since recent statistics state that as
many as 21% of girls aged 13-19 are below weight for
their age. This phenomenon
is generally ascribed to
the thin is beautiful
12
concept widely promoted in the media. It leads to over
sensitive adolescents who dont conform to what they
perceive as the norm. They feel labelled and ashamed.
Emphasizing equally the importance of sleeping well, Dr
Louie points to a recent survey which shows that girls in
senior secondary school sleep for less than seven hours
a night during the school week. Boys do little better,
with just over seven hours, but most teenagers need
eight to 10 hours of sleep each night to function best.
Sleep affects physical and mental health tremendously but
many people in Hong Kong do not get enough. Lack of
sleep adversely affects metabolism, mood, concentration,
memory, motor skills, stress hormones and even the
immune system and cardiovascular health. Sleep allows the
body to heal, repair and rejuvenate itself in a way it simply
cannot when a person is awake. Inadequate sleep means the
brain does not work well and it is difficult to concentrate.
It makes you sluggish and disinclined to get moving.
The local education system is not helping either, Dr
Louie notes, saying that some more affluent parents
may send their children to overseas boarding schools
precisely so they receive the right guidance and
discipline in physical education. By contrast, he says,
There are regulations in some Hong Kong primary
schools that give children a penalty if they just the
stairs two at a time.
Hong Kongs hot and humid summer weather
means that energetic activity almost always
makes clothes sticky with sweat. Asked whether
there are enough indoor facilities which might
encourage young people to take more exercise in
 by Tommy Wong https://flic.kr/p/hcoQ9
the need for the coordination of multiple government
departments, mitigate against change. For example, for
There are regulations in some more bike lanes we need Transport Department policy to be
primary schools that give made. For recreational cycling, LCSD has to be involved.

children a penalty if they take
stairs two at a time.
summer, particularly when it is polluted outdoors, Dr
Louie laments the lack of a widespread practice of well-
resourced schools opening their facilities to students
from other schools after-hours and at weekends.
Looking on the bright side, Dr Louie is very upbeat
about wearable fitness devices. The technology is at
the top of international trends in fitness and has been
for two years, he enthuses. Although many schools
dont allow such devices on campus, outside school they
attract young people to fit workouts into their schedules
and monitor their progress. There is an element of peer
support here as well which acts as reinforcement.

Where exercising outdoors is concerned, again he points
the finger at parents. Mothers dont like girls going out
in the sun. They think they will get sunburned and many
parents are not supportive in general when it comes to
physical fitness. They prefer their children to work hard and
get good results. More diversified educational goals would
improve the situation, as would more parent education.
To conclude, Dr Louie returns to the importance of getting
the right combination of sleep and the right food, because
without them there will be no energy for exercise. For
youth in Hong Kong today, fitting in sufficient sleep and
exercise in a schedule already crowded with schoolwork and
extra-curricular activities, and ensuring that they eat the
right food is a challenge for parents and educators alike.

Walking or cycling to school

and back could improve
things. Instead, as Dr Louie
points out, it is normal for
Hong Kong schoolchildren 13 19
to be picked up near home

and bussed to school and 7 7
back. For this to change 8 10
requires better footpaths,
over- and under-passes,
and an adequate system of

bicycle lanes. All of these

factors, compounded by
pp If they walk, a helper often carries
their bags.
13
 Interviews
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Eating we
L ocal culture, peer pressure and parental influence all
have an impact on what young people eat. Ms Sylvia
Lam See-way, Chair of the Hong Kong Dietitians
Association, says the first priority should be balance.

Getting food balance right is a hot topic for anyone Some Hong Kong parents and grandparents like to over-
interested in health and fitness. For students who eat feed children,. Food is used as a reward, for doing well at
breakfast on the way to school and go to the nearest noodle school, for finishing homework, for being good. Children
stall for lunch, it can sometimes be a challenge. Having the love comfort food and they love sugar. If they run around
right ingredients in your breakfast is a good place to begin a lot they can burn off the calories but more and more
tackling an excess of carbohydrate and oil and a shortage of children spend a lot of time sitting still, glued to screens. By
fruit and vegetables, so common in childrens diets today. the time parents see a child is overweight, bad eating habits
have become engrained and its more difficult to change.
Although there are mixed opinions
ller fli
c.kr/p/98RDD
Ia n Fu
by on whether eating breakfast
actually prevents weight gain,
there is no argument over the
best ingredients. Whole
grains, low fat milk, fruit
and nuts are ideal, but
overweight children tend

by Travelwayoflife flic.kr/p/bW4c6d
to skip breakfast, she
begins. Not surprisingly, they
are so hungry by lunchtime
that they eat all the wrong
things: big plates of rice with a
fried topping, few vegetables and lots of sauce.

Nevertheless, obesity has fallen among younger Hong
Kong children, thanks to the governments Eat Smart at
School primary school campaign, for which Ms Lam is a
Steering Committee member. Unfortunately, the problem
has not disappeared. Instead, girls and boys at Hong
Kong secondary schools are putting on weight.1 For this
phenomenon, Ms Lam blames the school environment, lack
of focus on healthy nutrition in the curriculum, peers who
reinforce bad habits, and parents who dont control them.
Another major factor influencing what children eat is
what their friends buy. Many convenience stores now
have sandwiches and wraps. Smaller portions with low-
fat options are available at fast-food outlets. But how
many peer-conscious teenagers are happy to stand
out from the crowd? Most are conformists. When all
their classmates are eating big burgers and fries, or
siu mai dripping with oily sauce, if they buy a salad
instead, they fear being labelled as food freaks.

14
Ms Lams work involves helping anorexic and bulimic In restaurants, she suggests asking the children to
girls. Anorexic girls are often high achievers, like their choose. Encourage them to remove fatty poultry
parents, but have little confidence in their appearance. skin, order less rice, always have a plate of vegetables
They compare themselves and ask for siu tong [less sugar] in drinks.
with thinner girls and long for
compliments. Classmates Getting sugar and salt right is particularly important.
may not help and can However, Ms Lam, chair of a sub-group of the governments
be unwittingly cruel. new Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food,
Body-shaming advises Anybody who takes vigorous exercise in Hong
can follow and Kongs hot summer weather needs more salt than usual.
the girls begin Sugar is also fine, as long as you dont exceed the guidelines
to hate the of 5%-10% of total energy intake. Still, dont forget to
way they look. read the label, given there are so many hidden sources of
Their self-esteem salt and sugar in sauces, drinks and canned or frozen foods.
goes into a
downward spiral.

Parents may not even

It is not a question of all or
notice whats happening but their nothing. Its a question of
daughter may have begun drastic dieting, maybe eating just a
couple of apples all day. Believing that exercise means weight education and balance.
loss, she may then go running but she wont be enjoying
it. She will be scared, Ms Lam continues. Girls like this
fear mockery from their friends and adverse comments The good news, Ms Lam tells us, is that developed society
from parents. It is a struggle that takes years to overcome. marketing strategies are beginning to change. Instead
of all TV stars and models being skinny, its becoming
However, even for health-aware parents with normal increasingly common to hear that fitness is beautiful and
children its an uphill job to ensure a balanced, healthy having more muscles is a symbol of health. Lets hope
diet. Many of them are out at work all day and have little this is a long-lasting trend that takes on in Hong Kong
time in the evening. They probably dont cook much soon. The main thing is to avoid extremes, she advises.
themselves but at least a third of them have a domestic There is no need to forbid children all fast food and there
helper.2 With an eye on the household budget, their cook is no need to diet excessively. It is not a question of all or
may not necessarily be using the healthiest ingredients to nothing. Its a question of education and balance.
prepare dinner. If the kids like the food on the table the
parents tend to opt for a quiet life, Ms Lam points out.

Nevertheless, parents have to try to be role models, she

suggests. If they really want their children to cut down on
sugary drinks they have to do so as well.2 At least theres
no need to overspend, says Ms Lam. I dont recommend
fashionable drinks like almond milk or coconut water and
Im not pro-organic. Bearing in mind both quality and

quantity, its not difficult to find good plain food like eggs,

nuts and pulses, fruit and vegetables that are not expensive.

Notes and sources

1. legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/english/panels/fseh/papers/fseh20150414cb2-1182-7-e.pdf
2. By the mid-2000s, over half of all Hong Kongs married mothers with degrees had a domestic helper. economist.com/news/asia/21716584-there-obvious-solution-asias-looming-labour-shortage
By 2013, one Hong Kong household in three with children had a helper. asianmigrantcentre.org/hong-kong.

15
 Teachers speak
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Motivation
working
W hat makes people take exercise? Nine
PE teachers, volunteers and coaches at
city fitness centres exchange views on finding
motivation to last a lifetime.
Todays PE teachers and fitness coaches focus on
activities that are enjoyable, fun and healthy. They
say social reasons, being part of a team, pride at
doing well and popularity among peers are important
motivators. Fitness for its own sake and the sense of
wellbeing it brings is another powerful incentive.
Louise, a former gymnastics teacher and now a
personal coach, thinks the two best incentives for
young people are Team spirit and having a break from
work or studying. Ken, a volunteer golf teacher with
underprivileged children, says that teamwork helps
students progress, whereas hockey instructor Eric says
being in a competitive team will make people try harder
after all, who wants to let their teammates down?
However, feeling good, looking good, having good
health and having fun are the most powerful, motivating
and empowering factors, according to secondary
school teacher Mike. His school uses fitness testing
and makes the grades public. I feared that it would
increase pressure on the students. They are already over-
scheduled and in my view the main hurdle to achieving
and maintaining a healthy balance is pressure.
Ho-ming talks about the ways in which approval from a
personal coach alone can be a great incentive to improve
further, and Mike then goes on to tell the story of one
struggling, overweight boy. He knew it would take a lot of
hard work to improve his grades but decided to start on the
16
it
out
treadmill. Whenever he asked me for access to the cardio
area he looked downhearted, but within a month things
changed. He started running more lightly on his feet and
going faster. His face brightened when we met. Im getting
there, he grinned, showing me his times and distances.
If students commit to regular workouts and start feeling
the physical, mental and emotional benefits, their
motivation will shift and they will begin working out for
intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards. If they also start
to lose weight that makes a big difference and hockey
coach Eric thinks it is one of the strongest incentives.
However, as Ben, another secondary school PE teacher,
explains, some students dislike exercise because it
makes them sweat, and overweight people sweat more
than others. Indeed, embarrassment is one of the top
reasons why people avoid working out and although
going to the gym can be fun, as coaches Ho-ming and
Tim remind us, it may not work as a counterbalance
if you are also embarrassed about being overweight.
Approval from authority figures and peers certainly matters
for most people, although not everyone agrees that these
extrinsic rewards work well as incentives. Bonnie, a
secondary school teacher with 13 years of experience, points
out that, Competitions, where the reward is winning,
provide targets. These bring out the best in students as
long as they enter races at the right level for their ability.
 by Brandon Binkwilder Santana flic.kr/p/oaPHxi
Students usually keep going if they think they can reach
their target. It all depends on positive reinforcement.
Reinforcement and the social element of taking part
in big organized events are the key to motivation in
many people who enjoy being part of the carnival
atmosphere and dont think about winning. Support from
friends and the satisfaction of finishing are enough.

