Newspapers

As I have more time now, I like to spend it reading newspapers. I read Ming Pao (free in the Internet or pay a fee for unlimited access), HK Economic Journal (no Internet version), Financial Times (not free in the Internet), and International Herald Tribune (free in the Internet) almost daily. The first gives me daily news in HK and China; the second gives me updated financial news, and analysis on international events and business; the third gives me in-depth analysis on international events and comments on various topics; the fourth gives me more international news and in-depth coverage on various topics.

If you want to read quality newspaper daily, I sincerely recommend you to choose either Ming Pao or HK Economic Journal and Financial Times. The more you read them, the more you know many stories behind the scenes and you are building up your insights which help you to identify between facts and prejudices. These newspapers build up your language skills, financial knowledge and logical thinking. Good food for your brain.

2008 is at the doorstep. Try putting newspapers in the new year's plan. Have a nice holdiay!

煙霞

早上在鰂魚涌公園跑步時看見九龍那面煙霧瀰漫，建築物像有一層薄紗蓋着，感覺不太舒服。事實上，香港的空氣已是愈來愈差。政府知道必須改善以保持香港形象及保護市民健康，但奈何政府一不肯採用更嚴格的污染物指數標準(因怕很多時會超過標準)，二要規管電力公司及汽車排污等都是決而不行，行而不力(看怎樣對待兩電及停車熄匙的議論便知)，三是不太敢要求珠三角控制污染(怕人家不高興兼反說是港商在珠三角開工廠弄成這個結果)。

當然，除了辦事能力低外，亦要在語言上誤導大眾，大家才可以感覺良好。因此，便產生「煙霞」這名詞。大家在聽天氣報告時聽到煙霞這名詞可能覺得是山谷中的輕煙霞氣，感覺浪漫。其實煙霞是煙霧或霾，即污染物的意思。香港天文台在中文網頁上用煙霞這詞但英文網頁是用 hazy 這字，它是 haze 的形容詞，表示風夾着塵土。政府可以在語言上誤導與歧視中國人，但卻不敢對外國人如此。奴才心態，又一例子。

A better investment

All of us want to invest into the markets so we can earn a large profit and no longer need to comply with orders from our boss. Let us suppose that you have made it, then what? Travelling? Fishing? Golfing? Reading? Or charity work? No matter what you want to do, you can't do it without a sound mind and a healthy body.

Many of us invest into financial markets but not our brain and body. As time goes by, we have sufficient financial resources but we are left with a sick body and an absent mind. Is it pity?

If you know that your investment needs time to grow up, same theory applies to your brain and body. My advise of a better investment is to read daily, to eat omega-3 daily, and to exercise daily. No much time is needed: a 15 minute reading, a 10-20 minute exercise, and a couple of omega-3 capsules. Half an hour per day and you will feel the difference.

If you want to enjoy life, start investing into the better investment.

中文與英文

上月去了美加探親，終於見到姐姐五歲多的兒子及兩歲的女兒。上次見到姐姐的兒子時他只有两個月大，而女兒則從未見過。

由於姐夫是西人，而且孩子是在美國出生及成長，所以英語便自然是孩子們的母語。不過，姐姐在家時會用中文和孩子們溝通，所以他們都聽得懂中文，但是在對話時便全用英語。

姐姐想孩子們能夠掌握中文及英文，所以會把不同的東西的中文名詞告訴孩子，然後叫他們講一遍。在看到姐姐施教時，自己覺得中文及英文的語音實在有很大的分別。當孩子學了一樣東西的英文名詞，要他們再記着一個完全不同發音的中文名詞實在不易。其實我們何嘗不是一樣？我們知道 computer 是電腦，但又有多少人知道 byte 是數元組而 flash memory 是快閃記憶體？

看到小女孩見到拖鞋說 slipper ，但姐姐想她說拖鞋時她因為發音大不同而重覆說 slipper 以表示正確便覺得她的確有難處。要精通中文及英文真的一點也不易。

經驗 - X

小時候，我們愛惡分明。喜歡的朋友便一塊兒玩，不喜歡的人便不理睬。年記長大，人亦變得世故，對着不喜歡的人會保持笑容；亦會因朋友意見而改變自己原本行為以遷就朋友。但值得嗎？

不理會他人意見或批評而我行我素已經很難，對於不想再交往的朋友，但對方不知你的想法下要完全不再往來更加難上加難。其實只要自己認為正確又不損害他人下，做喜歡的事那要再理會他人的意見或批評。每個人都有自己喜歡的生活方式，若人家把他認為好的方式強加於你，你若覺得好使採納，若覺得不喜歡便應一口拒絕。要遷就他人而使自己不開心實在不值得，對嗎？

人到了某一年紀，可能因閱歷較深而覺得同年紀的朋友在思想上較為幼稚。到此刻多想結交較年長及有深厚學養的人，不知不覺間便想和上述朋友疏遠。這可能會覺得困難，但為免浪費時間便應不再交往，省得花時間和那些朋友虛耗在明星新聞劇集內容時裝潮流及吃喝玩樂中。我喜歡quality time，你又如何？

Experience - IX

It's an undeniable fact that English is the dominant language in the world, and this situation should last for the next 30 years. As a result, English is the best choice as your second language.
Even though some of us have learned Mandarin, French, or Japanese, and in the United Nations the official languages are English, French, Mandarin, and Russian, Arabic and Spanish, English is the only language you can rely on to communicate with whoever you know as many people in the world use English as a second language. If you speak Chinese to a person from India and he does not know how to reply, both of you feel OK; but if you speak English to the same person and he still does not know how to reply, he feels embarrassed. People feel embarrassed not knowing how to speak English.

We are fortunate enough in Hong Kong to learn English since we were kids, so it is not difficult for us to pick up the language again. Nevertheless, if you really want to improve your English, choose a good school such as the British Council. With good English, the world is yours.

經驗 - VIII

在生活及工作上，總有人較其他人成功。以往經驗中，覺得較成功的人會有以下某些特質:

一、誠信。誠實及有信用的人無論是做生意或工作都為較為可靠，其他人亦放心把生意及工作交給他。

二、對自己的工作有深切詳盡的認識，即英文的know your subject。具備真才實學便去到那裏都不怕找不到工作。有才能便有可能。

三、努力。即踏實地工作，而且不怨天尤人。即不會埋怨時不與我或自嘆沒機會，但機會來時又覺得自己沒能力勝任而無任何行動。阿虫說：「自古成功靠努力，何必坐着等白頭。」真正確。

四、負責。對自己的行為負責任。富豪李家誠曾說過他交託給下屬的工作若做得好是下屬的功勞，若做不好是他自己的責任而下屬不用負責，因他把工作交給不稱職的下屬。真發人心醒。

五、好學。學習對工作有幫助及無關的東西。另外，即使對方是下屬或晚輩，對不明白的地方亦會請教。像海綿般吸收知識。

Experience - VII

Nowadays all of us are very busy and seldom have time to read. Some of us would rather spend our evenings watching TV or browsing and chatting via the Internet than reading. Well, it's your choice but it definitely affects you adversely. You are heading to become incompetent.

