The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, led the National Day and Professional Exchange Delegation from Hong Kong Education Sector to visit Beijing this afternoon (September 26) to call on a state leader and officials of the Ministry of Education.
 
     Dr Choi and the delegation were received and welcomed by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Mr Cai Dafeng at the Great Hall of the People. They then met officials of the Ministry of Education. Dr Choi said that the delegation, now in its 15th cohort, was the first large-scale education exchange activity after the resumption of normal travel. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its conscientious arrangement, and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for its strong support, enabling the delegation to celebrate National Day in Beijing, the capital city. The delegation was also given the opportunity to exchange views with teachers from Changsha and Beijing and share experience in areas including the mode of school operation, curriculum and educational settings, which broadens their professional horizons and lays the foundation for promoting more in-depth exchanges in the future.
 
     Dr Choi said that President Xi Jinping's recent reply letter to Hong Kong secondary school students especially encouraged students to strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, and sharpen their skills and abilities. Whether students can make contributions to building a better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation hinges on the guidance and support of teachers. With the mission to cultivate values and nurture talent, the Education Bureau will be dedicated to promoting national education. Through exchange activities such as the Students Mainland Exchange Programme, the Sister School Scheme and Mainland study tours of the subject of Citizenship and Social Development, students experience the national situation, learn about the latest developments and achievements of the country, and enhance their sense of national identity.
 
     This morning, Dr Choi visited Tsinghua University to meet its leaders including the Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, Professor Qiu Yong, and the Dean of Qiuzhen College, Professor Yau Shing-tung. She also chatted with Hong Kong students studying at the university.
 
     Yesterday (September 25), Dr Choi and the delegation visited Cuiwei Primary School to observe classes and exchange views with teachers. She also met officials of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and leaders of Beijing Language and Culture University to discuss educational issues of mutual interest for Beijing and Hong Kong.
 
     Dr Choi and the delegation will watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square tomorrow morning (September 27). She will also visit Beijing Normal University to discuss institutional collaboration on teacher training with its leaders. Dr Choi and the delegation will conclude the visit and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

Ends/Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:00

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