kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong team achieves encouraging results at International Physics Olympiad (with photo)
16.7.2019

Five secondary school students representing Hong Kong achieved pleasing results at the 50th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), winning five silver medals. The IPhO aims at nurturing students who are talented in physics, as well as promoting physics education and enhancing contacts and co-operation among scientists all over the world. This year, the IPhO was held from July 7 to 14 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with around 360 students from 81 countries/regions participating in the event. The five silver medallists were Chau Chun-wang (St Margaret's Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School), Gaurav Arya (King George V School), Li Tat-sang (Sing Yin Secondary School), Jeff Kwan (St Paul's Co-educational College) and Lau Sze-chun (Diocesan Boys' School). The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, congratulated the Hong Kong team today (July 16) on their remarkable performance. "The impressive results achieved by the Hong Kong team this year showcase their potential in physics. The Education Bureau will continue to support and nurture more students with talent and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness globally," Mr Yeung said. "The Government attaches great importance to the nurturing of talents by providing policy and resources support to the development of gifted education. The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in October last year approved an injection of $800 million into the Gifted Education Fund. Funding support would be provided not only to the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) for the enhancement of its services but also to different organisations for offering diversified off-school advanced learning programmes to gifted students in order to unleash their potential," he added. "In addition, the Education Bureau will continue to support schools in various aspects to promote STEM education. The Quality Education Fund will, as from August 1, receive a new round of applications for 2019/20, with 'STEM Education' as one of the seven priority themes. We will also introduce in the new school year the Life-wide Learning Grant. Schools can make use of the new resources to organise diversified experiential learning activities, including those related to STEM education, to enable students to fully develop their potential." The members of the Hong Kong team distinguished themselves in the Hong Kong Physics Olympiad last year. They subsequently completed the physics enhancement programme provided by the HKAGE. The outstanding students in the programme were then selected as contestants representing Hong Kong to participate in the IPhO this year. The Hong Kong team was fully funded by the Education Bureau to join this competition.
SED expresses deep condolences over passing of the Most Venerable Chi Wai
14.7.2019

The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (July 14) expressed deep condolences over the passing of the Most Venerable Chi Wai, the Honorary President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association (HKBA). Mr Yeung said, "The Most Venerable Chi Wai has made tremendous contributions to social and charitable services. The HKBA is one of the major school sponsoring bodies in Hong Kong with 13 secondary schools, seven primary schools and eight kindergartens. Upholding the school motto of 'illumining wisdom and manifesting compassion', the HKBA emphasises both 'knowledge' and 'moral character' in promoting the whole-person development of its students. Over the years, numerous young people have benefited from its education service." "I believe that the virtuous deeds of the Most Venerable Chi Wai would continue to encourage students and members of the public at large to join hands to build a caring and loving community."
Appointments to SCOLAR announced
12.7.2019

The Education Bureau today (July 12) announced the re-appointment of Mr Lester Garson Huang as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) for two years with effect from July 1, 2019. Mr Huang is a solicitor by profession and has been involved extensively in education matters. He is currently the Chairman of the Council of City University of Hong Kong, an ex-officio member of the Education Commission, and an honorary member of the Court of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "Under Mr Huang's able leadership in the past four years, SCOLAR has launched various initiatives that complement the work of the Government and other advisory bodies or stakeholders in enhancing Chinese and English language learning and teaching at all levels, building a professional language teaching force, and creating a motivating and conducive language learning environment." He also thanked the outgoing members, namely Dr Julia Chan, Ms Margaret Cheng, Mr Tavier Lau, Ms Gloria Leung and Mr Ma Ching-nam, for their sterling service and contributions to the work of SCOLAR. The Education Bureau also re-appointed seven serving members and appointed five new members to SCOLAR for two years. The membership list of SCOLAR with effect from July 1, 2019 is as follows: Chairman ------------ Mr Lester Garson Huang Re-appointed members --------------------------- Ms Chan Shin-kwan Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung Professor Cecilia Chun Ka-wai Ms Cecilia Lee Sau-wai Ms Shirley Marie Therese Loo Dr Paul Tsui Hon-yan Dr Yuen Chun-wah Newly appointed members ------------------------------ Ms Joanne Fong Yee-man Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him Professor Erwin Steve Huang Mr Armstrong Lee Hon-cheung Dr Tse Wai-lok Ex-officio members ---------------------- Deputy Secretary for Education Chairperson of Curriculum Development Council's Committee on Chinese Language Education Chairperson of Curriculum Development Council's Committee on English Language Education Chairperson of Curriculum Development Council's Committee on Early Childhood Education Chairperson of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals Secretary-General of Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority or representative SCOLAR was set up in 1996 to advise the Government on language education and on the use of the Language Fund.
Appointments of two new members to Advisory Committee on Gifted Education
10.6.2019

The Education Bureau today (June 10) announced the appointment of two new members to the Advisory Committee on Gifted Education (ACGE). Their appointments 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. The two new members are Miss Ada Li Yuen-yung and Mr Cheng Ho-wai. Miss Ada Li is a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong undertaking the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Programme; and Mr Cheng Ho-wai is the Chief Operating Officer of a charitable institution. They are both appointed under the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth. The full list of membership of the ACGE from June 10, 2019 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 Dr Lam Hiu-fung Ms Ada Li Yuen-yung Mr Cheng Ho-wai 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 Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (with photos)
28.5.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session as he wound up his duty visit to Beijing today (May 28): Reporter: There are a lot of secondary school students issuing statements that are against the current amendment of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. What is the stance of the Education Bureau? Do you think you need to explain more to the secondary school students? Secretary for Education: As I said, in the past few weeks the Security Bureau and also the Secretary for Justice have already explained a lot on the background of the amendments of the ordinance on many occasions. So I think it is necessary for all of us in Hong Kong to listen to all the views and to understand why the Government has proposed such changes before they form a view on whether they support the amendment or not. In the recent movement of some past students of some schools, out of their own initiatives they have started some signature campaigns. Some of the schools have actually contacted us and told us that that did not represent the schools' position. But in any case, if the schools feel, for example, that they need our support in explaining in more detail about the proposed amendments, we are happy to do it. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED to visit Beijing
24.5.2019

The Secretary for Education (SED), Mr Kevin Yeung, will leave Hong Kong in the afternoon next Monday (May 27) for a duty visit to Beijing. On May 28, Mr Yeung will attend a regular liaison meeting with officials of the Ministry of Education to exchange views on education issues of mutual concern. He will also visit the Advanced Innovation Centre for Future Education of Beijing Normal University. Officials accompanying Mr Yeung on his visit to Beijing will include the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; Deputy Secretaries for Education Mr Rex Chang and Mrs Hong Chan Tsui-wah; and Principal Assistant Secretaries for Education Mr Benjamin Yung and Mr Lee Kam-kwong. Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong in the evening of the same day. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will be the Acting SED.
World Book Day Fest: Folktaleoscope held today (with photos)
27.4.2019

The "2019 World Book Day Fest &ndash; Towards a Reading City: Folktaleoscope", co-organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) and the Education Bureau (EDB) at SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School, was well received today (April 27). About 2 500 school heads and teachers of primary schools and secondary schools as well as students and their parents participated in a series of activities promoting the benefits of reading. Themed "Folktaleoscope", the Fest aimed at sustaining a reading culture in the city, nurturing students' interest in reading and encouraging them to develop a reading habit from a young age. Highlights of the Fest included sharing of reading experiences by young people of different backgrounds, "Folktales Alfresco" at which secondary school students shared the joy of reading folktales through storytelling or drama performances, language game booths, a language orienteering challenge, a book exhibition, "Book Sharing", a pop-up library set up by the Hong Kong Public Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as experience sharing sessions by schools, government and non-governmental organisations on the promotion of reading. In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the SCOLAR, Mr Lester Huang, said that reading folktales and discovering the messages behind them was a good way to learn about other cultures and ways to communicate with people from different backgrounds. He added that reading extensively, which is a fun-filled journey, could broaden our perspectives and enrich our understanding of the world. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, also shared his experience as a reader in his opening speech. He said that the EDB has been proactively promoting reading in secondary and primary schools as well as kindergartens through diverse and multi-pronged approaches, while joining with all stakeholders to promote a reading culture across the community and build Hong Kong into a reading city. SCOLAR and the EDB will continue to collaborate with schools, parents and community partners to promote reading in and beyond schools, fostering a sustainable reading atmosphere and culture in the city.
SED on Baptist (Sha Tin Wai) Lui Ming Choi Primary School
12.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a special meeting of the LegCo Finance Committee today (April 12): Reporter: Regarding the incident of Baptist (Sha Tin Wai) Lui Ming Choi Primary School, what sort of investigations has the Education Bureau conducted and what are the results? And how is the Education Bureau following up on this incident? Secretary for Education: As I said, actually before the incident was reported in the media, we had already started the investigations into mainly those (issues) relating to the usage of government funding, whether they complied with government guidelines in, for example, the tendering procedures, as well as the promotion of staff. We did find out that there were some irregularities, and so we have already issued a letter to the IMC (Incorporated Management Committee) and advised them that they had breached some of the guidelines and they had to have some remedial actions. And they actually have replied to us that they would take some remedial actions. At this stage, we will be following up and make sure that what they have promised us to do will be implemented and followed up closely. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Forty Years of Reform and Opening-up Project Learning Award Scheme award presentation ceremony and project exhibition held (with photos)
9.4.2019

The Education Bureau held the Forty Years of Reform and Opening-up Project Learning Award Scheme to enhance primary and secondary school students' understanding of the development of our country's reform and opening up through project learning, and to let them explore Hong Kong's role in the process of reform and opening up and the ways for Hong Kong to grasp the opportunities ahead. Speaking at the award presentation ceremony and project exhibition of the award scheme today (April 9), the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, said that the award scheme received an overwhelming response with the participation of more than 230 teams, including students from sister schools and non-Chinese speaking students, from a total of 115 primary and secondary schools. He commended the outstanding performance of the students in their projects, which covered various aspects, from the economy, people's livelihood, education, diplomacy and cultural heritage conservation to innovation and technology, demonstrating comprehensively the extraordinary achievements of the Mainland and Hong Kong in the past 40 years during the country's reform and opening up. While the topics were diverse, the approaches and presentations of the projects were also ingenious. He said he believed that through their participation in the award scheme, the students have enriched their knowledge of the country's reform in recent years. He expressed the hope that young people can grasp the new opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, not only to participate in fostering the further development of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region but also to share the benefits of the country's achievements. There were three entry levels for the award scheme, namely primary, junior secondary and senior secondary, and each participating team set its own topic according to the theme of the respective level. Each team collected information through various means and then produced a study report after conducting compilation and analysis. In addition to a commemorative trophy and book vouchers given to each winning team, the champion, first runner-up and merit award teams from 14 schools with around 80 students and teachers are also invited by the Education Bureau to visit Beijing and Shanghai to participate in the Mainland exchange programme related to the theme of the award scheme with a view to further enhancing their understanding of the country's development. The list of winners has been uploaded to the Education Bureau's website ( www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/pshe/reform_and_opening-up_40years/index.html ).
Appointments to Advisory Committee on Gifted Education
1.4.2019

