Hong Kong residents, with depleted wallets, are too tired to enjoy nightlife

Instead of tiring themselves further by going out at night, many people prioritise rest and recuperation, as they recognise the importance of maintaining their physical and mental well-being. Neglecting the need for adequate rest and leisure time, the campaign fails to consider the adverse effects of an overworked population on both economic productivity and individual welfare.

In conclusion, while the Night Vibes campaign may appear to be a promising endeavour towards economic recovery, it fails to address the underlying challenges faced by Hong Kong residents. I urge the relevant authorities to address these concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with the public to design a comprehensive economic recovery strategy that truly benefits the people of Hong Kong.

Jasper Lui, Lai Chi Kok

Hongkongers are spreading goodwill overseas

GX, which stands for the gong xiang spirit, has completed over 4,380 free cataract surgeries for patients in Laos, Cambodia and Djibouti and provided 60 tonnes of medical equipment and materials to combat Covid-19. Later this year, we will commence other cataract blindness elimination projects in Mauritania and Senegal in West Africa.

Unlike other global or local cataract projects, each of the GX projects aims at eliminating cataract blindness cases in a target community which requires sustained effort and determination over three to five years. Philanthropy by way of GX medical humanitarian assistance is thus not just about compassion or funding allocation, but also commitment, partnerships, direct on-site implementation and being out there with the people in need.

We are pleased to say that Hong Kong enterprises and individuals are truly generous and GX has been receiving all kinds of support and donations which underscore your point about the Hong Kong philanthropy culture. More important, our field staff, most of whom are young Hong Kong residents, persevere in challenging work environments overseas, soldiered on through the Covid-19 pandemic and served as Hong Kong ambassadors, bridging religious, cultural and political divides. They have won accolades in the host countries but have yet to be recognised in Hong Kong.

Professor Emily Chan Ying-yang, CEO, GX Foundation, Hong Kong

University orientation camps need a rethink

Either out of a fear of missing out or succumbing to pressure from seniors, freshmen join such camps, which have been known to involve playing sleazy games and hazing. Reluctant to be seen as not conforming, freshmen end up performing degrading acts and are vulnerable to predators.

I would suggest three ways to counteract the slipping moral standards at orientation camps.

The most obvious one is a blanket ban on these camps. Instead, an official orientation day camp organised by university staff on campus could replace camps organised by students.

Second, universities could revise the protocol governing orientation camps. Organisers should submit a detailed proposal documenting the activities they plan to organise and the purposes these activities serve. Proposals that fail to meet stringent moral standards or defeat the purpose of orientation should be rejected. Additionally, a university staff member could be deployed to each camp.

Organisers could be asked to sign a declaration pledging to uphold the expected standards and that they understand they may face disciplinary or more serious action if they fail to do so.

Lastly, participants must call out bullies. Being onlookers to bullying or crime at orientation camps will only perpetuate the cycle. Those in doubt should not take part in such camps.

Society has high expectations of university students. They should show maturity and exercise prudence when organising activities. Seemingly innocuous fun could end up causing agony, distress and trauma to others.

Jason Tang, Tin Shui Wai