https://www.scmp.com/rss/313993/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com As sustainability has become a major part of the discourse in business dealings and urban developments in Hong Kong, China and the rest of the world, it pays to have the know-how required to build a smart city. For university graduates who aspire to work in the fields of corporate sustainability, environmental management or consultancy, or those who are already in business development and management but would like to acquire knowledge of environmental issues, the master of social science in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2179100/time-invest-sustainable-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2179100/time-invest-sustainable-future?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jan 2019 01:59:30 +0000 For educators, social workers or those who want to provide much-needed education and counselling support to tens of thousands of pupils with special education needs (SEN), there is a range of professional education courses available at universities and education institutions. According to the Audit Commission, there were 42,890 students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) studying in the 844 local mainstream schools in the 2016/2017 academic year. There were 330 out of 844 publicly funded... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2179073/spearheading-inclusive-approach-special-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2179073/spearheading-inclusive-approach-special-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Dec 2018 01:32:42 +0000 With its relative low density compared with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and continuous improvement in connectivity with the rest of Hong Kong and the mainland, New Territories West has quickly become a popular choice among young couples and families, and thus a hotspot for edgy property projects that cater to their desire for leisure and lifestyle. One of the most recent projects is Le Pont in Tuen Mun, which is part of New Territories West along with Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long. Launched by real... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/topics/luxehomes-annual/article/2173916/world-apart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/topics/luxehomes-annual/article/2173916/world-apart?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 02:00:15 +0000 Location is one of the most important factors in assessing the attractiveness of homes. New Territories East, one of Hong Kong’s most appealing areas, offers increasingly easy connections to the city, a good network of local, private and international schools, and access to some of the most beautiful country views to be found in the SAR. Kao To, one of Hong Kong’s traditional luxury property belts, is home to two new major schemes. Developer Wing Tai Properties recently launched the La Vetta... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/topics/luxehomes-annual/article/2173907/privacy-and-ticket-ride?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/topics/luxehomes-annual/article/2173907/privacy-and-ticket-ride?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 02:00:15 +0000 The Vocational Training Council (VTC) is partnering the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy of the Airport Authority Hong Kong and private companies to launch a part-time diploma programme that is free of charge, offers paid on-the-job training, and provides a government allowance for all participants. The two-year, part-time course, Diploma of Foundation Studies (Aviation) (DFS-Aviation), is open to applications from all Secondary 6 graduates. Students who apply for the programme through... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/news/hong-kong/education/article/2156549/vocational-courses-prepare-students-take?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/news/hong-kong/education/article/2156549/vocational-courses-prepare-students-take?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jul 2018 02:15:30 +0000 Those interested in studying early childhood education can now choose alternative tertiary institutions to government-funded universities. For example, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) offers a four-year bachelor’s degree programme in early childhood education, after moving into its new campus in Aberdeen this year. It used to be known as Yew Chung Community College, and was opened 10 years ago to offer higher diploma and diploma programmes in the subject. Graduates from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2155081/private-sectors-early-childhood-learning-offers-alternative?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2155081/private-sectors-early-childhood-learning-offers-alternative?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jul 2018 02:45:30 +0000 Is “playgroup” a dirty word for parents in Hong Kong? Playgroups have been criticised in the mainstream media, and on social media, for putting too much pressure on young children. The criticisms are set within the bigger narrative of “let children be children”, an idea which is itself a response to our highly competitive education system, and its “portfolio culture”. So, what role should playgroups play in a child’s development? Play is an essential aspect of a child’s life. According to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2144263/playing-keeps-are-playgroups-and-nursery-classes-necessary?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2144263/playing-keeps-are-playgroups-and-nursery-classes-necessary?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 May 2018 02:00:45 +0000 The first day at kindergarten is certainly challenging. Your heart brims with pride as you marvel at how your child suddenly looks so grown up in a school uniform, but at the same time, your head is filled with anxious thoughts about how your little one will adapt and thrive. It is helpful to mentally prepare your child for this milestone in their social development. Brace yourself for the logistical challenges in the early school days, and be prepared to be an emotional anchor for your child as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2142920/4-ways-ease-first-day-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2142920/4-ways-ease-first-day-jitters?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Apr 2018 02:00:15 +0000 As technology advances and proliferates, many parents might wonder how to raise a child in a world where entertainment, information and social interactions are available at the swipe of a little finger. Henrik Hoeg, managing director of the Jadis Blurton Family Development Center, says technology has increased the frequency and ease for children and parents to communicate with each other and with the wider world. “The impact of new technology, and communication and media devices in particular,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2139461/preschoolers-and-technology-how-parents-can-watch-and-learn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2139461/preschoolers-and-technology-how-parents-can-watch-and-learn?