Police have been warning party-goers in Wan Chai (and presumably other) nightspots about drinks laced with drugs after a 44-year old Chinese woman was nabbed after she allegedly took the ATM card of a 22-year old male victim and withdrawn close to his HK$30,000 daily limit. While the victim was with the woman when the withdrawal was made, he was apparently unaware he is being robbed, police said. Suspect has been charged with theft and will appear in Eastern Court late June.

The arrest was made in March and is part of a long-running police investigation on men losing hold of their cards and properties after taking the so-called date-rape drugs spiked on drinks. I thought drunk men only fall prey to unscrupulous taxi drivers who overcharge them on their way home, but there is an even bigger crime committed long before they hail the cab. In some cases, victims die on their hotel rooms after apparently being drugged and robbed of valuables.

This may not be the first case of robbery on dazed victims. Others may be too embarrassed to report their losses to the police and who could only vow to be more careful in their next escapades in bars. Because of this sticky situation, reported cases are lower than actual numbers.

The police offers words of wisdom for revellers.

1. Never leave drinks unattended.
2. Do not accept drinks from strangers.
3. Be wary of drinks that are already served out of a sealed bottle.
4. It is better to be with friends than be on your own.
5. Accepting invitations from new acquaintances to visit hotel rooms and residences should be considered a high-risk activity.

Don’t be the next victim.

Taipei surged from fifth place in 2010 to second last year, while Beijing kept its third place rank. Shanghai dropped to fourth while Shenzhen slid one notch to fifth.

Top Ten Most Competitive Chinese Cities 2011

1 Hong Kong
2 Taipei
3 Beijing
4 Shanghai
5 Shenzhen
6 Guangzhou
7 Tianjin
8 Hangzhou
9 Qingdao
10 Changsha

But as with any topnotcher trying to keep its lead over the competition, Hong Kong gets an advice from Dr Ni Pengfei, a researchers at academy’s Institute of Finance and Trade Economics. Improving people’s livelihood and boosting productivity is key to retaining Hong Kong’s competitive edge. While China offers no awards for Hong Kong’s latest achievements, it can learn a thing or two on how Hong Kong runs its economy or how to deal with issues that are sometimes source of social upheavals.

“The government should show more concern for entrepreneurship, employment and welfare – such as subsidised housing – so the people can extend their potential without worries [about livelihood],” Dr Ni said.

In short, try to take away people’s worries, and they become active catalysts of a productive city. It is easy to identify common worries of Hong Kong people such as rising cost of living and pollution but addressing them is simply another story. If Hong Kong has these issues and yet is on top, one can imagine how other cities are dealing with deeper problems that are detrimental to creating and maintaining a competitive city.

Organic produce Pic: Shutterstock.com

From shops like ParkNShop, Wellcome and Jusco across Hong Kong, 11 of 12 vegetable samples contained residues of pesticides. Among those discovered is chlorpyrifos, a crystalline pesticide at levels seven times above the international standard set by the UN’s Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Just across ParkNShop’s neighborhood supermarket at Metro City Plaza, a Chinese cabbage yielded traces of fipronil, a pesticide banned even in the mainland, along with six other types of pesticides. Now, all these water cooler talk about how unsafe vegetables coming from mainland China to Hong Kong are indeed justified by Greenpeace. Now who would believe in store assurances that what is placed on the shelf are not only fresh but also safe, like ParkNShop’s own “Food Safety Centre” which takes pride in its thorough check of goods on display?

With these veggies appearing to be contaminated, people might flock towards the end shelves labeled “Organic”. As a friend recently shared with me, paying more for organic farm produce is really worth it. We may need to realign our monthly budgets before we can join the switch to organic food. Hopefully, there will be no producers masking their products as organic.

In this Feb. 8, 2012 file photo, two workers chat each other at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, not shown, has renounced his U.S. citizenship, a move expected to save him hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes stemming from the company's impending initial public offering. The Brazil-born 30-year-old became a U.S. citizen in 1998 but has lived in Singapore since 2009. Saverin's move has caused controversy in the U.S. Pic: AP

One of the main selling points of Asia’s prosperous cities is that they offer attractive and simpler tax arrangements for both businesses and residents. When I say attractive, it is less of a burden with respect to business and personal income compared to many Western economies. And while the idea of tax is not something people are eager to pay, people and businesses would naturally rather welcome a cheaper tax charge than a heftier one.

Foreign investments have turned their attention towards Asia-Pacific for cheaper labor and generally low tax rates. For example, Singapore’s top individual income-tax rate is pegged at 20% and Hong Kong even lower at 17% not only for locals, but also for expatriates. On the other hand, there are countries, like the United States, that tax their citizens regardless of where they are. The maximum rate of 35% is significantly higher than Hong Kong and Singapore’s caps and may be among the reasons why an increasing number of Americans are renouncing their citizenships over the years.

According to data from US embassy in Singapore obtained by the Wall Street Journal, 100 Americans gave up their passports in 2011, up from 58 in 2009. Globally, US government records reveal that 1,780 Americans renounced their citizenship last year, compared with 742 in 2009. The number may be negligible from the entire US population, but its growth could be a sign of things to come. If not for the exit tax to those who renounce their citizenship, the number could be much higher.

The United States’ huge budget deficit may eventually translate to higher tax rates in the future, so it’s understandable the thought of switching passports has come to mind of some Americans.

For Mr Saverin, dropping the American passport could save him US$39 million — final figures depend on how well Facebook performs in its upcoming IPO — according to Wealth-X, a Singapore-based group which gathers information on “ultra high net worth individuals”. He could easily become a poster boy of citizenship renunciation in grounds of economic reasons, although Tom Goodman, his New York-based spokesman. But unlike other Americans who became ex-Americans, Mr Saverin doesn’t have to adopt a new passport as he is remains a Brazilian passport holder; his American citizenship was obtained while residing in the United States partly as a student at Harvard. Nonetheless, he is now a permanent resident of Singapore.

Moving to Asia isn’t just about avoiding high tax payments. Stronger economic growth in Asia-Pacific region offers better long-term prospects. That is why Mr Saverin “plans to plans to invest in Brazilian and global companies that have strong interests in entering the Asian markets,” according to Goodman.

