The HKFYG’s 65th Anniversary Luncheon and Neighbour Fest gathers 650 social leaders

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) today (25 January) welcomed 650 distinguished guests to its “65th Anniversary Luncheon and Neighbour Fest” at Wonderland, the West Kowloon Cultural District. The Luncheon united government officials, leaders from the education, social and business sectors, partners and friends, demonstrating widespread support for youth development.

Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs presided over the Luncheon as Guest of Honour. Other officiating guests included Siu Chak-yee, Commissioner of Police; Dr Zhang Zhihua, Deputy Director-General and Level I Bureau Rank Official, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province; Revd Canon Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming, Chairperson, Executive Committee, Hong Kong Council of Social Service and Legislative Councillor; Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai, Vice-Chairman, Youth Development Commission and Legislative Councillor; Legislative Councillors Tik Chi-yuen, Tang Ka-piu, Benson Luk Hon-man and Vincent Cheng Wing-shun; Zhang Guolai, Level II Bureau Rank Official, Youth Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Prof Annie Tam Kam-lan, Dean, Connecting Hearts Academy and Honorary Secretary, The Dragon Foundation; and senior leaders from the HKFYG, President Kenneth Chen Wei-on, Senior Adviser Dr Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, Adviser to the Mainland Affairs Office Andy Ho Wing-cheong and Executive Director Hsu Siu-man.

In her opening remarks, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG reflected on the Federation’s 65 years of youth service in Hong Kong, guided by the principle of focusing on youth and trusting in their potential and abilities. She acknowledged that it was only with the support of the community and the partnership of friends and stakeholders that the Federation had been able to make an impact in the community. Hsu also shared the passion of young volunteers of “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” and praised their engagement and efforts to care for members in the community, highlighting their three-day “Neighbour Fest” initiative. Looking ahead, she called for continued support under the anniversary theme “Here for You, Grow with Youth;” for it is in working together that the community prospers. 

Six young participants, who have long engaged in the Federation’s activities, shared their personal journeys. Among them, 14-year volunteer Anson Wong spoke about overcoming times of confusion and frustration through the guidance and support of youth and social workers, during her formative years, which she believes has empowered her to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

The celebration continues with “Neighbour Fest,” a concurrent event spanning three days from 24 January, featuring volunteer-like experiences, Lunar New Year markets and workshops, aimed at spreading warmth, festive cheer and the spirit of “NEIGHBOURHOOD First.” Other festivities include youth performances, Kin-Ball emerging sports experiences, mass yoga sessions, and special appearances by Chibi Maruko-chan and her amiable neighbours at themed photo spots and game zones, in a vibrant celebration of the New Year.

Since 2011, the HKFYG’s “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” initiative has organised an annual Reunion Dinner before the Lunar New Year, to extend warm wishes to members of the neighbourhood and foster a more caring, inclusive community. Coinciding with the HKFYG’s 65th anniversary, this year’s Reunion Dinner is complemented by the addition of “Neighbour Fest” and an Anniversary Luncheon, showcasing youth creativity and community commitment. This year, the Reunion Dinner and Anniversary Luncheon host 200 tables and 2,500 community members and guests in total. For more information, please visit neighbourhoodfirst.hkfyg.org.hk.

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