SFST visits Wong Tai Sin District (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, visited Wong Tai Sin District this afternoon (February 7). He visited a secondary school and a youth centre and toured a mobile branch operated by a retail bank before meeting with members of the Wong Tai Sin District Council to exchange views on local issues.
 
     Mr Lau first went to Choi Hung Estate Catholic Secondary School to chat with teachers and students there to better understand their learning and teaching environment. Noting that the school has attached great importance to promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, Mr Lau encouraged the students to remain curious in learning and to equip themselves to rise to changes and challenges brought about by the rapid economic, scientific and technological developments.
 
     He then toured a mobile branch serviced by HSBC at Mei Tung Estate, where he got to know the services offered by the mobile bank and how the residents have used them. He said, "I am glad to learn that retail banks have enhanced their services at public housing estates to meet the needs for basic banking services of the general public."
 
     To address the issue of banking services not being easily accessible in individual public housing estates and areas, three retail banks have launched five mobile branches which go around 24 locations and public housing estates to provide convenient and fast self-service banking services in the neighbourhoods.
 
     Later, Mr Lau visited the Jockey Club Wang Tau Hom Youth S.P.O.T. under the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG). He was briefed on the services provided by the centre. He also chatted with young people and encouraged them to broaden their horizons.
 
     The HKFYG has 22 Youth S.P.O.T. centres located across the territory. These youth centres provide space and opportunities for youths to learn and develop. The centre also focuses on developing and promoting three pillar services, comprising strengthening classroom learning, continuous learning, and experiential learning in a societal context.
 
     Before concluding the visit, Mr Lau met with members of the Wong Tai Sin District Council to exchange views on various issues including financial education, the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme and local banking services.

Ends/Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:35

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