Addressing a passing-out parade by 25 probationary inspectors and 203 recruit constables on December 8, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen encouraged the officers to pursue excellence through lifelong learning so that they could keep pace with an ever-changing society, and provide the public with quality services.

He said the graduating officers were fully equipped with the basic knowledge and practical skills required for police work after completing the practical and multi-faceted training offered by the Police College. However he reminded them that the parade did not signify the end of learning. "The saying 'knowledge is infinite' means something very tangible for our Force", he noted.

"A Police Force as big as ours is able to keep pace with society, and take on new challenges, precisely because it is a learning organisation. This is also the reason why the Force is willing to continually devote a huge amount of resources to training, which includes the foundation training you have just completed as well as other regular in-service training.

"With such a comprehensive system to support you, every one of you has the duty to continue learning so as to enhance your professionalism," he added.

Mr Fung pointed out that lifelong learning was especially important to the passing-out inspectors because there was so much for them to learn about management. He also told them to abide by two fundamental principles: "be fair, just and open" and "lead by example".

"Police work is burdensome, and your efforts may not always meet with the appreciation of every member of the public, but when you accept the challenge and actually help people through your action, the satisfaction you get will be beyond words," he said.

Mr Fung said a systematic succession mechanism was a vital element of a visionary police force and his inspection of a group of enthusiastic new officers made him proud of a Force that has a lot of new talents.

"Although today you are merely inexperienced, novice officers, you must realise that you represent the future of the Force. From this day onwards, the responsibility for the Force's future development will fall upon your shoulders," he reminded the officers on parade.

Mr Fung, who is proceeding on pre-retirement leave early next month, also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all his colleagues who, he noted, was always caring and supportive to him throughout his 35-year police career.

After the passing-out parade, CP thanks Mr Fung for his contributions to the Force and wishes him a happy retirement

A chorus of good-byes at the Police College