Hong Kong's Education Chief Highlights Digital Transformation at APEC Education Ministerial Meeting in Korea

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (May 14) attended the 7th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Education Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Jeju, Korea. Under this year's theme, Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation, Dr Choi exchanged views with education ministers of the APEC economies and introduced the advantages of Hong Kong's education system.

Speaking at the thematic session AI·Digital Transformation and Personalized Education Innovation, Dr Choi said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education to gather collective wisdom and insights on promoting digital transformation of school education. Also, the Education Bureau (EDB) provides subsidies for students in need, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities in their access to e-learning. The EDB invests in e-learning platforms and has launched curricula on innovation and technology, and coding education for junior secondary and upper primary students to boost their digital literacy and skills.

Moreover, the EDB endeavours to enhance teachers' competencies in using AI to assist in teaching. In addition to professional development programmes, the EDB organises Mainland study tours and a large-scale learning and teaching expo to keep teachers abreast of the latest developments in e-learning and the application of AI in teaching. The EDB has also launched the Digital Education Centre of Excellence Scheme to provide on-site support for schools to share teaching practices on e-learning.

At the thematic session on Educational Cooperation and Expanding Access to Opportunities, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international post-secondary education hub and a cradle for talent. Five publicly funded universities in Hong Kong rank among the world's top 100. All top four spots in the ranking of the world's most international universities published by the Times Higher Education in 2025 were also claimed by Hong Kong publicly funded universities.

The HKSAR Government has doubled the enrolment ceiling for non-local students at publicly funded universities from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. It has also established a scholarship fund to subsidise students from Belt and Road countries or regions to study in Hong Kong, and support local students to participate in global learning activities.

Speaking at the thematic session Strengthening Quality Education and Sustainable Economic Growth, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong's education system provides all students with high-quality education, thereby fostering social mobility. The EDB encourages schools to adopt the Whole School Approach in supporting students with special educational needs, and provides schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training to promote an inclusive learning environment.

At the closing of the 7th AEMM, the participating ministers issued a joint declaration. The meeting recognised the importance of education in addressing global challenges such as bridging digital divides. They also emphasised the need to enhance digital and AI competencies of educators, and called for collaborative efforts to promote appropriate integration of AI in education.

Yesterday (May 13), Dr Choi met the Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Lee Ju-ho, and education ministers of other APEC economies to engage in exchanges on education policies. She also delivered a speech at the APEC Global Education Reform Conference to share Hong Kong's practical experience in information technology education and development as an international post-secondary education hub. On the same day, she met the Vice Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Oh Seok-hwan, to exchange views on strengthening education collaboration between Korea and Hong Kong.

Dr Choi will continue her visit to Korea tomorrow (May 15).

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SED presents Hong Kong's education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images