kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong students excel at International Mathematical Olympiad (with photos)
28.9.2020

Hong Kong students continue to attain good results in international competitions related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. A team of six students representing Hong Kong achieved outstanding results in the 61st International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2020), winning three silver medals and three bronze medals. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, IMO 2020, originally scheduled to be held in July in St Petersburg, Russia, was rearranged. Contestants participated within each participating country or region under online monitoring and joined virtual activities from September 18 to 28. There were 616 contestants from 105 countries or regions participating in the competition. In the IMO 2020, Chui Tsz-fung (Diocesan Boys' School), Harris Leung (Diocesan Boys' School) and Timothy Yau (Ying Wa College) each won a silver medal. The bronze medallists were Chu Cheuk-hei (St Paul's Co-educational College), Lai Wai-lok (St Paul's Co-educational College) and Sheremeta Daniel Weili (Hong Kong International School). Among them, Harris Leung won a gold medal in the 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics held in mid-September. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, congratulated the Hong Kong team today (September 28) on their outstanding performance. Mr Yeung added, "Beyond the IMO 2020, a team of eight secondary school students representing Hong Kong at the 19th China Girls' Mathematical Olympiad in August won five silver medals and three bronze medals, demonstrating our students' talent in STEM education." Mr Yeung said, "The Education Bureau (EDB) set up the Gifted Education Fund in 2016 and has so far made a total injection of $1.6 billion into the Fund, which provides sustained funding support to the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) for the development of gifted education and a wide variety of off-school advanced learning programmes for gifted students. These advanced learning programmes have been started this year and will continue to be implemented. To further unleash the potential of outstanding students in different disciplines, the EDB is now inviting post-secondary institutions, non-government organisations, professional bodies and technology enterprises to apply for support from the Fund to provide off-school advanced learning programmes for gifted students at the primary and secondary levels in Hong Kong in the 2020/21 school year." The members of the Hong Kong team achieved excellent results in the International Mathematical Olympiad Preliminary Selection Contest - Hong Kong last year. They subsequently completed the mathematics enhancement programmes provided by the HKAGE. The outstanding students in the programmes were then selected as contestants representing Hong Kong to participate in the IMO 2020. The Hong Kong team was fully funded by the EDB to join this competition.
HK students triumph at 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics
24.9.2020

A team of Hong Kong students has brought home one gold and two bronze medals against contestants from 87 countries or regions from all over the world at the 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2020). The contest is the most recognised worldwide computer science competition aimed at secondary students under 20 years of age. The three students who won at the IOI 2020 ( stats.ioinformatics.org/results/2020 ) are as follows: Gold Medal: Harris Leung (Diocesan Boys' School) Bronze Medal: Wai Ka-hei (Pui Ching Middle School) Yeung Man-tsung (Pui Ching Middle School) Of them, Harris Leung scored 592.62 out of 600 and ranked third overall, which is the highest rank a Hong Kong student has achieved in this competition. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (September 24) congratulated the team on their outstanding performance. "It is very encouraging to see the remarkable achievements of the Hong Kong team in IOI, which is one of the International Science Olympiads under UNESCO and is aimed at promoting coding education that helps nurture students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills," he said. "I also wish to extend my gratitude to the school sector which has partnered with the Education Bureau (EDB) to make extra efforts in the past few years to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in Hong Kong, not only through the curriculum and lessons, but also various learning events outside the classroom, such as project works and competitions. These can provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems and nurture their creativity, enrich their learning experience, as well as broaden their horizons." The 32nd IOI was held online last week (September 13 - 19) due to the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each country or region could enter a team of four students to compete for the awards in this year's competition. Each student was given a range of problems and tasks during the competition week to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and programming techniques by designing and writing computer programmes. The EDB and the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education have jointly organised the Hong Kong Olympiad in Informatics (HKOI) since 1997. Outstanding winners from HKOI are selected as Hong Kong representatives every year to enter the IOI. They are required to attend training programmes to better prepare for the competition. Past contestants of the IOI also share their experiences with the team members.
EDB and representatives of secondary and primary school heads meet on arrangements for school commencement (with photos)
27.8.2020

The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li met representatives from secondary and primary school councils and school heads associations this afternoon (August 27) to exchange views on arrangements for the new school year. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, also attended the meeting to express her care and support to schools. For the prevention and control of COVID-19, all secondary and primary students will learn from home with the support of schools upon commencement of the new school year on September 1. The Chief Executive and the Secretary for Education thanked all principals and teachers for designing and arranging suitable teaching activities including online lessons for students. They also listened to the views from the school head representatives on resumption of face-to-face classes. The Education Bureau (EDB) is closely monitoring the development of the epidemic and seeking advice from medical experts. The bureau will make an announcement and inform schools early to allow them to make better preparation once a decision on resumption of face-to-face classes is made.
Appointment of Hong Kong Institute of Bankers as assessment agency for issuing professional qualifications under Hong Kong Qualifications Framework
1.8.2020

