GFS establishes Aviation Inspiration International Academy

GFS establishes Aviation Inspiration International Academy

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for the Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy (GAIIA) today (March 29), marking Hong Kong's first aviation initiative to unite the eight universities, funded by the University Grants Committee, to provide aviation professional training for the youth and inspire them to serve Hong Kong with their aviation expertise. Over 500 teachers and students from local, Mainland and international universities attended.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said Hong Kong's strategic importance as an aviation gateway continues to grow as we deepen our integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He pointed out that the academy arrives at precisely the right moment, grooming dedicated professionals to maintain Hong Kong's competitive edge, further excel Hong Kong public aviation service, while contributing to the broader development of our nation's aviation capabilities.

The academy connects the youth with the aviation industry through the GFS's professional resources and operational expertise. Welcoming the audience, the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, said that GAIIA bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world expertise, offering students exposure to search and rescue, emergency medical services, hill firefighting, law enforcement support, etc.

The GFS has received more than 12 000 youth visitors since 2022. The GAIIA expands these efforts through providing specialised training programmes to the youth and enabling local and international participants to recognise the GFS's professional strength and critical role in emergency aviation services, deepening their understanding of Hong Kong's aviation emergency services.

Other officiating guests included representatives from City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Education University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the University of Hong Kong.

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (seventh right), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (seventh left), with delegates and student representatives of the University of Hong Kong at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (ninth right), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (ninth left), with delegates and student representatives of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (eighth right), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (centre), with delegates and student representatives of the Education University of Hong Kong at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (centre), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (ninth left), with delegates and student representatives of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (seventh right), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (seventh left), with delegates and student representatives of Lingnan University at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (centre), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (eighth left), with delegates and student representatives of the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (seventh left), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (sixth left), with delegates and student representatives of Hong Kong Baptist University at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (eighth left), and the Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (seventh left), with delegates and student representatives of City University of Hong Kong at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (eighth right), with the Controller of GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (eighth left); Member of Youth Development Commission, Ms Grace Yu (third right); the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC), Mr Edwin Lau (third left); the Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of the HKACC, Mr Peter Dicky Yip (second right); the Commanding Officer of the HKACC, Mr Chan Man-lang (second left); the Honorary Air Commodore of the HKACC, Mr Solomon Yung (first left); the Honorary Air Commodore of the HKACC, Dr Chan Kwok-ki (first right); and representatives from the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows over 500 teachers and students from local, Mainland and international universities attending the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (fifth right), with the Controller of GFS, Captain Eddie Liu (fifth left); Associate Provost (Teaching and Learning) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Jimmy Fung (fourth right); Dean of Students of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Ir Professor Horace Mui (fourth left); Dean of Students of the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Bill Yeung (third right); Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education), College of Engineering of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Chan Hung Shek (third left); Associate Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Esther Chan (second right); Director of Student Affairs of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ms Elaine Tam (second left); Director of Student Affairs of Lingnan University, Ms Irene Ng (first right); and Assistant Director of Student Affairs of Hong Kong Baptist University, Ms Denise Chu (first left), at the academy inauguration ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Government Flying Service held its inauguration ceremony for Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy today (March 29). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, delivering a speech at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 27) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

Source: AI-found images