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Cue the challenge
Hayley Sum, St Paul’s Convent School
Although Hong Kong has recently lifted the ban on children under 16 entering snooker halls between 8pm and 10am, current efforts to promote the sport are still inadequate. The limited availability of facilities and the dissatisfaction among aspiring professional players are significant obstacles to the growth of snooker in Hong Kong.
Teenage snooker star Shaun Liu had suggested in an interview with the South China Morning Post that his decision to move to the UK was motivated by better opportunities for success there. This raises the issue of whether resources in Hong Kong are adequate to support aspiring snooker players. With only a limited number of private snooker halls and just one government-funded dedicated snooker venue at the Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre, players find it challenging to locate convenient places to practise.
The addition of two or three more billiard tables in facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) would significantly alleviate demand for affordable playing venues.
The Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong has acknowledged the sport’s gradual decline in popularity. Earlier this year, the Council announced the 2025/26 Snooker Promotion Scheme on its website. Posters displayed in LCSD facilities have further promoted the programme. Classes are being held at seven private snooker halls across three districts, and the response has been enthusiastic.
How likely is this scheme to successfully discover promising talent in the field? The courses are designed for teenagers and adults who are well past the typical age range for professional snooker players, who usually start playing between eight and 12 years old. To truly foster the sport’s future growth, wouldn’t it make more sense for the courses to also target younger participants?
Recently, three world-class snooker players – Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Neil Robertson – have gained Hong Kong residency. This trend highlights Hong Kong’s potential as an international hub for the sport. Efforts to solidify this identity are under way, as a contract has been signed to host World Snooker Grand Prix events in the city for the next five years.
Installing additional tables and easing restrictions are just the initial steps in revitalising the sport. With many top players considering Hong Kong their second home and the introduction of international competitions in local stadiums, there has never been a better opportunity to give the sport a significant boost. This is especially important for young players who aspire to make a career in snooker.
Food for thought
Nicholas Gao, Chinese International School
In 2023, Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department reported that approximately 3,191 tonnes of food were wasted daily in the city. This accounts for 30 per cent of all municipal solid waste, according to the Environmental Protection Department.
Wastage can occur due to inadequate inventory management, overproduction and consumer overbuying. The city’s three main landfills have exacerbated this complication. Some projections expect these landfills to reach capacity by 2026, while others estimate 2030, making the situation increasingly urgent.
The Hong Kong government is exploring the possibility of creating new landfill sites. However, this has proven to be challenging in a city where land is scarce.
The government has acknowledged the issue of food waste; however, its initiatives have been ineffective thus far.
In 2014, the city’s Environment Bureau set a goal in the Food Waste Plan to reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills by 40 per cent. As of 2023, only an 11 per cent reduction had been achieved.
The government has tried to emphasise the seriousness of the food waste issue to the public. However, many residents remain unaware of the consequences of food waste. Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, told the South China Morning Post in an interview last year that both regular individuals and restaurant owners may not fully understand the guidelines.
To help with the food waste problem, NGOs have stepped up to play their part. For example, Carla Martinesi from food-saving app Chomp launched a sustainable dining experience in Hong Kong, which saved 1,443kg of food and 2,920kg of CO2.
South Korea is recognised for having an impressive food recycling rate of around 98 per cent. The country charges residents based on the weight of the food waste they throw away, which helps discourage excessive purchasing. Additionally, the government has launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of food waste.
Hong Kong’s six per cent food recycling rate pales in comparison, and the government’s waste-charging scheme has fallen short due to a lack of public interest and planning. Ultimately, Hong Kong’s government and citizens must step up to resolve this pressing issue.