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Apr 2018 02:00:30 +0000 Hong Kong schoolgirls have triumphed at the Technovation World Pitch Summit this summer, the world’s biggest international technology entrepreneurship challenge for girls aged 10 to 18. A team of five pupils in their early teens from Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS) won the Grand Prize (Junior Division) for making an innovative mobile app that helps dementia patients and caregivers. They beat no fewer than 1,100 other junior teams worldwide to the accolade. The DGS team was present at the five-day... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2119796/all-girl-teams-shine-global-tech-contest-health-care-apps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2119796/all-girl-teams-shine-global-tech-contest-health-care-apps?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Nov 2017 05:00:15 +0000 These days, there is plenty of talk about inclusive education, but Hong Kong Red Swastika Society (HKRSS) Tai Po Secondary School is truly committed to the principle. The Chinese-medium school began to implement differentiated teaching and learning practices back in 2006. And, since then, a dedicated team of teachers has developed a comprehensive curriculum plus the teaching materials and assessment tools to empower students of various abilities and educational needs to learn effectively at a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2114634/embracing-differences-how-local-school-develops-curriculum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2114634/embracing-differences-how-local-school-develops-curriculum?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Oct 2017 02:45:15 +0000 China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) wrapped up its 3rd Europe Forum 2017 earlier this month in London where academics, government officials, investors, and business leaders congregated to talk about business opportunities arising from China’s outbound investment, particularly under the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative. Co-organised with the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK), the forum included keynote speeches by well-known figures such as Professor Li Mingjun, president... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128750/event-ceibs-europe-forum-london?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128750/event-ceibs-europe-forum-london?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:00:00 +0000 [Sponsored article] Knowledge transfer has long been a strong DNA strand of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) that strives to bring together teaching, research, and real-life application as its core missions. “We create knowledge by research, disseminate knowledge by teaching, and transfer knowledge by application,” said Dr. Miranda Lou, vice-president (administration and business) of PolyU. “We strongly believe in the importance in fostering economic and social development by... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/topics/polyu-innovating-better-world/article/2097322/polyu-knowledge-transfer-builds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/topics/polyu-innovating-better-world/article/2097322/polyu-knowledge-transfer-builds?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:56:53 +0000 [Sponsored article] With a decades-long track record of working closely with the government and fostering professional skills in the private sector, technology know-how and scientific research, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always been at the heart of the economic development in Hong Kong, as its alumni assume global leadership positions in various industries. “PolyU have trained over 400,000 graduates over the course of 80 years,” says Professor Philip Chan, deputy president... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/world/topics/polyu-innovation-impact-summit/article/2096090/how-universities-innovate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/world/topics/polyu-innovation-impact-summit/article/2096090/how-universities-innovate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 May 2017 07:00:15 +0000 Is "playgroup" a dirty word for parents in Hong Kong? Playgroups have been criticised in the mainstream media, and on social media, for putting too much pressure on young children. The criticisms are set within the bigger narrative of "let children be children", an idea which is itself a response to our highly competitive education system, and its "portfolio culture". So, what role should playgroups play in a child's development? Play is an essential aspect of a child's life. According to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128782/playing-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128782/playing-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000 Chris Davis, a British freelance writer who has been in Hong Kong for three decades, believes in the importance of critical thinking, but also of learning the local language. His daughter Ocean, now aged 15, has been educated at Chinese-language local schools from kindergarten through to secondary school. She attended the Lok-Yuk Kindergarten in Sai Kung, spending an extra year to improve her Cantonese, before going to the nearby Lee Siu Yam Memorial Primary School. She is now in her third year... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128787/case-study-part-2-difference-between-local-and-international-kindergartens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128787/case-study-part-2-difference-between-local-and-international-kindergartens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000 Charlie Suo Xiaozhao is typical of the Chinese-speaking parents who opt to send their children to international schools. After moving to Hong Kong from Australia 13 years ago, Suo and her husband, Lai Yu-ting, decided to send their three-year old daughter, Leah Lai, to Boxhill International Kindergarten & Preschool in Fo Tan for pre-nursery classes. Their youngest child, Kayla, who turns one later this year, will also take the international route. Leah is a current student of Boxhill... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128789/case-study-part-1-difference-between-local-and-international-kindergartens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128789/case-study-part-1-difference-between-local-and-international-kindergartens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000 [Sponsored Article] The strive for greatness, an understanding of the importance of technological innovation and application, and a deep sense of responsibility in nurturing future leaders of society have all seen The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) bearing much fruit as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. Professor Timothy W. Tong, president of the university, says PolyU has always had a clearly defined role in the tertiary education scene in Hong Kong. ”Our role is to provide quality... