New grants aim to bring artificial intelligence into everyday teaching

The Education Bureau has launched new funding initiatives to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, with Deputy Secretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai calling on educators to harness technology to build more inclusive learning environments.

Sze, who also chairs the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education, said the bureau is committed to driving digital transformation in education.

In line with the committee’s development priorities, the bureau will continue updating curricula, strengthening professional training for teachers, improving digital infrastructure and working closely with the education sector and innovation and technology organizations to enhance collaboration, he said.

To fast-track these goals, the bureau has introduced two major funding schemes supported by the Quality Education Fund.

The first, the “AI for Science Education” Funding Programme, will pilot the use of AI in junior secondary science classes. Schools with successful applications will receive a one-off grant of HK$100,000 to support teacher training and classroom practice, encouraging innovative teaching approaches and enhancing student learning effectiveness.

In addition, around HK$500 million has been earmarked under the Quality Education Fund for a three-year “AI for Empowering Learning and Teaching” Funding Programme starting in the 2025/26 school year. Each approved school will receive a one-off grant of HK$500,000. Schools may flexibly use the funding according to their own needs, including projects that apply AI to support students with special educational needs.

Sze expressed hope that coordinators and educators would continue to act as drivers and leaders in leveraging artificial intelligence to create inclusive learning environments and broaden support strategies.

He emphasized that the success of inclusive education relies not only on policy and resources, but also on the perseverance and innovation of educators. With AI-enabled tools, he said, schools can break through traditional limitations and open up more possibilities for every student, particularly those with special educational needs.