The youngsters, aged 14 to 23, outshone more than 50,000 competitors in the "Hang Seng Bank - Help the Police Fight Youth Crime Competition 2006" launched in March.

They will leave Hong Kong on August 21 on an eight-day tour to Australia. Highlights of their itinerary include visits to police departments, schools and youth organisations in Melbourne and Sydney.

Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai introduced the Fight Crime Ambassadors to Mr Tsang at Government House on July 5.

Praising the ambassadors for their outstanding performances in the competition, Mr Tsang hoped they could contribute to Hong Kong's development.

"During the trip, you can share with your overseas friends the values of Hong Kong people. This is also a good opportunity to learn to communicate with people from different cultures, how to respect different opinions and how to establish a harmonious society," he added.

The biennial competition, organised by the Police Public Relations Branch with sponsorship from Hang Seng Bank and Qantas Airways Limited, aims at enhancing youngsters' alertness to juvenile crimes and encouraging them to help Police fight crime.

The competition, which was open to primary, secondary and tertiary students, attracted an enthusiastic response from youngsters and a record number of 125,000 entries. The 15 ambassadors are winners of the secondary and post-secondary categories, having passed tests on skills in writing, leadership and presentation, as well as interviews.

A prize presentation ceremony for the competition will be held on July 29.

CE encourages Fight Crime Ambassadors to make the most of their trip to Australia