Decision No. 8 of Taiwan-Paraguay ECA Enters into Force

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Decision No. 8 of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Paraguay formally entered into force on July 5, 2025.

This decision grants tariff concessions on 17 products and reduces tariffs on two additional items. One of the items, namely natural honey, will have its tariff reduced in three stages, to 30% in the first year, 25% in the second year, and 20% in the third year. The tariff on rice crackers will be reduced to 10%. The products on which tariffs will be eliminated include two swine items, one prepared or preserved offal item of bovine, and other industrial or consumer products, such as wheat flour, industrial ethyl alcohol, plastic bottles, various clothing items, etc.

Both sides look forward to the benefits and business opportunities the new tariff reductions will bring to bilateral trade. More details about Decision No. 8 are available at the following website: https://fta.trade.gov.tw/

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and suspected cannabis oil at airport (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (July 4) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11.2 kg of suspected cannabis buds and 50 sticks of vapes containing suspected cannabis oil with a total estimated market value of about $2.4 million.
 
The case involved a 38-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds and vapes containing suspected cannabis oil in his two check-in suitcases. The man was subsequently arrested.
 
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 5).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

  

HKSAR Government spokesman: statement on HKNSL by former Court of Final Appeal non-permanent judge Brenda Hale far from truth

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (July 4) said that the statement made by the former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), Brenda Hale, on the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the rule of law and independent judicial power in Hong Kong is far from the truth, particularly her assertion that the so-called “the National Security Law has taken over the Basic Law” is absolutely incorrect and contrary to the facts.

Brenda Hale was appointed as a non-permanent judge of the CFA in 2018 but has never been involved in the hearing of any cases. She indicated to the Judiciary in June 2021 that, for personal reasons, she would not wish to have her appointment extended for another term upon the expiry of her then appointment, which differs from her current statement.

The HKSAR Government spokesman said that any claims that the HKNSL overrides the Basic Law are incorrect. Article 1 of the HKNSL clearly states that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) enacts the HKNSL in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Decision of the National People’s Congress on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. The HKNSL was promulgated and implemented in the HKSAR on June 30, 2020, which has addressed the shortcomings and plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security of the HKSAR. The HKNSL and other laws in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law in accordance with the law.

The judicial system of the HKSAR is protected by the Basic Law. According to Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication; the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. All judges and judicial officers abide by the Judicial Oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. When adjudicating cases of offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. The implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven that the courts have handled all the cases involving the HKNSL strictly in accordance with the above principles.

The authority of the NPCSC to interpret the Basic Law and national laws that apply in the HKSAR is a fundamental aspect of the “one country, two systems” principle and has long been recognised in the jurisprudence of the HKSAR. It is therefore entirely in line with the “one country, two systems” principle that the general power to interpret the HKNSL being a piece of national law, as stipulated in Article 65 thereof, is also vested in the NPCSC. The interpretation given by the NPCSC on Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL in December 2022 does not and did not directly deal with any specific judicial proceedings or cases. Rather, it clarifies the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the HKNSL. It does not in any way impair the independent judicial power and the power of final adjudication of the HKSAR courts as guaranteed by the Basic Law. It is for the HKSAR to resolve specific cases and issues by itself. 
 
The long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas appointed or reappointed as non-permanent judges of the CFA participating in hearings of the Court, as well as after the enactment of the HKNSL, has been conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong. There are currently six non-permanent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand in the CFA.

EDB’s first Digital Education Week launches International Summit on Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Digital Education Week 2025 (DEW) is a landmark event promoting the development of digital education by the Education Bureau (EDB). A flagship event of the first DEW, the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT), was officially launched today (July 4). The AIinLT is co-organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of English and Communication and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), providing a valuable and practical platform for teachers, researchers, and others in the education sector to learn and share insights regarding the use of AI in their respective fields of education.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that the country placed great importance on advancing digital education. The EDB also implements digital education through four major focus areas, namely:

1. enhancing students’ digital literacy and skills to prepare them as responsible citizens and lifelong learners;
2. strengthening professional training in digital education for teachers and encouraging schools to leverage innovative technologies;
3. optimising digital education infrastructure and fostering personalized learning; and
4. expanding cross-border and international collaboration to enhance synergy and promote high-quality digital education development.

Dr Choi also called for collaboration among all stakeholders – including the Government, educational institutions, educators, and the community – to optimise resources, share best practices, and maximise the impact of digital education. She also emphasised the irreplaceable role of human connections in learning, encouraging attendees to harness AI wisely to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a smarter, more connected world of learning.