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/topics/polyu-celebrating-80-years-rich-heritage/article/2077848/celebrating-80-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/topics/polyu-celebrating-80-years-rich-heritage/article/2077848/celebrating-80-years?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Mar 2017 01:02:31 +0000 The EMBA and MBA courses offered by Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) are ranked seventh and 39th respectively by the Financial Times in its 2016 round of global rankings. In addition, its customised executive education programmes, and Master in Management programme, are ranked ninth and 33rd around the world.  Dr Xinmin Tian, vice-dean of ACEM and executive vice -president of the  Secretary-General  of the Shanghai Institute of Behavioral... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128830/innovate-humanity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128830/innovate-humanity?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000 Partnership between mainstream and special needs schools can be a mutually fruitful experience on multiple levels, says Karin Wetselaar, principal of Jockey Club Sarah Roe School (JCSRS). JCSRS is an ESF school catering to children with various disabilities. These range from physical disabilities, such as deafness, to complex learning disabilities, to developmental disorders like autism. The school has been in close partnership with the neighbouring King George V School, also an ESF school.... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128846/power-caregiving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128846/power-caregiving?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000 Service learning is an increasingly important aspect of education, one that goes beyond exam results. Not only does it help develop impressionable young minds into empathetic, responsible global citizens, it also challenges the deeply-embedded notion of what “success” really means. While it is commendable for schools to create a robust culture where students and teachers actively engage in local, regional and global community service, it’s also important that students have the right mindset so... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128847/planting-seeds-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128847/planting-seeds-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000 ​1) Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) HKUST’s MBA programme, founded in 1991, is one of the best in the world. Ranked 14th in the latest Financial Times survey of business schools, it is known for its North American style of teaching, but with a focus on case studies from Greater China and Asia. Each cohort has 100 to 120 students, more than 90 per cent of whom are non-locals representing around 30 countries. Students learn how to conduct business in China, and are expected... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128900/mbas-hong-kong-quick-reference-guide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128900/mbas-hong-kong-quick-reference-guide?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jul 2016 16:00:00 +0000 Art education matters not only because it helps students develop various types of intelligence. It also provides an alternative set of lenses for young people to relate to the world we live in and reflect on what they see, according to education experts. Susanna Chung, head of learning and participation at Asia Art Archive, says schools in Hong Kong have come a long way in helping students use art as a means of inquiry, but adds that art education in the city faces the same issue as in the rest... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128930/more-beauty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2128930/more-beauty?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:00:00 +0000 Taipei, Singapore and South Korea are hitting the mainland’s popularity as a destination. Summer holidays are coming, with the promise of fun and freedom for the little ones, and study tours seem to be an attractive option that satisfies the burgeoning sense of independence and brings textbook knowledge alive. For primary school-age children, the mainland, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia may be more suitable choices for a three- to-four-day study tour before they are ready for long-haul trips. It... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129006/trendy-asian-cities-rival-china-study-tours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129006/trendy-asian-cities-rival-china-study-tours?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 May 2015 16:00:00 +0000 All parents want to give their children the best education possible, but how far should that commitment go? Should they be starting the child in nursery school aged two or even younger in the hope of getting them into the right kindergarten? And how do you define "right", anyway? While the general consensus is that children should be picking up language and number skills once they enter the formal education system, there are different views on what should be taking place in the preschool... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/families/article/1792789/hong-kong-parents-opting-out-kindergarten-rat-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/families/article/1792789/hong-kong-parents-opting-out-kindergarten-rat-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2015 22:30:15 +0000 All parents want to give their children the best education possible, but how far should that commitment go? Should they be starting the child in nursery school aged two or even younger in the hope of getting them into the right kindergarten? And how do you define "right", anyway? While the general consensus is that children should be picking up language and number skills once they enter the formal education system, there are different views on what should be taking place in the preschool... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129012/hong-kong-parents-opting-out-kindergarten-rat-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129012/hong-kong-parents-opting-out-kindergarten-rat-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2015 16:00:00 +0000 New businesses are born and developed every day in Hong Kong, which has been hailed as one of the most exciting places for startups businesses. Several valet storage companies have mushroomed in the past few months in the race to provide the best service to the millions of people struggling with small, crowded living spaces. Most of these start-up companies boast tailor-made, flexible storage price-points and arrangements made possible by the proliferation of technologies. They offer more... https://www.scmp.com/article/1761667/strategising-stake-niche-storage-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1761667/strategising-stake-niche-storage-business?