Chief Executive John Lee today unveiled a series of measures in the Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong’s education system, ranging from the kindergarten to tertiary level.

The Government will step up efforts to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools, with more innovation and technology (I&T) learning elements for incorporation into the curriculum.

At least 75% of publicly‑funded schools should implement enriched coding education at the upper primary level and introduce I&T elements such as artificial intelligence in the junior secondary curriculum by the 2024-25 school year.

Starting from the current school year, all publicly‑funded primary and secondary schools have to designate co‑ordinators to holistically plan STEAM education within and beyond the classroom. From the next school year, these schools will be required to organise or arrange students to participate in quality STEAM activities every year.

Moreover, at least 75% of the publicly‑funded primary and secondary schools should arrange for their teachers to undergo professional STEAM training within two school years.

The Policy Address also sets a target of getting 35% of students in institutions funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) to study STEAM subjects and 60% of them to study subjects relevant to the “eight centres” in the 14th Five‑Year Plan.

To build a strong pool of talent for the city, the Government will gradually increase the number of UGC‑funded research postgraduate places from some 5,600 at present to 7,200 in the 2024-25 academic year.

As regards vocational and professional education, the number of subsidised places for self‑financing higher diploma and undergraduate programmes will be increased by 3,000 from the next academic year onwards and more applied degree programmes may also be introduced.

Mr Lee noted that the Government will enhance its approach to promoting national education within and beyond the classroom to strengthen students’ sense of national identity and raise their awareness to safeguard the country’s national security.

It will do this by providing support for teaching and learning, strengthening school-based management, organising relevant inter-school activities and enhancing home-school co-operation.

He outlined that a grant of $60 million has been earmarked for kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme to organise activities for students to learn Chinese culture from an early age.

Noting that teachers are responsible for fostering positive values and a sense of national identity among students, Mr Lee said that management of the teaching force will be stepped up on various fronts.

For this purpose, the Education Bureau will extend the coverage of the Basic Law Test requirement, promulgate guidelines on professional conduct and require new teachers in publicly‑funded schools to participate in Mainland study tours.

Other measures in the Policy Address include funding to kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme to assist their development into “smart kindergartens” through digitalising administration. They also include assistance to hospitalised students with injuries or diseases and students with autism spectrum disorder.

The Chief Executive noted that all these measures aim to strengthen the city’s education system which is already built on a solid foundation.