...Poverty and Social Security in Hong Kong – Not at All Easy Hong Kong undoubtedly is an important financial centre in the world. Citizens are proud when they compare the GDP per capita between Hong Kong and other advanced countries and find they are of those most privileged in the globe. Despite its excellent economic advancement, the problem of poverty is prevalent among the labour class who live in the lower part of the socioeconomic pile. In fact, poverty in Hong Kong is no less serious than that in many developing of developed countries, no matter in terms of absolute or relative poverty. In the paragraphs below the extent of poverty in Hong Kong would be examined in terms of the trend and size of the poverty population and the effect of poverty. It will be followed by an analysis in the government’s reaction towards the poverty population, which is the social security system today. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the attempt to tackle poverty would be assessed. What Indeed Is Poverty in a Large City, Specifically in Hong Kong? Some people may underestimate the poverty which a city faces. Presumable they are still able to at least feed themselves, and this is already far better than the situation in some developing countries. However, when we investigate and compare poverty in both places after drawing up a definition, one would find poverty in cities not as easy as they presume. The definition of poverty has been a long debate between scholars of social policies...
Words: 3425 - Pages: 14
...Environmental Excellence | Winner | Nestle Philippines | Greening The Supply Chain | Philippines | | | Merit Awardee | Unilever Indonesia | The Sustainable Clean Brantas River Program | Indonesia | | | Merit Awardee | Mass Transit Railway Corporation | Sustainability Report 2001 & 2002 | Hong Kong | | Support & Improvement of Education | Winner | Tat Consultancy Services | Adult Literacy Program | India | | | Merit Awardee | Coca Cola Foundation, Inc. | Creative Writing Workshop on Children’s Books | Philippines | | | Merit Awardee | Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Corp. Phils. (HSBC) | Model of Excellence School in Esteban Abada | Philippines | | Best CSR Policies | Winner | Union Cement Corporation | Union Social Development and Management Program | Philippines | | | Merit Awardee | Unocal Thailand | The Social Responsibility Ambassadors Program | Thailand | | | Merit Awardee | Central Azucarera Don Pedro | The Community Development Program | Philippines | | Poverty Alleviation | Winner | Hindalco Industries | Integrated Rural Poverty Alleviation Program | India | | | Merit Awardee | Allen & Overy | Supporting “Helpers from Domestic Helpers” | Hong Kong | | | Merit Awardee | Seylan Bank | Comprehensive Microfinance for Micro-sector Empowerment | Sri Lank | | Special Achievement Award | Winner | Philippine Business for Social Progress | | Philippines | 2004 | Best Workplace Practices | Winner | Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd...
Words: 1901 - Pages: 8
...A. Introduction Hong Kong has been transformed from a city of poor migrants in the 1960s to one of the most affluent and influential cities in the world in the 21st century. Despite Hong Kong's impressive economic achievements, many people remain poor, especially the elderly. Increasingly also there are single parent families, the sick and disabled, and the unemployed. A group which experiences sever difficulties is new immigrants from China. These families suffer considerable hardship. As a result, Social Security becomes an important issue in Hong Kong. Social Security is societal and collective measures to provide financial and psychological security to people of the community against certain risk in and contingencies of life, especially when certain life-risk and contingencies can hardly be resolved by individuals' effort. The typical examples are retirement, accidents, misfortune, maternity, illness, death, poverty, disability etc. One of the aspects of social security measures is income protection at times of poverty, especially provide support for the immediate needs of the people. Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) in Hong Kong is an example. Social security can also diversify the risks and redistribute the resources within the society. It functions as a social insurance scheme. Attaining the goal of mutual help. Furthermore, social security likes a retirement scheme distributing the resources over one's lifetime. The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)...
Words: 1826 - Pages: 8
...Newcomer <Course> November 01, 2013 <Instructor> Comparing Hong Kong and United States Heath Care Systems The United States is currently in the process of a health care reform which will change the current private sector health care program into a universal healthcare system. A great example of a universal healthcare program is Hong Kong. There are other countries that have changed from a private to a public health care system, but Hong Kong has shown that they have done it best. When comparing Hong Kong’s healthcare system to the United States healthcare system, the strengths and weaknesses of both will be revealed. In Hong Kong the government feels that no one should ever be denied the access to adequate healthcare. Hong Kong’s health care system includes both public and private insurance. The government has a very heavy involvement in Hong Kong’s healthcare. The reform that Hong Kong made to their health care system has earned them the ranking of the “world’s most efficient health care system.” (The Daily Briefing, 2013) While Hong Kong is being ranked as the world’s best, the United States is being ranked as one of the world’s worst health care systems. The United States and Hong Kong both consist of a public and private healthcare system. Even though Hong Kong has a universal healthcare system they still use the private sector as well. The private sector in Hong Kong provides nearly 70% of out-patient services. They provide a range of specialist...
Words: 1182 - Pages: 5
...Barriers to Asset Building of Working Poor in Hong Kong Subject: Doing Policy Research Subject Code: APSS 3220 Lecturer: Dr. Chen Juan Student Name: Sai Kwan (10704047D) Table of Content No. | Title | Page | 1 | Abstract and Introduction | 2 | 2 | Literature Review Situation of Working Poor in Hong Kong Introduction to Asset Building Asset Building Policies in Hong Kong Theory of Determinants of Asset Accumulation Conceptual Framework for Determinants on Asset Building Barriers to Asset Building in the US Context | 3 | 3 | Research Objectives, Questions, and Design | 8 | 4 | Research Findings Situation of Asset Building of Working Poor in Hong Kong Barriers to Asset Building of Working Poor in Hong Kong | 9 | 5 | Discussion and Summary | 17 | 6 | Policy Implications | 17 | 7 | Limitation of the Research | 19 | 8 | Conclusion | 20 | 9 | References | 21 | 10 | Appendixes | 24 | 1 Abstract - It is widely acknowledged that the numbers of working poor in Hong Kong is tremendously increasing. This paper looks at the barriers of working poor’s asset-building which haven’t intensively discussed by both the government and academicians in Hong Kong. I conducted survey of 45 working poor and 6 intensive interviews. Results revealed that financial...
Words: 10270 - Pages: 42
...The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine Faculty Graduation a... HOME REGISTRATION CEREMONY INFORMATION Speech by Professor Lung Ying-tai PHOTO Page 1 of 3 HKU 185th CONGREGRATION 中文譯本 Faculty Graduation and Prize Presentation Ceremony November 28, 2011 Members of the faculty, distinguished guests, proud parents, and graduates: Enquiry: HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine Tel: (852) 2819 2851 Fax: (852) 2974 0678 Email: medfac@hku.hk Speech by Professor Lung Ying-tai I am most reluctant in giving graduation addresses because the given audience is usually the worst kind --before you open your mouth, they wish you were already done, and whatever you say, they are determined that they won't remember a thing once they are out of the hall. Under these tough circumstances, I still have to say that it's not only an honor and pleasure for me to be here with you today; it's also a calculated pre-emptive measure because sooner or later, one way or another, I am going to fall into your hands. And when our paths do cross, I naturally would hope that you are not only professionally excellent but also socially committed and compassionate. Today is the graduation ceremony for your Study Phase I, medicine, and it's also the inauguration ceremony for your Study Phase II, the study of life. So I'd like to share with you some of my own notes about life. I grew up in a port city in southern Taiwan called Kaohsiung...
Words: 2313 - Pages: 10
...expressed by ordinary people, who make up the majority of the population, and we talked to business people, both big corporations and local traders alike. We attended numerous other activities, met with Members of the Election Committee and answered their queries. Every step of the way, we were accompanied by the media, reporting and helping us to spread our messages to those who were not able to come to the gatherings. We were mindful that every proposal which we put forward would be examined and every promise which we made would be remembered, and we fully expected that we would be held accountable. As I have repeatedly said during my campaign, I face not just Members of the Election Committee but the seven million citizens of Hong Kong. I hold myself accountable to them, each and every one. I have placed before my fellow citizens my vision...
Words: 23558 - Pages: 95
...annual growth of five percent in an international market are attainable if Joe Smith chooses to enter the following countries ranked in order: Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. The method used to score the countries is based on taking the sum of the each of doing business rate and the inflation rate minus the GDP per capita percentage increase from 2009 to 2012. Ranked #1 is Hong Kong with a score of 2 + 3.7 – 22 = -16.3. As a result of this scoring method, Hong Kong is rated first when choosing a country for Blackberry to expand its market in. Having a fast-pace environment and with all its technological advancements, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most connected cities. They have experienced a fairly large increase in their GDP per capita at 22% over the past four years (2009-2012), while experiencing a low inflation rate of 3.7%. In addition, Hong Kong has a ranking of 2 on the Ease of Doing Business Index which has remained stable over the past five years. These factors contribute to determining whether or not the Blackberry Playbook 2 can succeed in the current environment. About 84% of Hong Kong’s population lives above the poverty line so already this suggests that majority of the population can afford to purchase cellphones as a commodity. There is a high usage value for cell phones with a penetration rate of 163%. Hong Kong is known to be one of the world’s most business-friendly regulatory environments with a transparent government and moderate tariff controls...
