Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Summer Training Camp
Hong Kong Customs today (July 31) held a graduation parade at the Hong Kong Customs College for the Customs Youth Leader Corps Summer Training Camp under the programme "Customs YES". A total of 57 youths have completed the training and have become the first batch members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps.
A Chinese-style foot drill was held during the graduation parade, which was inspected by the Executive Director of the "Customs YES" Executive Committee, Mr Edgar Kwan. He also presented the Best Recruit Awards to the participants with outstanding performances in recognition of their achievements during the training camp.
The training camp was held from July 26 to 30, during which the participants underwent training on discipline, physical, parade and leadership. They also learned about the spectrum of work of Customs and the legislation enforced by the department through visits and seminars.
Sharing sessions and workshops of various themes had also been organised during the training camp to help participants know themselves better, think seriously about their future goals and establish a direction for their individual development. The renowned musician Chiu Tsang-hei shared his passion and persistence towards music; the "Son of the star" Mr Chan Yik-hei shared the endeavors in his journey of invention, innovation and technology; and Magistrate Mr Joseph To shared legal knowledge with the participants.
"Customs YES", which aims to extend the scope of youth education through diversified activities, is a new programme introduced by Customs this year. A thematic website (www.customsyes.hk) was also launched. Young individuals aged between 12 and 24 can join the programme, which encourages them to fully unleash their potential and foster their positive values and sense of belonging towards society by participating in a series of activities with different elements, including self-understanding, career-orientation and leadership.
The Customs Youth Leader Corps is a new youth uniformed group established by Customs under the "Customs YES" programme. It aims to help members boost their self-confidence and develop team-oriented leadership skills through disciplinary training, regular drills and different education-oriented activities, thus paving the way for them to become distinguished youth leaders in the community.
As at July this year, about 860 individual members and 20 organisation members (including schools and non-governmental organisations) have been recruited to join the "Customs YES" programme. A number of thematic events have been organised, including a Job Orientation Experience Camp, an Innovation and Technology Workshop, a Summer Internship Programme, visits to Customs facilities and school talks. More than 1 000 participants took part.
In the future, Customs will organise more activities with different themes and types under the "Customs YES" programme, such as exchange activities in the Mainland, volunteer services, sports competitions and career development workshops to attract more young people to participate in, and foster their positive thinking.
Customs YES
Customs YES is a new youth programme introduced by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). Through education-oriented activities, Customs YES aims to encourage the youths of Hong Kong to fully develop their potentials, enhance their communications with C&ED, raise their awareness about the ordinances enforced by C&ED and foster their positive values and sense of belonging towards society.
Activities of Customs YES feature a wide spectrum of Customs areas including intellectual property rights protection, revenue protection, narcotics interdiction, anti-smuggling, protection of consumer interests, etc., contributing a unique and diversified learning experience for its youth members. Activities such as summer training camp, visits, workshops, exchange programmes, job orientation experience camps and internship programmes are conducive to the development of members and able to better equip them for future challenges.
For details, please refer to the Customs YES thematic website www.customsyes.hk
2019 Foundation Course of “IPR Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors” 12 August 2019 - 17 August 2019
The YAS was first introduced by Hong Kong Customs in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Department and the IPR industry in 2006. It was established to foster youngsters' respect for IPR at an early age, with an aim of building a solid foundation for IPR protection in society by engaging the youth in combating Internet piracy and in participating in various kinds of educational activities on IPR.
In 2016, Hong Kong Customs launched the "IPR Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors" as a new initiative. Through specially designed training programmes, youths gain opportunities to strengthen their awareness of respect and protection of IPR. Three levels of courses, namely the Foundation Course, the Advanced Course and the Tutor Course, are offered in phases under the Programme. The first Foundation Course, the first Advanced Course and the first Tutor Course were launched in phases between 2016 and 2018.
The second Foundation Course was held between 12 and 17 August 2019. The six-day foundation course that the 101 Youth Ambassadors completed covered a wide range of areas. Apart from participating in exchange activities related to innovation and technology in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the participants visited a number of innovative and creative enterprises to gather the latest developments of intellectual property in all directions and experience the importance of IPR towards creativities. The participants participated in training on discipline, physical, parade and leadership and had the opportunity to undergo shooting exercises. They also visited the Government Flying Service and the High Court. The participants were able to broaden their horizons as well as increase their knowledge of protecting IPR through the diversified training.
No.1 Tutor Course of “IPR Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors” 8 July 2018 - 14 July 2018
The YAS was first introduced by Hong Kong Customs in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Department and the IPR industry in 2006. It was established to foster youngsters' respect for IPR at an early age, with an aim of building a solid foundation for IPR protection in society by engaging the youth in combating Internet piracy and in participating in various kinds of educational activities on IPR.
In 2016, Hong Kong Customs launched the Programme as a new initiative. Through specially designed training programmes, youths gain opportunities to strengthen their awareness of respect and protection of IPR. Three levels of courses, namely the Foundation Course, the Advanced Course and the Tutor Course, are offered in phases under the Programme. The first Foundation Course, the first Advanced Course and the first Tutor Course were launched in phases between 2016 and 2018.
Participants who finish all three levels of courses will be awarded the Certificate for completing the Tutor Course and an IPR badge, and become tutors for the Programme. They will be provided with opportunities to play an important role in the promotion and education activities organised by Hong Kong Customs, relevant government departments and various youth uniformed groups in the future.
The first Tutor Course was held between 8 and 14 July 2018. The six-day training programme that the 30 Youth Ambassadors completed was rich in content. Besides having attended a four-day study tour on IPR in Korea co-organised by Hong Kong Customs and the Korea Customs Service, they also participated in training on discipline, leadership and presentation skills. They also attended seminars on customs law enforcement and IPR as well as a workshop on the latest Internet information. Visits to magistrates' courts were arranged, followed by dialogue with a magistrate and the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
No.1 Advanced Course of “IPR Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors” 21 August 2017 - 25 August 2017
The C&ED launched the Programme last year with an aim of encouraging young people through diversified training courses to actively protect IPR and set an example for their families and peers in daily life.
The five-day advanced training course which the 36 Youth Ambassadors have just completed was rich in content. Apart from being able to interact with veteran film workers and get to know the impacts of infringing activities on the film industry, they also had a good opportunity to enter creators' inner world by receiving mobile app design training at the City University of Hong Kong.
The Programme also included a visit to the Correctional Services Department's facilities, study of IPR violation cases and a mock-up trial competition under the guidance of counsels of the Department of Justice, as well as physical and leadership training courses at the Customs and Excise Training School.
"I Pledge‧YAS Theme Song – Listen to the World" 14 March 2016
"I Pledge‧YAS Theme Song" was performed by the winners of the "I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador" Singing Contest and others.
This theme song is specially created to promote the importance of IPR protection amongst youngsters through a light-hearted tune.
This was the tenth year the "I Pledge" Campaign and the YAS organised activities jointly. Both the IPD and the C&ED would continue to work hand in hand for enhancing public awareness and respect for IPR.
" Listen to the World" is now uploaded to the YouTube Channel of IPD, please click on the link below for the singing performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3XBm2DPzGY
"I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador of the Year 2015 Award Presentation Ceremony" held today (with photos)
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19 December 2015
The 'I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador of the Year 2015 Award Presentation Ceremony' was held at the Customs Headquarters Building today (December 19). The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Roy Tang (eighth left), and the Director of Intellectual Property, Ms Ada Leung (seventh left), in a group photo with the Youth Uniform Group representatives at the Ceremony.
Participants and sand painter Hoi Chiu jointly created the sand painting.