We read to enrich our mind, to widen our experience, and to understand others. Without reading, you can only rely on your daily experience and knowledge to face the future. Your life is like a cat or a dog, who does not read (or can't read) so it cannot increase its knowledge and experience as humans. Since you have acquired the skill to read, it's a waste not to use it wisely.

Nevertheless, we should read the quality ones, newspaper such as the Financial Times, Ming Pao and Hong Kong Economic Journal, and magazines such as the Economist and the Cup. Books are difficult to choose but usually those which have been in the market for 50 years or more and still be reprinted are good ones - they are classics.

My experience told me that when I entered a target's premises and found that he had a lot of good books, I knew that this target was a smart person and I had to be alerted. On the other hand, when I found that my target did not have a bookshelf or only read Apple Daily/Oriental Daily, I knew that this target would not be smart. If the target does not read at all, I knew that I would be in full control. You read so that you feed your mind with substances. With a sound mind you can make good judgement and think critically.

So, please read. It's your road to success.

經驗 - VI

不少人都喜歡旅行。一些熱門地點如日本或泰國等相信大家都有到過。但除了吃喝玩樂外，大家有否嘗試去了解一下那些地方的風土人情？

旅行除了減壓及遊玩外，亦是一個讓我們了解別國風土人情，及學習新事物的機會。明白不同國家的人的傳統風俗及知道其國家有那些地方較優勝，對自己在人際交往及處事上將會獲益良多。

例如你在外國旅行時有一個當地人對你說他到過香港旅行，他上過山頂及讚賞蝦餃美味，你可能會覺得開心；但若他說香港的酒店及銀行效率一流，而且他在中環坐電車一直到灣仔，再坐船到尖沙咀，以便沿途一路看風景，你可能會覺得此人對香港的認識更深因而對他更有好感。同樣若你在旅行時除了吃喝玩樂外，對別國多一份了解的心，你的眼界一定會比只懂食及玩的遊客有更多得着。若你到當地的博物館看看，你的得着一定更多。博物館是向人展示當地歷史文化及藝術的大成，肯用心去了解人家歷史文化及藝術的人能夠積聚的知識一定較普通遊客高。

下次旅行餘了去吃及玩外，試試用五官儘量去看聽聞嘗觸人家的文化，你定會有新經歷。

Experience - V

Most of the working male in Central wear suit to work, but not many of them know how to wear the right things. Even though expats in Hong Kong might notice the problems of our wearings but they never point them out as they do not owe a duty to teach us. The followings are my experience:

1. Shirt: white or light blue, do not wear yellow, pink or other colors. White is always the best. Color shirts go on sale but seldom the white. Go to a tailor for the best fit.

2. Tie: any color or patten will do except cartoon or funny characters. Single color looks good.

3. Suit: dark blue, gray (light or dark) or black. Do not wear other colors. No matter it is a two or three-button, never button up the last button. Go to a tailor for the best fit.

4. Belt: black leather.

5. Socks: long and black.

6. Shoes: black, cap-toe lace-ups, not loafers. Must be polished and with heels not worn down. Get an expensive one. It can last for years.

經驗 - IV

相信大家都同意一個人的儀表會影響其他人對他的印象，究竟怎樣的儀表才有好印象呢？從自己的工作經驗中，覺得以下儀表較為人接受：

一、頭髮。男士應較短，應過頸、不應染髮(白髮例外)，不留海更好，不要電髮；女士較長但不應過膊太多、可染髮但應儘量和原本頭髮顏色類似，不應染淺啡或紫等(不夠成熟穩重)，可highlight 但不要太淺色，可電髮但不要太曲。

二、五官。一定要清潔，眼睛、鼻孔及耳朵的污穢必要除之而後快(但不要在公眾塲合做)，鼻毛要剪，口角的口水及食物積要清除，如面上多油應勤清潔；男士不要化，女士應化淡粧。

三、體味。香港較濕及熱，應用止汗香體用品。香水男女均可用，但切勿太濃。

四、指甲。男士一定要定期剪及維持着短，切勿在尾指留指甲；女士若不打算往指甲上色應和男士一樣，這會使你看來較清潔，若要上色可留長一點，應用淡色，不要用鮮紅色(以往只有特殊行業的小姐才用)或黑色(恐佈片角色才用)，不要在指甲上加圖案或貼上飾物，事業上穩重可靠女士不會如此。脚甲男女同上，不過很難想像有男士會為自己脚甲上色這般嚇人。

Experience - III

Politeness is a tool of success. People like to be treated with politeness but not many people can be reciprocal. Do you say "Good morning" to your colleagues, including those you do not like them or never reply to you? If others are impolite, it should not be an excuse that you become impolite. Impoliteness adversely affects your image and once it becomes a habit, it eats into your character.

I remember that there was a senior staff in my office who had good manners in e-mails. He addressed me by my name, and ended the message with "Regards" and his name. Nowadays many of us who write e-mails simply write the content, no recipient, no ending words, no name. If you write a letter nowadays, you will still remember to write "Dear xxx", and end with "Yours" and your name, right? Why should you not do the same to your e-mails? It impresses others. Remember: If others are impolite, it should not be an excuse that you become impolite.

經驗 (二)

自小便不喜愛上課，覺得是苦差。由小學至中三都不愛讀書。直至上了中四後成績較好才願意努力學習。到了預科時上課是為了入大學，上到大學才有機會讀些自己喜歡的東西。畢業後工餘想找點挑戰便修讀法律。這挑戰真的很大，不單辛苦且每次考試都是誠惶誠恐。在完成法律課程後才真的喜愛上課進修，在其後十年修讀了天文、心理、語言、市塲等不同科目，對進修總算有丁點經驗可分享。

一、在開課時儘量坐第一二排，干擾少且通常成績較好。
二、找一些坐第一二排的同學一起温習及做功課。
三、若不明白又不好意思在堂上發問，下課後一定要找老師問清楚。
四、下課後要抽時間溫習，不要在學期末才趕温習應付考試，要讀書就一定要有時間溫習，以法律為例，每星期要求有十五小時溫習，若無足夠時間便應修讀要求較少時間溫習的科目，若想記得牢可學習記憶法，香港將會愈來愈多人學這東西。
五、組織小組做功課時忌找樣貌太出色的女士，她們通常很多應酬所以很難找時間開小組會議及做功課。

Experience - I

I like to share my experiences in studying and working with you, and hope they are useful.

