September 10, 2025
A local university professor on Wednesday said those who lend money need to bear their share of responsibility when it comes to suicide due to financial pressures.
The call came as the city marked World Suicide Prevention Day and as the University of Hong Kong’s Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention presented its latest round of local suicide data.
The centre’s director, Professor Paul Yip, said creditors need to consider whether their loans would cause debtors stress that might result in suicide.
He added that men between the age of 24 and 39 are more vulnerable and require more attention.
“Their help-seeking behaviour is not very good… when they experience problems I think they just do not know where they can turn for help.”
He urged everyone to think of the effect suicide can leave on one’s loved ones, including families.
Data from the centre also showed that the suicide rate for those under the age 15 had decreased by 50 percent.
However, it also showed that overall suicide rates in Hong Kong have been rising since 2021, higher than the international average.
Yip says it is important for more people to be aware of their mental health and understand that it is not shameful to seek help.
He added that many would benefit from a simple three-hour session on how to talk to those struggling, especially since most first turn to their loved ones for help instead of professionals.
“The important thing is how to create an environment in which the people feel happy and hopeful.
“You are not alone, it is okay to not be okay and do come and seek help.”
Link: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1822179-20250910.htm
Congratulations to Prof. LOU W.Q. Vivian on being recognized among the Healthy Ageing 50 Leaders by the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021?2030). The Healthy Ageing 50 highlights people from every region and sector?government, civil society, academia, and business?whose work is measurably improving the lives, rights, and well-being of older people and advancing the Decade?s priorities: combating ageism, fostering age-friendly environments, and expanding access to integrated and long-term care. Honourees are profiled on the Decade platform to showcase approaches with proven impact and potential to scale, and to catalyse collaboration across countries and disciplines?reflecting Dr. LOU?s leadership in ageing and longevity.
Learn more: https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/topics-initiatives/other-initiatives/healthy-ageing-50#anchor_two
Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances was admitted as a Fellow of the Academy by the Hong Kong Academy of Social Work. The Fellowship is a senior professional honour that recognizes social work leaders with sustained, exemplary contributions to the profession and the community. Fellows are peer?acknowledged for their professional excellence and leadership, ethical standing, impact on practice and policy, scholarship and education, and dedicated service. As a Fellow, Prof. Law is part of a community expected to set standards for the field, champion continuing professional development, mentor the next generation, and help advance the Academy?s mission to strengthen social work quality and public trust in Hong Kong. This recognition affirms her leadership and broad impact across research, practice, and community engagement.
Learn more: https://academy.hkswa.org.hk/zh-HK/membership/information/fellow/