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Adjusting to life with AI
Lai Cho-tsam, Pope Paul VI College
As students, reading about the gloominess of the entry-level job market feels like a door is being slammed in our faces before we have even reached the threshold.
We are being squeezed by a “double whammy”: a sluggish global economy and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence.
We are entering a workforce in which entry-level tasks like data entry, basic drafting and administrative support are being automated at lightning speed. Fewer roles are available and the remaining ones require experience that graduates do not yet have.
To stay competitive, students must pivot their focus in two ways. First, we must embrace “AI-fluency”. We should treat AI as a tool to enhance our productivity, learning how to prompt and manage these systems so that we become the “architects” of the work rather than the “labourers”.
Second, we must double down on “human-centric” skills that technology cannot easily replicate: emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and complex negotiation.
Networking and internships have also never been more vital; in a shrinking market, personal connections and soft skills can differentiate a human candidate from an algorithm.
Lessons on ambition
Jasmine Hong Mingxin, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School
I recently read the book The Devil Wears Prada, from which the movie of the same name was adapted. The two main characters teach us a lot about ambition: one prioritises power while the other chooses self-respect.
As a student, my top priority is self-satisfaction. While students should be humble to improve their academic performance and achieve better results in the future, self-satisfaction can motivate us to pursue our goals and maintain our mental well-being.
In the book, Miranda Priestly sacrifices a lot in her pursuit of power, including her family, her marriage and her friendships.
Meanwhile, Andy Sachs realises that although she is succeeding in her job, she is unwilling to sacrifice her relationships and dignity for her career.
As a student, I make every choice carefully and calmly to increase my future opportunities, so I admire Andy for making the best decision for herself.
Stories like this show us that, although ambition is important, we must ensure we are not sacrificing what we hold dear in pursuit of success. Ultimately, giving up key parts of ourselves could harm our growth more than help it.
Examining the seat belt law
Muse Cheng Lai-ching, Tak Nga Secondary School
I am writing to share my opinion on the shortcomings of the seat belt policy. The government launched a seat belt policy requiring passengers to wear them. However, this controversial policy had many shortcomings and was suspended five days after its implementation.
For example, the policy only covered new vehicles registered after late January, meaning that passengers were not required to wear seat belts in vehicles registered before then.
In addition, there was no requirement that seat belts be inspected first. It is possible that seat belts could be deliberately destroyed or tampered with, leading to passenger inconvenience and safety concerns.
In one instance, a 40-year-old passenger was trapped after a seat belt buckle jammed on a bus, and he had to be rescued by firefighters. It was suspected that someone had deliberately tampered with it. Thankfully, no one was injured, but what if the passenger was an elderly person or a child?
Although the policy reflected the government’s good intentions, it ultimately fell short of its goal and requires more consideration.
Highlighting heritage
Angel Chan Ka-yi, Pope Paul VI College
Recently, I participated in the “Mobile Intangible Cultural Heritage” project on campus, which featured captivating games and exhibitions focused on Hakka culture. I learned the fascinating history behind Poon Choi, a traditional Cantonese feast.
Traditionally, an entire village would gather for this feast to celebrate bountiful harvests or joyful occasions, such as the birth of a child. I also learned about the tradition of lighting lanterns to celebrate the birth of a son and to pray for good luck. Furthermore, I was intrigued to see old books that used Cantonese phonetic spelling to transcribe English words. Discovering these delightful cultural nuances made me realise how valuable it is to preserve our traditions.
Through these intangible heritages, younger generations can catch a glimpse into the lives and historical landscapes of our ancestors.
These customs allow us to feel the progress of time and understand the deep symbolism behind our roots. Engaging in such experiences fosters a strong sense of identity and highlights the unwavering spirit that these traditions embody.
