Chairperson and members of Curriculum Development Council appointed
The Government today (August 29) announced the reappointment of Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin as the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council (CDC) for a term of two years with effect from September 1, 2025.
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, "Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin is currently Provost and Wei Lun Professor of Statistics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has vast experience in teaching, research and administration. Since assuming the role of Chairperson of the CDC in 2023, Professor Poon has demonstrated her exceptional leadership and professional expertise by guiding the CDC to uphold the 'Led by Professionals' principle, actively promoting the ongoing renewal and optimisation of the school curriculum, which includes updating the Primary Education Curriculum Guide, Curriculum Guide for Special Schools, Primary Humanities Curriculum Guide, and Science (Primary 1 - 6) Curriculum Guide, as well as optimising the curricula and assessments of various senior secondary elective subjects, thereby creating space for students and catering for learner diversity."
The Government also reappointed 15 members and appointed five new members to the CDC for a term of two years, ending on August 31, 2027.
Dr Choi thanked the outgoing members, Professor Ching Wai-ki, Ms Hui Ha-mei, Mr Lee Wai-hung, Mr Shek Wai-keung and Professor Cindy Sit Hui-ping, for their invaluable contributions to curriculum development in Hong Kong during their tenure.
"The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to provide full support to the work of the CDC and listen to their valuable advice on matters relating to curriculum development," she said.
The CDC comprises members drawn from diverse sectors, including academics from universities and tertiary institutions, frontline principals and teachers, professionals in the business and technology fields, and representation from parents. Their participation is conducive to providing views and suggestions on promoting student learning effectiveness and fostering their whole-person development.
The membership list of the CDC with effect from September 1, 2025, is as follows:
Chairperson
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Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin
Non-official Members
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Ms Chan Mei-kuen
Mr Cheng Ka-ho
Ms Cheuk Ting-yan*
Professor Cheung Chak-chung
Mr Eugene Fong Yick-jin
Dr Kam Wai-keung*
Mr Kwan Chi-hang*
Mr Kwok Lung-kei
Ms Lai Wan-yim*
Professor Lau Chi-pang*
Ms Lee Yi-ying
Ms Mandy Leung Man-yee
Mr Li Kin-man
Professor Lo Ming-tung
Ms Ng Kai-kwan
Professor Johnny Poon Ming-lun
Mr Paul Tai Lun
Ms Ting Wing-sze
Dr Wong Ching-yung
Dr Yip Chi-sio
Ex-officio Members
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Principal Assistant Secretary (Curriculum Development) of the EDB, also the Vice-chairperson of the CDC
Chairperson of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council or his/her representative
Representatives from other Divisions of the EDB
*new members
Source: AI-found images
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
