Improving the city’s economy, addressing the needs of various sectors, enhancing the community's transport network, improving housing and enhancing workers’ sense of achievement were among the topics candidates from Hong Kong Island West covered on Saturday at a government-organised forum for next month's Legislative Council elections.

Jeremy Young, a Central and Western district councillor from the Liberal Party, said he decided to run in the polls to seek change.

“The prerequisite for Hong Kong to change is that Legco must change. If the old does not go, how can the new come? As a newcomer, I will bring a new mindset and motivation to Legco, and offer more ideas for the government to improve Hong Kong’s economy,” Young said.

Judy Chan, an incumbent lawmaker from the New People’s Party, said she sees legislators as a bridge between the government and the public.

“Hong Kong Island West is a very special constituency because there is IFC in Central there. Hong Kong has the status of an international financial centre and Southern District ,that was originally a small fishing village, has transformed into a cultural hotspot,” Chan said.

Non-affiliated Wong Chau-ping, an Islands district councillor, listed out her platform, including a call for better transport links.

“To improve transport infrastructure, strive to build a ring road around Lantau Island, improve the facilities in the Tung Chung community, reorganise transport routes based on population growth and strive for the swift commencement of the South Island Line's western section,” Wong said.

The DAB’s Chan Hok-fung, an incumbent Legco member, said he has been serving the community for 26 years.

“I will continue to work hard to promote the Tenants Purchase Scheme, waterfront promenade, the ‘Operation Building Bright’, and make our community even better. I believe every citizen living in society hopes to achieve a sense of fulfilment,” he said.

The Federations of Trade Unions’ Kwok Wai-keung, also an incumbent legislator, said he has been serving workers by proposing bills such as safeguarding employment priority for locals and combatting illegal workers.

“We have to continue strengthening the promotion of occupational safety and build a safe culture to protect workers' lives and pay attention to the phenomenon of burnout, enhance family-friendly policies to be in line with the government’s initiative to encourage childbirth,” Kwok said.

A total of 39 "Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance" election forums are being organised by the government, covering the geographical, functional and Election Committee constituencies.

All of the forums are broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK Radio 1.