Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The full launch ceremony of Air-Land Fresh Lane, hosted by Hong Kong Customs and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), was held today (September 26) at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The ceremony was officiated by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; the Chief Executive Officer of the AAHK, Mrs Vivian Cheung; Party Committee Member of Gongbei Customs District and Director General of the Zhongshan Customs District, Mr Wang Baoren; the Deputy Director-General of the Police Liaison Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Ms Meng Xiaoyuan; Legislative Council Member (Transport Functional Constituency) Mr Frankie Yick; and the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng.

The Air-Land Fresh Lane, jointly launched by the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments, aims to utilise the strengths of Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to facilitate overseas fresh products imported into the Mainland while empowering high-quality fresh products from the Mainland to go global by adopting a new regulatory model to streamline customs clearance for fresh products. This leverages Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to promote economic and trade developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Since April this year, the Air-Land Fresh Lane has commenced its trial operations by phases; air-to-land consignments of fruits, chilled and live seafood originating from different parts of the world were smoothly imported into Zhuhai via Hong Kong through this “green channel”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the successful implementation of the Air-Land Fresh Lane was attributed to the concerted efforts and co-operation of the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong. By overcoming difficulties and removing barriers one by one, relevant regulations were able to be aligned between the two sides and have clearance procedures simplified, including securing the support from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to set up a designated inspection site at the HZMB Zhuhai Port with advanced temperature-controlled facilities, adopting a new mindset and advanced technology to streamline the clearance of fresh food transshipment, and gaining the support from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to exempt the air-to-land food transshipment under this scheme from the food importer registration requirement. With these measures, the scheme will not only help the industry lower the operating cost but also enhance the overall efficiency, making it become a key bridge connecting the Mainland with global markets and fostering Hong Kong’s role as an international logistics hub. Mr Chan also stressed that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote and deepen high-level collaboration with the Mainland across different areas, thereby contributing to the developments of the GBA and the country.

Nearly 200 guests attended the launching ceremony, including representatives of Gongbei Customs, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Commerce, officials of the HKSAR Government, a Legislative Council Member, representatives of the AAHK, foreign consuls, and representatives from logistics associations, logistics and fresh food trade sectors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (September 26) began her visit to Seoul, Republic of Korea, and kicked off a series of exciting programmes of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul (HK Week@Seoul).
 
     In the morning, Miss Law attended a mega event promotion session and luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. She highlighted numerous Hong Kong’s annual mega events to more than a hundred media, tourism and aviation industry representatives and social media influencers, particularly the enhanced version of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. The event will take place from October 23 to 26 at the Central Harbourfront, bringing together top-notch wine and cuisine from around the globe and attracting gourmets and wine lovers worldwide. In November and December, Hong Kong Cyclothon and Hong Kong WinterFest will also be held.
 
     Afterwards, Miss Law paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea, Mr Dai Bing. During the meeting, she reported the recent work of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau and outlined plans on fostering exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and Korea. Mr Dai also shared his insights into cultural and tourism collaboration between China and Korea, highlighting potential opportunities for co-operation between the two places.
 
     In the afternoon, Miss Law visited the travelling exhibition “Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now” at the Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul. Co-organised by M+ and Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul, the exhibition is a comprehensive overview of the important trajectories in Lee’s practice from the late 1990s to the present, bringing together approximately 150 works. These works highlight Lee’s sustained investigation into utopian modernity, the relationship between people and technology, and humanity’s aspirations and failures in its enduring pursuit of perfection and progress.
 
     Miss Law also met with the Deputy Minister for Public Communication, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea, Mr Yu Byung-cha. Miss Law said that as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, Hong Kong is committed to develop cultural infrastructure and establish international platforms to facilitate cultural exchange. She hopes to foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Korea, and enhance co-operation opportunities in different fields. Both sides recognised that Hong Kong and Korea enjoy close and vibrant cultural connections spanning the fields of arts, pop culture, film, fashion and design, among others.
 
     In the evening, Miss Law attended the opening programme of HK Week@Seoul, “Romeo + Juliet”. Performed by the Hong Kong Ballet, the dance drama is choreographer Septime Webre’s reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s classic love story set in 1960s Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s East-meets-West artistic style.
 
