https://www.scmp.com/rss/265756/feed The Hong Kong government has sought since 2007 to introduce "national education" courses to strengthen "national identity awareness" and nurture patriotism towards China. The programme has drawn public opposition in recent years, with many in Hong Kong seeing it as a brainwashing attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to suppress dissent. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong authorities are doubling down on safeguards and guidance on fronts ranging from state security to national education, and understandably so. The revised school curriculum guide seeking to make children as young as six “feel proud to be Chinese” and gain a basic understanding of national affairs might be perceived as another aggressive step in this regard, but it is part of a broader drive to close the gaps stemming from inadequacies over the decades. Compared with the 2021 version, the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350978/new-curriculum-guide-will-bolster-national-identity-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350978/new-curriculum-guide-will-bolster-national-identity-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:45:07 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Hong Kong authorities expect students as young as six to “feel proud to be Chinese” and to have a basic understanding of national affairs, according to a revamped guide on values education stressing patriotism. The 2026 Values Education Curriculum Framework, published by the Education Bureau on Thursday, applies to all government, aided, special and private schools, as well as those under the Direct Subsidy Scheme. The framework was prepared by the Standing Committee on Values Education, which... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3350358/hong-kong-students-young-6-should-feel-proud-be-chinese-learning-guide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3350358/hong-kong-students-young-6-should-feel-proud-be-chinese-learning-guide?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:54:22 +0000 Kelly Fung Kelly Fung Hong Kong students sitting the citizenship and social development paper in university entrance exams on Tuesday were tested on the “one country, two systems” governing principle, as well as contemporary topics such as e-commerce, online influencers and the new economy. About 50,300 candidates sat the paper for the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) this year, up from 48,000 last year. While foundational national education concepts remained central to the paper, educators noted a noticeable... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3350036/dse-citizenship-exam-tests-students-social-awareness-and-national-principles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3350036/dse-citizenship-exam-tests-students-social-awareness-and-national-principles?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:54:39 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Hong Kong’s education minister has said she is open to developing an international version of the city’s university entrance exams, but details such as the implementation of electronic testing still need to be discussed. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin told the Post in an exclusive interview that the decision to internationalise the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams could depend on the availability of resources and demand. Choi said that she had adopted an open attitude... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3323878/hong-kong-education-minister-open-international-version-dse-exams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3323878/hong-kong-education-minister-open-international-version-dse-exams?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:45:06 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Dead to Rights is no doubt one of the most engrossing films of the year, touching the heart of every Chinese cinema-goer who has caught it. The movie, set against the backdrop of the Nanking... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3321700/hong-kong-war-films-may-be-more-effective-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3321700/hong-kong-war-films-may-be-more-effective-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:30:08 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Hong Kong’s school curriculum framework has been revised to incorporate national education elements in more subjects, including English, maths, music, visual arts and sports. Teaching examples include learning about ancient mathematicians’ achievements, holding Chinese folk singing contests and learning how to play Chinese football games. Schools have also been asked to play patriotic songs on different occasions and broadcast major sports games live to boost patriotism. In a circular on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3312529/hong-kong-schools-told-add-national-education-elements-more-subjects?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3312529/hong-kong-schools-told-add-national-education-elements-more-subjects?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 May 2025 13:24:32 +0000 Kelly Fung Kelly Fung About 48,000 candidates sat the citizen and social development (CSD) paper in Hong Kong’s university entrance exams on Tuesday, with students asked to discuss the city’s strengths in promoting Chinese culture and the influence of China’s foreign aid. A teacher who reviewed the paper in this year’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination said it offered more global perspectives, while some students who took the test described it as “easy”. The inaugural exam in the subject was held last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3305716/hong-kong-dse-citizen-and-social-development-exam-easy-some-students-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3305716/hong-kong-dse-citizen-and-social-development-exam-easy-some-students-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:03:56 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu An elite school in Hong Kong has launched an investigation after its information system was hacked and a student’s record of rule violations modified. The Education Bureau on Sunday confirmed the incident at Queen’s College in Causeway Bay, adding the school was handling the matter and had promptly informed all stakeholders. “The Education Bureau has reminded the school to handle the situation in accordance with the relevant guidelines, and the school has already initiated an investigation into... