DSE plan to be decided in April

February 28, 2022

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung:

At this stage, we are still thinking that we should be able to have the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination start on April 22.

It is not a simple calculation of all the factors. We have to consider the impact of different factors as well as the need of the students to apply for universities both in Hong Kong and overseas. So there are a range of factors that we have to consider. But we will, of course, monitor the situation in the coming one or two months and make the final decision in early April.

On whether the students have to be confirmed (COVID-19) negative before they could take the exam, we have already provided additional funding for the HKEAA (Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority) to acquire some rapid antigen tests (kits) so that the students or the candidates could have a test every day before they go to (take) the exam.

If there are any confirmed cases, of course, the candidate should not go to take the exam because it will also endanger other students at the same (exam) centre.

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said the target of having the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination start on April 22 remains unchanged but the final decision will be made in early April.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Yeung stressed that the Education Bureau has to take a range of factors into account when making such a decision.

“At this stage, we are still thinking that we should be able to have the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination start on April 22.

“It is not a simple calculation of all the factors. We have to consider the impact of different factors as well as the need of the students to apply for universities both in Hong Kong and overseas. So there are a range of factors that we have to consider. But we will, of course, monitor the situation in the coming one or two months and make the final decision in early April.”

The education chief pointed out that there will be a backup plan and the exam may be postponed to May or June, depending on the epidemic situation by then.

Asked by the media if students must have valid proof of a negative COVID-19 test before taking the exam, Mr Yeung said the bureau has allocated $20 million in additional funding for the Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority to acquire rapid antigen test kits for candidates to undergo testing every day before they have to sit an exam.

“If there are any confirmed cases, of course, the candidate should not go to take the exam because it will also endanger other students at the same exam centre.”

The Education Bureau also announced that it will disburse a one-off Special Anti-epidemic Grant to all primary schools, secondary schools and kindergartens to help them cope with the epidemic and get prepared for the resumption of face-to-face classes.

The total expenditure involved is more than $62 million. Depending on categories and scales, schools will receive a grant from $15,000 to $37,500 while boarding sections of special schools will receive $45,000 to $75,000.