     HK Week@Seoul brings together a number of Hong Kong’s top cultural and artistic talents, featuring performances by major performing arts groups that showcase the city’s excellence in stage production. The festival also includes three visual arts exhibitions, highlighting a selection of Wu Guanzhong’s paintings from the Hong Kong Museum of Art, alongside showcases themed around comics and fashion design. In addition, a series of popular Hong Kong films will be screened, allowing the audience to appreciate Hong Kong’s diverse and vibrant arts from multiple perspectives.
 
     Miss Law will continue her visit in Seoul tomorrow (September 27).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department (FSD) mounted a territory-wide special operation targeting illicit fuel activities over the past two weeks with an aim to cut off the sources and supply chains of illicit motor spirits and tackling the illicit fuel activities in the downtown area. During the operation, Customs officers detected four related cases, with approximately 5 900 litres of illicit motor spirit and five vehicles seized with an estimated market value over $1.4 million. Six persons were arrested.
 
On September 15 and 16, Customs detected two cases of smuggling of illicit fuel using cross-boundary lorries with altered fuel tanks to smuggle motor spirit into Hong Kong through the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and the Lok Ma Chau Control Point respectively. Suspected altered structures were found in tractors of two cross-boundary lorries. Approximately 2 715 litres of unmanifested motor spirit were seized with arrest of two male drivers aged 41 and 61. The two tractors of the lorries were also detained.
 
In addition, during the operation in downtown on September 17, Customs officers cracked down on a mobile illicit fueling station in a public car park in Tai Wai with 735 litres of illicit motor spirit and a batch of fueling equipment seized. A 31-year-old woman, believed to be the operator of the illegal fueling station, and a 44-year-old man who was coming for fueling, were arrested. Two private vehicles involved in the case were also detained. Moreover, Customs officers today (September 26) intercepted a suspicious lorry tractor parked at To Yuen Wai, Tuen Mun, with a hose connected from the vehicle into a nearby tin-sheet structure. Upon inspection, officers discovered the hose was linked to an oil tank inside the premises. Investigation revealed that the site was an illicit fuel storage and illicit fueling station. Approximately 2 450 litres of illicit motor spirit and a batch of fueling equipment were seized. A 48-year-old woman, believed to be the operator of the illegal fueling station, and a 58-year-old male lorry driver were arrested. The lorry tractor was also detained.
 
The six arrestees are suspected of smuggling, dealing with or buying illicit fuel which violated various ordinance including the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Investigations are ongoing.
 
Hong Kong Customs will continue to collaborate with the FSD in combating illicit fuel activities. Customs reminds cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers not to engage in any smuggling activities. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any vehicle found to have the fittings, fabric or structure being altered and used for smuggling purposes may be subject to forfeiture. Members of the public are also urged not to patronise illegal fueling stations. The use of illicit fuel is a criminal offence, and vehicles involved may be liable to confiscation.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
In addition, under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public are urged to report suspected illegal fuel activities via the Customs’ 24-hour hotline by 182 8080 or the FSD’s 24-hour hotline by 2723 8787.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Kowloon East Region of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (September 26) conducted the inter-departmental tabletop exercise for the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), codenamed “PLACIDSEA II”, at the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters.

The exercise was set against the backdrop of upcoming Track Cycling competitions at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O, simulating various scenarios that may occur at the Velodrome during the Games, including venue security screening, crowd control, traffic coordination and emergency response. Through scenario-based discussions, participating representatives enhanced inter-departmental and multi-agency coordination to ensure that the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG can be run safely and smoothly.

The exercise aims to strengthen collaboration and emergency response capabilities among government bureau, departments and relevant organisations during the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG. It was designed with reference to the standards established by the General Administration of Sport of China and the potential challenges of the Games, in preparation for the Track Cycling events to be held at the Hong Kong Velodrome.