Those who exercise as a family group find extra

incentive, although only a minority do so. Eric
believes that Parents who encourage their children
play a very important role. Fencing coach Tim says
lack of parental encouragement is one of the most
common excuses for not wanting to take exercise.

How can PE teachers help pupils get over their exercise

hurdles? Being creative makes all the difference, says Ben.
If students dont like traditional PE, try some interesting
games and competitions instead. Bonnie agrees. Their
school has introduced One Sport One Life, an after-school
co-curricular programme where students can choose a sport
for an interest class in basketball and soccer, but some non-
traditional sports such as K-pop dance and Frisbee are
also options. Adventure activities like rock climbing and
rope course challenges are also popular if resources allow.

To conclude, Mike says, You need good judgment to

choose the right activities and make them both fun and
challenging. Let the kids choose. Never pressure them.
Bonnies colleague Joseph, while agreeing that winning Find out what they enjoy, says Louise, who agrees
is a good motivator for high achievers, also believes with a comment from squash coach Ho-ming that its
that motivation depends very much on ability and very important to identify strengths and weaknesses.
expectations. I dont think that trophies work well as Golf coach Ken stresses that, Coaches need to have
motivators for PE in general. Teachers need to work patience and empathy. Tim, Ken and Eric say teamwork
with those who dont win, convincing them that they activities work best, especially if there is an added
are not losers, asking them not to give up and to learn element of fun, whereas Bonnie believes targets are
from mistakes rather than focusing on medals. essential. Ben and Joseph simply say that the best way to
motivate students is via strong communication skills.
Joseph also pinpoints a disincentive. Some students
stop exercising because they cannot get good results. These teachers, with their firm belief in developing a
He agrees with Bonnie that suitable goals are essential. lifelong love of being active, are all great role models.

Acknowledgements and thanks [In alphabetical order by name of organization.]

Louise | Coastal Fitness Eric, Ken and Tim | InspiringHK Sports Foundation
Web coastalfitnesshk.com Web inspiringhk.org/
Bonnie, Joseph and Ben | HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College Ho-ming | OneStopSquash
Web hlc.edu.hk Web onestopsquash.com/
Note Personal names have been changed or omitted where contributors have indicated a preference to remain anonymous.
17
 Youth speak
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

M ost Hong Kong people prefer exercising in simple,

low-cost ways. Thirty young people in our mini
survey agree. They also say their main motivation is health.
Why Do You Exercise?
For me it is all about health. Thats enough. Its precious.
Secondary students Tertiary students or young workers
For health For health
33.2% 44.5%
To keep fit For stress relief
43% 22.2%
For relaxation To keep fit
14.6% 22.2%
I enjoy competing I enjoy it for its own sake
9.5% 11.1%

How Much Vigorous Exercise Do You Take Each Week?

Secondary students Tertiary students or young workers
None 38% Once a week 20%
Once a week 6.3% Twice a week 30%
Twice a week 18% 3 times a week 30%
3 times a week 25% 4 times a week 20%
5 times a week 6.3%

What Else Do You Do In Your Leisure Time?

At home I always listen to calming music but I also like
to use my brain so I play some brain games as well.
Secondary students Tertiary students or young workers

Watch TV or
use a smartphone/
computer
Watch TV or
42.9% use a smartphone/
computer
23.8%
School work 22.2%

Rest or sleep Rest or sleep

33.3% 77.8%

18
 Whats Your Favourite Sport?
Basketball! There are courts everywhere. I practice with my friends
and we are competitive enough to be in the league together.
Secondary students Tertiary students or young workers
Running Running
36.8% 33.3%
Swimming Swimming
31.6% 33.3%
Badminton Basketball 33.3%
21.1% 33.3%
Volleyball

ets
10.5%

?
arg
W hats Best: Competitive Team Sports orSetting/Meeting Your Own T
Setting my own goals means I feel more in control.
I weigh myself regularly and use a smart watch every day.
Tertiary students or young workers
Team sports
28.6% Team sports
Both 36.4%
Secondary
28.5% students Setting/meeting Setting/meeting
my own targets my own targets
42.9% 63.6%
Where Do You Exercise?
I always do some exercise at home. In my mini-gym
I have a set of dumb-bells, a resistance band and a
fitball. I fit it in whenever possible and its free.
Secondary students
Outdoors, including in hot weather Indoors preferably Also sometimes at home

71.4% 28.6% 66.7% 33.3% 23.8% 76.2%

Yes No Yes No Yes No
Tertiary students or young workers
Outdoors, including in hot weather Indoors preferably Also sometimes at home

72.7% 27.3% 63.6% 36.4% 54.5% 45.5%

Yes No Yes No Yes No

Reality check
Our mini-survey reflects the findings of a 2012 Hong Kong government survey of thousands of secondary students.
Proportion who take at least 60 minutes of moderately intense exercise every day:

Boys 12.8% Main reasons Favourite sports

Improving ability Running or walking Basketball Swimming
Girls 4.2% Wanting better health
Releasing pressure

Source lcsd.gov.hk/en/healthy/physical_fitness_test/common/physical_fitness_test/download/SummaryReport_en.pdf

19
 Youth write
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Balancing
life by Stephanie Hung
Growing up in Hong Kong meant I had to do team
sports at school: swimming, basketball, gymnastics, cross-
country running, even hurdling at one point. All of them
had something to teach me balance, strength, dexterity,
coordination, teamwork. Now, I usually play badminton
or table tennis, do yoga or go to the gym with my
colleagues. In chillier weather we do charity runs, hiking
or biking. They are all great ways to workout, physically
and mentally and they are also a wonderful way to bond.

Recently I tried something new: a unicycle. My brother,

always an avid fan, has astonishing skills but I must Stephanie Hung is a newly
admit, the first time I tried it I was a little afraid. qualified barrister and former
There seemed so much to remember. Balance suddenly contributor to Youth Hong Kong.
became a 360 necessity. There were no handlebars
and I grasped at railings for dear life. I tried get my
feet parallel with one another to start off not as
easy as it sounds and then there was the business of
actually staying on the seat. It was interesting.

20
Now, every time I ride a unicycle, I feel stronger.
As with all such sports, an immense amount of
concentration is required, but that makes it a workout
for the brain as well as the body. It really improves my
core strength and is a total distraction from mundane
concerns. In fact, there is a lot more to unicycling than
meets the eye: freestyle, flatland, street, trials, muni
(mountain unicycling), distance and racing as well The Unicycling Association of Hong
Kong, China (UAHK) provides
as unicycle-powered hockey and basketball.* Once
unicycles and coaches for
youve got the basics, your horizons are infinite! more than 20 schools. It invites
instructors from Taiwan and
But to me it is more than just a sport. It means lending offers students the chance to
others a helping hand when they fall off. It is about perform at events. In January
2017, UAHK participated in
taking responsibility, learning how to maintain the
the Vita Green Cycling for
unicycles, keeping them clean and stowing them Health Marathon Challenge
properly. It is also about determination when you fall 2017. Then in February, it
off uncountable times before finally getting the hang of organized its first competition
it, you learn the lesson: success does not come easily. for Hong Kong schools and
its members performed at the
2017 Peacemakers Cultural
Some specialists say that the most important quality
Celebration. President, Kevin
for determining a persons potential for success in Hung, says, We saw the
life is their level of grit the factor which makes success of unicycling in countries around the world and the
you keep going when the going gets tough and potential benefit it could bring to Hong Kong and wanted to
getting on a unicycle after falling off, again and again, provide Hong Kong youth with another activity that promotes
a healthy, balanced lifestyle outside the classroom.
involves quite a bit of that, as my scars go to show.
More information
facebook.com/UAHKC/
Its also about independence, just think where a unicycle
might take you and where you might take it
In Japan, the Ministry of Education has required schools to
*More information International Unicycling provide unicycles since 1989. Unicycling is not only taught in
Federation: unicycling.org/unicycling/disciplines/ class but is also enjoyed by children during recess and they
wear no helmets, no kneepads and have very little supervision.
As Matthew Thibeault, an American teacher in Japan says,
I see kids being challenged and encouraged to do things
Good balance is important for many
that I have never seen kids encouraged to do in the US
activities. Some people dont realize and with equipment that would be considered risky there.
they have weak balance until they Source Rich, M. Tools to help Japanese Schoolchildren find balance: Unicycles. New
try balance exercises. You can do York Times, 19 November 2016. nytimes.com/2016/11/19/world/what-in-the-
world/tools-to-help-japanese-schoolchildren-find-balance-unicycles.html
them anytime or anywhere.

Balancing ti
ps 1. Stand on one foot for 10 seconds on each side.
1
2. Walk heel to toe in a straight line for 20 steps.
2
3. Start on your hands and knees on a mat or folded blanket then stretch one hand
3
out in front of you and stretch the opposite leg out in the air behind you. Keep your
core muscles contracted to help you balance then repeat on the other side.
4. Lift one knee up until your hip is bent at a 90-degree
4
angle. Hold it there for as long as possible.
5. Do yoga or Tai Chi
5

21
 Youth watch
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Measuring up
A ctivity and the right diet play an important part in
keeping people of all ages healthy. Jennifer Lam looks at
youth around the world to see how they measure up.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at
least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity
daily for 5-17 year-olds. For the over 18s the guideline is
at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week
in bouts of at least 10 minutes. Intensity matters as much as
time and extra time exercising means extra health benefits.1
The Global Matrix of Physical Activity in Children &
Youth, a survey which covered 38 countries in 2016,
included Hong Kong and Shanghai. Information about
3-18 year-olds was collated and graded. Sources included
government and academic reports. The three top countries
were Denmark, Slovenia and the Netherlands.3

The WHO explains that physical activity includes

exercise, defined as planned, structured, repetitive,
and purposeful and other activities including active
play and active transportation such as walking and
cycling to school or work. Such activity, combined with
a healthy diet, reduces the risk of becoming obese or
overweight, the prevalence of which has increased at
an alarming rate. In 2015 the number of overweight
children under 5 years old was estimated at over
42 million and about half of them live in Asia.2
HONG KONG
n 77% of 6-12 year-olds exercise for less than the
7
recommended 60 minutes daily.
n 7% in this age group did no exercise outside school
PE classes.
n Fewer than 50% of their parents exercised with
them once a month or not at all.
AUSTRALIA
n About 60% of secondary 1-6 pupils take vigorous
n 19% of 5-17 year-olds and 18% of 12-17 year-olds
4 exercise 1-2 times weekly on average.
meet WHO exercise guidelines.
n 76% take daily moderate to vigorous intensity
n 51% of 12-17 year-olds who report doing physical
exercise, such as stair-climbing, daily.
education (PE) do at least 120 minutes per week
and 31% do at least 150 minutes per week. Some n 81.6% enjoy PE lessons at school.
children do no PE at school. n Nearly 42% think PE is good for stress-relief,
n 19% of 5-14 year-olds are classified as overweight n 31.3% want longer PE lessons..
and 7% are obese. n 49.5% take part in sport outside school hours or off
8
n 22% of 18-24 year-olds are overweight and 15% school premises.
5
are obese. Obesity and overweight fell among primary pupils
As girls have lower participation in sports than boys, from 21.4% in 2010-11 to 18.7% in 2014-15 but grew
the Department of Health launched the Girls Make Your among secondary school students in the same period,
Move campaign using mass media and social media, from 18.7% to 19.4%. The StartSmart@school.hk
aimed at encouraging 12-19 year-old girls to become and EatSmart@school.hk campaigns are trying to
6 9
more interested in physical activity. encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

