Premiere of microfilm for Strive and Rise Programme held today (with photos)

     To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Government has produced a microfilm to showcase the achievements of the Strive and Rise Programme, implemented jointly by the Government, the business sector and the community, especially highlighting the growth and transformation of students from underprivileged families after participating in the Programme. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the premiere of the microfilm today (October 27) and joined an audience comprising strategic partners, supporting organisations, star mentors, mentors and mentees of the Programme to enjoy the film debut.

     The 22-minute microfilm was produced with the sponsorship of Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation. Written and directed by renowned director Jack Ng, it stars actresses Fish Liew and Phoebe Cheng. A 75-second abridged version has also been created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The film tells the story of a mentee in the Programme who, under the guidance of her mentor, transforms from a girl with low self-esteem into one with a positive outlook and determined goals for the future.

     Speaking at the premiere, Mr Chan said that the main idea of the film is faith in future, which not only highlights the objective of the Strive and Rise Programme but also represents the aspirations of the community for the Programme, where mentees can gradually reinforce their self-confidence, set future goals and strive for upward mobility under the guidance of their mentors.

     Mr Chan emphasised that the results of the Programme have been fruitful and encouraging as it has brought improvements to mentees in terms of personal development and positive thinking. He said he is confident that with the support from various sectors, the Programme will help more youngsters broaden their horizons, unleash their potential and develop a positive outlook.

     At the premiere, Mr Chan expressed his special gratitude to Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation for its sponsorship and valuable advice on the production of the mircofilm. He also showed appreciation to the director and crew for their professional and dedicated efforts in the production of the film.

     Other guests at the premiere included the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Chairman of Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation, Mr Peter Cheng; Associate Director of Share for Good Ms Jennifer Lee; the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; and the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee.

     Two sharing sessions were also held at the premiere. The first session featured the sharing by star mentor Dr Peter Pang, who made a guest appearance in the microfilm, actress Phoebe Cheng, as well as a mentor and mentee discussing their feelings about the microfilm, while the second session was a dialogue among the Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Eric Chui, a mentor and mentees about the benefits gained from joining the Programme.

     The third cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme to be launched on October 31 will recruit 4 000 mentees. By then, the cumulative number of mentees will exceed 10 000. The third round will enhance training for mentors. To maintain the spirit of the Programme and maximise its effectiveness, youth leaders from the Alumni Club will also be encouraged to organise more activities to enhance self‑development.

     The full version and the 75-second abridged version of the micro-film has been uploaded to the SWD's YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/@SocialWelfareDepartment).