Youth Summit 2004 was launched successfully on 13 November 2004, with the presence of Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of HKSAR; Prof. Arthur K.C. Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower; Mrs. Fanny C.F. Law Fan, Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower; Mr. Stephen S.L. Lam, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs; Dr. Patrick C.P. Ho, Secretary for Home Affairs; Mrs. Pamela M.W. Tan Kam, Director of Home Affairs and other government officials.

More than eight hundred youths participated in this year's conference. They impressed the audience with their active discussion on the policies, education and media of Hong Kong. Youth, parents and government officials joined together to discuss the strength and weaknesses of the present educational system in Hong Kong. The youth raised the discussion of differences between ideal educators and learners by presenting a survey from students, followed by the reflections of ideal teaching and learning, the purpose of education, as well as the hidden defects of our education system. These were all highly appreciated by government officials.

The Principle Coordinator of Social Rehabilitation Service and Specials Projects in our agency, Ms. Winnie F.S. Ying, acted as the convener of Youth Summit in the Shamshuipo District. The Happy Teens Club of both Shamshuipo Central and Shamshuipo East districts played active roles in preparing and organising the training camp and sharing sessions for the summit. An 'Elite Team'of youth representing the Shamshuipo District in the summit was established through cooperation with the youth service units from other social welfare agencies.

After years of proposals and preparation, the Chief Executive of HKSAR finally announced the establishment of the Youth Forum, a platform for policy discussions among youths. Shamshuipo is one of the committed districts. The valuable exposure and experience gained from the Youth Summit will prepare our core members and their alliance to move ahead for further and more in-depth discussions in the Youth Forum. In collaboration with our youth, our agency will be promoting active participation and discussion of social affairs, as well as advocating for youth voice in Hong Kong.