​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at the Youth Development Summit today (August 10):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. Welcome to the thematic sessions of the inaugural Youth Development Summit. It is wonderful to see so many prominent leaders from different sectors and professions to join us as our panelists and also many bright, eager young faces among our participants here today.
The future of Hong Kong lies in the hands of our young people. Hong Kong is a place filled with opportunities where individuals with diverse abilities and aspirations can unleash their strengths and pursue their dreams. We are gathering here because we believe in you – our young people – and we want to help you unlock your full potential.
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is deeply committed to supporting the youth of Hong Kong in every way possible. For example, today's event is the first ever large-scale Summit dedicated to youth development organised by our Government to serve as a new platform for our young people to exchange knowledge, foster cross-cultural understanding and inspire new ideas with peers from different regions and backgrounds.
This afternoon, we will dive deeper into youth-focused subjects. Prominent business leaders, talents in technological innovation, creative experts, young entrepreneurs and representatives of youth organisations will share their valuable experiences and insights to empower our younger generation in the three thematic sessions.
The first session will talk about innovation, which is a defining factor of the future and we want you, our young people, to be at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our speakers will examine the power of innovation in accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and the important role played by youth in the process.
On this note, I would like to highlight that the HYAB has set up the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area, to support our next generation in seizing new innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities by providing a one-stop platform for information, promotion and exchange and offering comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs.
Our Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area also supports establishment of youth entrepreneurial teams in key Mainland cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. These initiatives provide you, our young innovators, with the resources, mentorship and networks needed to turn your creative ideas into successful businesses.
Next is creativity and cultural exchange, which plays a vital role in the development of our young people. The second thematic session will focus on the emerging opportunities in the creative and cultural industries and discuss how to empower young people to drive innovative development in various sectors.
On the Government's side, through the Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, we are offering opportunities to Hong Kong young people to broaden their global exposure and deepen their understanding of the history, culture and latest developments of different places. By providing platforms for cross-cultural exchange, we aim to unlock the transformative power of youth creativity and inspire a new generation of cultural innovators.
Last but not the least, positive thinking is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success and we are here to support you in this crucial aspect of personal growth. The final thematic session will explore how to inspire and empower young people through the transformative power of positive thinking.
The Government places importance in supporting youth to cultivate a positive outlook on life and build character, empathy and a sense of responsibility towards society through experiences. This is why the HYAB launched the Funding Scheme for Youth Positive Thinking Activities and the Funding Scheme for Youth Adventure Training Activities to enhance your resilience, discipline and team spirit.
Internships and volunteer experiences are key to the development of our young people. To support them, the HYAB offers a range of initiatives, including the Youth Internship Programmes, which provide valuable opportunities for young people to gain work experience at various organisations, including Chinese enterprises in Belt and Road economies.
The HKSAR Government is strongly committed to youth development. Our efforts are all about building a future where every young person can realise their full potential. Today's Summit has been created for you to exchange knowledge, share insights and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Take this opportunity to engage not only with our esteemed speakers but also peers from different regions, ask questions and share your thoughts. Your participation is what makes this event special and impactful.
I wish you all an inspiring and enjoyable afternoon. Thank you!
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