Young Persons in Custody Achieve Impressive Results in HKDSE Examination, Paving Path for Rehabilitation and Education.

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement

The results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 15). Young persons in custody (PICs) obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.

A total of 14 young PICs from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in the HKDSE Examination this year. They took a total of 83 examination papers and obtained level 2/"Attained" or above in 66 papers, or 79.5 per cent of all papers taken. Four of them met the general entrance requirements for local universities, among whom one candidate at STCI scored the highest 22 marks in the best five subjects and obtained an "Attained" in Citizenship and Social Development, with level 5* in Chinese Language and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.

The examinations sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, and Citizenship and Social Development, as well as two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.

The Superintendent of STCI, Mr Poon Ho-lam, said, "The Correctional Services Department (CSD) has been committed to providing up-to-date and diversified rehabilitation programmes, supporting PICs to turn over a new leaf. The Department assists young PICs to pursue educational courses and sit for public examinations, enabling them to achieve self-enhancement and make contributions to the society in the future."

Mr Poon added that taking the HKDSE Examination not only enabled young PICs to regain their self-confidence, but also helped them to find a clear direction in life. He encouraged PICs to maintain a proactive and earnest attitude to determinedly meet various challenges ahead. He called on the public to give rehabilitated persons fair opportunities and accept and support their reintegration into society.

The CSD has provided education to help young PICs below 21 years of age to gain accredited qualifications and develop positive values, hoping that they can further their studies, take up employment and reintegrate into society after release.

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 15) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 81-year-old local female passenger at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on June 12 and seized 1 181 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from her. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $5,300, and the duty potential was about $3,900. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases