“Hong Kong has long been regarded as a ‘blessed land,’ but beneath this illusion of safety, are we overlooking the real risks?” Dr. Fong pointedly asks.

In the interview, Dr. Fong states, “The greatest risk in Hong Kong is not the disasters themselves but the lack of disaster preparedness awareness.” He analyses the reasons behind the public’s general lack of knowledge, from fire escape protocols to community response training, and suggests practical measures Hong Kong can adopt by learning from other regions.

Dr. Fong advocates for a collaborative approach among the media, schools, and government to promote disaster education. He emphasises the need to strengthen disaster response frameworks at the educational, institutional, and community levels to ensure Hong Kong is better prepared for potential challenges.

#HSUHK #SCOMtalk #Talkshow #SchoolofCommunication #ScarletTSO #RonaldCHIU

Mental Health Patients Fear Stigmatization and Hesitate to Request Sick Leave;
Psychiatrist Advocates for Public Education Initiatives
Rotary Club Utilizes Employer Network to Enhance Workplace Mental Health Awareness

Hong Kong residents are renowned for their dedication to work, often sacrificing their mental well-being in the process. In an interview with the SCOM Talk Show of School of Communication, psychiatrist Dr. Issac Yip revealed that numerous working individuals grapple with mental health challenges. Many patients feel reluctant to request sick leave due to fears of being stigmatized by their employers, which could jeopardize their career prospects. Dr. Yip underscored the necessity for society and governmental bodies to initiate public education campaigns aimed at reducing discrimination.

District Governor of Rotary District 3450 Nigel Lo pointed out that when employees suffer from mental health issues, it adversely affects not only the individual but also the overall organizational environment. The Rotary Club is committed to leveraging its employer network to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace.

“You really won’t uncover the truth unless you witness it firsthand.”
Kenny Tang emphasized the significance of on-site investigations in financial analysis.

As last year marked a pivotal election year globally, the impact of the election results on the world order and the global economy has become increasingly significant. Kenny Tang, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators, pointed out that geopolitical factors are increasingly affecting the stock market, prompting substantial shifts in investment strategies. He underscored the necessity for stock analysts and investors alike to remain vigilant and informed about international developments and national policies.

As a financial analyst, Tang highlighted the critical need for on-site investigations to verify the authenticity of company annual reports, which often do not accurately represent the real situation. He reflected on a past trend where industrial stocks were highly touted, with company executives asserting that their businesses were unbeatable. However, during site visits, he encountered abandoned factories and workers who seemed to be merely playing a role. “You really won’t uncover the truth unless you witness it firsthand,” he remarked.

For young professionals aspiring to enter the industry, Tang advised pursuing studies in finance, economics, or accounting and emphasized the importance of continuous learning to remain relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Music Therapist Kingman Chung:
Music Therapy Can Alleviate Medical Burdens
Aiming for Inclusion in Government Healthcare System

In recent years, music therapy has steadily gained recognition in Hong Kong, yet it remains outside the formal healthcare system. Registered music therapist Kingman Chung, who has over 12 years of experience, discussed the benefits of music therapy on the SCOM Talk Show at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. He emphasized that music therapy not only addresses patients’ psychological challenges but also supports their rehabilitation process. Chung aims to enhance advocacy efforts and gather more patient data to demonstrate to authorities that music therapy can significantly reduce medical burdens, paving the way for its integration into the healthcare framework. “Doctors, nurses, and social workers all recognize the value of music therapy, and the patient resource center is supportive of it. However, on the institutional level, more work is needed to validate that music therapy can effectively alleviate the overall strain on the healthcare system,” he noted.

Feng Shui Master Mak Ling-Ling:
Fortune Tellers Can Only Offer Guidance, Not Change Destiny

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Feng Shui practitioners are experiencing a surge in demand. Alongside publishing books and participating in interviews to analyze the fortunes of the upcoming year, they are inundated with clients seeking consultations.

In an interview with the SCOM Talk Show of the School of Communication, renowned Feng Shui master Mak Ling-Ling shared her insights on the nuances of fate. She emphasized that destiny is a complex interplay of inherent traits and personality. “As Feng Shui practitioners, we can only provide guidance; we cannot alter one’s destiny,” she stated.

Mak referenced a common saying among Chinese people: “The poor seek fortune-telling, while the wealthy burn incense.” She pointed out that individuals who visit fortune tellers often find themselves at pivotal moments in life, grappling with negative emotions. To succeed as a Feng Shui practitioner, maintaining an optimistic outlook is essential. “Without strong positive energy, one may confront the harsh realities of life,” she cautioned. “It’s similar to being a doctor, constantly navigating between life and death. Without a strong belief system to support you, it’s easy to succumb to despair.”

“The Coffee Industry Urgently Needs Young Talent;
Becoming a Professional Barista Requires Practice, Not Just Natural Ability”
says Chester Tam, Founder of Ideaology Coffee

Known as the “Coffee God,” Chester Tam is the first barista in the Greater China region to be recognized by the European Specialty Coffee Association. He is also the founder of the Ideaology Coffee chain. Chester is passionate about promoting specialty coffee culture. Alongside managing his shops, he teaches barista training courses to help more people understand and develop a love for coffee.