Perhaps employers have seen the practical side of getting a domestic worker or asking a relative to take care of a baby while their employees are kept busy at work. That could be why they are unwilling to commit on providing a leeway for would-be fathers to take a few days off on a mandated paternity leave. But long before nannies take over the diaper roles and transform into nocturnal creatures, it’s the hands-on parents who are eager and willing to take the responsibility as they welcome the newest member of the family. Not only that, parents must be on hand to witness and cherish a precious moment a child is born, for this only lasts for a short time, and will be gone forever, unless captured in video by a doting father.

But of course, if fathers are not granted paternity leave, he’ll be unable to produce such video of his child’s first cries or his wife’s smile of relief — let alone witness them.

Employers often think more about profitability than parenthood, using arguments as minimum wage or low productivity as main reasons, while selling the idea to employees that hiring domestic helpers as a practical move.

Employers opened up such concerns during a meeting with the Labour Advisory Board, where employee representatives insist on getting the same paternity benefits accorded to civil servants.

A consultation paper released by the Civil Service Bureau last November recommended up to five days of paternity leave. But employer representatives so far have expressed lukewarm reception at best. Employer epresentative Ho Sai-chu of Chinese General Chamber of Commerce isn’t sure how companies in Hong Kong economy will fare if paternity leave becomes mandatory by law.

“If we’re going to make paternity leave statutory too, I am not sure whether companies and Hong Kong’s economy can handle it,” Ho said, while citing Hong Kong’s “culture” which includes cheap hiring of domestic workers and “many grandparents willing to help take care of the babies and mothers.”

Presenting the same doomsday scenario used during discussion of the minimum wage law, employer representative Stanley Lau said some companies might not be able to handle the impact of new labor policies. “They might cut staff or even close down. That would also have a great impact on employees,” he said.

However, a government study released recently indicated that such leave would only dent 0.02 to 0.04 per cent of employers’ total wage costs.

Since paternity leave is still under the discretion of employers, employees who wish to take a few days off are forced to take them off the yearly annual leave allocation.

In comparison with regional neighbors, Indonesia and Macau grants two days paternal leave while the Philippines is even more generous with seven days.

If Hong Kong is serious about tackling its aging population and increase birth rates, maybe granting paternal leaves may bring positive effects.

The announcement was made as the authority reached a milestone of about 10 per cent in carbon reduction. Such a pledge from a mammoth airport – one that operates 24 hours a day and served over 53 million passengers last year – should draw inspiration for other airports to adopt eco-friendly measures in their operations.

A three-year environmental plan was rolled out last year that aims to reduce carbon intensity by 2015 from its 2008 emission levels. Among those already accomplished were Aviation Security’s suspension of lifts after office hours, auto lights off policy at Cathay Pacific Catering and promotion of the paperless office at Sinopec.

The success of the plan has prompted the airport to raise targets even further. Additional plans include replacement of 100,000 lighting units with energy-efficient LEDs by end of 2014 and introduction of new electric passenger transfer cars by mid-2013 and eventually the whole fleet by 2017.

Although it costs more to implement these “green” measures – electric cars cost more than conventional ones – it is the long-term benefits that count.

Clean energy activists have been pushing alternative energies in Hong Kong for several years. However, clean energy will come at a cost for residents. Pic: AP

And another reality for people in Hong Kong — at least those living in Kowloon and the New Territories — is that clean energy also means higher electricity bills for domestic users. We are going to pay, get this, up to 40 percent higher in a few years than what we pay now. This is a rather shocking revelation coming from Michael Kadoorie, chairman of CLP Power, a major electricity provider in Hong Kong with overseas operations as well. His assessment comes after a presumption that clean energy initiatives by the government will force his company to double the use of natural gas in generating power.

Such a threatening statement is the last thing we’d like to hear. While it is true that the price of gas has soared during recent years, the delivery of the message sends a wrong message to other industries aiming to comply with the government’s drive to reduce emissions.

It is easy to make such bold message because CLP Power, along with Hongkong Electric, are the only operators in the sector; the public and the government have fewer options other than accepting what is on the table.

In a similar scenario, Hong Kong’s public bus operators, also seen as a duopoly of New World First Bus and KMB didn’t have to make such outrageous statements like raising fares if it were to modernize its fleet and do its part as environmentally-responsible company. Instead, KMB introduced its first electric buses. That’s a noble move for a company in the red amidst rise in fuel costs. And quite contrast to the seemingly stable income of CLP Power. For what it’s worth, CLP Power was named the third largest polluter in Asia but rebounded from the dubious rank and came up with its own success story.

CLP Power reduced its planned power rate increase from 7.4 per cent to 4.9 per cent earlier this year, amid criticism from the government. But this time, Mr Kadoorie’s statement could put Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying and his energy policy in the spotlight.

But amid the bashing and blunt remarks against the CEO’s statements, there could be some solid facts to consider. Larry Chow of Hong Kong Energy Studies Centre at Baptist University said the natural gas source used in its plants was considerably cheaper because its deal was signed about 20 years ago. With the Yacheng fields off Hainan Island drying up, new sources are expected to be more expensive, and this will eventually be passed on to consumers.

Any new increase in utility rates brings a new burden to consumers already bothered by inflation. Greeting them with fresh round of hikes will only make things worse. But let’s accept the fact that political tensions, depleting sources and soarig demand for power drive costs higher than ever. The only way for ordinary consumers to do is conserve this finite resource.

This study made by the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation signals a disturbing trend in a city that earns an unofficial moniker: A city that never sleeps. But it’s more about its shops staying open until late and neon lights staying overnight than its residents’ struggling to get a good night’s rest.

Using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, the study involved interviews 1,010 people and check their sleep patterns. The sleep quality index is an internationally recognized method of measuring quality and patterns of sleep. On a scale of zero to 21, participants who score six or above are considered to have poor sleep quality.

The result of the study of the group showed 44 per cent rated their sleep quality as “poor” or “very poor,” with some of them only able to get only four hours of sleep. Later assessments even showed deeper problems, as 70 per cent of surveyed individuals showed signs of problematic sleeping habits. The problem is that many of them are unaware they have such a disorder.

Only 13 percent of respondents said they could fall asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed; twice as many say they need between 30 minutes and an hour before falling asleep. Another 24.1 per cent say they need at least an hour to do so.

In a city where McCafe, Starbucks and Pacific Coffee outlets are ubiquitous, sleeping problems could be caused by an intake of coffee before going to sleep. Dr. Joyce Lam, associate consultant in psychiatry at Shatin Hospital, said coffee and strong tea, along with watching TV or reading books in bed, should be avoided before going to sleep.