Words: 1387 - Pages: 6
...Macroeconomics 224-1404A-02 Unit 5 Individual Project Page 2 Hong Kong and Singapore are both tremendously small, but extremely open to international trade. Both countries are also very advanced. Both countries are very parallel in many ways. Both countries at one point served as major trading ports. Hong Kong’s economy is usually the same. At one point they suffered an international economic crisis. A few years after the crisis the economic grate rate rose to 6.8 percent. Hong Kong is considered to be the Gateway for China when it comes to trading. World Bank mission is to help progress and grasp goals of its people by working with its associates to improve poverty. Some of the methods the use to help economic growth is knowledge and learning, post conflict and fragile states, global public goods, and focusing on the poorest country. Both Singapore and Hong Kong must have a market economy because they are industrialized. Knowledge and learning would be a good methods for Hong Kong. Learning what to do and what not to do when it comes to trading. Trying to stay ahead of other countries with similarities and who are considered trading ports. Singapore has a promising economic location and accomplished workforce. Singapore most fast emerging sectors of its economy is communication transport, trade and exports. Unit 5 Individual Project Page 3 References IMF. (2010). World Economic Outlook. International Monetary Fund. Hong Kong Data and Country Report. (2011)...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...Understanding Society – SOSC 1850 Notes Lecture 1 Common Question Answers 1) Britain and US highest teenage pregnancy 2) 36% of US believe in Aliens 3) Suicides highest number of deaths 4) 60% of gun related were suicides 5) False not double stress of US that results in higher rates of suicide 6) Over 65 most suicides 7) Canada and Australia have highest kidnapping rates 8) Sweden highest rape rate 9) ¾ steal in office 10) False couples live tgt more satisfied 11) True, Womens brain are smaller 12) 11 women in legco 13) Plumber is a women 14) Margaret Thatcher did Chemistry for undergraduate Lecture 2 What is Sociology? - The big picture. * The group, culture, of organization, rather than the individual. Lots of people talk about society, but are they sociologists? No they are individualistic thinkers. They talk about individual people and cases instead of the group. Individualistic thinking at Universities: Professors award individual students with grades based on their ‘individual’ merits. What would the SOCIOLOGIST ask? Do some students have to work to earn money? Do some students have to spend time commuting to campus (no dorms!)? Do some students have family responsibilities.? Do some courses/majors have more generous grading procedures than others? Why are there more A students now than there were twenty years ago??? When and Why did sociological thinking begin? SOCRATES: “An unexamined life is not worth living...
Words: 5066 - Pages: 21
...Hong Kong Disney Land Marketing Plan Executive Review Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD) vision is to be Asia’s premier resort destination creating magical memories for our guests, cast and community HKD resort’s mission is to inspire happiness and deliver a world class experience through creativity, great leadership and a passionate cast HKD has made a start that was not as successful as expected in the beginning of 2005, as the annual attendance was 5 million short of the expectations. This unsuccessful start was partly due to some misunderstandings of the Chinese culture, some operational problems that resulted in long queues and dissatisfied employees along with dissatisfied customers as well, which resulted in a negative publicity about HKD In 2006, HKD aims to achieve an annual attendance of 12 million visitors and to turn around the negative publicity that occurred in 2005. These optimistic goals will be achieved by modifying the product offer, the way it is offered and the employee offering it. Also corrective measures should be taken to improve HKD publicity Situational Analysis Macro environment Analysis Political/Legal Situation: Hong Kong is a Chinese Special Administrative Region which gives the opportunity of implementing the policy of "one country, two systems". The government is economically liberal but currently lacks universal suffrage except for District Council elections and Legislative council seats for geographical constituencies Hong Kong Legislative...