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3303537/investigation-launched-hacking-students-records-elite-hong-kong-school?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3303537/investigation-launched-hacking-students-records-elite-hong-kong-school?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:05:34 +0000 The Chinese navy will start making regular visits to Hong Kong, in a move analysts have said will help boost national identity and pride. Senior Colonel Wu Qian, from the Ministry of National Defence, made the announcement on Thursday after two of the country’s vessels arrived in the city last week for a five-day visit. “In recent years, the navy has held many open days in coastal cities both at home and abroad, displaying its confidence and openness,” Wu said. “In the future, the People’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3288569/chinese-navy-make-regular-visits-hong-kong-move-praised-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3288569/chinese-navy-make-regular-visits-hong-kong-move-praised-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:45:18 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan The teaching of Hong Kong’s rule of law is “inseparable” from cultivating patriotism, the city’s justice minister has said as he pledged to press on with education to instil people’s love for the country. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok stressed on Saturday the importance of integrating education with building patriotism at a seminar marking the 34th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. “The education of the constitution and the Basic Law is... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3284008/teaching-hong-kongs-rule-law-and-fostering-patriotism-are-inseparable-justice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3284008/teaching-hong-kongs-rule-law-and-fostering-patriotism-are-inseparable-justice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Oct 2024 12:55:05 +0000 President Xi Jinping used his annual National Day address on Monday to send a strong warning to “separatists” on Taiwan and to emphasise backing for Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan was “China’s sacred territory” and “the people on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait are connected by blood”, Xi said at an official event in Beijing to mark Tuesday’s 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic. “We must … promote the spiritual harmony of compatriots on both sides of the strait, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3280590/chinas-xi-jinping-lobs-warning-separatists-across-taiwan-strait-national-day-speech?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3280590/chinas-xi-jinping-lobs-warning-separatists-across-taiwan-strait-national-day-speech?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:47:35 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu National flags, banners, drone shows and even decorated manhole covers have appeared in Hong Kong since mid-September, all signs of the city celebrating the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. There are more than 400 events across all 18 districts – the highest number since the city returned to China in 1997 – and they are aimed at creating a lively atmosphere, fostering patriotism and deepening young Hongkongers’ understanding of the country’s development and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3280427/hong-kong-spends-record-number-national-day-events-do-they-fit-vibe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3280427/hong-kong-spends-record-number-national-day-events-do-they-fit-vibe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2024 02:15:07 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au A new patriotic exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of History will include medals won by local and mainland Chinese Olympians, as part of efforts to showcase the country’s achievements and foster a sense of national identity among residents. The venue in Tsim Sha Tsui, alongside the Hong Kong Science Museum, will host the “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in its 75 Years” exhibition series. The event has been organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3280105/hong-kong-museum-showcase-olympic-medals-local-mainland-chinese-athletes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3280105/hong-kong-museum-showcase-olympic-medals-local-mainland-chinese-athletes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:24:33 +0000 Patriotic education has become a top political priority in Hong Kong in the wake of years of social unrest, yet this emphasis is nothing new. Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first chief executive, was a strong supporter of integrating Chinese values into young people’s education. Tung’s successor, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, and his administration developed Hong Kong’s first attempt at national education in the form of a new school subject, moral and national education. This initiative continued to face... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3279175/why-learning-love-china-isnt-any-other-school-subject?