Speech by CE at UNICEF HK &quot;Reimagine Education&quot; International Forum 2022
6.12.2022

​Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the UNICEF HK "Reimagine Education" International Forum 2022 today (December 6): Ms Judy Chen (Chairman of Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The "Reimagine Education" International Forum 2022 today marks the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF. Let me first extend my warmest welcome to all participants and esteemed speakers, especially guests from overseas, for your participation at this meaningful event. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF for organising this forum, which sets the stage for leaders and professionals to share insights on how we could strengthen the preparedness and resilience of education, for the benefit of each and every child. Hong Kong attaches great importance to education. We firmly believe in the concepts of "education for all" and "education for life". Education has always been among the top priorities of our public expenditure, accounting for some 18 per cent of the total recurrent budget. We provide 12 years of free education, preceded by subsidised kindergarten education. Beyond that, around 80 per cent of our children have access to post-secondary education. "Education for all" - an ideology propounded by Confucius centuries ago - is well-respected and widely practised in Hong Kong. We provide ample opportunities for children to receive quality education, irrespective of their financial means, educational needs and abilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably disrupted normal schooling, but we have all along strived to ensure that no one is left behind. We also firmly believe education must move with the times amidst rapid technological advancement. E-learning has become more popular now than ever. Schools have tailored innovative teaching and learning strategies to support students to learn at home. Under our pragmatic anti-epidemic strategy, schools are gradually resuming full-day classes in an orderly manner. As outlined in my Policy Address, we will strengthen Hong Kong's education system on three fronts: unleashing the potential of students, improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning, and creating strong impetus for growth. To set a firm foundation for innovation and technology (I&T) in our city, Hong Kong will step up the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education "for all", "for fun" and "for diversity". More learning elements of I&T will be incorporated into the curriculum. Schools are expected to implement enriched coding education at the upper primary level and artificial intelligence in the junior secondary curriculum. STEAM education will take place both within and beyond the classroom, and students will have plenty of opportunities to participate in quality STEAM activities. Hong Kong values partnership and collaboration with educational professionals and leaders from all over the world. I am confident that today's forum will shed new light on the development of education in the new era. On that note, I wish the forum a resounding success and all participants a most fruitful and insightful experience. Thank you. Ends/Tuesday, December 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:55 NNNN