The outlook among young people born in the 1990s is becoming increasingly gloomy. A study group of the organization Concern on Youth Development cities changes in the city's academic system and uncertain career opportunities for young people as the sources of the malaise. The survey of 107 youths aged 16 to 19 found 80.4 percent described themselves as "very worried about their future prospects". 60.7 percent of those cited academic opportunities as their primary concern.

Although 81.3 percent of respondents aspired to pursue higher education, 80.3 percent described themselves as "very unsatisfied" with current education reforms. They say shifting policies had made planning their academic careers difficult.

Until this year, students have had to sit the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination after five years of secondary schooling. Those who excelled would stay for another two years before taking the A-level exams.

Under a new system launched in September 2009, secondary school students will sit the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education after six years of study, replacing A-levels

The new system, dubbed 3-3-4, cuts secondary schooling from seven to six years, evenly divided into junior and senior high school.

The first cohort of Form Six students under the 3-3-4 structure will graduate in 2012 after the last Form Seven students sit their A-levels and Form Six students take the initial offering of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education.

Survey respondents also cited tough competition for tertiary education entrance and the varying validity of certain degree courses as other sources of unease.

Chairman of the Study Group Edward Lee Chi-shing said although there is a plethora of programs available, a lack of guidance services has made choosing their academic path confusing.

Adding to the confusion was the fact that not all degrees offered in Hong Kong are recognized, such as the social work associate degree program at Lingnan University, he said.

"In today's increasingly competitive work place, students need more skills and academic qualifications, but in the current education system, which operates along the lines of market forces, further education can be prohibitively expensive," he said.

The Study Group is calling on the government to send a clear policy message for young people and to set up education centers to provide counseling and careers guidance.

Wong also said the government should provide subsidies for local students and expand funding to the University Grants Committee to create more places for students.

Wong referred to the Commission on Youth as a token gesture to address the concerns of young people. He said the commission's board should include a balance of young people and the older professionals who now dominate its governance.

He said social workers specializing in career planning should also be better promoted, remarking that their services were under-used in schools that provided them because of school yard stigma attached to seeing social workers.

China Daily

(HK Edition 06/10/2010 page1)