Hongkong Electric's Managing Director, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, speaks at the ceremony. Mr. Tso presents a souvenir to the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Mr. Kwok Ka-keung. A group of primary school students sent out green cards with energy saving messages. Three lovely characters of the giant storybook on an energy-searching adventure.

Hongkong Electric's Managing Director, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, speaks at the ceremony. Mr. Tso presents a souvenir to the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Mr. Kwok Ka-keung. A group of primary school students sent out green cards with energy saving messages. Three lovely characters of the giant storybook on an energy-searching adventure.

The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HEC) invites children to become "PowerSmart Kids" by learning and practising the smart use of electricity at an early age.

"PowerSmart Kids", to be recruited under this year's Smart Power Campaign organised by HEC for primary school students, are also encouraged to be mindful of the environment.

A series of educational activities have been tailor-made for schoolchildren in the coming year to drive home messages on energy saving and care for the environment.

Through participation in radio shows and fun days, "PowerSmart Kids" will have a chance to be admitted to "Smart Power School" set up to provide them with further learning opportunities through workshops and visit programmes.

Speaking at today's ceremony to kick off the campaign, HEC's Managing Director, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, hopes that children will take up the challenge and become "PowerSmart Kids".

He welcomes the new faces in joining the energy saving crusade, saying that many of their seniors in secondary schools had learnt and done well in the same campaign during the last academic year.

"The efficient use of energy is essential for the sustainability of the community. While we strive for reliable and adequate supply of electricity, HEC also cares for the environment, supports renewable energy development and promotes energy conservation through education and publicity."

"Children are our future and it is important to get them exposed to green messages," Mr. Tso said.

Echoing his views was the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Mr. Kwok Ka-keung, who agreed that the earlier the education on care for the environment, the better.

Mr. Kwok expressed support for HEC's efforts in public education. "PowerSmart Kids taking part in the campaign will have an important role to play in their families by encouraging and guiding others to adopt the smart practices," he noted.

Story telling is one way to ensure effective learning among young children. As a major highlight of the campaign, a giant storybook, measuring 7 feet by 6 feet, was launched inviting schoolchildren to join in an energy-searching journey.

Through a joint exploration with three lovely characters in the book, children will be taught, through examples relating to their daily lives, about the importance of electricity and the need for energy conservation. The storybook will be exhibited in primary schools over the next few months.

Sharing is another key feature of this year's campaign. Schoolchildren are encouraged to share their ideas on energy saving by painting on specially designed green cards. These cards will then be sent to children overseas and at today's ceremony, 20 pupils from Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School were among the first batch of green supporters who took part in this meaningful act.

Meanwhile, members of the HEC's professional engineering team will act as "Smart Power Ambassadors", paying visits to schools on Hong Kong Island and helping with schools' initiatives in energy efficiency.

Mr. Kwok praises HEC for the efforts put in protecting the environment, as it demonstrates the company's commitment in corporate social responsibilities.

Citing HEC's plan to build a wind power plant on Lamma Island, Mr. Kwok said that the project would enhance public awareness in environmental initiatives. He also called on power companies and members of the public to join hands with the Government in improving air quality in Hong Kong.