Media

The Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) proudly hosted “The Future of Hong Kong Education” Forum on December 13. As a signature event celebrating the Faculty’s 40th anniversary, the forum brought together educators, students, policymakers, and community members for insightful presentations and thought-provoking discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of education in Hong Kong.

The forum was graced by the presence of Dr Sze Chun Fai Jeff, Under Secretary for Education, Education Bureau of the HKSAR, and Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU. In Professor Zhang’s welcome remarks, he highlighted the Faculty’s distinguished history of delivering world-class education programmes and nurturing outstanding graduates in Hong Kong. He also underscored the importance of fostering innovation in education while upholding the spirit of dedication in the world with rapid changes.

Dr Sze, in his opening address, commended the Faculty for its remarkable contributions to advancing education in Hong Kong over the past four decades. As an alumnus of the Faculty’s postgraduate diploma in education programme, Dr Sze expressed his gratitude to all the faculty and staff members for their contribution to education. He also emphasised teachers’ role in shaping our students’ future. “A high-calibre teaching force is pivotal in fostering high-quality educational development, and we must establish a professional teaching force endowed with both virtues and capabilities. It is instrumental for our teacher education institutions to provide world-class programmes that enable teachers to blend professionalism with a commitment to values and the nurturing of people,” said Dr Sze.

The first presentation “Future of Hong Kong Education: Personal Reflections” was delivered by Professor Lee Chi Kin John, President and Chair Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at The Education University of Hong Kong. Professor Lee shared thoughtful reflections on the evolving educational landscape. He emphasised the needs to enhance curricula in alignment with social development and to nurture students with strong virtues. The key is to achieve quality education that not only meets academic standards but also contributes to development across diverse sectors, leading to a more sustainable and thriving future for all.

The second presentation “Evidence-Based Reform in Education: Transforming Educational Practice and Research” was delivered by Professor Cheung Chi Keung Alan, Chair and Professor of the Department of Educational Administration and Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He stated that the integration of technology and innovative pedagogies would further amplify the importance of evidence-based practices in the future of education in Hong Kong, ensuring that educational reforms remain effective and adaptable to the needs of diverse learners.

The last presentation, entitled “Addressing the Is-Ought Gap in Hong Kong Education”, was delivered by Professor Yang Rui, Dean of Education at HKU, who addressed the critical disparity between the current state of education in Hong Kong and the ideal vision for its future. He called for the construction of a new form of education in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of value-based education and the need to integrate both Eastern and Western values in nurturing students.

The forum concluded with a dynamic discussion moderated by Professor Cheng Kai Ming, Emeritus Professor of the Faculty. The speakers engaged in a lively exchange of ideas, emphasising that despite rapid technological advancements, the core values of education remain fundamental and irreplaceable. Educators should remain rooted in human values while thoughtfully integrating innovative technologies to address the evolving needs of the next generation.

This forum offered a unique platform for fostering meaningful dialogues, which also demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Faculty of Education at HKU to driving educational innovation and excellence in Hong Kong and beyond.

About the 40th Anniversary Celebration
Established in 1984, the Faculty of Education at HKU is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. With the theme “Touching Hearts, Inspiring Minds”, the Faculty commemorates this significant milestone with a series of events and initiatives, including Distinguished Lectures, Anniversary Seminar Series, Education Forum, Celebration Dinner, and more. For details about the anniversary celebration, please visit: https://web.edu.hku.hk/ruby-jubilee-celebration.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Kelly Shum, Executive Officer (Communications), Faculty of Education, HKU (Tel: 3917 8239 / Email: kellyks@hku.hk).