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Fifteen outstanding anti-drug workers received awards in recognition of their continuous and significant contribution to the anti-drug cause at a presentation ceremony held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel today (March 14).

The Outstanding Anti-drug Workers Award Scheme, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, is organised by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and The Outstanding Young Persons' Association (TOYPA).

The Chairman of ACAN, Professor Lee Shiu-hung, said, "The Scheme aims to arouse public awareness of the importance of combating drugs and to express our gratitude to outstanding anti-drug workers in Hong Kong. It is hoped that the Scheme will provide an incentive and inspiration to those engaged in anti-drug work and the community at large."

"A total of 44 nominations have been received and they are all outstanding anti-drug workers. The Panel of Adjudicators have had a very difficult task in selecting the most deserving outstanding anti-drug workers for the Awards," he added.

The outstanding anti-drug workers received Life Achievement Awards, Diamond Awards, Platinum Awards, Gold Awards and Awards of Merit. They are:

Life Achievement Award:

Rev. John Paul Chan

Dr. James Ch'ien

Diamond Award

Rev. Samuel Lai

Dr. Leung Shung Pun

Mr. Frederick Yu

Platinum Award :

Ms. Rainbow Cheung

Mr. Sunny Fung

Mr. Tony Pang

Mr. Frankie Sun

Gold Award:

Mr. Lee Fai Ping

Mr. Lee Tsz Yiu

Mr. Wong Wing Fai

Mr. Lawrence Yu

Award of Merit:

Dr. Ben Cheung

Mr. David Simpson

They received the awards from Mrs. Betty Tung, wife of the Chief Executive, who is also the Patron of the Award Scheme; the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr. Raymond Wong; and Senior Vice President of AIA Foundation, Mr. Alwin Lam, who is the sponsor of a television show to promote the Award Scheme and the anti-drug cause.

Mr. Raymond Wong emphasised the importance of community support and partnership in the fight against narcotics.

"The Outstanding Anti-drug Workers Award Scheme is a very good example of community partnership in preventive education and publicity on the anti-drug cause. Such meaningful projects as well as the contribution and dedication of so many anti-drug workers will certainly go a long way in helping us achieve our long term goal of building a drug free society for Hong Kong," he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of The Outstanding Young Persons' Association, Mr. Samuel Yung, said, "The Outstanding Anti-drug Workers Award Scheme is a very meaningful project which we are very happy to partner with the ACAN. It not only gives due recognition to those who contributed to the anti-drug cause in the past, but also serves to enhance public awareness of the importance of combating drugs, and to establish a correct sense of life values and role model for our young people."

The Panel of Adjudicators include the Chairman of ACAN, Professor Lee; Chairman of TOYPA, Mr. Yung; Chairman of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hon Eric Lee; Chairman, Land Development Corporation, Dr. Lau Wah-sum; Adjunct Professor in Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Chen Char-nie; and the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Clarie Lo.

A television show to promote the Award Scheme and the anti-drug messages will be produced and screened on TVB's Jade Channel on 17 March 2000 at 10:50 p.m. - 11:35 p.m.

A brief introduction of the awardees is attached.

End/Tuesday, March 14, 2000

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Life Achievement Awards

Rev. John-Paul Chan

Rev. John-Paul Chan is one of the early pioneers of treatment of drug addiction by Christian spiritual therapy. Rev. Chan set up the Operation Dawn at Dawn Island in the early 1960s and has worked on the treatment and rehabilitation for drug abusers in the past 40 years. He advocates a spiritual therapy by which the addicts must deal with the withdrawal symptoms by their belief, their own will-power, together with the prayers and support of their fellow patients. Inspired by him, many ex-drug addicts volunteered to undergo training and became para-professionals in the field of voluntary drug rehabilitation work. Other Christian drug rehabilitation centres were then set up to help drug dependent persons in need. There are currently over ten Christian treatment centres. Rev. Chan has also spread his message of hope and religion to many Asian countries and is highly commended by both the governments and communities there. He was awarded Badge of Honour by the Queen in 1997 for his contribution in this area.

Dr. James M.N.Ch'ien

Dr. James M.N.Ch'ien is the founding President of Pui Hong Self-Help Association and the Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong. A veteran research worker on the drug abuse problem, Dr. Ch'ien has published many papers and articles on the subject. He joined the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts (SARDA) in 1963 and became its founding member and the first social welfare officer there. From then on, he began his life-long dedication to the cause of drug abuse treatment in Hong Kong by developing rehabilitation strategies to help drug addicts integrate into the community. He founded the Pui Hong Self-Help Association in 1968, a post-treatment self-help network to provide vocational training and support service to ex-drug addicts. He is therefore virtually the founder of such services. His achievements in this field is internationally recognized. He has been a WHO consultant in many countries and has given lectures in many parts of the world.

