Your Voice: Pet-friendly buses, resisting peer pressure (short letters)
This week, students write about concerts bringing in tourists, pet-friendly public transport and spaces, and how to handle peer pressure.
Cats and dogs of all breeds could be seen boarding the KMB double-decker bus with their excited owners. Photo: Lo Hoi-yingHave something to say? Send us a letter using this Google form.
Concerts rebooting tourism
Akifah Jamsheer, Discovery College
Coldplay is set to perform for three nights in Hong Kong next April, and superfans are eagerly awaiting the “Ultimate Spheres Experience”. Tickets sold out in 90 minutes.
The band’s arrival is expected to boost tourism, helping the city’s visitor numbers recover to pre-pandemic levels. Hong Kong saw 65 million visitors in 2018 but that number had nearly halved by 2023.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour has sold almost 10 million tickets worldwide.
With Hong Kong being one of only four Asia stops on the 2025 concert leg, fans from across East Asia, including mainland China, are expected to attend. Booking platforms like Klook are offering special packages that combine tickets with hotel accommodation.
This concert will not only boost tourism but also support local businesses and strengthen the city’s appeal as a top destination for major international artists.
The new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium is ready to host an unforgettable, vibrant performance, re-energising the city and the economy.
Your Voice: How to boost Hong Kong tourism
Pet-friendly services
Talia Tang, Pope Paul VI College
I am writing to share my thoughts on the article “Hong Kong’s first pet-friendly bus is a tail-wagging success”, published on October 16, 2024.
This service has received strong support from pet owners, reflecting the growing importance of animals and their protection under Hong Kong law.
The article highlights that many pet owners are responsible. The South China Morning Post observed that during a 20-minute bus ride, most dogs were wearing leashes and were well-behaved, with some even in diapers and muzzles.
This shows that when given proper care and attention, household pets can ride public transport without causing issues for other passengers. For the service to continue successfully, owners must ensure others on board are comfortable.
As places like restaurants and buses become more pet-friendly, it is essential that owners remain responsible. If that continues, I believe more services will become available.
Resisting peer pressure
Liang Jifeng, Leung Shek Chee College
Peer pressure is when friends or classmates influence someone to change their behaviour, beliefs or choices. This can be positive or harmless, like encouraging one another to study or join a team. But it can also lead to more problematic behaviour, like skipping school or smoking.
Peer pressure makes you feel like you have to follow others or what they say they are doing. It can make you feel like you must choose between fitting in and staying true to yourself.
Remember, it is OK to say “no”. Building self-confidence and sticking to your values can help you resist the pressure.
Talk openly to your trustworthy friends and family. If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to think about the consequences of the action.
In the end, surrounding yourself with supportive friends who respect your choices will make it easier to handle peer pressure. Being yourself is always more important than trying to fit in.
Your Voice: Why Hong Kong must prioritise mental health
Hope for Hong Kong youth
Henry Ng, Winchester College (UK)
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s third policy address offers good news for young people. Two relevant issues include promoting the “Studying in Hong Kong” brand and reforms in subsidised housing.
Lee aims to position the city as an “international education hub” by increasing scholarships for locals and expanding housing for international students. This will strengthen the diverse academic environment, making it accessible to both local and foreign students.
I see Hong Kong’s universities as unique, blending East Asian and Western education styles. If Lee’s policies attract more talent, the rankings and reputations of these universities as global institutions will improve.
Regarding housing, the chief executive also announced policies to help young Hongkongers become homeowners. These include extra ballot numbers in subsidised flat draws for those aged under 40.
This move will help young people access the competitive housing market.