Just say no: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa is briefed by Commissioner for Narcotics Rosanna Ure at the opening of the Drug InfoCentre.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has officially opened the HK Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre, the first exhibition centre in Hong Kong dedicated to anti-drug education and designed to appeal to young people.

The 900-square-metre centre, on the Roof Floor of Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, features multimedia exhibits, interactive games and role-playing to spread anti-drug messages. It has three exhibition areas, an interactive theatre, a classroom, an info-cafe and a library.

The Jockey Club Charities Trust donated more than $50 million to develop the centre. It is designed as a popular venue for anti-drug activities.

Centre combats drug abuse

Jockey Club Chairman Ronald Arculli said the centre was a remarkable achievement and a big step forward in combatting the drug abuse problem, and it gave renewed impetus to the joint efforts of the Government and the community in the fight against drug abuse.

He hoped the centre can boost anti-drug education and discourage young people from taking drugs, so the next generation can grow up healthy and happy.

Mr Tung and Mr Arculli also officiated at a sculpture unveiling ceremony at the centre to signify the importance of community support and participation in the fight against drug abuse.

The Action Committee Against Narcotics presented the sculpture, "Sting in the Hand", to the trust as a token of gratitude for its donation.

Ambassadors appeal to young people to avoid drugs

At the opening ceremony, the Honorary Anti-drug Ambassador Miriam Yeung, Anti-drug Youth Ambassadors Myolie Wu and Ron Ng, led 35 members of RTHK's Never Give-up Association in an appeal to young people to stay away from drugs.

Other guests included Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee, Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan, Drug InfoCentre Steering Committee Chairman Professor Lee Shiu-hung, Architectural Services Director Yue Chi-hang and Commissioner for Narcotics Rosanna Ure.

More than 30 consuls-general and their representatives, and about 200 guests also attended.

Centre closed on Wednesdays

The centre will be open 10am to 6pm daily, except Wednesdays and on the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission is free.

Apart from individual visits, the centre can also arrange educational programmes for group visitors of 20 or more. For enquiries about group visits, call 2867 2762.

Since the centre's soft opening in March, it has had more than 1,400 visitors.