Immigration Department holds Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps Parade cum Promotion Ceremony 2025 (with photos)
The Immigration Department held the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) Grand Parade cum Promotion Ceremony 2025 at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development in Tuen Mun today (May 25).
A total of 117 IDYL members participated in the parade including students studying in tertiary institutes and Form 1 to Form 6 students from 21 secondary schools. The Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung served as the reviewing officer of the parade and presided the promotion ceremony for the IDYL members. The ceremony was witnessed by the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, members of the IDYL Advisory Committee, and representatives of the 25 member schools attended.
In the parade, the IDYL Guard of Honour debuted their brand-new uniform and was responsible for conducting the flag-raising ceremony. They also performed a silent foot drill with the IDYL parade for the first time and assembled to form the words “IDYL 2025” on the parade ground. To mark the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Guard of Honour also formed a shield pattern and the Arabic numeral “5”, symbolising that the HKNSL has been effectively safeguarding the country and Hong Kong like a shield, laying a solid foundation and also bringing new hopes for future development. IDYL members would also lead by example with a law-abiding spirit.
In his speech, the Commissioner of IDYL and Reviewing Officer, Dr Cheng said that young people were the future pillars of our society and had unlimited potential. He encouraged IDYL members to care more about the country and society while challenging their own limits, so as to thrive and shine in different roles in the future, giving back to society as well as the country. Reflecting on the development of the IDYL, Dr Cheng recalled that there were only around 100 members when it was established in 2013. Today, the number of members has exceeded 1 000, and the IDYL has established long-term partnership with 25 member schools. He expressed his hope for IDYL members to cherish what they have learnt from the training, set examples for their peers with good moral character and proper values, and demonstrate their leadership skills, thereby exerting a positive influence on and contributing to society.
This year, 10 members were promoted to Advanced Members, and 59 were promoted to Leading Members. To be promoted to Leading Members or Advanced Members, IDYL members must complete training and assessment in various areas, including national education, immigration knowledge, foot drill, community service, for etc., as well as a two-day, one-night or a three-day, two-night expedition assessment journey respectively, in addition to passing a promotion interview.
The Immigration Department formed its youth uniform group in 2013, which was officially renamed the “Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps” in 2021 to provide disciplinary and leadership training for young people in Hong Kong. Through diversified training and group activities, it helps develop members’ affection for the country and Hong Kong, while raising their law-abiding awareness. It also aims to nurture IDYL members to become a new generation of young people with good moral character, strong leadership skills, positive thinking, and enthusiasm for serving the community.
