Nearly 4,000 Graduates Celebrate Strive and Rise Programme's Success at Kai Tak Arena Ceremony

Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme (with photos/video)

The Graduation Ceremony of the Strive and Rise Programme (Third Cohort 2025) was held at the Kai Tak Arena today (December 28). Nearly 4 000 graduates, having completed their one-year intensive foundation programme with the support of the government, the business sector and the community, demonstrated their achievements in the ceremony and expressed their gratitude to the mentors.

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Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme (with photo/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme (with photo/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To; and the Acting Director of Home Affairs, Ms Belinda Wong, also attended the ceremony to witness the graduation of the mentees.

Mr Chan expressed his gratitude to all partners and mentors in the ceremony. He remarked that the successful implementation of the Programme hinges on the close collaboration among the government, the business sector and the community in supporting mentees in pursuing their dreams, while participating partners and departments also offered a wealth of group activities and nominated outstanding mentors to inspire mentees for personal growth and exploration.

Reflecting on the past three cohorts of the Programme, Mr Chan noted that the number of enterprises and groups supporting the Programme increased from over 100 in the first cohort to over 400 in the third cohort. The number of Mainland study and exchange tours rose from five in the first cohort to 35 in the third cohort, setting footprints in an array of destinations such as Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningxia, Sichuan, Xian, Wuhan, Hainan and the Greater Bay Area. The number of star mentors also registered a significant jump from over 10 in the first cohort to 50 in the third cohort, testifying that the Programme is keeping pace with the time in various dimensions.

In particular, Mr Chan thanked the mentors for their outstanding contributions to nurturing the younger generation. They have walked alongside the mentees, boosting their self-confidence, developing a positive outlook on life, and helping them set clear goals for the future and pursue with resilience. About 400 mentors have participated in the Programme for all three cohorts, with some continuing their support in the fourth cohort.

Mr Chan encouraged the graduates to actively participate in the activities of the Alumni Club to expand their social networks and sustain the Programme's effectiveness.

Among the graduates of the third cohort of the Programme, 150 mentees were awarded for their active participation, improvement and outstanding achievements. Performances by mentees, including band shows and singing, dancing and ocarina, were also featured at the ceremony to showcase their achievements to the audience. Videos were also shown at the ceremony to feature the thoughts of mentors and mentees.

The Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through the tripartite collaboration among the government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families. It comprises three key elements, including mentorship, personal development plans and financial support. The fourth cohort of the Programme will soon commence and offer a one-year intensive foundation training. Through mentorship and a structured programme, mentees will broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility.

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.

Nearly 4,000 Graduates Celebrate Strive and Rise Programme's Success at Kai Tak Arena Ceremony