Education (Amendment) Bill 2026 to be gazetted tomorrow
The Government will gazette the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026 tomorrow (November 13), with the aim of enhancing the teacher registration mechanism by imposing practising certificate requirements, and introducing a mechanism to handle matters of teacher registration for persons convicted of offences endangering national security (OENS), to ensure that all teachers are fit and proper persons, thereby upholding the professionalism of the teaching force.
A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said that the EDB made reference to the teacher registration systems in various jurisdictions and the registration and practising certificate requirements of different professions in Hong Kong, and considered that imposing a practising certificate requirement as a prerequisite for teaching, in addition to the existing statutory requirement for teacher registration, could elevate society's recognition of the education profession and raise the social status of teachers.
The Bill will establish statutory requirements for all teachers (including principals) of publicly-funded schools, private schools, international schools and kindergartens to possess teacher registration and practising certificates to serve in schools, with a view to ensuring the quality of teachers. The validity period of a practising certificate will be no more than three school years. The Bill will also set out the requirements for applying for practising certificates. Among these, there will be a mandatory continuing professional development requirement for teachers to obtain practising certificates, thus ensuring that all teachers keep abreast of the latest global and local educational policies, and that their knowledge and pedagogy align with students' and societal needs, to further enhance the professionalism of the teaching force.
The EDB spokesman said, "As role models and key persons for nurturing students, the words and deeds, conduct and values of teachers have a profound impact on students. Amid the complex and rapidly changing development of our society, the public and parents have increasingly high expectations of teachers' professionalism. The Bill meets schools' actual operational needs, encourages teachers to keep pace with the times and strengthens teacher management, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the well-being of students."
The Bill also puts in place safeguards to prevent persons convicted of OENS from teaching in schools to effectively protect students, uphold the professional integrity of teachers and maintain public confidence in the teaching profession.
The EDB has consulted the sector since September 2025 and the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Education on February 6 this year. The legislative proposal was generally supported by stakeholders and LegCo Members.
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading on November 25. The EDB will fully support the work of the LegCo in scrutinising the Bill and look forward to the LegCo's support for and passage of the Bill.
For details of the Bill, please refer to the EDB webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/eo_amendments_2026/en).
The Education Bureau. Photo source: reference image
LCSD's Cantonese Opera Day 2026 to be held November 29 with online registration for free workshops and talks to start next Monday
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held on the afternoon of November 29 (Sunday) across the indoor and outdoor venues of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Under the theme "Cantonese Opera Fun and Legacy for the Future", the event offers members of the public and tourists an array of spectacular performances, experiential activities, talks and an exhibition, showcasing the multifaceted charm of Cantonese opera as a world-class intangible cultural heritage. Admission is free. Online registration for certain activities will open next Monday (November 16) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fabulous performances will be available on stage at this year's Cantonese Opera Day. Child actors and rising talents from various local Cantonese opera troupes will perform classic opera excerpts on stage. The child performers will also walk the catwalk onto the stage, highlighting the features of their costumes and makeup. Renowned artists will take to the stage to lead interactive sing-alongs with the audience.
Winners of the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Cantonese Opera Competition and young Cantonese opera students will perform their signature repertoire and share their artistic journeys. Meanwhile, Chinese music elites from the Music Office will play a selection of familiar Cantonese tunes and Chinese music pieces, showcasing the brilliance of traditional melodies.
A variety of on-site workshops will be held for participants to learn basic Cantonese opera movements and stage prop techniques, such as the use of horsewhips andtasselled spears. This year's event introduces two new highlights: the "Families' Workshop on Cantonese Opera" for parents and children, with a chance to showcase their learning on stage; and the "Interactive Cantonese Opera Music Workshop - Wind, Plucked, Bowed, and Percussion" led by the School of Chinese Opera at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, followed by a hands-on instrument try-out session. Locals and visitors can also craft Cantonese opera-themed products at carnival booths, and take memorable photographs at a photo corner with traditional costumes and props.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated cross-generational star autograph sessions will feature renowned artists including Cheng Wing-mui, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Wing-yee, Lai Yiu-wai, Vong Seng-pan, Wang Zhiliang, Leung Sum-yee and Yue Ling-lung, offering opera fans a rare opportunity to meet their idols up close for signatures and photographs.
The Cantonese Opera Day has invited a seasoned Cantonese opera co-ordinator to conduct sessions in both Cantonese and English to explain the makeup and costume characteristics of various operatic roles. Theatre practitioners will share backstage insights and fascinating experiences from the world of Cantonese opera. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum will present the "Cantonese Opera Collection Highlights", showcasing precious Cantonese opera collections from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, such as postbills, libretti, and programme booklets, to help visitors understand the development of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong.
Guided tours in Cantonese, English and Putonghua will be available on the day to lead visitors through the various performances and activities. Furthermore, attendees can redeem a limited-edition souvenir by collecting stamps at designated locations around the venue, while stocks last.
For the venues and times of the performances and activities for the Cantonese Opera Day 2026, please see the Annex. Online registration is required for certain activities, including workshops and talks. Registration will open at 10am on November 16 (Monday) (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html#tab_10_0). Each person may register for up to two activities, with a maximum of two spaces per activity. Admission to all programmes is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details of the activities, online registration arrangements and information on other supporting events, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html or call 2268 7325.
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026 is one of the programmes of the "Pass It On! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta!" series and the 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
