The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) held the “Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony 2024” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (February 23), to commend 80 citizens who have assisted the Force in fighting crime and upholding law and order. The Force also presented the Good Organisation Award to seven organisations in recognition of their efforts in supporting the Police’s publicity work on anti-deception and crime prevention, as well as crime detection.

     Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), the Fight Crime Committee (FCC) and various stakeholders for their vital support in carrying forward the GCA Scheme, so as to cultivating a culture of combating crime in the community. He believed that the spirit of good citizenship can be put into practice in everyone’s daily lives. He also appealed to all sectors of the community to be united, genuine and sincere in preventing and combating crime, so as to achieve synergy and weave a safety net for the community.
      
     Also officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the HKGCC, Ms Agnes Chan, said that the “Good Organisation Award” recognises organisations that have been actively assisting the Police in preventing and combating crime, and commended those for their innovative approach to promote anti-scam messages. She emphasised that with the concerted efforts of the public, businesses and law enforcement agencies, a safe business environment can be established, thereby consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre. A member of the FCC, Ms Melody Kwok, stressed the importance of collaboration between the Police and the community. She hoped that members of the public would continue to demonstrate the spirit of good citizenship and help each other to make Hong Kong a better place to live in and work.
      
     Eighty good citizens were recognised for assisting the Force in preventing or detecting crime, arresting criminals and saving lives. This year's “Good Citizen of the Year Award” (GCYA) was presented to nine awardees, who were commended for their bravery during a No. 3 alarm fire broke out at a building on Jordan Road in Yau Ma Tei last year. The awardees volunteered to assist in evacuating residents trapped in the building.

     Launched in 1973, the GCA Scheme is jointly organised by the HKPF and the FCC, with the support of the HKGCC. Each awardee is awarded a certificate and a cash prize of $3,000, while each GCYA recipient is awarded a plaque and a cash prize of $4,000. More than 4,700 citizens have been commended over the years.

         The theme of this year's scheme is “Good Citizen – Good Stories – Everywhere”, highlighting that the stories of good citizens can be found everywhere, just like clothing, food, housing and transport, which are part of our daily life. Echoing the theme, a new video series entitled “Hidden Good Citizen”, featuring the stories of four groups of GCA awardees was launched. Those awardees have also been invited to participate in the film.

              

     Organised by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, the award presentation ceremony of ACAN 60th Anniversary – Colouring and Drawing Competition was held today (February 23) at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (DIC). During the ceremony, student winners from primary and secondary schools were recognised for their creative expression conveying the determination against drugs.
 
     The theme of the competition is "Commemorating 60 Years of Unwavering Anti-drug Efforts: Stride Towards a Drug-free Hong Kong" and is one of the events commemorating the 60th anniversary of ACAN. Children and young people can showcase their artistic talents through colouring and drawing. They can also enhance their awareness of drug issues through participation, hence enabling them to stay away from drugs.
 
     The competition received over 3 600 entries from 175 primary and secondary schools, competing for the champion, first runner-up, second runner-up and merit awards in each category. The primary and secondary schools with the highest participation also received awards. The top three winning artworks in each category will be adopted as the designs of ACAN's 60th anniversary special stamps. The 24 winning entries are displayed for public viewing at the DIC until March 23 (Sunday).　
 
     Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said that the care and support from families and teachers provide young people with a strong base to confront drug issues. He expressed hope that this competition would further encourage parents and teachers to maintain open communication with the younger generation and to show more care to the physical and mental development of the younger ones. In addition, schools should also step up their efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and foster a drug-free culture among students. Dr Li also reminded everyone that etomidate, the main active ingredient of "space oil drug", and its three analogues have been listed as dangerous drugs. He urged everyone, "Don't fall into 'space oil drug' traps!"
 
     For more details of the competition, please visit the dedicated webpage on the ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/ACAN60Acompetition.html).

            

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 23) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Transport Department today (February 23) reminded members of the public that the 47th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (February 24) to 11.59pm on February 27, and the ballot result will be announced on February 28.
 
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

     The Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, managed by the Environment and Ecology Bureau's Countryside Conservation Office, seeks to protect the natural ecology in countryside areas. By the end of 2024, the scheme had approved 50 projects.
      
     The Environmental Association, which works to protect butterflies at Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve with funding from the scheme, is enhancing its conservation efforts through the adoption of a system that uses artificial intelligence to identify butterflies.
      
     News.gov.hk interviewed an officer from the Environmental Association to discuss the system's development, while a representative from the Countryside Conservation Office elaborated on its approach to conserving natural habitats.
      
     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (February 23) in text and video format.