Hong Kong Youth & University Military Camps Hold Joint Opening Ceremony; Cadets Eager for Live-Fire Simulation Exercises

The 19th Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and the 13th Hong Kong University Students Military Life Experience Camp held their joint opening ceremony on August 3rd at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison's San Wai Barracks.

This year, the two events have been merged and are being held simultaneously, running for 14 days until August 16. Around 500 Hong Kong youth cadets are taking part in the program, including 350 secondary school students and 150 university students.

Some first-time participants expressed excitement at the prospect of taking part in live‑fire simulation exercises. A former cadet now serving as an instructor said the biggest takeaway from his own experience was learning the value of teamwork.

About 500 Hong Kong youth cadets take their enlistment oath at the opening ceremony. Photo by Bastille Post

About 500 Hong Kong youth cadets take their enlistment oath at the opening ceremony. Photo by Bastille Post

The program includes military training, thematic lectures, and site visits, etc. The PLA Garrison aims to help the cadets deepen their understanding of the nation and its military, learn fundamental military skills, enhance discipline, and cultivate a strong sense of patriotism, while also strengthening exchanges and communication between the garrison and Hong Kong citizens. 

The LegCo Member, Hon Yiu Pak-leung delivers a speech, expressing his hope that the cadets will carry the steely resolve forged in the military camp and contribute to the rejuvenation of the nation. Photo by Bastille Post

The LegCo Member, Hon Yiu Pak-leung, who is also a member of the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association Advisory Committee, noted that the activities provide cadets with knowledge of national defense and diplomacy. He expressed his hope that they will carry the steely resolve forged in the camp and contribute to the rejuvenation of the nation.

This year's student representative, Lo Wan-lung, expressed a mix of nervousness and excitement as he took part in the experience camp for the first time. Photo by Bastille Post

This year's student representative, Lo Wan-lung, expressed a mix of nervousness and excitement, as it was his first time participating. When asked why he joined, he said enthusiastically: "What I'm most looking forward to is handling a real gun. I'm really curious about holding one and doing the simulated shooting." He shared that he had been preparing beforehand, even practicing folding his quilt during lunch breaks. He joked, "Folding it into a tofu brick shape isn't going that well. I'm still practicing, but it's now within an acceptable range." He said he hopes the experience will help him get "fit" and fix his irregular sleep schedule.

Summer, who is serving as an instructor at this year's experience camp, said the greatest takeaway from the training was learning about teamwork. Photo by Bastille Post

Summer, a participant of the 12th University Student Camp who is serving as an instructor this year, said the greatest takeaway from training was learning about teamwork. Using marching as an example, she explained, "When many people march together, shouting the cadence, you can truly feel the spirit of unity through the shared experience with your comrades."

Lily, a fellow trainee from the 12th camp who is participating for the fourth time this year, also serves as an instructor Photo by Bastille Post

Fellow trainee and instructor, Lily, is participating for the fourth time. She said she was inspired by her brother and her own love for challenges. "Fighting side-by-side for over ten days and developing a strong bond with our squad leader was an unforgettable experience."

She emphasized that being an instructor is very different from being a trainee: "As an instructor, you have to be mindful of the trainees' health and emotions. You can't just focus on yourself; you have to take care of others." She added that she has applied the lessons learned at the camp to her daily life: "I used to be a bit of a loner and found group activities troublesome. But actually, working together as a team can help you go much further."

LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning

As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.

Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.

The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.

A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.

Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.

The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

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