At the ceremony, the Chairperson of SCOLAR, Dr Anissa Chan, said that SCOLAR is committed to embracing technological advancements in language education. She noted that this commitment was what inspired SCOLAR to organise, finance and host the AIinLT, which is one of the first international events in Hong Kong focusing on the use of AI in education. The AIinLT serves as a collaborative platform for innovation and exploration.

Dr Chan also spoke on the transformative potential of AI in personalising learning and enhancing language acquisition. She stressed the importance of guiding technological development through effective strategies, ethical considerations, and a learner-centred approach. She encouraged participants to shape the future of smart language learning, ensuring that AI serves as an enabler in education rather than a replacement for human interaction.

In his welcome remarks, the President of PolyU, Professor Teng Jinguang, echoed Dr Choi and said that the city of Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in AI-powered education and technology-driven learning, given its world-class education system, renowned universities, and its development into an international innovation and technology centre and international hub for post-secondary education.  

He added that PolyU has been promoting the development of AI in education. PolyU was a forerunner university to introduce compulsory AI education for undergraduates back in 2022, and established this year the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence as well as the Language Education Institute. All these efforts underscore PolyU’s far-sightedness and leadership in AI-empowered education and research. He expects that this event will spark meaningful ideas and collaborations that will help reshape AI in education in Hong Kong.

In his address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Education City, Mr Armstrong Lee, emphasised EdCity’s unwavering commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration aimed at establishing a robust AI education ecosystem that propels the advancement of digital education. To expedite the digital transformation of educational practices, EdCity is developing the “EdMarket,” an innovative super-shelf for electronic teaching tools. This platform will feature a diverse array of high-quality global educational resources, including pioneering AI teaching tools designed to enrich and inspire transformative teaching and learning methodologies.

The AIinLT is taking place at PolyU for four consecutive days starting from today. The AIinLT on the first two days feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion, paper presentations, and teaching demonstrations. The following two days will include a post-summit workshop series covering a wide range of topics, along with a technology showcase where leading EdTech providers will demonstrate the latest AI hardware and software solutions, offering educators firsthand exposure to cutting edge-innovations. For details of the AIinLT, please visit the event website (events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt/home).

              

Public transport services to be enhanced amid ferry service adjustments on July 7

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (July 4) reminded the public that, in view of special marine transport measures next Monday (July 7) morning, ferry services will be adjusted. It has steered operators to enhance relevant public transport services, including ferry, bus and the MTR Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line services. Operators will also provide free special outlying island ferry services (a total of four round trips) to ease the passenger flow. Members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, should plan their journeys early and allow sufficient time for commuting.

(1) Outlying island ferry service adjustments

     From about 10am to noon on that day, at most two sailings for each bound of each of a total of nine outlying island ferry service routes will be suspended gradually. Service details in the periods concerned are as follows:
 

  • Central – Cheung Chau

From Cheung Chau: An additional fast ferry sailing at 9.15am, sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am
From Central: Sailing at 9.45am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.15am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am

  • Central – Mui Wo

From Mui Wo: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.40am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
From Central: Sailing at 9.50am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.30am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.50am

  • Central – Peng Chau

From Peng Chau: Sailing at 9.15am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
From Central: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

  • Central – Yung Shue Wan

From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.20am
From Central: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 10am, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon

  • Central – Sok Kwu Wan

From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 9.35am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.05am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.40pm
From Central: Sailing at 8.35am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.20am to be advanced to depart at 10am, service to resume normal at 11.50am

  • Aberdeen – Pak Kok Tsuen – Yung Shue Wan

From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.20am to remain unchanged, sailing at noon to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 2.20pm
From Aberdeen: Sailing at 8.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 1.45pm

  • Aberdeen – Sok Kwu Wan (via Mo Tat)

From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 8.45am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.45am
From Aberdeen: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.30pm

  • Ma Wan – Central

From Ma Wan: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon
From Central: Sailing at 10.10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

  • Central – Discovery Bay

From Discovery Bay or Central: Sailings at 9.10am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailings at 9.40am and 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 9.30am and 9.50am respectively, sailings at 10.40am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.40am

(2) Outlying island public transport services to be enhanced

Free of charge special outlying island ferry services

     On the morning of July 7, operators will provide the following free special ferry service routes between individual outlying island locations and Tsuen Wan West, comprising four round trips. Passengers can transfer to the MTR Tuen Ma Line or other road-based transport modes at Tsuen Wan West Station to other destinations:
 

  • Cheung Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Cheung Chau at 10.25am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.25am;
  • Peng Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Peng Chau at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.10am;
  • Yung Shue Wan – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Yung Shue Wan at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.20am; and
  • Discovery Bay – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Discovery Bay at 10.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.15am.

