Choi unveils stronger support for non-Chinese students

Education Secretary Christine Choi unveiled more robust support measures for non-Chinese speaking students on Tuesday, aiming to make their transition into the education system seamless. Addressing a ceremony at the Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School in Kwun Tong, she commended the school for its diverse and inclusive approach, particularly its provision of small-group Chinese language courses and multi-language programmes.

The Education Bureau has also pumped additional funds into developing new pathways for students, offering parental education, and aiding non-Chinese students in mastering the Chinese language, adjusting to the local education system, and preparing for future endeavors. Choi also detailed a comprehensive suite of measures, spanning curriculum development, teaching resources, teacher training, and professional support services.

These are aimed at ensuring non-Chinese background students can achieve academic success equal to their peers. When reporters asked about Hong Kong's declining school-age population, she framed it as a structural issue, emphasizing the bureau's implementation of various strategies to facilitate a smooth transition for schools. These strategies include permitting schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme to increase their student intake by accepting self-financing non-locals with student visas.

The Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council has been actively promoting this plan across Southeast Asia, receiving positive feedback from parents in the region. The final number of international students arriving in Hong Kong for studies will be confirmed following the official student headcount at the end of the month.