Hong Kong

Beijing and Hong Kong’s pan-democratic movement.

Posted on by theclickbook

by RJ Barrete

The on-going campaign in Hong Kong to achieve genuine democracy seems to be on a snail pace, if not at a dead end. Despite massive clamor for electoral reform, the campaign’s success remains uncertain.

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Hong Kong is a special administrative region part of the People’s Republic of China | Photo: University of Nottingham, UK

Aside from universal suffrage, much of the campaign for genuine Hong Kong democracy focus on the nomination process for the city’s chief executive. Beijing consistently insists on its own interpretation of the Basic Law, which argues that the chief executive must be an “individual who loves the country and loves Hong Kong.” This biased interpretation, however, has led to a string of pro-Beijing chief executives that always favors the central government, ostensibly to avoid tensions.

In 2013, Li Fei, chairman of Beijing’s Basic Law Committee, announced a select group of Hong Kongers will filter nominations for the position of chief executive. This is despite vigorous campaign from democratic activists– called the “pan-democrats” in Hong Kong– who advocate a fair process wherein all voters would be able to have a say in the nomination process.

Article 45 of the Basic Law provides that the ultimate objective is the selection of the chief executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures. Pan-democrats question the composition of the nominating committee, however, since they are almost always composed of pro-Beijing members.

The problem is that Hong Kong is not an independent political entity. As a constituent dependency of the People’s Republic of China, it cannot simply adopt national election models without Beijing’s approval. This why the central government has always insisted that it has the authority,and even the right, to guide Hong Kong’s political maturity. In practice, therefore, any democratic reforms must emanate from Beijing; and in the event that Beijing decrees these reforms, there would be implications on the pan-democratic movement.

Any democratic reforms that are gained through Beijing’s blessings could be seen as a result of the central government’s largess, not of the Hong Kong people’s sovereign will. This will further legitimize Beijing’s reign as the highest authority in Hong Kong’s political affairs– a potential challenge to the notion that, as per the Basic Law, the city should always remain a democracy.

Now, will the pan-democrats be willing to accept such a political relationship between the city and the central government? As things stand, it will absolutely take time to rebuild trust between Beijing and the pan-democratic movement.

At the end of the day, genuine democracy will remain a dream for the people of Hong Kong unless Beijing becomes willing to trade its ace and acquiesce to the pan-democratic movement. But is the movement ready for the political consequences of Beijing’s approval?

Originally published: The Observers

Families of Victims of Manila Bus Siege Demand for Apology

Posted on by theclickbook

The Manila Bus Hostage incident that happened on August 23, 2010, where 8 Hong Kong nationals were awfully killed by the disgruntled former senior inspector, Rolando Mendoza is now creating a backlash to the Philippine National Government over its poor handling of the incident that cause the death of the hostages.

Surviving victims and its families have clamored for a public apology from the Philippines, as well as monetary compensation and for erring officials to be out of office to hold accountability over the hostage-taking incident.

Hong Kong demands for public apology from the Philippine government PHOTO: SCMP

In retrospect, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and now the incumbent Mayor of Manila already expressed his apology to the survivors; however two of the survivors dismissed the mayor’s statement.

Recently, Li Keqiang, the current Premier of the People’s Republic of China and party secretary of the State Council expressed his dismay over Aquino where public apology has not been rendered yet. He urged President Benigno Aquino to resolve the issue as soon as possible, taking the negotiation to a new diplomatic level.

Amidst pressure on Aquino, the families of the victims of the bus siege and other political analysts considered it as a “breakthrough” that would delegate pressure on the Philippines.

According to a report, Premier Li had a short dialogue with Aquino during the East Asia Summit held in Indonesia. Li stated that the incident had dragged on for long enough and had affected the feelings of the people in China, especially Hong Kong compatriots.

Yesterday, Department of Justice Secretary, Leila De Lima, told reporters that she was never instructed by President Aquino to make the official apology that the Hong Kong government has been seeking. According to reports, Aquino decided and agreed to send De Lima to Hong Kong to orient victims’ families on the judicial process and status of their cases.

However, the DOJ Secretary denied about the rumors of her trip to Hong Kong for the president has not discussed the issue with her.

Aquino insisted that he will not release any statement for an apology, saying the lone gunman was to blame.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party stated yesterday that the government should hang up all exchanges with, and put a restriction on products from the Philippines to boost the Hong Kong’s bargaining power ahead of an upcoming ministerial meeting. It ran after pan-democrats party would seek a law to ban Filipino domestic helpers from working in Hong Kong to put pressure on Aquino. Furthermore, the group wants the government to inflict economic sanctions on the Philippines to press for a resolution that could translate for a formal apology from the Philippines

Presently, there is a suggestion from the Liberal Party Chairwoman Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee that all Hong Kongers will write to Aquino, firmly demanding for an apology.

