kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SED on class resumption and cross-boundary students
13.5.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session before attending the Legislative Council today (May 13): Reporter: Has the Government taken into account that Hong Kong has a new local case (of COVID-19 infection)? Is there any update on exemption for cross-boundary students, how they might return to Hong Kong for their school learning, how they will be exempt from quarantine measures? Secretary for Education: Is the case confirmed yet? I think it is reported. Well, they (the relevant departments) have not held any press conference today, so we are still waiting to see whether the case has been confirmed or not. But from the information we have, it is likely to be a confirmed case yesterday. Even though it is confirmed to be a case of the infection, I think at the current stage, the CHP (Centre for Health Protection) is still following up on the case. They will be following up on whether there have been any close contacts, the background and everything. So we have to wait to see the outcome of the investigation before we decide whether there will be any significant impact on our schedule for class resumption. So at this stage, we still maintain that the schedule for class resumption will stay the same. Regarding your question about cross-boundary students (CBS), we are still discussing with our counterparts in the Mainland. And I had a discussion with some of the principals from the schools with more CBS yesterday. There are a number of issues that we have to resolve, including precautionary measures for CBS to come over to Hong Kong and then go back to Shenzhen. We have to look at the boundary control points and whether there are sufficient control points to make sure that the flow of students will be efficient enough for the class resumption. We are also looking at the transport arrangement because some of these boundary control points may not have sufficient public transport. So all these issues we are still discussing with different stakeholders and we are still formulating our strategies to take them forward. Reporter: When will a decision be made? Secretary for Education: I cannot name a date yet. We are working diligently to try to find out a workable solution, and in the course of doing that, we will continue to maintain dialogue with our counterparts in the Shenzhen Government, of course, and the school principals as well. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on HKDSE Examination and school resumption
18.4.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (April 18). Reporter: How well prepared are schools in terms of the DSE examinations (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination) coming soon? In terms of school resumption, you said that there is no deadline as to decide when or if school will resume at all. Could you explain a little bit more on that? Secretary for Education: The schools are now very well prepared for the coming DSE examinations. In terms of the distance between the seats, in terms of all the procedures for cleansing, and also the detailed arrangements including the toilet arrangement and other things, all the schools, all the examination centres, are well prepared to provide a very safe environment for our candidates to take the examinations. Regarding the school resumption, we have not made any firm decision yet. At this stage, we have not set any deadline or a D-Day that school has to resume. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Appointment of new member to Advisory Committee on Gifted Education
17.4.2020

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (April 17) announced the appointment of Professor Chui Yat-hung as a member to the Advisory Committee on Gifted Education (ACGE). His appointment will take effect today and end on March 31, 2021. The ACGE was set up in April 2017 to advise the Secretary for Education on the use and management of the Gifted Education Fund, long-term development of gifted education in Hong Kong and measures and initiatives for promoting gifted education. With Professor Chui Yat-hung's dedication to assisting students in realising their further studies and career aspirations, and his rich experience in public service, the EDB welcomes Professor Chui to provide more invaluable advice to the Government on the development of gifted education. The full list of membership of the ACGE from April 17, 2020, to March 31, 2021, is as follows: Chairman ----------- Dr Pang Yiu-kai Non-official members ------------------------ Professor Cheng Shuk-han Dr John Tan Kang Sister Anita Kwok Ming-ying Ms Sonia Cheng Chi-man Dr Allen Fung Yuk-lun Ms Carrie Leung Ka-lai Ms Cecilia Lee Sau-wai Ms Ada Li Yuen-yung Mr Cheng Ho-wai Professor Chui Yat-hung Ex-officio members ---------------------- Permanent Secretary for Education Deputy Secretary for Education (5) Chairman, Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education Chairperson, Committee on Gifted Education of the Curriculum Development Council
SED on class resumption and complaints against teachers
18.3.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council (Legco) today (March 18): Reporter: When will the Government have a concrete plan as to when school will resume? You mentioned by the end of March. So what will be the criteria? And for the second question, how would you respond to the accusation that the EDB (Education Bureau) is "operating in a black box" concerning the complaints against teachers? Thank you. Secretary for Education: At this stage, we are still observing the development of the epidemic, both in Hong Kong and also in overseas places, and we aim to form a view by the end of March on whether April 20 is possible for class resumption. In doing so, as I have said, we have to observe the development of the epidemic, we have to check with the schools to see whether they are prepared to do that, and also we have to assess the adequacy of suitable prevention materials, including masks. On your second question, as I explained in the (LegCo) Chamber, when we deal with the complaints against teachers, we are adopting a very fair and open mechanism in dealing with them. Of course, we could not disclose every single case to everyone, because there are privacy considerations, and in the course of investigation sometimes we need time to gather all the facts. But I think we have an open mechanism, so all teachers know which stage we are up to, and they have a chance to do their own representation. And if they are not happy with our decision, they can always appeal to us. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on DSE and anti-epidemic measures
29.2.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (February 29): Reporter: Some of the private education institutes for example tutorial centres, they said that they are facing closure because of the virus outbreak, so they are asking for more support but none was given. So is there more the Government can do to help them? Second question, regarding some of the DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination) students still stranded in Hubei, can the Government make sure that they are the first batch of people coming back, so that they can come back and take the examination, etc? Secretary for Education: We all know that because of the disease, I think every sector of the community has been affected to a different degree. At the latest Budget, which was announced by the Financial Secretary a few days ago, there have already been a number of measures helping the whole community and the business sector. I think all sectors in the community will benefit one way or the other from these. But of course, I understand that many of the businesses are still suffering from the disease because even the Government has put a lot of money in relieving the pressure. I think there are unavoidably some impacts by the downturn of the economy. So at this time we have to try our best to work together as a community to tackle all these issues. When necessary, I think the Government is prepared to consider more relief measures depending on the necessity of the whole society. On your second question about the Hong Kong people now in Wuhan, as you know we are arranging a chartered flight going to Wuhan next week. We would like to bring as many as Hong Kong people back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Of course, the priority will depend on the needs and also the special circumstances of each individual. Of course, the DSE candidates will be among the top priority but whether they could come back on the first flight or not, it all depends on the actual situation of the flight. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED's opening remarks at media session (with video)
13.2.2020

