Disciplined services’ open days, national security-themed forums, comic drawing and singing contests, a robot competition and a carnival and a wide range of similar activities are underway in Hong Kong to commemorate the 10th National Security Education Day, which falls on Tuesday this year.

These celebrations, aiming to enhance public awareness and boost youth engagement, are being held across all 18 city districts from April 5 until after April 15.

The flagship opening ceremony and seminar, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, was live-streamed by local media, with officials from the central government and the city delivering keynote speeches on safeguarding national security.  

The disciplined services, including the Hong Kong Police Museum, Immigration Service Institute, and Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, are opening their doors to the public with free admission tickets available via online registration.

Yau Tsim Mong district held a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday morning at Star Ferry Pier and is staging patriotism exhibitions, including student-led multimedia competitions.

A national-security-themed carnival was held in Sheung Shui, New Territories, on Tuesday afternoon featuring stage performances, a photo exhibition, and an award presentation ceremony for a parent-child coloring competition, alongside interactive games and workshops.

Five-year-old Gee Moana, a kindergarten student, received a third-place award in the coloring contest. Her mother said taking part provided both a bonding opportunity and a chance for her daughter to learn more about national security, the Basic Law and the Constitution.

“These activities help her understand how to protect her personal safety as she grows up,” Moana’s mother said.

The young winner added “I’m happy to get the prize. I know we shouldn’t be corrupt or greedy.”

Another five-year-old kindergarten student, Reina Tang, earned a merit award in the coloring contest. Her mother emphasized the event’s role in strengthening children’s national consciousness, noting that “kindergartens now promote national security education, so joining this carnival aligns with the trend”.

Reina expressed delight at receiving gifts and vowed to participate in future competitions.

Nine-year-old Alan Lam from Fanling Government Primary School attended the carnival after school, drawn by interesting games and the booklets distributed on site. Lam said he will study the materials at home to gain more knowledge of national security.

Tuesday’s celebratory line-up also includes the award ceremony for the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge took place in the afternoon, and the launch event for a comic book featuring Andy and Security Bear — the city’s new mascots for promoting national security education.

Besides, Central and Western District is organizing a parent-child carnival and seminar led by national legislative experts, while Kowloon City is hosting a forum on 20 key national security areas. Wong Tai Sin District is introducing artificial-intelligence-themed events, including a robot competition and a carnival, alongside youth sports games.

Sha Tin is offering campus tours for kindergartens, primary schools, and universities, with tailored talks on national security. Yuen Long is featuring traditional cultural events like comic-drawing and singing contests.

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Backed by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, youth organizations in the city are launching inventive campaigns, ranging from a National Security Board Game Adventure for young people to a two-day Sea Cadet training camp.

stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com