During the visits they will be exchanging views and experiences on the fight against youth crime with Kiwi and Aussie officers and students.

The biennial competition, which is open to primary, secondary and tertiary students as well as school-family units, attracted more than 110,000 entries - a record number!

The competition is designed to encourage participants, particularly youngsters, to put forward innovative ideas and suggestions that help to enhance public awareness of the serious consequences of committing crimes and, most importantly, help to prevent youngsters from going astray.

The seven winners and seven first runners-up, including students, parents and a teacher, came out top in a wide variety of challenges including fitness tests, essay writing, quizzes and the production of fight crime documentaries. They were awarded their prizes at a TV City fight crime show on July 13.

Then, on July 22, Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui took them to meet with the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa. Mr Tung praised them for their outstanding performances in the competition and wished them a fruitful overseas visit.

"I believe the visit will make this summer vacation a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of you," Mr Tung said.

"You may broaden your horizons and enrich your life during the trip. It offers a good chance for you to be Hong Kong ambassadors too! You can help Australians and New Zealanders know more about Hong Kong," he added.

Earlier, the winners and first runners-up attended a farewell lunch hosted by Commissioner Tsang at the Police Officers' Club.

Mr Tsang urged the 'ambassadors' to make the best use of a golden opportunity to get to know Australia and New Zealand and make some good friends there during the 12-day trip.

The seven champions flew off for New Zealand and Australia on July 26 while the seven first runners-up joined them in Australia some four days later.