Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin yesterday discussed global trends in education with representatives from other nations and regions at the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Ms Choi was joined in attending the summit, themed “Quality Education: The Key to Prosperity & Well-being”, by a delegation of Hong Kong principals and educationalists.
In her address at a session on kindergarten education, she outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Government’s Kindergarten Education Scheme, introduced in the 2017-18 school year, provides quality and affordable kindergarten education that meets the diverse needs of students.
She highlighted that at present, about 90% of the half-day programmes offered by kindergartens under the scheme are free of charge, while fees for whole-day programmes are maintained at a low level.
She added that the scheme enhances kindergarten education through upgrading teachers’ professional qualifications and supporting their continuous professional development, improving the teacher-student ratio, and more.
During the summit, Ms Choi also met South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training & Skills Blair Boyer, to explore ways of promoting educational exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia.
Ms Choi briefed Mr Boyer on the various government measures to achieve a highly internationalised higher education sector in Hong Kong, and discussed issues of mutual concern with him.
The summit was co-organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, Education International, Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children, and the Icelandic Teachers’ Union.
Education ministers, teaching leaders and educationalists from around the world gathered at the event to discuss promoting quality early childhood education, inclusive and supportive learning environments, and a child-centred education system.
On Monday, Ms Choi attended a seminar at the summit exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence in education.
She met Permanent Secretary in Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children Erna Kristín Blondal to discuss educational collaboration between Hong Kong and Iceland and the latest developments in vocational and professional education and training.
She also visited a local primary school and paid a courtesy call on Chinese Ambassador to Iceland He Rulong.
Ms Choi will today depart from Iceland on a scheduled visit to Delhi, India.
