Chief Secretary for Administration Marks 10th Anniversary of EdUHK Retitling

Speech by CS at 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (October 23):

(Director-General of the International Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Jian), Dr David Wong (Chairman of the Council of EdUHK), Professor John Lee (President of EdUHK), faculty, staff, students and alumni of the EdUHK, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a great honour to be here with you tonight at this landmark celebration. This evening, we are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the EdUHK's retitling.

Much more than just a name change, the school's retitling was a big step forward. It opened a bright new chapter for this University and for Hong Kong.

Over the past decade, the EdUHK has evolved into a dynamic, education-focused university with a diversity of academic strengths. It has earned worldwide recognition in many ways.

This year, the QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked EdU seventh in the world and second in Asia. And in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, EdU placed second in Quality Education, one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

When it comes to talent, EdU is showing the way. This year, 73 EdU scholars were named among the World's Top 2% Scientists, a ranking compiled by Stanford University. Since 2018, EdU researchers have won 265 awards at major international invention exhibitions.

These achievements show that EdU leads in quality education, while highlighting its growing impact in sustainable development and academic excellence.

I am also delighted to hear that nearly 50 EdU student athletes and alumni took part in the recent Asian Games. They won 15 medals - two gold and three silver. They helped Hong Kong win a record number of medals at the Asian Games.

Ladies and gentlemen, the National 15th Five-Year Plan, launched earlier this year, supports Hong Kong in better integrating into, and serving, the nation's overall development.

And Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, launched last month, puts a priority on the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

EdU's development strategy is built on "Education Futures, Diverse Talents". It draws on its traditional strengths, while equipping students with a wide range of skills. I am pleased to say this matches the Government's long-term vision perfectly.

EdU is Hong Kong's leading university for teacher education and lifelong learning, and it is expanding its academic offerings, adding programmes covering psychology, data science, sociology, sports science, new media and other disciplines. All 13 of its Bachelor of Education programmes are now double-degree programmes, giving students – tomorrow's teachers – broader learning opportunities.

The Government is just as committed to creating opportunities. We want Hong Kong to rise as an international education hub. And the Northern Metropolis University Town is our flagship initiative.

The University Town, totalling some 1 000 hectares, will bring together education, technology and talent, driving integrated development among Government, academia, industries, research and investment sectors.

Just as important, the University Town and the larger Northern Metropolis will greatly expand our connectivity with the Greater Bay Area.

In this area, EdU is already moving ahead. This year, it set up the EdUHK Shenzhen Research Institute and the Shenzhen Educational Development Centre. As Dr Wong said a few minutes ago, this is "a historic milestone in EdU's expansion into the Greater Bay Area".

EdU's first decade as a university has built a strong foundation – for its students and teachers, for Hong Kong and our future as an international education hub. I am confident it will create lasting value here in Hong Kong, across the country and around the world.

Once again, a happy 10th anniversary to the EdUHK, and to everyone who has played a part in its remarkable decade of progress. Thank you.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (October 23). Photo shows the Chairman of the Council of EdUHK, Dr David Wong (sixth left); Mr Chan (centre); the Director-General of the International Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Jian (seventh right); the President of EdUHK, Professor John Lee (fifth right), and other guests at the kick-off ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, speaks at the 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of the Education University of Hong Kong today (October 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on achievements at 5th Asian Para Games

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 24) congratulated Hong Kong, China athletes on their remarkable achievements at the 5th Asian Para Games and commended them for their outstanding performance and noble sportsmanship.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mr Lee said, "The Hong Kong, China delegation delivered an excellent performance at this year's Asian Para Games, winning a total of 41 medals, comprising 3 gold medals, 14 silver medals and 24 bronze medals, and achieving the best-ever historical result in boccia with a total of 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals. These heartening achievements have written a splendid chapter in the development of para sports in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong, China athletes gave their utmost in the competition, demonstrating superb skills and indomitable determination. Their achievements have not only brought honour to Hong Kong, but also inspired the community with their perseverance and never-give-up sportsmanship. Their outstanding performance has earned the admiration and pride of the entire Hong Kong community.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always attached great importance to sports development for persons with disabilities, helping them to realise their potential and pursue their dreams. Through the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the Government provides full-time high-level training for elite athletes with disabilities, enabling them to receive professional coaching with access to barrier-free world-class training venues and equipment, and comprehensive support in sports science and sport medicine, helping them represent Hong Kong, China in competitions in the Mainland and abroad. With effect from April 1, 2025, the Government raised the level of direct financial support for elite athletes with disabilities across the board, and for the first time introduced a Senior Squad funding tier. Together with the existing elite tiers, it further enhances the training pathway. The outstanding performance at this year's Asian Para Games demonstrates that our policy direction is on the right track.

The Hong Kong athletes attending the 5th Asian Para Games. Photo source: FB@China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee

"I would like to thank all the athletes, coaches, medical teams and support personnel for their tireless efforts and dedication. The Government will continue to work closely with the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, the Hong Kong Sports Institute and various national sports associations to devote resources to nurturing talent, helping more athletes with disabilities unleash their potential, surpass themselves and achieve new levels in future international competitions."