Chongqing - The Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network, in partnership with the Hong Kong Police Force's Kowloon East Region, orchestrated the "GROWS Together Mentorship Program" Hong Kong-Chongqing Innovation Technology and Cultural Exchange Tour from March 30 to April 4, 2024. This initiative sees approximately 60 educators and students venture to Chongqing to participate in national education and study activities.

The opening ceremony of the Hong Kong-Chongqing Innovation Technology and Cultural Exchange Tour. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

Their agenda includes visits to notable venues such as the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery, Chongqing People's Liberation Monument, the Chongqing Zoo, the Dazu Rock Carvings, the Seres Super Factory, BOE Technology in Chongqing, the Liangjiang Life Technologies City, the Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing University, and the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. The program was designed to immerse Hong Kong youth in Chongqing's rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge technological enterprises, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of China's developmental landscape and promoting integrated development between Chongqing and Hong Kong.

Group photo session of the Hong Kong - Chongqing Innovation Technology and Cultural Exchange Tour. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

Officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League, the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, along with delegates from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Chongqing Liaison Unit and the Hong Kong Trade Development Bureau Chongqing Representative Office, graced the inauguration ceremony.

Zhang Yaxi, Deputy Director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, highlighted the pivotal role of youth exchanges in fortifying Chongqing-Hong Kong collaborations. She underscored the mutual benefits of such interactions in enhancing the understanding and sharing of progressive experiences and innovative ethos between the two regions.

Zhang Yaxi, deputy director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs Office. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

The commencement of the "2024 Chongqing-Hong Kong Youth Exchange Season" was also announced, with Li Xuerui, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League, elucidating the program's focus on cultural exchanges and technological innovation to catalyze meaningful dialogue and cooperation among the youth of both locales in culture, technology, and education sectors, thereby nurturing their personal and professional evolution.

Li Xuerui, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

Regional Commander, Kowloon East Region, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, LAW Yuet-wing, highlighted Chongqing's status as a pioneer in economic reform and a key manufacturing hub. He pointed out that the exchange aims to deepen Hong Kong youths' understanding of China's technological advancements and park their interest in innovation. He advocated for proactive learning and cultivating values that align with national progress and responsible citizenship.

Regional Commander, Kowloon East Region and Assistant Commissioner of Police, LAW Yuet-wing. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

Carrie Chan, a Kam Ming Charitable Foundation Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College student, expressed appreciation for the enriching experience and aspired for the Hong Kong youth contingent to elevate their innovative prowess and workplace competencies through this immersive exchange in Chongqing.

Carrie Chan is a Kam Ming Charitable Foundation student at Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

Judith YU, Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network, expounded on the strategic essence of the "GROWS Together Mentorship Program" initiative. The initiative aims to broaden Hong Kong youth's perspectives on China's trajectory and their potential career avenues, fostering a robust sense of national identity and cultural pride.

Judith YU, Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

A ceremonial flag presentation to the Hong Kong-Chongqing Innovation Technology and Cultural Exchange Tour marked the opening ceremony.

The flag presentation ceremony of the Hong Kong-Chongqing Innovation Technology and Cultural Exchange Tour. (Photo/Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network)

With over a decade of dedication, the Hong Kong Quality Mentorship Network, a non-profit charity entity, remains committed to enriching the lives of young individuals through comprehensive educational programs and experiential learning, fostering a global outlook and integral participation in China's onward journey.