The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (December 6) attended the launch symposium on the latest results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Asia at the University of Tokyo, Japan, to discuss the way forward for education with representatives of the education sector from other regions. Organised by the University of Tokyo and co-organised by the OECD, the symposium brought together around 500 participants from, among others, the education and business sectors around the world.
 
     At the panel discussion session of the symposium, Dr Choi talked about how the Hong Kong education system supports students' learning and wellbeing. She said that the PISA 2022 results reaffirmed the merits of the Hong Kong education system. In terms of education equity, Hong Kong ranked second among countries or economies with high academic achievements, indicating that the socio-economic status of Hong Kong students has minimal bearing on their performance.
 
     She pointed out that the Education Bureau (EDB) has been optimising the school curriculum and proactively implementing various student development programmes to nurture students with positive thinking and to strengthen their resilience. The EDB also assists schools in providing comprehensive student guidance and support services through the Whole School Approach and multidisciplinary collaboration. In addition, the EDB has strengthened the promotion of home-school co-operation and parent education as well as cross-sectoral collaboration to support students with mental health needs.
 
     "The EDB will continue to work with various stakeholders to create a support network and to foster an accepting and caring school culture for students, enhancing their physical and psychological wellbeing through concerted efforts," she said.
 
     Yesterday (December 5), Dr Choi paid a courtesy call on the President and Board Chairperson of the Japan-China Friendship Center, Mr Masashi Ogawa. The Japanese Government has entrusted the Center to organise the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Programme and has invited Hong Kong students to join the Programme since 2008. This year, the Hong Kong delegation will depart for Japan to conduct exchange activities from December 10 to 16. Dr Choi also met Hong Kong students and youngsters studying and working in Japan to learn about their study and life experiences in the country.
 
     Tomorrow (December 7), Dr Choi will pay a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Mr Wu Jianghao, and meet the Superintendent of the Saitama City Board of Education, Ms Hideko Takei, to exchange views on education issues. She will also visit Saitama Municipal Omiya International Secondary School to observe class activities and tour the school facilities.
 
     Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon (December 8).

Ends/Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:10

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