Hong Kong’s first “Safe Community Hub” officially opens (with photos)

     The “Safe Community Hub” (The Hub) run by the Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU) was officially opened today (October 27). It is the first experience centre with the theme of counter-terrorism (CT) in Hong Kong, aiming at further promoting the message of “Safe Community” to the public through a variety of interactive experiences and activities.

     The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, together with Deputy Secretary for Security, Ms Priscilla To, and directorate representatives of the other five disciplined services in ICTU, including the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Control and Enforcement), Mr Chan Tsz-tat; the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), Dr Kenneth Leung; the Deputy Director of Immigration (Enforcement, Systems and Management), Mr Tai Chi-yuen; the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Public Safety and Corporate Strategy), Mr Derek Armstrong Chan, and the Acting Chief Pilot (Operations) of Government Flying Service, Mr Eddie Liu, officiated at the opening ceremony.  

     The Hub, with an area of about 8,000 square feet, features the respective dedicated exhibition and interactive experience zones of the member departments of ICTU (namely the Customs and Excise Department, the Correctional Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department). These interactive experiences include virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR), motion detection, interactive hologram, and flight simulation, allowing participants to experience how to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks and ensure personal and community safety. Various attractive photo-taking spots were set up to engage participants. ICTU hopes to convey key CT and safe community messages in an easy-to-understand and lively way with fun.

     In addition, there is a mini theatre where special programmes will be arranged for participants to experience how to apply the advisories of “Run, Hide, Report” and “Spot and Report”, in case of terrorist attacks or violent incidents.

     ICTU aims to deepen public understanding on inter-departmental CT efforts and emergency response techniques through the activities, so as to enhance the public’s CT awareness and emergency response capabilities, and engage the whole community to counter terrorism.  
         
     Locating on 25/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, The Hub will commence service in early November. Schools, community groups/organisations are welcome to make group reservations, while members of the public can also make reservations for designated time slots.  Admission is free. Further details will be announced on the ICTU website (www.ictu.gov.hk) and the “Safe Community” WeChat Mini Program.