The Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP), a pioneer of non‑formal education, has been serving the community for 65 years. Throughout this journey, we have addressed gaps in formal education and empowered young people to achieve their full potential. As Chairman of the Award Council, it is a profound honour to witness AYP’s continued progress and accomplishments.

I am deeply grateful to our Patron, The Honourable Mr. John Lee Ka Chiu, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau for their steadfast recognition and support. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to past chairmen, council, committee and panel members, donors, partners, volunteers, supporters and colleagues, whose united efforts have laid a solid foundation for the Award. Their unwavering commitment has provided young people with diverse platforms for growth, and I look forward to collaborating with you all to further advance our shared mission in youth development.

For over six decades, our core values and development have been guided by the Award’s five‑section framework. Through service to the community, physical recreation, skills development, adventurous journeys and residential group activities, young people cultivate a spirit of challenge and resilience. Furthermore, by utilising our campsites in Sai Kung and Lam Tsuen, we offer both water‑based and land‑based adventure training. These dynamic environments encourage innovative thinking and equip young people with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Over the past five years, amid a changing external environment, AYP has actively aligned with the vision and guiding principles of the Government’s “Youth Development Blueprint.” We have reached tens of thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds, achieving remarkable outcomes in youth work. By extending the Award to more schools, youth groups and organisations, we have seen record numbers of Gold and Silver Award achievers in recent years— nurturing capable and ethical leaders for society. We have also introduced innovative activities and funding programmes in areas such as civic education, overseas exchanges, career planning, STEAM education, positive thinking and sports promotion. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving needs of youth, providing opportunities to challenge themselves and realize their potential.

In the coming year, under the leadership and dedication of Ms. Grace YU Ho Wun, MH, Chairman of the 65^th Anniversary Celebration Organising Committee, and her committee members, AYP will host a series of events to commemorate this milestone. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for their months of careful planning and execution, and extend my best wishes for the smooth and successful delivery of these activities. I am confident that, through our collective efforts, we will strengthen engagement, collaboration and connections among AYP, the public and our stakeholders—consolidating our foundation to reach new heights together.

This year marks the 65^th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Award for Young People. It is a profound honour to have been appointed by the Award Council as the Chairman of the Organising Committee for this milestone, and I am delighted to share this celebration with you all. First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all sectors of society for your steadfast and tremendous commitment to the AYP over the decades. Your dedication has enabled us to continue inspiring and empowering countless young people in Hong Kong.

To celebrate our anniversary, we have adopted “Wefinity” as our theme for the year — a blend of “We” and “Infinity”. This encapsulates our aspiration to continue working hand in hand with every sector, united in purpose, to achieve boundless progress together.

To further bring the Award into every corner of the community, the following series of initiatives and events will be launched:

• Organising Mainland China Study Tours: Facilitating exchanges to cities such as Beijing, Sichuan, and Huizhou in Guangdong, allowing young people to gain an in-depth understanding of each location’s unique development and strengths.
• Fostering International Connections: Hosting the Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2026, bringing together regional representatives to promote international exchanges and collaboration, leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying our nation’s strong support and being closely connected to the world.
• Deepening Community Engagement: “Wild in the City” AYP 65^th Anniversary Carnival as the kick-off celebration, which is expected to attract over a thousand participants.
• Campus Promotion: Expanding our reach through a combination of social media engagement and school visits.
• Collecting Diverse Stories: through the “65 Stories Series”, we piece together the journey of AYP alongside the growth of Hong Kong’s young people.

We eagerly look forward to collaborating with all key stakeholders, including government partners, sponsors, donors, corporations, community leaders, Operating Authorities, and User Units, as well as strengthening the Award’s Networkand volunteers. Together, we provide more valuable opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, achieve personal breakthroughs, and work towards holistic development.

Last but not least, on behalf of the Organising Committee, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our companions. Let us uphold our pragmatic and efficient spirit, utilise our resources wisely, and together, embark on the next chapter of the Award, witnessing the limitless potential of Hong Kong’s young people!

Also making a cheerful debut is AYP’s mascot SiMPLE JAi. With a clean and fresh look, SiMPLE JAi embodies young people to create boundless possibilities with a simple and pure heart. We hope the character brings vitality, energy and happiness to everyone, and we look forward to bring SiMPLE JAi to meet you all at events across the year!