The Education Bureau (EDB) held the launching ceremony of "China in Splendour: The Ethos and Spirit of the Pillars of Our Time" Thematic Exhibition today (March 13). The ceremony was officiated by the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing. The exhibition introduces the life stories of a number of pillars of our time as well as their contributions to the country, enabling students to connect what they learn with knowledge from various subjects, with a view to inspiring the younger generation to contribute to the future development of the country and to pass on the spirit of these pillars of our time.

     Addressing the event, Mr Cheuk said that these pillars have enabled the country to shine brightly on the world stage in various areas, such as culture, technology, defence, agriculture, medicine, architecture and sports. Their inspiring and motivational stories serve as exemplary demonstrations of patriotic spirit, and as real-life and vivid teaching materials for patriotic education. The spirit they exude - hard work, unwavering persistence, devotion to our country and its people, and selfless contribution - is truly moving and commands deep respect. He encouraged students present to learn from the efforts and perseverance of each of these figures, to cultivate their own sense of patriotism, and to contribute to the country's future development. 

     He continued by noting that President Xi Jinping has pointed out that patriotism is at the core of Chinese national spirit, and Hong Kong compatriots have long upheld the glorious tradition of loving the country and loving Hong Kong, which constitutes an important foundation for the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems". The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to patriotic education. On campus, the EDB continues to adopt all-round, comprehensive, cross-key-stage, and interdisciplinary approaches to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching. The school curriculum covers elements such as the Constitution and the Basic Law; national symbols including the national flag, national anthem, and national emblem; as well as national security, national history and affairs, Chinese culture and national geography. These are combined with values education and related activities, enabling students not only to acquire knowledge of the country but also to develop an emotional identification with its close ties to the country. From an early age, this fosters their growth into good national citizens with a strong sense of national identity.

     To further promote patriotic education, the HKSAR Government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee in 2024. The Working Group has been co-ordinating with government departments and non-governmental organisations to promote patriotic education, dovetailing with the Patriotic Education Law of the People's Republic of China to inherit and promote the spirit of patriotism. 

     Other guests attending the ceremony included the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Dr Wang Weiming; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Ms Maggie Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Education, Dr Gloria Chan; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; representatives of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW), including Professor Lau Chi-pang, Mr Wong Kam-leung, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Ng Wun-kit; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education; and principals, teachers and students of primary and secondary schools. 

     "China in Splendour: The Ethos and Spirit of the Pillars of Our Time" Thematic Exhibition is organised by the EDB and co-organised by the Patriotic Education Centre under the HKFEW. The exhibition runs from now until late October this year and is targeted at all primary and secondary students in Hong Kong (including special schools). Schools interested in visiting may apply via the Patriotic Education Centre. For details, please visit the Centre's website (www.hkpec.hk).

Ends/Friday, March 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:55

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