If you need to study something for your career, you need to ask yourself whether you like the field or at least you are interested in. If you do not like it, don't waste your time studying it. Even if you have managed to finish the studies, and fortunate enough to get a job related to your studies, you will not be a happy person for the next 30 to 40 years. Imagine you need to spend at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48-50 weeks per year, on something you do not like or feel indifferent about it, is it a tragedy? It means that at least 10 years of you life have been wasted on something you do not like!

We all know that subjects such as medicine, accounting, law, or finance may give you a better job in terms of salary. But if you hate accounting, why be an accountant? People who excel in their career are those who have passion on it. Without passion, you may secure a stable job but you will not be a happy person. If you can choose become a happy person or an unhappy one, you should know how to choose.

西九龍文娛藝術區

從一開始便對西九龍文娛藝術區沒有好感，感覺這會是貝沙灣的翻板－一個以科技來包裝的地產項目。話說回來。在研究西九龍填海區建造文娛藝術區是否有需要前，近日報章都有報導當初這填海區是本擬發展成為公園，供西九龍舊區的市民享用，補足休憩用地的不足及預留位置建屋來安置受重建影響的居民。*1 若是如此，政府便要向市民特別是上述舊區居民交待為何不守信用。

香港一直都是商業中心及購物勝地，但不是文化藝術中心。在零六/零七年香港藝術館物館共有大約四十萬人次入塲。*2 以一年開館三百一十一天計，每天平均有一千二百八十六人入塲。若我們假設有八成入塲人仕都是本地人，而他們每年都會去藝術館看一次，即每日有一千零二十八香港人入塲，再乘三百一十一即一年有三十二萬香港人入塲，佔人口比例百份之四點七。再者有一部份藝術館的入塲人仕有機會是常客，比例會再低。有興趣藝術的本地人是這麼少，是否值得花這麽多錢建造這些以好大喜功為基礎的建設呢？

可能有人會說，要推動藝術發展，所以便要建立藝術館等以提高市民對藝術的興趣。建立Cyberport 提高香港的科研水平相信大家都聽過，但結果怎樣大家亦有目共睹。在Cyberport 裏的科技公司主要從事銷售及市塲，真正科研都不在香港，香港根本亦無人材可從事科研。事實上，Microsoft 在九八年已在北京開設 Microsoft Research Asia 從事科研而在零三年再成立了Advanced Technology Centre，共聘請了數以百計科研人材在那裏工作。這正正說明Cyberport 的不設實際。當然，我們香港的工商科技官員對此可能不知或絕口不提。建設公共設施應是先有需求才興建，不應建好了才鼓勵市民使用。若根本沒需要，何須建造？有人說西九龍文娛藝術區是西九龍民愚偽術區，實在有一定道理。

*1 請看 http://www.inmediahk.net/public/article?item_id=257357&group_id=11
*2 請看香港藝術館網頁 http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts/english/intro/eintroa.html

數學

自小便不喜歡數學，覺得難且不易明白，所以小學的數學成績較差。姑姐是小學數學老師，她教我數學時真火冒三丈，但仍耐心地陪我完成功課。到了高中，自己亦覺數學成績不好，只好用功力追，數學成績才較進步，而會考數學成績亦有合格以上。到了外國讀書，因英文較深才迫於無奈多修數學科目，但當時又不覺得特別困難。到了大學後的 discrete maths 才真的困難。

回到香港工作後，只要用加減乘除。以往所學的如 Calculus 及 Algebra 已忘記了大部份。記憶中只有一次覺得數學實用是睡在一張較短的床上，醒覺對角的長度較直角長，把身體平放對角，以較長的距離來容納自己。直到最近修讀市塲學而要學統計時才發覺數學很奇妙，想多讀一點。學數學最重要是肯思考。若你肯花時間思考，掌握了有關理論便可應用自如。數學除了公式外沒有標準課文及答案可背。對於只肯強記，不願理解的學生較困難。

其實數學可訓練邏輯分析能力，在工作上對人有幫助，亦能教人明辨是非。這較語文為優。

英文

無論香港的英語教育是好是壞，我們的學生要面對英語是世界語言已是不爭的事實。良好的英文能力能使你接通全世界，接觸最新的資訊，而且有較大機會在事業上取得成功。

就以資訊科技為例，英語是資訊科技的母語。若你是普通用家仍可用電腦的中文介面；但作為core tech 人員你必須懂得英語才能寫程式及管理網絡與資料庫。全世界沒可能有一個電腦工程師是不懂英文的，相信否？

以學術為例，學者必須懂得用英文發表其研究成果才可以被全世界欣賞。無論法文、德文、或西班牙文的作品，寫得如何出色都很難被其語系以外的人欣賞。只有用英文寫的作品或翻譯為英文才能供全世界所有人欣賞。

數月前往希臘一行更體會到英語的世界性。無論是在杜拜轉機時購物、在雅典自費吃東西、或是在飛機上與鄰座一位烏干達人溝通，都是用英語。若不懂英語，很可能因不懂得問售貨員或侍應而買不到或吃不到好的東西，亦只能在機上啞口無言。

因此，為了自己的前途，英文一定要好。由學語音開始，進而看文法書學習文法，再聽BBC學聽力及說話，背誦出色的演說詞，最後看一點文學，便可有小成。只要肯花一年公餘時間便行。

中文

語言是溝通的最重要工具，良好的語文能力能幫助你吸收知識及表達自己的思想感情。

身為中國人，我們不單應具備有閱讀中文報章及與同胞溝通的講寫讀聽能力，對中國文學亦應有基本的認識。自秦朝統一文字後，祖先文字便一直沿用至今。影响所及我們便較容易明白古文的意思。而中國以往數千年積慮下來的經史詩詞是人類思想文明的寶藏之一。懂得中文但放棄發掘此文明寶庫便猶如成了醫生後卻在街頭賣魚丸一樣可惜了。

可能我們會覺得古文較難懂，但我們不少現在詞語都是由古文流傳到現在。像「棄車保帥」、「緣木求魚」、「唇亡齒寒」等。閱讀古代文學能大大提升中文能力，對講寫讀聽都有幫助。上世記五四運動後，白話文取代了古文。這段期間不少流傳至今的作品都值得一讀，其水平比現代文學作品高了數倍，閣下一讀便知。在上世紀中期以後，港台值得花時間閱讀的作品已不多，北面的更不值一看，省得浪費光陰。

風暴前夕

自從公務員加薪後，醫管局、社福界、勞工界等都爭相要求加薪。政府應早知肥了公務員後社會各界都會有相應要求，大家都是為了錢而眼紅。現在更有人要政府追加年資，以補償在前數年經濟不景時被削減了的薪水。情况就如你在零三年加入一間公司做文員，薪金有六千元，但在零零年加入公司的同事薪金有八千元，現已加至一萬；到了今年你的人工終加至八千元但一個新加入的同事人工因經濟較好已有七千五百，你便要求老闆把你的人工調整至最少一萬一仟五百才行。在你看來可合情合理，但在其他人看來是否要求多了一點？

