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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks made by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media stand-up today (June 26) on the working holiday scheme:
Reporter: What do you have to achieve in the scheme?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: The whole objective actually is to provide an opportunity for youngsters to enrich themselves in terms of international exposure, in terms of building up their confidence, and also see the world. I think it is very, very valuable for youngsters, if you look at the 6,200 Hong Kong youngsters who have benefited from the scheme. We have already put in place schemes with Australia and New Zealand back in 2001, and Ireland in 2005, and now with Germany starting on July 1 this year. All these will provide them with a good opportunity for them to broaden their horizons, see the world ..... working and in the process build up their confidence and global outlook. So it is a win-win situation for them. And also, of course, the scheme allows them to work in the host country and holidaying as well, so combining pleasure with work. It's really an ideal scheme to enhance their personal values.
Reporter: Are there any other country that can be added to the scheme soon?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: At the moment, we have schemes with Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. And Germany is the latest one. We have a very good basis with Japan. The scheme is likely to kick off some time this year. So basically we are talking about after Germany, Japan will be coming up shortly.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, June 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:16
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