Supported by 12 government bureau, departments and relevant organisations, over 120 representatives participated in the exercise, including representatives from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and its National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Hospital Authority, the Digital Policy Office, the Transport Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, MTR Corporation, and Qianxin International Limited.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul in Seoul today (September 26):
 
Deputy Minister Yu (Deputy Minister for Public Communication, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea, Mr Yu Byung-cha), Chief Executive Mr Park (Chief Executive Officer of National Theater of Korea, Mr Park In-gun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good evening, Annyeonghaseyo (Korean: Hello). Welcome to the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul. I am absolutely delighted to be here with you to share and experience the unique cultural glamour of Hong Kong, right here in the heart of Seoul.
 
Throughout my career – from transport to tourism, sports and culture – my focus has always been on connecting people. I have always believed that the most empowering journeys are not just about physical experiences, but about the sentimental, transcendent memories we create. This evening, we gather at this beautiful destination to do just that, to foster shared cultural aspirations that will become our lasting memories.
 
Visiting Seoul feels familiar; I sense a kindred spirit in this dynamic metropolis. Our two cities share a common rhythm – a passion for creativity, reinvention, and for telling stories that move us. Whether it is a K-drama that tugs at your heartstrings or a Hong Kong film that lingers in your memory long after the credits roll, our two cities know how to create stories that resonate far beyond our borders.
 
Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation in 2004, Seoul and Hong Kong have built more than partnership; we have developed a deep friendship. Many of you here have brought immense joy to Hong Kong through the “Festive Korea” events each autumn. Now, it is our genuine pleasure to return that warmth with Hong Kong Week in Seoul.
 
Hong Kong Week in Seoul is more than a simple showcase; it is an invitation for all of us to experience Hong Kong in full dimension. Through the horizontal lens of dance, music, film, fashion, visual arts and comics, and the vertical depth of our pop culture, contemporary creations, and shared nostalgia, we offer you a vibrant portrait of our city.
 
Cantopop ballads and the golden age of Hong Kong cinema have profoundly influenced my own life. I know firsthand how culture lives in and shapes the human heart. That is why I am so excited for you to experience it all: the elegance of our orchestras, the energy of our dancers, our cinematic classics, and the neon-soaked soundscapes of our city.
 
Today’s opening performance by the Hong Kong Ballet exemplifies this spirit. They will present a reimagined Romeo and Juliet in 1960s Hong Kong, blending classical ballet with the fluid power of kung fu. It is bold, poetic, and unmistakably Hong Kong. Our unique strength lies in our deep-rooted, East-meets-West culture.
 
Throughout the festival, you will see this fusion brought to life by our incredible arts groups – from the Hong Kong Dance Company and City Contemporary Dance Company to the Labora Terry Arts. You will hear it in the music of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Asian Modern Symphony Orchestra. And you will feel it in the creative sparks flying between students from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Sungkyunkwan University.
 
For film and visual arts lovers, we offer a vibrant mix, from Chinese paintings and comics to a cinematic tribute under the stars at ImagineLand@Seoul. You will be treated to iconic soundtracks from both Hong Kong films and K-dramas, culminating in the screening of An Autumn’s Tale, a timeless classic that is still touching the soft parts of the audience’s hearts in the best way. And with extension activities such as post-screening talk, we hope to give you a deeper understanding of Hong Kong cinema.
 
But we are going beyond the screen. We are bringing Hong Kong film and fashion together in the Local Power exhibition and fashion show. We invite you to let your imagination take flight on a creative journey that fuses AI technology with pop music of Hong Kong and Korea, featuring designs from Hong Kong, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Korean designers – showcasing the innovation and unique style of Asia’s new generation. 
 
Speaking of storytelling, I must mention our Hong Kong Comics and Culture Exhibition. We will showcase works from different eras, featuring classic Hong Kong comic characters and crossover projects that blend media formats, displaying the martial arts theme and distinctive humour that define Hong Kong comics.
 
Beyond the stages and screens, I hope this festival inspires you to see Hong Kong for yourself. I hope you will come to walk through our distinct districts, sip Hong Kong-style milk tea in a cha chaan teng, and take in our skyline from the Star Ferry. Our culture lives not just in theatres, but in our streets, our food, our people and even in our newest Kai Tak Sports Park, the Main Stadium of which can host 50 000 spectators under a retractable roof.
 
Before I close, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, and to every partner and artist for your support and contribution. Without you, this vision could not have become a reality.
 
