In recent years, the Hong Kong government has actively trained National Security Education District Tutors and National Security Youth Ambassador to convey national security messages to the public.
Through organizing various activities such as exhibitions, film screenings, and guided tours, these district tutors are presenting national history in an accessible manner.
This initiative aims to enhance citizens' sense of national and personal identity while delivering the crucial message that national security is the foundation of a secure Hong Kong and safe homes.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression this year, commemorative events are being held across various districts. Wong Tai Sin District Councillor Benny Poon Cheuk-bun, who also serves as a district tutor, organized a free exhibition of historical collectibles at a local community hall. The event was designed to strengthen citizens' patriotic values and raise their awareness of national security.
The exhibition has attracted a large number of visitors, featuring 150 items from the Japanese occupation period.
Many of these artifacts are on public display for the first time, including a Japanese postcard that glorified the invasion, photographs of families fleeing the conflict, a portrait of Rensuke Isogai, the first Japanese governor of occupied Hong Kong, and a "Resident Certificate" issued by the Japanese military as an identity card for locals.
Poon noted that the exhibits reflect the economic and social conditions of Hong Kong at the time.
By contrasting the past with the nation's current strength and economic prosperity, he emphasized that citizens should cherish peace and protect their homeland.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Legislative Council member Starry Lee Wai-king attended the event, both stressing the importance of patriotic education, especially for the younger generation.
They highlighted the need for heightened vigilance against ideologies and rhetoric that attempt to undermine national security.
Visitors expressed profound emotional responses to the artifacts. Viewing the "military yen," which locals were forced to use at unreasonable exchange rates, and the "Resident Certificates," many citizens felt deep sympathy for the people who endured various forms of oppression under the Japanese military at the time.
Beyond historical artifacts, cinema has proven to be another effective medium for imparting national security messages. Recently, community halls have screened several patriotic films, such as "The Founding of a Republic," which chronicles the crucial early days of the People's Republic of China, and "Camel Caravan," set during the Japanese invasion. Arranged by district tutors, these screenings have drawn enthusiastic crowds from local neighborhoods.
Attendees shared that the films instilled a strong sense of Chinese identity and a recognized need to safeguard the nation's territory, with many realizing that today's peace and prosperity were hard-won.
Furthermore, the official WeChat account of the National Security Department recently shared a video series specially produced by the Academy of Chinese Studies.
The series commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, utilizing precious historical footage to recreate the wartime era.
Kowloon City District Councillor Kwan Ho-yeung actively contributes to this educational push by serving as both a district tutor and a volunteer guide at the National Security Exhibition Gallery.
His role involves explaining the importance of national security to various civic groups and students.
Kwan frequently introduces visitors to the gallery's significant exhibits, noting that the most memorable item for him is a massive national flag.
When he explains to participants that this specific flag was raised in Tiananmen Square on the day the Hong Kong National Security Law was passed, the audience consistently reacts with awe and amazement.
The district tutor training program was jointly launched by the Security Bureau and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau in November last year.
As of July this year, more than 3,300 district tutors have completed the training, collectively reaching over 480,000 people with national security messages.
In addition, the National Security Youth Ambassador Training Scheme commenced earlier this year.
Targeting leaders of youth uniformed groups, as well as high school and university students, the scheme encourages participants to promote national security messages within their respective teams, schools, and peer groups. To date, over 110 youths have completed this ambassador training.