Follow me on Twitter: @rjamesbarrete

Beijing expressed rejection over public nomination for Chief Executive in 2017

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Hong Kong’s demand for genuine democratic reform is still served in debates by the central government, democratic groups, the academe and other stakeholders. Amidst extreme clamor from Hong Kong’s public, the Central Government Adviser on Hong Kong expressed rejection over public nomination for the Chief Executive post in 2017. According to a state researcher, Beijing’s proposal to limit public to non-binding recommendations for the upcoming election depends on what the central government will allow. However, allowing any measure of democratic action from the public might open for a compromising step on Beijing’s political stability. If then granted, crippling Beijing’s political move and even further damage its relationship with the pseudo-democratic city. Its stand over the issue of dismissing electoral reform would mean concession at some point. Thus, providing affirmation to an urgent need to a more democratic selection of its leaders.

Consistently, Beijing argues that allowing public nomination and granting universal suffrage are against the fundamental principles of the Basic Law. There are emerging proposals, however, in order to solve the conflict or at least satisfy the clamor for electoral reform – the creation of a small committee solely granted with the authority of nominating candidates through the process of one man, one vote system. At one point, this proposal can be considered since factions among various stakeholders are still in play. Notably, however, this type of system would open the gates of doubt and corruption as this might further forward Beijing’s interests.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung PHOTO: CBCNews

In retrospect, last July 1st, over thousand of pro-democratic protesters rallied in the streets of Hong Kong eagerly demanding for universal suffrage. Pan-democrats have called for a public nomination defined that anyone who can secure a certain number of nomination should then be declared a candidate.

Ironically, Dong Likun, a senior research fellow of the Institute of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs emphasized that the elected Chief Executive must possess patriotism and the love for country. In a reasonable contrarian perspective, these characterization and qualification open the floor for debates. Now we question, how does one qualify leadership and service? Leadership in general is never about possessing superficial characteristics, but the assurance of service with tangible results and output. Furthermore, putting it in a more democratized statement, public service is not about the measurement of patriotism but to hold responsibility and accountability over your people. The idea of love for country is universal – that is why other democratic nations allow its citizens to run for public office as provided by law. The difference, however, is that Beijing defines patriotism as not being anti-central government.

Costly Election. According to the state’s local think tank, allowing voters to put forward the names of chief executive candidates will be costly and hard to execute on its own. In a research conducted by the Policy Research Institute, two of five countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that have a president and score higher than Hong Kong on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2012 democracy index – countries that do not permit public nomination are Mexico and France. Other countries like, the United States, South Korea and Chile allow run dual-track systems allowing party and public nomination.

The institute has supplemented its study with the case of James Soong Chu-yu, that no candidate nominated in this system had so far won the electoral race. It should be noted that he ran through public nomination twice under People First Party but unfortunately failed to win both electoral cycles. He spent more or less HK$3.5 million to secure almost 520,000 petitions, costing HK$6 each petition.

Other countries, like the United States of America and the Philippines require large amount of funding to run a political campaign if you speak in reality which should not be the case. National Taiwan University political scientist Wang Yeh-lih stated that it is indeed important to have public nomination to ensure small parties or people without party affiliations to enter the race. However, it is not early for aspirants to be nominated due to limitations of financial resources.

In addition, public nomination of presidential candidates in the United States, presidential aspirants are nominated by political parties or by a certain number of registered voters, but varies among states; in Chile nominated by political parties or at least 0.5 percent of voters who cast a ballot in the previous parliamentary election; while in South Korea nominated by political parties or at least 3,500 nominations from registered voters. However, in France, candidates need 500 nominations from elected officials or mayor and in Mexico candidates can be nominated only by political parties.

Follow me on Twitter: @rjamesbarrete

Hong Kong’s Young Internet Entrepreneur: An Interview with Josh Lam

Posted on by theclickbook

Name: JOSH LAM

Occupation: Architectural Trainee by Day, Blogger by Night

Birth Date: 31st July 1992

Education: The University of Hong Kong

Place of Birth: New Zealand

Current Residence: Hong Kong

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Greatest Achievement in life: Top 10 Twitter User in Hong Kong

“I have just graduated from university and just started working this week. This has to be the biggest turning point fro me so far.”

