Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre will reopen on December 5 (with photos)
28.11.2022

The reopening ceremony of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (DIC) was held today (November 28). The DIC will reopen to public on December 5. At the ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, unveiled a plaque commemorating the successful completion of the renovation works project of the DIC. Mr Tang then switched on the multimedia facilities at the DIC, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, together with other officiating guests, including the Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr Donald Li; the Executive Director (Charities and Community) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Gabriel Leung; the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Patrick Li; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Professor Cheung Yuet-wah; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity, Mr Chan Wing-kin; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Edward Tse; and the Chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Mr Philip Ma. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tang especially expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generosity, and to the ACAN as well as its sub-committees and all partners in the anti-drug sector for their valuable advice provided for the renovation works and design. He said that although the drug situation in Hong Kong is generally under control, the Government will step up its anti-drug efforts in the face of the ever-changing drug situation and the challenges that come with it. These efforts include controlling cannabidiol (i.e. CBD) as a drug and continuing to collaborate with different sectors to build a healthy and drug-free Hong Kong. He also reminded the public, especially young people, to remain vigilant against drugs when travelling or attending gatherings during long holidays in December. Located at the roof floor of the Low Block of the Queensway Government Offices, the DIC was constructed with the funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and was opened in 2004. It was the first permanent information and resource centre featuring anti-drug education in Hong Kong. In February 2021, the DIC was temporarily closed for a major renovation with a view to upgrading its role and functions in delivering anti-drug preventive education and publicity. The design of the renovated DIC follows the theme of "emerging from a cocoon", which symbolises change and transformation. To enrich the visitors' experience, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has provided funding again for installation of various multimedia facilities and devices in the DIC, including an interactive game that detects movements and an imaging device that shows the harmful effects caused by drug abuse. The Architectural Services Department also added environmentally friendly features to the renovated centre, with a view to contributing to carbon neutrality while promoting anti-drug education. The Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau has engaged the TWGHs as the operating partner of the DIC. At the ceremony today, Mr Ma received a symbolic key from Mr Tang, representing the operating responsibility of the DIC is taken up by the TWGHs. The DIC will officially reopen to public on December 5 (Monday). The opening hours will be from 10am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and from Thursdays to Sundays (including public holidays). In addition to permanent exhibitions, visitors can participate in guided tours and anti-drug events organised by the DIC. Details and up-to-date information about these activities are on the website of the DIC ( www.druginfocentre.hk/en/index.html ). Enquiries could be made through email at hkjcdic@sb.gov.hk or by calling 2867 2935 during opening hours.