kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong team achieves excellent results at Asian Physics Olympiad (with photo)
11.6.2024

A team of eight students representing Hong Kong achieved excellent results in the 24th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO 2024), winning one gold medal, three silver medals, two bronze medals and two honourable mentions. The APhO aims to promote physics education as well as nurture and inspire students who are highly talented in physics. The APhO 2024 was held in Malaysia from June 3 to 10. Over 200 contestants from 27 countries or cities participated in the competition. Liu Lincoln (Sha Tin College) won one gold medal in the competition. The three silver medalists were Leung Chi-fung (Evangel College), Edison Fu (Queen's College) and Yan King-yiu (Queen Elizabeth School). Matthew Mui (The Hong Kong Sze Yap Commercial and Industrial Association Wong Tai Shan Memorial College) and Michael Tang (St. Joseph's College) each won a bronze medal. Also, Marcus Poon (Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School) and Chan Hoi-chi (Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club College) each received an honourable mention. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, congratulated the Hong Kong team today (June 11) on their outstanding performance. "The impressive results achieved by the Hong Kong team in the APhO this year have demonstrated the concerted efforts of different stakeholders in promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education. The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to step up the promotion of STEAM education in primary and secondary schools, including the further promotion of setting up a school-based talent pool in schools to identify and nurture more STEAM talent," Dr Choi said. The EDB has been attaching great importance to the grooming of gifted students and will strengthen the collaboration with the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) to offer more diversified and high-quality off-school gifted education services, particularly in STEAM-related areas, and arrange students with potential in STEAM to participate in systematic training and competitions of reasonable scale so as to nurture future innovation and technology talent for Hong Kong. Members of the Hong Kong team had earlier distinguished themselves in last year's Hong Kong Physics Olympiad, and subsequently received training under the enrichment programme arranged by the HKAGE. The outstanding students in the programme were then selected as contestants representing Hong Kong to participate in the APhO this year. The Hong Kong team's participation in the competition was fully funded by the EDB.
SED visits New York (with photos)
3.6.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited New York in the United States (US) on May 31 and June 1 (New York time). She toured a local school and exchanged views with education experts to learn about the latest education developments in the US. The Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, Professor James Tang, joined the visit. On May 31 (New York time), Dr Choi visited Teachers College Community School and met its principal, Ms Michelle Verdiner, to learn about the school's child-centred learning environment and how its participation in New York City's Algebra for All initiative helps prepare students to master algebraic concepts and skills by the end of eighth grade. On the same day, Dr Choi met members of the Forum for World Education Committee to exchange views on the topics of sustainable education development as well as the challenges and opportunities to be anticipated. She also discussed issues related to primary and secondary mathematics education and mathematics teacher training with Associate Professor of the Department of Mathematics of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dr Yvonne Lai, who is an expert in the field of mathematical knowledge for teaching. Dr Choi said that the Education Bureau (EDB) has been further stepping up the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education for all, for fun and for diversity in primary and secondary schools to build a solid foundation in science, technology and mathematics for students. The EDB also continues to renew and enrich the school curriculum, enhance teacher training in innovation and technology (I&T) as well as learning and teaching resources, and further nurture students with potential in STEAM fields to cultivate future I&T talent. On June 1 (New York time), Dr Choi met Hong Kong youngsters to learn about their studies and career development in the US. She encouraged them to work hard at school and at work. On the same day, Dr Choi met former Vice President of the Manhattan School of Music Professor Marjorie Merryman, Professor of Accounting of New York University Stern School of Business Professor Joshua Ronen, and Professor of Marketing of New York University Stern School of Business Professor Durairaj Maheswaran, to exchange views on the latest developments in building Hong Kong into an international education hub, and discuss the promotion of academic research and its impact in Hong Kong. Dr Choi concluded her visit to the US and will arrive in Hong Kong today (June 3, Hong Kong time).
SED visits Chicago (with photos)
29.5.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited Chicago, the United States (US), on May 27 and 28 (Chicago time). She had a tour of local universities and conducted in-depth exchanges with education experts on developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education. The Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Professor James Tang, joined the tour. On May 27 (Chicago time), Dr Choi visited Northwestern University and met Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University, Professor Liu Wing-kam, who is also a member of the Research Grants Council of the UGC. They exchanged views on efforts in promoting academic research in Hong Kong, as well as the latest developments in building Hong Kong into an international education hub. On the same day, Dr Choi paid a courtesy call to the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago, Mr Zhao Jian, to brief him on the latest education developments in Hong Kong and the collaboration between higher-education institutions in Hong Kong and the US as well as the future opportunities. On May 28 (Chicago time), Dr Choi visited the University of Chicago to meet its leaders and explore ways to better utilise its Hong Kong campus to advance the strengths of Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education. She pointed out that the University of Chicago Hong Kong campus has yielded success since its establishment a few years ago. It is a testament to Hong Kong's sound education infrastructure and highly internationalised post-secondary education sector. She looked forward to counting on the University's continuous staunch support for Hong Kong developing into an international post-secondary education hub, bringing more of its leading programmes to Hong Kong and strengthening academic exchanges between Hong Kong and the US to nurture future talent. Dr Choi will attend the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans on May 29 (New Orleans time).