Following is the transcript of opening remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session at the Central Government Offices today (February 13): Now I would like to recap the key messages in English. In view of the latest situation of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Education Bureau decided today that schools will not resume classes before March 16. We will continue to take into account the professional advice from health experts, readiness of schools as well as the supply of epidemic preventive materials in the community in making further assessment and deciding on the exact date of class resumption. Social distancing and avoiding mass movement of people are key strategies for preventing and controlling the epidemic. There is no urgency for students now staying in the Mainland or other countries to return to Hong Kong, but they are advised to strictly comply with the preventive measures suggested by the local authorities. Students currently in Hong Kong should avoid travelling abroad, so as to reduce the risk of being infected during the journey. Students should stay home as far as possible, and avoid crowded places and group activities. Schools are making use of different modes of learning, including e-learning, to achieve the goal of "suspending classes without suspending learning". The arrangements are premised on the principle of maintaining students' motivation and interest in learning, without exerting undue pressure on students and parents. I sincerely thank all school principals and teachers for their efforts and the Education Bureau will render full support to them by means of online resources and hotline services, etc. For kindergartens, we understand the financial difficulties encountered particularly by the sector, and will implement the following measures as soon as practicable: First, for those under the kindergarten education scheme, the calculation of monthly subsidies to each kindergarten during the class suspension period will be based on the student headcount in January this year, ensuring that there will be no reduction of government subsidies due to withdrawal of individual students during the period. If individual kindergartens wish to adjust their tuition fees during the class suspension period or provide fee remission, the Education Bureau will expedite the processing of the applications to cater for the needs of the kindergartens and parents. Besides, the Education Bureau will provide a one-off subsidy to all kindergartens for stepping up cleansing work at schools. We will continue to communicate with the sector on details of the measures and other issues of concern to the stakeholders. Amid the difficult time of the current epidemic, I sincerely hope that the Government, school personnel and parents could join hands to fight the disease together for the well-being of our students and get prepared for class resumption in due course. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on class resumption
7.2.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (February 7): Reporter: Mr Yeung, what sort of factors would the Government be considering when it decides whether to allow schools to resume on March 2? Secretary for Education: There are a number of factors that we have to consider, including the overall situation of coronavirus pneumonia. What is the latest development? And what is the overall situation? On that we have to listen to experts' advice on the overall situation. We would also consider the preparedness of schools, whether they are ready to start the schools and start the classes. And also in doing that, we will also consider the supply of some of the protective gear at schools. We all know that there seems to be a shortage of certain supplies, for example masks and things. So, when we decide whether classes could be resumed, that's of course one of the factors that we have to consider. Reporter: Not all parents are happy with this class suspension. I know it's for the health of students. Some of them have called on the Government to pay for the tuitions of the classes affected by this suspension. Will the Government be trying to help them in any way? Secretary for Education: At present, even though classes are suspended, schools are still providing learning support to students at home, including various e-learning activities and resources, so that they could still have some learning activities at home. So in a certain way, I think schools are still operating, although in a limited scope. We think that, in terms of tuition fees, parents should pay according to the schedule that we have approved for individual schools. But of course we also understand that schools may face some difficulties. That is something we have overall to consider. And if parents do have financial difficulties in paying the tuition fees, there are always safety nets in the government system to help them on the tuition fees. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Task Force on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training submits review report to EDB (with photos)
23.1.2020