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (August 1) the appointment of the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) as an assessment agency for issuing professional qualifications for the banking industry under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF). A spokesman for the EDB said, "The appointment enhances the development of vocational and professional education and training in the banking industry in Hong Kong. The HKQF-recognised professional qualifications issued by the HKIB promote recognition of skill-based competence and qualifications for the banking industry and provide learners with quality-assured vocational pathways under the HKQF. The qualifications also facilitate the professional development of banking practitioners, which is conducive to maintaining the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre." "The HKIB has successfully completed the accreditation by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and has been appointed by the Secretary for Education as an assessment agency for issuing nine types of professional qualifications, namely, Associate Anti-Money Laundering Professional, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Professional, Associate Retail Wealth Professional, Certified Retail Wealth Professional, Associate Cybersecurity Professional, Associate Credit Risk Management Professional, Certified Credit Risk Management Professional (Commercial Lending), Certified Credit Risk Management Professional (Credit Portfolio Management), and Certified Banker, for a term of five years with effect from today. These qualifications are recognised under the HKQF, ranging from HKQF levels 4 to 6," the spokesman added. The EDB launched the initiative for recognition of professional qualifications under the HKQF in 2018 to widen the scope of the HKQF. Professional qualifications recognised under the HKQF refer to qualifications granted by bona fide local organisations and underpinned by requisite academic qualifications, prescribed years of industry or professional experience, and robust assessments. Eligible organisations including professional and regulatory bodies may apply to become assessment agencies for issuing professional qualifications under the HKQF. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Marine Department were appointed as assessment agencies in 2018 for issuing professional qualifications under the HKQF in their respective domains. For more information about professional qualifications recognised under the HKQF, please visit the HKQF website: www.hkqf.gov.hk .
SED on release of DSE Examination results and cross-boundary students 
20.7.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session at the Central Government Offices today (July 20): Reporter: Just a few English questions. First, on the release of DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) results, why can't the examination results be released by the Government, for example, on a single website? Instead the Government is asking schools to do it individually according to ways that allow them to do so. Second question: The Government will have to make an announcement in two weeks' time on whether classes can really resume on August 17. But is two weeks really enough as some kind of buffer time to see how the epidemic unfolds? Third question involves the cross-boundary students. Some critics are saying that the quarantine-free exemptions are to be blamed for this current wave of infections. So is it safe to let the arrangement continue for some of the cross-boundary students (CBS)? Secretary for Education: On the first question about the DSE Examination results, the whole arrangement is organised by the HKEAA (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority); it is not organised by the Government. So I will refer your suggestions to the HKEAA for their consideration for future DSE results release arrangements. You asked about whether two weeks will be enough. I could not answer you at this moment. I could only say that we at least need two weeks to assess whether we could resume schooling, for those schools to resume their new school year, on August 17. Of course, I can say a longer time, but I would like to cut that as short as possible. So initially I say we will make it. We will have another look and try to make a decision before the end of this month. On cross-boundary students, I must emphasise that all cross-boundary students, before coming to Hong Kong, have to go through a test every seven days on the Mainland side. So in theory they are clean. So far, we have not seen a case that is caused by our CBS. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED's opening remarks at media session (with video)
10.7.2020

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 (July 10): Since class resumption in late May, all schools have adopted a series of anti-epidemic measures, including body temperature checks, wearing face masks, and keeping social distancing, as well as other contingency measures. All these have ensured the hygiene of schools and enabled us to protect the health of our students. Up to now, there has not been any confirmed cases of infection at schools, which reflects the good work of our schools. However, in view of the exponential growth of confirmed COVID-19 local cases over the past two days and the Government's announcement on further tightening up of social distancing measures with effect from tomorrow as well as parents' concerns as reflected by school principals, the Education Bureau, after thorough consideration and consultation with experts, has decided that all secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens could advance the beginning of their summer holiday to next Monday. Those with important examinations to be held next week could have special arrangements as follows. Primary schools could continue with their scheduled examination next week, by which I mean, the Primary Five students, if they choose to; on the other hand, they could also choose to defer the examination to September. And the deadline for submission of the P5 internal assessment (results) would be extended to October 20. The examination for Secondary Three to Secondary Five students could continue next week in view of the need to prepare for the selection of subjects for Secondary Three students and for the preparation of the DSE (Diploma of Secondary Education) examination for Secondary Four and Secondary Five students. The Pre-S1 examination will continue on July 14. As this is not a compulsory examination, schools which choose not to take the examination should notify the Education Bureau before noon on July 13. Schools should take necessary precautionary measures for the examination including temperature checks, wearing masks, asking students to wash hands and keeping distancing between students during the examination. As I said, this is now the afternoon of a Friday, schools and teachers may find them unprepared for students to take summer vacation on Monday, such as not yet arranging some homework for students during the vacation. There may also be matters that schools would like to complete with students face-to-face. Schools could arrange for students to come back to schools in batches to deal with these matters and necessary precautionary measures should be put in place. Schools should also remain open till the originally scheduled summer vacation commencement date to take care of those students in need. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on school curriculum review
26.6.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after officiating at a forum organised by the Shine Tak Foundation in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law today (June 26): Reporter: I wish to ask, for the LS (Liberal Studies) curriculum, will there be a big change? Because we don't know the exact change. Will it be big and will it mostly focus on the political side or will it be more? And which module will have the biggest change? Secretary for Education: At this stage, the Task Force on Review of School Curriculum has not yet submitted the report. So at this stage I do not know exactly what their recommendations will be. But from their interim report, which they released last year for public consultation, they do have a number of recommended actions that aim to release the learning hours of students for whole-person development and for other subjects as well. So I think that could be one of their recommendations that they are going to submit later this year. On individual subjects, so far I am not aware that they have actually put up any recommendations that touch on individual subjects which specify which areas should be taught or not. But that should be the work of the Curriculum Development Council, and I think as a regular practice, we are constantly reviewing our curriculum as and when necessary. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on National Anthem Law
6.6.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (June 6): Reporter: With the passage of the National Anthem Law, I mean, what do you mean by Police can be called to the schools, as you just said, if there are signs of insults? I mean, how should schools and teachers deal with that? Secretary for Education: For the National Anthem Law, which has been passed by the Legislative Council on Thursday, I think at the schools our basic work is to teach our students about the national anthem and also to help them develop a sense of respect for our national anthem. But if there are incidents that happen that show disrespect for our national anthem, and the seriousness of the incidents is so big that it will affect the operation of the school and/or affect other students as well, then the schools, if they have no other options, have to call in law enforcement agencies to help them restore order. I believe that is quite exceptional but I think schools will make their decisions when these incidents actually happen. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SED on HKDSE History Examination question setting
25.5.2020