Bus services to be enhanced

     At the same time, operators will enhance bus services in Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay to ease the passenger flow, including:
 

  • Enhancing service between Mui Wo Pier and Tung Chung Station (New Lantao Bus route No. 3M);
  • Enhancing service between Ma Wan (Tung Wan Bus Terminus) and Tsing Yi Station (Residents’ Service route No. NR330);
  • Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay to Central Ferry Pier No. 3 at 10.30am;
  • Operating free bus service from Ma Wan to Central Ferry Pier No. 2 at 11am; and
  • Strengthening service between Discovery Bay/Discovery Bay North and Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R/DB03RP).

MTR services to be enhanced

     On the morning of July 7, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will arrange standby trains on Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line for taking passengers if needed. The MTRCL will also deploy additional staff to busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers.

     Details of the above outlying island ferry service adjustments and special public transport service arrangements are set out in the Annex.

(3) In-harbour ferries’ temporary service adjustments

     Of note, from around 10am to noon on July 7, subject to the actual situation, there may be temporary service adjustments up to around 30 minutes in nine in-harbour ferry routes, namely Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui, Central – Tsim Sha Tsui, North Point – Hung Hom, North Point – Kowloon City, Central – Hung Hom, North Point – Kwun Tong, Water Taxi, Sai Wan Ho – Kwun Tong and Sai Wan Ho – Sam Ka Tsuen. Members of the public are urged to pay heed to the latest traffic news and announcements through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile application and the ferry operators. The TD and operators will closely monitor the actual traffic situation at sea and, if practicable, resume normal services as soon as possible. Public transport services will be enhanced as needed to ease the passenger flow.

     The TD will continue to work with the Islands District Office, relevant District Services and Community Care Teams of Islands District as well as ferry and road-based public transport operators to enhance information dissemination through websites, mobile applications, notices at piers and onboard as well as district networks to inform passengers of the above arrangements.

     The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory including districts concerned.

Land and Development Advisory Committee holds meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

At its meeting today (July 4), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Government on the preliminary development proposal of sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, and the proposed scheme to be launched jointly by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Education Bureau (EDB) to encourage the market to convert commercial buildings into student hostels.
 
Members generally welcomed the Government’s proposal to transform the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas into a new harbourfront landmark through replanning, thereby enriching the public and tourists’ enjoyment of the Victoria Harbour. While agreeing that commercial elements such as retail and dining should be provided in the development, Members suggested that land use flexibility should be maximised to allow the future developer(s) to adjust the mix of different types of commercial use in the future having regard to the prevailing market environment. 
 
Members appreciated that the proposal would improve the pedestrian connectivity in both the north-south (from hinterland to waterfront) and east-west (between Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East) directions, but suggested further studies be conducted to explore further strengthening connectivity, say with other developed areas of Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East that were currently outside the scope of the study, and to incorporate innovative urban design elements. On the utilisation of water body, Members were in support of the idea of providing yacht berthing facilities at the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site to address the shortage of berths. Members also recommended the Government consider the need for formulating more facilitating measures to complement the development proposal to better promote yacht tourism and facilitate the development of the yacht industry, and to ensure that the general public would be able to enjoy the harborfront. 
 
The Government will take into account Members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period to be ended in early July when refining the proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The aim is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
 
On the Government’s proposal to streamline development control procedures to encourage conversion of commercial buildings into student hostels, Members welcomed the proposed facilitation measures to boost the supply of hostel accommodation to enable Hong Kong to better grasp opportunities ahead to reinforce its position as an international post-secondary education hub. These measures include expanding the definition of ‘Hotel’ use under the planning regime to cover eligible student hostels under the proposed scheme; and providing concessions for eligible student hostels converted from commercial buildings with regard to plot ratio, site coverage, and exempted gross floor area, etc. Members considered the proposed scheme timely and relevant, and would leverage market forces through streamlining development procedures to boost hostel supply in the short run on the one hand, and facilitating more effective use of the commercial building stock currently in the market on the other.
 
The Government will continue to brief the trade and stakeholders on the proposed scheme, which is expected to be rolled out in mid-July this year.
 