Chronic sleep deprivation could cause serious health effects such as heart ailments, stroke and diabetes, as well as weight gain and other adverse effects.

I remember when Tseung Kwan O line was launched in 2002, people flocked into Tseung Kwan O residential areas after feeling great relief and convenience being connected by rail. By then, I become aware of the impact a major project brings to people.

So in case you are not aware, these are the upcoming projects Hong Kong is busy working on.

1. West Island Line
If you are familiar with western frontier of Hong Kong island, it’s hard to imagine that the current Island line can only go as far as Sheung Wan, leaving Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town and Pok Fu Lam residents to contend with tram and bus routes. Now currently under construction are extensions of Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong University (not to be confused with the University station located in Shatin) and Kennedy Town.

Expected Year of Completion: 2014

What this brings: The completion of this project could mean fewer bus routes serving the enormous West Hong Kong population as residents are giving up on traffic congestion in favor of the subway. But this could also mean more crowded stations. For example, if I were from Sai Ying Pun going to Kowloon, I’d normally take the KMB 101 route. But with a faster alternative, I’ll go in favor of the subway train even if it meant I am giving up my nap in a comfortable seat in the bus.

2. Kwun Tong Line Extension
In late 2010, then Chief Executive Donald Tsang approved the construction of the Kwun Tong Line Extension. This means the existing green line which currently spans from Tiu Keng Leng to Yau Ma Tei will have two more stops: Whampoa and Ho Man Tin stations. According to MTR’s official site about the project, it takes about five minutes from Yau Ma Tei to Whampoa. For someone traveling from Central to Whampoa, via the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong line interchange would only take about 17 minutes which is unimaginable at the moment.

Expected Year of Completion: 2015

What this brings: After losing one transport link when Star Ferry ceased operations from Central to Hung Hom, Whampoa becomes more accessible especially to those whose who despise unpredictable bus schedules.

3. Express Rail Link (XRL)
The Express Rail Link West Kowloon Terminus is subject of controversy but also featured as futuristic and surreal looking. Speaking of superlatives, its vast expanse is considered the largest underground high-speed railway in the world at 4,628,481 square feet, which hosts to trains that operate up to 200 km / hour and serves 10,000 passengers per hour per direction. It also costs a staggering HK$62.4 billion in 2009 prices. Traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou currently takes a little less than two hours. But the launch of high-speed trains at XRL, it will be cut down to a mere 48 minutes.

Photo credit: aedas.com

Expected Year of Completion: 2015

What this brings: This express railway network hopes to save 42 million hours of travel time, translated to HK$87 billion in 50 years of operation while enhancing Hong Kong’s stand on environmental protection as railway travel produces less emission than aircraft. Its construction benefited some 9,000 workers while additional 2,000 jobs in clerical and professional staff. This could also spur economic activities in tourism, catering and retail industries which could generate thousands of jobs.

4. South Island Line
It’s not only the folks at Kennedy Town and west of Hong Kong who were left out with the existing railway structure of the MTR. Southern District has also been unable to take advantage of railway efficiency. No wonder the only way to get to Ocean Park, in Aberdeen is through CityBus’ route 629. But that issue has long been resolved as construction of the South Island Line is now underway. Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons will be named stations in this subway line along with Admiralty, which also serves as interchange station to Shatin to Central Link.

Expected Year of Completion: 2015

What this brings: Travel time is greatly reduced. Once this line is open, travel time from Admiralty to Ocean Park will just be 4 minutes, while travelers from Admiralty to South Horizons will only spend 11 minutes travel time. (Enough of that dreaded Aberdeen Tunnel.) By completing this line and the long-awaited Shatin to Central Link, Hong Kong’s definition of travel efficiency will reach a higher level. Imagine the hassles of traveling from South Horizons going to Shatin at the moment. The new line should significantly cut travel time.

5. Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge
Due for completion in 2016, the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge is a 29.6 km dual 3-lane carriageway which connects Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai, three major cities of the Pearl River Delta. The project was conceived to mitigate increase in traffic of people and goods between Hong Kong and neighboring areas.

Expected Year of Completion: 2016

What this brings: More efficiency in movement of goods, labor and capital across the whole Pearl River Delta region. Travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai or Macau in this 29-kilometer bridge (one of the longest in the world) would be cut from 4.5 hours to 40 minutes. But among the perceived drawbacks of the project is that some tourism areas currently experienced by patrons of Ngong Ping 360 could suffer as Hong Kong’s section of the bridge will be developed.

6. Wan Chai Bypass
Hong Kong is infamous for narrow roads and thus becomes a main reason for traffic congestion and inability to construct supplemental facilities such as bike lanes and accessibility areas. With the dual 3-lane 4-kilometer Wan Chai Bypass, traffic will be alleviated in the Gloucester Road – Harcourt Road – Connaught Road corridor, giving an option for motorists to take this alternative route between Central and Causeway Bay, which further connects to Island Eastern Corridor.

Expected Year of Completion: 2017

What this brings: The creation of the Wan Chai Bypass not only eases traffic within Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai areas. It also creates additional space for recreational facilities in the reclaimed area. Travel time is considerably reduced between Central and Eastern District of Hong Kong island. However, this could encourage presence of
more vehicles and increase roadside emissions unless the government has measures in place.

7. Shatin to Central Link
This line serves to ease passenger traffic from Hong Kong’s northern districts to the business district but also helps connect existing lines to a major transport hub. The route is divided into two segments. The Tai Wai to Hung Hom segment will connect Ma On Shan Line and West Rail Line at each end, forming the East West Corridor. The remaining Hung Hom to Admiralty segment will become the extension of East Rail Line. As Hung Hom serves as Hong Kong’s main terminal for intercity trains, the Link will boost accessibility for people traveling to and from mainland cities.

The new Hung Hom Station concourse after improvement works.
Photo credit: mtr-shatincentrallink.hk

Expected Year of Completion: 2020

What this brings: This eases the traffic congestion at Kowloon Tong, a hub that links both East Rail and Kwun Tong Line as the Link’s East West Corridor utilizes Diamond Hill section of the Kwun Tong Line. So if I wish to go home in Tseung Kwan O from Shatin, I’ll be making an interchange at Diamond Hill and don’t have to pass by Kowloon Tong, a preferred hub for people taking the Tsuen Wan and West Rail Lines. The establishment of this line also aims to reduce roadside emissions so let’s hope that objective will bear fruit.