Chester highlights the critical need for young people to enter the coffee industry, but he emphasizes the importance of first learning how to properly taste coffee, as this knowledge is essential for their future roles. “For instance, when roasting beans, you need to discern the different flavors, and a barista must be able to recognize the taste of coffee. Understanding coffee is crucial. Whenever someone new joins the industry, I advise them to drink more coffee and get familiar with the operations of the coffee shop; I believe that’s more important.”

When asked whether becoming a professional barista requires an innate sensitivity to taste and smell, Chester clarifies that most baristas, including himself, do not rely solely on talent. Instead, they develop their memory of coffee flavors through extensive tasting, hard work, and continuous learning. “While there are baristas who have a natural sensitivity to taste and smell, they are quite rare. If you feel you lack talent, you can absolutely learn through dedication. If others drink three cups a day, aim to drink ten, and work hard to remember the flavors. Coffee has a wide range of flavors that require memorization, and you need to drink more to truly understand them. Professionalism is key. I often ask, ‘What does Ethiopian coffee taste like? How many cups have you smelled? Two cups? That’s definitely not enough. If you’ve smelled a thousand cups, then I believe you genuinely understand Ethiopian coffee beans.'”

Hong Kong Single Parents Association
Calls for Governor Support for Single-Parent Families

According to the 2021 population census, there are over 72,000 single parents in Hong Kong, with more than 94,000 minor children. In a recent interview with the “SCOM Talk Show” of the School of Communication, Jessie Yu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Single Parents Association,  emphasized that the support needs of single-parent families differ significantly from those of two-parent families. She expressed concerns that the services currently provided by the government may not be suitable for single parents.

Yu urged the government to include the Single Parents Association in its funding, allowing the organization to offer comprehensive services tailored to the needs of single-parent families. She stated, “Current social welfare often operates on a remedial basis. Support is available only after one has fallen or faced an issue. Can’t we implement preventive measures before they fall?”

Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho
Calls for government to relax quotas for non-local students and
course reviews in private universities to establish Hong Kong as an international education hub

In a recent interview with the “SCOM Talk Show” of the School of Communication, Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho, the Provost and Vice-President (Academic & Research) of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, emphasized the need for the Hong Kong government to relax regulations on private universities regarding the admission of non-local students and the review of their courses.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has plans to transform Hong Kong into an international education hub. Professor Mok noted that Hong Kong’s education system and research opportunities are highly regarded both regionally and internationally, bolstered by its connection to the mainland, which offers numerous research prospects.

However, he stressed that in order to achieve this goal, the government should consider relaxing the quotas for private institutions to enroll non-local students and revising the curriculum review processes for these schools. He advocates for enhanced collaboration between institutions and partnerships with overseas schools, maximizing Hong Kong’s educational advantages.

Local Agricultural Breeding Expert Dr Anthony Tse Tin Yau
Advocates for Government Role in Seed Gene Preservation

Dr Anthony Tse Tin Yau, a local expert in agricultural breeding, has expressed a deep interest in agriculture and plant reproduction, having learned from his father, who was involved in the seed trade, from a young age. In 1967, he furthered his studies in the United States, successfully obtaining a PhD in Plant Physiology. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he worked at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden until he took over the family business after his father’s passing, where he has been developing the seed trade while also engaging in research and development.

In the SCOM Talk Show, Dr Tse emphasized that seeds are the “chips” of agriculture, controlling a nation’s food supply. He noted that there is a lack of grassroots efforts to preserve seed genes and suggested that the government should take on this crucial role, while also focusing on training talent in this field. He pointed out that Hong Kong’s land and human resources are precious, and while agricultural development may seem limited when viewed solely from a production standpoint, there are limitless possibilities when one looks at the global context.

Invests over HK$10 Million in New Opera “Turandot”
Seeks HK$15 Million Mega Events Fund but Receives Only HK$700,000;
Warren Mok Questions “Is Opera Not a Mega Cultural Event?”

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini, one of the most significant opera composers of the early 20th century, renowned opera houses around the globe are staging revivals of “Turandot” this year. The Hong Kong Opera, founded by prominent tenor Warren Mok, has invested over HK$10 million in a new version of “Turandot” that integrates elements of Chinese culture, which premiered in mid-October.

Mok’s team applied for HK$15 million from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, aiming to position “Turandot” as a major cultural event and attract tourists from the Greater Bay Area and beyond to promote Hong Kong’s cultural scene. However, the fund allocated only HK$700,000, a decision Mok criticized as insufficient, stating, “It’s not even enough for a gap tooth.”

Mok challenged the Hong Kong government’s claims of being Asia’s world city, questioning why cultural efforts do not match these ambitions. “You can’t just talk about it on paper or host an unmanned drone show and claim to have culture. Is setting up a night market in Wanchai for a month considered cultural?”