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2015 06:15:45 +0000 New businesses are born and developed every day in Hong Kong, which has been hailed as one of the most exciting places for startups businesses. Several valet storage companies have mushroomed in the past few months in the race to provide the best service to the millions of people struggling with small, crowded living spaces. Most of these start-up companies boast tailor-made, flexible storage price-points and arrangements made possible by the proliferation of technologies. They offer more... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129034/strategising-stake-niche-storage-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129034/strategising-stake-niche-storage-business?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000 Outwardly, the teens seem to have perfect lives: they're high achievers with caring parents who provide them with the latest tech devices, fancy clothes and exotic experiences that others can only dream of. Yet many young people from affluent families wind up feeling miserable and uncomfortable in their own skin. That's what US psychologist Madeline Levine has found in decades of working with troubled teenagers from privileged families. Top grades and admission into Ivy League schools are no... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1751013/grades-no-guarantee-success-troubled-children-rich-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1751013/grades-no-guarantee-success-troubled-children-rich-show?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2015 22:11:36 +0000 Outwardly, the teens seem to have perfect lives: they're high achievers with caring parents who provide them with the latest tech devices, fancy clothes and exotic experiences that others can only dream of. Yet many young people from affluent families wind up feeling miserable and uncomfortable in their own skin. That's what US psychologist Madeline Levine has found in decades of working with troubled teenagers from privileged families. Top grades and admission into Ivy League schools are no... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129035/grades-no-guarantee-success-troubled-children-rich-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129035/grades-no-guarantee-success-troubled-children-rich-show?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000 Art, play and outdoor excursions are everyday parts of school life. However, they're the lifeblood for students at Jockey Club Sarah Roe School, the only English-medium school in Hong Kong devoted to children with special learning needs. "Art is important," says John Greene, chairman of its parent-teacher association. "The children get to do what they like and, more importantly, get satisfaction when they finish a task, especially if everyone clap their hands, or they can win a small prize.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1678623/hong-kong-jazz-musicians-team-students-support-special?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1678623/hong-kong-jazz-musicians-team-students-support-special?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:32:40 +0000 Tis the season to be jolly, right? The holidays are associated with joyful times with friends and family but the festive period can trigger a bout of the blues. Weeks of wall-to-wall cheer can act as stressors, telescoping anxiety about relationships or feelings of loneliness. Dense and compact, the living environment in Hong Kong provides little space for socialising with neighbours despite the physical proximity, says Lora Lee, a registered child psychologist and parenting counsellor. "People... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1662952/reach-out-lonely-christmas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1662952/reach-out-lonely-christmas?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2014 09:40:09 +0000 Situated in the fast-changing area of West Kowloon, St Margaret's Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School is an outward-looking institution that sets ambitious targets for its students.  Principal Grace Tam, who has been with the school for more than 35 years, maintains that languages and communications are the key to unlocking good prospects for its students in today's globalised economy.  "We believe that communication and presentation skills are very important," says Tam. "If you... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129049/languages-and-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129049/languages-and-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Dec 2014 16:00:00 +0000 As the eager young actors take the stage, parents' faces in the audience light up with proud smiles. "It just gives me goose bumps," says Tim Fawcett, as he watches his 11-year-old son Freddie and another boy, Sebastian Clifford, share the leading role of Oliver in the annual musical production of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF). "I feel incredibly proud," Fawcett says. Auditions for the popular musical based on Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist started in May, after which 72 out... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1647800/young-actors-show-their-maturity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1647800/young-actors-show-their-maturity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:30:15 +0000 As the eager young actors take the stage, parents' faces in the audience light up with proud smiles. "It just gives me goose bumps," says Tim Fawcett, as he watches his 11-year-old son Freddie and another boy, Sebastian Clifford, share the leading role of Oliver in the annual musical production of the Hong Kong Youths Art Foundation (HKYAF). "I feel incredibly proud," Fawcett says. Auditions for the popular musical based on Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist started in May, after which 72 out... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129106/young-actors-show-their-maturity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129106/young-actors-show-their-maturity?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:00:00 +0000 Increasing career opportunities in Hong Kong are encouraging local students studying in Britain to return home when they graduate. Greater career exposure, access to the ever-growing China market, proximity to friends and family at home, and the ease of getting a job locally without having to apply for a work visa are encouraging more graduates to come back upon finishing their studies. Justin Chan, founder and president of the UK Joint University Hong Kong Career Society, has responded to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129110/allure-career-exposure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/2129110/allure-career-exposure?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2014 16:00:00 +0000