Applications open for seven kindergarten premises
The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (June 29) that seven new estate kindergarten premises are open for application by eligible applicant bodies under the Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2026. Details of the seven kindergarten premises are set out in the Annex.
Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"The seven new estate kindergarten premises, each providing six ornine classrooms, are located in North District, Islands District, Sham Shui Po District and Kowloon City District, and will be available in the fourth quarter of 2027. The EDB is entrusted by the Hong Kong Housing Authority to nominate operators for the kindergarten premises. The Exercise will be carried out on a competitive basis," a spokesman for the EDB said.
Since the implementation of the Kindergarten Education Scheme (the Scheme) in the 2017/18 school year, apart from continuing to help kindergartens improve the environment of their premises, the EDB endeavours to provide more kindergarten premises owned by the Government for eligible applicant bodies to compete fairly for reprovisioning or operating kindergartens, which not only enables a reduction in rental expenses but also allows them to enjoy quality school premises. In addition, the EDB has adopted a streamlined mechanism starting from 2021 for assessing applications for nomination of suitable operators for kindergarten premises to reduce applicant bodies' administrative work.
Non-profit-making kindergartens, especially those bearing high rental expenses, having dilapidated school environments and facilities, and facing a surplus of kindergarten places in the district, are encouraged to apply for the above-mentioned kindergarten premises. The EDB will accord priority to kindergartens under the Scheme applying for relocation. Applications for operating new kindergartens will only be considered if no suitable applicants are found for relocation. Quality of education is the prime consideration. The EDB will take into account the operation plan, track record of school operation and relocation needs (if applicable) of the applicant bodies. The applicant body should be exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
The application form, information on the operation plan, points to note and other reference materials for the Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise can be downloaded from the EDB's homepage at www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/preprimary-kindergarten/allocation-of-kg/latest-news.html. The EDB will provide a template for preparation of the operation plan and set out the selection criteria in the "Points to Note" for applicant bodies' reference. Applicant bodies should carefully read the basic requirements and relevant instructions as stipulated in the "Points to Note" before submitting applications.
The duly completed application form, information on the operation plan, list of operating schools run by the applicant body (if any) and supporting documents should reach the EDB Kindergarten Education Division (Room 1432, 14/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) by 5pm on August 28. Late applications or those not duly completed will not be processed. For enquiries, please contact EDB staff at 28926415.
The Education Bureau, Photo source: reference image
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the South China University of Technology (SCUT) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Guangzhou today (June 29) to strengthen collaboration in areas such as innovative water supply technologies, engineering design methods and AI.
The MOU was signed by the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, and Vice-President of the SCUT Professor Lin Yiwen. Under the MOU, both parties will engage in reciprocal visits, technical exchanges and information sharing, as well as explore and promote relevant research projects and co-organise conferences and seminars.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Wong said that in addressing the challenges of global climate change and pressures on water demand arising from urban development, water resources management must keep pace with the times by continuously adopting innovative technologies. Leveraging the strong cross-disciplinary research capabilities of the SCUT, this collaboration will inject powerful impetus into the WSD's digital transformation. Currently, both parties are collaborating to develop an AI model capable of predicting the remaining useful life of water mains for implementing predictive maintenance, thereby facilitating early repairs to prevent water main bursts. In the future, both parties will deepen co-operation across three core areas: the research and application of water supply technologies, equipment and materials; innovative water supply engineering design methods and construction techniques; and the development and practical application of AI models. He further expressed the hope to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages by deeply integrating "industry-academia-research" to accelerate the adoption of research outcomes by the industry and their expansion into international markets, jointly building a sustainable smart water ecosystem.
Mr Wong further stated that the collaboration between both parties aligns with the forward-looking blueprint set out in the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasises the promotion of deep integration of AI with technological innovation, industrial development and social governance. He emphasised that through the empowerment of "digital intelligence", the deepened application of data and intelligent technologies in areas such as water supply diversion planning, water quality monitoring and leakage prediction would not only enhance operational efficiency, but also ensure stable and reliable water supply services, improve the service experience for citizens, and effectively meet public expectations for a stable water supply, thereby leveraging the advantages of smart technologies to improve people's livelihood.
The Chancellor of the SCUT, Professor Tang Hongwu,stated that the collaboration between the SCUT and the WSD rests on a solid foundation and holds broad prospects. He looks forward to drawing upon the WSD's successful experience to jointly explore the efficient operation of the dual systems of seawater for flushing and fresh water supplies, and to promote the advanced experience of dual water supply networks to cities on the Mainland. Through the sharing of cutting-edge research findings and technical exchanges, the two parties aim to jointly protect precious water resources, strengthen the efficient utilisation of water resources and drive innovative breakthroughs in smart water technologies.
During the visit, Mr Wong toured the International Campus of the SCUT and exchanged views with Professor Tang, Professor Lin and other leaders of the university. In their meeting, both parties had in-depth discussions on a "water-secure future" and advancing "digital water" initiatives.
Located in Guangzhou, the SCUT is a key national university directly affiliated with the Ministry of Education, designated under the National "Project 985", "Project 211" and the "Double First-Class" initiatives. It is one of the Mainland's "Four Leading Institutes of Technology", with its science, engineering and architecture schools being among the "Eight Historic Schools of Architecture", enjoying a prestigious international reputation.
Today, Mr Wong also led a delegation of 20 operational staff from the water treatment works of the WSD to visit the Huangge Smart Water Treatment Works and the Lanhe Smart Water Treatment Works of the Nansha Water Company under Guangdong Water Co Ltd in Guangzhou to participate in practical training. They also jointly witnessed the plaque-unveiling ceremony for the establishment of the Smart Water Treatment Works Practical Training Base at the Huangge Water Treatment Works. The milestone establishment of this practical training base not only establishes a professional exchange platform for the smart operation and management of water treatment works in both places, but will also provide systematic professional training for operational staff. This will help further enhance the operational efficiency of water supply and deepen the collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong in the realm of smart water management.
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
