EDB and CMAB organize 'Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True' Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students

The Education Bureau (EDB) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) have organized the "Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True" Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students, encouraging secondary students to design routes for Mainland exchanges covering the GBA cities as destinations. Through the activities, students are encouraged to gather information so as to deepen their understanding of the interconnectivity, history and culture, innovative technology, and development opportunities of the GBA cities, thereby broadening their horizons and cultivating their affection for the country.

The kick-off ceremony cum briefing session of the competition was held today (Oct. 14) as part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the founding of the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform. Officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Sze Chun-fai; the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan; Second-level Inspector of Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr. Zhang Guolai; the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the 15th Anniversary of the Founding of the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform, Mr. Lung Chee-ming; and various Executive Chairpersons of the Platform.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Sze said that the "Passing on the Torch" National Education Activity Series Platform has been strongly supported by the Central People's Government Offices in Hong Kong and eminent individuals from various sectors in Hong Kong since its establishment in 2009, enabling smooth progress in all areas of work.

Mr Sze said under the leadership of various Executive Chairpersons, more than 550,000 primary and secondary students have benefited over the years. Mainland Exchange Programmes for primary and secondary students have covered 22 provinces, four autonomous regions and four municipalities.

Mr Sze also expressed gratitude to the GBA Development Office for co-organising the competition with the EDB, providing students with more opportunities to understand the history, culture and development opportunities of the GBA, which will widen their horizons and foster their sense of national identity.

During the kick-off ceremony, the officiating guests lit a cauldron with torches, symbolizing "Passing on the Torch". About 400 teachers, students and guests participated by switching on the lighting decorations, expressing their wish for the Platform to continue promoting affection for both the country and Hong Kong in the Hong Kong school sector.

Secondary students will participate in the competition on a team basis. Each team should submit a proposal on such themes as root-tracing/remembrance of origins, innovation/aerospace technology, and intangible cultural heritage. The proposal should include an itinerary for a student exchange lasting one to three days in the GBA cities.

The champion itineraries will be turned into actual trips, and the winning teams will be fully subsidized to join the trips as an award. Completed proposals should be submitted by December 20. For details, please visit the designated webpage (www.bayarea.gov.hk/itinerary-design-competition/en/home/index.html).

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