| Source | Latest linked headline | Age |
|---|---|---|
| News - South China Morning Post | YOUTH MEMBERSHIP IN HONG KONG UNIFORMED GROUPS DROPS 8% OVER 5 YEARS | 1 hr ago |
The South China Morning Post reported that youth membership in Hong Kong’s uniformed groups fell 8 percent over the past five years, a decline that has come despite steady government funding.
According to the publication, the drop is attributed to persistently low birth rates and a broader array of extracurricular activities available to students. Several lawmakers have called for the introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs) for uniformed groups to ensure prudent public spending, while some organisations express concern that linking funding to membership figures could undermine their missions.
Uniformed groups in Hong Kong – which include police, fire and other cadet organisations – have traditionally relied on both community engagement and public subsidies. The trend reflects wider demographic and societal shifts affecting youth participation in civic activities.