​The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the kick-off ceremony for the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2024 today (January 27). The Programme is a flagship youth talent development programme co-organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC). The Programme aims at identifying and grooming a cadre of young talent with a sense of responsibility, and with aspirations and potential, as well as a passion to serve society, and who are willing to strive for the betterment of the country and Hong Kong. Sixty Youth Ambassador (YA) Cadets will join a multifaceted training programme centered on the theme "Gen S: Empowering a Sustainable Future", enhancing their understanding of the concepts and application of "sustainability" and "sustainable development" in various sectors and industries, laying a solid foundation for them to engage in public policy discussions, community building and public affairs in the future.
 
     Addressing the ceremony, Miss Mak said, "Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive." She pointed out that the future of young people is the future of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong is a place full of opportunities where people with different abilities and ambitions can unleash their strengths and pursue their dreams. She encouraged the YA Cadets to understand more about the youth development work by the HYAB and the YDC, including the various youth-related measures stated in the Youth Development Blueprint, which help address the needs of young people in different development stages.
 
     Miss Mak said she hoped that the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme could identify and nurture more young talent with a sense of responsibility and aspirations. She said that she has full confidence in the future of Hong Kong and the young people of Hong Kong. The YA Cadets could unleash their full potential, further integrate into the overall development of the country, contribute to Hong Kong and the country, and tell the good stories of Hong Kong.
 
     Other officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Vice-Chairman of the YDC, Mr Kenneth Leung; and the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan. Members of the YDC also attended the ceremony.
 
     The YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme offers unique training and exposure opportunities to participants and enhances their understanding of public affairs. For more information on the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2024, please visit the YDC's webpage (www.ydc.gov.hk/ya).

      

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement as soon as possible, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     A vegetation fire broke out in the vicinity of Por Lo Shan in Tuen Mun at 7.34am today (January 27). The Fire Services Department is conducting a firefighting operation.

     Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to close their doors and windows and stay calm.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 27) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on the prevention of accident in confined space works at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 27):

Reporter: Secretary, about labour safety, as you said the Code of Practice will be issued for those working in confined space, when will this be issued? How effective do you hope this will increase the safety?

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Our plan is to promulgate the revised "Code of Practice – Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces" within the first half of this year. This is our work plan. Right now, we have completed consultation with the stakeholders. We are looking at ways to refine and finalise the Code. One of the key changes to be made in the Code is to make use of technology. One idea, we think it is quite possible, is to require the installation of cameras at the entrance in confined spaces. Through cameras, there is literally no incentive for those working in confined spaces to cut corners, because all the entrances, their behaviour and equipment will be fully recorded by camera. By this way, we hope they will be able to make sure that people have every incentive to comply with all the safety requirements for working in confined spaces.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today (January 27) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.