Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai vowed to continue to work closely with government departments and the community to prevent and fight youth crime, including schools, parents and relevant organisations.

He said the competition was a good example of police-community co-operation and hoped it would strengthen young people's understanding of the consequences of abusing drugs.

This biennial competition, being held for the 16th time, is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) with sponsorship from the Hang Seng Bank and Qantas Airways Limited.

This year the competition features "Anti-drug Abuse" as the theme, and participants will be evaluated through web games, essay writing, tests in leadership skills and interviews. It is open to primary, secondary and tertiary students, and winners will be awarded scholarships and have the chance to visit Australia as Hong Kong's Fight Crime Ambassadors.

During the ceremony, Mr Raymond Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hang Seng Bank, presented a cheque for $450,000 to the Commissioner as the bank's sponsorship of the competition.

"Hang Seng is pleased to be sponsoring this competition for the seventh consecutive time. By supporting this event, we're encouraging young people to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle and helping them become responsible citizens," said Mr Or.

Ms Evelyn Lee, Marketing Manager, Greater China of Qantas Airways, also presented to the Commissioner air tickets for winners' trip to Australia.

Also present at the ceremony was Ms Vivien Chan, a member of the Fight Crime Committee.

Entry forms for the competition are available at Police Public Relations Branch, Police Community Relations Offices, Junior Police Call clubs, District Offices and Hang Seng Bank branches (excluding those at MTR stations and Lantau Airport Railway Station).

The deadline for submission of applications is April 24. For enquiries contact PPRB on 2860-6143 or visit the competition website at http://www. hkpjpc.org.hk/fightcrime.

Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai and guests of honour signal the start of the Figth Youth Crime Competition