The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The 2018 internship programme organised by the Legislative Council Secretariat (the Secretariat) for local tertiary students commenced today (May 28), providing training opportunities for 17 undergraduate students and six sub-degree students, nominated by 16 tertiary institutions.
From today to July 6, the 23 students will be attached to various divisions of the Secretariat to acquire hands-on experience in its support services provided for the Legislative Council (LegCo). They will also meet with the President and Members of LegCo, the Secretary General and Heads of Divisions of the Secretariat as well as observe meetings of LegCo and its committees so as to better understand the constitutional functions of LegCo. In addition, the students will participate in a training workshop introducing the work of LegCo as well as an interactive role-play during which they will play the role of Members to experience the passage of a bill.
At an orientation session held by the Secretariat this morning, the students were given an overview on the work of the Secretariat to make preparation for the coming six-week internship programme. The Secretary General of the Secretariat, Mr Kenneth Chen, met with the students and said, "The LegCo Secretariat should always remain impartial. Through this internship programme, students will understand that the Secretariat adheres to the principle of political neutrality at all times when serving the Council. In addition, I hope students would be inspired by Members and Secretariat staff whom they will have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact during their internship period."
The students then toured the LegCo Library and Archives, the Public Complaints Office, as well as the education, visitor and press facilities in the LegCo Complex to gain an understanding of the various support services provided by the Secretariat for LegCo.
"Issues relating to LegCo are in the news almost every day. It is my privilege to get the opportunity to experience how LegCo works and what makes it work. The meeting sessions with Members incorporated into the programme will also widen my perspectives in exploring contemporary issues," a student said during the orientation session.
The internship programme is an annual event held since 2013 during the summer vacation of students.
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