Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video)

Empowering seniors: elder academy scheme promotes active aging with government and community support (see photos/videos)

The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Elderly Commission (EC) held an Elder Academy (EA) Appreciation and Award Ceremony this afternoon (April 30) to thank organisations and individuals for their support for the EA Scheme and commend outstanding elderly learners. Some 200 participants attended the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that the EA Scheme aims to promote active ageing, as well as encourage the elderly to pursue lifelong learning and integration into the community. Maintaining a positive attitude and leading an engaged life are conducive to both the physical and mental wellness of the elderly. The 2023 Policy Address announced that the Government would inject an additional $80 million to support the sustainable development of the EA Scheme for the benefit of more elderly persons.

The Chairman of the EC, Dr Donald Li, thanked the organisations and individuals for their generous donations and support. The Scheme provides diversified study courses for the elderly, and the EAs in post-secondary institutions help realise elderly persons' dreams of attending university. At the same time, the Scheme fosters intergenerational and community harmony through cross-generational activities.

Also officiating at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; former Chairmen of the EC, namely Dr Edward Leong and Dr Lam Ching-choi; and the Chairperson of the Committee on EA Development Foundation (EADF), Ms Maggie Chan. Representatives of supporting organisations and convenors of EA Clusters across districts also attended. Supporting organisations and outstanding participants were presented with certificates of appreciation and various awards respectively while a cross-generational Chinese orchestra and a tai chi fan volunteer team put on performances to showcase elderly people's vitality and talents.

Members of the EC and the Committee on EADF, representatives of EAs, EA elderly learners as well as their families and friends, senior and young volunteers and Golden Guides also attended the ceremony.

The EA Scheme was jointly launched by the LWB and the EC in 2007 to enable the elderly to learn in a school setting. Currently, there are about 200 EAs in primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions across the territory. The Scheme is expected to provide around 15000 learning places in 2024-25, offering more courses and activities catering for the interests and needs of the elderly.

The EA Scheme's website (www.elderacademy.org.hk) has been enhanced with the details of the Scheme and the list of the supporting organisations.

Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government and community jointly promote active ageing by continuing to take forward Elder Academy Scheme (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Legco delegation embarks on exciting visit to singapore

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began its duty visit in Singapore today (May 17).

The delegation visited the Parliament of Singapore to pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng, and met with some Members of Parliament. Both parties exchanged views on various topics including the relationship between the executive authorities and the legislature, as well as Innovation and Technology, land and housing, digital economy, etc. The delegation received a briefing on the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) conducted by Members of Parliament in Singapore, and shared LegCo Members' experience in handling public complaints.

The delegation had the opportunity to observe a MPS conducted by a Member of Parliament in his constituency in the evening, to gain a deeper understanding of how these sessions facilitate direct communication between Members of Parliament and their constituents and address community issues. Members believed that MPS can enhance public engagement and such experience is worth referencing. During the session, the delegation also shared insights with the Member of Parliament on parliamentary work.

The delegation also met with the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Cao Zhongming, to introduce the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong and explore how Hong Kong could play a bridging role in the mutually beneficial and co-operative relation between China and Singapore. The delegation also expressed its gratitude to the Central Government and Ambassador Cao for continuously supporting Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will facilitate enterprises of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand their businesses in Hong Kong and tap into the Mainland market.

During the visit, the delegation went to JTC Corporation (JTC), a government agency responsible for the development of industrial land and infrastructure, supporting and promoting Singapore's new industrialisation and enterprise development. Members received a briefing by representatives of JTC on its landmark projects, including the development of One-north, which is positioned as a national research and development hub. The delegation opined that various projects of JTC could serve as valuable references for Hong Kong in developing "new quality productive forces" and transforming the Northern Metropolis into a "new international I&T city".

The delegation then met with representatives of the Housing & Development Board of Singapore to gain an overview of local housing policies and projects that provide affordable and quality subsidised housing for citizens. Delegation members would draw on the relevant experience, with a view to putting forward suggestions to the Government on further enhancing the housing ladder in Hong Kong.

In addition, Members met with representatives of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association and Hong Kong community groups to understand their work, businesses and lives in Singapore. Members also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to investors in Singapore, encouraging them to utilize Hong Kong as a platform to gain access to the Mainland market.

The delegation will continue its duty visit in Singapore tomorrow (May 18) before departing for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases