Read More
+3
With the Legislative Council embracing a younger generation of leaders, 40 of its 90 members are fresh faces ready to shape the city's future.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
This new cohort of lawmakers is tasked not only with legislating, but also with promoting and safeguarding national security under the framework of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Leading this charge are newly minted lawmakers Elaine Chik Kit-ling and Kazaf Tam Chun-kwok, both of whom have stepped up from their previous roles as district councilors.
In an exclusive interview with Sing Tao Probe the pair shared how they leverage their diverse backgrounds to protect national security and why they have made national security education their key mission.
The two lawmakers emphasized that conveying the importance of national security to the public requires a highly relatable approach and translation into everyday terms.
Chik pointed out that many residents view specialized fields of national security—such as nuclear safety or space security—as distant from their daily lives.
In reality, she explained, these areas are closely intertwined with local routines; a breach in cybersecurity, for instance, could immediately disrupt financial transactions or paralyze traffic signals.
She stressed that the 20 distinct security domains under China’s holistic approach to national security are deeply interconnected and deserve a closer look from the public.
Meanwhile, Tam drew from his extensive experience in community outreach, advocating for the transformation of abstract security concepts into tangible topics that resonate with local residents.
He suggested using common local scenes—such as market prices, public transport efficiency, and community environments—to demonstrate the underlying collaboration between different security sectors.
By doing so, residents can easily appreciate how deeply national security impacts their own well-being and daily lives.
Multitaskers in action: Bridging the gap from the frontlines to the legislature
Beyond their current roles as district councilors and legislators, both lawmakers bring unique professional backgrounds to the table.
Chik, who previously trained at the Hong Kong Police College as a probationary inspector, outlined how her three distinct roles reinforce one another.
As a former police trainee, she understands what it takes on the frontlines to keep neighborhoods safe and secure.
As a district councilor, she works directly with residents to embed security awareness deep into the community. Now, as a lawmaker, she takes on the constitutional duty of refining and strengthening the legal framework of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Tam, a former chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the current chairman of the Federation of New Territories Youth, also boasts deep roots in the business sector.
He emphasized that his duties as a district councilor, legislator, and businessman are mutually supportive, all sharing the core objective of delivering practical progress for Hong Kong and resolving public concerns.
Looking ahead, Tam plans to bring his grassroots experience and business acumen to the legislative level.
By leveraging his corporate network, he hopes to foster stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate development in key areas like port economies and logistics, ultimately helping Hong Kong seize new opportunities in the Greater Bay Area while fulfilling its national security duties.
Recognizing that younger lawmakers are naturally closer to the mindset of the youth, Chik proposed utilizing the historical and geographical features of Hong Kong Island East.
She suggested transforming the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence into a key base for national security education.
With additional government funding, schools could organize interactive group activities such as role-playing games and mock legislative debates.
This hands-on approach would allow students to experience the complexities of national security firsthand, making national education far more practical and engaging.
Representing the New Territories North constituency, Tam noted that his district is rich in cultural treasures, local traditions, and historical sites, such as the Sha Tou Kok Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall.
He recommended designing cultural exploration routes and organizing rural art festivals to help residents naturally feel connected to their community and country through shared experiences.
On the business front, Tam urged companies to integrate economic and cybersecurity awareness into their corporate social responsibility programs and youth training initiatives.
Collaborating with technology firms, he added, could provide young people with practical experiences to help them understand their role in protecting these vital sectors.
Looking to the future, Chik hopes to serve as a national security ambassador, expanding educational initiatives so that local residents, youth, and non-ethnic Chinese students alike can develop a deep understanding of national security.
Tam envisions building a cross-sector platform that unites corporate resources, community networks, and youth creativity, allowing the younger generation to learn about and contribute to their neighborhoods while making national education a natural part of their lives.
