Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps New Headquarters and Training Centre Officially Opens (with photo)
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The new headquarters and training centre of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) located at Shiu Fai Terrace in Wan Chai held its opening ceremony today (March 9) and officially commenced operations, marking a new chapter in the development of the HKACC.
The ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, together with the Controller of the Government Flying Service (GFS), Mr Wu Wai-hung, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Executive Committee, Yip Dicky Peter, and Commanding Officer, Mr Chan Man-lang, along with various guests, who witnessed this important milestone. During the ceremony, members of the HKACC performed a flag-raising ceremony and a Chinese-style drill demonstration, followed by a review conducted by Mr Tang. Guests enjoyed a performance by the HKACC band before touring the main facilities of the new headquarters.
In his speech, Mr Tang noted that the domestically developed C919 passenger aircraft began regular flights between Hong Kong and Shanghai in January this year. He also mentioned that the Financial Budget released at the end of February highlighted support for the C919 to enter the international market. Meanwhile, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s first aircraft components handling and trading centre, indicating promising prospects for the future of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and an increasing demand for talent. He stated that the new headquarters will provide a perfect place for members to explore their aviation dreams and encouraged them to equip themselves to contribute to the aviation industry of Hong Kong and the nation.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the Security Bureau and the GFS for the HKACC. He indicated that with the opening of the new headquarters, the HKACC will double its efforts to nurture more talent for society and the industry. He also expressed gratitude to the Development Bureau for providing financial and technical support through the “Funding Scheme to Support the Use of Vacant Government Sites by Non-government Organisations”, which enabled the renovation work for the new headquarters and training centre to become a reality from the design blueprint.
The new headquarters is equipped with various facilities and classrooms, including flight simulators, virtual reality equipment, and drill practice areas, providing members with opportunities for various learning and training to enhance their aviation knowledge, positive thinking, discipline, and team spirit. Additionally, the new headquarters features a national education exhibition, showcasing the country’s achievements and developments to strengthen the youth’s national identity and sense of pride.
On April 1, 2024, the GFS incorporated the HKACC as a department-funded youth uniformed group, further enhancing support for the Corps. This includes providing members with access to flight simulators and virtual reality training, arranging more teaching sessions conducted by frontline pilots, and hosting career-oriented seminars to assist in recruiting new members, thus promoting youth development and training more talent for Hong Kong’s aviation industry.