The launch ceremony of the Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge for this academic year was held today.

The competition is jointly organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Shine Tak Foundation to further promote national security messages for broader and deeper coverage.

In a video speech, Chief Executive John Lee said that with the completion of the local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, the newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) has achieved compatibility and complementarity with the National Security Law (NSL), together forming a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security.

He expressed hope that through the quiz, students could gain a deeper and correct understanding of the Constitution and the Basic Law, and strengthen their knowledge of the holistic view of national security, the NSL and the SNSO, thereby enhancing their awareness of upholding civic responsibility and obligation to safeguard national security.

Officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that safeguarding national security is a legal responsibility and it is the duty of all Hong Kong citizens to respect and abide by national security laws.

Mr Lam said he is glad that young and energetic students are eager to pursue knowledge of national security and hopes they can stay enthusiastic, keep learning and contribute to building a safe and stable city.

The DoJ will continue supporting the rule of law education to rally efforts to safeguard national security, he added.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, also officiating at the ceremony, said that new elements were included in the event this year such as expanding the knowledge content to cover the SNSO, setting up an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students, and arranging for final competitions at a shopping mall.

He also said the Security Bureau will enhance publicity and promotion of national security education in the coming year to cultivate the concept of "security brings prosperity" in the community.

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin supplemented that the quiz could enhance students' understanding of the rule of law and national affairs as well as their awareness and sense of responsibility to safeguard national security, while reinforcing their sense of patriotism, belonging to and pride towards the country.

She expressed gratitude to the schools for their active support for students to participate in the quiz, showing the importance schools have attached to national security education.

The quiz comprises primary and secondary school sections as well as an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students.

The event attracted more than 126,000 primary and secondary students from 610 schools to take part, an increase of over 20% in participants compared to last year. Nine schools have advanced to the finals scheduled for National Security Education Day on April 15 next year.

Highlights of today’s launch ceremony and the challenge will be broadcast at 10.30pm on Sundays starting from December 8 till April 20 next year on the "Our Home Our Country" programme  on HOY Infotainment.