Social Workers Should Spread Patriotism: Zheng

The director of the Liaison Office Zheng Yanxiong on Monday called on the social welfare sector to spread patriotism and national pride.

Speaking at a social welfare forum in Wan Chai, the top Beijing official in Hong Kong said social workers not only have to serve those in need, but should also help facilitate the implementation of One Country, Two Systems.

"In the new phase, Hong Kong can no longer get its direction wrong, confuse itself, or be used or deceived by others," Zheng said.

"Friends in the social welfare sector connect thousands of households, and have the unique advantage of spreading and promoting mainstream values. We have a new mission in this new stage – promote the great tradition of loving the country and loving Hong Kong, and strengthen national pride and the sense of ownership."

The Liaison Office chief also urged social welfare practitioners to grasp opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road initiative, by engaging in more professional exchanges with their mainland and overseas counterparts.

Also at the event, Chief Executive John Lee said the SAR will on Monday sign a memorandum of cooperation with Guangdong authorities to strengthen elderly care collaboration.

He added that he hopes the local social welfare sector will continue to support the government and help to improve people's well-being.