Acting Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai today paid tribute to more than 1,600 teachers for their dedication to the profession at the Salute to Teachers 2024 - Teachers' Day & Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony today.

The number of teachers commended this year was the highest on record.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sze thanked all the teachers for their dedication towards nurturing talent. He stressed that Hong Kong has many excellent teachers who have solid knowledge, professional teaching competencies and high moral character, adding that they can lead by example to serve as role models for students.

Mr Sze said that a professional and conscientious teaching force is key to the success of Hong Kong's high-quality educational development.

He outlined that the Education Bureau is committed to supporting teachers’ professional development by providing systematic training for them at different stages. The bureau will also help teachers to enhance their professionalism in order to cope with the duties and challenges of different positions, he said.

Mr Sze added that he is confident that Hong Kong’s teaching force will continue to keep abreast of the times, uphold the core mission of cultivating values and nurturing talent, strengthen students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country, and sharpen their skills and abilities.

Organised by the “Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign”, the Teachers’ Commendation Scheme is in its 29th year. More than 38,000 teachers have been commended so far.