The Task Force on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) submitted its review report to the Education Bureau (EDB) today (January 23). In its review, the Task Force considered various aspects pertaining to enhancing the promotion of VPET in Hong Kong, including its promotion in secondary and higher education, the development of vocational progression pathways and publicity strategy. The Task Force also made reference to the practices in other economies and stakeholders' views collected through a two-month public consultation completed in July last year. The Chairman of the Task Force, Dr Roy Chung, said, "Under the theme of 'VPET for the Future', the review report reaffirms VPET's integral role in Hong Kong's education system to equip students with work skills for the future. The Task Force considers that the Government should strengthen and deepen collaboration with industries to provide more diversified and quality VPET programmes for young people, with a view to facilitating the parallel development of the VPET and academic education pathways." The Task Force has put forward 18 recommendations in its report, including stepping up promotion of VPET in secondary education through existing platforms (such as Applied Learning and the Business-School Partnership Programme), reiterating the value and positioning of VPET in higher education (including the proposed applied degree and Higher Diploma), developing flexible vocational progression pathways for in-service practitioners under the Qualifications Framework and strengthening the future promotion of VPET with an innovative and coordinated approach. A leaflet highlighting the Task Force's key recommendations and a full list of the recommendations are at Annexes 1 and 2 respectively. Having received the review report, the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Chairman, Dr Roy Chung, and all of the members of the Task Force for their hard work and contributions to the review. Since its establishment in April 2018, the Task Force has been dedicated to conducting a comprehensive review on the promotion of VPET in Hong Kong and offered their invaluable professional advice, while suitably making reference to practices outside Hong Kong and the views of major stakeholders. "The Government has all along been committed to providing multiple and flexible education pathways for young people with different aspirations and abilities through VPET. The recommendations of the Task Force help chart a clear way forward for the promotion of VPET as a preferred choice. The EDB will carefully study the report and actively follow up on its recommendations," said Mr Yeung. The full review report can be viewed on the EDB's website ( edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/other-edu-training/vocational-other-edu-program/promotion-vet.html ).
Appointments to Quality Education Fund Steering Committee
14.1.2020

The Education Bureau today (January 14) announced the appointment of the Chairman and members to the Quality Education Fund Steering Committee (QEFSC) for a term of two years, from January 16, 2020, to January 15, 2022. Dr Gordon Tsui Luen-on has been re-appointed as the Chairman of the QEFSC. Dr Tsui is an ex-officio member of the Education Commission and the Quality Education Fund Investment Committee. The following members have been appointed to the QEFSC: * Mr Shek Wai-keung * Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak The following members have been re-appointed to the QEFSC: * Mr Chan Chi-wai * Mr Stanley Choi Tak-shing * Ms Joanne Fong Yee-man "I am confident that the Quality Education Fund (QEF) will continue to achieve outstanding results in the promotion of quality school education in Hong Kong," said the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung. He also thanked the outgoing members, Ms Cecilia Lam Siu-ling and Dr Odalia Wong Ming-hung, for their valuable contributions to the QEFSC in the past years. The QEF was established in early 1998 with $5 billion in capital to fund community initiatives which promote quality education in Hong Kong. The QEFSC advises on the policies and operation of the QEF and also makes recommendations to the Fund's Trustee on the awards of grants. Since its establishment, the Fund has supported over 10 800 projects with grants totalling around $5 billion. As at end-November 2019, the fund balance of the QEF (unaudited) was about $9.5 billion.
EDB holds regular working meeting with MoE
17.11.2021

The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, and officials of the Ministry of Education held a regular working meeting in Shenzhen today (November 17). Mr Yeung briefed the Executive Deputy Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Mr Xu Yongji, and other officials on the education policies and measures in the Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address, as well as the implementation of the Citizenship and Social Development Curriculum and national security education. The two sides also exchanged views on education issues of mutual interest and followed up the progress of various collaboration projects, including strengthening the Mainland exchange activities for Hong Kong teachers and students, especially Mainland study tours and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. Also discussed were the plans of Hong Kong's universities and school-sponsoring bodies to operate schools in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Mr Yeung said that the smooth implementation of various education initiatives in recent years are conducive to Hong Kong in developing an education system that is compatible with "one country, two systems", which can leverage the advantages of local education to nurture students to become talents that the community needs, and at the same time help them extend their pathways by integrating into the national development and grasping opportunities in the GBA. Accompanying Mr Yeung at the working meeting included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, as well as Deputy Secretaries for Education, Mr Esmond Lee, Mrs Chan Siu Suk-fan, Mr Edward To and Mrs Hong Chan Tsui-wah. They have returned to Hong Kong this evening.
SED on student population and appointment requirements of teachers
23.10.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (October 23): Reporter: Some teachers may become jobless, and some schools may have to close down&hellip;(inaudible)? Secretary for Education: As I said before, there is a very obvious trend of decreasing in student population. As a result, we have to look at the overall demand and supply of school places, which have a direct impact on the number of schools that we need. As a result, I think there may be some changes in the number of teacher posts. But in the whole process, we will maintain a continuous dialogue with school sponsoring bodies, school managements, as well as teachers, so that we want to minimise the impact on individual teachers. Reporter: Why is it necessary for teachers to have test on the Basic Law? Will that mean teachers will have their tests on the National Security Law? Secretary for Education: What we are now doing is implementing a test for new teachers, and also for the teachers who have not had that qualification. When they change school, they also have to go through the Basic Law test. In doing so, we will also make reference to the current practice for civil servants. As you all know, the Civil Service Bureau is now considering a test on the National Security Law. Depending on the outcomes, we will also make necessary adjustments to the test for teachers. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)