SED to visit US
27.5.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will begin her visit to Chicago, New Orleans and New York of the United States (US) on May 27 (US time) to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub. She will also attend the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans. The Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, Professor James Tang, and members of the Heads of Universities Committee Standing Committee on Internationalisation will join part of the visit. During the trip, Dr Choi will visit local schools and exchange views with education experts to learn about the local education developments. She will also meet Hong Kong youngsters studying or working in the US. Dr Choi will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong on June 2. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.
SED leads HK higher education institution delegation to visit Beijing
7.5.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will lead a delegation of Hong Kong higher education institutions to visit Beijing from tomorrow (May 8) to May 10. Members of the delegation include the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui; the Chairman of the Research Grants Council, Professor Timothy Tong; the Chairman of the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education, Dr Alex Chan; and presidents or representatives of eight UGC-funded universities, 13 degree-awarding self-financing post-secondary institutions and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The delegation will call on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology, visit an institution and an enterprise related to scientific research, and conduct exchange activities at a local university. Dr Choi will attend the closing ceremony of a Mainland study tour for Hong Kong's promoted teachers held at the National Academy of Education Administration on May 11, and return to Hong Kong on the afternoon. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.
SED visits Germany to learn about local developments in vocational and professional education and training (with photos)
23.4.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited Frankfurt, Germany, on April 21 and 22 (Frankfurt time) to learn about the local developments in vocational and professional education and training (VPET). On April 22 (Frankfurt time), Dr Choi visited the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, one of the largest universities of applied sciences (UAS) in Germany, and exchanged views with its President, Professor Dr Arnd Steinmetz, on VPET developments. She also learned about how the University ensures that its programmes keep pace with the times to meet the manpower needs of industries and gain recognition from enterprises. She said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been promoting VPET through the strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development under a multipronged approach. Related measures include proactively pressing ahead with the establishment of UAS. The HKSAR Government announced last month that the Hong Kong Metropolitan University has become the first UAS in Hong Kong. It has also granted a start-up fund of $100 million to support UAS and prospective post-secondary institutions to form an alliance of UAS for joint promotion, including networking and collaboration with leading UAS overseas. On the afternoon of the same day, Dr Choi met the Managing Director, Training and Further Education, Vocational Training Committee of the Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Brigitte Scheuerle, to know about how the chamber, as one of the largest chambers of commerce and industry in Germany, promotes VPET and relevant education work. On April 21 (Frankfurt time), Dr Choi met Hong Kong youngsters working in Germany and learned about their life there. She also shared with them the latest developments in Hong Kong. Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong on April 23 (Frankfurt time).
SED to visit Malta and Germany
15.4.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will visit Malta and Frankfurt, Germany, from April 16 (Malta time). In Malta, Dr Choi will attend the Programme for International Student Assessment Governing Board Meeting, speak at a related forum and discuss education issues with participating officials from other regions. She will also visit local schools and meet education experts. Dr Choi will depart for Frankfurt on April 20 (Malta time) to learn about the local developments in vocational and professional education and training, and exchange views with Hong Kong students studying there. Dr Choi will conclude her visits and return to Hong Kong on April 23 (Germany time). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.
