The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 28 to enhance the professional training of police officers and support young people in developing their vocational plans. This collaboration aims to provide young individuals who aspire to join the disciplined services with a deeper understanding of policing work.

     Witnessed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Chairman of VTC, Mr Tony Tai, the signing of the MOU between the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Chan Joon-sun and the Deputy Executive Director of VTC, Dr Alaina Shum, marked the closer co-operation between the two parties on specialised vocational education and talent training.

     Under the MOU, the HKPF will collaborate with the VTC to enrich the curriculum of the full-time Higher Diploma in Management for Disciplined Services programme. VTC students participating in the Police Mentorship Programme will be offered internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience. The HKPF will also organise sharing sessions on professional knowledge and practical skills, as well as seminars to raise awareness among students about fraud and crime prevention.

     The MOU further reinforces the co-operation in various areas of professional training, with a view to fostering the professional and continuing education of police officers, as well as enhancing enforcement efficiency. Moreover, the VTC may provide suitable training programmes for Junior Police Call members to equip them and broaden their horizons.

     Mr Siu expressed his gratitude to the VTC for its support in the training and recruitment efforts of the Force. He said that the Force has always attached great importance to talent training, and that through close collaboration between the two parties, the establishment of a comprehensive training system, ranging from theoretical studies to practical exercises, will help the Police recruit high-calibre young individuals with potential and aspirations to join the disciplined services, injecting new vitality into the continual development of the Force.

     Mr Tai thanked the HKPF for its support of the VTC and vocational and professional education and training (VPET). As the largest VPET provider in Hong Kong, the VTC is committed to providing high-quality and up-to-date training, which helps young people and working adults acquire the latest knowledge and skills, and nurture professional talent for the industry. He believed that this collaboration would deepen VTC students’ understanding of disciplined services, preparing them for careers in relevant professions.

        

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is inviting applications from eligible persons or organisations for the IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment (9th Round) and the Central Fund for Personal Computers (51st Round) from today (March 3) until April 3. 
 
     The IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment supports non-profit-making organisations providing services or schooling for people with visual impairment (PVI) and tertiary institutions to acquire advanced Chinese screen readers, Braille displays and accessories/portable devices to enable PVI's browsing the Internet, and to subsidise individual PVI with financial difficulties to purchase these assistive devices for meeting their studying or employment needs.  

     Eligible organisations may lodge their applications by completing the designated forms. Eligible persons are required to apply through nominations by non-governmental organisations operating subvented rehabilitation services, the student affairs offices of local tertiary institutions, principals of local secondary/primary schools, or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department (LD).
      
     The Central Fund for Personal Computers aims to assist persons with disabilities in acquiring the necessary computer facilities for self-employment or receiving supported employment services at home. Applicants must be receiving services from rehabilitation service organisations or the Selective Placement Division of the LD. Applications should be submitted through the nominating organisations.
 
     The SWD has issued invitations to the relevant organisations for making nominations and applications. Details and application forms of the two schemes are available on the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid/) and CyberAble.net (cyberable.swd.gov.hk/en/index.html). For enquiries, please call 3586 3594 or email to eoimc@swd.gov.hk.

     Hongkong Post announced today (March 3) that, as advised by the postal administration of Mauritius, mail delivery services previously impacted by severe weather have returned to normal.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 3) that the SmartPLAY system will be temporarily suspended from midnight to 2am on March 4 (Tuesday) for system maintenance. Users who plan to use the system on the above-mentioned date are advised to use it before or after the suspension period.

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 (March 3) that due to inclement weather, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.