Seizing the first training opportunity for new recruits, the Civil Service College focuses not only on imparting knowledge, but also on cultivating the right mindset. By adopting an interactive and exploratory teaching mode, the induction programme encourages trainees to contemplate the meaning of their work and appreciate that “no people’s livelihood matters are too trivial”. It fosters a people-oriented ethos and a “One Government” team spirit and service culture. With the use of songs, videos, stories of historical figures and case studies, the programme leads colleagues through modern China’s development journey. This helps them understand our country’s governance philosophy, policy development, history and culture, as well as Hong Kong’s role and positioning, thereby establishing a proper understanding of the country and a sense of national identity.

Taking the explanation of the “people-oriented” governance philosophy as an example, the College draws reference to outstanding case studies from poverty alleviation efforts on the Mainland. Through these case studies, it analyses the mindset and considerations of the civil servants responsible for the projects, guiding trainees to contemplate the impact of policies from the perspective of citizens. This helps them appreciate that public service is not merely about implementing policies, but is fundamentally concerned with addressing the immediate needs of the people.