As we await the completion of these projects, it is best to plan ahead and think how they affect our lives in the future.

Enter the world of speed dating, a formalized way of match making that encourages people to meet new people in a rapid-fire way. Speed dating suits the Hong Kong lifestyle, characterized by tight schedules and where love takes a backseat in favor of career.

Career-minded women in Hong Kong may have little time to pursue romance, but speed dating is one way to try to have it all. Pic: Shutterstock.com

Multiple agencies that specialize in matchmaking operate in Hong Kong. But one caught my attention while reviewing my Facebook feed, as one of my contacts shared an upcoming event about HK Speed Dating dubbed as “Dinner with Foreigners” which will be held at the posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel today. Owing to the true meaning of speed dating, the meetup only lasts for two hours which guarantees a participant is expected to meet up to 15 professionals during that period.

Although the promotional photo shows an Asian woman and a Caucasian smiling smiling at each other over a cocktail, the word “foreigner” is kind of loosely defined here. If all female participants are Chinese women who are professionals in their own right, then foreigners must be non-Chinese. At 4,800 (no currency was stated but we’d assume it is HK dollars), female participants must be serious in joining such an event. Foreigners — who are expected to be between 35 and 48 years old professionals — are free to come in to meet these ladies (and for the dinner as well). Are local women really so into foreigners these days? Just asking.

Organizers didn’t offer guarantees of matches but said participants would be invited for complementary meetups at their preference. HK Speed Dating also organizes events intended for participants to meet millionaires, bankers or flight attendants, in case foreigners are not your type.

Statistics reveal that Hong Kong has about 275,000 more women than men in the twenty to forty years age range. Maybe the Bride Wannabes TV show is a hit partly because of the interest from this specific demographic.

Those who are unable, or likely unwilling to part with HK$4,800, can easily go to Lan Kwai Fong and meet friendly folks for a good chat over that same cocktail drink.

There are measures already in place such as the idling engine ban and plastic bag levy. But what else can be done to make Hong Kong get close to beging called an eco-friendly city?

1. Turn Off Computers After Use
Several years back, as I left the office, I couldn’t help but notice colleagues only shut down computer monitors as they call it a day. Not sure if these machines have scheduled jobs for the night but energy-wise they certainly left a mark in our electricity bill. Newer operating systems offer sleep mode, which enables computers to resume operation almost instantaneously. But this could also leave the wrong impression that machines in this state do not consume power. Shutting down computers after use is still the best energy-saving measure.

Hong Kong can create this umbrella pastic bags, seen outside Taipei Metro.

2. Fewer Table Napkins and Plastic Utensils
When taking orders at a fast food restaurant, customers often are liberated from restrictions on items such as extra stirrers, plastic utensils and table napkins. This creates a lifestyle of living in excess which can also apply beyond our tables. Minimal use of resources means less demand for resources to replenish them. This initiative can come from restaurant and fast food managers.

3. Replace Toilet Paper With Hand Dryer
It is not enough that I see the note ‘To help preserve the environment, please use less paper napkins / use hand dryer’. I believe these reminders rarely make an impact. Assuming use of electric hand dryers is more eco-friendly than napkins made up of wood pulp from trees, then malls, offices and public facilities need to make a choice on behalf of users.

4. Allow Clothes To Hang In Open Air
Hong Kong’s residential structure sets limitations on the use of clothes lines. Worse, open spaces ideal for this use are often marked with warnings that prohibit residents from hanging their laundry. Not only hanging clothes in the open saves electricity bills, it also means longer life for fabrics.

5. Receive Notices By Email or SMS
For those who spend most of their time on personal/office computers or smartphones, it makes sense to use these devices to channel reminders such as bank statements, telephone and utility bills instead of taking the daily route to the mailbox and pile envelopes on your desk.

6. Use E-tickets or QR Codes When Traveling
Issuing paper air tickets is so last decade. But come to think of it, e-tickets are still often printed on paper and shown to airline check-staff although it requires less amount of paper than what old tickets look like. Moving forward, Cathay Pacific has introduced QR code as boarding passes for the convenience of passengers. That’s more impressive.

7. Promote Recycling Through Garage Sale
Community garage sales promote the reuse of old but serviceable items such as table lamps, books, hair dryers or space heaters. Surely, Fortress and Citycall would encourage buying brand-new items for safety and guarantees but this advice isn’t applicable all the time. Expat communities, religious groups, Salvation Army’s Family Store or AsiaXpat’s Trading Post are promoting this practice but still more can be done with the help of the government. By the way, garage sales are good opportunities to meet new friends too.

8. Borrow Library Books Or Buy Second-hand Ones
I always love the idea of borrowing books at the library instead of buying a new one. Once I finish reading a book, I rarely touch it again unless it is a reference material. With limited space at home, there are only a few items you can afford to accommodate. Unfortunately, books may not be in the priority list.

9. Clean Windows On an Impending Rainy Day
Save water by cleaning windows on a day forecast to have thunderstorms. Bring out the plants as well.

10 . Promote Use Of Both Sides Of Paper
When printouts are discarded, their backpages can be recycled as for drafts, preliminary designs, brainstorming ideas, or other uses without taking a fresh piece of paper from the shelf. Once both sides are used and fully utilized, that’s the time they are supposed to head to the paper shredder or a recycle bin.

11. Use Showers Instead Of Baths
Baths are definitely more relaxing but they also use about twice the amount of water as when one goes to a shower. Remember, Hong Kong pays billions to China — a place where droughts are also experienced recently — for a resource that could run out faster than we imagine.

12. Expand Implementation Of Waste Segregation
The government still lacks ideas on how this can be implemented. I am sure there are ideas that will make Hong Kong be at par with Taiwan, Korea and Japan in terms of waste segregation. Ideally, every household should dispose plastics and biodegradable materials separately — or pay for extra. No time to do so, you say? Maybe it’s just lack of proper time management. We just want to get out of that dubious ranking.