Biggest challenge faced?

“Balancing online and offline work. One is more like a personal hobby, and the online stuff always has become second for me.”

What do you do in your spare time?

“I’m a great sports fanatic – I play hockey and paddle dragonboat competitively. I believe that sports can help reduce stress plus its a great workout. I try and balance these sports with running/swimming/gym 4 times a week.”

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Club

PROFESSION

How did you start being an Internet Entrepreneur?

“Well here’s how I started. I was about 8 or 9, my parents brought our first home computer: If you saw it today, you’ll laugh: It was a Fujitsu desktop with Windows 98, a Pentium 3 processor and a huge screen between the size of a CRT screen and a LCD screen. Anyways, the computer itself isn’t important. The thing that was important was what it allowed me to access to: The Internet. Of course, nowadays, almost everyone had access to the Internet. The Internet was like a window of opportunity; anything was possible online. Including making money online. Well, I wasn’t an evil money grabber when I was 9. I started having a love for gadget/ I started to read Engadget, and soon TechCrunch everyday. Fast forward to October 2008, I decided to start trying to make money online; I created a free BlogSpot blog with gadget news and placed AdSense ads on it. At the height of the blog, I got 10,000 plus page views a month, not bad considering I was doing this just for fun. In March 2009, I made my first $100 online from my first AdSense cheque, only after three months I originally started the blog, and shortly after, made my first $1000 online in August of the same year.”

http://www.joshlam.com

About Blogging

“I used to blog about new gadgets or technology worth having, but by placing advertising within the blogs had taught me a lot – something I wanted to share with others. Thus, later I decided to abandon the technology blog to start monetizing methods on the internet. As a child, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that you could make money from the Internet. Blogging was just a step for me to test this theory out in real life.”

“I’ve always kept blogging on the sideline for a reason – I didn’t see a future in it. Let’s say if I had decided to blog full-time, I would have probably chose a path of journalism, instead of Architecture, where I’m heading today. Yet the idea of being a journalist still interest me today.”

Passion

“I feel evil for saying this, but it was the idea that I could make money from absolutely nothing. Everyone has said it was possible, so I wanted to try it myself. As a kid at that time, I guess I just wanted more pocket money, but it has become more than that today.”

Why such career?

“I wouldn’t say this is a career for me, but rather a side project/hobby. I currently have a full time job in an architectural firm and I’m hoping to get my license to practice in the next three to four years. It may have been a successful side project but personally I see no future in it.”

On Social Media

“Social Media, in the beginning, was a tool for us to connect with our friends even if they’re not next to us in real life. Nowadays, in Hong Kong, due to ubiquity of smartphones, people use their phones to avoid real life interaction. Instead, you see people checking Facebook, tweeting, or instagramming in the hope of more followers, likes and retweets, which are all merely a number on screen. Have as human beings become so shallow that all we do is to chase numbers on a screen now? Our real offline lives are being over-shadowed by our virtual selves. I believe, as a connectivity tool it has served its purposes, but Social Media’s reputation system based on a larger number has to die.”

Greatest Frustrations

“In the past, I’ve tried to do so many things in life with too many goals all at the same time. It’s like throwing rocks into a pile and hoping you can build a house with that. It’s virtually impossible. But the greatest things about mistakes is that you can learn from them and so better in the future. It doesn’t matter if you failed ten times if it leads to one success. These mistakes builds the foundation of the successful house that won’t collapse in the end.”

Life is a journey. whatever turn, decision or direction you take is up to you. no one can change what you do. so choose wisely and hope for the best.

ASPIRATIONS

“I don’t want to say that I aspire to be the most famous architect in the world in the league of Rem Koolhaus or Zaha Hadid, because every architecture student will say that. I aspire to be my better self, regardless of profession or in sports. And this really comes down to experience and practice. The only reason will someone else is better than you is because they’ve practiced more. So to beat them, you practice more than them, and which practice comes experience in mistakes and how to correct them. So I aspire to accelerate in this process, if only it’s possible.”

“I would say graduating from university and working is now already half my life fulfilled. Now I just have to save up, buy a house, get marries, have kids, etc. Those will be the next challenges for me.”

RANDOM

Views on sex: “If it feels good you’re doing something right.”

Who is your next President: Sergey Brin

What legacy you want people to remember you: I don’t want to be a legacy, but rather be an inspiration for those teenagers that dream big in life. Dare to make a difference and take actions.

Message to CLICKBOOK: Thanks for featuring me! 

Shoutout to everybody: Dream big or go home!

Random Fact: I have once made a cool US$800 on one tweet,

Twitter Handle: @joshlam

Hong Kong protesters march for democracy on handover anniversary

Posted on by theclickbook

The annual July 1 march in Hong Kong marks the handover of the British colony to Beijing that took place in 1997. The  peaceful demonstration has become a rallying point for pro-democracy activists to voice out political reforms and other relevant issues. The march captured the public’s attention in 2003, when half a million marched, angered by proposed national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

As Hong Kong marks its 16th anniversary of its turnover to China, hundreds of thousands protested against the City’s unpopular Chief Executive, Leung Chun-Ying. Protesters ragingly clamored for genuine democracy and equal treatment for its fellow countrymen under Hong Kong’s current administration.

Some of the issues that people of Hong Kong wanted tackled were the universal suffrage, Leung’s resignation, and narrowing the wealth gap.

Leung Administration

Leung Chu-Ying was appointed by a pro-Beijing committee last year, promising to uphold and improve governance and raise the rule of law in the former British colony. He is also charged with taking over and overseeing the transition to universal suffrage which the city was promised by year 2017.

People of Hong Kong cry for a universal suffrage and true political reform as no progress has been made on the issue.

hong_kong_march

Plagued by scandals from the beginning, Leung’s administration has been constantly criticized because of his illegal construction and structure at his luxury home. Controversies were also playing within the administration’s internal corrupt patronage system.

It is evident that mostly people of Hong Kong may be materialistic, as how the world sees the city. However, that should not be the final judgment of its current political and economical state. Residents are unhappy over property prices which have surged over the past years to record low interest rates and a bunch of wealthy people from Mainland snapping up homes, while widening income inequality has become a cause of primary concern ans issue.

Like any other leaders, it is highly important to recognize how the confidence and trust of your people remain relevant for you to stay in power. Hong Kong University showed Leung’s approval rating, which declined to 46.2% despite of the Chief Executive’s self-published report card indicating and proving how much he has done for the people of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s Electoral System

Hong Kong Basic Law serves as the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China. In Annex I of the law, it provides the creation of the Election Committee that serves as a political electoral college, whose function is to select the Chief Executive.

The 1,200-member Election Committee, which commenced its term of office on 1 February 2012, is composed of 1,044 members elected from 35 subsectors, 60 members nominated by the religious subsector and 96 ex-officio members, who are members of the Legislative Council or Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress.

This enters where people of Hong Kong are not given political rights to choose their leaders and have been wanting genuine democracy and political reform. Thus, the election committee has no legitimacy in the eyes of the general public.

Below are some Tweets by people around the globe sharing their sentiments about Hong Konger’s push for genuine democracy and political reform in celebration of this year’s handover anniversary.

 

Some rights reserved.

Follow me on Twitter: @rjamesbarrete

Getting to know Hong Kong

Posted on by theclickbook

Books to read about Hong Kong and its people. This post is constantly being updated.

1. ‘Maid to Order in Hong Kong’ by Nicole Constable

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2. ‘Hong Kong Noir’ by Feng Chi-shun

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3. ‘Imprint Vol. 12’ by Women in Publishing Society Hong Kong

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Protesters urge Hong Kong for Snowden’s protection

Posted on by theclickbook

Last June 10 2013, the 29-year-old source, Edward Snowden, the one behind the controversial intelligence leak in the National Security Agency that surfaced significant revelations publicly explained his motives, and uncertain future after an action taken that battles against the US government.

In a note accompanying the first set of documents he provided, he said: “I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions but I will be satisfied if the federation of secret law, unequal pardon and irresistible executive powers that rule the world that I love are revealed even for an instant.”

“I am not afraid, because this is the choice I’ve made.”

PHOTO Credit: Yahoo! News

PHOTO Credit: Yahoo! News

Snowden after his conscious action against the US government decided to leave his own country as possible imposing threats to his life might escalate, rewarding him with probable danger and security threats.

On May 20, he decided to board a flight to Hong Kong; chose the city, where he remained ever since because he believes that the special region have “a spirited commitment to free speech and the right of political dissent. And believed that it is one of the countries in the world that could and would resist any dictation from the US government.

Urge for protection

Later today, protesters in Hong Kong have assembled a rally in Central Hong Kong government offices to appeal for the HK government for Snowden’s protection as Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Protesters expressed support and concern to Snowden concerning about different reports of United State’s surveillance on Hong Kong and mainland networks. Activists with their huge placards voiced out their sentiments against extraditions and human rights issues over surveillance of other countries.

Ronny Tong,  a Senior Counsel and current member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong asked the people of Hong Kong not to stay silent about the threatening and sensitive issue.

As part of the protest, organizers and supporters followed the live coverage of the rally through social media (Twitter) using the hashtag #Snowdenhk.

This Snowden whistleblowing saga continues.

Below are some comments, reactions, photos and updates at the rally.

HONG KONG State of Mind by Jason Y Ng

Posted on by theclickbook

Title: HONG KONG State of Mind

Author: Jason Y. Ng

Description: HONG KONG State of Mind is a collection of essays by a popular blogger who zeroes in on the city’s idiosyncracies with deadpan precision. At once an outsider looking in and an insider looking out, Jason Y. Ng has created something for everyone: a travel journal for a passing visitor, a user’s manual for wide-eyed expat, and an open diary for the native Hong Konger looking for moments of reflection.

Blogging in Hong Kong: An Interview with Jason Y Ng

Posted on by theclickbook

QUICK FACTS

Name: Jason Y Ng

Occupation: Head of Debt Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, CIB Legal/Blogger for South China Morning Post/Freelance Writer

Birth Date: July 5

Place of Birth: Hong Kong

Education:

University of Toronto Law School (Doctor of Law J.D, Corporate Law)

University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management (Master of Business Administration, Finance)

University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Science, Finance)

University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Electrical Engineering)

Zodiac: Cancer

In a very competitive environment like Hong Kong, how does one do it successfully in the field of chosen career? Jason Y Ng nails it! Ng spent his entire adult life in Europe, the United States and Canada before going back in Hong Kong almost 8 years ago. He opened his blog, As I See it, commenting and discussing on Hong Kong’s local culture and news events. He considers blogging and writing as his passion, and over a short period of time, his blog has attracted a sizable amount of followers online. His blog began in November 2008 that tackles about Hong Kong’s “contradictions and oddities”.

Jason is a resident blogger for the South China Morning Post and a contributing writer for newspapers and magazines. He says, blogging in Hong Kong is typical, but what makes it different is bloggers do usually write more on fashion, and less on social commentaries. Like other bloggers do, there are some who criticizes the government. “I write the things that are obvious, I say it straightforward so people know that I am objective. I criticize my government because I love my country.” he said. He has been into blogging for several years, but he doesn’t consider himself a successful one, in a context he sees himself that he is in a process of building his reputation; but gladly appreciates the reception of Hong Kongers about his craft.

Ng’s first book, Hong Kong State of Mind, published by Blacksmith Books, was released in December 2010 and is presently in its third print. “It is a collection of essays that zeroes in on the city’s idiosyncrasies with deadpan precision. At once an outsider looking in and an insider looking out, Ng has created something for everyone: a travel journal for the passing visitor, a user’s manual for the wide-eyed expat, and an open diary for the native Hong Konger looking for moments of reflection.”

Ng currently heads the DCM legal team at BNP Paribas overseeing high yield and investment grade bond transactions originating in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

He also is a part-time English Literature teacher in an academy and sings when he has free time. “I think the biggest challenge so far is the lack of time. You have to manage everything pretty well.” Among all these things, he still able to run up all his diverse pursuits. “I’m a full-time lawyer, blogger, writer, teacher, and traveler. These things for me are connected. I travel, I write about it.” he said. He still is able to balance his regular work and outside interests.

Aspiration

“I don’t consider myself fulfilled yet. I have just started.” Ng believes that success is a bonus. You work on the things you love because it is your passion. Recognition comes next.

Random

What are the things we don’t know about you?

 “Well I really am straightforward. I tell people what is wrong. Like for example my family, I give opinion on their flaws because I love them. If I say nothing, and act like everything is okay, that’s not care… I really am tackless sometimes but I make sure that I’m in the right position.”

What legacy do you want to be remembered by people?

“I think it’s too early for me to think about legacy. I’m still building my own reputation.”

Message to Clickbook:

     “If you wanna work and settle abroad choose Hong Kong.”

Shoutout to everybody:

     “People might have an impression that Hong Kong people are materialistic… but more than that when you get to know the culture and the people, you will appreciate Hong Kong.”

Random Fact:

 “I sang and dined with Prince Charles.”

