Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today attended the 7th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Education Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Jeju, South Korea. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Bridging Educational Gaps & Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation”.

Ms Choi exchanged views with education ministers from other APEC economies and spoke about the advantages of Hong Kong’s education system.

Speaking at a thematic session, “AI ‧ Digital Transformation & Personalized Education Innovation”, she outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has established a “Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education”.

She added that the Education Bureau provides subsidies for students in need, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities in their access to e-learning. The bureau invests in e-learning platforms and has launched curricula on innovation and technology, including coding lessons for junior secondary and upper primary students to boost their digital literacy and skills.

The bureau is also endeavouring to enhance teachers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in teaching. In addition to running professional development programmes, it organises Mainland study tours and a large-scale learning and teaching expo to keep teachers abreast of the latest developments in e-learning and the application of AI to teaching.

Ms Choi also mentioned that the bureau has launched a Digital Education Centre of Excellence Scheme for schools to share e-learning practices.

At another thematic session, on “Educational Cooperation & Expanding Access to Opportunities”, Ms Choi stressed that Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international post-secondary education hub and a cradle for talent. She mentioned that five publicly funded universities in Hong Kong rank among the world's top 100.

Speaking at a third thematic session, “Strengthening Quality Education & Sustainable Economic Growth”, Ms Choi said that Hong Kong’s education system provides all students with high-quality education, thereby fostering social mobility.

She emphasised that the bureau encourages schools to adopt a “whole school approach” in supporting students with special educational needs, and provides schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training to promote an inclusive learning environment.

At the closing of the AEMM, participating ministers issued a joint declaration recognising the importance of education in addressing global challenges such as bridging digital divides. They also underlined the need to enhance the digital and AI competencies of educators, and called for collaborative efforts to promote appropriate integration of AI in education.

Yesterday, Ms Choi met South Korea’s Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho, as well as education ministers from other APEC economies, to discuss various aspects of education policies.

She also delivered a speech at the APEC Global Education Reform Conference, briefing attendees on Hong Kong’s practical experience in information technology education and its development as an international post-secondary education hub.

Moreover, she met South Korea’s Vice Minister of Education Oh Seok-hwan to discuss strengthening education collaboration between South Korea and Hong Kong.