The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau announced that the Government started phase six of its recruitment under the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth today and applications will close on June 29.

Apart from pointing out that the number of participating committees has increased from 15 to 20, the bureau explained that each of the 20 committees will offer two seats for appointment.

It added that young people aged 18 to 35 who want to serve the community are encouraged to nominate themselves to join.

Applicants must write no more than 600 words or provide a video or audio clip no longer than three minutes to explain, in either Chinese or English, their suitability for the committee they choose.

Afterwards, the assessment panels will conduct interviews and consider whether the applicants possess a strong commitment to serve the community, good understanding of the policy area concerned and good analytical and communication skills.

Subject to the number of applications received and assessment progress, the assessment would be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

The bureau also pointed out that action has been taken to expand the scheme, with a view to tripling the number of participating advisory committees from around 60 at present to no less than 180 within the current term of the Government.

Around 510 posts are currently held by young people who have been appointed to advisory and statutory bodies through the scheme.

The overall ratio of youth members in these bodies has increased from 7.8% in 2017 to 16.1% in 2022, the bureau added.