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3279175/why-learning-love-china-isnt-any-other-school-subject?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Sep 2024 01:30:09 +0000 Students in Hong Kong should sing the national anthem “with emotion” when schools carry out flag-raising ceremonies on the first day of the academic term on Monday, the education chief has said. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin issued the reminder on Sunday, noting some students might be confused about whether they had to sing during the ceremonies. “On some occasions, we call it ‘playing the national anthem’. On others, we call it ‘playing and singing that national anthem’,” Choi... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3276760/hong-kong-students-should-sing-national-anthem-emotion-return-school-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3276760/hong-kong-students-should-sing-national-anthem-emotion-return-school-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:25:22 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification A recent directive from the central government emphasises the need for deep reform in Hong Kong. However, this shouldn’t mean blindly copying mainland practices. Instead, Hong Kong should aspire to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3275927/hong-kong-must-radiate-ideas-not-replicate-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3275927/hong-kong-must-radiate-ideas-not-replicate-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Aug 2024 03:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong education authorities have vowed to bolster pupils’ national spirit by including more elements covering the Communist Party’s history and the struggles of its significant figures for primary and secondary student trips to mainland China. The Education Bureau also said the move aligned with national calls to promote patriotic education, with the excursions in the coming school year to include visits to museums, memorial halls and sites of historical relevance to the party. Authorities... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3275995/hong-kong-pupils-learn-more-about-communist-party-history-mainland-china-trips?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3275995/hong-kong-pupils-learn-more-about-communist-party-history-mainland-china-trips?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:05:40 +0000 Hong Kong schoolteachers have been accused by education authorities of lacking knowledge of the national security curriculum and failing to “naturally” link it to different subjects. Education officials on Friday also hit out at some schools for not “fully referring to” an official national security event planning calendar to help arrange activities designed to boost a sense of patriotism among youngsters. They added that failure to use the calendar meant that pupils’ understanding of important... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3275675/hong-kong-teachers-accused-lack-knowledge-national-security-education-reports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3275675/hong-kong-teachers-accused-lack-knowledge-national-security-education-reports?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:00:08 +0000 Junior secondary school pupils in Hong Kong religious education classes will be taught about their responsibilities to the country, how to assess the objectivity of the media and environmental protection as part of an updated curriculum. The new curriculum has expanded learning objectives and pupils will be expected to be committed to “making the world better” and to aim for “happiness for others with harmony in diversity”. Teachers are also asked to provide opportunities to foster “priority... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3274894/hong-kong-secondary-school-religion-classes-include-responsibility-country-media-analysis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3274894/hong-kong-secondary-school-religion-classes-include-responsibility-country-media-analysis?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Aug 2024 14:33:08 +0000 A group of ethnic minority pupils in Hong Kong are travelling to mainland China under the new five-year travel permit scheme for permanent residents with foreign passports, the first school tour of its kind designed to foster a deeper understanding of the nation. The Yau Tsim Mong Multi-Ethnic Youth Cross-Cultural Innovation Exchange Tour launched on Monday, taking a group of more than 20 pupils from Yaumati Kaifong Association School on a three-day trip in Guangzhou and Foshan. Cheung Ka-hou,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3274164/first-batch-hong-kong-ethnic-minority-pupils-depart-mainland-china-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3274164/first-batch-hong-kong-ethnic-minority-pupils-depart-mainland-china-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:54:43 +0000 Xintiandi in downtown Shanghai used to be the name of a subway stop known for its chic restaurants and boutiques. Three years ago, the stop was rebadged as the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, Xintiandi Station, to mark the party’s centenary. At the same time, just a few minutes’ walk from the station, an expanded memorial to the party’s origins in the city opened, housing a permanent exhibition to the organisation’s founding. Since then, a steady stream of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3273812/communist-party-exhibitions-lean-honour-and-obligation-among-young-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3273812/communist-party-exhibitions-lean-honour-and-obligation-among-young-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 06:00:11 +0000 Education authorities in Hong Kong have revamped the subject curriculum guides for two subjects, visual arts and music, to strengthen students’ national identity and bolster their understanding of national security through appreciation and practice of more Chinese artworks and culture. In a circular released on Friday, the Education Bureau said the new guide on visual arts included aesthetics of Confucian and Taoist culture, and also suggested teachers use traditional Chinese painting theory as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3273905/hong-kong-revamps-school-guides-visual-arts-music-promote-national-identity-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3273905/hong-kong-revamps-school-guides-visual-arts-music-promote-national-identity-security?