In today's environment, young people in many developed economies are finding it increasingly difficult to land permanent jobs to enable them to have the confidence to plan their future.

In Europe, more than half of new jobs created since 2010 have been through temporary contracts ("'Perma-temps' the new reality for many in a changed Europe"; Feb 11).

The vast majority of Japanese young people are unable to move beyond contract work for years, and are in no mood to talk about settling down.

Survey after survey show young Hong Kongers feeling despondent about ever being able to have a roof of their own over their heads.

In Singapore, the annual graduate employment survey by the five polytechnics has shown that only about 56 per cent of the class of 2016 were able to secure full-time employment ("New poly grads outdo their seniors"; Jan 10).

Young people are the ones whom the economy is going to rely on, and who are expected to settle down and procreate to produce the workforce of the future.

They are our nation's future. They should be optimistic and have lots to look forward to.

Unfortunately, a home is looking further and further out of reach for them.

There is a danger of them feeling priced out and disenfranchised.

There will always be groups lobbying for their own interests ("Redas calls for review of property tax policies"; Feb 11).

It is important that our Government remains focused on the interest of the country's future.

Nothing can be worse than having a nation's youth feeling downcast and bleak about their future, as they see their basic goals as a bridge too far.

Louis Peh Chwee Hoe