其實香港經濟能夠從谷底反彈都是靠中央政府開放自由行及其他措施向香港輸入大量資金，香港自己沒什麽能力自我改善經濟，到現在仍是這樣。姑勿論依靠一個人均收入遠低於本地的祖國向自己輸入大量資金以保持本地繁盛是否合理，但更重要的是若世界經濟再次衰退，北面的資金不能再像現時一樣流向本地時香港便很難在此消彼長下仍然是經濟繁盛的遠東金融中心了。回歸後數年世界經濟不景下香港的表現如何大家心中有數，若在風暴前夕仍不知進取只求加薪在沖擊來到時被減薪裁員便只靠綜緩了。

救救孩子

看似漫長的暑假又已過去，孩子們又回到校園。對大部份香港的兒童來說，功課繁重兼艱辛的日子又再展開。

由小學甚至幼稚園開始，學生們便要開始面對越來越多的功課。除了功課外，尚有補習班英文班，鋼琴、小提琴、繪畫、還有運動及什麼隊等。整個星期都排得滿滿的。不少家長都認為如此這般便能提升自己孩子的能力。况且其他家長都是如此，自己孩子若不如此便差了。但當中有多少是為滿足家長的願望大於孩子的需要呢？

可能有不少人認為多功課及學習班才可使自己的孩子進入好的大學，繼而出人頭地。但事實並非這樣。每年會考成績最好的一批學生都不是以上述方式培養出來的，這便說明繁重的功課及眾多的補習及學習班不會使孩子有一流的成績，他們只會有一個不快樂的成長。

再者，香港的大學從來都不是培育出頂尖人才的基地，而只會為政府及大商家大企業提供符合他們需要的職業訓練。若大家有留意的話，在香港的大學裏頂尖的教員幾乎全部都是在外國留學才真正變成一流的學人。是外國的大學才把這些人才變成真正頂尖兒，不是香港。「叻人就不會留在香港，留在香港的便不是叻人。」這句說話倒有點正確。

外國的幼稚園及小學的功課都是在上課期間完成，課餘孩子便可有時間感受及學習身邊的一切；中學的功課才較繁忙但總能應付，而課餘的時間孩子們便可隨自己意願學習及参加自己喜愛的活動。上到大學功課才開始繁重如山，使人感到艱苦。但這樣孩子便會有一個愉快的童年。

從小便要應付繁重的功課及學習班不會使孩子成才，我們的官員及大商家及不少中產人仕爭相把自己的孩子送往外國求學便是有力的證明。這證明了香港的教育制度是為平民百姓的子女而設的理想制度，但這個制度卻不是為官員及大商家及中產人仕的孩子而設。

為了孩子，我們便應從減少他們的功課開始，再提供有質量的活動，希望他們可以有一個快樂的童年。我們的官員總不能一邊抹着良知「唱好」香港的教育制度但另一邊便儘量把自己的孩子往外國送。救救孩子！

One Life, Live It

When you are over 30, you should have met the basic expectations of your parents, i.e. studying and job. And you should start to meet your own expectations. Different people give you different comments on how to live happily, such as to get a good job, work as a professional, earn as much as you can, not to buy any luxury items, even to love your country. But it is your life, you have the freedom to choose how to live it as long as this does not cause harm to other people or yourself. Others are good for reference but not your benchmark. You should follow your brain and heart to decide your future. By reading more you enrich your brain with knowledge to make sound judgement, by experiencing more your heart will tell you what you really want. Many people, including the government, have comments on what an ideal life should be, but you should use your brain and heart to determine whether it is true or it is simply brainwashing. If you find that others' comments are against your conscience or feeling, ignore them. You only have one life, live it on your own style.

Eating

Hong Kong is the right place for food lovers. In Hong Kong, you can taste all sorts of gourmet in the world - French, Italian, American, and of course Chinese. Chinese like eating and it is a tradition of several thousands years. The development of science and arts in China has been interrupted by different ruling classes in our history but cooking is the only technique which is welcome by all ruling classes and it is encouraged to develop to be the best. It is argued that the cooking technique in China is far more advanced than other ethnic groups in the world: we are more advanced than other for not decades, but centuries!

No matter where a Chinese emigrates, he can survive by opening a small restaurant or even a food stall. The cooking technique has been inherited from our ancestors and all of us can at least prepare something for others to eat and earn a living. This is our survival skill.

人生旅途

這陣子因搬到港島東區所以多數往鰂魚涌公園做運動。公園由太古城一直伸展到西灣河，我多數喜歡由太古城這邊跑到西灣河再折回，來回雖只是兩三次但整個人已大汗淋漓。公園其實分兩側，外側是沿海而建，而內側是由行人天橋過了東區走廊那邊。若要跑步便一定會選擇沿海那邊，皆因風光優美而且帶海水味的風吹來亦使人精神一振。

早上雖有不少人沿着海邊跑步，但鮮有停下來看看對岸的優美景色。其實對岸大部份建築物都是依山勢而建，雖然密麻麻但亦有秩序，絕對值得停下來觀賞一番。在人生的旅途上我們又何嘗不是如此？每日都只顧奮力向前而忽略了在旅途上各種景色，到最後可放慢腳部時人生已到黄昏，再沒有機會看看錯過了的風光，到時候便可能後悔莫及。

因此，每次跑步時我都儘量看看對岸的風光，免得在跑完後才覺已錯失了沿途海邊的所有景色。人生本來便有很多遺憾，只能儘力減少便行。

政治人才

香港是否有政治人才？江山代有人才出，我相信香港不乏上述人才，只是那些有才華的人是否願意為香港政府效力而已。

說老實話，特首新班子已比上一屆政府多了一些人才，當然較次等的人亦存有但我相信保留這些次等人是有其特殊需要。雖然很多人都批評新班子是AO黨，但AO 其實正是港英政府培養用以執行其政策的華人。由他們來運作整個政府，是很合適的。但其弱點是主人已回英，整個政府已缺乏大腦，所以風浪一來，整個班子就變成亂七八糟兼且互相推搪責任了。在位高官在殖民政府管治下受到市民壓力而辭職實在聞所未聞，但特區政府的局長已試過三次了。

事實上，以往港英政府治下有不少出色的AO因看見仕途政治化或不想為新政府服務便提早離職，從而導致一些未夠班的人才代替位置。再加上港英政府根本沒有把治港心得傳授予華人高官，從而在基礎上已把AO精英變成二流人才。現在二流人才走後只餘下三流人才加上三流政府便會造成四流結果(皆因一流人才加上一流政府都可能有二流結果)。

在外國如英美加等不少政府高官都是在第一流大學裏的最出色學生，他們有些在畢業後便加入政府服務，但亦有些是在某行業幹得出色而被邀請加入政府。香港的問題正是我們的一流精英有很多往外國留學，而在學成後便留在當地服務，就算肯回港工作都已被投資銀行或大企業羅致，願意加入政府的已不多。再加上政府會把這些精英變成上司永遠是對的擦鞋機器，從而在制度上造成香港政治人才的缺乏。

若然有疑問，請看英美加等的政府網頁提供的高官簡歷便知什麽是真正人才。

Where do you want to go?

