13 September 2023
The Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, officiated at the Passing-out Parade at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development in Tuen Mun today (September 13) to review 189 officers on parade, including 28 Immigration Officers and 161 Immigration Assistants.
Mr Au spoke at the parade that he had witnessed the Immigration Department (ImmD) growing substantially in the past 35 years. Colleagues of the department have been upholding their mission, embracing the spirit of "providing people-oriented services and striving for excellence", and making continuous improvements in the light of changing circumstances so as to respond actively to aspirations from the people of Hong Kong, and to safeguard the prosperity and stability of the country and Hong Kong.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ImmD participated in various anti-epidemic work in full support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's fight against the epidemic. The launch of electronic and smart services, including the Contactless e-Channel and "e-Visa", significantly enhanced the department's efficiency and effectiveness to cope with the surge in service demand after the epidemic. Mr Au remarked that he was proud of the ImmD staff members' professionalism and dedication in serving Hong Kong. Colleagues were also praiseworthy for their unceasing efforts in pursuing excellence, which drove the continuous evolution of the department.
He stated that the introduction of the Top Talent Pass Scheme and enhancements to existing talent admission schemes last year were to attract Mainland and overseas talent, which would strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre and promote the development of emerging industries. Meanwhile, the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps has been assisting in nurturing many youth leaders with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, law-abiding spirit, passion for serving the community as well as a global perspective.
Mr Au mentioned that to tie in with the national strategies of boosting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the department has been proactively enhancing control points' facilities to ensure speedy, convenient and smooth passenger and vehicular flow between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. He further emphasised the ImmD's firm commitment in guarding the country's southern gateway and in discharging the responsibility of implementing the National Security Law. Moreover, the department should continue to optimise its work on safeguarding national security with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong fundamentally.
Mr Au quoted a Chinese saying, "As Heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman constantly strive for self-perfection; as earth's condition is ever receptive, so must a gentleman foster virtue and be broad-minded to embrace all things", to encourage graduates to be courageous and determined to shoulder the duty without fear of hardship or sacrifice. Graduates are also expected to pass on the ImmD's good tradition, serving Hong Kong and contributing to the country wholeheartedly.
The Guard of Honour first assembled to form a sailing ship, then a dynamic rudder during the footdrill performance, symbolising the ImmD's concerted and unwavering efforts of all levels of staff in pursuing excellence. The Guard of Honour then joined the parade to form a varied pattern demonstrating the ImmD's determination to remain in the frontline of safeguarding national security.
The Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade was held today (September 13). Photo shows passing-out officers goose-stepping past the dais in the Chinese-style footdrill performance.
The Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, inspects a contingent of graduates at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade today (September 13).
The Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, delivers a speech at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade today (September 13).
The Flag Party conducts a flag-raising ceremony at the Immigration Department Passing-out Parade today (September 13).
The Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade was held today (September 13). The Guard of Honour assembled to form a sailing ship during the footdrill performance, which symbolises the department’s firm commitment in guarding our country's southern gateway and safeguarding the prosperity and stability of our nation and Hong Kong.
The Immigration Band performs at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade today (September 13).
The Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang (ninth right), is pictured with graduates awarded the "Best Recruit Shields" after the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade today (September 13).
The Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Passing-out Parade was held today (September 13). Photo shows the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang (sixth right), taking a photo with directorate officers of the Immigration Department after the parade.