Diamond Awards

Rev. Samuel Lai Chun Moon

Rev. Samuel Lai Chun Moon had been a drug addict for 13 years. He later adopted the Christian belief and turned over a new leaf in 1983 and completed his detoxification programme in 1984. He studied continuously, receiving training in theology, pastoral counselling and family therapy etc and devoted himself to inspiring and encouraging drug addicts to lead a meaningful life. Rev. Lai is now the Chief Reverend of Shepherd Community Fuk Lam Church, Chief Executive of Fuk Lam Family Services Centre and Consultant of the Youth Mission Group. In the past 15 years, Rev. Lai has provided drug abusers with both physical and psychological treatment through professional counselling with limited resources. Drug abusers were also counselled to improve their family and interpersonal relationships. His out-reach service is extended throughout the territory. Rev. Lai also offered voluntary counselling service for teenage drug abusers in Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Phoenix House Half-Way House for Discharged Prisoners.

Dr. Leung Shung Pun

Dr. Leung Shung Pun is the Chief of Service and Consultant at Castle Peak Hospital and Tuen Mun Alcohol and Drug Dependence Unit. He is one of the most senior psychiatrists in the Hospital Authority (HA), as well as the most senior clinician in HA's Substance Abuse Service. Dr. Leung played a key role in co-ordinating the setting up of the six Substance Abuse Clinics under HA and is now the convenor of the Substance Abuse Service Functional Group. He has built up a close tie with non-government organizations providing services to drug abusers and has done a lot of research on treatment in this area. His clinical trial on the use of 'naltrexone' has brought new insights to treatment and rehabilitation for drug abusers. Dr. Leung has significant contribution in enhancing public awareness of drug treatment and treatment services in Hong Kong.

Mr. Frederick Yu Sak Kwong

Mr. Frederick Yu Sak Kwong is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been actively involved in anti-drug work over the past 24 years. In 1976, he became the Treasurer of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society (DPAS) as well as the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA) as a voluntary worker. He was the Chairman of DPAS from 1978 to 1985. He had, in the interim, changed the name of the organization to The Society for the Rehabilitation of Offenders (SROHK) to minimize public discrimination towards discharged prisoners. He was the Chairman of SARDA from 1985 to 1999. During this period, two new centres were set up, namely the Au Tau Youth Centre providing service to young ex-addicts, and the first adult female centre in Hong Kong. In view of the importance of half-way houses for ex-drug addicts in their integration into the community, he also planned to purchase properties in order to increase the number of beds in half-way houses. In 1998, he initiated the establishment of Ming Long Service Company to provide more job opportunities for ex-drug addicts.

Platinum Awards

Ms. Rainbow Cheung Kam Hung

Ms. Rainbow Cheung Kam Hung is a social worker who has engaged in anti-drug work for over 16 years. She is now the Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Service Officer in the Hong Kong Christian Service and the Chairlady of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service Drug Abuse Committee. Ms. Cheung spares no efforts in promoting innovative anti-drug services, such as the new approach of the out-patient drug treatment and rehabilitation services of PS 33, Project Aware which provides group treatment through out-reach services for occasional drug abuse teenagers, Project STEP (Specialized Training to Equip Professionals) for specialized detoxification/counselling to professionals, and Project CITY (City Intensive Training for Youth) for out-of-school or unemployed young females-at-risk. Ms. Cheung displays enthusiasm in promoting development in drug treatment, rehabilitation and counselling through organizing workshops. She has published books and pamphlets to facilitate exchanges among social workers, thus helping to train new comers.

Mr. Sunny Fung To Sun

Mr. Sunny Fung To Sun is an ex-drug addict. In the early 1980s, he joined the Operation Dawn after his detoxification programme to help drugs addicts lead a new life. Mr. Fung founded the Christian New Being Fellowship in 1989, providing services to both adult and youth addicts. He devised a set of comprehensive training programme, which included elements of discipline to enable those under treatment to exercise self discipline. Apart from setting up the New Being Job Training Workshop, Mr. Fung also set up the Anti-drug Youth Group, members of which share their experiences with students at schools to convey anti-drug messages. Team members are encouraged to join in providing voluntary services. In addition, Mr. Fung has organized the Youth Band, members of which disseminate anti-drug messages through music and sharing their own experiences with their audience.

Mr. Tony Pang Shing Fook

Mr. Tony Pang Shing Fook is a social worker who has been engaged in anti-drug work for over 20 years. He is now Senior Project Worker in the Hong Kong Council of Social Service responsible for services on drug abuse and AIDS. Mr. Pang joined the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society (DPAS) (later renamed as SROHK) in the early 1970s. He worked on the rehabilitation and counselling of ex-offenders who were drug dependent persons by helping them to reintegrate into society. He also helped in extending the service of half-way houses and succeeded in helping thousands of ex-prisoners integrate into the community. He joined the Hong Kong Council of Social Service in 1995 and has served on a number of voluntary drug treatment organizations as members. Mr. Pang spares no efforts in enhancing exchanges among such organizations. He has organized workshops and seminars, and issued publications to share his views and experiences with others.

