Pursue your dreams, not public housing: A word of advice from John Lee

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged teenagers to pursue their dreams instead of public housing, saying the value of their ultimate achievements could be 100 times greater or even “infinite” compared to the public home. 

His remarks came on Tuesday after reporters asked about a latest “lying flat” phenomenon in the city, which encourages youngsters to apply for public rental housing once they turn 18 and not to find a well-paying job so as to fulfill the income threshold. 

“[They] should not have such a mindset,” Lee said, while admitting that having a home is of the utmost importance. 

“I wish to build a Hong Kong that relies on families as the backbone. I believe you will have regrets if you waste your possibilities and dreams for just a public home,” Lee also said. 

“Because it is very likely that your final achievements and results could be 100 times greater or even infinite compared to what a public home can bring to you.” 

The Hong Kong leader stressed that the government has been providing assistance to teenagers in purchasing property as he urged them to plan and develop their lives according to their visions. 

He continued that Hong Kong is a place where everyone can pursue and achieve their dreams, giving the example of the Hongkonger who has been selected for the Chinese national space program.