22
INDIA
n 70% of children aged 13-15 get too little exercise
n 33% of 18-25 year-olds take no exercise
10
n About 40% 26-46 year-olds take no exercise
n 25% of the over 25s suffer from hypertension, a
11
rising trend in younger people
Diabetes is also becoming more common in 20-30
year-olds, exacerbated by lack of exercise and
sedentary behaviour. Over 20% in this age group are
overweight or obese, thus also considered a high risk
for cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases as
well as cancers. The WHO says these account for 60%
12
of all deaths in India. A national strategy for more
physical activity in children and youth, not focusing
13
only on competitive sports, has been called for.
JAPAN
th
n 53% of boys but only 26% of girls in 5 grade are
active for over seven hours a week.
n 9.9% of fifth grade girls and about 25% of middle
school girls dont exercise outside school.
14
n Self-reported participation in sport among 6-11
year-olds is 44% for girls and 61.8% for boys;
among 1214 year olds it is 68.7% and 90.1%
respectively and in 15-17 year olds it is 45.7% and
15
70.2% respectively.
Childhood obesity, at 8.14%, is low for the developed
world. Children fromFukushimaare the most obese,
with 15% of 9 year-olds 20% heavier than the norm
for their age, due in part to fears that playing outside
16
will expose them to harmful levels of radiation. Lack
of exercise is blamed for an increase in a complaint
known as floating toe or flail toe, where one or more
toes does not touch the floor. About 92% of 5 year-
17
olds are affected.
MAINLAND CHINA
n Across China, 23% of boys and 14% of girls are
considered obese or overweight according to a US
18,19
survey published in The Lancet [2014]
n 19.7% of Shanghai schoolchildren meet WHO
physical activity guidelines with participation of 12%
20
of girls and 17% of boys in organized sport.
Overall, boys (21.6%) are more active than girls
(17.6%). From 1985-2014, obesity in rural children
jumped sharply, from 0.5% to 30.7% in boys and
from 0.8% to 20.6% in girls, according to a regional
21
survey. The number of under-14 diabetics has almost
22
tripled. A national programme has been launched
to improve sports facilities in schools, to increase
exercise space to at least 2.3 square meters per capita
and to require at least one hour of vigorous physical
23
activity three times weekly of all students.
Japan does well
An international research team in the US studied
aerobic fitness in 1.1 million 9-17 year-olds in 50
countries using a standard 20m shuttle run test.
Findings published in 2016 showed that the top five
for cardiovascular fitness were Tanzania, Iceland,
Estonia, Norway, and Japan. In another 2016 study,
conducted by Imperial College in London, predictions
were made that 20% of the worlds adults will be obese
by 2025. Over 25% of the worlds severely obese men
live in the US and 20% of its severely obese women.
The countries most affected by the rapid increase in
obesity are the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Ireland and
New Zealand, whereas obesity is less than 5% for
Japanese women.
Sources
medicalxpress.com/news/2016-09-country-comparison-child-youth.html
mobiefit.com/blog/world-health-day-one-fifth-of-the-
world-could-be-obese-by-2025-says-study/
23
 Youth watch
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

SINGAPORE UNITED KINGDOM

n 75% of 13-19 year-old Singaporeans and 69% of
20-39 year-olds take some form of exercise at least
24
once a week.
n 13-15 year-olds spend an average of 18 minutes per
weekday engaged in moderate to vigorous activity
25
but only 8 minutes per day at weekends.
n Physical activity outside school or work amounts to
over 10 hours a week in only 9% of 15-29 year-olds
n 22% of children have no physical activity outside
26
school.
n 63% of boys and 38% of girls meet the WHO
37
recommendations for daily exercise.
n Only 19% of schoolchildren (aged 5-15) do at least
an hour of moderate intensity physical activity per
38
day (15% of girls, 22% of boys).
n 34% take part in organized sport outside school
(35% of boys, 21% of girls).
n 74% of children spend less time outdoors than
prisoners.
n 20% do not play outside on an average day.
39

27
n Obesity in schoolchildren is 12%.
The Ministry of Education recommends 2-2.5 hours
of timetabled PE per week for all school children,
28
stating that this must be implemented by 2017.
29
Singapores Health Promotion Board plan aims
n 9.3% of 4-5 year-olds in first year primary school in
England are obese and 12.8% are overweight.
n Obesity in 10-11 year-olds has risen from 19.1%
to 19.8%, with a further 14.2% classed as
overweight.
40

to achieve greater awareness of the importance of

healthy living by 2020 through comprehensive school
30
and community activities. School canteens are
encouraged to use healthier ingredients and sell lower-
calorie drinks to meet reduced-sugar requirements.
The Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of health
charities and medical organizations, wants the
government to introduce a levy on highly-sugared
soft drinks by 2017 and to restrict marketing of junk
41
food to children, online and before 9pm on TV.

SOUTH KOREA
n 16.8% of middle school and 11.9% of high school
students participate in 60 minutes of moderate to
31
vigorous exercise on 5 or more days per week.
n 72.1% of middle school and 31.6% of high school
students participate in school sport clubs.
n 66% of primary pupils, 57.2% of middle
school students and 14.8% of high school
32
students do 3 or more PE classes weekly.
n 14.7% of primary pupils are obese and 18.2%
33
of middle and high school students.
n 26.4% of boys are either overweight or
34
obese, nearly twice the number of girls.
35
A 2014 study found that physical exercise was
positively associated with alleviating suicidal
thoughts and attempts among adolescents, among
whom suicide is the leading cause of death.
The government has launched plans to
overhaul its annual school health checkup
system to focus on early prevention
of childhood obesity with cholesterol
testing, tests for Insulin Resistance
36
Syndrome and waist measurement.

24
 UNITED STATES
n 21.6% of children aged 6-19 meet WHO physical
activity guidelines.
n 29% of high school students do at least 60 minutes
42
of physical activity daily.
n Adolescents have 23 minutes of physical activity at
school on average, accounting for over half of the
43
42-minute daily total.
n 62% of boys and 53% of girls participate in school
44
or community sports teams.
n Fewer than 48% of high school students went to PE
classes on one or more days a week.
n About 1 in 5 school-aged children is classed as
45
obese or overweight.
n 13.9% of high school students are obese and an
46
additional 16% are overweight.
Among 12-15 year-olds, only about a half of
boys and one-third of girls had sufficient levels
of cardiorespiratory fitness in 2012. In 2016 the
government released a new National Physical
Activity Plan outlining a strategy for increasing the
47
physical activity level across the US population.

Note
2014-2016 data unless otherwise stated.

Sources Note Country information is for 2016 unless otherwise stated.

1. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/9789241599979/en/ 22. 2012 statistics. theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/feb/12/

2. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/ chinas-body-mass-time-bomb-policymakers-tackling-rising-obesity

3. activehealthykids.org/the-global-matrix-2-0-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/ 23. nextshark.com/chinese-youth-getting-fatter-weaker-lazier-study-finds/

4. activehealthykidsaustralia.com.au/siteassets/documents/ahka-2016-summary_form-report-card.pdf 24. sportsingapore.gov.sg/about-us/~/media/corporate/files/about/publications/sports%20index%20

2014_key%20highlights.pdf
5. clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/knowledge_base/organised_sport/sport_and_government_policy_
objectives/childhood_obesity 25. 2012-2013 statistics. ttsh.com.sg/about-us/newsroom/news/article.aspx?id=4097

6. health.gov.au/internet/girlsmove/publishing.nsf/Content/home 26. nyc.gov.sg/images/initiatives/resource/nys/YouthSG_RC_Digital.pdf

7. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1960396/drink-and-move-it-hong-kong- 27. sportsingapore.gov.sg/about-us/~/media/corporate/files/about/publications/sports%20index%20

children-dont-get 2014_key%20highlights.pdf

8. Statistics in points 4-9 in this section are from the HKFYG survey: yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news. 28. ifaq.gov.sg/MOE/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx
aspx?id=7c5a61de-3d10-45fd-95e5-b0e38599663c&corpname=yrc&i=9587&locale=zh-HK 29. moh.gov.sg/healthylivingmasterplan
9. news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2016/10/20161011_121129.shtml 30. hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/programmes-article/3860
10. mobiefit.com/blog/world-health-day-indian-youth-middle-aged-lack-exercise-walking-is-preferred- 31. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/south-korea-report-card-short-form-2016.pdf
workout/ 32. journals.humankinetics.com/doi/pdf/10.1123/jpah.2016-0402
11. thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/proper-food-exercise-can-save-youth-from-hypertension/ 33. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5195826/
article8617412.ece
34. koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20151109001177
12. indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/tobacco-unhealthy-diet-no-exercise-top-risk-factors-for-
indian-youth-2928754/ 35. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4234959/
13. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/india-report-card-short-form-2016.pdf 36. koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2016/06/164_204512.html
14. 2013 statistics. japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/12/21/editorials/students-neglect-physical-exercise/ 37. 2008-2009 statistics. bbc.com/news/health-23778945
15. journals.humankinetics.com/doi/pdf/10.1123/jpah.2016-0296 38. files.site-fusion.co.uk/webfusion119994/file/england_rc_16.pdf
16. theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/27/obesity-fukushima-children-survey 39. theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/25/three-quarters-of-uk-children-spend-less-time-
outdoors-than-prison-inmates-survey
17. telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/12061171/Japanese-children-increasingly-hobbled-by-
floating-toe-due-to-lack-of-exercise.html 40. theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/03/child-obesity-rising-again-nhs-report-reveals
18. blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as- 41. ibid
americans/ 42. 2013 statistics. cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm
19. thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60460-8/abstract 43. reuters.com/article/us-health-adolescents-school-fitness-idUSKBN0TR21N20151208
20. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/china-poster-2016.pdf 44. physicalactivityplan.org/reportcard/2016FINAL_PAReportCard_Summary.pdf
21. Rural Shandong province only. sciencemag.org/news/2016/04/obesity-rates-skyrocket-china-s- 45. cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
rural-kids
46. stateofobesity.org/childhood-obesity-trends/
47. 47 physicalactivityplan.org/index.html#