Twitter Handle: @jasonyng

Photo Credit: Jason Y Ng

After the interview at Exchange Square 3, Central District, Hong Kong
(c) http://www.theclickbook.wordpress.com @rjamesbarrete

Follow me on Twitter: @rjamesbarrete

 

Online Discrimination Towards Homosexual People: Cyber-culture in Contemporary China

Posted on by theclickbook

By FRANCIS YEUNG and RJ BARRETE

In a modern generation we live in, it is indeed undeniable how forms of discrimination still exist in various societies. This article talks about the discrimination towards homosexual people in Hong Kong on online platforms, specifically in social media trend.

Hong Kong’s homosexual population has reached to an average of 9% of the total Hong Kong population according to a survey report by the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme. Homosexuals by definition are persons who are sexually attracted to people of their own sex. Same sex issue has recently hit the News Headlines and has caused problems between representatives from the Homosexual group like CC Ho, who claims that they are being discriminated; laws in the status quo are not enough to protect their rights and freedom as there are no laws to govern homosexual citizens.

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/

On the other hand, individuals and organizations deny these claims. Some even declare that they don’t know who homosexuals are and their population. Religious organizations like Christian Action states that they do not discriminate homosexuals but helping them back on the right track by following the teachings of the Bible.

Internet Use and Online Social Support

Homosexual people are willing to show their preference through internet. Sometimes, they also have homosexual activities online to express their opinion. They consider online community as a support source for homosexual people. They feel more comfortable in the internet world, as they can access the internet and use fake names show their sexual preferences online. Internet further provides social function and sexual contact opportunity for them. They meet people who have commonality in terms of sexual preference and find their sexual partners through online platform.

Traditional thinking in China makes homosexual individuals experience anxiety and stress, thus a need to hide their sexual preference is the only option. Young professionals and well-educated MSM (Men who have sex with Men) are more adopting innovative technology to seek sex partners. The reason why they engage online activities because they are afraid to disclose their sexual orientation in return may result to discrimination.

Interview with Frank

Frank is gay. He is 45 yrs old and works as a journalist as his profession. He is an outgoing person who accepts challenges and is used to several societal norms that transcend to discrimination.

He always uses different social media platforms, such as Facebook and other applications to communicate with his family, friends and other people. He has four Facebook accounts, each account is used for communicating with particular group of people, such as those who go to gym. He does not hide his sexual preference on Facebook because all of his friends and his family members know that he is gay.

He believes that there is a difference between Western and Chinese culture. In Western culture, people express their opinion more straight forward, he said. For him, expressing opinion, such as disliking gay is a kind of discrimination. Discrimination means we set perception and standards towards a particular group of people; which in result set them apart from society in terms of rights and discriminated by the accepted traditional norms.

One of the ways how discrimination affects homosexuals is the loss of self-confidence. He thinks there is discrimination in Hong Kong even though Hong Kongers tend to hide their opinions.

He is not worried that people may discriminate him. Sometimes, he would join discussions about homosexuality on online forums. He always uses his real name to express his opinion. He seldom experiences face to face discrimination.

Frank commented that face to face discrimination is more painful than online because it happens in real time. Initially, when his family members discovered his sexual preference, it was hard for them to accept, he said. They tried to push him into joining more masculine activities, such as playing basketball, although he already joined such. His feeling was not good. He thinks voicing out is a good way to make people accept his/her sexual preference. According to Frank, some of his homosexual friends who practice traditional thinking would consciously find a fake girlfriend in order to male people trust and believe that they are heterosexual.

Interview Results 

Tools used to find and chat with same sex preference

Survey says that 100% of homosexuals use Whatsapp as online tool to engage with same sex inidividuals, 90% on Mobile apps, 80% on Homosexual websites and only 50% on Facebook

Frequency of Discrimination Faced by various means

Survey says that the Frequency of Discrimination happens 90% Face to Face and 40% online

Method affects the homosexual emotions the most

Survey provides that homosexuals are more affected through face to face discrimination with 80% and online with 20%

Homosexual requesting for a Law to protect them

Survey provides that 100% are requesting for a law to protect homosexuals

Heterosexual favouring a law to protect homos

Survey provides that 80% of heterosexuals are against on any law favouring the protection of homosexuals while 20% are in favor

Friends preference towards Homos

Survey provides that some prefer lesbians with 28%; gays with 2.5%

Methods used by friends to identify who are gays

Survey provides that some would identify who are gays by the way they behave with 28%; By their speaking style with 25%; the way they dress with 15%; and judging them by knowing them better with 1%

FRANCIS YEUNG is an Australian born Chinese, who studies Business in Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

RJ BARRETE is a Researcher in a lobbying and political management firm in the Philippines.

Follow me on Twitter: @rjamesbarrete