Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin led the "18th National Day & Professional Exchange Delegation from Hong Kong Education Sector" in visiting a state leader and Ministry of Education officials in Beijing.

Ms Choi and the delegates were received by Vice-Chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Tie Ning at the Great Hall of the People this afternoon. They also met and exchanged views with officials from the ministry.

Ms Choi remarked that this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

She said it was highly significant for Hong Kong's education sector to visit Beijing ahead of National Day, on October 1, and to celebrate the motherland's birthday and experience a jubilant festive atmosphere with people in the capital.

Ms Choi highlighted that last week the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced its First Five-Year Plan, which aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. She outlined that the Hong Kong's education sector faces multiple tasks, including digital education, talent cultivation and the integration of industry and education.

She said: “The delegation enabled teachers to gain insight into the latest education developments of the country and share experiences with Chinese Mainland teachers in areas such as operation models, curricula and teaching arrangements of schools at all levels.

“It not only broadened their horizons but also fostered exchanges between the education sectors of both places, providing important references for the future development of Hong Kong's education and laying a foundation for deeper collaboration.” 

Ms Choi and the delegation subsequently attended a banquet hosted by the Ministry of Education, where they engaged in in-depth discussions regarding professional connections and mutual learning between the education sectors of the two places.

Ms Choi and the delegation members will conclude their visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow.