Financial Secretary Paul Chan today reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy.

Speaking at the parade, in addition to commending members of the Fire Services Department for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property, Mr Chan praised their bravery during the rescue mission in Türkiye's quake-stricken areas last year.

While talking about the department’s introduction of advanced equipment and application of innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency, Mr Chan gave an example of its use of drones and technologies such as artificial intelligence analysis to locate a missing student in the hills in October last year.

He also noted that the department received an award from the World Innovation, Technology & Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations.

Additionally, Mr Chan highlighted that the department frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation was created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Apart from conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the department also shares experiences and information with its Mainland counterparts through the Greater Bay Area Fire & Rescue Knowledge Management Platform.

Furthermore, Mr Chan pointed out that the department has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security that calls for the participation of all members.

He noted that the graduates attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period, and encouraged them to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong.

The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, Mr Chan added.