The Consumer Council today (November 10) held a ceremony to launch a series of TV features "Metropolitan Consumers".
"Metropolitan Consumers" TV features is one of the major events in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Consumer Council. Sponsored by the Consumer Council and produced by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the series discussed issues relating to consumer protection through daily life cases, years of research and studies by the Council and relevant legislations.
Chairman of the Council, Professor Wong Yuk-shan, said at the launch ceremony that the theme “Enlighten - Collaborate – Innovate” marks the Council's way forward. Collaborating with RTHK in the production of this TV features "Metropolitan Consumers" is an important step to “enlighten” the consumers towards establishing a right attitude when making purchase decisions.
Professor Wong pointed out that facing the changing spending patterns and behavior of consumers, the Consumer Council has always adhered to defending consumer rights and diligently monitoring the consumer market in the past four decades. Valuable experience thus accumulated is the cornerstone of the Council’s ability to grow with the times.
"Metropolitan Consumers" is a TV features composed of five episodes. Topics of consumption in the areas of clothing, food, housing, transportation and beauty are discussed in a simple but profound manner. The audience will be reminded of oversights commonly committed, the importance of establishing good spending habits and law enforcement. Professor Wong said, “We hope that after watching "Metropolitan Consumers", the public will agree that a ‘new’ and ‘trendy’ way of spending should be based on the principle of ‘rational spending’ starting from the basic of ‘as needed, no wasting’ towards the bigger goal of ‘sustainable consumption’.”
The series will be broadcast simultaneously from 7pm to 7:30pm every Tuesday on TVB Jade, RTHK TV 31 and RTHK website (http://rthk.hk/metroconsumer) starting November 11, 2014.
In addition, other activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Council are in the pipeline to share with consumers 40 years of achievement as well as to look ahead into the future. The Council has invited young cartoonists to depict different consumption situations in light comics. Their work will be put on roving displays and compiled into an e-book format.
Furthermore, to reach out to young people on the other end of the age spectrum, the Council will cooperate with the Mobile Film Festival to launch an award for films featuring consumption situations.
Synopsis of "Metropolitan Consumers"
Episode 1 The measurable housing aspiration
It is the common aspiration of every citizen to live and work in contentment. However, estate property developers used to portrait "beautiful misunderstanding" in publicising the properties in the past, such as describing it as "refreshingly relaxed and happy" looking at a landfill, named a street level as "podium level" & etc. So what kind of protection do home buyers enjoy since the implementation of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance? After moving into a new home, there is a need to purchase household appliances naturally. Under the prerequisites of safety and energy efficiency, not only can consumers choose energy efficient appliances, they may also pre-order an amount of electricity through certain mobile phone app soon. Consumer Council representatives and the mobile app designer will share their comments in the episode.
Episode 2 The everlasting clothing
The garment care of clothing is not regulated in Hong Kong. Information on care labelling of clothes could be erroneous or misleading, resulting in disputes between consumers and laundry shops. The Consumer Council and the laundry trade will be interviewed in this episode to talk about their views. With the cooler season just round the corner, many consumers will recycle their old clothes. The recycle policy of famous clothing recycling chain will be discussed in this episode. The program will also look into the flow of recycled clothing, and interview Salvation Army and St. James' Settlement to understand their second-hand clothes sales and fashion consignment services. With advances in technology, clothing has been developed into self-heating and the latest developments in this new research will be reviewed in this episode.
Episode 3 Eating wise
There is a Chinese proverb saying "Food is ordinary people's heaven". The third episode entitling Eating wise will study in depth food labels with detailed interpretation by the Consumer Council. Food concern groups will also explain the relationship between the listing order and proportion of an ingredient in food labels and expose the "bogusness" of packaging. People say "You are what you eat", in addition to learning how to choose seasonal vegetables, cleaning methods are also important for eating healthy. Organic farmer and university academics will be interviewed in this episode to offer expert advice.
Episode 4 Pretty wise
Will the Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Ordinance be possible to put an end to unfair trade practices? Someone victimised by pro beauty services will tell her unfortunate story in person while the Consumer Council will advise on the case and advise the audience on self-protection in episode 4. In the selection of beauty and skin care products, many consumers will consider the views of beauty blogs before purchasing. Will a blogger violate the law if he/she does not disclose his/her working relationship with the company whose products he/she is promoting? This episode will also teach consumers how to choose environmentally friendly shampoo to contribute to protecting the environment.
Episode 5 Travel smart
Hongkongers love to travel. A uniform increase of the proposed service charges by travel agents may violate the competition law. Likewise, most of the airlines are charging the same level of fuel surcharge, will this be collusive pricing as stated in the competition law? Episode 5 Travel wise will look into the law in detail. As overseas wedding photography is becoming popular, there is also a significant increase in related complaints. This episode will unveil such photography service traps. Information on cycling tourism, which is hot in recent years, and tips for outbound travelers will also be provided in this episode.
"Metropolitan Consumers" Production Stills
Episode 1 The measureable housing aspiration
1. A young actress Candy (Kandy Wong), who is planning to purchase a flat, seeks advice from a fortune teller Siu Fai (Ai Wai) recommended by her best friend.
2. Consumer Council had along participated in the development of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance. The Chairman Professor Wong suggested to increase the length of the cooling-off period provided in the Ordinance.
Episode 2 The Everlasting clothing
1. The Salvation Army "saves" about 150 tonnes of old clothes each month, some of which are virtually brand new clothes of the latest fashion.
2. Kandy Wong did not read the garment caring label, the clothes faded and went out of shape. Only proper care can prolong the life of clothes.
Episode 3 Eating wise
1. Some parents like to cook snacks themselves to minimize their children's intake of food additives.
2. Representative from a local group「食物知情權」(Translation: "Right to know food") sharing tips about choosing food with reference to food labels.
Episode 4 Pretty wise
1. Quite a number of beauty services require signing of a contract. Consumers should choose carefully.
2. There are all kinds of beauty products in local market, how should consumers choose something suitable for oneself?
Episode 5 Travel smart
1. Apart from destination and price, consumers should read thoroughly terms of services for taking wedding photos overseas.
2. Will you try bike-travelling to experience every bit of a journey?