13, Proactively Respond To Unwanted Mail
I often receive ‘Private and Confidential’ letters in our mailbox addressed to ‘The Owner’ instead of my full name. Gotcha, spammer. Unwanted mails like that spammer offering loans or your neighborhood pizza sending leaflet reminding you to taste their new seafood cheese combo can be dealt with more proactively than simply rerouting them to the nearby paper recycle bin. Hongkong Post’s ‘No Circular Mail’ sticker gives hint to postmen to skip your mailbox and lessen his daily load. Okay, I just need to get that sticker.

14. Spend Less Time On Showers
Australia, a continent also affected by droughts in recent years, has asked its citizens to stop singing or day dreaming in their showers and cut short their trip to the bathroom. While Hong Kong has yet to make that announcement, we don’t have to wait for that to happen.

15. Reduce water pressure as necessary
It also helps to save water by reducing water pressure coming from faucets. And while brushing your teeth does require a certain amount of time to be effective, shutting the faucet close during this time helps a lot in conserving water, a resource that has always been a source of conflict over history.

16. Promote Use Of Bicycles
Why continuously fret on poor roadside air quality and not do something concrete to alleviate this problem? Promote bicycle use in Hong Kong by constructing dedicated bike lanes, accessibility on public transport and work place. Right now, this is not very visible: road accidents involving cyclists, fees for bikers on Star Ferry, much to the disappointment of organizations and enthusiasts.

Adjust Office Temperature
To save energy costs — which can be used for other more useful purposes such as salaries for lowest paid workers or equipment upgrade — office temperatures can be set at desired level of 25.5 C

17. Recycle Umbrella Bags
One of the worst eyesores during rainy days are rubbish bins filled with umbrella bags, still usable but inconvenient for users to take it with them. As a result, they are scattered around these garbage cans and attended only by overworked heroes of the street, the cleaners. One nice idea is to place a receptacle to dry these bags outside train stations (like this one in Taipei) and buildings so people use take or leave them.

18. Get Rid Of Plastic Cups, Coffee Stirrers, Styro Boxes
Plastic cups, coffee stirrers and styro boxes have become part of Hong Kong’s “take away” food culture. If only these materials can be replaced with more eco-friendly substitutes without disrupting that widely practice lifestyle of buying food and eating it elsewhere. Someone who can provide such idea deserves an award.

As you can read above, making Hong Kong more eco-friendly should be everybody’s responsibility (government, businesses and residents) and not pinned to a certain group. Otherwise, we can only end up harping and pointing fingers without getting anything done.

Now, let’s get moving.

The Society for Community Organisation, a non-government group, estimates that there are 10,000 similar cases where workers are simply content on receiving mandated minimum hourly wages because:

• These workers could be sacked if they complain and insist on receiving what is fair for them.
• These workers are aged 60 or above and less competitive in the labor market so they might find it difficult to look for new jobs once they get fired for asking for minimum wages.

One of the cases highlighted was that of a 78-year-old security guard who earns HK$13.20 (US$1.70) hourly rate, less than the legislated HK$28 per hour. He works 12 hours a day, seven days a week and earns HK$4,750 per month. To save money, he lives in a staircase of the building where he works and lives on a daily budget of HK$35. He saves the rest of his earnings for a cancer-stricken relative in the mainland.

While we feel sad that this is happening, the silver lining is that we know that it is happening and there are things that can be done. Right now, it is like a losing gamble for underpaid workers to come out in the open and lose their daily earnings, if not their entire livelihood, while pursuing their claims. If the government can arrange forms of compensation to workers who lose their jobs after reporting these abuses, many of us would consider this a win-win situation: workers get paid justly, and unscrupulous bosses get prosecuted for violations.

As Hong Kong makes a fond farewell to its beloved vintage buses, new ones offer a hint of the future are fitting symbols of transition in a city well-known for transport efficiency.

Kowloon Motor Bus recently submitted a proposal to the Transport Department that would pave way for the first commercial operation of electric buses in the city. The new route 5M, a five-kilometer stretch between Ping Shek bus terminal in Kwun Tong, Eastern Kowloon and Eastern Road, near the old Kai Tak airport in Kowloon City, utilizes single-deck electric buses. Along its route are two charging stations which allows these buses to operate without disruption. Single-journey fare is pegged at about HK$3 (US$0.38).

Although these zero emission buses are more desirable to run at Hong Kong’s polluted roadsides, they are more expensive to procure than their diesel counterparts. Yet, KMB is gracious enough to keep fares in line with other similar routes on conventional double-decker buses.

The bus was developed by a Zhejiang, China-based coach maker, in cooperation with German bus manufacturer Neoplan. After a full charge, it can run up to 10 kilometers and sustain a continuous supply of air conditioning for up to an hour. This is better than another prototype developed by a joint venture between Volvo and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which can support uninterrupted operation for only 3.5 kilometers.

While the adoption of electric buses isn’t as quickly as we hoped, this development still helps the objective of reducing air pollution, and enable Hong Kong to join early adopters such as Canada, Spain and Japan.

The number of births by mainland Chinese women in Hong Kong nearly doubled in 2005 - from 10,128 in 2003 to 19,538 - according to the city's Hospital Authority. Many come to evade China's one-child policy, take advantage of higher quality health care or earn Hong Kong residency rights for their babies. Pic: AP

This development brings an even smaller window of opportunity for mainlanders who wish to obtain permanent residence or perhaps avail themselves of the more advanced medical facilities now afforded by affluents segments in Hong Kong society. Such proposal is much more radical than the earlier plan of scaling down on services provided for mainland maternity patients. But somehow this move shouldn’t supercede the Hippocratic Oath, a basic pledge by health professionals of practicing medicine ethically that whoever is in the hospital, regardless of race or financial state must receive adequate care and attention. Violation of this promise is highly unlikely, given the fact that it is the immigration officers who will stop pregnant women from entering Hong Kong’s territory, and not medical professionals.

It may be a challenge for border officers to determine whether an incoming pregnant woman should be allowed in or turned away. According to Ngai Sik-shui, Immigration Service Officers Association vice-chairman, several hundred extra officers would be needed to turn back pregnant mainlanders, who don’t have a delivery booking certificate issued by the Department of Health. Such certificate may never be issued again if the zero quota is fully implemented.

If higher hospital charges do not discourage affluent families to cross into Hong Kong and use its medical facilities, a warning issued by Mr. Leung might just do the trick. It is believed that the lure of permanent residence privilege accorded to children born in Hong Kong draws mainland parents to come over. But the incoming chief executive mentioned last week that children born to mainland parents would not be guaranteed residency. Should there be no legal obstacles to prevent authorities from imposing this proposal, this zero quota indicates Hong Kong is serious, if not desperate, in its effort to keep mainlanders off from local hospitals.

