Issue 1 (revised)

Housing Policy Media

LSS Newsletter #1 November

2

Content Page Numbers

Introduction: Long Term Housing Policy Consultation Paper 2-3

Discussion Forum—housing Policy of Hong Kong 4

Spotlight Celebrity—Mr. Cheung Bing Leung 5

Questions and Answers 6-7

Students’ Views 8-10

Food for Thought—News Corner 11

Media Workshop 12

Questions to Celebrities 13-15

LSS Logo Design Competition—Exemplary Designs 16-17

Content Page

LSS Newsletter #1

3

Housing is one conundrum that has always plagued the city, and was brought to even greater attention

when Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying prioritised it in his election manifesto. To address the growing

needs of the populace, the Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee was formed in 2012 and a

consultation paper issued this September, analysing its causes and putting forth recommendations for

the housing strategy of the next ten years.

According to the consultation paper, Hong Kong is currently facing four major housing problems. Firstly,

we lack a steady supply of suitable land for development. To fulfil the pledge the Chief Executive made

in his election manifesto, the government has identified sufficient candidate sources of land to achieve

the target of constructing 75000 public rental housing flats (PRH) within the next five years. However,

taking the long development phases into concern, the Steering Committee cautions that unless the

government acts now in adding to the land supply, in the long term, Hong Kong might not have enough

land to accommodate its population, and both public and private housing would be affected.

Adding to the pressure of housing supply is a new inclination in household formation and splitting, with

the number of households increasing at a rate exceeding that of the population. As a result, flats are on

a greater demand than expected. Such problems severely upset the balance of supply and demand.

Recent numbers show that both the numbers of general applicants (i.e. families and elderly) and single

applicants under the age of 60 on the waiting list have both exceeded the 115 000 mark.

Apart from land shortage, low interest rates and a huge inflow of money have also led to skyrocketing

property prices, far exceeding the increase of an average household’s income. Thus, affordability of

citizens is decreasing. Unable to afford flats out of their price range, some people are forced to live in

subdivided units (SDUs). The number, according to a survey commissioned by the Steering Committee,

has reached a massive 66 900.

Long Term Housing Policy Consultation Paper


4

In response to the problems arisen, a new housing supply target was

projected – to provide 470 000 units within the next ten years. Along

with the estimation, the following suggestions of suitable strategies

were made to address long term housing problems:

Firstly, it was advised that PRH be kept as the primary housing

solution. Under Hong Kong law, SDUs are unlawful, contravening

building and fire safety requirements, and the Steering Committee

encouraged the government’s continuance in enforcing legal action

against the SDUs. To bring these units under control, a licensing or

landlord registration system was proposed. This could aid in

monitoring safety and hygiene and ensure satisfactory living

conditions for residents.

The proportions of public and private housing were also a focus in

the consultation paper. It was recommended that they be

maintained at a ratio of 6:4 (public to private) with the scale subject

to adjustments according to situational needs. Should this be

implemented, it would be with two major objectives in mind:

satisfying the demands for public housing and stabilising the private

housing market. Within the category of public housing, the ratio of

PRH and subsidised sale flats should also be kept under review so as

to respond to the increasing demand of subsidised sale flats.

The paper, apart from addressing strategies on the supply, also

focused on that of citizens. It is suggested that low income families

and elderly should continue to be prioritised on the waiting list for

PRH, and their average waiting time maintained at three years. For

non-elderly one-person applicants above the age of 35, the Steering

Committee suggested to progressively reduce their waiting time to

three years, as well as to explore the feasibility of implementing PRH

blocks for singletons in suitable existing PRH estates.

By Prudence Cheung

LSS Newsletter #1

5

Discussion Forum – Housing Policy of Hong Kong

On 11th October 2013, Executive Committee Members of the Liberal Studies Society attended a discussion forum organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group (HKFYG) to discuss the housing policy of Hong Kong with the Secretary for Transport and Housing – Mr. Cheung Bing Leung.

During the discussion forum, Mr. Cheung first briefly introduced the consultation paper published by the government. After getting some general ideas for Mr. Cheung’s explanations, students from schools around Hong Kong started to raise questions and give comments about housing issues in the city.

