Speaking on RTHK’s Overview Policy programme, Mak said application numbers for various activities, such as internships and exchange programmes, have gone up in recent years.
The minister cited a 16-week internship scheme in Dunhuang, Gansu province, during which students learnt the history of the ancient city and trained as tour guides to welcome tourists from all over the country.
She said the overall positive response is due to the proactive outreach by officials in the past two years.
“We have introduced various measures during this term of government. Therefore, we have to get into the schools to introduce all these measures so students are aware of the programmes that they can participate in,” Mak said.
The youth affairs chief also said the government encourages students who have taken part in these programmes to join “Youth Link”, a network established last September and is part of the Youth Development Blueprint.
She said the network already has more than 10,000 members.
Mak said youngsters can share their experience with fellow students through the “Youth Link”.
She added that one of the floors in Youth Square in Chai Wan will be renovated and a studio will be set up, so young people can share their stories through video.
