Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin attended the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on November 29.
 
She delivered a presentation on how Hong Kong enhances science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) education with the use of PISA data, promoting Hong Kong's quality education.
 
Ms Choi pointed out that the Education Bureau has been making reference to Hong Kong students' science and mathematics performance in PISA to review and enhance the science and mathematics curricula for primary and secondary schools, and plan various support measures to achieve STEAM education for all, for fun and for diversity.
 
Regarding the subject of mathematics, the bureau has increased the elements of applications of mathematics in the curriculum through nurturing students' ability in mathematical reasoning and data literacy. 

It has also organised a large-scale training programme for all secondary school mathematics teachers, focusing on the innovative pedagogies and implementation strategies of mathematical modelling education.
 
As regards science education, the bureau is renewing the junior secondary science curriculum to put greater emphasis on scientific competencies and cross-disciplinary learning to promote integration and application of knowledge and skills across disciplines and foster innovative thinking among students.
 
Digital education and STEAM education complement each other. In order to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with science education, the bureau is launching a pilot scheme to encourage schools to adopt AI-assisted teaching in junior secondary science and support pedagogical innovations.
 
The bureau will also establish the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education to provide advice and recommendations on advancing digital education.
 
Ms Choi thanked the PISA Governing Board, Croatia's Ministry of Science, Education & Youth, and the OECD Secretariat for organising the inspiring conference. 

She said that, with concerted efforts of all parties, the future generation will be equipped with global perspectives, future-ready skills, and the values and attitudes necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
 
Additionally, the education chief visited the University of Dubrovnik and exchanged views with its leadership on promoting the recruitment of international students and enhancing higher education collaboration between Hong Kong and Croatia.
 
She will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong on November 30.