The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Cadet Corps 55th Anniversary Celebration Events Kick-off Ceremony at the Government House today (January 7). The ceremony was officiated by the wife of the Chief Executive, Mrs Janet Lee. Other guests included the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Li Pak-chuen, as well as about 100 CAS cadets.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lee congratulated the CAS Cadet Corps on its excellent development since its establishment 55 years ago, adding that the number of cadets has grown from 200 to 4 000 now.

     After the guests officiating at the lighting and cake-cutting ceremony on the stage, cadet representatives from different companies shared their experience in the Cadet Corps. The guests also conducted an in-depth exchange of views with the cadets and knew about the range of training and activities offered by the Cadet Corps including weekly assembly, Chinese-style foot drill training, hiking, outing, camping, mountaineering rescue, canoeing practice, drone operation and virtual reality experience, as well as various personal adventure activities under the Hong Kong Award for Young People.

     In addition, a series of events will be organised this year in celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the CAS Cadet Corps, which include the 55th Anniversary Celebration Events Logo Design Competition, anniversary parade and camp.

     Established in 1968, the Cadet Corps is fully subsidised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Currently, the Cadet Corps is composed of 80 platoons under five companies on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and New Territories, with around 4 000 cadets receiving training. The Cadet Corps not only attaches great importance to discipline training and community service, but it has also strengthened national education for the youths in recent years with a view to nurturing cadets' care for society and love for the motherland and Hong Kong. 

     Looking forward to the future, the CAS will step up efforts to encourage cadets to participate in community service and discipline training and to assist in promoting national security education so as to help the youths develop into future leaders and responsible citizens.

Ends/Saturday, January 7, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:41

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