Education accounts for a quarter of Government spending as it is key to Hong Kong's future. With this, Financial Secretary John Tsang urges young people to equip themselves with both general and specialised knowledge to prepare for an ever-changing world.

He said mutual trust and exchanges between youngsters and their parents are necessary for better family ties.

Youth group: Financial Secretary John Tsang chats with Kwun Tong Maryknoll College students, gives them books and encourages them to build up a reading habit. The students presented him with a drawing of Chinese folk tale The Lotus Lantern.

Student sit-down

Mr Tsang recently met with five Kwun Tong Maryknoll College students, who will sit for the Certificate of Education Examination next year, to discuss with them topics such as further studies and arts education. Being a father of two, the Financial Secretary also shared tips on parent-child relations.

"My children and I always chat on all sorts of topics. This helps me understand them better so that I can offer them the best advice. To encourage them to express themselves freely, my key is nurturing mutual trust with them, letting them know that talking to me is risk-free," Mr Tsang said.

"When I was young, my parents also gave me this kind of assurance so I could talk to them without any restraints. Trust is a very important factor for all relationships, but it takes time to build up. Therefore, parents should start trust-building with their children when they are young. For a better parent-child relationship, more exchanges are also necessary."

Mr Tsang said there are different ways for children to show their love and support to parents, adding that mutual respect is the key for harmonious family ties and a better world.

To encourage the youngsters to cherish the people and things around them, including their parents, Mr Tsang shared with them the Chinese folk tale The Lotus Lantern, which is about a brave boy who experienced lots of difficulties while rescuing his mother. He was presented with a drawing on the story prepared by one of the students, Chan Hin-kwong.

Career advice

Noting the students, majoring in science subjects and having a strong interest in art, will sit for the Certificate of Education Examination next year, Mr Tsang encouraged them to communicate with their parents more on their expectations and needs.

"Different people have different abilities, strengths and potential. Some may prefer to pursue their academic studies, some prefer to take up vocational training, and some need more time to think about their future. Therefore, we offer a wide range of choices, helping young people to achieve their goals.

"No one knows better what suits you most than yourself. You can pick a suitable path taking into account your interests and abilities. Remember to let your parents know about your decisions so that they can give you advice and offer you solutions when you are in doubt."

Art smarts

Mr Tsang also shared with the students his passion for art and urged them to visit museums more.

"When I studied in Stuyvesant High School in New York City, going to museums was my favourite past-time during weekends and my interest in art is still growing. Art forms part of our daily life and stimulates our mind and creativity," he said.

"Art is also a means to improving the parent-child relationship. I always visited museums with my children when they were young. Through these visits our exchanges enhanced and we knew each other better."

To encourage the students to read more, learn English and be more creative, Mr Tsang presented them with books, including Robert Henri's The Art Spirit, Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie and Spencer Johnson's The Present, as well as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 10th Anniversary Figurines.