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:12:04 +0000 Hong Kong’s No 2 official has likened the government’s approach to patriotic education to dating a girl, saying it was difficult to get someone to love their own country without first getting to understand it well. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki told a radio show on Saturday that cultural exhibitions and markets selling mainland Chinese products were among activities organised to help Hongkongers better understand the nation. Chan, who heads the city’s Basic Law promotion... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270355/no-hard-sell-patriotic-education-akin-dating-girl-hong-kongs-no-2-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270355/no-hard-sell-patriotic-education-akin-dating-girl-hong-kongs-no-2-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jul 2024 11:28:48 +0000 Hong Kong education authorities on Wednesday hit back at claims officials had gone too far by calling for a special needs school to improve its national security classes. Social media users earlier slammed the Education Bureau for urging a school for students with moderate mental disabilities to ensure more teachers were better equipped to instruct pupils on national security topics. The bureau said it “deeply regretted” that some residents believed it had gone too far and felt authorities were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268177/hong-kong-authorities-defend-criticism-special-needs-school-over-poor-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268177/hong-kong-authorities-defend-criticism-special-needs-school-over-poor-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:14:15 +0000 Hong Kong education authorities have accused students at two schools of singing the national anthem too softly and told teachers at another institution to help their pupils develop the habit of performing the song with confidence. The remarks were contained in a new batch of 10 external review reports on schools compiled and released by the Education Bureau. The bureau also told a special school for moderately mentally disabled students to equip some teachers with adequate national security... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268009/some-hong-kong-pupils-singing-national-anthem-too-softly-school-inspectors-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268009/some-hong-kong-pupils-singing-national-anthem-too-softly-school-inspectors-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:49:38 +0000 Hundreds of Hong Kong police officers will be on the lookout on Tuesday for activities commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown, including any attempts by individuals that could incite social unrest, the Post has learned. Police had already ramped up their presence at sensitive locations on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the crackdown, with officers taking away artist Sanmu Chen, seconds after he started making hand gestures on East Point Road in Causeway Bay on Monday. Sources said the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3265152/hong-kong-police-arrest-eighth-suspect-first-sedition-case-under-new-domestic-security-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3265152/hong-kong-police-arrest-eighth-suspect-first-sedition-case-under-new-domestic-security-law?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:28:10 +0000 National education has not always been at the forefront of policymaking in Hong Kong. But in recent years, the government has been making up for lost time. There has been a campaign to foster a sense of national identity following civil unrest in 2019 and Beijing’s passing of a national security law for the city in 2020. National education has been added to the school curriculum, with new subjects focusing on China’s history, culture, security and achievements. The code of conduct for teachers... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3264178/softer-approach-national-education-step-right-direction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3264178/softer-approach-national-education-step-right-direction?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 May 2024 21:00:08 +0000 Hong Kong schools should do more to encourage senior secondary students to study Chinese history, as having only 13 per cent of them taking the subject in the university entrance exams is “far from ideal”, the head of an education centre has said. Ho Hon-kuen, principal of the Centre of National History Education (Hong Kong), added on Sunday that all of society should cooperate to show students the importance of history. The subject helped people understand why societies succeeded or failed, he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3263240/more-effort-needed-encourage-senior-hong-kong-pupils-study-chinese-history-education-centre-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3263240/more-effort-needed-encourage-senior-hong-kong-pupils-study-chinese-history-education-centre-head?