The past two decades have witnessed a generation of young people growing up and forming their own mindset. CGTN’s Mao Dan asked Paul Sze from the Chinese University of Hong Kong about the ways in which Hong Kong's youth have changed, and how they have stayed the same.

Sze started working as an English teacher in the early 70s, and joined the Education Faculty of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1991. He said there is not much difference in terms of commitment and energy between students today and before. However, nowadays, people seem to be under more pressure, whether real or imagined.

He noted that although young people at present have access to better educational opportunities and job advancement, they tend to think that the amount of progress they make has little to do with the amount of efforts they put in.

“I think it’s something to do with one’s mindset. I don’t think that is the reality,” said the professor. 

As the number of students coming to Hong Kong from the mainland is increasing, Sze hopes that there will be more exchange of knowledge, of life experience, and even of friendship between students from both sides.

"I think this is of mutual benefit," said Sze.