SED attends closing ceremony of Yunnan Exchange Tour under Strive and Rise Programme in Kunming (with photos)
2.4.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, tonight (April 2) attended the closing ceremony of the Yunnan Exchange Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme in Kunming, Yunnan. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Choi said that the Strive and Rise Programme, through the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, aims to strengthen junior secondary school students' self-confidence and equip them with the ability to move up the social ladder. Through the programme, students can engage with social and professional elites, broaden their horizons, enhance their social skills, develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for their future. She said that the growth and development of the young generation are not only related to personal upward mobility and the well-being of their families, but are also crucial for the future of the country and the destiny of the nation. She hoped that students will equip themselves, sharpen their skills, and become lifelong learners with both talent and virtue. Moreover, they should cultivate a profound understanding of the development trend of the country and the rest of the world, and grasp Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle. By doing so, they can make contributions to building a better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation. She also expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for the support by the leadership of Yunnan Province and related departments and organisations, the sponsorship by the Kowloon East Association and the arrangements by the Youth Committee of the Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association, which enabled the exchange tour to be conducted smoothly. The exchange tour represents the farthest trip taken in the second round of the Strive and Rise Programme. A total of 90 mentees participated in the tour, which covered Kunming, Dali and the Old Town of Lijiang. They visited renowned enterprises, took part in exchange activities with local youths and met provincial leaders and officials to learn about national affairs and economic developments from various perspectives. Dr Choi called on officials of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, the People's Government of Yunnan Province at noon today. She visited Yunnan Normal University this afternoon to learn about the multilingual education materials designed for Belt and Road countries jointly developed by the university and the Education University of Hong Kong. During the visit, she also met officials of the Department of Education of Yunnan Province. Dr Choi will conclude her visit tomorrow (April 3) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
SED leads delegation of Chinese history teachers to visit Yan'an (with photos)
1.4.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, yesterday (March 31) and today (April 1) led a delegation of Chinese history teachers on a study tour of historical sites of the Long March of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army in Yan'an. To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Long March of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army and reinforce the Education Bureau (EDB)'s promotion of the teaching strategy of "learning history through cultural artefacts" in recent years, the EDB organised "Retracing the footsteps of revolutionary predecessors: from Yan'an to Xi'an &ndash; a study tour for Chinese history teachers". Through field trips to Xi'an and Yan'an in Shaanxi Province as well as sharing and exchanges, teachers learned about the essence and significance of the Long March Spirit and the Yan'an Spirit, towards subsequently incorporating their insights into teaching. Dr Choi led the delegation to a number of historical sites, including the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, to learn about the revolutionary history of the Communist Party of China and the developments and experiences during the Yan'an period, and explore ways to deepen the study of history through the cultural artefacts and historical resources of the memorial hall. Dr Choi said that it was the first time that the EDB organised the Yan'an revolutionary history study tour, and it was of a pioneering significance. Apart from retracing the footsteps of revolutionary predecessors and learning about the hardships of the Communist Party of China in building the country, teachers were given opportunities to appreciate important archaeological discoveries in Shaanxi Province and learn about the scientific preservation and restoration of cultural artefacts during the tour, deepening their understanding of "learning history through cultural artefacts". Dr Choi hoped that teachers will bring back their insights to Hong Kong and integrate them into their classroom teaching, deepen students' understanding of the arduous journey of the Communist Party of China in building the country, and teach them the importance of cherishing the hard-earned achievements that did not come easily. She also hoped that teachers can collectively forge ahead with their fellow educators to promote Chinese history education, and guide students to cultivate interests in and discover the meaning of learning Chinese history. Dr Choi expressed gratitude to the Department of Education of Shaanxi Province, the Education Bureau of Yan'an City and various units for their strong support for the exchange activities, enabling the smooth conduction of the study tour. More than 20 secondary school Chinese history teachers participated in the study tour. In addition to visiting historical sites, the delegation toured the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum and Northwest University. They also observed lessons and conducted professional exchanges on teaching resources at a secondary school in Yan'an. Dr Choi will depart tomorrow (April 2) for Kunming, Yunnan, to continue her visit.
SED attends opening ceremony of National Security Education Study Tour in Beijing (with photos)
29.3.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (March 29) visited Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Study Tour organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. She also led members of the study tour to call on officials of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. It is the first study tour held by the HKSAR Government under the theme of national security. More than 70 students and teachers are participating in the tour. They are mainly students with outstanding achievements and teacher chaperons in the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge, which was jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation. Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr Choi expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR for attaching great importance to, and supporting, the study tour. She said that the tour group will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, with national security as the main theme, covering different areas such as the national political system, cultural innovation, as well as historical and cultural heritage. She hoped that with firsthand knowledge of the country's latest developments and achievements gained, students will develop correct national, historical, ethnic and cultural perspectives, foster their patriotic sentiments and increase their awareness of the responsibility to safeguard national security. Dr Choi and members of the study tour were received by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Nong Rong. Today, Dr Choi also met officials of the Ministry of Education and visited Beijing Normal University to exchange views on recent education developments of the two places. Dr Choi will proceed to Shaanxi tomorrow (March 30) and lead a delegation of Chinese history teachers on a study tour to Yan'an.
SED to visit Beijing, Shaanxi and Yunnan
27.3.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will depart tomorrow (March 28) for Beijing, Shaanxi and Yunnan. On March 29, Dr Choi will attend the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Study Tour in Beijing. On March 30, Dr Choi will proceed to Shaanxi to meet officials of the Department of Education of Shaanxi Province in Xi'an. She will also lead a delegation of Chinese history teachers for a study tour to Yan'an. On April 2, Dr Choi will depart for Kunming, Yunnan, to attend the closing ceremony of the Yunnan cultural exchange tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. During the trip, Dr Choi will meet officials of the local government and visit a local university. ãã Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of April 3. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.