The Civil Aid Service (CAS) Cadet Corps held the Foot Drill Competition 2025 and the Slogan Design Competition in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression today (September 7) at the CAS Headquarters. The competitions and award presentation ceremony were officiated by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Leung said today's event holds special significance for him personally, as over 40 years ago, he was a member of the CAS Cadet Corps. The uniform, insignia, and foot drill back then were different from those of today, but the underlying spirit and goals remain unchanged, that is, to cultivate young people's discipline, sense of responsibility, positive thinking, leadership skills, perseverance and teamwork, as well as to enhance their commitment to serve the community through training and activities. The abilities he acquired while he was in the CAS Cadet Corps had a profound and positive impact on him, and have served him well throughout his life.
 
     Mr Leung said that young people are the future of Hong Kong and the most important driver of social progress. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has always put great emphasis on youth development and has launched a series of youth development programmes to help young people unleash their potential and realise their dreams. Among them, the CAS's Youth Potential Development Scheme provides young people with training and personal growth, nurturing them to become confident, self-disciplined, and effective communicators in society.
 
     This year's Cadet Corps Foot Drill Competition was conducted in the form of Chinese-style foot drills, aiming to strengthen their sense of belonging to the country and national identity. About 300 cadets formed into 16 teams participated in the competition. In addition, this year marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The CAS also held a slogan design competition today to commemorate this anniversary, encouraging participants to showcase their creativity and express their patriotism.
 
     In addition to the competitions, the Cadet Corps also organised various patriotic exchange activities during the summer, including the Shandong Chinese Culture and Sports Industry Exchange 2025, the Sichuan Ancient and Modern Technology Tour 2025, the Economic and Cultural Visit to Malaysia, the 10 000 Miles Friendship Trek 2025 and the Si Yuan Exchange Programme, allowing cadets to understand Chinese history and culture better and strengthen their awareness of safeguarding national security.
 
     The CAS Cadet Corps accepts applications throughout the year. For details on recruitment and application forms, please visit the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/org/cadet_corps.html).

Ends/Sunday, September 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:10

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