According to the United Nations' "World Population Prospects", by 2050, one in six people in the world will be aged 65 or older. Many advanced economies such as Singapore, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong are facing serious ageing populations. South Korea is among the fastest-ageing populations globally, while Singapore is also beginning to confront this issue. This episode explores the mindsets and health management of the elderly in these two countries before and after retirement, covering aspects like interpersonal relationships, community ties, and self-worth pursuits. How does Singapore handle senior mental health for retirement? How does South Korea tackle elderly loneliness and promote healthcare services? How do they help seniors in finding happiness through community participation, striving for a quality retirement life?

The Olympic fever is sweeping across the globe as the Paris Olympics and Paralympics draw near, with the entire city eagerly anticipating the events. While the public rallies behind Hong Kong athletes in their pursuit of excellence, businesses are gearing up to capitalise on the sports fever brought by this global spectacle. Beyond the immediate economic benefits that sports bring to society, what strategies can sustain this momentum in the long term? According to a report by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, sports and related activities accounted for 1.4% of Hong Kong’s GDP (approximately $34 billion) in 2021, encompassing sports facility operations, related product sales, and support services. How can the innovative concept of "industrialising" sports development be implemented? What coordination and support are needed from various sectors to achieve this vision?

As the DSE results are released on July 17, what factors should students consider when choosing their next steps? The 2023 Policy Address proposed that the government would promote the establishment of universities of applied sciences, significantly enhancing the status of Vocational and Professional Education and Training to the level of university degrees. In March 2024, Hong Kong Metropolitan University became the first approved university of applied sciences in Hong Kong. Several self-financing post-secondary institutions, aiming to gain the same status, have stated that vocational education better meets the needs of the job market. Universities of applied sciences offer applied degree programmes, but some of these programmes under the pilot scheme have been noted for low enrolment. How should universities of applied sciences position themselves, and what impact will this have on the development of self-financing post-secondary institutions?

In Hong Kong, the suicide rate is rising. When a suicide occurs, people focus on the deceased, praying for their peace. However, there is another group: the loved ones of the victims who are still alive and enduring the pain of their loss. After experiencing such grief, how are they supposed to carry on? Suicide is not just an individual issue. Research indicates that one suicide affects at least several people around them. If these feelings and negative thoughts are not properly addressed, they may lead to depression or even suicide. Teachers, social workers, and scholars who assist others with these issues also suffer and are affected. How should society, in various sectors, address the needs of the families of suicide victims?

Hong Kong was once globally renowned for toy production. With support from the motherland, in 2022, Hong Kong remained the world's eighth-largest toy exporter, including re-export trade. The 50th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair attracted over 42,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions during its four-day physical exhibition. Traditional Hong Kong manufacturers have shifted from pure production to focusing on quality control and production planning, with some producers exploring eco-friendly and smart concepts. In recent years, the rise of Kidult and Art Toys raises the questions: can these products establish a foothold in the global market? What support does the government provide, such as CEPA and various matching funds, to help the toy industry further develop?

The 2023 Policy Address proposed the continued implementation and improvement of the Youth Development Blueprint, “study the possibility of utilising suitable facilities to provide Youth Link participants with a platform for constant interaction, including multi-function areas, a youth culture and creativity bazaar, and small-scale performance spaces.” The Youth Development Commission has also set up the Youth Development Fund to support youth entrepreneurship and other development activities. Today, many young people are choosing to start their own businesses, using their entrepreneurial skills to earn their first pot of gold. Besides the government's strong push for youth entrepreneurship, many NGOs have also established programmes and support systems to help young people carve out their entrepreneurial paths. However, despite their creativity, young people often lack practical experience and funding. How can society best support and encourage them to truly build a future for themselves?

Society is increasingly relying on technology and digital services, such as using mobile apps for reservations, QR codes for ordering, electronic menus, and online shopping. To create an accessible society, we must not only focus on the physical facilities of buildings but also on the concept of digital accessibility. Digital accessibility refers to design and develop digital experiences that anyone can easily use, regardless of their physical abilities or mobility, including people with disabilities and elderly. However, some individuals with disabilities feel that digital accessibility efforts in Hong Kong could be enhanced, as many tested online shopping platform apps do not meet accessibility design standards. So, how can we achieve inclusion and make the digital world inclusive?

In the 2023 Policy Address, the government proposed a sports development policy that includes promoting sports in the community, and supporting community organisations in organising various sports activities and competitions. New sports have become a key focus of recent government promotion efforts. Through the 2023-24 'Pilot Scheme on Subvention for New Sports', the Leisure and Cultural Services Department allocated funding to 21 local sports organizations, supporting over twenty new sports like teqball, pickleball, sport stacking, and Mölkky.
Nevertheless, a lack of venues poses a significant challenge for many sports. In response, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has allocated designated venues for pilot programs to support new sports. Will this initiative meet the needs of different organizations? How should the development of new sports in Hong Kong be positioned?

The Government encourage childbirth, expanding infant care and preschool child care services, as well as increasing the incentives for home-based child carers. The Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, which includes the home-based child carer service, has been running for over a decade. Originally, it aimed to provide temporary child care for dual-income parents through neighbourhood mutual aid while also offering local homemakers or retirees an opportunity to work and earn subsidies, creating a win-win situation. However, does the volunteer-based model of home-based child carers meet the current societal expectations for child care?

Hawkers were once a deeply human part of Hong Kong's street culture. However, since the 1970s, the government has relocated many vendors to designated areas or public markets. It also halted the issuance of new hawker licences and imposed restrictions on the inheritance succession and transfer of existing licences. As a result, the number of licensed hawkers has declined. As of December 2023, there are approximately 5,053 f fixed-pitch hawkers and about 270 itinerant hawkers in Hong Kong. While public opinions on hawking vary, some argue that hawkers benefit grassroot communities and attract tourists. Will society consider establishing a robust licensing system for hawker markets and implementing long term conservation and support policies to revitalize and develop hawking culture, preserving this traditional aspect of street culture?