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 Legislative Council Panel on Education today (May 25): Reporter: Could I ask, because you said the question was too complicated, that (since) most students, or at least around 60 per cent, could answer correctly that there was more harm than good brought to China by Japan, are you still saying that the correct argument is that this is too difficult a question for DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) students? Secretary for Education: My colleagues say it is a very difficult question in the sense that the information provided, the two paragraphs or the two pieces of information provided are very complicated in nature. There are a lot of rationales behind, some saying they are good and some saying they are bad, and there are also some underlying reasons for analysis of why the Japanese did these things at that point in time. So if we ask Secondary Six students to analyse these two pieces of information within a short period of time, and normally these two pieces of information will not be taught in a normal lesson of a school, then it will be very difficult for them to give a very meaningful analysis. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Secondary 3 to 5 students to resume classes next Wednesday (with photos)
22.5.2020

All secondary schools are preparing a healthy and safe environment for Secondary 3 to Secondary 5 students to resume classes next Wednesday (May 27), including adjusting teaching arrangements and strengthening precautionary measures against COVID-19. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, this afternoon (May 22) visited Lok Sin Tong Leung Kau Kui College in Sai Ying Pun, where he was briefed by its Vice Supervisor, Mr Chan Kin-ping, and Principal, Mr Lo Man-piu, on the preparation work for the class resumption. Mr Yeung learned that the school, like others, has stepped up its cleanliness and disinfection. When classes resume, the school will operate on a half-day basis to avoid the risk of meal gatherings. All teachers and students, upon their arrival at school, must wear masks, sanitise their hands, have their body temperature checked and make a health declaration. In the classroom, the school has made the best use of space to arrange students to sit in single rows in a "face-to-back" setting. Teachers will avoid group discussion activities so as to minimise close contacts among students. Students will also be required to maintain an appropriate social distance from one another during recess and when queuing for toilets and tuck shops. According to the planned schedule, classes of Secondary 3 to Secondary 5 will resume on May 27, Primary 4 to Secondary 2 on June 8, and Kindergarten 3 to Primary 3 on June 15. Mr Yeung said, "Since the announcement on class resumption was made in early May, there have been sporadic local confirmed cases in Hong Kong. But following a prudent assessment on the epidemic situation in consultation with medical experts, the Education Bureau (EDB) considers that the class resumption plan could proceed as scheduled." He stressed that the local epidemic situation could be volatile and that everyone must continue to stay vigilant. While appealing to members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, he pledged that the EDB would keep a close eye on the epidemic situation and would make timely announcements in case contingency measures are needed. He hoped that all school stakeholders and students could understand and cooperate with the EDB in due course.
SED's opening remarks at press conference (with video)
15.5.2020

The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, held a press conference today (May 15). Following is Mr Yeung's opening remarks: The Government is gravely concerned about the public concerns regarding the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) History Examination question on the history of China and Japan in the first half of the 20th century. In response to the incident, the EDB (Education Bureau) will take the following actions: (1) Next Monday, the EDB will assign a team of colleagues who are familiar with the curriculum and quality assessment to visit the HKEAA (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority) to investigate the question setting, vetting and approval mechanism under the HKDSE and whether the mechanism has been strictly complied with during the preparation of the examination paper of the History Examination. (2) We will request the HKEAA to invalidate the examination question concerned and make appropriate adjustments to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of the History Examination. (3) Although the HKEAA is empowered to plan and conduct the HKDSE, in view of the recent incident, which has aroused public concerns, the EDB will review the existing mechanism and fulfil its role of monitoring the conduct of the HKDSE to ensure the quality of the Examination and the examination papers. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)