25
 Perspectives
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Rekindling
M ost people today agree that exercise is good
for you but only a few have experienced
the link between physical and mental health as
strongly as the writer of this story, Ada Chau.
Always an optimistic person, I firmly believe that no matter
how big the problem there is always a way to deal with it.
This helped me a great deal in 2010 when my partner was
diagnosed with a rare sarcoma. The doctor advised amputation
and chemotherapy. Whatever the doctor named, we did
it, believing a cure was possible. What I would never have
believed was that physical and mental health could be so closely
related, and that for me both of them depend on exercise.
After four months of hospital with frequent check-
ups, life gradually went back to normal. We got married
in 2012 and my husband adjusted quite well to being
disabled. Four years of close monitoring later, it seemed
as if the cancer had been cured. We decided to have a
baby and I started to get fit. Since childhood I have loved
taking exercise and at last I could work out again.
Everything looked good. Then the bad news
came and the real nightmare began.
The sarcoma spread to my husbands lungs: one huge
tumour and several smaller ones. Suddenly, all plans
went on hold. We needed all our energy to deal with the
sarcoma again. First, I thought I could handle it just as I
26
a passi
had four years ago, with positive thinking, with family,
friends and professionals. But it was not that simple.
As with other cancer patients, we did many tests, made
plans with the doctor, researched online. Life was so
busy, we had so many challenges and decisions to deal
with. It was all-consuming. My husband rejected point-
blank the chemotherapy and surgery recommended
by some specialists and we decided to try non-
conventional treatment: traditional Chinese medicine.
The pressure was huge. It was our choice, our decision, yet we
needed to explain to anxious family and friends. We were not
giving up, just trying another way. And there was no spare time
to look inwards and see what effect all this was having on me.
Instead, we had to be patient and allow time for the Chinese
medicine to work. It meant total focus and not a moments
doubt. In the end, I think I became tunnel-visioned, I
lost my grip on the rest of life and started to let things
slide. The only thing that mattered was the treatment.
Maybe nobody really noticed at the time. I tried to be
normal, working hard and occasionally going out with
ion for life
friends. People cared about us and in turn it was easy
to open up, to share my feelings and worries. I cried
when emotion and frustration overtook me and laughed
when life looked brighter. The faade was intact, but
in retrospect I can see that I was a bit messed up.
For two years, I gave up exercise all together. When
I eventually weighed myself I had gained more
than 35 pounds and broke out in a sweat with the
slightest activity. All my expectations had evaporated:
of myself and my prospects. We had a cocoon of
happiness at home. That seemed enough.
Looking back, I realize how many emotions I was
suppressing - anger, frustration, sadness, worry, even
depression. I didnt admit even to myself that they existed at
the time, they were buried so deeply in my sub-conscious.
Gradually, I became so home-oriented that I seldom went
out with friends. Instead, I wanted to be with my husband,
watching favourite TV shows and Japanese animations ...
and eating our favourite food. Far, far too much of it.
Now I see that I was hiding, living under a kind
of shadow: a shadow created by all I could not
face up to, but I could not deny my drastic weight
gain. That was when I turned a corner.
The very first conscious motivation came from wanting
to lose weight and rid myself of the embarrassment of
sweating whenever I moved. I began with my favourite
exercise swimming. At first it made no difference to my
weight. That was really frustrating. But I realized I had to
keep going. At last my body responded and, as expected,
I lost the first 15 pounds. Then I started running,
interval training and badminton as well as swimming.
What I didnt expect was the change this brought to
the way I felt about life and the world around me.
It was almost like magic. Exercise has actually rekindled
in me a passion for life itself. I not only had more
energy and slept better, I also discovered a kind of
mental strength I never knew existed. I am not saying
willpower can solve every problem or that everything
will be fine from now on. The cancer is still with us
and there will be many more challenges to come. But
through taking charge of my body I have taken charge
of my life. Exercise helped me step out of the shadow
of the past two years, face up and move on.
27
 Perspectives
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong
Inspiring
A gnes Chan Yui-chong is an inspiration for anyone who has difficulty getting up and
getting moving. She has spina bifida but become a Paralympic fencer with Hong
Kongs national squad.
What was it like for you at school?
I was able to walk when I was younger, unlike the other
students at the Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra
School. But I didnt feel any urge to do exercise then. I saw
exercise as a kind of rehabilitation, a form of treatment
for people who need to improve their health!
What first motivated you?
I enjoyed PE at school but never took any other
exercise. The Hong Kong fencing team visited
when I was in Secondary 2 but I think I was too
busy studying and didnt try to find out more.
What made that change?
In 2002 when I left school and went to IVE* I had more free
time. I began to do archery, swim and play badminton. Then
one of the coaches at HKSAPD* found me and I finally had
the chance to learn fencing. I loved it right from the start.
Who helped you to develop your talent?
Fencing team members at the Hong Kong Sports
Institute are always supportive. They generously share
their techniques, teaching me wholeheartedly and
never seeming concerned about the chance of being
beaten. My parents were always very supportive too.
They would wait till I got home at 11pm after training,
to cook dinner and make sure it was full of nutrients.
What made you concentrate on fencing?
I liked it because it was very technical. You
have to be quite smart to play well, and I
really like the special clothes!
28
What were the main hurdles?
I hit a plateau after about two years with all the intensive
training and regular competitions. I kept getting injured and
once, just before the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, I had to
stop training for a month. There was so much pain I couldnt
even move my wheelchair. I was so nervous but luckily I
got better and eventually made it to the Paralympics.
How do other fencers encourage and motivate you?
As teammates, we spend more time with each
other than we do with our families. We have a very
close relationship, encouraging and supporting
each other and sharing each others lives.
What do you do when your performance doesnt
meet your expectations?
The most important thing is to keep training no
matter how disappointed you feel. By keeping up the
training, one day you will make a breakthrough.
What advice would you give to young people who
lack confidence to do sports?
Young people should do only the kind of sport that they are
interested in and never be pressured by people, including
parents. Taking exercise is really good for young people
and once they get interested they will always find time.
*Notes
IVE Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education
HKSAPD Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled
 Hong Kong excellence
at the Paralympics
Hong Kong made its debut at the Summer Paralympics in
Heidelberg in 1972. Since then it has won a total of 92 medals:
32 gold, 27 silver, 33 bronze. The countrys first gold medal
for wheelchair fencing was won by Fung Yuet-wah in 1984. In
1996, four gold medals were won by men for wheelchair fencing
and the sport has provided gold medals for Hong Kong in every
subsequent Summer Paralympics. With five golds, Agnes Chan
Yui-chong is among Hong Kongs most successful competitors.

More information paralympic.org/results/historical?npc=

HKG&gender=all&medal=all&sport=all&games=all

Agnes Chan Yui-chong 34, works at the HKFYG Jockey Club Outdoor
Training Centre in Sai Kung [see page 44]. She is one of Hong Kongs most
successful Paralympic competitors, with five golds medals. Yu Chui-yee
and Fung Ying-yi have also won five golds, also for wheelchair fencing.

Achievements
2004 Paralympics
Wheelchair Fencing Foil B Gold
Wheelchair Fencing Epe B Silver
Wheelchair Fencing Womens Team Foil Gold
Wheelchair Fencing Womens Team Epe Gold
2008 Paralympics
Wheelchair Fencing Foil B Gold
Wheelchair Fencing Epe B Gold
2012 Paralympics
Wheelchair Fencing Epe Bronze
Wheelchair Fencing Womens Team Epe Bronze
2016 Paralympics
Wheelchair Fencing Epe Bronze
Wheelchair Fencing Womens Team Epe Bronze

29
 Perspectives
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Eight tips for fitness,

exercise and health

Counting*
Remember the statistics.
Tracking Exercise lowers the risk
Use a smart device to of type II diabetes by
Drinking track your stats. It adds 58% and reduces heart
If youre thirsty youre interest, structure and disease/ high blood
Starting already dehydrated. Plain information. If you dont pressure by 40%. It can
decrease depression as
Ask a friend along. The water is usually fine. Add have or dont want to
electrolytes or sports use a gadget, try singing effectively as behavioral
right person can be an
drinks if its very hot, if to check energy output. therapy and lead to
inspiration. He or she will
you sweat a lot or if you If you can still sing, better exam results.
help build enthusiasm
and motivation while take prolonged exercise. youre exercising at low Check your pulse.
reducing any self- Stay rehydrated, to moderate intensity! HR = heart rate;
consciousness. Arrange stay energized. bpm = beats per minute
a time and stick to it.
Average
Target HR
Age maximum
in bpm HR
20 100-17 200
30 95-162 190
35 93-157 185
Sources (P28) 40 90-153 180
heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Target-Heart-Rates_UCM_434341_Article.jsp#.WL9nbm-GOpo 45 88-149 175
mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/top-25-fitness-tips-and-strategies-experts-0 50 85-145 170
health.com/health/gallery/0,,20513624,00.html/view-all 55 83-140 165
fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/best-workout-tips/
60 80-136 160
teachpe.com/fitness/fitness_tests.php
65 78-132 155
exerciseismedicine.org/assets/page_documents/EIM%20Fact%20Sheet%20February%202016.pdf
70 75-128 150
*Figures for heart rate are
average guidelines only.

30
 Thinking
Exercise makes you feel
Resting better and gives your
Tired all the time? brain a bonus. Over
Boring? Common enough in 10,000 people who
Sick of the treadmill? Hong Kong. Too much used a mood-tracking
Starving Tired of your morning pressure, too much app that also tracked
physical activity said that
Eating three daily meals? run? Time for change. rush. Listen to your
Vary your routine or body. Exhaustion from even going for a short
Some say eating five
your circuits. Try a new inadequate sleep has walk increased sense of
times a day can stimulate
time of day. Download an obvious remedy. If wellbeing. Many studies
metabolism if you
a customized local app youre tired after a tough show other bonuses
include two mini meals
like HKFitNuts or My workout muscles, try a for the brain because
between your three basic
Wellness Tracker HK. cold or a hot bath. Go good cardiovascular
meals. Try working out
Try something different: for a massage if thats health and healthy brain
in the morning too. It
maybe wall climbing, more your style. If it function are connected.
can cause a metabolic
HIIT, Zumba or CrossFit. doesnt get better see Exercising in the young-
spike that burns extra
Put on music that makes your healthcare provider. adult years may also
calories all day long.
you get up and dance! bring better thinking skills
later in life according to
new research. Exercise
Calories burned in 60 minutes changes the brain in ways
Activity that protect memory
45kg 54.5kg 63.5kg 72.5kg 81.5kg 90.5kg
and thinking skills.
Aerobics (vigorous) 338 406 474 516 580 654
Bicycling (moderate pace) 360 432 504 576 648 720
Golf (carrying/pulling clubs) 248 298 346 396 446 496
Kick Boxing 490 566 684 780 880 980
Rowing (8 min mile) 322 380 446 510 578 656
Running (10 min per mile) 450 540 630 720 810 900
Sources (P29)
Swimming (slow freestyle) 360 426 494 566 438 708
sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/even-small-
Tennis (doubles) 270 384 378 436 486 540 amounts-exercise-boost-happiness-finds-
study-132432752.html
Walking (slow pace) 122 148 178 202 228 254
livescience.com/44558-exercise-young-adult-
Walking (fast pace) 236 280 322 372 420 470 brain-thinking.html
Weight training (circuits) 360 438 504 576 648 720 health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-
changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-
Yoga 176 210 242 278 316 348 skills-201404097110