Should the doors be closed for mainland parents wishing to come to Hong Kong, nearby cities may be more than willing to welcome them in their effort to solidify their role as ideal medical tourism destinations.

Maybe global warming has helped drive these vintage yet reliable double deckers off the streets too soon, but just like many parts of Hong Kong that underwent massive facelifts, it was just a matter of time we had to say goodbye to this special fleet of KMB. The bus company has about 3,900 buses operating in 390 routes with 37 non-air-conditioned buses plying on ten routes.

Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/raisin_raisin/

Moving forward is the only way to go, and this transition for KMB has been on the roadmap, just as the city adjusts to cope up with modern times. Issuing of licenses for rickshaw operators ceased in 1975. Old buildings in Wan Chai have been recently torn down to make way for commercial edifices and posh residential units. Star Ferry terminal in Central has been relocated partly to make way for a new expressway across the harbor. These changes evoke nostalgic memories of yesteryear, and just like these changes made in the past, bus fanatics were treated to photo shoots of the soon to be retired “hot dog buses” in its Lai Chi Kok depot in an effort to preserve a valued part of Hong Kong culture.

To many locals, phasing out of these non-airconditioned buses means relief as they don’t have to deal with hot weather even though these buses charge cheaper fares. To drivers, this also means relief as nobody will be put to the steering wheel during hot summer months. Tough environment laws such as the idling engine ban look to be the thing of the future.

It’s definitely an end of an era for these KMB buses. Good thing there are photos and videos we, and the future generations, can look back in history.

While its objective quite clear and the theme is similar to American show The Bachelor, it’s how the women are treated that has angered groups. Taking cue from its title, you’ll get a hint.

Unlike in America where reality television shows are a dime a dozen, Hong Kong’s local channels are still a bit conservative. On TVB Pearl, one of the few free-to-air channel that offers English-language shows, most programs are imported from English-speaking countries save for some news magazines that tackle local issues. Jade, Pearl’s Chinese language channel is more “bold” as it pushes the envelope on what kind of show locals expect to watch. Hence the creation of Bride Wannabes.

The five women in the show could have had difficulty figuring out how to find one true love. Through the show’s self-proclaimed experts, there is hope of removing the ‘wannabe’ title and become a bride soon. But in case you didn’t catch the tone of sarcasm, it’s just a shame that fate of these women can only be salvaged by mentors who tell them when to speak and when to shut up, how to position one’s self when talking to men and how to control emotions.

Santino, one of the show’s advisors, reminds women that when engaging in SMS conversations, their messages must be shorter than the other person while ensuring that the other person sends the last message, not the women. It’s as though women have to go through a peculiar set of acts or lose out to competition in a city where women outnumber men.

Bride Wannabes seems to portray single women as a social malaise while incorrectly showing the viewing public how to define beauty and success. I wonder how many displeased viewers lodged a complaint to the Communications Authority.

So far, social media is one of the easiest mediums to launch a crusade; the “Say No to Bride Wannabes” campaign has attracted more than 2,400 “likes”. But just like gossip magazines that are often frowned upon yet continue to sell like hotcakes, many people are still eager to follow the steps of Bonnie, Florence, Mandy, Suki and Gobby (just in case you ask: A curious case of Hong Kong names). A celebrity won’t even mind becoming one of the contestants if given the chance.

The show also labels places based on character. One participant was told that if she speaks, she looks like Mong Kok, a crowded, chaotic neighborhood. If she shuts her mouth, she looks like Central, a place surrounded by sophisticated, high-end luxury brands. As if we forgot what happened to that doomed social media campaign.

Despite calls to stop airing Bride Wannabes, TVB doesn’t seem to agree as it plans to launch a male version of this reality show. And why not? The show claims 1.7 million viewers are on their TV sets every time Bride Wannabes is on. That means ka-ching, a boatload of advertisers ranging from dating companies to beauty salons willing to promote themselves in a large captive audience.

But even as the government began to impose limits on admission of pregnant women (or even ban them on some hospitals), the problem didn’t go away. Published reports of medical blunders often fanned the flames of public discontent over the government’s stance on this issue. Coupled with other mainland-related news headlines such as the D & G photo fiasco, child abduction rumors and even the seemingly simple simplified Chinese menu, the government is pushed further to act on a pressing issue.

If we look on a broader scale, it’s not just an issue on suppressing the clout of mainlanders in Hong Kong, it’s about the basic needs of locals put at risk. For a territory that currently enjoys fiscal surplus worth billions of dollars, the lack of staff to man these state-of-the-art facilities is a sad truth. Something has to be done to address public anger and resentment.

Although not yet in office,  newly-elected chief executive Leung Chun-ying’s bold proposal to ban mainland women from giving birth in private hospitals could earn much-needed support as he takes over CE Donald Tsang’s position. Doctors and nurses are likely to cheer this idea, but private hospitals may find this disappointing, considering that they may have invested in world-class facilities.

When my mother was recently admitted at Tseung Kwan O Hospital for a few days, I was impressed with the services and facilities offered even if the language barrier proved to be the most challenging part of that experience. I didn’t find it very obvious that there was shortage of medical staff though I was there only during visiting hours.

The boom in mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong spawned creation of agencies specializing in arrangement of documentation, maternity accommodation and hospital booking for mainland guests. The so called “birth tourism” industry is now a market estimated to be worth RMB3 billion (US$476,000). Giving birth in Hong Kong entails multiple benefits: permanent residence (legitimate use of Hong Kong’s public services), Hong Kong passport (which is more appealing for international travel) and others. So there’s no wonder that mainland parents are willing (and able) to spend just to secure hospital beds, thereby bumping off locals who don’t necessarily have the financial power.

But as a measure to discourage mainland visitors coming to Hong Kong for the purpose stated above, Mr Leung also warned mainland parents who wish to have a child born in Hong Kong for the sake of automatic right of abode that this privilege may not be guaranteed beginning next year.

The bottom line is Hong Kong really needs more medical professionals, whether mainland Chinese come and take hospital slots from locals or not. The city has low birth rate and rapidly aging population. Failure to address this need – despite plans to curtail use from non-locals – could prove disastrous for years to come.

