SHYA continues visit to Beijing (with photos)
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Miss Mak called on the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang, today and reported on the work of the HYAB. These include the latest developments and future work plans of district governance, youth development and women's affairs. She expressed gratitude to the HKMAO of the State Council for their support and guidance to the HYAB.
Miss Mak also called on the Vice Minister of the Society Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr He Zhiliang, to exchange views on grassroots governance work. District governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has entered a new phase, and the Government fully implements executive-led governance. The District Councils, "the three district committees" and Care Teams form a troika after improvements to district governance. Under the leadership of the District Officers, they co-operate to serve citizens in need and create synergy. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Home Affairs Department also organise training regularly to enhance District Council (DC) members' capabilities in discharging their duties, such as arranging visits to Shanghai and Zhejiang for the DC members last year to learn about grassroots governance experiences in the country. Miss Mak said that the HYAB will continue to unite district forces and enhance service efficiency to increase the sense of happiness and contentment of the public.
Miss Mak then met with the Vice Minister of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, Mr Wang Zhigang, to exchange views on religious affairs. Miss Mak said that the HKSAR Government maintains close communication with religious groups in Hong Kong. She also pointed out the harmonious relationship between different religious groups and that they not only promote their teachings but also provide education, medical and welfare services, making significant contributions to building a harmonious community.
The inauguration ceremony of the Youth Internship Programme at Chinese Academy of Sciences was held in the afternoon. The six-week Programme is an important co-operation project co-organised by the HYAB and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It provides Hong Kong youth with high-end scientific research internship opportunities during summer vacation every year.
Miss Mak congratulated the 20 Hong Kong young people who stood out in the highly competitive selection process. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that the National 14th Five-Year Plan has established Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology centre. Seizing the opportunities, the HKSAR Government is committed to nurturing scientific research talents, and the Programme serves as an important step in grooming future technology leaders. Miss Mak expressed her hope that the Programme would inspire students' passion for scientific research and serve as the starting point for their contributions to the country and Hong Kong's innovation and technology development in the future.
Miss Mak will visit Hong Kong youth participating in the Mainland legal internship programme sponsored by the HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Internship in the Mainland and organised by the International Youth Legal Exchange Federation tomorrow morning (July 16). She will learn about their experiences interning at Mainland law firms and large enterprises. Miss Mak will conclude her trip to Beijing and depart for Sichuan at noon, while several members of the delegation will return to Hong Kong.
Ends/Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:13
Issued at HKT 21:13
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