The discussion included contents ranging from the redevelopment of public housing estates to the usage of abandoned land in Hong Kong. It also touched upon topics like low living standards of grass-root families as well as difficulties encountered by youngsters in purchasing residential apartments.

The Liberal Studies Society Chairperson, Fung Chi Ying Natalie, had the

precious opportunity to ask a question related to BSD (Buyer's Stamp Duty, 買家印花稅). All the members were pleased to obtain more information as well as insights into the heated debate of Housing Policy in Hong Kong.More details about the discussion forum:http://m21.hk/production/channel.php?vdoId=805

By Tiger Yip

http://m21.hk/production/channel.php?vdoId=805


6

Spotlight Celebrity—Mr. Cheung Bing Leung

Mr. Cheung Bing Leung is currently the secretary for Transport and Housing of the HKSAR. He graduated from Wan Yan College, Hong Kong and received his PhD in Governmental from the London School of Economics in 1995.

He commenced his experience as a Legislative Councilor since 1995 but ended it in 1997 and was once the vice-chairman of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong. Thus, he is the only member with a pro-democracy camp background in the Executive Council of Hong Kong. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Cheung Bing Leung was also the Vice-Chancellor of the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

A housing policy consultation paper has been launched recently with the supervision of Mr. Cheung Bing Leung. In the following sections, we will look into the aforementioned paper, the forum related to this housing reform and other related issues.

LSS Newsletter #1

7

Questions and Answers

Issue 1Q: As reiterated by the government, Hong Kong is short of land supply, giving rise to insufficient accommodations. Why are interim housing which are mostly of smaller sizes and poorer quality not recycled and redeveloped to solve the shortage of land problem in Hong Kong?

A: It is necessary to keep a steady supply of interim housing in Hong Kong. This is because urgent situations like natural disasters and redevelopment projects may give rise to relocation of citizens who are ineligible to apply for public housing estate. These interim housing provide such citizens with shelter in case of unpredictable circumstances. Hence they should not be decommissioned to make way for other housing estates.

Issue 2Q: Recently, there has been a rising number of rich households in public housing while a lot of other people are waiting for public housing flats in Hong Kong. Encountering tremendous number of citizens waiting for public housing, why does the government not solve the problem of public housing abuse?

A: To start with, public housing abuse as well as rich households are two separate issues. For the abuse problem, it refers to citizens’ using the public housing for non-residential use, for instance, industrial use or abandoning the flats. The government has in fact made considerable effort in checking public housing. Each year, 7000 public housing flats are found to be abused and hence, returned to the public who are waiting for public housing. As for the rich households problem, the public actually has two different types of opinions. One party believes that residents in public housing should be assessed regularly so as to abolish rich households and thus, provide the flats for the needy. Another party, however, thinks that rich households should continue to live in the public housing. In the end, the Housing Authority has decided not to cancel the rich household policy, meaning that rich households can preserve their living in public households.


8

Issue 3Q: Hong Kong has a paucity of land. Will the government consider demolishing the Fanling Golf Course and the Chief Executive’s house so as to make way for constructing buildings?

A: For the Fanling Golf Course, the government will research on whether it is possible to decommission the Golf Course and establish new buildings. As for the Chief Executive’s house, the Chief Executive has in fact said that he does not mind contributing his house to make way for new constructions. In addition, in society, there have been opinions regarding the Chief Executive’s house as it is said to contain certain historical significance. Despite voices in society, the government holds an open and free attitude towards this issue.

Issue 4Q: Hong Kong citizens need not pay Buyers’ Stamp Duty when purchasing property. Non-Hong Kong citizens as well as companies, however need to pay BSD upon acquisition of residential property. The aim of the imposition of BSD is to ensure Hong Kong citizens can purchase property at affordable prices and hence, can live in proper housing. Yet, Hong Kong enterprises are required to pay the BSD as well. I would like to ask why these Hong Kong-based companies cannot be exempted from the BSD? In addition, what loopholes will be caused as a result of such exemption?

A: The aim of BSD is to reduce the prices of property and the exemption of Hong Kong citizens is to ensure their buying residential flats without too much financial burden. If Hong Kong companies are to be exempted from BSD, the stamp duties will not be strong enough and hence unable to deter the soaring property market.