Dr Ruth Chan, a research associate for medicine and therapeutics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the average daily diet in the city includes about 10g of salt, twice as much the amount recommended (PDF) by the World Health Organization.

One of the side effects of excessive salt intake is stroke, caused mainly by high blood pressure, the prime cause of disability and fourth most common cause of death in the city. Researchers found out that there were 13 cases of stroke out of 100,000 people in the city from 1995 to 2001. This count rose to 15 from 2005 to 2007. There were 3,423 deaths attributed to stroke in 2010, equivalent to 8 per cent of all deaths in Hong Kong that year.

While most stroke cases involve elderly patients, victims may come from all ages. Professor Mandy Sea, a manager at Centre for Nutritional Studies saw a 14-year-old boy who ate instant noodles with plenty of seasoning powder almost every day. The boy’s blood pressure shot up to 180/90.

High salt intake may be the result of local people’s frequent trips to restaurants and fastfood outlets, which make a conscious effort to create tasty menus. But in the process, chefs may need extra pinch of salt to get that appealing taste. Unfortunately, food review sites often cite restaurant ambience, price, food presentation and taste as main factors in judging a restaurant, and not who healthy the food is.

Also, there could be lack of awareness from concerned agencies on the adverse effects of too much salt in prepared food. Although instant noodles are closely associated with local diet, too much sodium in it could portray it as an unhealthy food.

Heeding WHO’s advice could help reduce worldwide incidence of stroke by 23 per cent. This would save 1.25 million lives every year, according to World Action On Salt and Health, a global voluntary group established in Britain.

A joint survey of 4,066 Hong Kong residents made by Citibank and the social sciences research center at the University of Hong Kong revealed that the number of millionaires — defined as individuals with assets more than HK$1 million — stood at 527,000 last year, down from 558,000 in 2010. Liquid assets refer to cash or wealth easily convertible to cash such as deposit accounts, funds or bonds.

That means one in nearly 13 people in Hong Kong is a millionaire, including one in nearly five housewives. Did the last one surprise you? You’re not alone. But the most common occupation among these millionaires is “retiree” (accounting for 21 percent), if that qualifies as a job. Eighteen percent were housewives and another 18 percent were executives and managers. Professionals and business owners joined the group as top segments in the millionaires club.

If you ask in which areas these wealthy folks focused to keep themselves, ah, wealthy, investment and property remained top wealth contributors even if both sectors didn’t perform as well as in their heydays. The number of millionaires who placed their bets at stocks, gold and yuan-related investments fell by six percentage points while those who gained wealth through properties, a hot commodity in the city, dropped by 13 percentage points year on year.

Geographically speaking, Hong Kong island is the place where wealthiest people are mostly concentrated with one out of six residents is a millionaire. This may not be surprising, noting that it is usually more expensive to live there compared to Kowloon (1 in 10 is a millionaire) and New Territories (1 in 13).

As a kid, I spoke only my mother tongue and was not introduced to speak another language until I entered formal school. But time flies fast and adjustments need to be made in order to cope with a rapidly changing world.

Globalization, just like the historic explorations in the New World, has made it more likely to communicate with people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Product labels are written in multiple languages, foreign movies have subtitles, and job vacancies occasionally include proficiency in a few languages. Indeed, learning a new language becomes important and as with other teaching methods, getting kids learn them while they are young is the best approach to preparing them for a gruelling world of learning. Or so we thought.

According to researchers meeting at the American Association for the Advancement of Science held in Vancouver, babies raised in homes where two or more languages were spoken may sometimes have learning disorders. But Lily Chan, an associate professor of Chinese University’s department of educational psychology, said children could start learning a new language at eight years old and it’s not necessary to start teaching them English language along with their mother tongue. Although previous studies show that children who try to learn multiple languages at the same time can often start speaking later than others, there is no conclusive evidence to prove their language ability would be affected.

Children born to interracial marriages or parents migrating to places that speak a different language may be the ones affected the most. But it’s not the case of hearing two different languages that confuses the child and impairs the ability to learn, according to psychologist Erika Hoff, who attended the conference. Children who are exposed to two languages hear less of each as other children who is exposed to only one. It takes them longer to get the same experience with each language. So parents shouldn’t be alarmed if children trying to learn more than one language do not speak as early as monolingual children do, Hoff said.

When my wife practices her lessons at home, I can’t help but notice topics such as star constellations, parts of a computer — subjects I thought are intended for primary schools or later — are now being taught at preschool. I wonder, just like learning a new language, how these kids can cope up with such great expectations even at their young age.

Street signs warning people not to use SMS while walking could be replaced with Facebooking or tweeting. And there are those who spend the whole morning or afternoon hanging out at coffee shops accompanied only by their valuable handsets, looking busy and not wanting to be disturbed.

But as the functionality of phones has grown tremendously — from a mere device to speak to someone remotely to one that mimics the personal computer — the number of lost or stolen phones has escalated. Worse, before culprits decide to sell your stolen unit in the black market, they’re likely going to try to check your personal details, look through your photos and log onto your social media accounts. In short, you’re not only a victim of smart phone theft, you’re also likely a victim of identity theft.

These are not wild assumptions. These findings are taken from Symantec, which tasked a firm to deliberately lose 50 smartphones across five major cities in the United States and Canada. The study found that those who found/stole the smartphones had little or no hesitation accessing private information such as office email or personal social media accounts – 96 per cent of them searched phones for such information.

If you’re wondering how the study was done, the phones used were loaded with sensitive data such as personal e-mail accounts, online banking details and Facebook accounts along with a tracking tool that determine what information was accessed by the finders. These phones were then placed in shopping malls, food courts, train and bus stations, waiting to be found. The study revealed that personal information was accessed 90 per cent of the time while data related to work was less interesting (83 per cent accessed).

For those who store compromising photos on their smartphones, the risk is even greater. Revelation of photo and video scandals are often traced to unauthorized access to devices and consequences can be devastating.

It is understood that owners are more on guard about their smartphones not only because they don’t come cheap but because, more importantly, they hold sensitive information. Data has become more portable as ever; it is now possible to store in the “cloud” – a term used to denote third-party data storage medium that offers convenience as data is accessible anywhere with Internet connection. But just like the risk of data privacy breach posed by unattended USB drives, data stored in the “clouds” are more vulnerable through unauthorized access via lost or stolen smartphones. For the sake of convenience we often save passwords on our phones, thereby exposing them to anyone who gets hold of them.