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 May 2024 04:55:40 +0000 Hong Kong tertiary institutions should cultivate national sentiment among students, advocate patriotism and contribute more to the country’s development, Beijing’s top official on the city’s affairs has said. The remarks from Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, came on Friday as he met Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin and representatives of 22 Hong Kong tertiary education bodies during their trip to Beijing. “Hong Kong education forms an important part of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3262279/tertiary-institutions-have-key-role-play-fostering-national-pride-beijings-top-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3262279/tertiary-institutions-have-key-role-play-fostering-national-pride-beijings-top-official-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 23:00:25 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification The conclusion of the inaugural Diploma of Secondary Education examination for the citizenship and social development subject was a significant milestone that should prompt some reflection. Before... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3261284/why-citizenship-subject-will-fail-cultivate-patriotism-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3261284/why-citizenship-subject-will-fail-cultivate-patriotism-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 May 2024 03:30:12 +0000 Hong Kong’s No 2 official has called for a soft approach to fostering patriotism among students by embracing film culture, mega sports events and exchanges such as visits to aerospace facilities. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on Monday that the government had no plans to introduce new legislation to enforce patriotic education, unlike mainland China which imposed a dedicated law in October last year. “Patriotism is not about rote memorisation,” Chan said while addressing the press after... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3260786/soft-approach-hong-kong-adopt-arts-entertainment-and-exchanges-instil-patriotism-among-youths-eric?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3260786/soft-approach-hong-kong-adopt-arts-entertainment-and-exchanges-instil-patriotism-among-youths-eric?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:54:32 +0000 Hong Kong will introduce a new training programme about the nation’s struggles over the past century for middle and senior-level government workers as part of a fresh “mindset building” push to enhance their patriotism. The programme will focus on how the Chinese survived difficult times with the help of their “will to succeed” and also on the city’s role and contribution to the “national rejuvenation”, according to the Civil Service Bureau. The move followed positive feedback from civil... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259952/hong-kong-teach-new-course-nations-struggles-civil-servants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259952/hong-kong-teach-new-course-nations-struggles-civil-servants?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:13:56 +0000 Hongkongers should learn about socialism despite living in a capitalist society, given the Chinese Communist Party’s achievements, the convenor of a new government working group on promoting patriotic education has said. Starry Lee Wai-king said on Sunday that patriotic education would help residents to understand the nation’s history, culture, achievements and governance but stressed the need to make it “palatable” to members of the public. “It is necessary for us to have an understanding of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259798/hongkongers-should-learn-about-socialism-given-chinese-communist-party-achievements-says-patriotic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259798/hongkongers-should-learn-about-socialism-given-chinese-communist-party-achievements-says-patriotic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Apr 2024 08:27:08 +0000 Hong Kong education authorities have suggested students use course materials covering national security and the country’s achievements to help them learn English, with the government publishing its first teaching kit combining the topics. But veteran English teachers said that while the resources provided by the Education Bureau’s materials could give students more exposure to the language, the content was not designed with that purpose in mind and could result in pupils losing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259730/hong-kong-education-authorities-publish-first-patriotic-materials-english-classes-schools?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259730/hong-kong-education-authorities-publish-first-patriotic-materials-english-classes-schools?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:42:05 +0000 More than 45,000 students in Hong Kong have taken the first university exam for the citizen and social development subject, which focuses on testing their knowledge about the nation’s security and development. Teachers said Tuesday’s test was vastly different in terms of the demands it placed on students compared with the controversial liberal studies exam it replaced. Unlike the previous curriculum that encouraged students to express their own personal opinions or consider multiple... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259225/more-45000-hong-kong-students-sit-inaugural-university-entrance-exam-citizen-and-social-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259225/more-45000-hong-kong-students-sit-inaugural-university-entrance-exam-citizen-and-social-development?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:07:45 +0000 A high-level working group newly set up by the Hong Kong government in conformity with a national patriotic education law is expected to enhance pride in the country among all residents by adopting a clear definition of its mission and an innovative approach, some members have told the Post. They shared their vision on Tuesday as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu set goals for the group to educate the city’s new generation to “really appreciate” Chinese history, culture and the nation’s recent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3258426/new-high-level-working-group-patriotism-hong-kong-may-adopt-innovative-approach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3258426/new-high-level-working-group-patriotism-hong-kong-may-adopt-innovative-approach?