Hearts connected across regions

Building bonds

Last year, Tam took another bold step in her career and returned to her Hong Kong alma mater. She now helps middle school students interested in studying and developing on the mainland to better understand the education system, lifestyle, and environment there.

"More young people in Hong Kong are looking for opportunities on the mainland, but many hesitate due to unfamiliarity," Tam observed. "I want to use my own experience to show them what's possible and help them take that first step."

Lui shared a similar experience. He recalled attending a youth exchange event in Shenzhen, where he had a long conversation in Mandarin with another participant — only to later realize that they were both from Hong Kong and actually spoke Cantonese.

"Fluent Mandarin speakers used to be rare among Hong Kong youth, but that's changing. More and more young people are now comfortable using Mandarin," he said.

Lui emphasized that while the internet has made communication easier, misleading information also exists on certain social media platforms.

"I believe genuine trust is built through direct interaction," he said. "Youth exchanges are not just about culture — they're about connecting hearts."

Over the years, Lam has noticed a shift in how Hong Kong's return to China is commemorated, with fewer large-scale celebrations. To him, this change signals a deeper level of integration between the two regions.

"Today, young people from both sides connect more naturally — through shared interests and everyday interactions. That's how true understanding develops," Lam said.