The winners of the 'I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador' Singing Contest, together with the master of ceremony Ms Akina Fong (eighth left) and other youngsters performed the theme song of 'I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador' and had a photo with the song composer Mr Ronald Ng (seventh left) and the lyricist Ms Charlotte Chan (sixth left).
The "I Pledge‧Youth Ambassador of the Year 2015 Award Presentation Ceremony" was held at the Customs Headquarters Building today (December 19). The activity, jointly organised by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) in the past 10 years, was committed to enhancing public awareness of respect and protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and setting up role models for young people to fight against infringement.
The ceremony was officiated by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Roy Tang and the Director of Intellectual Property, Ms Ada Leung. Over 200 Youth Ambassadors, members of the Intellectual Property Right Protection Alliance and "I Pledge" members participated in this activity.
Outstanding Public and Private Partnership in the Fight against Counterfeiting
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The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) has been presented with an award for Outstanding Public and Private Partnership in the Fight against Counterfeiting by the International Intellectual Property Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC) operated under INTERPOL and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This is the second such award received by the department in two years.
This year, the C&ED was commended for, in addition to enforcement, the further efforts made by its Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau (IPIB). In view of the increasing complexity of IPR offences, the IPIB has gone one step further over the years in promoting communication and co-operation between the public and private sectors and in advocating training and educational opportunities on IPR.
Noting that co-operation between law enforcement agencies and IPR owners is pivotal in the fight against IPR offences, the C&ED in collaboration with the IPR industry established the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Alliance in 2004. Through an effective public-private partnership, the C&ED and the IPR industry jointly monitor the piracy and counterfeiting situation in the market, formulate strategic plans, and educate the public on the importance of IPR protection.
Intellectual Property Matters : How do youngsters promote creativity with Hong Kong Customs?
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Hong Kong Lawyer Cover Story: Face to Face with Albert Ho CMSM
Customs and Excise Department Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence and Investigation)
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On 5 June, coinciding with World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of Hong Kong Customs was highly commended by the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group and presented with a Global Anti-Counterfeiting Award to recognise its outstanding achievements in combating counterfeiting and piracy.
Following on the heels of this success, Hong Kong Lawyer speaks with Albert Ho, CMSM, the Assistant Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs overseeing the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau to learn more about the Bureau’s work, its achievements and the challenges it faces due to rapid technological advances and the increasing popularity of e-commerce.
Please refer to the following webpage for details.
Following the honor of the Best Innovation (Entrepreneurial Innovation) Certificate of Merit of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2014, the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs and Excise Department has been highly commended by the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) and was awarded with the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Award 2014 in recognition of our outstanding achievements in combating counterfeiting and piracy.
The Global Anti-Counterfeiting Awards are presented for outstanding achievements by individuals or organisations involved in combating counterfeiting and piracy.
Please refer to the following webpage for details.
Best Innovation (Entrepreneurial Innovation) Certificate of Merit of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2014
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Electronic Crime Investigation Centre
The Hong Kong ICT Awards aims to recognise and promote outstanding ICT inventions and applications, thereby encouraging innovation and excellence among Hong Kong's ICT talents and enterprises in their constant pursuit for creative and better solutions to meet business and social needs.
The Electronic Crime Investigation Centre (ECIC) established by the Customs and Excise Department in 2013 won the Best Innovation (Entrepreneurial Innovation) Certificate of Merit of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2014.
The establishment of ECIC is to enable Customs officers to stay vigilant of and well prepare to deal with new enforcement challenges that come with advancing cyber technologies. The main function of the ECIC is to conduct researches on how criminals are using the latest technologies to commit cyber crimes. Based on its research findings, the ECIC would deliver quality trainings to both local and overseas investigators in order to escalate their enforcement capabilities. It also seeks to develop new cyber monitoring systems to assist enforcement; and to cooperate with international enforcement agencies to create synergies in curbing illegal activities in the cyber world.
Please refer to the following webpage for details.