I enjoy travelling. Travelling not only opens my eyes to different cultures but also gives me a chance to know other ethnic groups. I like to know different cultures but I am more interested in characteristics of different ethnic groups.

There must be somewhere in the world besides your homeland that you want to go. No matter it is China, Japan, England, France, Dubai, or all of them, if you want to go, you need to ask yourself which country that you want to visit most. After you have the answer, go ahead. Although visiting anywhere in the world is fun, you should not visit a place simply because there is a discount tour, your friends want to go, or because all of your friends have been there. Your time is valuable and you should use it wisely.

A little research before your trip saves your time and money. Your have heard about San Francisco but you may not have a clue of it. The Internet can help you a lot. Most of the cities/countries in the world have a website for tourists. It usually gives you some information and pictures of it. Read those information and look at those pictures, and see whether you like them. If you like them, that place should be on your travel list. Do not just listen to others, let your heart decides the place. Where do you want to go?

A Home: how to choose it

A home in Hong Kong usually means an apartment. Most of us live in apartments sized from 400 sq feet to 1200 sq feet. Because prices of apartment in Hong Kong are very high, most of us think that buying an apartment is our biggest investment. We do want the price of our home soars but in reality it may not be the case. Based on my experience, it is important that we follow some rules to choose an apartment so that we can keep it's value:

1. choose a nice district, such as the mid-levels (not the Peak), Happy Vally, Taikoo Shing, Kowloon Tong, Discovery Bay, etc. - it is a strong factor that can keep the value of an apartment, never choose the northern part of the NT or any remote islands. Ask yourself if your close friend moves to the district you intend to buy an apartment there what would you say. If your reply is "nice" than choose the district but if your reply is "oh no" or "well...", do not choose it;

2. choose those "blue chip estates" if possible, such as the City One Shatin, Taikoo Shing, HK Parkview, Beverly Hill, etc. - many people tend to buy these apartments as the demand and supply are high, never buy an apartment of a "lonely block" that does not have any facilities, you will have a hard time to sell it;

3. choose an apartment that has a size between 700 and 1200 if possible - we want to live in a big apartment but we need to watch our budget, a size below 500 is too small but over 1200 is over budget;

4. the transportation facilities of the estate should be ample, it is good if an MTR station is within walking distance, or your office is nearby so you can walk to it - it saves your most valuable asset: time;

5. make sure that the bank that you apply for mortgage regards that the value of the property is equivalent to the price you pay - otherwise it means that you have to pay more.

If you have not decided which apartment you should buy, rent it. Rent an apartment in the estate you like and try it for a year to see whether it fits your requirements. If it goes well, buy one; if not, choose another estate. You keep the flexibility and you do not need to owe your bank a huge sum.

珍惜光陰

看過以下一個故事：有一天，一個有錢人對你說，他很欣賞你，想請你替他工作。但他有一個奇特的條件，就是你的薪金是每日計算，日薪是港幣八萬六千四百元，如何使用你的薪金隨意，但每天花不完的薪金不能儲起來，一定要還給他。那你怎麼樣？當然是儘量把它花完，吃喝玩樂請吃飯都盡力花，省得有餘錢要還人。 問題是：若果剛才所說的是時間，會否不同？

每天我們都有八萬六千四百秒，誰也是一樣。有人喜歡爭分奪秒，亦有人喜歡讓它白白渡過。要是我們能珍惜光陰，是否可以比別人得到更多？

常聽人說：「我很忙，無時間陪伴家人/看報刋/讀書/旅行/運動/睡眠。」但我們發覺很多時他們卻有時間放工後和同事說是非/和朋友通電話/上網傾談/唱K/看電視/閱讀明星新聞。當然，有人會辯說：「待我空閒我便會陪伴家人/讀書/旅行/運動。」但到有閒時多是人生轉變時，很多人是有病進醫院後才明白人生無常，要珍惜時間儘快做想做的事。假設你的生命只餘一星期，你會如何渡過？如果你覺得有那些事是你在那時一定要做的話，那些事便是你最重要的事，趕快做把。讓光陰白白渡過有如倒錢落海，你願意嗎？

往事雜憶之二

在加國讀預科那時期沒有想像中輕鬆，反而覺得很累。一來要適應一個陌生的英語環境，二來自己是由文科轉理科，需要再讀理化等。除了數學較淺易外，所有科目都要從新適應。


記得自己當時修讀的科目有英文、數學、物理、化學、生物、歷史等。由於會考曾考西史自信可應付，怎知所教的時期是由十七世紀開始，比以往所學早了兩百年，需要從頭再學。另外，在開學後第二天忘了帶時間表回校，所以完全不知何時在何處上那一科，真的很難忘。


所有科目中，最大困難自然是英文。當時並無英語為第二語言的課程，因此要和本土學生上同一程度的英文。那些英國文學簡直是難以明白，兼且英語老師的意大利口音英語更使我在課堂上完全一頭霧水。幸好當時學校指派了一位老修士作為所有英語非母語的學生的導師，在他給予我"補底"後才可勉強合格。很感激這位仁慈的長者--Brother DePaul。畢業後，自己只有一次回到學校探望他。當時他的身體已大不如前，不能任教任何科目。希望現在他仍身體健康。

政府工

公務員最近又「調整」了薪酬，其借口是那個以結果決定內容的薪酬調查認為高級公務員的人工較私人市塲低，兼且政府財政充裕而且亦因數年沒加薪便要加人工。而且為了「士氣」問題縱使中低級公務員薪酬較私人市塲高亦有得加，只是加幅較高級公務員為低。真的皆大歡喜--普通市民除外。

高薪養廉是有必要，否則貪污便會出現。但老實說，香港公務員的薪酬是放在全世界都是很高。以美國為例，現在一個最低級的公務員入職時年薪為美金19,722，即大約港幣十五萬四千元年薪；而最高級的公務員(部長或以上除外)人工的頂薪為美金143,471，即大約港幣一百一十一萬九千元年薪。香港一個警察總警司的人工已比美國一個局長的人工還要高。但美國生活指數較香港高兼稅重，所以在香港做公務員真棒。

另外，政府工還有醫療及牙科免費福利(包括配偶及子女)，中級公務員以上還有十年房屋津貼或宿舍等福利。另外工時較穩定、極難被裁員等都是其好處。難怪有人說若無大志想養老必入政府。