Mr. Frankie Sun Kat Cheong

Mr. Frankie Sun Kat Cheong is a social worker. He has been working in the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts (SARDA) over the past 34 years and is now the Superintendent of Social Service there. In the late 1960s, he set up the Intake Section for SARDA to ensure a fair and systematic intake for those who registered for residential treatment. In the early 1970s, he coordinated the setting up of SARDA's first half-way house and devised its service procedures, thus helping rehabilitated drug addicts gradually integrate into society. There are now in total five half-way houses under SARDA. Apart from dealing with the administrative work of SARDA, Mr. Sun also helps in promoting anti-drug activities in the districts. Ever since the early 1990s, he has been involved in promoting exchanges with the Mainland on drug rehabilitation. He set up the Pui Hong Skill Training Centre in 1998. By the end of 1999, some 800 ex-drug addicts had benefited from the services of the centre.

Gold Awards

Mr. Lee Fai Ping

Mr. Lee Fai Ping was once a drug addict, and had been in prison. Rehabilitated, he is now the Deputy Chief Executive of Wu Oi Christian Centre and a worker on drug treatment with love and care. He has been working on drug treatment and rehabilitation for 18 years. He never gives up a single drug addict who comes his way for treatment. With his past experience, he helps them rediscover the meaning of life and lead a new life. Mr. Lee is often involved in anti-drug publicity work, both locally and overseas. He has participated in seminars in the Mainland to share his experience with his Mainland counterparts. He is very concerned with the youth problem and often gives talks on the harmful effects of drugs in schools and community centres, encouraging young people to avoid drugs. He is collaborating with the Correctional Services Department in setting up Drug Abuse Groups for prisoners in Tai Lam Correctional Institution for Men to promote the anti-drug cause.

Mr. Lee Tze Yiu

Mr. Lee Tze Yiu is a Chartered Marketer in a commercial firm. For over ten years, Mr. Lee has been actively involved in anti-drug voluntary service. He is now the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Youth Volunteer Group (YVG) under the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). Mr. Lee participated in district anti-drug activities as early as 1988. He formally joined the YVG in 1993, helped in organizing major publicity projects, such as writing of radio dramas on the theme of drug abuse and organizing the Anti-drug Publicity Design Competition. The number of participants for these projects topped the previous years. He is also a member of the YVG Steering Committee and has made many constructive proposals on its operation, way forward and training of volunteers.

Mr. Wong Wing Fai

Mr. Wong Wing Fai is a civil servant and an anti-drug voluntary worker for over 13 years. He joined the Barnabas Charitable Service Association (BCSA) in his spare time, which provides residential treatment and rehabilitation service for female drug abusers. Mr. Wong assisted in leading BCSA to join in drug preventive education work and promoted territory-wide preventive education activities. He made substantial contribution in helping BCSA set up the Sunshine Net which educates students on the harmful effects of drug abuse. Mr. Wong also collaborated with "The Media Evangelism Limited" in producing a film entitled "The Boss Up There" which is shown in cinemas and schools throughout the territory. The film aims to promote drug preventive education among teenagers.

Mr. Lawrence Yu Cheung Ning

Mr. Lawrence Yu Cheung Ning is the Principal of Hong Kong Sam Yuk Secondary School. During the past nine years when Mr. Yu was a teacher and later the Vice-principal in Tai Po Sam Yuk Secondary School, he promoted preventive education activities in his spare time and encouraged students to organize related activities. Mr. Yu has also planned and participated in various district preventive education and promotional activities, including roving exhibitions, carnivals, jogging, cycling and volunteer-training camps. Mr. Yu is most concerned with the healthy development of the younger generation. He pays particular attention to parent-child relationship, participates in anti-drug seminars for parents, family camps and Sunday Parent-Child Ball Games Competition, while urging parents to show more love and concern to their children. He even broke down geographical barriers by bringing students to Wisconsin, U.S. to participate in anti-drug marches.

Awards of Merit

Dr. Ben Cheung Kin Leung

Dr. Ben Cheung Kin Leung is the Senior Medical Officer of Drug Abuse Assessment Centre, Kwai Chung Hospital. He set up the centre in 1995, which emphasizes both physical and psychological treatment for patients. He has the hospital wards furnished like homes to enable those seeking treatment to feel at home. He encouraged people seeking treatment by organizing a number of creative programmes. He joined with an art group known as "Art Seekers" in bringing in drawing as a therapy for drug addicts. He also promoted the setting up of computer classes to enhance the vocational skills of ex-drug addicts. Dr. Cheung helps family members of his patients in his centre to set up the Rainbow Association, which aims to increase public concern for their problems. Dr. Cheung organizes training talks to provide more training opportunities for anti-drug workers. He has also conducted research work on the drug abuse problem with a view to helping teenagers who are in the early stage of drug abuse to quit drugs.

Mr. David Simpson

An English man, Mr. David Simpson has been working as an outreach worker for the KELY Support Group since he came to Hong Kong in 1997. He provides counselling, drug treatment, rehabilitation as well as referral services for young drug addicts. He follows through the whole treatment and rehabilitation process of his clients and is able to refer them to seek professional help when required. He spares no efforts in preventive education, such as organizing preventive education workshops and publishing publicity pamphlets on the harmful effects of drugs for distribution to all universities, secondary schools and related organizations in Hong Kong. He participates in anti-drug seminars, group counselling and training in schools, and made contacts with rave party organizers, bar and restaurant operators so that his anti-drug publicity material can reach out to young people aged 18 to 25.