Jo Lee says we must make sure those serving as next-term lawmakers are qualified for the task ahead

Hong Kong is going through a generational change. The coming Legislative Council (LegCo) election must reflect that. Many of the old guard are retiring from the legislature to make room for new blood and talent.

New members may be young and less experienced, but they will be more in touch with younger voters. Every political party and system needs “new blood” to stay in tune with the times and look forward to the future.

Since September, LegCo veterans such as Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee have announced their retirement from LegCo. Despite their massive contributions and impressive track records, they are stepping down to focus on nurturing young talent to face challenges unique to their generation.

Bosses in the private sector can help foster a work environment that aligns with employees’ values, with particular attention to the influence of Gen Z, which is expected to have a significant impact on the polls.

Young people today value flexible work hours, physical and mental well-being, and jobs with a high degree of technological engagement. Bosses need to adjust, and lawmakers can help them with supportive initiatives, laws and regulations.

Unlike the older generation, productivity today depends on working smarter and faster, not just harder and longer.

Many young candidates running for a seat in the next-term LegCo are emblematic of a new political generation: They are accomplished, patriotic, and forward-looking.

From recent election forums, it’s been heartening to see that many candidates are coming forward with solutions to problems they can relate to by calling for innovation and creativity in problem-solving

A commentary recently posted on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office’s social media account expressed the wish that younger, more professional and innovative candidates will be elected. Understanding generational trends is crucial for governance, not just for private-sector bosses.

Gen Z faces a unique set of challenges. We cannot just dismiss its members by saying we had it so much tougher in the old days. We need to provide them with the resources and support to thrive. A key concern, of course, is housing. Unless their parents are already better off, homeownership is a distant dream for young people. Policies are needed that help job starters to get on the ownership ladder — but without amassing a massive debt or an unaffordable mortgage.

Hong Kong no longer enjoys the kind of economic growth that older people took for granted. We need to focus on providing financial stability through lifelong education and training, job opportunities, and support to navigate the ever-changing job market, helping them adapt quickly.

Many young people have a strong sense of justice and fairness, but their inexperience and passion also make them vulnerable to malign outside influences. They need tools and resources to advocate for greater equality, fair treatment, and opportunity for everyone, but without being misled into destructive political activism that could ruin their lives. To that end, they need to deepen their understanding of the nation and develop a sense of innate patriotism.

Technological ease and digital literacy are other areas that people today must acquire to develop a proper career. Studies have shown that these also cover financial literacy and emotional intelligence to become truly adaptive and resilient. It’s not enough to tell young people never to give up.

Everyone needs purpose and security. Our society may not dictate how young people can achieve that, but we ought to provide them with the necessary tools and support.

Good governance can deliver that, and lawmakers who serve as a bridge between people and officials must be attuned to the latter’s needs so they can better formulate policies that benefit the incoming lawmakers. The fact that many of our new LegCo election candidates have backgrounds serving in district councils or community bodies will help them approach people and appreciate their needs and concerns.

From recent election forums, it’s been heartening to see that many candidates are coming forward with solutions to problems they can relate to by calling for innovation and creativity in problem-solving. Functioning in a new workplace requires new skill sets, being AI-and IT-savvy, and discovering new ways of doing things.

Even working in the growing gig-economy requires an understanding of the latest tech apps and social trends.

Our lawmakers now have greater responsibility to society and the next generation, not less. We must make sure those serving in the next LegCo are qualified for the task ahead.

Hong Kong must evolve and not rest on its earlier success. If we are not fast on our feet, the world will quickly march past us. If young people are our future, we must make sure they have the tools and abilities to face the challenges.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.