當然，有不少現職公務員會不認同上述見解，認為公務員勞苦功高，並不易為。閣下只要提議他們若如此辛苦，可考慮辭職不幹，重投私人市塲，多立即沉默是金，或轉了話題。因他們十分清楚自己薪金加福利過高，私人市塲絕難望其項背。

若閣下有兒有女或要供樓或想生活安定再加上不望在事業上再有躍進，政府工定是首選。

往事雜憶之一

八十年代中期，我獨自赴加國讀書。當時滿懷高興，一則可脫離家人束縛，二又可去外國進修。不過，自己並不知道由於自小養尊處優，當時自己什麽家務都不懂做。幸好去多倫多是和外公外婆一起住，三餐一宿總有人照顧，只是家務便要從頭學起。


初到多倫多時是七月，距離開學還有一個多月。由於較為清閒，每天晚上便隨舅父去散步。我們住在市中心，因此散步很多時都行經市中心商業區。夏天晚上八時太陽仍未下山，我們二人散步時仍有陽光，但街上已絕少行人。很多時整條大街只得我和舅父二人。在香港實在難以想像在尖沙咀彌敦道只有二人在步行，但在多倫多卻常常如此，冷清得出奇但亦舒服得很。我最喜歡散步的地方是多倫多大學校園內那條哲學家小徑(Philosopher's Walk)，一條幽靜小徑但兩旁都有偌大的綠色草地，的確是思考問題的好地方。但其後大學圖書館擴建，在小徑右側起了一座圖書館後，小徑仍在但壓迫感大增，該處已不復是哲學家理想的漫步地方了。

會考

又到一年一度中學會考放榜的日子。眼下電視新聞及大小中文報章都會報導共有多少人成為狀元，他們的讀書心得如何；又會訪問一兩位「失敗者」，記述他們對前路的打算。當然大小媒體更會附有不少成功人士、政府高官、演藝人員對會考生的鼓勵說話等。其實如果換了日期，拿十年前各媒體在會考放榜當日的報導相信亦大同小異。分不清何年何月，只是一樣沒思考的內容。

會考前夕，除了各青年機構設有求助熱線外，現在越來越多商塲、電視台都舉辨不少節目為應屆會考生"打氣"、"減壓"。壓力相信每名會考生都感受到，但不明白會考已完為何仍要"打氣"？在考試前夕"打氣"有鼓勵意義，但放榜前夕還"打氣"更似尊子漫畫中"香港一定得"般變成"香港一定得...把口"般假大空了。而且放榜前夕不準備就緒而仍留連各商塲聽歌吃喝便是否對會考生有益或是只淪為商塲推廣活動的報景板便不得而知了。

或許現在十六至十八歲應屆會考生的父母都是在八十年代香港經濟最高速增長時出身，對自己子女在物質及身心上定必保護周全，因此整個社會便隨着需求要為這些未來主人翁提供保護罩。但在温室呵護成長只會使人愈遲嚐到失敗及挫折而能再翻身站起的能力也越小。

外國不少為人子女在進入大學後就自然不再和父母同住，要靠自己張羅學費及生活費。而且在畢業後亦定必獨自謀生，不再向父母伸手拿一分一亳。在動物界無論是獅虎豹或豬牛羊，甚至飛鳥魚類等長大後都是獨自謀生，唯有一些人類(身心不健全者例外)到長大後仍靠父母供養，似乎有點不如其他動物了。

政治學

在大學時曾修讀此系。記憶中曾修讀加國政治、國際關係、政治理論等。現在都已忘得一乾二淨。不過，在讀完政治後，我更喜歡歷史。忘了在那裏看過一句話：「今天的政治，即明天的歷史。」

政治哲學是政治系的必修科。初接觸柏拉圖、洛克、霍布斯時被他們的理論深深吸引。每每課餘後都要反覆思考才明白他們著作的內容。由於被俄羅斯的神秘感吸引，當時亦修讀了一點俄國政治。Hedrick Smith 的 "The Russians" 使自己對俄羅斯人的民族性及社會有較深認識。

記得當時交功課自以為看了不少參考書，所以應無問題。但派回功課後教授每每在評語上寫上"too descriptive"，要求多些分析才明白教授看重的不是敘述為主的model answer，而是如何看某問題，自己的意見才是評分重點。以往港式教育缺少分析的缺點便顯現出來。到數年後讀碩士時，明白獨立分析便是可考取好成績的不二法門了。

旅者

從小便有旅行經驗，猶記得自己第一次坐飛機時是八歲，地點是夏威夷。風光優美的Honolulu使我當時對自己許下諾言，將來一定會和妻子再遊此地。這諾言終在二十五年後實現。

十八歲時由加國多倫多出發，乘飛機到卡加爾(Calgary)，然後坐Trans Canada railway 到温哥華。記得在Banff 時被該地的湖光山色嚇得目定口呆，覺得世間竟有如斯仙境。到了Lake Louise 時更禁不住把手裝一口湖水品嚐。當時更覺得乾脆修讀forestry，在該地找一份工作，渡過這一生算吧。少時情懷，在回到多倫多不久後便放下。

由於有親戚在美加，開始工作後每兩三年都會到美加一行，主要去洛杉磯、西雅圖、多倫多。每次到多倫多總會到以往住過的地方及多倫多大學去回想昔日的人與事，記憶中的人和事永遠是最好的。以往常到的建築物仍然屹立着，但已人面全非。

一九九八年九月和三名老友在三藩市遊玩了數天。那時四人都是單身，仍有年少時的輕狂。友人駕車時各人坐在車上仍想飛快奔馳，不顧後果。當然，人長大後，上述行為已不再複見。

二零零一年六月到紐約及華盛頓特區一遊，看見後者之建築物如國會及最高法院等驚嘆不已。不過當時只是缺乏見識，不知歐洲還有不少更偉大的建築。猶記得在紐約時行經世貿大樓，但數月後便發生戰火焚城的"九一一"。覺得對以平民作為襲擊對象的人絕不能輕言放過，無論這些罪犯逃到那兒都要繩之於法！

二零零二年六月因工去渥太華才第一次真正有時間細覽此首都。去了國會、最高法院及文化博物館。大概由那時開始便喜歡遊覽博物館，以後到世界各地都想看那兒的首都博物館，不過妻子一聽到便呵欠不斷，不想同往。

二零零三年七月到日本遊玩。以往很多時都在日本transit 但從未真正到過。遊玩途中明白到日本人對清潔的要求極高及最好質量的貨品只予內銷，再看看香港及北方便覺還有一大段路要走才可追上已脫亞入歐的日本。

