Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge (2024/25) unveiled. Keep up the good work in national security education Strengthen the awareness of multi-cultural and ethnic groups to jointly safeguard national security

To enhance students’ understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), to raise their awareness of safeguarding national security, and to tie in with Constitution Day on December 4 and National Security Education Day on April 15. The Department of Justice (DoJ), the Security Bureau (SB), the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge, and held a launching ceremony at the former French Mission Building on December 4. The Chief Executive Mr John Lee delivered a video speech, while the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Luo Yonggang; Deputy Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR, Mr Chen Feng; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin and the Chairman of the Shine Tak Foundation, Mrs Tung Ng Ling-ling served as the officiating guests to kick off the event.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in a video speech that:

With the completion of the local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, the newly enacted SNSO has achieved compatibility and complementarity with the NSL, together forming a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. He expressed his expectation that through participating in the Challenge, students could gain a deeper and correct understanding of the Constitution and the Basic Law and strengthen their knowledge of the holistic view of national security, the NSL and the SNSO, thereby enhancing their awareness of upholding civic responsibility and obligation in safeguarding national security.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, pointed out that:

Safeguarding national security is a legal responsibility and that it is the duty of all Hong Kong citizens to respect and abide by national security laws. He said he is glad to see that young and energetic students are eager to pursue knowledge of national security and hopes they can stay enthusiastic, keep learning and contribute their efforts to building a safe and stable city. The DoJ will continue supporting the rule of law education to rally efforts to safeguard national security.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that:

The Security Bureau attaches great importance to national security education for young people. New elements have been included in this year’s Challenge, such as expanding the knowledge content to cover the SNSO, setting up an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students for the first time, and arranging for final competitions to be held at a shopping mall to bring the message of national security to the community. In the coming year, the Security Bureau will continue to enhance publicity and promotion of national security education to cultivate the concept of “security brings prosperity” in the community.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that:

She believes that the competition could enhance students’ understanding of the rule of law and national affairs as well as their awareness and sense of responsibility in safeguarding national security while reinforcing their sense of patriotism, belonging to and pride towards the country. She also expressed her gratitude to the schools for their active support for students to participate in the competition, showing the importance the schools have attached to the promotion of national security education.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, Mrs Tung Ng Ling-ling, said that:

National security is the responsibility of all citizens, everyone should be law-abiding and work jointly to build a safe and prosperous Hong Kong with a sound social atmosphere. Shine Tak is committed to nourishing youth’s positive thinking, rule of law and morality, and promoting the mainstream values characterized by patriotism for motherland and hometown. We have been actively promoting moral and national education since our establishment 10 years ago, which was popular and widely acclaimed in society.

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