SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
Speaking at the thematic session AI·Digital Transformation and Personalized Education Innovation, Dr Choi said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education to gather collective wisdom and insights on promoting digital transformation of school education. Also, the Education Bureau (EDB) provides subsidies for students in need, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities in their access to e-learning. The EDB invests in e-learning platforms and has launched curricula on innovation and technology, and coding education for junior secondary and upper primary students to boost their digital literacy and skills.
Moreover, the EDB endeavours to enhance teachers' competencies in using AI to assist in teaching. In addition to professional development programmes, the EDB organises Mainland study tours and a large-scale learning and teaching expo to keep teachers abreast of the latest developments in e-learning and the application of AI in teaching. The EDB has also launched the Digital Education Centre of Excellence Scheme to provide on-site support for schools to share teaching practices on e-learning.
At the thematic session on Educational Cooperation and Expanding Access to Opportunities, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international post-secondary education hub and a cradle for talent. Five publicly funded universities in Hong Kong rank among the world's top 100. All top four spots in the ranking of the world's most international universities published by the Times Higher Education in 2025 were also claimed by Hong Kong publicly funded universities.
The HKSAR Government has doubled the enrolment ceiling for non-local students at publicly funded universities from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. It has also established a scholarship fund to subsidise students from Belt and Road countries or regions to study in Hong Kong, and support local students to participate in global learning activities.
Speaking at the thematic session Strengthening Quality Education and Sustainable Economic Growth, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong's education system provides all students with high-quality education, thereby fostering social mobility. The EDB encourages schools to adopt the Whole School Approach in supporting students with special educational needs, and provides schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training to promote an inclusive learning environment.
At the closing of the 7th AEMM, the participating ministers issued a joint declaration. The meeting recognised the importance of education in addressing global challenges such as bridging digital divides. They also emphasised the need to enhance digital and AI competencies of educators, and called for collaborative efforts to promote appropriate integration of AI in education.
Yesterday (May 13), Dr Choi met the Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Lee Ju-ho, and education ministers of other APEC economies to engage in exchanges on education policies. She also delivered a speech at the APEC Global Education Reform Conference to share Hong Kong's practical experience in information technology education and development as an international post-secondary education hub. On the same day, she met the Vice Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Oh Seok-hwan, to exchange views on strengthening education collaboration between Korea and Hong Kong.
Dr Choi will continue her visit to Korea tomorrow (May 15).
Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
NNNN
Photo
