Lawmaker calls for greater youth independence in career choices

Leong Sun Iok

Lawmaker Leong Sun Iok has called on young people to take a more proactive approach to career planning and urged parents to reduce overprotection, saying greater independence and adaptability are needed as Macau’s job market evolves.

In a speech delivered earlier this week at the Legislative Assembly during the period before the agenda, the lawmaker noted that the younger generation needs to assume more responsibility for their future and choices, and recommended that parents reduce their level of protection so that young people can adjust more easily.

“I encourage young people to be brave enough to give things a try, to face challenges, to take the initiative to seek out information on recruitment, to acquire skills and knowledge related to the sectors that interest them, and to actively pursue the relevant professional certifications, thereby increasing their opportunities for employment and career advancement,” he said, in a speech where he also called on younger generations to embrace the opportunities that arise in Macau, namely those related to urban development and renewal.

Speaking to parents, Leong also added, “On the other hand, parents should reduce their children’s excessive dependence by focusing on developing their ability to adapt to their environment and survive independently, and by encouraging them to gain experience in the labor market so that they can acquire the ability to integrate into society.”

According to the lawmaker, new developments and urban renewal projects are opening doors to a series of new jobs and opportunities that young graduates could seize.

“Urban renewal is not only a focus of social attention but also spans multiple professional fields, including building reconstruction, building management, repair and maintenance, facade beautification, and spatial design. These areas relate to residents’ quality of life and directly affect future development and the pool of skilled workers in Macau’s construction sector,” the lawmaker said, adding that younger generations should take this into account when choosing their career paths.