The grand final and awards ceremony of the 9th “Bauhinia Cup” Hong Kong Primary and Secondary school knowledge contest on Chinese history and culture was held on Saturday at The Church of Christ in China Heep Woh Primary School (Cheung Sha Wan).

Jointly organized by Bauhinia Magazine and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, the competition was supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Education Bureau, the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and other institutions.

More than 80,000 students from over 400 primary and secondary schools in the SAR – a record high – participated.

Coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army’s Long March and the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth, this year's contest incorporated these key historical milestones to guide Hong Kong youth in gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese history and civilization, appreciating modern China’s journey of struggle, and strengthening their sense of national identity.

Cui Chaoyang -- general manager of Bauhinia Culture Holdings -- said in welcoming remarks this year’s knowledge contest “isn’t merely a competition, but a vivid history lesson”.

He said that from Sun Yat-sen's call to revitalize China to the revolutionary footsteps along the Long March, generations of youth have paved the road toward national rejuvenation.

Cui hopes students would deeply connect with history through their preparations and participation in the competition, thereby solidifying the foundation of their patriotic sentiments.

Choi Yuk-lin -- secretary for education of the HKSAR – said history education serves as “a vital foundation for shaping students’ national identity and cultural confidence, forming a core component of patriotic education”.

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The Education Bureau launched a series of events themed around the Long March this year, including quiz contests, seminars and Chinese mainland study tours.

“We hope students will draw strength from history, start with an understanding of the Long March, gain a deeper perspective of modern China history, inherit and carry forward the Long March spirit, unite as one, and forge ahead together on the Long March of the new era,” Choi said.

Speaking on behalf of the participating students, Ng Chun-wai of Ying Wa Primary School shared his reflections on preparing for the contest and joining a study tour of Shanghai.

He said the martyrs of the Long March had created miracles on earth by braving arduous environments and traversing thousands of mountains and rivers. As Hong Kong students of the new era, they should follow the example of their predecessors by studying diligently and honing their skills.

After intense competition, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College clinched the championship in the secondary schools category, while Ying Wa Primary School took top honors for primary schools. Yan Chai Hospital Wong Wha San Secondary School and Ng Clan’s Association Tai Pak Memorial School were the first runners-up in the secondary and primary school divisions, respectively.

More than 30 awards were presented at the ceremony, including the championship, the first and second runners-up and merit awards for the individual grand finale, along with individual commendation awards, the “Most Active Participating School Award” and the “Special Commendation Award”.

The awards ceremony for the 2nd Hong Kong Secondary School Astronomy Knowledge Contest was also held, with certificates presented to 18 students who won first, second and third prizes, while 47 students received the “Astronomy Ambassador” title.

Lau Chi-pang -- chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers – said guiding young people in studying Chinese history and inheriting traditional culture is a vital way to cultivate a strong sense of national identity. He urged students to cherish their honors and maintain their reverence for history and enthusiasm for Chinese culture.

The winning teams will embark on educational study tours to Shandong province for the secondary school division and Guangzhou and Foshan for the primary school division to experience historical and cultural resources first hand.

Contact the writer at yancyfang@chinadailyhk.com