Chief Executive Donald Tsang has pledged to implement social policies for more healthy and balanced development of youngsters.

It will help them develop abilities for personal fulfilment, and foster their positive values to play an active role in building the community.

Tuen Mun tour: Chief Executive Donald Tsang exchanges views with youngsters during his visit to a Tuen Mun youth centre, and chats with shoppers in one of the district's malls.

Meeting the people

Mr Tsang made the remark during a visit to Tuen Mun today where he learned more about the aspirations of young people and the youth services provided in the district.

He toured the Federation of Yourth Groups' Jockey Club Kin Sang Youth SPOT in Siu Hin Court, Tuen Mun. Renovated last year, it was the first youth centre to win a gold award in the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards for 2005.

As its name SPOT suggests, it allows young people to have the 'space' to 'participate' in activities, the 'opportunities' to learn and broaden their horizons, and areas where they can be 'trained' to meet their fullest potential to become responsible citizens.

Apart from activity and study rooms, the centre also has a computer room and job vacancy information. It also provides after-school childcare, education, youth employment and volunteer services, services for youth at risk, plus leadership training and counselling.

Greatest asset

"Young people are the future of Hong Kong and the greatest asset for our sustainable development. In seeing their active participation in community services and concern for the world around them, I have great expectations and hopes," Mr Tsang said.

According to demographic statistics, Tuen Mun ranks first among the 18 districts in terms of the relative proportion of its youth population. It is also a district with a comparatively high proportion of population aged 20 or below.

"I am pleased to learn that some special support programmes run by the centre have initiated undergraduates in the district to participate in voluntary work to take care of youngsters in need of positive peer influence," Mr Tsang said.

He chatted with young shop operators and greeted other locals during his tour of a major shopping mall.

"Tuen Mun is a district full of young people. As they are the driving force for our future development, we need to engage in nurturing their vision and mission to turn Hong Kong into an even more vibrant society. I treasure the opportunity today to understand their interests and aspirations. Their vibrant energy has made me feel younger."