By Natalie Fung

LSS Newsletter #1

9

Students’ ViewsEunice Liu It is indeed a pleasure to attend the housing policy forum with Mr. Anthony Bing Leung as guest. We were able to raise questions and know more about the recently published consultation paper. The part I like most about the forum is that three Hong Kong young people were invited to share their views on housing issues in the city. I realize it is difficult for young people to buy a flat because it is expensive. Also, Hong Kong has limited land, hence, low income families have the priority for public housing and flats under Home Ownership Scheme (HOS). While the youngsters were sharing in the forum, I felt sad and sympathised with them. Luckily, the government is planning to set the ratio of public housing to private houses at 6:4. This gives young people chances to purchase their own flats. An idea popped up in my mind: Why does the government not rebuild some old public housing, e.g. Yu Wan Estate on Hong Kong Island, to provide more units and ease the housing shortage problem? I understand we need to strike a balance between development and society as this redevelopment implies that people living there need to be relocated. Anyway, these are just some random thoughts.

Joanne Tsang Housing problem is a hot topic currently, so participating in the Housing Forum is really rewarding. In the forum, not only could we talk to Mr. Anthony Cheung, the Secretary for Transport and Housing, but we also could listen to different ideas from students in many other schools. Mr. Anthony Cheung explained the goal of the government, which is to ensure grass-root families to obtain safe homes. Three young people were invited that day to share their opinions about the housing phenomenon in Hong Kong. Through their sharing, I understand more about the situation of people who want to buy apartments but are unable to afford them. Many of the participants raised questions concerning the housing policy and Mr. Anthony Cheung answered them in great detail. For example, Cheung mentioned the methods to increase housing supply with limited land. The housing forum is truly a valuable opportunity for me as well as other Liberal Studies Society Excos to know more about society.


10

Leung Ka WaiI was extraordinarily enthusiastic about the discussion forum since I knew that I would be able to holistically explore the housing policy. Also, I could have an opportunity propose a question to Mr Cheung Bing-leung Anthony, the secretary for Transport and Housing, regarding housing problems of Hong Kong. Flipping over the one-hundred-page housing policy consultation paper two weeks before the discussion forum, my mind had been filled with a bunch of questions to be asked in the forum. After two weeks’ hard work, I was sitting in the lecture theatre, staring at the professional cameramen as well as the presenter on stage. We welcomed our guest Mr. Cheung ardently and listened to his introduction to the housing situation in Hong Kong patiently. Although only one of us had the chance to raise a question, the discussion forum was a golden opportunity for us to learn more about different social issues and the world around us, not only about academic studies.

Natalie Fung The Housing Policy Forum, according to the organiser Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), was a youth-oriented platform in which youngsters like us should be engaged to exchange their views and raise question if possible. Having heard the introduction of the Housing Policy by Mr. Cheung Bing Leung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, we students from all over Hong Kong expressed our views freely. I had the invaluable opportunity to ask a question about the newly implemented Buyers’ Stamp Duty and received adequate response from Mr. Cheung. In addition, from listening to others’ questions and the respective answers from Mr. Cheung, I, together with all the Executive Committee members had a punctilious exploration into the housing issues in Hong Kong. All of us found the activity both rewarding and intriguing.

LSS Newsletter #1

11

Tirzah Tam It was a valuable experience for me to join the Housing Policy Forum. Indeed, housing problem in Hong Kong is a worth discussing issue. It is great that Professor Anthony Cheung, secretary for Transport and Housing could invite young people to share their points of views towards the policy. In the forum, many secondary schools students raised their questions or opinions to Professor Cheung. Although I did not have a chance, I was happy to see that young people were willing to voice out their opinions. Soon, we will become pillars of society, I hope that more of us can pay attention to current issues, in addition to becoming responsible Hong Kong citizens.

Emily HaIn the housing policy discussion forum, we were allowed to communicate with the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr. Anthony Cheung Bing-leung about the current housing problems in the city. We were given opportunities to interact actively with Mr. Cheung, as we could take the initiative to raise questions and understand the present housing situation. Despite being members of society, we seldom notice details of housing policies our government conducts or the difficulties and obstacles that come between our goal of having high living standards and the government’s actual actions towards it. I have learnt to compromise and strike a balance between our demands and the limitations present in reality. As long as our concerns have been reflected to the government, it is always a step closer to success, even if it is just a compromise right now.


