Youth leaders from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao shared their experiences and achievements from the past year as they gathered today for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum annual review.

They also gave presentations on various issues related to the Greater Bay Area, and outlined the forum’s activities for the coming year.

Addressing members, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development.

He highlighted that Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan clearly states that diversified platforms will be developed for exchanges and experiences that broaden young people's horizons.

Building on the Youth Development Blueprint, the Hong Kong SAR Government is developing broader platforms and more opportunities for young people to grow and thrive, aiming to nurture a new generation with an affection for both China and Hong Kong, as well as a global perspective, ambition, and a positive mindset.

Mr Cheuk said the leaders forum is an important platform for the Government to implement its vision for youth development.

Over the past year, the forum organised more than 30 activities spanning national security, patriotic education, frontier technologies and multicultural themes. Members also contributed to national initiatives such as the 15th National Games, which Mr Cheuk said demonstrated vitality and a sense of responsibility.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung expressed his satisfaction at the progress shown by members over the past year.

He highlighted that 51 members undertook summer internships at 26 renowned enterprises and organisations across cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Macao and Hong Kong. In addition, nine students from Shenzhen University came to Hong Kong for training and hands-on experience at various companies.

Mr Tang also observed that since the forum's establishment four years ago, more than 60% of its graduates have joined the Hong Kong SAR Government, taking up positions such as administrative officer and inspectorate officer in the disciplinary forces. Others have pursued careers in the legal, medical, engineering, finance and other sectors.

The security chief stressed that the National 15th Five-Year Plan includes a dedicated section for youth development, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government's own Five-Year Plan dovetails with national strategies, allowing Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

He added that future development opportunities for young people are unlimited and encouraged members of the leaders forum to seize such opportunities.