Is Hong Kong's competitiveness under threat? Given that access to the Mainland no longer depends on passing through Hong Kong, and given the existence of numerous other markets around the region and the world, the question facing most young people is whether Hong Kong's competitiveness is under threat. On July 16th at the Hong Kong Youth Leadership Forum 2010, this question will be at the fore. 1000 of the city's brightest young people will gather to discuss the issue and hear from outstanding leaders in the community. The Forum will be the second organized by the Federation as part of its continued commitment to leadership development. The Forum will serve as a platform bringing today's leaders together to share their experience and wisdom with those who will lead tomorrow. Through this interchange of ideas and thoughts, the young participants will have the opportunity to learn firsthand how to deal with constantly evolving global issues which have a direct impact on their livelihood, and the way they prepare for their future. Speakers at this year's Forum include Mr Michael Geoghegan, Group Chief Executive, HSBC Holdings plc and Chairman, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. There will be a keynote address and discussions will be led by The Hon Ronald Arculli, Non-official Member of The Executive Council; The Hon Prof KC Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Dr Raymond Kuo-fung Ch'ien, GBS, JP, Chairman, MTR Corporation Ltd and Chairman, Hang Seng Bank Ltd and Mr Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. For more details contact Heinz tel 2169 0255, or visit leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk Just published Poll Survey on the Shanghai World Expo theme: a better urban life The survey of 507 young people aged 15-34 was conducted from 23 April-27 May. 39.7% of the respondents took the view that a high quality, civil lifestyle was the most important determining factor in urban life. 27.7% thought the quality of the environment was the most important factor. When asked which were the most interesting parts of the Expo, the design of the pavilions and technological products were rated most highly, by 41.6% and 25.9% respectively. 45.2% of respondents said they felt involved in the Expo as a result of watching TV or listening to the radio. For 43.3%, a sense of involvement came through reading newspapers. The majority (84.1%) agreed that hosting a world expo was an important step forward for China's integration with the international community. Nearly 60% said that their confidence in China's prospects as a nation had increased over the past year while 51.7% said their concern about affairs in the mainland had risen. Call Sharon, tel 3755 7039, for more details of the poll, Youth Poll 196. A Chinese press release is at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/p196.html Youth's Views on the 2012 Constitutional Reform Package The survey of 508 young people aged 18-34 was conducted from 1-16 June 2010. 50% of the respondents said they supported the package as a step forward in the political system. 31.7% said they would oppose the package and would prefer a standstill in order 'to strive towards excellence.' 39.3% said that they would vote in favour of the package if they were legislative councillors, whereas 24.7% said they would vote against it. An average of 49.4 points out of 100 was given to the performance of the HKSAR Government in promoting the package. 17.9% said that they were familiar with its contents. Call Sharon, tel 3755 7039 for more details of the poll, Youth Poll 197. For the full Chinese press release visit http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/p197.html   Many thanks to partners HKFYG．Mission Hills Junior Golf Tour 2010 This annual summer programme at Mission Hills gives aspiring young golfers the opportunity to play at one of the largest golf clubs in the world. They learn both techniques and etiquette. Videos of their performance help them to improve. 20 participants, aged 11-17, include beginners and intermediate players. This year it takes place on Wednesday 21 July and Thursday 22 July. Contact Shermaine or Katie, tel 3755 7072, or visit syp.u21.hk Green Rooftop Project for HKFYG supported by Environment & Conservation Fund and Environmental Campaign Committee Sincere thanks go to the Environment & Conservation Fund and the Environmental Campaign Committee for financing the Green Roof System on the roof of the HKFYG Building in North Point. The project will not only help reduce the urban heat island effect, it will also enhance the energy efficiency of the building. It is a wonderful way to show young people that green spaces are good for us all. Furthermore, this environment-friendly, green and pleasant space gives staff and visitors somewhere to be calm and relax. Contact Lillian, tel 3755 7099, for further information. uIsland: a new programme with APART uIsland is an innovative platform which connects creative, passionate youth in a new partnership programme with APART. The programme's motto is Capture Ur Dream. uIsland is located in uCup, UG48 CityWalk, at HKFYG's SPOT21 and at uCup@APART. It has three components, a Youth Talent Showcase, a Celebrity Charity Bazaar, and the uChannel Studio. These nurture young designers and promote home-grown Hong Kong brand names. uIsland unites youth with shared passions who have a talent for producing original art. It also provides a sophisticated retail environment that encourages visitors to browse, explore, and choose from a wide range of original youth-produced items. Contact Chung, tel 3755 7021, for more details. Manulife partners HKFYG Shanghai World Expo Tour HKFYG would like to thank Manulife (International) Limited for supporting its Shanghai World Expo tour, taking 500 students by train to explore the exhibition. All partnership contributions such as this are most gratefully acknowledged. News Hang Seng Bank Leaders to Leaders Lecture by Dr Rita Fan Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, GBM, GBS, JP, will speak on the subject of The Relentless Pursuit of Success on 17 July. This lecture is part of the Hang Seng Bank Leaders to Leaders series. Students will gather in University of Hong Kong's Rayson Huang Theatre at 10.30am to listen to the lecture (in Cantonese). Contact Rita, for full details, tel 2169 0255. Presentation of Felix Wong Youth Improvement Awards A ceremony will be held in the auditorium at the HKFYG from 10:30am till 12 noon on 10 July. Mr Patrick Nip, JP, Director of Social Welfare, will be presenting prizes as our officiating guest. He will also deliver a message of encouragement to some 400 young people, teachers and parents. Contact Siu-man, tel 3755 7066 for more information.