12

Consider the following information adapted from a report in a local newspaper dated 15th August 2010:

The Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) began in the 1970s. The government has built lower-priced housing for median-income or low-income groups. However, it announced the indefinite suspension of building HOS housing in 2002. In recent years, the prices of private housing in Hong Kong have risen rapidly. More people have requested the resumption of building HOS housing. Nevertheless, the society has different opinions about whether to resume construction. Previously, the vice chairman of Sun Hung Kai Properties has declared his objection to the resumption of building HOS housing. He also said that the government should not intervene in the property market because of public opinion. Still, the Chairman of Federation of Public Housing Estates suggested that the government should resume construction of HOS housing at an annual rate of 6 000 flats so as to for the demands of those who would like to purchase their first home.

The Chairman of the Subsidized Housing Committee of the Housing Authority said that HOS housing and private housing belong to different markets, but the resumption of building HOS housing will help cool down the private property market.

A. Referring to the information and based on your knowledge, identify the stakeholders who support and those who are against the resumption of building HOS housing. (2 marks)

B. Why do different stakeholders hold different stances on the resumption of building HOS housing? Explain. (6 marks)

C. Apart from resuming construction of HOS housing, what other feasible methods can the government use to satisfy the demand for home ownership of the people? Explain. (8 marks)

Food for Thought—News Corner

By Kitty Lo

LSS Newsletter #1

13

A veteran reporter as well as a university lecturer, Lui Bing Kuen Bruce held a media workshop on 11th November for a handful of Liberal Studies Society (LSS) Executive Committee members as well as Network 33 members.

Having introduced himself by illustrating intriguing experience of his job, Lui proceeded to tell us the meaning of “interviewing”. In Chinese, the first word “cai”（採）refers to the scrupulous hand-picking process of information obtained from an interviewee. Moreover, the second word “fang”（訪）means using appropriate language as well as methods to extract knowledge from an interviewee. Lui then launched into telling us ways of asking questions. He explained to us the key features of questioning, namely attitude, preparation, skills as well as analysis. In particular, we have to do a lot of research in advance, be professional and show respect to an interviewee. According to Lui, the aforementioned points are the key to success in interviewing.

After listening to Lui’s thought-provoking and informative talk, we LSS Excos have had a deeper look into the world of interviewing and started to develop the correct way of asking questions.

The following are the questions we LSS Excos would like to ask numerous celebrities in town currently.

Media Workshop

By Natalie Fung


14

Emily HaYou asked the Chief Executive Mr. Leung Chun Ying to conduct a thorough review of the entire incident and the decision-making process regarding TV license issue. However, why had you not given Mr. Leung this advice before the decision was made? Why did you express such disparity so late?

The Executive Council should operate with the Chief Executive exercising executive power and Council members bearing collective responsibility to support the decisions made. However, in the TV licensing incident, Mr. Lam Woon Kwong, Convenor of the Executive Council, expressed his opposing view towards the decision made by the Chief Executive. I would like to understand why Mr. Lam exhibited his opinion so late after everything was conveyed and heated debate was stirred in the public. This may hint an internal dissociation is on the brink of happening, with members expressing disparity after decisions have been made.

To Mr. Eden Lam Woon Kwong

Leung Ka WaiBased on the recent 'hot' discussion on your speech about the 'deep consideration' of the HKSAR government on the incident of not giving a TV license to HKTV, do you personally, in spite of any political considerations, constraints from the media and the opinion of the general public, support the government's decision of not giving a TV license to HKTV? Why?

Mr Lam Woon Kwong has been criticised by the public that his opinion on the government's decision of not giving a TV license to HKTV is too harsh and unrealistic since the citizens believe that he is expressing his views on behalf of the HKSAR government which is essential to the change in the government's stance. I myself think that he is a courageous person since he is willing to express his opinion on this sensitive topic in public even though he might know that there would be consequences. Therefore, I want to know his personal thoughts about the government's decision of not giving a TV license to HKTV.

LSS Newsletter #1

15

William WongAs you are a veteran of the mass media, what are your views towards the free-to-air license issue? Television programmes from the two free TV companies, including your cooking episodes, are facing severe criticism. What can be done to improve the quality of television programmes in Hong Kong?

