Equal Opportunities Expo, the annual major publicity initiative of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), was launched today (12 October 2003) at Olympian City 1, West Kowloon. "Embracing Equal Opportunities, Celebrating Diversity" is the theme for this year's programme which runs from October through November. A series of events organized or funded by the Commission will be held during this period to promote equal opportunities.


This year's highlight is Career Challenge 2003, a youth mentorship programme aimed at breaking stereotypes and widening the horizons of hundreds of young people. Eleven outstanding achievers from a wide spectrum of professions have joined as mentors (See Attachment) in this year's programme. Over 900 secondary students are participating in the mentorship programme. They may pay a half-day visit to a mentor's workplace or join in a large group sharing session with the mentor of their choice.


Today's kick-off ceremony was officiated by the Hon Elsie LEUNG Oi-sie, Secretary for Justice, and Mr Michael WONG Kin-chow, Chairman of the EOC. They were joined by seven mentors of Career Challenge 2003, including Ms Emily CHAN, Dr Lily CHIANG, Mr CHONG Chan-yau, Mr KO Tin-lung, Mr Frankie-m LAI, The Hon Michael MAK Kwok-fung, and Ms YAN Suk-yin. Together on stage, they broke the "shackles of stereotyping" to convey how they had overcome barriers to succeed in their non-traditional careers.


Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Michael WONG Kin-chow said, "The objective of EO Expo 2003 is to raise public awareness about the importance of equal opportunities and foster a culture of inclusion. I am pleased to see that Career Challenge 2003 has attracted 900 secondary school students. The programme is a popular choice for young people because it is designed to help them make career choices for the future. By connecting the participants with our mentors, Career Challenge aims to free young people from stereotypical assumptions, and encourages them to explore their abilities, while opening a wide variety of career and life choices for the participants, regardless of their gender or disability."


Five NGOs - Hong Kong YWCA Women's Affairs Service, Hong Kong Family Welfare Society NT (Kwai Fong) Centre, Heep Hong Society Tai Hang Tung Parents Resource Centre, Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service Cheung Ching Lutheran Centre for the Disabled, and Retina Hong Kong – also joined in today's Launch in promoting the benefits of embracing equal opportunities and celebrating diversity. In the coming weeks, members of the public will be able to enjoy a series of events and programmes, including variety shows, carnivals, fun competitions, workshops and exhibitions organized by over twenty organizations in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories to share the EOC's vision for a fair and inclusive society.


Details of the EO Expo and Career Challenge 2003 are available on the EOC website at http://www.eoc.org.hk. Programme leaflets of the Expo are available at District Offices and the EOC Office. Members of the public may contact the Equal Opportunities Commission at 2511 8211 for enquiries.


Enquiry: Mr. Sam Ho 21062187