Hong Kong reportedly lost more than 4,600 phones last year, up 15 per cent from 2010. In January and February alone, nearly 900 mobile phones were lost or stolen, according to police records. As more people adopt these high-end devices the figure is expected to rise.

It is important to strike a balance between using smartphones for convenience and providing adequate security measures. Setting up screen-lock passwords and the ability to lock and delete data remotely are some of the things we can do.

According to the latest release of CIA’s World Factbook, the world’s longest living people in the world are found in Monaco, a tiny, rich sovereign state in Europe, with an average age of 89.5 years. Hong Kong’s neighbor Macau occupied the second spot with an average life expectancy of 84 years, followed by Japan, Singapore, San Marino, Andorra, Guernsey and Hong Kong.

Most of the the countries and territories mentioned above are relatively small, with the notable exception of Japan. Most of the countries that have the lowest life expectancy are those in Africa.

Although this year’s reports are lower than last year’s (from 80 to 79 for men and 86 to 85 for women), Hong Kong’s record is still remarkable. We live in polluted air, crowded surroundings and complain of a stressful work life, yet it’s still possible to live a long life.

A study conducted by Dr. Karen Cheung, a social science expert at the University of Hong Kong, involved more than 100 people born between 1905 and 1915. DNA and blood samples were also taken from them. Based on the study, the following factors have contributed to longevity are:

* Upbeat personality
* Hong Kong’s affordable and accessible health services
* Financial stability
* Healthy diet
* Regular exercise
* Healthy relationship and support from family and friends

There’s nothing secret — or surprising — found in the factors above. So if long life is a personal goal, then keeping the list in mind, while reducing risks factors such as sleep deprivation and indulgence on unhealthy diet could help one reach that objective, regardless of where he or she lives.

The use of simplified Chinese in a Hong Kong shop stirred growing tension between locals and mainland Chinese. Pic: AP

Even with how restaurant menus are laid out.

Traditional Chinese is officially used as a standard in Hong Kong, along with Taiwan and Macau. Mainland China uses a simplified Chinese, which was promoted in the 1950s to improve literacy after the Communist Party came to power. To most of us who don’t read these characters, it may be difficult to distinguish between the two. But for Chinese people, the distinction is very clear although both set of characters are generally understood in Hong Kong and on the mainland.

So when a new branch of agnès b. Cafe LPG in a neighborhood mall welcomed its guests, local internet users expressed anger over what they called an “invasion of simplified Chinese” language in the city. Some people have the mindset that by using simplified Chinese characters over the commonly-used traditional Chinese character set, the shop is catering towards mainland patrons instead of local guests.

Cafe staff apologized on its Facebook page and promised to change the menus into traditional Chinese at all of its branches although they claimed that the simplified Chinese version has been used in its shops since at least 2008.

Maybe this simple issue was magnified by the recent spat between Hongkongers and mainlanders, earning dubious nicknames such as locusts and dogs. Hong Kong residents have accused pregnant women from the mainland of putting strain on public hospitals while taking the permanent residence status accorded to children born in Hong Kong. Public uproar ensued when staff at Dolce and Gabbana refused to allow a photographer to take pictures from the sidwalk while mainland visitors, considered big luxury spenders, were given appropriate treatment.

I am sure that if Jollibee in Central only displays an English menu, locals won’t mind — they have no problem reading it. But if sensitive issues that involve Hong Kong and mainland people are raised, even one small thing can escalate quite quickly.

Taking the subway may be fast and most efficient among an array of Hong Kong transport links, but dealing with a mammoth crowd during busy peak hours takes away some of its luster.

No need to fret too much, though, as the MTR has started to operate 370 more trips since the 24th of March. Five new trains were deployed and helped increase capacity by 800,000 passengers per week. Tsuen Wan Line (red line) gets to benefit on weekdays while it is joined by the Kwun Tong and Island lines as targets of these new trains to ease traffic.

Due to my current line of work, I can avoid the busiest hours of the day — 7 to 9 am in the morning and 5 to 7pm in the evening — but to those who have to be in their workplace by 9 in the morning, it can be a stressful experience even though airconditioning units help keep everyone fresh for the day.

In my world of imagination I see a whole network of subway lines work like a river whose torrent remains constant but the volume increases or decreases depending on time of the day. As one intersects another — such as Island Line meeting Tseung Kwan O Line in North Point station — it’s like a stream acting as a tributary to a larger body of water. As people alight trains and head toward the escalators like pins pulled by magnets, it’s like someone using a giant straw pulling people upwards.

So much for fantasy talk, increasing MTR’s train frequency is indeed a welcome development and a testament that it can — or at least tries to — address passenger growth, something that everyone is anticipating as more stations are linked together and dwellings built near subway stations.

Indonesian migrant workers have had a volatile history in Hong Kong. Pic: AP

Those who don’t fulfill the mininum requirement don’t have to panic at the moment; this regulation will take effect only in 2018.

Such a move may have a big effect in Indonesia’s deployment of household workers in Hong Kong. In 2009, the country became the top provider of domestic helpers in Hong Kong, dislodging the Philippines, and has recently surpassed the 150,000 level. But such conclusions can only be made if we assume virtually all of Indonesia’s labor exports to Hong Kong can be categorized as those who lack educational qualifications. The condition can’t be said about Filipino helpers, many of whom are college graduates.

Due to less educational attainment and perhaps ignorance, many foreign workers are exposed to potential risks such as human trafficking, white slavery and other forms of exploitation and unfair treatment.

This isn’t the first time the deployment ban has been raised on behalf of Indonesian workers. Indonesia has already banned sending maids to Malaysia in 2009 after severe cases of abuse were reported. It resulted in a shortage of available helpers, as well as headaches to working parents who hire domestic helpers to oversee their young children. The ban was eventually lifted after the two countries agreed on terms such as an increase in salaries and measures that help curtail maid abuses.

Taking a cue from what happened in Malaysia, it’s appropriate that Hong Kong take a proactive stance in the case. While nobody can prevent the Indonesian government from prohibiting its less educated citizens from taking offshore jobs, Hong Kong can think about possible solutions to address the problem Indonesia’s plan might create. Improve employer records to minimize abuse cases, increase salaries or look elsewhere?

Someone out there can do a better job than I in answering that question.