Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today met young people who were appointed to government advisory bodies through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth to learn about their experiences in participating in the bodies' work.

She also listened to the appointees' thoughts and views on the Youth Development Blueprint and the Government's youth policy.

The scheme aims to encourage more young people aged between 18 and 35 and committed to serving the community to join government advisory bodies and participate in public affairs and policy discussions.

A total of 65 advisory bodies under government bureaus and departments have been covered in the scheme, including the Youth Development Commission and committees related to Lantau development.

Miss Mak said the scheme is a youth programme with cross-bureaus and inter-departmental collaboration, which allows young people to express their opinions on different policy areas and give full play to their strengths.

“Talking with the appointees, I am impressed by the young people's commitment to the future development of Hong Kong, as well as their enthusiasm in tendering advice for optimising policies and serving the society,” she remarked.

The scheme has launched five phases so far, with more than 8,200 applications received. About 480 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to the Government's advisory and statutory bodies directly or indirectly through the scheme.