Billionaire businesswoman Kimbee Lau Chan Hoi-wan says Sing Tao's initiative to honor students under its Praise Quest campaign aligns closely with the philosophy of a charitable trust set up by her husband and fellow billionaire Joseph Lau Luen-hung.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The trustee of The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust and chief executive of Chinese Estates said the initiative is commendable and "very worthy of support."
She lauded Hong Kong students for excelling in many areas, saying they are worthy of recognition.
They should be praised like Karson Choi Ka-tsan, she said, in a witty reference to the characters in the Sing Tao chairman's name, which spell like "praise" in Chinese.
Lau pointed out that Hong Kong's fast-paced life doesn't allow people the time to stop and appreciate the good in others.
But she said praise and compliments help mental health and urged parents to communicate more with their children and ensure a balance in their lives beyond academics.
In addition to recognizing good grades, parents should appreciate other qualities in their children that are worthy of praise, she said.
Lau said the trust is also deeply involved with young people and she expects it will collaborate with Choi in the future on youth initiatives.
Every Hongkonger wants to build a better society and is concerned for the well-being of the city's youth, especially parents, she said.
"We parents pray for our children's mental and physical health. If there are any activities in the future that we can cooperate on and promote, we will definitely support them," she said.
Lau called on children to put down their smartphones and take up other hobbies.
She suggested getting children and students interested in knitting, which she considers "very therapeutic," saying it would allow them to take a break from their addictive digital devices.
Lau said that everyone loves being praised, and she often praises others, believing it spreads positive energy.
People shouldn't second-guess someone's praise, she said, adding that compliments make everyone happy and people believe that they can do better.
She said people should be more generous in their praise.
"You shouldn't only praise a child when they score 100 marks. Even if they don't get full marks, as long as they did their best, they should be praised," she said.
Lau also said she corrects her children when they are wrong.
"But I know when to stop. Otherwise, it might hurt our relationship. They know that when I scold them, it's for their own good and they don't think I'm doing it because I don't like them."