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:30:19 +0000 Hong Kong’s public schools have been hit by shrinking enrolments and are at risk of merging or shutting, but the government is not about to open them to all non-locals keen to be educated in the city. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin told the Post there was no plan to allow public schools to take in non-Hongkongers other than those born in the city or who arrived with their parents under various talent schemes. She dismissed a recent call by a primary school sector representative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3256543/bringing-more-mainland-chinese-pupils-not-option-hong-kong-public-schools-battling-shrinking-intakes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3256543/bringing-more-mainland-chinese-pupils-not-option-hong-kong-public-schools-battling-shrinking-intakes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:00:26 +0000 Hong Kong NGOs have expressed concern and demanded clarity over changes to a scoring system that helps social service providers more easily secure subsidies by voicing support for the government. But the Social Welfare Department said on Monday that changes to determining how funds were allocated, which were introduced in the first quarter and included recording whether non-governmental organisations had helped to arrange activities supporting official policies, would ensure that assistance went... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3254100/hong-kong-ngos-express-concern-over-changes-subsidy-allocation-system-reward-support-government?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3254100/hong-kong-ngos-express-concern-over-changes-subsidy-allocation-system-reward-support-government?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:10:18 +0000 Hong Kong’s higher education is rightfully said to be among the best in Asia, and it has been given another boost following the conversion of a private institution into a university. Hopefully, the city’s status as a regional education hub will be further reinforced. Permission for the Caritas Institute of Higher Education to rename itself as Saint Francis University not only recognises the work of the Catholic postsecondary college, but also gives hope to others aiming to do the same. It... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3249264/universities-can-help-hong-kong-pass-talent-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3249264/universities-can-help-hong-kong-pass-talent-test?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:00:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s largest teacher training institution has set up the city’s first academic centre dedicated to national security, aiming to ensure students have a strong grasp of the law and related issues. The Education University of Hong Kong launched its National Security and Legal Education Research Centre on Tuesday. David Wong Yau-kar, chairman of the university’s council, said the centre would be dedicated to imbuing the correct concept of the nation in students. “[We] have set up this centre... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3247854/education-university-hong-kong-sets-citys-first-research-centre-dedicated-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3247854/education-university-hong-kong-sets-citys-first-research-centre-dedicated-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:12:48 +0000 Hong Kong education authorities have criticised pupils and teachers for singing the national anthem too softly, as well as slamming schools for failing to highlight the risks the country faced. The Education Bureau’s “Inspection Annual Report 22-23”, released on Friday, also criticised schools for focusing too much on knowledge of national security, rather than linking it to pupils’ everyday lives and underlining why the subject mattered to them. “Teachers and students sang the national anthem... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3246717/hong-kong-schools-need-pump-volume-little-soft-national-anthem-renditions-annual-inspection-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3246717/hong-kong-schools-need-pump-volume-little-soft-national-anthem-renditions-annual-inspection-report?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:30:07 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Recent proposed changes to the school curriculum emphasised the need to develop a sense of national pride and patriotism as well as an understanding of the Basic Law and the national security law.... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3243364/teach-hong-kong-students-art-debate-too-not-just-patriotism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3243364/teach-hong-kong-students-art-debate-too-not-just-patriotism?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2023 03:30:23 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. We refer to the letter, “Yes to e-payment for taxi rides, no to service fee” (November 14). We agree with your correspondents that Octopus cards should be leveraged to promote mobile payment among... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3242700/hong-kong-must-break-octopus-monopoly-help-its-e-payment-sector-grow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3242700/hong-kong-must-break-octopus-monopoly-help-its-e-payment-sector-grow?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:30:08 +0000 Some Hong Kong primary school pupils may not need to sit written tests and exams as part of a new humanities curriculum designed to boost patriotism, the city’s education minister has said. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin on Saturday said authorities were considering a proposal from the school sector to test Primary One and Two pupils’ understanding through other means, with possible options including quizzes and drawing pictures. “We should not use written assessment to gauge... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242805/hong-kong-primary-school-pupils-may-not-need-sit-written-tests-exams-new-humanities-subject?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242805/hong-kong-primary-school-pupils-may-not-need-sit-written-tests-exams-new-humanities-subject?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Nov 2023 05:15:24 +0000 Patriotic education on the Chinese Communist Party and the national security law will make up only a small part of a new Hong Kong humanities curriculum for primary schools, one of the course’s designers has said. Choy Sai-hung, the chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Primary Humanities Curriculum, on Friday said new materials on national security and the development of the Communist Party would form about 10 per cent of the subject, with the rest remaining largely the same as the general... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242696/patriotic-education-chinese-communist-party-and-national-security-only-small-part-new-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242696/patriotic-education-chinese-communist-party-and-national-security-only-small-part-new-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Nov 2023 07:17:54 +0000 Hong Kong primary school pupils will be required to learn about the country’s achievements under the Chinese Communist Party and the national security law in a compulsory subject designed to promote patriotism, the Education Bureau has said. Officials on Thursday said Primary One pupils would be taught to love the nation and learn that “without a country, there is no family” from the 2025-26 academic year. But the head of a schools council said members were worried the curriculum was too... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242617/new-humanities-subject-hong-kong-primary-schools-will-teach-without-country-there-no-family?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3242617/new-humanities-subject-hong-kong-primary-schools-will-teach-without-country-there-no-family?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:11:15 +0000 Hong Kong will not adopt performance goals for teachers to determine the success of patriotic education or punish schools and educators for delivering it poorly, a minister has said. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin on Sunday said authorities would allow schools to evaluate performance in patriotic education. “We will not use exams to assess how teachers conduct their classrooms,” Choi said on a television show, noting that at present there was no need to establish key performance... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3241250/hong-kong-will-not-use-performance-goals-measure-patriotic-education-or-punish-schools-teachers-poor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3241250/hong-kong-will-not-use-performance-goals-measure-patriotic-education-or-punish-schools-teachers-poor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Nov 2023 09:04:18 +0000 Patriotic education has been on the agenda for a while. With the passing of the Patriotic Education Law of the People’s Republic of China by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, it is also now on a broader social and political agenda – it is for all citizens, not just students. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, for example, has indicated that the city will embrace the spirit of this new law. This emphasis on the Hong Kong context needs to be considered from an educational... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240892/patriotic-education-hong-kong-must-be-curated-care?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240892/patriotic-education-hong-kong-must-be-curated-care?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Nov 2023 01:30:16 +0000 Early in his three-hours-plus policy address last Wednesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu laid out his plan for the city’s patriotic education, which requires coordinated efforts by many sectors. A working group will be set up to coordinate the work of government departments and non-governmental organisations in promoting national education, and improving education on China’s history, culture and current affairs. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will set up an office to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3239756/hong-kong-repeats-its-mistake-yet-another-hard-sell-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3239756/hong-kong-repeats-its-mistake-yet-another-hard-sell-patriotic-education?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Nov 2023 01:30:29 +0000 A Hong Kong minister has dismissed as a “total misunderstanding” suggestions that a proposed course designed to boost patriotism among primary school pupils is tantamount to making national education a stand-alone subject. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said on Friday that the plan to replace general studies in primary schools with two subjects – humanities and science – from the 2025-26 academic year was an improvement to the syllabus and included the injection of more elements... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3239495/hong-kong-education-chief-says-changes-primary-school-curriculum-not-setting-national-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3239495/hong-kong-education-chief-says-changes-primary-school-curriculum-not-setting-national-education?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:23:54 +0000