Choi Yuk-lin joins study tour closing in Yunnan

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin on Tuesday night (April 2) attended the closing ceremony of the Yunnan Exchange Tour under the Strive & Rise Programme in Kunming, Yunnan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Choi encouraged teenagers to cultivate a profound understanding of the development trend of the country and the rest of the world, and grasp Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and by doing so, make contributions to building a better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation.

The education chief said the Strive & Rise Programme, through the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, aims to strengthen junior secondary school students' self-confidence and equip them with the ability to move up the social ladder.

Through the program, students can engage with social and professional elites, broaden their horizons, enhance their social skills, develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for their future, she added.

Choi highlighted that the young generation's growth and development are not only related to personal upward mobility and the well-being of their families, but are also crucial for the country's future and the nation's destiny.

She hoped that students would equip themselves, sharpen their skills, and become lifelong learners with both talent and virtue.

On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Ms Choi thanked Yunnan Province and related departments and organizations, the Kowloon East Association and the Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association's Youth Committee for enabling the exchange tour to be conducted smoothly.

The exchange tour was the farthest trip taken in the second round of the Strive & Rise Programme. A total of 90 mentees joined the tour, which covered Kunming, Dali and the Old Town of Lijiang.

They visited renowned enterprises, took part in exchange activities with local youths and met provincial leaders and officials to learn about national affairs and economic developments from various perspectives.

Choi also called on the People's Government of Yunnan Province's Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office this afternoon.

She then visited Yunnan Normal University to learn about the multilingual education materials designed for Belt & Road countries jointly developed by the university and the Education University of Hong Kong.

During the visit, Ms Choi also met officials of Yunnan Province's Department of Education.