31
 Perspectives
30
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong
+
T wo fans of fitness, Sean and Meredith, talk about what got them
started in their 30s and what still makes them devotees 30 years later.
Some reasons overlap but they have a very different approach to exercise.
Sean
Singapore, Germany, London and Wales were where I
went to school and at that stage I wasnt in the slightest bit
interested in sport, largely because I was no good at it. But
when I came to Hong Kong to work, everything changed.
Walking in the hills was good as long as someone
else was organizing it, but I felt no conscious need
to exercise in my 20s. In fact, I was amazed when
people started jogging back in the 1970s, especially
the girls, all sweaty and hot in the muggy Hong Kong
weather. People used to point at them and laugh.
When the first gyms arrived in Hong Kong in the early
1980s a few friends and I went along for a free trial.
We nearly ran away with fright at the sight of all the
equipment, but fortunately the receptionist and manager
persuaded us in, showed us round and organized an easy
aerobics class for us to try. Then they explained how to
use the weights and then the machines. We were hooked.
32
Thirty years later,
Im still hooked. I
train in the gym
with a partner
three times a week,
go to yoga once a
week, Pilates twice
a week, and hiking
in the country
by peterskim flic.kr/p/2FdTW
parks at least once a
week. Developing
core strength and
muscle tone has
meant I have more
energy. Aikido and swimming, running in 10k races,
doing pedal-kart marathons and joining the dragon boat
races have all been part of fitness for me. In competitions
I always come in near the back but losing never matters
to me. Its the training and the companionship that make
it fun, as long as I can fit it in around work and family.
Now Im older, I value exercise even more: my weight
training is nearly as good as it was 25 years ago. It helps
keep me strong and slows down the inevitable loss
of muscle that comes with age, and the fast walking
keeps me aerobically fit. Even more important was
beginning to understand the connection between my
posture and the back, neck and shoulder stiffness that
sometimes nags me. Its never too late to get fit and
whatever your reasons, it should be quite simply, fun.
Meredith long-distance footpath was a challenge. To train for it I
upped my daily walks from 5km to 20km, then 30km,
Apart from a brief spell at 17 as the school lacrosse but the worst effect for those unused to it is not fatigue
captain I was very unfit until I was 31. My attitude or muscle soreness but blisters. Like other forms of
changed while watching the Wimbledon tennis. I saw exercise, walking is often a solitary experience for me. Its
those lean, slim players and wanted to look like them. rare to meet someone who walks at my pace but when
weary it usually helps to have a buddy to chat to.
It was so hard carrying on after the first mile I ever ran,
feeling sick, weak and breathless. It was embarrassing. Exercise for me is an all-year-round commitment although
Making time was hard too. I was a full-time working I confess Im inherently lazy. Im a bit vain too, but the
parent with two small children but as I became fitter underlying reason is not wanting to be a burden on either
I gained a sense of empowerment and felt rather the public health system or my children. Basically I know
superior, but importantly it also kept the weight off. exercise always makes me feel better and it has become
Motivation also came from raising money for charity so habitual I know I would miss it if I stopped.
by running non-competitive marathon distances.
Top tips
Later I worked as a gym
instructor and that was Make time: its always possible if you want it to be.
a real bonus. It made me Find someone to train with, preferably about
aware of my body, how the same standard and preferably younger:
it works, what it needs, its good for your morale but your younger
and how to improve my friend will probably improve faster than you!
musculature. It became part Make it a routine whatever the weather.
of my life and although a Enter a competition or a race. It can be motivating
knee injury has stopped as long as the pressure is not a problem and
by calafellvalo flic.kr/p/dp8sfV

me running, Ive taken up it gives you a deadline you cant ignore.

endurance walking instead. Think of the benefits and the
potential problems if you stop.
Beginning with the
Always have an ultimate aim.
Santiago de Compostela

33
 City space
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Rowing for the community

A former member of the Hong Kong rowing squad, and one of the Kai Tak
Youth Rowing Community pioneers describes teaching young rowers at
KTYRC and her experience with disabled people at the HopeAct Academy, a
social enterprise.
by Lu Chan Tsz-wai

Rowing has always given me strong motivation
ever since I started training in Secondary 2. Quite
unexpectedly, it not only motivated me to improve my
technique and strength but also to do better at school.
I made a dramatic improvement in maths, which had
been my weakest subject. I attribute that to the self-
management skills I learnt while rowing, when I also
learned how to set and meet achievable goals.
Teamwork is essential in rowing so I had to learn to be
humble and look for my own faults instead of blaming
others. Rowing coaches cant be in the boat with you, so
you are often the sole judge of your performance when
you are training. Getting faster involves telling yourself
to work harder at every single stroke. Rowing taught me
generic skills too, especially problem-solving, decision-
making, leadership, cooperation and respect essential
elements of a well-ronded person. Rowing is a tough,
physically demanding sport and I
always tell them the students to be
proud of what they can achieve.
Every rower needs to follow their
team-mates rhythm to get perfect
timing and maintain good boat
speed, and I used this principle
when I taught autistic children. It
requires them to process diverse
information from their environment.
Simple, continuous endurance
training sessions can also help
them to manage their emotions
and communicate better.

34
The young rowers who come to the Kai Tak Youth Rowing
Community (KTYRC) are mainly from underprivileged,
low-income families living in Kwun Tong district. We use
the Kwun Tong ferry pier but its not ideal, especially for
large groups. We can only pick up small groups of students
at the pier and take them out to the rowing boats for
training, but a big bonus is having many good local people
who give us volunteer help. We are really touched by their
efforts and by having the chance to work as a community.

We visit schools in the lower bands in Kwun Tong and pp Oscar Lee
our goal is to help the students to build confidence, not
only in rowing but also in their academic work. The
schools usually make special arrangements and give us
time for demonstrations and try-out sessions. All 12-
18 year-olds who are receiving financial assistance
from the government are welcome to join us.

Some of our students have really excelled. Alvin

Chan in Secondary 3 and Oscar Lee in Primary 5, for
example. They have learned to row from zero with us,
training so hard for six months and finally winning
medals at the interschool rowing championship.
They have showed an incredible ability to learn
quickly and a remarkable dedication to rowing.
My big hope is that the new Kai Tak sports complex will raise
the profile of rowing and many more people will get involved.
Its a perfect place to have access to the water. Sports should
pp Alvin Chan
be fair to everyone. Teenagers from different backgrounds
all deserve opportunities to participate. Hong Kong has so
many complicated social problems, but for underprivileged
young people, sport can mean learning communication
skills and teamwork while gaining strength as athletes. That
gives young people the potential to face any challenge.

Lu Chan is a co-founder and Lu Chan is director of the HopeAct Academy, a

director of the Kai Tak Youth social enterprise which targets students with special
Rowing Community (KTYRC) is a education needs and helps them participate in sports as
charity based in Kwun Tong aiming well as aiding their all-round development. Supported
to improve the social mobility of by the HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre
Kowloons underprivileged youth with free office space, mentoring and professional
through sport and education. It was business advice, the HopeAct Academy also has
founded by Sarah Garner with Lu, support from organizations such as the Spastics
Bodo Schulenburg and Kenny Liu. Association of Hong Kong, the Neighbourhood Advice-
More details Action Council. Hong Kong Baptist University offers
training venues and organizes races for its students.
3580 8491
More details
ktyrc.org
Lu Chan Tsz-wai 65726639
info@ktyrc.org
hopeact.com.hk/
Room 10A,
Seapower Industrial Centre, info@hopeact.com.hk
177 Hoi Bun Rd, Units B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35
Kwun Tong, Hong Kong Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

35
 City space
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Letting go of perfect
Making room for strong
by Kate Lee

I n the movie, Frozen, Anna and her sister seek their place in the
world. The film is about the power that makes people different.

Few children or parents in the developed world will have
missed the 2013 hit movie Frozen. Most of them will
also know its theme song, Let it Go, an anthem for
little girls everywhere, with lyrics about time to see
what I can do, to test the limits and break through.
This is wonderful for a whole generation of little girls, but
what about the rest of us, the ones bought up on tales where
being beautiful is the only thing a princess must be, where
princesses wait passively in castles for heroes to rescue them?
Womens roles in the world have changed dramatically.
We are now in a position to do so much, but the
judgments that we and our society make have not
changed. We are supposed to be thin, perfectly turned
out, perfect homemakers, cooks, mothers and wives, and
now we have to be successful CEOs too. The pressure
is enough to blow even Anna off the mountain!
So often it is our own gender, our sisters who judge
us. We have all done it. We read magazine articles about

36
celebrities who have lost weight and gained
weight and we judge. We walk into a room
and think, Do I look good enough? while
other women look at us and measure us. Men
dont do quite the same thing. Their ideal
is usually bigger, taller and more. Women
tend to want to be smaller, more petite, and
less less noisy, less opinionated, less fat.
It has made me decide that this is the year to
reclaim my body from years of disappointment,
from blame for imperfections, from ransom by
impossible ideals. I have started a new fitness
regime because Im overweight. I know it and
anyone in Victoria Park at night will know
it, as they watch me lumbering past, bright
red in the face, puffing like a steam train.
I hate running yet have just downloaded
the Couch to 5Kapp onto my phone.
For years I have been on and off different
diets, my weight has yo-yoed to extremes. I can tell you the
calorie, fat and carb count of pretty much every foodstuff
on the planet. I have tried exercise and programmes and
hypnosis. But the biggest barrier to me becoming the
woman I want to be is myself. Like many women I have
treated my body as something separate from me, something
to be punished rather than cherished because society
says that a woman who looks like me is not right.
us feel good, to do what we want and need
them to do. Being strong is sexy, trying to
achieve an impossible cartoonish ideal is not.
We need to learn that what makes us different
whether it is a flat nose, freckles, a big
chest or large thighs is what makes us the
individual people we are, not things to carve
away with knives and sit ups and whitening
creams. Our bodies should be an expression of
what we do and want to do, not of what holds
us back. We need to accept ourselves and our
flaws and accept others with theirs, striving for
strength and health, not for so-called perfection.
Whether you dance in your living room,
join a yoga class, take up the slow, steady
movements of tai chi chuan or the
stress-busting of boxing, there will be
something that makes you feel good about
yourself and feel strong. Our bodies are not
for sitting passive on pedestals nor for sitting
slumped on couches with the latest Netflix
binge, but for enjoying, doing and being.
So next time you see an overweight woman sort of
running past you in the park singing Let it Go, leave
the judgments at the door, sing along too and find
something that makes you stronger, happier and a little
less perfect. Like Anna, see what you can do.

No more. I am claiming my body back.
What does this have to do with Anna in her blue dress in an
ice palace? Simply this. As women we need to learn that our
bodies are there for no one but us. Their purpose is to make
Kate is a writer who says she has spent too much time
working and binge-watching TV. Now she is part of the
way through the Couch to 5K programme, has joined a
belly-dancing class and frequently dances around her
living room to cheesy pop tunes.

