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The Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kenneth Chen, today (January 20) called on the 400-plus students and teachers participating in the "Explore Shanghai Expo and Understand our Motherland" Expert Talk Series to learn more about China's efforts in organising the Expo and to explore the future development of Shanghai, Hong Kong and other major Chinese cities so as to nurture their sense of belonging to the motherland.
"The World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is a significant event for the Mainland, Shanghai as well as Hong Kong," said Mr Chen in his welcoming speech before the talk.
"By participating in this mega event, we can not only showcase to the international community Hong Kong's strength and uniqueness in various aspects but also promote our business environment, enhance our image and strengthen our economic ties with the Mainland."
Mr Chen said that the HKSAR Government and the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Co-ordination had been working hand in hand during the bidding process for this mega event, thus fostering a closer relationship between the two cities.
He also took the opportunity to thank the Vice Chairperson of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, Mr Zhou Hanmin, and Vice President of Tongji University, Shanghai, Prof Wu Jiang, for coming to Hong Kong and addressing the expert talk, which was testament to their staunch support for the promotion of national education in the territory.
In support of the Shanghai Expo, the Education Bureau is organising the "Expo 2010 Shanghai China" National Education Activity Series.
During today's expert talk, Mr Zhou shared his experience in China's bidding and preparations for the Expo, and the challenges and opportunities arising from the mega event, while Mr Wu talked about the Expo site's planning and design and how the venue could benefit from sustainable development following the Expo.
To enrich local students and teachers' knowledge about the Shanghai Expo and to enhance their sense of national identity, the Education Bureau is also organising a series of activities in commemoration of the Expo, ranging from student competitions in essay writing and e-card design to a project learning award scheme, and the setting up of a website containing learning resources relating to the Expo. The Bureau also plans to arrange for teachers and students to visit Shanghai for experience sharing during the Expo.
The Shanghai Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Under the main theme of "Better City, Better Life", the Expo will provide a platform for participating countries, regions and organisations to share their ideals for urban development, and explore new and innovative approaches to eco-friendly lifestyles, the working environment and sustainable development.
Ends/Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:45
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