二零零四年一月到泰國自助旅遊，覺得住的地方實在比旅行團好得多。更吃了不少六星級的菜色，就算機票加酒店比旅行團貴仍是物有所值。

二零零五年六月第一次到歐洲。奧地利的悠閒、瑞士的風光、意大利的古跡、梵帝崗的藝術、荷蘭的水道、法國的浪漫、德國的整潔、英國的倫敦、全都給予我深刻印象。記得去到佛羅倫斯，即舊譯翡冷翠時，自己十分開心。由於對中古歐洲史的皮毛知識，知道此處正是文藝復興之搖籃，所以對所有古跡都十分有與趣。最記憶深刻是七月七日，那日剛到倫敦而該處正被連環炸彈襲擊。到達後趕忙致電家人報平安，隨後竟一切照常：導遊帶我們到倫敦橋、國會大樓及白金漢宮參觀，而英籍司機仍保持微笑，街上行人都趕着回家但沒有恐懼之色，只是街上充滿着警察。這天實在感動不已，覺得自己變成了倫敦人一份子。

二零零六年七月---九州。豪斯登堡的風光和歐洲一樣、而户外温泉更令我印象深刻。雖然是男女分開，但男更衣室內竟是年輕女士擔任清潔。當自己赤身露體時身邊竟有陌生年輕女士在工作，真有手足無措之感。

二零零七年五月---台灣，四份一世紀前曾到寶島一行，想不到隔那麼久才重遊此地。故宮博物館及中正紀念堂是我最想看的，終可如願以償。有點擔心上述歷史文物會被改名及拆掉，正如香港一樣。歷代當權者都喜歡破舊立新，以示和以往統治者不同。但歷史文物有如我們對上一代的印記，怎樣也難以完全抹去。更可笑的是有些人認為將歷史文物摧毀人們便會把以往記憶抹去，但記憶如流水般怎可一抹而淨呢？

二零零七六月到蘇格拉底及柏拉圖的故鄉---希臘。自己對這西方文明搖籃早已响往不已。巴特農神殿使我感動，而愛琴海的日落更使我對寧靜有一番體會。再加上白色小屋，難怪歐美遊客在夏天都湧到此地。

遊歷經驗使人對人生有更深體會，亦覺自己渺小及無知。

大學

相信大家身邊有不少親友在大學時所修的學系都是為了符合家長及職業需要，鮮有是為自己興趣吧。醫學、法律、金融、商業、及電腦都是一些熱鬥的"揾食"學科；文學、歷史、數學、天文、與考古都是"讀完唔知做乜"的學科。在香港一個大學畢業生的成就只有一項，就是他賺多少錢一個月。學識增長及個人興趣從來都不值一提。

記得自己在加國初進大學時，唸的是地質工程。這不是我的興趣，只是英文取錄要求較低。在學院取錄後由成績編入不同系，成績不是特別好便被派往易取錄的地質工程了。事實上，地質工程畢業生不難找工作。只要你願意往鑽油台或較少人煙的北方採礦，應有不差的待遇。不過，自己想到在畢業後要到上述地方工作三十年至退休，再沒有美味的中國菜兼遠離家人，我便知道這不是我想要走的路。自己應轉學系，去修讀一些自己喜歡的科目。

自小對歷史與政治較有興趣，所以便改修後者。不過我亦知道將來自己仍要吃飯，而且對電腦有些興趣，所以便再修電腦。後來證明這個組合符合所有人期望，自己修讀有興趣的科目之餘亦憑着電腦知識找到不錯的工作。

如果你還未讀大學，建議在修讀職業訓練學科之餘唸一些自己喜愛的學科，會開心很多。若已畢業了，便進修一些自己真正喜愛的科目，這是善待自己。

Enjoy your life

Taking a long break and choose another career is not an easy task for most people. After you have worked for one or two decades after graduation, you have established your career or at least secure a pretty good package. Your remuneration gives you a comfortable home, nice clothes, good food and a vacation per year. You are in the middle to progress to another level. But wait, is that the job you want or do you feel happy with your job?

Amazingly, many people are not happy with their job. They may not satisfy with the pay, does not like the job nature, tired of long working hours, hate the company's policy, not getting well with the boss, having interpersonal problems, or other reasons. But more amazing is that most people would rather stay as they fear that they may not get a job with similar pay. If you have read the book "Who moved my cheese?", you will know that things are changing nowadays and ready to move on is the attitude you need. If you do not like your job, choose another one. Act fast before it's too late. When you are soon to retire and you realize that you have done a job for 30 years but you do not like it. Isn't it a sad story? Your life is wasted! "You have exactly 5 minutes to win or you have the whole life to regret it". If life is a story book, a book on a person who have done a job or several jobs but none of them makes him happy, this is a story of failure. Happiness does not necessary mean money or a nice apartment, only you know what makes you happy and only you know whether your job gives you happiness.

Keep working on a job you don't like may affect your health also. My Mandarin instructor told me that many of us would spend the first half of our life to get money at the expense of our health, and we would spend the money we got to maintain our health at the second half. Isn't it ironic?

If money is what you worry the most, a simple formula told by my marketing instructor makes you know whether you have enough resources to have a new life. If you need to spend $30,000 per month after retirement, one year is $360,000 and 10 years is $3.6 million. If you are 40 now and you expect to live until 90, you need $18 million. If you have the money, you may resign now.

If you want to change your job, go ahead and make your day. Enjoy your life!

書展感受

這次書展買了些中文書，如大前研一的"即戰力"、林行止的"拈來趣味"及楊懷康的書。再加上早前購買的"甲申年紀事"及"我這一代香港人"等，整個夏天不愁沒書看。

實在想空閒時多看點書，但有些書實在令人望而生畏，如 Toynbee 之 "A Study of History"。 但有些事總要有開始，只要開了頭，便直往終點。要讀巨著總要用時間及胆量。若不嘗試便永遠不知自己是否可以完成。

在書展上，有點驚訝有些年青人在選購英文小說及文學作品。但想深一層可能是暑期作業吧。
流行讀物永遠是書展的寵兒，正於麥記永遠都有川流不息的人潮。但這些精神及實際食糧是否有益便乏人過問。當吃得太多麥記時閣下知道是在破壞自已身體，而看得太多流行讀物時是否破壞自己腦袋呢？不少人每天花數小時看垃圾電視劇時十分精神，但對看嚴肅書就全無興趣兼大打呵欠。這有點像慢性腦袋自殺：keep your coconut in the dark and feed it with shit!

好書有如有益食物，未必好味但一定有益。若不知那些是有益書，便由中國四大名著開始吧。若怕厚可看金庸小說開始。胡適及林語堂的作品也可以。

Hong Kong Book Fair

I went to the HK Book Fair 2007 on a Friday morning. I thought there would be fewer people but I was wrong.

I like visiting book fair because you can buy books with discounts. I bought the Cambridge Pronouncing Dictionary with 20% off. Other books I bought such as the masterpiece "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon and "Not quite the diplomat" by Chris Patten also had discounts.

