Malaise not confined to language skills

Post date: Dec 08, 2015 7:27:32 PM

I read, with great interest, Rachel Chan's letter ("HK should be trying to attract top-class international experts", October 24) in which she suggested Hong Kong has not grown in stature as a world city after the handover, and that the current administration should bring in international experts to reverse the trend.

I think she is absolutely right in that.

Supporting her arguments, I have these recent observations.

Not long ago, I called a local ticket hotline (English language) to buy some concert tickets.

The agent on the phone apologised for her lack of English and told me, in a not-so-friendly tone of voice, if I had spoken Cantonese in the first place, it would have saved her the trouble, and also my time.

In another incident, a shop manager in an upmarket Central boutique brought out three suits made of synthetic blends when I specifically asked for 100 per cent pure linen.

In all fairness, not only have English skills declined over the years, there is visibly a collective lack of steam and spirit among local folks in their daily pursuits. Greed, instant gratification and lack of foresight have resulted in systemic failure to pursue greatness by our people.

Are local bosses and senior politicians willing to commit resources so that members of the public in Hong Kong can leapfrog the survival mode to embrace personal growth?

Philip S.K. Leung, Pok Fu Lam

27 October, 2012

http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1070719/letters-editor-october-27-2012Article mentioned: Hong Kong can learn from Singapore's search for talent - 24 October, 2012 http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1068237/hong-kong-can-learn-singapores-search-talent