Words: 5914 - Pages: 24
...Affluent businessmen in Hong Kong raised funds amounting to Ninety Million Pesos (P90,000,000.00), in just one night, to help the ‘ultrapoor’ in the Philippines. The ultrapoor they considered are the ones who live on P13.00 or less a day. This was all made possible by the International Care Ministries (ICM) who helped raise funds for 1.7 million people who are scattered in 17 provinces of the Philippines. The ICM board chairperson, David Sutherland, said that the underlying cause of poverty is rooted on fatalism and the antidote to fatalism is hope. I can relate this news to our previous lesson in our religion subject which is about the Good Samaritan. As most of us know, there are a lot of people in Hong Kong who hate on us, Filipinos. It can be clearly seen in the news nowadays how some people in Hong Kong treat our fellow Filipinos who work there. Most of the stories were usually abusing and harassing the Filipinos. I can relate this to the story of The Good Samaritan because in the story, the Samaritans and Jews were not in good terms or they generally despised each other. Yet, a Samaritan helped a Jew who got beaten up and was left almost lifeless. I can see this story in the news I chose because no matter how some of the people in Hong Kong hate the Filipinos, there are still good-hearted men out there, who I consider as Good Samaritans, who just wants peace and everything better. They see that there is fatalism going on in our country and they go out of their way just...
Words: 311 - Pages: 2
...independent film has depicted disaffected or problem youth touched upon global and local issues especially with his 1997 Trilogy referring to the lives and reactions of Hong Kong youngsters in response to the 1997 hangover, which induced local and global issues. This essay is going to focus on Made in Hong Kong, which youth characters are dominant in it. I will firstly discuss how the local issues being represented by scenes and then shift to the global one. As an independent film, Made in Hong Kong shows the anxiety and confusion of marginalized youth in the society, they are a group of people who may easily be ignored by the society. Fruit Chan has successfully depicted the local issues through the film by using visual motif, monologue, settings and graphic blocking. He has brought up the youth problem, the grass-rooted family problem and the identity problem arose by authority change in 1997 to the society. In the 90s, a rise of gangster movies certainly promoted a sense of heroism for the youth. The society idealized the images of being a gangster and overlooked the panicky side of the youngsters. The main characters Moon, Ah Lung, Ah Ping and Susan in the movie represent the problem youth in the society. The monologue of Moon at the very beginning unveils the failure of educational system in Hong Kong. As an exam-oriented society, elites with good academic results are highly praised but for those cannot obtain high marks are doomed to failure. Moon being the later one...
Words: 1283 - Pages: 6
...Due to the influence of globalization and reforms in higher education conducted in Hong Kong since the 1997s, there have been more and more higher education institutions established in Hong Kong in recent years(Lee.2014,p.15) However, some inevitable concerns are raised about the quality of some private institutions which require expensive tuitions.( Hornsby and Osman,2014) Besides, it is uncertain that whether the massification in higher education can contribute to social upward mobility or not(Mok,2015).This report will outline the trend and concerns about expansion of higher education in Hong Kong. In addition, this paper will recommend some solutions that can be done to improve the current situation in the end. 1. The trend of expansion of Higher Education in Hong Kong Higher education sector has experienced unprecedented expansion in the past more than 20 years, which contributes to the significant increase in the enrollment of higher education institutions in Hong Kong. According to an official report written by University Grants Committee (2014, as cited in Lee, 2015), only about 2579 students were admitted to higher education institutions (HEI) (which was just 2.2% among the relevant age group) in 1980. However, 17058 students, 21.3% of relevant age group, went to higher education sector in 2013. The figures mentioned above show the obvious trend of the expansion of HIE in Hong Kong. Nowadays, due to the still increasing demand, the expansion has the tendency to continue...
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...to address the issue. Are the new measures the solution? Ming Yeung asks. There can be no doubt that the administration of Leung Chun-ying is determined to tackle acute poverty — almost certainly the greatest blight, and the greatest potential threat to the sustainability of Hong Kong’s standing in the global community. And to demonstrate that determination, the chief executive, in his January 15 policy address, announced bold new initiatives to help those who always have been overlooked in the fight against poverty — the working poor. One of the most important measures, and surely the most widely applauded, is the proposed Low-Income Working Family Allowance for working families earning only subsistence incomes despite their gainful employment. The program will cost taxpayers HK$3 billion in its first year — 2015. Details will be coming in the next month or so and then will come the public discussion. Even before the complete details are revealed, however, experts already are saying the government has not gone far enough to assist society’s most vulnerable. About 710,000 people fall under the scope of the latest proposals aimed at ameliorating poverty. Among them are 180,000 children, living in 200,000 households. Nearly half of those households, some 92,400, show earnings falling below the poverty line, which is set at half the city’s median income. Means test The entitlement entails a formula including family income, working hours and the number of children...
Words: 1745 - Pages: 7