I wish Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul a resounding success. Now, let us enjoy this evening together, and celebrate the bridges we are building – between our cities, between our cultures, and between our hearts.
 
Kamsahamnida (Korean: Thank you). Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week 2025@Seoul (HK Week@Seoul) was held today (September 26) at the National Theater of Korea (NTOK) in Seoul. The grand opening programme “Romeo + Juliet”, performed by the Hong Kong Ballet, set the Shakespeare’s classic love story in the backdrop of Hong Kong in the 1960s, presenting Hong Kong’s East-meets-West artistic style. It was well received by the local audience.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, addressed the opening ceremony in a video message. He said that Hong Kong and Korea have flourished through their competence and proficiency in embracing cultural heritage while driving the transformative capability of different arts forms. He also said that HK Week@Seoul transcends an artistic showcase and will bring every participant on a fulfilling arts and cultural journey filled with fascinating Hong Kong and Korean elements, as well as an integration of the two vibrant cities. He expected HK Week@Seoul to further foster Hong Kong’s collaborations with Seoul and Korea in arts and culture, business, technology, finance and more.
 
     Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that HK Week@Seoul is an invitation to experience Hong Kong in full dimension through dance, music, film, fashion, visual arts and comics, as well as pop culture, and shared nostalgia. She said she hoped that HK Week@Seoul would attract Korean audiences to visit Hong Kong for its culture that lives in the city’s streets, food and people.
 
     Other officiating guests attending the opening ceremony included the Deputy Minister for Public Communication at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, Mr Yu Byung-chae; the Chief Executive Officer of the NTOK, Mr Park In-gun; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au; and the Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet, Mr Septime Webre.
 
     HK Week@Seoul will bring 14 programmes covering over 65 performances and activities at major performing arts venues in Seoul from today to October 25. Highlights include dance items “A Dance of Celestial Rhythms”, “Mr Blank 2.0”, “Travel of the Soul: Echoes after Time”, and “CollabAsia”. Music programmes feature “Yan Huichang & Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra”, “Lio Kuokman, Yekwon Sunwoo & Hong Kong Philharmonic”, and “HKADC x BAC: Asian Modern Symphony Orchestra with Wilson Ng”. Pop culture events include ImagineLand@Seoul with an outdoor concert and screening of “An Autumn’s Tale” (1987). “‘Movies-to-GO’ – Border Crossings in Hong Kong Cinema – Korea” and “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” explore Hong Kong cinema. There are also “Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship Overseas Exhibition Series: Wu Guanzhong: Between Black and White”, “Hong Kong Comics and Culture Exhibition”, and “LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul”.
 
     Detailed programme information is available at www.hongkongweek.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the Routes World 2025 Host Party today (September 26):

Chairman Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Chairman Fred (Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam), Steven (Managing Director of Routes, Mr Steven Small), Michael (Executive Vice President – Commercial Development of Informa Markets, Mr Michael Duck), Vivian (Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung), ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome you all to Hong Kong! I am so glad that we are able to change the welcoming reception to a farewell reception. Otherwise, I will not be able to see all of you and participate in this memorable event. Thank you again, Vivian.

I think most of you have had a very enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, despite some disruption brought by the super typhoon. But on the other hand, I am sure you have had a taste of our famous subtropical cyclone. You can also get a glimpse of the city’s super efficiency and resilience in getting back to normal, including our beloved International Airport. I can share with you a few tips on how we can get back to normal after a severe typhoon. 

With advanced preparations and the concerted efforts of different Government departments and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, we made different precautionary measures and advanced preparations. As far as the airport is concerned, we had devised a lot of contingency plans to ensure a sustainable and continual operation of the International Airport. Although we had to make a few adjustments to the incoming and outgoing flights, passenger safety is of utmost importance. On the other hand, for this round of severe weather, Vivian and her team had put in little gimmicks like dishing out some popcorns; candies; some goodies including blankets, water, to let our passengers, who might have to stay in the airport for a little while, feel the warmth and comfort that Hong Kong gives them. 

