Nearly 170 young people were appointed Hong Kong Student Ambassadors and Hong Kong Young Ambassadors at the Government House here Monday, to promote the " City of Life" in Hong Kong and abroad.

The youngsters include 85 Hong Kong Student Ambassadors who are on their way to study abroad, and 84 Hong Kong Young Ambassadors, all of whom are Form 5 secondary school students in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the appointment ceremony, Antony Leung, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), thanked the ambassadors for accepting the mission of promoting Hong Kong.

He encouraged them to do their best in showcasing Hong Kong's energy, vibrancy and hospitality culture to everyone they meet.

The first group of ambassadors will promote Hong Kong overseas to heighten awareness of the SAR's attractions, while the latter will spread the message of hospitality to tourists and residents in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is providing the Student Ambassadors with the most up-to-date information about Hong Kong through its web site and support from its worldwide offices. Young Ambassadors will lend a hand by taking part in wide range of City of Life: Hong Kong is it! activities.

The Hong Kong Student Ambassador Program was introduced by the former Hong Kong Tourist Association in 1968. More than 3,000 students have participated in the program. The Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme, organized by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, provides training to young people and opportunities for them to take part in receiving visitors in Hong Kong.

(Xinhua 08/20/2001)