Over 1 500 teachers commended at Teachers&apos; Day ceremony
15.9.2022

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign: The Salute to Teachers 2022 - Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign (CROTC) was held today (September 15). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the ceremony and paid tribute to more than 1 500 teachers, the second highest number on record, for their dedication to the teaching profession this year. The Chairman of the CROTC, Mr Lin Chun-pong, expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the teachers. They combined face-to-face and online teaching, and organised extra-curricular activities, during the epidemic to cater for students' learning and developmental needs. He also thanked the Central Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for showing love and care for the youth and said he is confident that the HKSAR Government and the education sector can work hand in hand to enhance the education system in a bid to better equip the youth for the future. Mr Lee expressed gratitude to all the teachers for nurturing talents and being selflessly dedicated to their students. He said that the success of education hinges on the quality of teachers, which is the crucial cornerstone for building a rich and strong nation, contributing to national rejuvenation, and creating a greater sense of fulfilment among people. The HKSAR Government will help strengthen teachers' proper concepts concerning the Constitution, the Basic Law, the "one country, two systems" principle, national security and the spirit of the rule of law in a holistic manner. A series of initiatives have also been implemented, including requiring newly appointed teachers in all public sector schools to pass the Basic Law Test and formulating guidelines on teachers' professional conduct to enhance teacher professionalism in order to cultivate a sense of national identity among students, enhancing their national pride and sense of being the masters. Mr Lee added that the HKSAR Government will continue to invest in education, step up training for teachers and pool efforts of various stakeholders to meet President Xi Jinping's expectation with a view to providing "better education for children". The HKSAR Government will create more development opportunities for young people to give full play to their strengths and leverage on Hong Kong's roles as an international cosmopolitan city under the principle of "one country, two systems" to serve the best interests of the country and Hong Kong. The Teachers' Commendation Scheme, which is now in its 27th year and is organised by the CROTC, aims to foster a culture of respect for teachers. Secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools may each nominate two teachers who have shown commitment and excellence in teaching. Over 34 000 teachers have been commended. Other officiating guests at the ceremony today included the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Mr Tim Lui; and the Chairman of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals, Professor Alvin Leung. A total of around 1 200 people, comprising principals, teachers and other guests, participated in the event. Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:10 NNNN