During the production of the video, a number of professors from tertiary institutions, distinguished professionals from the finance sector and members of Consumer Council spent much time participating in the production and provided valuable expert opinions to the Force.

They included: Professor Simon Ho, School of Accountancy, Chinese University of Hong Kong; Professor Y H Lui, Director of Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education, the Open University of Hong Kong; Dr Louis Cheng, Associate Professor, Department of Business Studies, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Chairman of Certification Sub-Committee of the Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong; Mr Arthur Shek Kang-chuen, Hong Kong Economic Times; Mr Cho Chi-ming, Hong Kong Economic Journal; Mr Kenny Tang, Associate Director (Research) of Securities Company Limited; Mr Karmen Tsui, Financial Planner; Ms Sandra Lee, Chairman of Unit Trust Sub-Committee, Hong Kong Investment Funds Association, and Ms Sadie Chen, Research & Survey Officer of the Consumer Council.

The video is very rich in content. These professionals and financial analysts provide the basic knowledge of some financial tools in the market including loans, tax, use of credit cards, the trading of funds, stock investments, money savings, education funds and insurance savings. They analysed their risks and pitfalls and suggested ways of resolving debts. They also explained the principles of prudent financial management so as to reinforce our understanding and enable us to decide and implement the objectives and proper financial plans for ourselves and family members to ensure a better life and a good living after retirement.

Based on the true stories of two police constables who were previously in heavy debt, we will be given a better understanding of their indebtedness problems and how they overcame their difficulties. It should be emphasised that officers must have the determination, responsibility and a positive attitude to face and solve their problems. Although they have been in difficult times, they could eventually repay the debts and lead a new life. The video also contains the good examples of officers in the Force who are very positive towards their lives. When first joining the Force, they already knew about the importance of making a good financial plan. They lead a healthy life and continuously develop themselves through life-long learning. Officers of Police Welfare Services Group and Police Credit Union also focused on debt rescheduling and the importance of savings.

On January 24, Director of Personnel & Training, Mr Foo Tsun-kong, officially announced the launching of this Force-wide training package. TSROs and a number of guests attended the event. The initial feedback from the Force Management and TSROs have been very encouraging and supportive. Force members and Police recruits at the Police Training School will receive the training on training days commencing this month. Following an evaluation of their feedback, more focused and topical seminars will be organised for Force members and their families in the near future.

Mr Foo said: "As a law enforcement agency, the Force takes a very serious view on the issue of Police indebtedness. Although indebtedness is a problem of personal financial management, it will have an impact on the officer's emotions and attitude in enforcing laws, work performance and conduct, and thus possibly imposing a negative effect on the clean image of the Force.

"The Force takes a caring and sympathetic view towards officers who become indebted due to unforeseeable or compassionate circumstances and will provide every assistance to enable them to repay their debts as early as possible. There is, however, no sympathy for those who have accrued unmanageable debts due to gambling, overspending and financial imprudence.

"The Force all along promotes the concept of healthy living, encouraging officers and their families to participate in various activities in building a good physique, healthy psychological and financial well beings," Mr Foo added.

Chief Superintendent, Staff Relations and Conditions of Service Branch, Mr Cheung Siu-wah said: "There are officers in the Force who are very positive towards their work, family and physical well-being. They add value to themselves continuously and lead a simple lifestyle. We wish to encourage others to benefit from these good examples and establish a progressive outlook on life."

Senior Superintendent, Staff Relations Group, Mr Ng Ka-sing said: "The valuable advice of the experts will be uploaded onto 'the Healthy Lifestyle Website via POINT' for easy browsing." The Website is as follows:

http://ux37phq.hpf.gov.hk:8088/bbs/psb/ps-web/hls/

For enquiries, please contact SP SR 2 (sp-sr-2) at 2866-7417.

Tips for Smart Personal Financial Management

* Develop as early as possible a good and persistent saving habit to prepare for the unexpected;

* Plan before you spend, avoid taking out loans, and assess your repaying ability;

* Exercise prudence in using credit cards and avoid taking out cash advances from credit cards or settling bills by instalments; settle the credit card bills on time each month;

* Adopt a self-disciplined, consistent and punctual approach to repay your debts; get rid of bad habits;

* Be aware of the great risks involved in the buying of shares as well as the trading of funds;

* For a good life in the future, strive for extra savings on top of existing retirement protection schemes such as Pension, Civil Service Provident Fund or MPF, and

* For better prospects, set a life goal and a good plan for self-development, lead a simple lifestyle and maintain a healthy physical and mental well being.

Director of Personnel & Training Mr Foo Tsun-kong announces the new training package