CAS Celebrates 91st Recruits' Passing-out Parade, Highlighting Community Service and Youth Development Initiatives

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits

The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Passing-out Parade for the 91st Recruits at its headquarters today (December 28). The parade was reviewed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat.

Speaking at the parade, Mr Chan said that as an excellent auxiliary emergency service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the CAS has always adhered to the spirit of "Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment". In September this year, when Super Typhoon Ragasa approached Hong Kong, the CAS quickly mobilised over 500 members to assist in emergency rescue operations during the heavy rain and strong winds, as well as the community recovery work after the typhoon. Last month, a major fire occurred in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, causing significant casualties. The whole city was in mourning. The CAS immediately activated the command centre and to date has deployed over 2 200 personnel to support the evacuation and resettlement of the affected residents, distribution of supplies, and other tasks, standing firm on the front line of disaster relief.

He said that at the 15th National Games held last month and the 2025 Legislative Council General Election held earlier this month, the CAS, with efficient and professional services, assisted in crowd management at various sports venues and polling stations across the territory, ensuring the events were conducted safely and in an orderly manner.

In terms of youth development, Mr Chan said that the CAS and the Customs and Excise Department share the same goal. Since the establishment of the Cadet Corps in 1968, the CAS has been encouraging young people to develop their potential and establish positive values through various activities. This coincides with Hong Kong Customs' "Customs YES" programme, which aims to cultivate a new generation with a sense of national identity, social responsibility, and an international perspective, supporting young people to integrate into the country's overall development.

During the ceremony, Mr Chan presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques.

A total of 29 officer trainees and 83 recruits participated in the passing-out parade. All graduates are from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). The graduates will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.

Recruitment of CAS Grade IV Officers and Grade I Members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.html).

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal

Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported dog with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.

Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 64-year-old female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, a dog was seized from her rucksack, and she was subsequently arrested.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases