Gov’t launches second edition of youth anti-drug ambassador program

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) collaborated with several youth associations and the Narcotics Control Committee to launch the “2nd Edition of the Macau International Youth Anti-Drug Ambassador Training Program” yesterday.

A sharing session was held to present the results of the first edition at the Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macau, where over 120 people participated, including representatives from the Drug Control Commission, public services, schools, social service institutions, young anti-drug ambassadors, students, and teachers.

During his speech at the sharing session, IAS president Wilson Hon emphasized the “Youth Influencing Youth” principle for the two-year program: “Through rigorous selection and professional training, outstanding young people were trained, gaining knowledge about the fight against drugs and the social mission. Enthusiastic and energized, they shared the knowledge gained from what they saw and heard on campus and in the community.”

“They started from the Greater Bay Area and reached the international stage, dynamically sharing experiences in drug addiction prevention and treatment from Macau, widely spreading the anti-drug message with the power of ‘Youth Influencing Youth’,” he added.

Speaking on the sidelines, a student surnamed Mak shared his personal experience.

“I learned a lot of drug-related knowledge not typically taught in school. We might not usually see what drugs actually look like, but during this training they showed us real samples. They also introduced us to new types of drugs, like the recently emerging ‘Etomidate,’ which can easily attract young people.”

Another student, surnamed Keung, explained why she joined the program: “I joined because we usually have very little exposure to drug-related knowledge in school. I wanted to learn more and pass it on to my classmates so they can also be vigilant against drugs.”

Registration is now open for the 2nd Edition of the Macau International Youth Anti-Drug Ambassador Training Program until March 31, 2026.

The program targets residents aged 14 to 23 who possess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English and Mandarin, care about the mainland and Macau, and support anti-drug efforts.

Selected participants will engage in diverse learning opportunities, including skills training, experiential learning, practical training, and exchanges. Those performing exceptionally may be invited to participate in international exchanges, represent China in the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Youth Forum, and join the national youth anti-drug knowledge competition, among other activities.

Activity regulations and registration details are available on the official Macau anti-drug website.

Ricaela Diputado