Roles and Duties of Official Languages OfficersOfficial Languages Officers are mainly deployed on the following types of duties in bureaux and departments:- translating Chinese into English and vice versa;- interpreting in English/Cantonese/Putonghua at boards, committees, meetings and interviews;- attending meetings for the purpose of producing minutes in Chinese and English;- providing language-related support services such as drafting and vetting documents in Chinese and English, and advising on the use of the two official languages; and- assisting in office management work. Entry Requirements1. a bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; 2. attained Level 2 results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE), or equivalent; and3. a Pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) (Degree / Professional Grades). (Remarks: Applicants will be required to pass the Official Languages Officer Written Examination) Official Languages Officer Written Examination (OLOWE)Eligible applicants will be invited to sit for the OLOWE. The OLOWE includes papers on Practical Writing (Chinese and English) and Translation (Chinese to English and vice versa). Applicants who pass the OLOWE will be selected for interpretation test and interview based on their results in the OLOWE. Those who are not selected for interpretation test and interview will be notified in writing in eight to ten weeks after the examination. As it takes time to process all applications, an invitation to the OLOWE does not imply that an applicant's qualifications meet the entry requirements. Tips for Taking the OLOWE* 攻略1︰平日根基要打稳 攻略2︰应试答题勿慌忙 攻略3︰笔试前夕准备清单   Tips for Taking the Interpretation Test and Interview*   *Source: Civil Service Bureau Facebook; Chinese only   Remuneration Package1. Starting Salary: Master Pay Scale Point 14, which is at present HK$32,430 per month2. Annual Vacation Leave: 18 days per year3. Fringe Benefits: medical and dental benefits; housing benefitsFor more details, please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau.

Roles and DutiesExecutive Officers are professional managers who specialise in resource and system management. Posted around different government policy bureaux and departments, they enjoy a wide variety of work and have the opportunity to work with people of different backgrounds. They will be provided with structured training at various stages of their career to develop them into professional resource and system managers.The Government looks for quality people with leadership potential and commitment. Executive Officers should have good analytical ability and judgement, as well as good interpersonal and communication skills. They should also be versatile and innovative. Above all, we look for talents who share the Grade's vision to serve Hong Kong by providing the highest quality of service in the management of public organisations. 2023-24 Recruitment Exercise Timeline - Application Period for the Executive Officer II (EOII) Post -> Begins in mid-September 2023- Joint Administrative Officer / Executive Officer / Labour Officer / Trade Officer / Management Services Officer / Transport Officer Recruitment Examination (JRE) -> 2 December 2023 (tentative)- Selection Interview -> February to May 2024 (tentative)- Earliest Batch of Offers of Appointments (subject to clearance of all recruitment formalities) -> May 2024 (tentative) *The above information on timeline is for reference only. Entry Requirementsa. a bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; andb. a Pass result in the Aptitude Test paper in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE); andc. a good command of both Chinese and English and have met the language proficiency requirements of "Level 2" results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the CRE (or equivalent results); andd. a Pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) (Degree / Professional Grades).  Remuneration Package1. Starting Salary: The entry pay for an Executive Officer II is Master Pay Scale Point 15 which is at present HK$34,060 per month2. Annual Vacation Leave: Annual vacation leave of 18 days per year3. Fringe Benefits - medical and dental benefits; housing benefits For more details, please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau. Applicants could watch the video below for better preparation of the interview.(The video is broadcasted in Cantonese)  

To join the disciplined services, one of the entry requirements is to pass the physical fitness test. The required test items and the scoring system of each disciplined service department are different. For example, Police Inspector / Police Constable, Fireman/ Station Officer and Ambulance Officer / Ambulanceman need candidates to pass the “vertical jump” test; Customs & Excise Department Inspector / Customs Officer require candidates to pass the “threading” test; candidates applying for Police Inspector / Police Constable, Immigration Assistant / Immigration Officer, Customs & Excise Department Inspector / Customs Officer and Correctional Service Officer/ Assistant Officer II must take the “800m run” test whilst the scoring standards vary in each department.A list of tips for applying for positions in disciplined services departments is available in the #FitnessTest hashtag. You may also view the stories listed below:Tips for applying for Correctional Service Officer/ Assistant Officer II (Physical Fitness Test)Tips for applying for Customs and Excise Department Inspector / Customs Officer (Physical Fitness Test)Tips for applying for Ambulance OfficerTips for applying for Ambulanceman / AmbulancewomanTips for applying for Station Officer (Operational)Tips for applying for Fireman / Firewoman (Operational/Marine)Tips for applying for the post of Police Inspector / Police Constable (Physical Fitness Test)Tips for applying for Immigration Officer / Immigration Assistant (Physical Fitness Test)

