The National Security Education Study Tour, organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, recently concluded with a return to Hong Kong. Seventy-five participants including principals, teachers, and students from 17 secondary schools embarked on a study visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou from March 29 to April 4, 2024. These participants were predominantly students who had demonstrated exceptional performance and achievements in the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge, a collaborative effort by the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau, and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation.
The opening ceremony in Beijing was attended by notable figures such as the Secretary for Education, Dr. Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr. Au Chi-kwong; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, Mrs. Tung Ng Ling-ling. They were received by Mr. Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central People's Government.
Over the course of the tour, participants engaged in various activities including witnessing the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, exploring historical sites like the Palace Museum and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, and visiting educational institutions and technological exhibits. They also had the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with students and educators from Mainland China.
During their visits, the students exhibited enthusiasm and curiosity, particularly resonating with the historical significance of events such as the Long March of the Communist Party of China. They also gained insights into the country's technological advancements, notably in aircraft development. Interactions with Mainland students left a deep impression, as they admired their serious and proactive approach to education. These interactions fostered mutual appreciation and the establishment of lasting friendships among the participants.
Overall, the study tour provided a rich educational experience, broadening the participants' understanding of national security, history, and technology, and fostering cultural exchange and friendship between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