May 姐 is quite experienced in the media industry since she has worked in different television companies. Though it is obvious that she would support TVB, I would like to know what her reaction is towards the issue as she is one of the controversial figures in the debate.Since May 姐 has become a laughingstock of the public, I think it may be a little bit rude to ask questions directly about her programme. So I choose to approach her from another perspective, asking her for suggestions of improvement so as to be more objective and polite, as reiterated by Mr. Lui in the workshop.

To May Fung Mei Kei(May 姐)

Prudence CheungHow many boxes of chicken sauce on average do you buy each month?

All recipes introduced on the show have one common ‘key’ ingredient – chicken sauce. Every Sunday, when the cooking programme is broadcasted across on TVB, we always see boxes of chicken sauce glaring at us from its place on the kitchen counter. Even when this iconic symbol became the joke of the city, May姐 never failed to add in at least a teaspoon into each dish she serves her guests. If chicken sauce is as useful and convenient as she claims, she must stock up on some each month in order to prepare her meals as she does on her show. I would be very interested to know as to what response she would be able to come up with in defense of the show’s exaggerated advertising for its funders.

Kitty LoHave you thought of changing your style in order to suit the public so as to prevent being disliked? May姐 is being disliked by the general public because she always does inappropriate things during her TV programmes. She is being laughed at and she is hated by the public. Her show is not very popular among the public and there are not many audiences. Therefore, I would like to ask if she would like to change her attitude in order to fulfill the responsibility of a TV host, instead of always laughing and promoting a particular type of food.


16

To Mr. Ricky Wong Wai Kay

Tiger YipDo you think that the recent HKTV controversy has developed as a public outcry to the government and polarized Hong Kong society?

The current HKTV controversy not only has sparked dissatisfaction of the general public towards the government’s decision on not giving HKTV a proper license, but has also created huge public outcry. Different parties carry out demonstrations to express their complaints to the government. It shows that this controversy has developed as a means for the public to blame the government’s incapability and failure in satisfying Hong Kong people’s desires. Therefore I would like to ask for Mr. Ricky Wong’s opinions on this issue.

Becky FongWhat do think it is that makes you can’t successfully apply for the free TV license?

Ricky Wong has had so many speeches about why he deserves a free TV license. However, he has not said anything about his own reflections on why he could not get the license. I wish he could tell the public more about why he could not get the license. I wonder if he in fact has not made enough effort or the government’s system is unfair.

LSS Newsletter #1

17

The four hands together form a four-hand-seat, which symbolises a platform for communication and interconnectedness as this is the mission of the LSS. The symbol in between the arms is obviously the school badge with the characters “LS”. The “circuit” also means that we students should be connected to the world so as to become global citizens.

Liberal Studies Society Logo Design Competition Exemplary Designs

Nicole Yu 3C

Liberal Studies Society has provided a great platform for students to exercise their critical thinking skills. Therefore in this design, the word LSS is portrayed as a human figure. A globe is used as the eye, which is to show how LSS enables students to use a worldwide perspective to view different issues. The right-angled nose is to signify how LSS encourages students to use their own angles to judge. Different sizes of gears in the brain part symbolise critical thinking of students while the lines sticking out act as an extension. Since the last 's' stands for society, the linkage between the gear and the 's' suggests the connection between an individual and the community. Black and grey colours are used to add a modernistic feeling to the design whereas the red colour is to represent the passion and determination of Liberal Studies Society.

Christina Chiu 4I


18

It can be clearly seen from the design that it is our school logo with bolded words “LSS” at the top, on the left and right sides respectively. Liberal Studies Society is part of the immense family of SPCC. At the same time, Liberal Studies is one of the beloved subjects in our school. Hence, I have used our school logo as the main base of the design.

The thinking bubble represents critical thinking, and the different colours used inside the bubble symbolise different issues and perspectives that we Liberal Studies students take into consideration.

This logo is based on our school logo. I use a tree as the main theme of this design. As tree symbolises a place that nurtures life and intelligence, just like our school.

Carita Fong 4G

Alexandra Tam 4H

Alexandra Tam 4H

Documents

Issue 1 (revised)