City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) earlier hosted the "Youth Leader Training Series – 'Politics and Public Administration' Class Opening and MoU Signing Ceremony" in collaboration with the Hong Kong United Youth Association (HKUYA).

This event marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two parties in youth and leadership development. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Mr Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong SAR Government; and Professor Alfred Ho Tat-kei, Dean of CLASS, who delivered lectures at the event. Mr Michael Ngai, Chairman of the CityUHK Council, and Professor Dannii Yeung Yuen-lan, Associate Provost (Student Life) of CityUHK, were also invited to deliver speeches at the opening ceremony.

This event, co-organised by CityUHK CLASS and HKUYA, marks the first time CityUHK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKUYA. Both parties will explore possibilities for jointly developing leadership projects, providing more valuable learning opportunities for young people, and promoting the future development of Hong Kong's youth and society.

The MoU was signed by Professor Ho, and Dr Lam Ho-yi, the President of HKUYA, with Mr Ngai and Mr Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai, Legislative Council member and HKUYA First Counselor, serving as witnesses.

In his welcome speech, Mr Ngai expressed that this collaboration would bring new opportunities to CLASS students and praised the HKUYA "Politics and Public Administration" Class as a vital platform for nurturing young leaders. He encouraged participants to seize the development opportunities provided by the "Belt and Road Youth Network" and to contribute to the future development of Hong Kong and the Nation by playing the role of "super-connector."

Dr Lam stated in her speech that HKUYA is committed to promoting the holistic development of local youth, adding that this course aims to cultivate young leaders and deepen participants' understanding of social issues and public administration. She expressed her honour in having distinguished lecturers and believed the participants would benefit greatly. She encouraged them to actively engage in the classes and apply their learning to contribute to the long-term development of the Hong Kong society and the Nation.

Professor Yeung noted in her speech that CityUHK and HKUYA share a common vision in promoting youth development, emphasising holistic development and nurturing international perspectives and leadership skills. She urged participants to cherish learning opportunities and actively engage in youth services to enhance themselves and contribute to the future development of Hong Kong.

Miss Mak served as a guest speaker on the topic "Youth Development and District Governance", sharing a series of HKSAR Government policies on promoting youth development, including new measures announced in the 2024 Policy Address and other youth development initiatives, including enhancing youth participation in public affairs, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and promoting the Mainland and overseas internship and exchange programmes, etc.  She also shared the Government’s work on district governance. Through these policies, she hopes to create more development opportunities for young people, drive forward community building, so as to achieve Hong Kong’s long-term development goals.

Mr Tang was a guest lecturer on "Leadership in Times of Crisis", where he shared team leadership and crisis management skills. Drawing on his experience in addressing public safety challenges, he emphasised the importance of calm judgment and flexible responses. He also shared his decision-making experiences and reflections, encouraging participants to enhance their decision-making and leadership abilities and master practical crisis management skills.

Professor Ho served as a guest lecturer on "Be Impactful - How You May Contribute to Long-Term Policies and Humanity in the Post-Truth World", discussing the various opportunities and challenges Hong Kong faces in the “Post-Truth Era”. He explored how Hong Kong can attract top global talent through policy support, geographical advantages, and cultural diversity. He hoped participants would understand Hong Kong's position in global talent competition, reflect on strategies, seize opportunities, and collectively promote Hong Kong's future development through the class.