Letters | Policies for Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities can’t succeed without respect for culture

Readers discuss the call for targeted and culturally sensitive public programmes, timely attention on the problem of ‘psychiatrisation’, the lucky audience at Yo-Yo Ma’s concert, and ways to speed up the construction of MTR platform screen doors

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An exhibition in Chungking Mansions in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district explores the culinary traditions and practices of ethnic minority communities in the city, in August 2021. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 11:30am, 10 Nov 2023

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It is most encouraging to see that the chief executive’s policy address late last month included an initiative to provide emotional support and counselling for the city’s ethnic minorities.

The Equal Opportunities Commission has long advocated for equal access to goods, facilities and services. To ensure equal access to services, in particular, these services must be made culturally sensitive, appropriate and relevant to the needs of the service user. We are glad to see that the policy address has specifically addressed the needs of the ethnic minorities, particularly low-income families.

A centre offering counselling services to ethnic minorities will be set up on a trial basis, in collaboration with NGOs. We are hopeful it will strengthen healthcare support for ethnic minority groups.

Similarly, it was refreshing to see cultural sensitivity mentioned in a study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong on a health issue of common concern – obesity and diabetes (“Call to raise obesity, diabetes awareness among Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities”, October 22).

The study rightly highlighted that ethnic minority groups may miss vital health messaging due to cultural and language barriers. It points to the need to take into account the food preferences and lifestyle choices of these communities when developing strategies to promote healthier habits to combat obesity and diabetes.