âThe Education Bureau today (April 1) announced the appointment of members to the Advisory Committee on Gifted Education (ACGE). The incumbent Chairman, Dr Pang Yiu-kai, and eight members of the ACGE, namely 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 and Dr Lam Hiu-fung, have been re-appointed. Their appointments will take effect on April 1, 2019, for a term of two years. "With the participation of these ACGE members, I am confident that the Gifted Education Fund will continue to provide effective support to the development of gifted education in Hong Kong and enable more gifted students to unleash their potential, enrich the talent pool and enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong," the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said. 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. The full list of membership of the ACGE with effect from April 1, 2019, 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 Dr Lam Hiu-fung 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
Task Force on Professional Development of Teachers submits report to EDB (with photo)
26.3.2019

The Task Force on Professional Development of Teachers submitted its report to the Education Bureau (EDB) today (March 26). The Task Force has reviewed the current state of play regarding teachers' professional development. After extensive consultation with stakeholders, an in-depth study and much deliberation over the past year or so, the Task Force has made a total of 18 recommendations, which include the establishment of a Professional Ladder for Teachers to be further steered by the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals (COTAP), implementation of the "all-graduate teaching force" policy, enhancement of the manpower arrangements for senior teachers and vice-principals, enhancement of the ranking arrangements of vice-principals and principals of primary schools and principals of secondary schools, and establishment of commendation schemes at multiple levels to acknowledge teachers with outstanding performance. Of them, the Government, having regard to the views of the Task Force, has earlier undertaken to implement the all-graduate teaching force policy in public sector primary and secondary schools in one go in the 2019/20 school year. The Chairman of the Task Force, Dr Carrie Willis said, "The Task Force envisages that establishing the Professional Ladder for Teachers in Hong Kong will deepen the positive impact of the policies on teachers' professional development that have been implemented so far, open up new directions for promoting the professional growth and development of teachers, enhance public recognition of the teaching profession and raise its professional status." She added that the Task Force recommended a series of multi-faceted strategies aimed at supporting the establishment of the Professional Ladder for Teachers, which she believed would vigorously steer those in the teaching profession towards continuously renewing their professional knowledge and skills, upholding their professional values and conduct and scaling up their professional capacity and management effectiveness, and ultimately provide students with a quality education to better prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Having received the report, the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung said, "Since it was set up in November 2017, the Task Force has actively engaged different stakeholders in thoroughly reviewing the professional development of teachers in Hong Kong. The report has far-reaching influence on the promotion of professional development of our teachers and enhancement of their professionalism and professional status. I deeply thank the Chairman, Dr Carrie Willis, and all the members of the Task Force, for their hard work and contribution to the review. The Education Bureau will study the report carefully and put the feasible recommendations into practice." The full review report can be viewed on the EDB's website ( www.edb.gov.hk/en/teacher/report-tftpd/index.html ).
SED on school-based management and handling of school complaints 
13.3.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, after officiating at the inauguration ceremony of the Academy for Leadership in Teacher Education at the University of Hong Kong today (March 13). Reporter: (concerning TWGHs Leo Tung-hai Lee Primary School) Can you explain why the Bureau did not follow up on the complaint regarding the same school last year in July? Is such a mechanism giving too much power to the school and will the government try to be more hands-on in the management of schools to avoid abuse of power by the school management? Secretary for Education: As I explained, school-based management is a mechanism that we think that it's better for some of the school's daily operations and decisions to be managed at the school level through the school board (Incorporated Management Committee) i.e. with participation of different stakeholders including the school sponsoring bodies, parents, teachers and alumni as well. We believe that some of the decisions, especially involving the teaching and learning and the daily operations, that would be better handled by the school level rather than being handled at the government level. That said, all the complaints relating to the Education Ordinance and the Codes of Aid will be handled by the Education Bureau in accordance with the requirements in the law. Also, all complaints from the staff or teachers against the schools, especially for example the board or the principals, if they complain to us, we will handle the case according to our internal procedures. In handling the case, we sometimes have to seek information from the schools otherwise we won't have all the available information to make a good judgement, so simply asking the school for more information does not imply that we have let the school to handle the complaint totally and in the past we had not shirked our responsibility at all. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)