Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin on Tuesday said that the government will increase support for local schools facing a structural decline in student enrollment and enhance AI-powered learning initiatives. The new semester began amid a squally downpour brought by Typhoon Saudel.

After visiting Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School in Kwun Tong, Choi acknowledged that the decline in the school-age population is a structural issue.

She pledged that authorities will assist schools in achieving a “soft landing” through gradual adjustments in student numbers and class sizes, and allowing some schools to merge resources through consolidation.

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Earlier, the bureau also invited Direct Subsidy Scheme schools to apply for a class expansion to admit more self-financing nonlocal students, mainly targeting overseas students.

She said the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council’s promotional trips to Southeast Asia have drawn strong interest. A student headcount will be completed by the end of this month to confirm the enrollment figures.

Additionally, she outlined digital education policies aimed at helping primary and secondary students adapt to the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence.

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Starting this school year, Primary 5 students will undergo optimized Internal Assessments, with General Studies split into “Primary Science” and “Primary Humanities”, and Physical Education included in Internal Assessments for the first time. The science subject, she explained, is designed to build a solid foundation in digital literacy and AI readiness.

In June, the bureau released the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools, allocating HK$2 billion ($255 million), including HK$500 million for AI-enabled learning and teaching. Teacher training was organized over the summer, with school-based efforts and exchanges continuing.

Choi also announced that a slew of events are planned to educate students about the development of the city and the country, as part of a citywide campaign to mark the 30th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland next year.

To ensure smooth traffic on the first day of school, the Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Coordination Centre activated its highest-level emergency — the Joint Steering Mode — from 6:30 am, monitoring traffic and public transport across the city. About 100 employees were deployed to key stations and school zones.

Undersecretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san said that rail, bus and ferry services ran normally, while special routes near schools had been resumed. Cross-boundary student arrivals were orderly, he added.

A No 1 typhoon signal was issued on Monday afternoon and is expected to remain until Wednesday morning. The Hong Kong Observatory indicated a low chance of upgrading to a Strong Wind Signal No 3, but heavy rain, squalls and thunderstorms are forecast in some areas. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com