Classic literature are sometimes boring but they are excellent writings. That's why they can last for centuries. Because we do not have much time to read, we should only choose good books, such as those written by good writers (if you do not know who is a good writer, choose classic literature instead). It's like eating healthy food, you do not want to feed yourself with junk food only, right?

Hong Kong's Education System is in trouble - Part III

What is the relation between our education system and the "current and future government officials"? Our education system only prepares our students to become bureaucrats but not leaders. It emphasises on pragmatism; students are to become skilled workers in their undergraduate training. Research and Development are only for those who cannot find good jobs. Those who want a stable job go to the government. The Administrative Officers (A.O.) and Executive Officers (E.O.), in fact were only chief servants and servants of the British rulers - they were never leaders. I remember 陶傑 says that it is similar to a house owner (master) and his maid. No matter how smart the maid is, a maid can only follow orders. The maid does not have the power to design the house - it's the jurisdiction of the owner. The maid does not understand why the house is designed in such a way as the owner never teaches her how to design with taste. The result is that once the maid becomes the owner of the house, she can only follows the past design. She never knows how to re-design the house with taste. I think the maid needs to know how to design with taste before she actually starts to design but she did not learn it before. The maid needs to study again but she refuses to admit it. The maid would think that as long as the owner can do it, why not her?

A leader not only needs to have education, but also wisdom. Wisdom can be gained by reading the good ones. Do our government officials read more than one newspaper per day or only read the media summary? Do they read 明報,信報,International Herald Tribune,and Financial Times? We know the answer - their performance shows.

Phonetics

I started learning phonetics in May, and I realized it's a good tool. I can pronounce a word with confidence. I encourage all my friends to learn phonetics if they REALLY want to improve their English. The course at the International Phonetic Association has only 6 sessions but there are lots of materials. I need to practice what I have learned in class frequently in order to acquire the skills of phonetics. And they work!

We never learned phonetics while we were at primary school. If we had learned it, we would have been able to pronounce many English words with confidence.

A writer in Hong Kong says that "If we compare learning language with building a high rise, phonetics is the foundation of a language and grammar is the cement and steel. If the foundation is stable by going deep and the cement and steel are sufficient, the building can be built from bottom to top. If the foundation does not go deep and the structure does not use cement and steel, the building can go up to 4 levels at most... schools in Hong Kong shall teach English phonetics and grammar... phonetics and grammar should be learned in primary school and junior forms of secondary school respectively."

The website of IPA is www.ipa.edu.hk and the above writer above is 詹德隆. The quotes above are from his book 中通外直 Part 1 Culture.

Hong Kong's Education System is in trouble - Part II

We want our future generations to be bilingual, Chinese and English. Since the majority of Hong Kong people are Chinese, our kids should learn their subjects in Chinese. What about English? We do have English classes since nursery so all we need to do is to hire qualify teachers to teach them. The crux is to have our children to familiar with English terms in various subjects since primary school. We should put English terms in parallel with Chinese terms in textbooks so children know that "香港" is "Hong Kong", "北極" is "North Pole", "國會" is "Parliament", "星星" is "Star(s)", "獅子" is "lion", and "水" is "water". When they are in junior forms of secondary school, the medium should still be Chinese but textbooks should be bilingual so they can choose to read Chinese or English version. Once they are in senior forms, the medium should be switched to English and most subjects should only have English version. As a result, they can understand more when they are in post-secondary school.

When we want our children to learn history, geography, physics, or others, we want them to learn some knowledge, not English. They should learn English in their English classes.

Hong Kong's education system is in trouble - Part I

I remember that I read the followings when I was in the secondary school:

"universities in Hong Kong have minimal funding in Research and Development as they were never designed to be research-based universities. The government only wants the university to produce sufficient manpower (skilled labour) to help ruling Hong Kong."

Since the establishment of the first university in Hong Kong in 1912, the colonial government wanted it to produce a group of local elites to help the former ruling this tiny place. The university taught these elites to become skilled labour so they knew to follow standards and procedures, but not to know why and how these standards and procedures came from. Some of these skilled labour entered the government and later became senior officials. The problem is that: the ruler, in fact the British, had never taught these skilled labour on the art of making a decision. All the important decisions in Hong Kong before 1997 were made by the British and the Hong Kong elites were merely executing orders by the British. After Hong Kong became part of China in 1997, these local elites became governor and senior officials but they lacked the skill of making decision as they did not have a clue on it. It would have been fine if there had been nothing went wrong as these ruling skilled labour could simply follow the standards and procedures. If there had been anything unexpected, this new ruling class would not have the knowledge and experience to face it as they could not find solutions from standards and procedures. The past 10 years shows that without the master, these servants could make a mess of Hong Kong.

Even nowadays - 10 years after 1997, universities and colleges in Hong Kong are still the same: keen on producing skilled labour but now they are for businesses and it is encouraged by the government. Finance, Tourism, Logistics, these are the "trends" in Hong Kong so many related programs and courses are available. The problem is - when these trends are over, how can these skilled labour survive? A university should educate one to know how to think rather than to become a model set by government or business sector. If our universities in Hong Kong can make their students acquire the skills of independent thinking, they will have the ability to decide their future and the future of Hong Kong; not just following orders from the ruling class.

For those who do not want their children to become skilled labour, including many senior officials in Hong Kong, they send their children abroad. They want their children to receive education, not vocational training.

When we look at our youngsters, we know that using mother tongue is the best way for them to acquire knowledge (not language) but many of us resist it. Why? Because we are worrying about their future. English is the international language and most universities in Hong Kong claim that English is the medium of teaching. Without a moderate English standard it is difficult for a student in Hong Kong to learn his subjects in university, no matter local or overseas. The dilemma is that many students in Hong Kong are not capable to acquire knowledge in their second language, such as History, Economics, and Physics. I still remember that when I started my secondary school, all subjects except Chinese and Chinese History were in English but my primary school was a Chinese medium school so I had a hard time to learn other subjects and I had a feeling of failure as I did not understand the content of most subjects. How can we resolve this dilemma?

Hong Kong and Canada

I have been living in Hong Kong for over 30 years. I was born in Hong Kong, finished my secondary education in Hong Kong and headed to Canada for post-secondary education in 80's. After I stayed in Canada for a while, I liked this country and I thought I would stay there forever. My experiences in Canada opened my eyes to the world. After I stayed in Canada for 5 years, I returned to Hong Kong in 90's for a summer vacation - first time in 5 years. The vacation lasted for about 3 months and I was glad to see my relatives and friends. After I returned to Canada shortly, suddenly I felt that I missed Hong Kong very much; I missed my relatives, friends, and the place. It was my homeland and I want to stay there and work for a better Hong Kong. I returned to Hong Kong one year later - after I obtained my undergraduate degree in Canada. It was a right move as the economy of Canada was getting worse in early 90's.

First Blog

This is my first blog. I want to share my views with you about many issues in Hong Kong and overseas.