To further cultivate national consciousness and positive values in young rehabilitated persons, correctional officers led youths who have completed their sentences and are under statutory supervision to participate in the Greater Bay Area Experience Exchange Tour 2026, visiting Foshan and Zhuhai in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for three days and two nights of exchanges, so that they could learn about the country's history and culture as well as its developments in various fields.

     Fourteen young rehabilitated persons began their exchange tour in Foshan on February 7. They first visited the San Tan Geming Shiji Exhibition Hall to learn about modern Chinese history, followed by a visit to a local school to interact with teachers and students, gaining insights into the local learning environment. They then proceeded to a Chinese medicine hospital to understand the long history of Chinese medicine and the development of the healthcare system. Participants subsequently headed to Zhuhai to participate in educational activities at a general aircraft company and a space centre to gain an understanding of national aircraft research and development, aircraft manufacturing and operational services as well as its achievements in aerospace technology. They also visited an intelligent technology company to learn about the nation's research, development and application of unmanned surface vessels.

     A participating youth, Ah Ming (pseudonym), who had not returned to the Chinese Mainland for years, stated that during the "black-clad violence" in 2019, he and his friends were incited and misled by newspapers to commit violent acts on the street. He was subsequently sentenced to imprisonment, bearing the legal consequences of his actions. With the help of the Correctional Services Department (CSD)'s rehabilitation services, Ah Ming said he hopes to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society, making a contribution to Hong Kong and the homeland.

     Ah Ming added that he previously had misunderstandings about the Chinese Mainland due to being misled. This trip has broadened his horizons significantly, not only allowing him to learn about Chinese history and culture, but also providing an opportunity for him to ride a high-speed train for the first time and visit technology enterprises, so that he could understand in person the rapid development of the country. He appreciated the CSD for the meticulous arrangements, which allowed him to rediscover his homeland.

     The Exchange Tour is an extension of the Department's targeted rehabilitation programme, the Project PATH. Participants include youths under supervision who were involved in the "black-clad violence". The tour aims, through visits and observation, to allow participants to learn and understand the profound Chinese history and culture as well as to witness the nation's prosperous development, thereby deepening their understanding of national conditions and development and fostering their sense of belonging to the country and national identity.

Ends/Monday, February 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:55

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