CS: Celebrating "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme First Cohort Graduation cum Second Cohort Kick-off Ceremony

Speech by CS at “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme First Cohort Graduation cum Second Cohort Kick-off Ceremony

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme First Cohort Graduation cum Second Cohort Kick-off Ceremony today (September 5):

To our English-speaking mentors and mentees, we are here today to celebrate two major milestones of the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme – the graduation of our first cohort, and the launch of our second.

This year, we proudly bring together over 70 mentors and 120 mentees, showcasing the power of women empowering women across generations.

This programme is a celebration of continuity. Mentors pass on wisdom to ignite future leadership, while mentees broaden their horizons to reach further than ever.

My sincere thanks go to our dedicated mentors, passionate mentees, university partners, and the team behind the scenes for making this a success.

Congratulations to our graduating cohort, and best wishes to our new cohort as they begin their journey.

And you do not walk alone. The Government will continue to work with the community to advance women’s empowerment and open more doors for Hong Kong. I look forward to seeing every one of you become the future leaders of our city. Thank you.

Celebrating 77th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China and 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to motherland – CAS Cadet Corps Foot Drill Competition 2026 held

The Civil Aid Service (CAS) today (September 6) held the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and the CAS Cadet Corps Foot Drill Competition 2026 at its headquarters. The competitions and award presentation ceremony were officiated by the Head of the Government Laboratory, Government Chemist, Dr Cheung Tsz-chun.

This year’s Cadet Corps Foot Drill Competition was conducted in the form of the Chinesestyle foot drill, aiming to strengthen their sense of belonging to the country, patriotism and national identity. More than 250 cadets formed into 14 teams in the competition, earning nine awards in total. A new National Security Cup (Overall Champion) was added this year to encourage and recognise members who achieve outstanding results across the various competition categories.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Cheung said that witnessing the cadets’ pursuit of “doing well and doing even better” in drills perfectly aligns with the professional spirit of their work at the Government Laboratory. Earlier, the CAS organised a summer internship and experience program for its Cadet Corps, selecting members to intern at the Government Laboratory. He observed, across various learning sessions, the curiosity and thirst for knowledge that each member displayed toward the unknown. When laboratory colleagues demonstrated to the cadets how to analyse samples with precision instruments and how to discover facts using scientific methods, many cadets eagerly asked questions, which were both deep and creative.

He said that laboratory work is closely related to national security and citizens’ lives. From food security, biosecurity and environmental monitoring to forensic testing and public health, the Government Laboratory applies scientific knowledge every day to safeguard society, protecting the health and safety of the public. The core of laboratory work, like what the cadets demonstrate on the drill field, is the same: mission, responsibility, discipline, and a heart for serving society.

He said that since its establishment, the CAS Cadet Corps has been dedicated to youth training, using discipline training, community service, and various learning activities to help young people develop proper values and a spirit of serving society. He said he hopes that, through the summer internship and the experience of visits to the Government Laboratory, a seed of scientific curiosity will be planted in the cadets’ hearts; and he encouraged them to remain curious, ask questions, and dare to try, as these qualities will become their most valuable assets regardless of the profession they choose in the future.

Dr Cheung said that looking ahead, the CAS will continue to encourage cadets to participate in discipline training and community service, and to assist in promoting national security education, cultivating young people to become future leaders and responsible citizens.

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).