EdUHK Launches the NPC and NCCPPCC Talk Series: Seminar on Learning Spirit of “Two Sessions”
Under the “National People’s Congress (NPC) and National Committee for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (NCCPPCC) Talk Series”, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted a seminar on learning spirit of “Two Sessions” on 15 April at the North Point Teaching Centre. The keynote speakers were Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, HKSAR Member of the 14th NCCPPCC and President of EdUHK, Mr Ho Hon-kuen, HKSAR Member of the 14th NCCPPCC and Principal of Centre of National History Education (Hong Kong); and Mr Peter Kung, HKSAR Member of the 13rd and 14th NCCPPCC and Former President of the Taxation Institute of Hong Kong. They were invited to share their views from spirit of “Two Sessions” and discuss the new directions for educational and economic development.
Dr Henry Ho Kin-chung, the Founder and Chairman of One Country Two Systems Youth Forum and Council Member of EdUHK delivered the opening speech and briefly introduced the work and responsibilities of the NPC and NCCPPCC, as well as the differences of the major functions between National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, to enhance participants’ understanding of the importance of the “Two Sessions” in national development.
The seminar was held on the 10th National Security Education Day. Professor Lee, specifically shared insights from the Government Work Report presented during the “Two Sessions”, focusing on national security and education. He emphasised the significance of legal education in advancing national security, particularly through the study of laws such as the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Hong Kong National Security Law. He specifically highlighted President Xi Jinping’s call for educators to foster a culture of talent development encapsulated in three principles: “cultivate a steady stream of talent, unlock their full potential, and ensure their abilities are fully utilised.”
Mr Ho Hon-kuen, also a HKSAR Member of the 14th NCCPPCC, shared his observations and insights from the Two Sessions including the China government’s people-oriented governance philosophy and its courage in addressing and resolving issues. Drawing lessons from China’s history of foreign invasion, he emphasised the importance of safeguarding national security. He also urged the local education sector to align with the national education goal and strive to build a strong educational system. He concluded his sharing with a call for action for educators, emphasising student-centric education, bearing a sense of national responsibility, promoting professional development, and having global perspective.
Mr Peter Kung provided an economic perspective on the “Two Sessions”, analysing China's 5% economic growth in the past year as a significant achievement. He outlined the national economic development targets and highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, including its role as a hub for talents and capital. He recommended enhancing the availability of high-quality RMB financial products to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a bridge between mainland China and international financial markets.
During the dialogue session moderated by Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK, Mr Ho Hon-kuen, Mr Peter Kung and, Professor Lee unanimously agreed that education plays a vital role in national development. They emphasised that Hong Kong can leverage its leadership in educational reform to balance tradition and innovation, as well as preserve historical and cultural heritage while capitalising on the advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”. Hong Kong should integrate with the mainland while connecting globally to enhance the competitiveness of its youth and contribute to the talent development for the country.
- Ends -