Back to the Routes World 2025 today, which is the theme of this event, I am very thankful for the adaptiveness and also efficiency in making all sorts of adjustments to the arrangements, making the event a great success. With such a large crowd of guests and participants standing in front of me today, it reminds me of a part of our Chinese history. A great Chinese Admiral Zheng He (鄭和), who was well-known of his voyage, travelled to the modern-day Kenya, transforming all his routes into a vast network expansion which also facilitated the exchange of ideas. In many ways, I think all of you are making history today like he did. You are connecting and the event has brought together more than 2 500 participants from all over the world in renowned aviation industry to Hong Kong.

I know that over the past two days, there have been more than 9 000 meetings going round throughout the event, mapping out some new routes, fostering new friendships and new partnerships with different partners around the globe. In a way, we are making history, and we are shaping a new future for not only our skies, we also shape a new future for our economies and communities. Hong Kong is very ready and has prepared to welcome international conferences and events like Routes World. In fact, we look forward to having more of this kind of events in Hong Kong, to showcase our role as a world-class hub, not only for aviation, but also for innovation, idea exchange and collaboration. 

Looking ahead, I would like to announce two things in which we can create new growth for aviation development in Hong Kong. First of all, the Hong Kong Government will lead the Airport Authority in developing negotiations and discussions with our major aviation partners, to bring together some new air services agreements. On the other hand, I know that the Airport Authority, with Fred and Vivian’s leadership, has been putting in place a very visionary and energetic outreach team to discuss different business potentials for new airlines coming to Hong Kong. Secondly, I would like to tell you that today the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has just announced the creation and establishment of a new advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub. With this terminology, you can see the importance Hong Kong Government is attaching to develop Hong Kong into not just a normal aviation hub, but an international aviation superhub. With all of you here today assembling, I hope that we can work together to establish new alliance, to foster new relationships and overcome the various challenges posed by the changes in the global landscape, supply chain disruptions or airspace restrictions. 

Apart from all this business routine, I would like to appeal to you to take a bit of your time this evening, and take a look at the environment surrounding you today. We are here in this magnificent M+ venue, where history and modernity converge. I am very grateful for the organiser, Informa Markets and also the Airport Authority Hong Kong, for making this event so memorable, and making this farewell event happened. Please don’t forget to take your time to look at the magnificent Hong Kong skyline, in which the sky tonight is extremely clear, perhaps because the severe storm has just passed. No matter what storms are ahead of us, we will eventually see a clear blue sky. Thank you very much for attending this farewell event, and I hope you are having an enjoyable evening. Once again, welcome you all to Hong Kong!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police today conducted an inter-departmental tabletop exercise, codenamed “PLACIDSEA II”, for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

The exercise was set against the backdrop of upcoming Track Cycling competitions at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O, simulating various scenarios that may occur there during the Games, including venue security screening, crowd control, traffic co-ordination and emergency response.

Through scenario-based discussions, participating representatives enhanced inter-departmental and multi-agency co-ordination to ensure the Games run safely and smoothly.

It was designed with reference to the standards established by the General Administration of Sport of China and the potential challenges of the Games, in preparation for the Track Cycling events to be held at the velodrome.

Supported by 12 bureaus and departments and relevant organisations, over 120 representatives took part, including those from the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and its National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Fire Services Department, Civil Aid Service, Auxiliary Medical Service, Hospital Authority, Digital Policy Office, Transport Department, Leisure & Cultural Services Department and MTR Corporation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today paid tribute to about 1,600 teachers for wholeheartedly nurturing talent at the Salute to Teachers 2025 – Teachers’ Day Ceremony.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Respect Our Teachers Campaign.

Speaking at the event, the education chief expressed gratitude that the campaign not only united various sectors of society in their support for teachers but also promoted the tradition of respecting teachers and education in Chinese culture, instilling positive energy into Hong Kong’s education.

Noting that a conscientious teaching force is the key to the success of education, Ms Choi said the city’s leading position in global competitiveness reflects the innovative vitality of its economy and highlights the quality development of the education system and the professional leadership of the teaching force.

She also pointed out that the Education Bureau is committed to building a team of high-quality teachers and strongly supporting both teachers and principals in enhancing their professionalism.

Secondary and primary schools, kindergartens and special schools each nominate two teachers under the scheme, with over 39,500 teachers having been commended in previous years.