Be real
Be Real is a British campaign launched in response to a report on body image. The report reveals that:
52% of 11-16 year olds worry about how they look
30% of 11-16 year olds isolate themselves from certain activities because of body image anxiety
36% of 11-16 year olds say they would do whatever it takes to look good, including cosmetic surgery
Only 48% of young people surveyed had learned about body confidence in school
Of those who had learned about body confidence in school, 76% said it made them feel more positive about
themselves.
The campaigns mission is to change attitudes to body image and put health above appearance.
A toolkit for schools is available at berealcampaign.co.uk/

37
 Travel and culture
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong
Elephants
going, going, gone?
E lephants are being decimated despite conservation efforts
what is the problem and what can we do about it?
Elephant populations across Africa have declined by
30% in just seven years according to the 2016 Great
Elephant Census. In Asia, only 50,000 remain. If the
trend continues they will be extinct before 2040.
It has been estimated that in 1800 there were 26 million
elephants in continental Africa. In 1979 there were 1.3
million left. Today the figure is 352,271.1 The 1989
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) banned the ivory trade, but illegal
poaching still goes on and trading in ivory continues,
particularly in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.
Since 2000, more than 217,500kg of ivory has been
seized, representing 16,000 elephants killed. 41,000kg
of ivory was seized in China alone from 2012 to 2014.2
At the end of 2016 China announced plans to
eradicate the trading of ivory by the end of 2017.3
Five years later, Hong Kong will follow suit and the
citys officially sanctioned ivory traders have till then
to sell off existing stock: an estimated 77 tonnes.
However, wildlife campaigners fear a surge in illegal
business as soon as the mainland ban takes effect.4
Elephants are important to the environment because they
are what is called a keystone species. Their absence
would change the ecosystem dramatically because they
spread seeds across land in their dung. They also dig
up the ground with their tusks which allows other
species and plant life to access nutrients in the soil.
In addition to the ecological reasons for concern, there is
an ethical issue. Elephants are social creatures.
38
by Katherine Gudgin
They live in family units. They recognize and
remember not only the members of their
family and herd but the humans who have
helped them. For example, they have
behaviour associated with mourning,
not only with other elephants but
with people. When Antony Lawrence,
a conservationist, died the elephants
that knew him mourned his death.
Habitat destruction and human encroachment
are also complex issues. The home range
of an African elephant can be up to 11,000
square kilometres and the male Asian
elephant needs 800 square kilometres.5 The
distance and space needed depends on the
environment, the size of the herd, other
animals on the land and how much food is
available. Elephants in Malaysia have lost
70% of their natural habitat in the past 35
years.6 Humans are increasingly clearing
and using land that has traditionally
been wilderness inhabited by elephants.
Animals dont recognize the fences placed
around crops and houses, and tension has led
to elephant attacks and elephants being killed.
Abraham Lincoln said You cannot escape
the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it
today. Unless we act now, elephants will soon
be like the dinosaurs or the West African black
rhino which was declared extinct in 2006. By taking
responsibility, we can evade that tomorrow today.
 10 Things You Didnt Hongxiang Huang, a 28 year-old investigative
journalist from Guangdong, went undercover to
Know About Elephants
gather evidence of illegal importing and selling
of ivory in Africa, China and Hong Kong.
1. They can hear another
elephants call up to 5 He reports: China has the biggest ivory market
kilometres away. in the world and as a Chinese person I feel I
should do something. If China is part of the
2. By stamping their feet they problem, it should be part of the solution. So I
send subsonic waves through set up a social enterprise called China House
the ground that can be picked which organizes trips to Africa for young
up by other elephants via people. They learn about wildlife conservation,
sensitive nerves in their feet. then come home as ambassadors. Some
3. Elephants are afraid of bees! people think we are helping the West to attack
China. Others think we are helping the Chinese
4. They need more than 270 government to promote propaganda. What we
kilos of food each day
really want to do is create a bridge between
and even more water.
China and the rest of the world, thus reducing
5. They can smell water nearly misunderstandings on both sides. My goal
20 kilometres away and rain is to help cut demand and to cultivate future
from 240 kilometres away. conservation efforts to combat poaching.
6. Gestation in elephants
lasts for two years.
7. Elephants can tell a human
male from a human female and
distinguish different ethnicities.
8. Elephants get sunburnt
and use mud and dust
instead of suntan lotion!
9. Elephants can swim
but they cant jump.
10. Baby elephants suck their
trunks for comfort just as human
children suck their thumbs.
pp Hongxiang Huang with primatologist Jane Goodall

The Ivory Game is a recent Netflix

documentary with Hongxiang Huang
starring beside Andrea Costa of WildLeaks,
a whistle-blowing site for wildlife crime.
Executive Producer Leonardo DiCaprio

What you need to know

about ivory and poaching
One elephant is killed every 15 minutes.
Ivory is made from elephant tusks
which are elongated incisor teeth.
pp Elephants cared for by the David Sheldrick Baby elephants dont develop tusks
Wildlife Trust courtesy of The Elephant Society until they are 6-12 months old.
Elephant tusks never stop growing.
Asian elephants have been less
subject to poaching than African
as only the males have tusks.
Ivory has been used for centuries
to create billiard balls, piano keys,
art works and ornaments etc.
Elephants dont shed their tusks naturally.

Sources and more information

1. greatelephantcensus.com/
2. eleaid.com/elephant-conservation/elephant-poaching/
3. scmp.com/news/china/article/2058349/china-vows-shut-down-ivory-trade-end-2017
4. scmp.com/news/china/article/2058436/hong-kongs-illegal-ivory-hub-status-could-grow-after-planned-mainland
5. globalelephants.org/space-much-enough/
6. asiancorrespondent.com/2017/02/malaysia-elephants-have-lost-70-pc-of-territory-human-encroachment-study/
39
 Travel and culture
March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Cherishing the old
Last Christmas, I visited a small town
in Catalonian France. I expected a
nice and relaxing Christmas with my
dear friends enjoying the spectacular
natural scenery. But what I got was far
more than that. Not only did I meet the
friendliest people, I also learnt how to
appreciate preserving the old in daily life.
Many tourists like to visit historical sites
when they go abroad, just like me. I love the idea of
indulging myself with the history of an area and imagining
the lives of the people who used to live there. But history
like that is always quite separate from daily life. We have to
go to a particular area or museum to see the sights. What
I never thought of before was how people can preserve the
old while bringing new ideas into their normal daily lives.
40
by Ada Chau
As a typical city cosmopolitan
grown-up, I have always liked
new ideas and new things.
City life is so vibrant and
ever-changing in Hong Kong.
I seldom stop and take a look at what I
should preserve, especially within my family. When I
was younger, I always had the idea that if something
was broken, it would be far more convenient to buy a
new one rather than fixing the old one because we can
always buy the latest and most fashionable model at a
cheap price. So, all my life I have been used to throwing
old things away, without a second thought. But when
I went to visit my friends, my mind changed totally.
When I arrived in the small town, I was already
touched by the natural environment, the quietness
and peace. Then, when I stepped into my friends
house, I just could not believe that most of the items
I saw there were much older than me. Some of them
were even inherited from generations before! terms, all of it
is treasured because it is
The table where we ate every meal in the dining room both old and still useful, not kept
was from my friends father. He remembered how they in museums or put away in a store room.
ate together at this very table when he was a boy, sitting
on the chairs made by his grandfather in England 80 While I sat in their living room, I couldnt stop my
years ago! I was stunned by all the family history in mind flying back to my moms home and looking for
the tableware we used, the vases we put flowers in, the anything like this in my minds eye. I vaguely remember
furniture, even a woven cotton bedspread that was at using some old, Chinese-style bowls when my grandma
least 60 years old but looked like it was made yesterday! was still living with us, but where are those old bowls
now? I guess we just broke them or threw them
The next day, I went away long ago. Suddenly, I felt so sorry about losing
to visit an old couple them, thinking how I could talk about their history
who were neighbours. if someone came to visit me. What would I say?
Although I dont speak
French and they didnt Back in Hong Kong, I started to search for vintage things.
speak English, we Many old parts of Hong Kong have disappeared, though
could communicate some people do promote preserving heritage sites. But I
quite well with my want to preserve things not only to look at and admire,
gestures, my friends like a beautiful building, but to look at and use.
translations and their
grandsons help. Once What I really appreciated was the care with which those
again, I was amazed people in Catalonia cherished their belongings and
by their home. Nearly perhaps I will do the same in future. I think I really
everything there had will have second thoughts now whenever I go to buy
history and the most new things. First, I will look at what I have at home,
important thing was and then keep some of it, the old alongside the new.
that it was all still
being used in daily Maybe one day, 60 years from now, if I look after what I
life. Regardless of have well enough, that ordinary stuff will be old too.
value in money

41
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Adventure
awaits you
T he camps run by the Federation on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories
offer fantastic opportunities for taking exercise and getting fit outdoors.

HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp

A new 3-lane sport climbing wall will be added Emphasis on strength, endurance and agility
soon to the existing range of adventure fitness
activities on offer at this fabulous camp. Challenge your technique and willpower

Highlights
n Abseiling n Orienteering n Archery
n Kayaking n Rafting n Snorkeling

Details of fees on request.

Accommodation also available.
Age group 8 years +

Climbing Wall Features

n Beginner and intermediate levels
n Helmets, harnesses and carabiners provided
n Instructor supervision

DD256, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung

2792 2727
otc@hkfyg.org.hk
[in Chinese] otc.hkfyg.org.hk

HKFYG Stanley Outdoor Activities Centre

This camp at St Stephens Beach, not far from

Stanley Village, is currently being redeveloped
as a residential camp. A full programme of
innovative watersports and adventurous
activities will be coming up in 2019.

42
 HKFYG Lamma Youth Camp HKFYG Tai Mei Tuk Outdoor Activities Centre
Adventure activities are on offer all year round at this camp in This watersports-focused training centre offers
a lovely setting on one of Lammas easily accessible hilltops. a range of activities including sailing and
kayaking plus various new attractions.
Highlight
Mo Gong, an ancient war game with roots in Highlights
a Chinese philosophy called Mohism, is the Stand-up paddle boarding
focus of this special programme. Participants (SUP) combines surfing and
strengthen communication skills while tackling a kayaking, one of the fastest
progressive series of warrior style challenges. growing watersports ever
seen. Adventurous aquatics
Age group 8 years +
and inflatable games offer
Emphasis on physical fitness, self-confidence, a fun, different way to test
problem solving and team spirit. physical fitness afloat.

Features
Mo Gong Features
n SUP: key training for balance, core strength and flexibility
n Basic martial arts
n Archery n Aquatic inflatable games: challenging for team work
n Low-level and high-level adventure-based tasks n Obstacle courses: cool and exciting
n Army-style outdoor camp cooking
n Cave exploration Age group 8 years +

Emphasis on
communication,
team work,
creativity, critical
thinking and perseverance.