In addition, Members were briefed by the Lands Department on the latest measures to enhance transparency and provide more certainty with regard to the processing of applications for lease modifications, land exchange, private treaty grant and other land transactions. Members welcomed the Lands Department’s initiative to set out time targets for certain key steps in the processing of land transactions.

CFS continues to follow up on imported turkey bacon with possible contamination of Listeria monocytogene

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 4) said that subsequent to yesterday’s announcement that kinds of prepackaged turkey bacon originated from the United States (US) might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a follow-up investigation showed that an importer had imported one of the affected products. The CFS urged the public not to consume the product. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original
Place of origin: US
Pack size (Universal Product Code/Lot number) and use-by dates: 
(1) 12oz (071871548601/RS40), July 18 to August 2, 2025;
(2) 36oz (071871548748/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 23 to September 4, 2025; and
(3) 48oz (071871548793/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 18 to September 4, 2025

     “The CFS has been closely following up on the notice issued by United States Department of Agriculture indicating that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is being recalled. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up on the incident, and learnt during the follow-up investigation that an importer (Etak International Limited) had imported one of the concerned products (pack size: 12oz; use-by date: July 26, 2025).”

The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected product, and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2526 2371 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

     “Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman said.

“In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”

     The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

CE commends teachers for teaching excellence (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee:

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 4) officiated and presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) (2024/2025), while 12 teachers received the Certificate of Merit from the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

     At the ceremony, the Chairman of the CEATE Steering Committee, Mr Dieter Yih, commended the awarded teachers, who not only possess solid subject knowledge and outstanding teaching capabilities but also make good use of diverse learning and teaching strategies with the integration of innovative technologies and e-learning tools to successfully create an excellent learning environment and a highly interactive learning atmosphere. They inspire students to strive for progress and effectively enhance students’ self-learning capabilities. He also encouraged all the awarded teachers to uphold their professionalism, continue to pursue excellence and perfection, and nurture a new generation of youth who are committed, talented, ethical, and dedicated to the country and Hong Kong.

There were 239 nominations received from secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for the CEATE (2024/2025), covering themes of “Chinese Language Education Key Learning Area (KLA)”, “Mathematics Education KLA”, “Values Education”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Assessment of nominations for the themes and awards was based on distinct assessment criteria focusing on teachers’ professional performance in different domains. After assessment, five nominations (comprising 12 teachers) were presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence, along with four nominations (comprising 12 teachers) presented with the Certificate of Merit, two nominations (comprising two teachers) presented with the Award for Budding Teachers, and one nomination (comprising three teachers) presented with the Award for Education Innovation. Please visit the CEATE website (www.ate.gov.hk) for the list of the awarded teachers.
      
Other officiating guests at today’s ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms May Chan; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Professor Paul Lam; and the Chairman of the CEATE Assessment Working Group (2024/2025), Professor Lo Ming-tung.
      
Sharing activities involving the CEATE-awarded teachers are being rolled out gradually to disseminate excellent teaching practices. Details will be announced on the CEATE website and the EDB Training Calendar. 
      
The CEATE (2025/2026) will cover three themes and two awards, namely “Physical Education KLA”, “STEAM Education”, “Curriculum Leadership”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3. Related details will be uploaded to the CEATE website from July 7.

           

AI educational summit launched

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A flagship event of the first ​Digital Education Week, the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning & Teaching Languages & Other Subjects (AIinLT), was launched today.

The AIinLT is co-organised by the Education Bureau, the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research, Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of English & Communication and Hong Kong Education City, providing a valuable and practical platform for teachers, researchers, and others in the education sector to learn and share insights regarding the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in their respective fields of education.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that the country placed great importance on advancing digital education.

She noted that the bureau implements digital education through four major focus areas, including enhancing students’ digital literacy and skills; strengthening professional training in digital education for teachers; optimising digital education infrastructure; and expanding cross-boundary and international collaboration.

Ms Choi also called for collaboration among all stakeholders, such as the Government, educational institutions, educators, and the community, to optimise resources, share best practices, and maximise the impact of digital education.

She also emphasised the irreplaceable role of human connections in learning, encouraging attendees to harness AI wisely to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a smarter, more connected world of learning.

The AIinLT is taking place at PolyU for four consecutive days starting today. The first two days feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion, paper presentations and teaching demonstrations.

The following two days will include a post-summit workshop series covering a wide range of topics, along with a technology showcase where leading EdTech providers will demonstrate the latest AI hardware and software solutions, offering educators firsthand exposure to cutting edge-innovations.