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Reassure HK youth about jobs, housing

I refer to the commentary “China is Hong Kong’s future, not its enemy” (Oct 9). The last decade saw a global income gap between the ultra-rich and the middle-income. In Hong Kong, an uncontrolled property and rental price escalation saw the displacement of traditional shops and a bloom of cage houses.

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Koh Chern Peng

I refer to the commentary “China is Hong Kong’s future, not its enemy” (Oct 9). The last decade saw a global income gap between the ultra-rich and the middle-income. In Hong Kong, an uncontrolled property and rental price escalation saw the displacement of traditional shops and a bloom of cage houses.

Although Hong Kong had been under British rule for more than a century, the latter’s diminishing presence coupled with prosperity in the good years left the territory with little to grumble about. In contrast, an influx of mainland Chinese at a time of income inequality and inflation has left its youth with a bleak view of their future.

Hong Kong never saw itself as a British Hong Kong, probably more as a Hong Kong Hong Kong. The challenge for its youth is to be open to a China Hong Kong without unease, especially given the mainland’s hard-line image.

Perhaps, the failure is that a more proactive approach was not taken to address their concerns over employment opportunities, affordable housing and the dilution of their cultural identity. Perhaps, it is time to address their future with an urgent reassurance.

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