Exchange in Sichuan can help trainees' future development: Eric Chan

The trainees of the "Shine and Rise Programme" began their four-day exchange in Sichuan Friday morning to learn about the Chinese province’s history, culture, and development, along with the conservation of pandas.

"Shine and Rise Programme" trainees began their journey at the Hong Kong International Airport this morning, with Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki seeing them off.

Chan said the participants have the chance to learn about the developments in Sichuan and the conservation of pandas, which can help them widen their horizons and is beneficial for their future growth.

The participating trainees also need to hand in "homework" by sharing the details of the exchange after returning to Hong Kong, the administration chief added.

Some trainees told reporters that this was a rare oppotunity for them to look at pandas and he valued this exchange program.

Another trainee said he felt nervous about taking an airplane and going abroad without their parents for the first time.

The exchange will last for four days and the group will return to Hong Kong on Monday (July 10).