Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at the Salute to Teachers 2022 - Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony on Sept 15, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed on Thursday to strengthen local teachers’ understanding of the nation’s constitutional order, the importance of national security, and the spirit of the rule of law, stressing they are the key to high-quality education.

The Education Bureau is creating a professional code to regulate teachers’ words and behavior to help students form the right values and boost students’ national identity and pride, Chief Executive John Lee said

The Education Bureau is creating a professional code to regulate teachers’ words and behavior to help students form the right values and boost students’ national identity and pride, he added.

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Lee made the remarks at a local activity to commend local teachers’ dedication to their profession. Hosting the event was the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign.

Lee said in a speech at the event that the success of education hinges on the quality of teachers, which is the crucial cornerstone for building a rich and strong nation, contributing to national rejuvenation, and creating a greater sense of fulfillment.

He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will help strengthen teachers’ proper concepts concerning the Constitution, the Basic Law, the “one country, two systems” principle, national security, and the spirit of the rule of law, in a holistic manner.

A series of initiatives have been implemented, he added. Starting this school year, all public school teachers are required to pass a Basic Law test to ensure that they have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the document, Lee said.

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Lin Chun-pong, chairman of the organizing committee, said 1,520 teachers were commended this year, marking the second-highest number of recipients in history.

It is expected that the Policy Address, which Lee will deliver next month, will include a series of measures to improve Hong Kong’s education and better equip young people for the future, Lin said.