Challenge your balance

and sea skills!
Programmes
n SUP Fun Day for 8-16 persons
Fee HK$160 per person
Includes Day camp and programme
fees plus instructor and equipment
Challenge your critical thinking n Aquatic Adventures for 8-50 persons
and perseverance! (minimum booking 18 persons)

Programme Fee HK$130 per person

Mo Gong 14-30 persons Includes Day camp and programme
Fee HK$320 per person fees plus instructor and equipment
Includes Overnight accommodation, instructors and
equipment Mike Fung
Main Dam, Plover Cove Reservoir,
Wong Tin Wa or Mandy Tsui Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, New Territiories
Tai Tong, Lamma Island 2664 4686
2982 1929 / 2395 5676 tmt@hkfyg.org.hk
lyc@hkfyg.org.hk Bus 75K, minibus 20C from Tai Po station
[in Chinese] lyc.hkfyg.org.hk [in Chinese] tmt.hkfyg.org.hk

43
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Teaming up
makes exercise fun
W ith so many team sports and a huge
range of player abilities, team sports
are a great way to meet like-minded people
and expand your social circle.

The First Hong Kong Youth

Community Sports Festival this spring
had something for everyone: children,
teens, adults and the disabled. Part of
the HKFYG Jockey Club Community
Team Sports programme, the festivals
goals were to stimulate interest in
physical activity and encourage exercise
as a regular habit. 3,000+ 8-25 year-
olds took part in events including rope
skipping, basketball, ice hockey, group
running and canoeing. There were
also dodgeball,* floor curling, soccer,
taekwondo patterns, and table tennis.

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Supporting Organizations
HK Academy of Ice Hockey
HK Canoe Union
HK Dodgeball Association
HK Floor Curling Association
HK Football Association
HK Kong Rope Skipping Association, China
New Power Sports Co
RunOurCity
Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of HK, China
Sportsoho Media Ltd
18 HK district councils
More details cts.hkfyg.org.hk
Enquiries Harry Lo 3468 8059

44
Sportovation Community Service Scheme:
Sports x Innovation
This all year round initiative is part of the HKFYG Jockey
Club Community Team Sports programme. It encourages
youth volunteers to form teams and create change-
making service projects. From April to August 2017,
the scheme will launch Sports x Innovation to offer
lectures and social lab workshops for these 15-25 year-
old volunteers, then sponsorship of HK$3,000-10,000
will be given to 20 of their projects. The sponsored
projects will be selected for their original ideas and their
achievements will be featured in an exhibition in August.
More details cts.org.hk
Enquiries Terrence Zee, Sports Manager 3468 8059

What is dodgeball?*
Dodgeball is an in thing in Hong Kong right now.
Played by two teams who try to throw balls at each
other while avoiding being hit themselves, the trials
at the festival were a big hit indeed! In the US, it
is typically played by primary school children but
elsewhere it is popular among older students.

45
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

Run For Wellness

Sunday 9 April 2017
Wellness is the essence of a healthy, happy life but many young people
in Hong Kong suffer from an overload of work, stress and frustration.
As a token gesture of sharing their load, come and run with a backpack
and book, showing your commitment to the wellbeing of youth.

Start 8am Hong Kong Science Park, Charles K. Kao Auditorium (Golden Egg)
Races 8 KM and 3 KM for individuals, organizations, schools and families
Target participation 3,000 runners
Sample donations HK$200 (Early Bird rate) to HK$3,800 (organization team rate)
Full details sportsoho.com/pg/match/read/5744164/

Prizes and bonuses include: Gift Pack

Round-trip economy class tickets to Seoul with Hong Kong Airlines
Courses at Marathon Training Centre
Free t-shirts
Carnival
Souvenirs
Post-run treats
Funding HSBC 150th Anniversary Charity Programme

Contact
Enquiry Hotline 2117 1650 hkfygrunforwellness@sportsoho.com
Brenda Yip 3755 7101 email brenda.yip@hkfyg.org.hk
Mandy Tse 3755 7102 email mandy.tse@hkfyg.org.hk

Sponsorship and donations in kind welcome. All funds raised will support youth wellness.

International Symposium on Physical Activity & Fitness of the Young Generation in Asia-Pacific 20 May 2017
Hosted by Department of Sports Science and Physical Education (SSPE)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Supported by HKFYG
Keynote Speech Prof Grant Tomkinson (University of North Dakota)
Physical fitness of children and adolescents: International temporal trends and cross-country comparisons
Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions: Physical activity and fitness of adolescents in Southeast Asia: The Asia Fit Project
Workshops
Cross strait three regions PE teachers continuing Roles & strategies of physical fitness development in early childhood
professional development programmes in China
Gamifying fitness activities in school physical education Why EIM (Exercise is Medicine) for medical & healthcare professionals?
Registration Deadline 30 April 2017 Symposium Date: 20 May 2017
Contact ISPAFY 2017 Conference Secretariat E-mail: sspe@cuhk.edu.hk Tel: + (852) 3943 5346

46

Fat Choy
good luck, good food, good health
Ten years ago, people used to say healthy
food was boring. They were absolutely
right. Now thats changed completely
and Fat Choy proves it. Health conscious
people like you will find good food, a
warm welcome and a cool ambience.
Consultant Felix Lee
Seasonal produce comes from the
HKFYG Organic Farm and I like to use
the Red Oak Salad Leaves and cherry
tomatoes for a dash of colour. The farms
fresh kale, carrot and beetroot make
really tasty juice and their potatoes make
a wonderful side for our set lunches.
Chef Vince Chi
SET LUNCH
STARTERS
Chef Salad/ Hot Soup of the Day
________________
HOT MAINS
A. Salmon Fillet, Mixed Quinoa, Mesclun
or
B. Corn Beef Steak, Mashed Potato,
Roasted Vine Tomato, Sauted Vegetables
or
C. Pasta Carbonara with Sourdough
or
D. Beetroot Burger, Roasted Sweet Potato,
Mesclun Salad
________________
Soft Drink or Iced Lemon Water
Many more dishes available
and dont forget the HKFYG Organic 21 grocery store, just ten steps away!
Find Fat Choy at 60 Staunton Street, Central
12 noon-10pm daily except Monday
Reservations 3104 9134
Lunch & evening private parties welcome.
More details facebook.com/hkfygfatchoy/
Takeaways available
Delivery service coming soon
taste-bud teasers for everyone
unforgettable veggie varieties
hot homemade soup for a winter day
warm salad for spring evenings
fresh from the menu cool mango shakes for tea
SOME HOME-MADE
FLATBREADS For fitness fanatics and carnivores alike.
for families and smart young execs
Fat Pig and for you and your loved
Hummus, Rocket, Roasted Bell
Pepper, Prosciutto, Parmesan ones on a special day
Fat Choy is full of flavor, farm to table
Fat Chick
Roasted Chicken, Avocado
Rocket, Tomato, Pomegranate
Fat Cow
Grilled corn-fed beef
steak, Pumpkin, Spinach
Mozzarella, Onion, Balsamic
________________
SOME FAB SALADS
Fat Detox
Cauliflower, Broccoli, Red
Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber
Onion, Mesclun, Egg
Fat Field
Kale, Mesclun, Beetroot
Tomato, Cactus, Nuts
Fat Cobb
Bacon, Avocado, Tomato
Cucumber, Egg, Black Olives
________________
SOME SIGNATURE DRINKS
Organic Cactus
with Passion Fruit, Honey
Yellow Fighter
Pineapple, Yellow
Pepper Apple, Ginger
Red Fighter
Beetroot, Apple, Pear, Lime Juice
Skimmed Milk Shakes with Banana, Yoghurt & Honey
Strawberry, Blueberry, Avocado, Mango
47
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong
Raising funds for leadership programmes for young people of
Chinese origin from around the world
Mr George Lam Chi-cheung (second
from right) Hong Kong-based veteran
Cantopop singer and actor with team
Gold Patrons
Official Media Partners
48
Friday 7 April 2017
The Hon Jeffrey Lam, Mr Tenniel Chu,
Dr Rosanna Wong, Mr Peter Wong and
Mr Michael Wong Dr Vincent Lo (left) presents souvenirs to
Mr Luis Tong (right) to acknowledge Cup
Ms Cindy Lee Si-nga, artist,
Patron's support from Gale Well Group Ltd
takes a swing
Sponsors
THE OR I G I N AL AM E R I C AN B R AN D
Foundation & Event Details
dragonfoundation.net/golf2017
Tel: 2811 2779
Website: www.dragonfoundation.net
Singers 2017 HKFYG JOCKEY CLUB
INTERNATIONAL A CAPPELLA FESTIVAL
without Borders

H ong Kong has adopted a cappella singing in a big way. With

clear voices, creativity, a good sense of rhythm and teamwork,
the genre brings the world of vocal harmony alive.

The 2017 HKFYG Jockey Club Hong Kong

International A Cappella Festival takes
unaccompanied voices to new horizons in 2017 Hong Kong
its 7th year with major sponsorship from
International A Cappella
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Festival Ambassador

With ensembles from Britain, Finland, the

Joey Wong (JW)
Philippines and Australia, this years festival Known locally as JW, Joey Wong has a mix of Chinese,
brings together extraordinary talent to join the Spanish and Filipino ancestry. She released her debut
Federations own Hong Kong Melody Makers song in 2010. Her first public appearance sold out and
and a host of other gifted young singers. her first album, Los Angeles, sold over 27,000 copies,
making her the bestselling local female singer of the
year and one of the top ten local singers overall.
2017 Hong Kong International
She went on to phenomenal success and had consolidated
A Cappella Visiting Performers her online popularity by 2016 when she also won a
Yahoo! Asia Buzz Award, an RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs
Award and a TVB Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music
CLUB FOR FIVE from Finland Award. She was Best Female Singer (Bronze) in The
Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation and Hit Female
bringing you an icy ethnic Singer (Bronze) in the Metro Radio Hit Music Award.
flavour with a cool beat
Finlands favourite quintet, Club for Five, challenge even for Five have released six gold-selling studio
conventional wisdom when it comes to the capacity of albums and their high level, expertly crafted studio
the human voice. They have been entertaining audiences work has brought them multiple Contemporary A
for 17 years, touring widely and earning an international Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations.
reputation as one of the worlds best and most versatile a
Club for Five shift between musical styles, from gentle
cappella groups. Rooted in the Nordic tradition but
jazz harmonies to a fully fleshed out band sound. Their
strongly influenced by jazz and pop, the music of
effortless electric guitar, their clear clarinet and brilliant
these five skilled vocalists also brings audiences
balalaika are complemented by an edgy beat and
a taste of Finnish songs that
a truly earth-shaking bass. Audiences can dare
echo the haunting
them to improvise and they are rarely allowed
landscapes of
to leave the stage without singing the startling
the North.
deep bass solo version of Brothers in Arms,
Currently signed the unforgettable hit by superstars, Dire Straits.
up with Warner
Featuring at the A CAPPELLA
Music, Club
MASTER SERIES on 27 June
49
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong
DRUMS OF WAR from Australia
pushing the boundaries
of a regional beat
With explosive rap, soulful licks and a completely
unique sound, Drums of War produce hip-hop and
R&B music with nothing but six voices. Blasting
onto the scene in 2015, they debuted at the Vocal
Australia AUSACA Championship and were crowned
National A Cappella Champions after competing
against over 30 other Australian groups.
Awards for Best Vocal Percussionist, Best Contemporary
Song and Best Soloist were not enough and, as
Peter Huang of Singapores MICappella says,
Drums of War is the first vocal band that Ive
heard anywhere that forced my hand as a judge
to award best lead vocals to their rapper. These
guys are scarily good. Remember the name!
In 2016 Drums of War began their international ventures
by competing in the invitation-only Asia Pacific A
Cappella Championship League in Singapore, battling
with groups from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan
and more, and placing 2nd overall while receiving awards
for Best Stage Presence and Best Pop Arrangement.
Supporting and collaborating with acts such as
Suade, Ginger and Tonic, and Beautiful Beasts,
Drums of War are now expanding onto the world
stage and pushing the boundaries of vocal music.
Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella
Camp, the Extravaganza, at Mobile in the
Community, the A Cappella Gala and the
International A Cappella Marathon
50
ACAPELLAGO from the Philippines
exceptional talent from a
neighbouring country
The five young singers of Acapellago first got together in
Bulacan in the Philippines. They perform contemporary
Filipino a cappella music that inspires many other talented
young singers. The name of the group comes from their
efforts to spread the word about modern a cappella
music from the Philippines archipelago around the world.
After a resoundingly successful start as Grand
Champions at the prestigious 2012 Akapela Open,
they went on to win provincial awards and then to
become the 2015 Grand Champion at the A Cappella
Championships 2015 (International Category) at
ITE College Central in Singapore. Currently reigning
Grand Champions at the Akapela Open, they also
came in first in the Best in Arrangement category.
Recognized for their outstandingly creative contributions
to world-acclaimed Filipino music by the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts, Acapellago
represented the Philippines at Vocal Asia in Taiwan where
they were 1st runner-up in 2016 before being crowned
Grand Champions last September in Singapore.
Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella Camp,
Extravaganza, Mobile in the Community
A Cappella Gala and Marathon
 The Techtonics from the UK