Roles and DutiesAOs take up different positions in bureaux and departments, as well as district, Mainland and overseas offices in the Government at regular intervals. Through regular rotation of jobs, AOs receive wide exposure and acquire expertise in different policy areas, as well as develop multi-skills and accumulate rich experience in public administration. Not only are they required to possess a good understanding of their respective policy areas, they should also be alert and sensitive in listening to the views of different stakeholders and members of the public so that they are able to approach policy work with the overall public interest in mind. In formulating policies that contribute to the long-term development and benefits of Hong Kong, AOs also work closely with members of professional grades both within and outside the Government (such as various regulatory authorities and statutory bodies). Annual Recruitment Timeline *The information below is FOR REFERENCE ONLY. The actual periods and details of events will be announced nearer the events. You are advised to refer to the announcements made by then.>>Beginning of Recruitment CycleEnd of Recruitment Cycle

The Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme (the Scheme) offers you an opportunity to earn a monthly salary not less than HK$18,000, broaden your horizon, and explore a new career pathway in the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA)! The Government launched the pilot Scheme in 2021 and gained very favourable feedback from both the participating enterprises and young persons. To foster career development of young persons and the exchange of talents in the GBA, the Labour Department launched the regularised Scheme since 2023 to continue encouraging enterprises to offer jobs and engage Hong Kong young persons to work in the Mainland cities of GBA.The 2024 Scheme is now commenced. Hong Kong residents who are holding bachelor's degrees or above awarded by universities/ tertiary institutions within or outside Hong Kong in 2022 to 2024 and legally employable in Hong Kong are eligible for the Scheme. The eligible young persons will be employed by the participating enterprises in accordnace with Hong Kong laws and offered a monthly salary of not less than HK$18,000, they will also be stationed in the Mainland cities of GBA to work and receive on-the-job training. The Government will provide enterprises with a monthly allowance of HK$10,000 for each employed young person for a maximum of 18 months. Eligible young persons may visit the website of the Scheme for job vacancies.   Sharing by Participating Graduates (Chinese version only)    

This story is only available in Chinese.

(Please refer to chinese version.)

This story is only available in Chinese.

This story is only available in Chinese.

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau announced the launch of a new round of the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland to provide young people with thematic internship opportunities in cultural, nature conservation and scientific research institutions on the Mainland. Six internships will be rolled out under the new round of the Thematic Programmes, including: "Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum", co-organised with the Palace Museum in Beijing "Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park", co-organised with the Sichuan Provincial Administration of the Giant Panda National Park "Youth Internship Programme at Chinese Academy of Sciences", co-organised with the Chinese Academy of Sciences "Youth Internship Programme at Dunhuang", co-organised with the Dunhuang Academy "Youth Internship Programme at Shandong on Marine Sciences", co-organised with Laoshan National Laboratory at Qingdao "Youth Internship Programme at Wuyishan on Biodiversity Conservation", co-organised with the Wuyishan National Park Administration   Programmes OverviewThe internship programmes will commence from June to August this year and last for three to six weeks, providing Hong Kong youths with more than 110 thematic internship positions covering areas such as cultural heritage preservation, scientific research and technology, and ecological and environmental conservation. Through the internship, participants will gain an in-depth understanding and participate in the work of national cultural, nature conservation, and scientific research institutions, and acquire unique work experience by undertaking various training and research projects under the guidance of experts. Apart from internships, the co-organisers will also provide training, field trips and other cultural exchange activities for participants, thereby deepening their understanding of the local culture and industry developments. EligibilityApplicants should be local full-time post-secondary students (including sub-degree, undergraduate and post-graduate students) aged between 18 and 30, and holding a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a Hong Kong Identity Card. Please visit the website of the Youth Development Commission for programmes information and application details.

With a view to furthering youth volunteerism, the United Nations Volunteers - Hong Kong Universities Volunteer Internship Programme funded by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has been launched by Agency for Volunteer Service with support from Hong Kong Volunteers Association and Peace and Development Foundation. It allows local university undergraduates to participate in a 6-month volunteer internship under the United Nations (UN) Youth Volunteer modality serving under UN field units or agencies in oversea. For programme details, please click here to visit another story. Interested in joining the programme? Videos on programme introduction and interns' sharing are as follows for you to know more! Programme Introduction   Interns' Sharing    

