Hong Kong's CETT Engages Advisors on First Five-Year Plan for Education, Technology, and Talent Development.

Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session

The Committee on Education, Technology and Talents (CETT), chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, held the third engagement session with the Panel of Advisors to the CETT today (June 12) to gather views from the Panel of Advisors on the formulation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan.

This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong's first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong's better integration into and service of the overall national development.

During the engagement session, the Panelof Advisorsput forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.

The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government's continued efforts to expand Hong Kong's talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong's high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong's economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.

Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panelof Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today.

Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video)

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 today (June 12):

Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.

Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.

Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.

To do this effectively requires sustained effort - it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people's sense of national identity, belonging and pride.

The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong's international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.

The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the "Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series" benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.

"Legends" is the theme of this year's Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.

Tonight's opening programme, the dance drama "Lady White Snake", is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend "The Legend of the White Snake", it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.

Beyond tonight's performance, this year's Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.

The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.

I wish this year's Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images