stretching the edges of

British sound
The Techtonics (TT), from Imperial College London,
are the current World Champions of the International
Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).
After performing at the London A Cappella Festival,
and running a 5-star sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show,
these STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) students have established themselves
firmly at the top of the UK a cappella scene.
With two studio albums, three Contemporary A Cappella
Recording (CARA) Award nominations and a CARA

by Joe martinez
award for Best Male Collegiate Song for their version
of Labyrinths Earthquake, the TTs continue to stretch
the edges of contemporary a cappella. The group has
recently toured both coasts of America and are currently
making plans to head back to the States this summer. Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella
Whether performing on Broadway or busking on Camp, the Extravaganza, at Mobile in the
Portobello Road, their characteristic energy has Community, the A Cappella Gala and the
anyone who hears them walking away with a smile. International A Cappella Marathon

Plus the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers

The Hong Kong Melody Makers arrived on the scene in
2004 under the auspices of HKFYG with sponsorship
from The Dragon Foundation. A dynamic group,
the singers make up numerous vocal ensembles,
performing in a range of styles including vocal jazz
and pop. As representatives of Hong Kong they have
performed in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South
Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Macau and mainland China.
They won the Best Vocal Award at the 2014 Incheon
World A Cappella Competition, the Golden Harmony
Award (first place, 2009) and the Best Vocal Award and
the Best Arrangement Award at the 3rd Asian Youth
A Cappella Singing Competition in South Korea.
The singers have performed at the opening ceremony
of the 40th Hong Kong Arts Festival and at TEDx as
well with many local pop singers, including Eason
Chan, Hanjin Tan, Ivana Wong, Kay
Tse, Chet Lam, Hins Cheung, Khalil
Fong, Justin Lo, Robynn & Kendy,
James Ng, Peco Chui, Yao Jue
and Jonathan Wong. They
are performing in support
of the visiting ensembles
throughout March and April.

51
 HKFYG
March 2017|Youth Hong Kong

52
Flexible employment the preferred choice?
F lexible emplyment has become popular worldwide and according to this survey, it offers
a better work-life balance and more autonomy than a conventional job. However, the
latter is usually better paid in Hong Kong. Does working flexibly have other disadvantages?

Flexible workers in this survey include:

Independent contractors who work on a per-project basis
Freelancers who own their own company
Multiple job-holders with traditional and freelance assignments
Full-timers who also do informal part-time work
Temporary personnel who are hired for less than a year
Part-timers who work less than 30 hours per week

Comments from group members

Members of the youth think tank group working on the survey
with the Federations Youth Research Centre emphasize the need
for better career support for flexible work as a top priority.

Kyle Si Employers and other stakeholders need better

understanding of this kind of work in order to provide
opportunities for more diversified youth career development.
A support platform or flexi-circle with information
on vacancies, business consultancies, legal and other
Flexible employment is an increasingly popular option in professional services for flexible workers would be useful.
Hong Kong among the young, who like to choose where
and when they work. However, it brings problems such as David Wong The governments Qualifications Framework
contains a Recognition of Prior Learning mechanism that
unrecognized work experience, employment contracts and claims to be a measure to recognize work experiences and
inadequate business and professional support. Nevertheless, competencies acquired by practitioners at the workplace,
over half of all Hong Kong working youth had done flexible yet it does not recognize the accumulation of flexible work
experience. This should be changed. Flexible employment should
work in the year before this survey. 52.4% of them say it
also be included as a factor in official manpower projections
gives greater control over working hours and 44.8% say its to provide suitable training and retraining opportunities.
more lucrative than conventional full-time, salaried jobs.
Keith Leung The concept of flexible employment could be
introduced in career and life planning education at secondary
school so that students understand more about the diverse
Report No. 17 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. modes of employment that might be available to them in future.
Employment & Economic Development group
Published title Flexible Employment of Todays Youth
528 working youth aged 15-34 were successfully polled in a random sample telephone survey.
20 young people doing flexible work and 5 experts or academics were also interviewed.
Full details [in Chinese]
yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=0c7db674-05fa-4de0-8627-a199a0741b81&corpname=yrc&i=9551

53
 Hong Kong 2030+
Improving Liveability
T own planning is important to the younger generation. 57.8% of respondents to this
survey think Hong Kongs liveability is above average. They rate it at average of 5.8 on
a 1-10 scale. What do they suggest to improve the situation?
80.2% of young people in this survey believe firmly
that Hong Kong must increase its land supply to meet
housing demands, whereas 74% say the citys greatest
shortcoming is its crowded living environment. 61.1%
say the best way forward is to develop brownfield
sites. They also say a liveable city should provide
a good living environment and quality of life.
Hong Kong 2030+,* a government consultation document,
aims to address the question of how much land should be
provided, what type and where. It gives figures from the
Census and Statistics Department which predict that Hong
Kongs population will peak at 8.22 million in 2043 and then
decline, but it actually plans for a larger target population of
9 million. The final report states that it is not meant to set
out a detailed blueprint for Hong Kongs future development,
but to provide a robust strategy that can cater for changes.
The general approach is, it claims, to leverage on the
existing urban infrastructure, concentrate on the reuse and
recycling of the old urban fabric and to do more with less.
More information
* hk2030plus.hk/index.asp2016
epd.gov.hk/epd/SEA/eng/file/ExecutiveSummary(Eng).pdf
pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/hk2030/eng/finalreport/pdf/E_16.pdf
54
Comments from group members and convener
The main emphasis of comments is on making the city a better
place to live, on providing incentives for developers and on creating
a cluster effect in residential areas for specific industry professionals.
Justen Li, convener A range of indicators are used to measure
livability. The assessment criteria are mainly environmental or social
and in Hong Kong I believe they should include rankings specifically
for social capital, including social networks, trust, solidarity and
social cohesion. Also, to promote cultural distinctiveness, the
government should consider providing developers with incentives to
include artistic elements that reflect local culture in building design.
Calvin Lam, member The government should formulate
a brownfield development policy as a priority, including
a comprehensive picture of brownfield redevelopment
patterns and characteristics. The government could
also create a web page with information on brownfield
sites for public reference and rational discussion.
Jeff Kwok, member Fundamental principles of good town
planning include providing not only various types of housing
but also the necessary infrastructure investment to generate
economic development. The government could also consider
creating residential districts specifically for people who
work in similar industries to gain a synergistic effect.
Report No. 18 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.
Society & Livelihood group
Published title Young peoples views on Hong Kong 2030+
512 18-34 year-olds were successfully polled
in a random sample telephone survey.
20 young people and 4 experts or
academics were also interviewed.
Full details [in Chinese]
yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=ca8aed25-8ca2-4516-93e7-
aef33cb482e5&corpname=yrc&i=9591&locale=zh-HK
 Political Appointments
Young Peoples Views
T he Political Appointment System was introduced in 2008 by the Hong Kong SAR
government. It superseded the Principal Officials Accountability System. What do young
people think of it in the run-up to the next Chief Executive's term in office ?

Nearly two-thirds (64.8%) of the respondents say they do

not trust principal officials. 57.7% say they expect principal
officials to be able to grasp the essence of public opinion
and 55.2% expect them to be accountable. Major problems
with the appointment system were identified as the absence
of a performance-monitoring mechanism (43.9%) and the
poor transparency of the appointment process (35.2%).

On the other hand, participants in a parallel discussion

group considered that the appointments system has value
in that it provides opportunities for capable people to serve

by Colt Group flic.kr/p/kEbJmr

Hong Kong while enhancing awareness among officials
of the need for accountability, and among the general
public of the need to monitor the officials performance.
Furthermore, some focus group participants express concern
about their own lack of a political network and experience.

Comments from group members
Richard Cheng, convener Hong Kongs political landscape
is full of challenges, so greater mutual trust and understanding
between the public and officials, as well as improved
performance by the officials in question, are desirable.
Ansel Lam Hong Kong lacks people with political talent and I think
all parties concerned, including the government, tertiary institutions,
political parties and think tanks, need to open up platforms where
future talent might be nurtured for the benefit of society as a whole.
Ray Poon The appointment system is still being developed. It
would be a good idea if the experience of former officials were
passed on as a reference for the future development of the system.

Report No. 19 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.

Governance & Constitutional Development group
Published title Young Peoples Views on the Performance of Political Appointments
532 15-34 year-olds were polled in a random telephone poll survey in January 2017. Four focus group discussion sessions
were held in January and February with 20 young people and five academics or experts were interviewed.
Full details [in Chinese] yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=94034ed4-3e2e-4f56-
9c53-27c5c7a5f4d4&corpname=yrc&i=9559&locale=zh-HK

More details about the Political Appointment System en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_Appointments_System_in_Hong_Kong

55


3 k m o r 8 k m

S u n d a y 9 A p r i l 2 0 1 7

H o n g K o n g S c i e n c e P a r k

Supported by Media support In-kind donors

Publisher :
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups hkfyg.org.hkm21.hk
Youth Hong Kong: 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel : 3755 70843755 7108Fax : 3755 7155Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hkWebsite : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk
The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian

Soy-ink is made from soybeans and is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Soy-ink is biodegradable and non-toxic.