Hiking is a physical activity with both physical and mental benefits. It can improve your physical fitness and help you relax. You may need many different skills for any particular sport, and each sport, including hiking, has its unique skills. If you can master the skills of hiking, you can diminish energy loss and minimise the chance of getting hurt. Here are some hiking tips by Enjoy Hiking:  Uphill Maintain a natural pace and avoid making very large strides. Avoid climbing at high speed. Don't rest too frequently or for too long. When you feel tired, slow down instead of stopping. Tread only on secure stable ground, where there is enough foot room. Use the strength of your legs to climb. Avoid pulling yourself up by grasping small trees or branches, as they may break leading to a fall. Keep your upper body straight. When going up very steep slopes, don't go straight ahead. Move sideways and work your up in a series of zigzags.   Downhill Never run downhill ―this is a certain way to have a dangerous fall. Tread only on secure stable ground, with enough foot room. Avoid treading on wet slippery ground, especially wet clay or grasses. But if there is no other way, proceed with caution and keep your body low. Use the strength of your legs to descend. Avoid sliding down by grasping small trees or branches. This indicates you are half out of control. Branches can break and, even if they don't, you will damage the vegetation. Keep your upper body straight. When moving down very steep slopes, move sideways and work down in a series of zigzags.   Food and Drink Never eat or drink while moving. Relax to take refreshments. Don't hurry with your food or drink. Never drink untreated water from hill streams or eat any wild plants or mushrooms. Don't consume icy drinks immediately after a long hike, when your body temperature is still high. Never drink alcohol during a hike.   Foot Care Wear suitable hiking shoes. Wear new shoes on level ground a few times before going on a serious hike. This will ensure the surface material is soft and the shoes are comfortably worn in to the shape of your feet. Bootlaces should not be too tight. Wear two pairs of socks made of soft, fluffy and absorbent material. Trim your toenails, and try to keep your feet clean and dry. Stop walking if your feet are uncomfortable. Inspect them and treat any wounds promptly. If there are signs of blisters, put a plaster on the affected area. Blisters should be dressed with an absorbent plaster that eliminates moisture. Serious blisters should be treated with antiseptic. Pierce the blisters with a sterile pin and squeeze out any moisture. Avoid touching the wounds directly, and cover them with an antiseptic dressing right away. For soreness or cramps in the legs, massage the leg muscles. If possible, soak feet in warm water, or use a menthol-based heat rub ointment.   Moreover, to be well prepared for your next hiking trip, you may check out the following website for more information. A Guide for Hikers (Centre for Health Protection) Safety Hints on Hiking (Hiking Scheme)  Source: AFCD Enjoy Hiking website

The 25th country park in Hong Kong - The Robin's Nest Country Park has been established! Country Park's Overview The Robin's Nest Country Park, occupying an area of about 530 hectares at Sha Tau Kok in Northeastern New Territories, lies on a continuum of mountain ridges stretching from the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to the north and Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the south. Natural habitats in the park remain untouched due to its remoteness at the border. The Robin's Nest Country Park is characterised by the rich floral and faunal diversity, including various species of conservation interest. The abandoned Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine in the park supports one of the most important bat colonies in Hong Kong and was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Part of the Robin's Nest Country Park falls within the former Frontier Closed Area and harbors a diverse collection of war relics. Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine was one of the most extensive mining systems in Hong Kong's mining history. Together with the MacIntosh Forts, Grade-2 historic buildings, they are the key heritage resources in the Robin's Nest Country Park. Hiking Trails There are two hiking trails in the Robin's Nest Country Park, namely Robin's Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail. Information boards, waymarks and distance posts are installed along the trails. Viewing points and interpretation panels are also set up at suitable locations to facilitate appreciation of nature and cultural heritages. Transportation Information To the start point of Robin's Nest Country TrailTake public transport to Tam Shui Hang Bus Station at Sha Tau Kok Road – Shek Chung Au, and walk along Shan Tsui Village Road for about 30mins to the start point of Robin’s Nest Country Trail. Green Minibus route – 55K Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) routes – 78K To the start point of Lin Ma Hang Country TrailTake minibus at Sheung Shui Station and get off at Lin Ma Hang Road before the Frontier Closed Area. Walk along the connecting path for 20mins to arrive at the Lin Ma Hang Village. Green Minibus route – 59K (Please take the one towards Lin Ma Hang at Sheung Shui MTR Station)Please note a section of Lin Ma Hang Road near Lin Ma Hang Village is within the Frontier Closed Area (FCA). Visitors to/from Lin Ma Hang Village who wish to take minibus route 59K are required to possess a valid Frontier Closed Area Permit, or they have to get on or off before the FCA and use the connecting path to hike to Lin Ma Hang Village. Hikers should take note of the waymarks onsite. Please refer to the webpages on Closed Area Permit and the New FCA Boundary of the Hong Kong Police Force for information on access to FCA.   (Video in Chinese only) For more details of the Robin's Nest Country Park, please visit the website of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.