The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, today (August 13) officiated at the graduation ceremony of the Military Training Experience Camp for Hundred Youths organised by "Customs YES" in Shenzhen. Other officiating guests included the Director General of the Police Liaison Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG), Mr Chen Feng; the Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Wen Zhencai; the Director General in Shenzhen Customs District, Mr Chen Xiaoying; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Deputy Division Chief of the Department of Youth Affairs of the LOCPG, Mr Huang Yiye, and directorates of Hong Kong Customs.
The experience camp was held from August 10 to 13, with the participation of 100 "Customs YES" members. During the four-day experience camp, the participants toured war heritage sites in Shenzhen and experienced a series of military trainings, such as martial boxing, military formation drills and obstacle challenges, which helped them enhance their self-care abilities, foster their team spirit and deepen their understanding of national military culture.
In her speech at the graduation ceremony, Ms Ho quoted President Xi Jinping's speech, "A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive" to explain that youth thrive not only because of their abilities, but they also require a robust body, a beautiful mind and strong determination. The military training aimed at enhancing the physical and mental strength of the participants so as to prepare them for engagement in the development of the country. Ms Ho also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard, cultivate excellence, embrace the country and have a global vision.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of the LOCPG, Mr Chen Feng, expressed his appreciation for the outstanding performance of the participants and the efforts of Hong Kong Customs in recent years in instilling correct values, patriotism and law-abiding awareness, and promoting the holistic development of personality, intelligence, and physical fitness among Hong Kong young people. He encouraged Hong Kong's youngsters to vigorously engage in building a better Hong Kong and country, and lead a splendid life with full passion.
A graduate representative expressed heartfelt gratitude to "Customs YES" for giving them this precious opportunity. The participants learned the importance of independence and teamwork through military and disciplinary training, and cooking and cleaning by themselves in the camp. They understood their strengths and weaknesses and became more grateful for the unfailing care from their parents in their daily lives.
Seizing the golden opportunity of summer vacation, "Customs YES" will continue to organise various activities to strengthen members' understanding of the latest developments and achievements of the country.
Ends/Sunday, August 13, 2023
