Speech by CS at 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK (with photos/video)
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.
Speech by CS at 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by CS at 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 23) recorded a severe case of paediatric influenza infection. The CHP urged the public not to underestimate the seasonal influenza and to receive vaccinations as early as possible, especially those in high-risk groups, to protect their own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 3-year-old boy with underlying health conditions. He developed a fever and cough on October 20. He experienced mild shortness of breath the next day and was taken to a private clinic for treatment. On October 22, his condition worsened, and he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. He briefly lost consciousness, but was resuscitated and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with asthma exacerbation, acute necrotising encephalopathy and septic shock. The patient remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy travelled to the United States during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). One of his close contacts recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms that did not require hospitalisation and has recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for nearly four months by now. Currently, local influenza activity remains at a high level. Over the past four weeks (from September 20 to October 17), the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses remained between 10.04 to 11.61 per cent. During the same period, the influenza admission rate in public hospitals also remained between 0.46 and 0.67 cases per 10 000 population. Both indicators were above the respective baseline thresholds of 4.94 per cent and 0.27 cases per 10 000 population. A cumulative total of 26 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two are in serious condition, two are in critical condition, and two have passed away," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"Vaccine effectiveness begins to wane approximately nine months after vaccination. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends receiving SIV every year. For most people, more than nine months have passed since they received last season's (2025/26) SIV. Hence, a decline in protection is inevitable. A decline in the overall population's herd immunity, coupled with the fact that the current influenza season has persisted at high levels for an extended period, has increased the likelihood of infection and severe complications among high-risk groups. Receiving SIV is the most effective way to prevent severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. SIV also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. The CHP's analysis of data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. Among unvaccinated residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for the elderly, the rate of severe complications was approximately four times higher than that among vaccinated residents. Therefore, all people aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV for personal protection as early as possible," he added.
The 2026/27 SIV programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. This new measure not only enables the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. About 1 000 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
The health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
