The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, visited Wong Tai Sin District today (August 10) to better understand the district's latest developments. He visited an elderly centre and a social enterprise, and met with members of the Wong Tai Sin District Council (WTSDC).

     Mr Yau first visited Rhythm Garden Lutheran Centre for the Elderly, where he was briefed about the Centre's services and facilities. He chatted with the elderly there to learn about their daily lives. The Centre provides various support and outreach services for the elderly in the community. For instance, different types of cognitive training are provided to the elderly to help prevent them from suffering from dementia. The Centre also organises various community activities and senior volunteer programmes, and encourages the elderly to take part in them actively to contribute to society.

     Mr Yau then visited Splendid Fashion, a social enterprise operated by Lok Kwan Social Service. He toured the garment studio and learned about its operation. The enterprise provides garment manufacturing services for local designers, design students and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also organises garment manufacturing courses for young designers and design students to enhance their relevant skills. He said he was pleased to know that the enterprise has been providing strong support to young designers and SMEs to launch their own brands, with a view to promoting the development of locally designed and manufactured fashion.

     During his visit, Mr Yau chatted with the service users to learn about the opportunities and challenges faced by the local fashion trade. He said the Government is committed to promoting the development of the fashion industry through various measures, including the launch of the Fashion Incubation Programme in 2017 with CreateSmart Initiative funding to nurture budding fashion talents and brands. Moreover, the Government has started the preparatory work for the design and fashion project in Sham Shui Po, with the aim of turning the area into a local as well as territory-wide design and fashion landmark.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Yau met with WTSDC members to exchange views on district matters relating to tourism, consumer protection and local economic development.
 

Ends/Friday, August 10, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:23

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