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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, distributed Budget consultation comic books to youths, inviting them to express views on the upcoming Budget, during a visit to the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups' LOHAS Youth S.P.O.T. in Tseung Kwan O this afternoon (January 5).
Mr Tsang said he hoped that the comic book could enhance young people's interest in public affairs, as well as encourage them to think about what the Government should do in the Budget in order to address the needs of Hong Kong society.
Mr Tsang stressed that the Budget is for all people in Hong Kong.
"Some students may think that the Budget has nothing to do with them. However, every one of us more or less will be affected by it, either directly or indirectly.
"The Budget is not simply a bunch of figures. It is in fact closely related to the future of young people," Mr Tsang said.
He called on the youths, who are the future leaders of our society, to voice their opinions on the Budget.
"Your opinions will help us identify the path for the development of the society. We can collaborate to create the world of the future."
Apart from secondary school and university students, young job-seekers, young workers, and young entrepreneurs also joined the sharing session today.
Illustrated by young local cartoonist Mr Billy Ma, this year's Budget comic book carries the theme, "Embrace the Future, Believe in the Future".
The comic book's main character, Yat, has graduated from university and is looking for a job. Like other young people, Yat encounters problems finding a job and is under pressure from his family. However, with faith in the future and persistent effort, Yat finally overcomes his difficulties.
The comic book is published in Chinese and each copy comes with a bookmark showing a cartoon image of Mr Tsang. Copies will be distributed to secondary schools across the territory. Limited copies will also be available at the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department starting tomorrow (January 6), on a first-come,first-served basis. An online version has also been uploaded onto the Budget website (www.budget.gov.hk).
Additionally, a new online game, "Be the Financial Secretary", was launched by the Financial Secretary's Office on Facebook today.
Simulating the formulation of a government Budget, the game allows you to allocate funding for various government expenditure items. You may post your result to the Facebook wall to share with friends your specially designed Budget, with feedback from the simulated media.
Members of the public are welcome to try it out at the designated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/budgethk.
Ends/Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:05
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